Be Still

Let me paint a picture for you. Moses is leading the Israelites, God’s chosen people, out of Egypt where they were being brutality mistreated as slaves under Pharaoh. As they are fleeing, Pharaoh sends a large army filled with his best chariots after them to capture and kill them once again. At one point the Israelites find themselves in an impossible situation with Pharaoh’s army closing in on them
from behind and the Red Sea in front. At this point the fear filled Israelites begin ridiculing Moses for taking them from their familiar life and putting them in such a dangerous situation. All of a sudden panic sets in and being tortured in Egypt looks better to them than the fear of the unknown. Moses then gives the Israelites a pep talk of sorts reminding them the Lord will in fact deliver them. These specific wrds from Moses replay often in my own head as I face impossible situations as well.

 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.  Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

We struggle with infertility and our situation often feels impossible. I can easily feel surrounded by fear if I focus on our years of past struggles or the unknowns that lie in front of us, just like the Israelites. I find that when fear is ruling, I desire to have full control over my own situation. Living in fear and control is not being still. In fact, they keep us from fulling trusting God and often work against His plan. God wants us to be still so He can rule over our lives, directing us as He fights our battles along the way.

So how did the Lord fight for the Israelites? With the raising of Moses’ staff over the Red Sea it split in two, leaving a clear and dry path for the Israelites to escape. As they escape through the parted waters, the Egyptian army follows. At the direction of the Lord, the walls of water come crashing down and the Red Sea swallows up their enemy. The Israelites trusted and the Lord fought their impossible battle for them.

Don’t let fear rule and discount your faith in God. God is powerful over our impossible situations, we just have to trust Him. I absolutely love this specific verse from the popular worship song, No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it.
You drowned my fears in perfect love,
You rescued me.
And I will stand and sing
I am a child of God.

How amazing that the God of the universe is working to fight my battles for me. Knowing that relieves such a burden! We must be still. Let Him drown our fears, allow Him to fight for us, and He will part a way through the impossible.

About the Writer:
Joni is a former elementary school teacher turned stay at home wife and mom to her son. She enjoys serving at First Baptist Dallas along side her husband as small group leaders in their Young Marrieds Sunday school class. She loves spending her free time crafting, attempting Pinterest projects, and above all spending time with her family.

The Breaking Point

The last straw. That silly, insignificant thing that sends you straight over the edge. It’s been a rough morning, after a rough week (or month). You are stretched thin, barely holding it all together and then one more thing happens and you break. And that’s where I found myself- at my breaking point.

I got my boys into class, found my way back to my car, and the flood gates opened. I was finally letting it all out. Every tear that streamed down my face represented a fight that I had lost in the last month, a moment where I had been defeated by life, another failure. I turned my car on and the music began to play. The songs flowed out of my radio… to my ears… to my heart. Each song seemed perfectly fitting for my situation- heartfelt songs, crying out to a savior for grace and mercy, a desperate call on the only One who knows every tear.

I thought I was doing fine on my own, things were not great, but they were not that bad either. Life was manageable, survivable… so I thought. “I’m strong. I can get through this.” I kept telling myself. Until I hit my breaking point. So, there I sat, in the school parking lot, broken, crying out to God, singing praises to the Lord through my tears, and questioning why. And then it hit me- to bring me back to God. I was trying to control my own life, my steps, my will. This breaking point was a not so gentle reminder that I needed to surrender my control to God. I have no control, I only thought I did.

The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Now I laugh, remembering what my son told me the other day, “Mom, my brain makes me think that I’m in charge of you, but I know you are in charge of me. My brain just tells me that I’m in charge sometimes.” He understands that I am in control of his life- to protect him, guide him, care for him. But he also recognizes the fight within his own head to take control of his life. Such wisdom from a 5-year-old.

I do the same thing with God. I tell him “I got this. I’m in charge. I’ll let you know when I need you.” When things are good in life, our minds deceive us into believing we can do this on our own- that we do not need God. Sometimes we must be broken in order to bring us back to the One who protects us, guides us, and cares for us. God is stronger and infinitely wiser. I have to seek Him daily and allow Him to be my God.

The Lord will fight for you; while you keep silent. Exodus 14:14 

Consider each breaking point pure joy and cry out to the Lord, praising Him with songs.

About the Writer:
Meghan is a former art teacher who feels blessed to now be a stay-a-home mom to her two boys. She loves volunteering at her sons’ school and with the First Baptist Dallas Women’s Ministry and First Impressions Team. She is passionate about art, cooking, working out, and playing volleyball.

For Such a Time as This

The Old Testament is filled with the heroes of faith from Noah, Abraham, and Moses to Gideon, Samson, and Samuel. (Hebrews 11:1-40) But tucked away between the pages of Nehemiah and Job is the small book of Esther depicting the story of the beautiful Esther, a Jewish heroine of faith and courage.  Her life is a wonderful example of the true providence of God in our own lives when we walk in faith and give all our worries to Him.

Resembling a character in a fairy tale, Esther grows up an orphan, only to become the Queen of Persia, wife to Xerxes (Greek for the Hebrew name Ahasuerus), king of Persia from 486-464BC. Not too long into her reign, Queen Esther is sent a message from Mordecai, her cousin and former caregiver, to make intercession for the Jews with the King. Haman, the arrogant antagonist in the story, has devised a plot by lying to the King and convincing him to sign a decree allowing Haman to destroy Mordecai, and all the Jews for not “observing the kings laws” by their refusal to bow down and worship, or pay homage to him.

At first, Esther objects to Mordecai’s request to make intercession with the king; and rightfully so because, if anyone, including the Queen, approached the King in the inner court without first being summoned, that person is subject to death unless the King holds out the golden scepter.  Through a messenger, Esther expresses to Mordecai her hesitancy to do as he has requested.

 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14

Scripture tells us Esther requests Mordecai and all the Jews of the land to fast with the purpose of prayer for three days, as would she and her servants. Our story ultimately has a happy ending, but not without prayer, fasting, AND God’s divine intervention! Through a sleepless night, the king “accidentally” reads that Mordecai once foiled an assassination plot against the King and decides to reward him.

In an recent article titled “The Moral Tipping Point”, Franklin Graham points out we are perilously close to the moral tipping point for the survival of the United States of America. Truth is sometimes covered in lies and deception, making it difficult to discern. So, what can we do? The only hope for any nation, family, or person, is our God. Do you ever wonder why we are here at this time in history?

So, what can we do? We walk in FAITH, (Hebrews 11:1) with endurance and not by sight, always submitting to the leadership of the Holy Spirit who resides within us to serve and disciple others in His Word, praying unceasingly (I Thess. 5:17).

Not all of us can fast because of work, health issues, or other reasons, but we can all pray. Are we praying for our spouses, our children, and our grandchildren to continually fear God and hate evil? Are we praying for our friends and families to apply scripture in all areas of life, and for His truth to prevail? Are we being called “for such a time as this?”

If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked was, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

About the Writer:
Beverly has been an educator, administrator, educational sales representative, Sunday school teacher, and mentor; but most importantly is a wife, mother, and grandmother with a passion for sharing Christ.

Beauty and the Brute

Our daughter, Sarah, was three years-old when she became thrilled with the Old Testament story of Queen Esther. She even had her own Queen Esther doll. Sarah was a tiny thing, but she was strong-willed! So, we used the story to teach Sarah about a gracious spirit, humility, selflessness, courage, and inner beauty—all possible because of obedience and surrender to God.

The curious thing about the book of Esther is that God’s name is not mentioned—but make no mistake, His unseen hand and providential care certainly are! The setting is a kingdom ruled by a powerful king who was assisted by a brute named Haman. In reading Esther, you will see that all appeared hopeless for God’s people! But the powerful king and the Jew-hating antagonist, Haman, are powerless to control the mighty, unseen hand of God!

Esther, a young woman chosen to be queen under strange circumstances, was part of God’s plan. The Bible describes her as beautiful; however, her actions reveal much more than outward beauty, for she demonstrated the inner beauty of a gracious spirit, selfless-courage, and sacrifice all because she trusted the God who sees and knows all things.

As the pages of the book of Esther turn, God’s purpose becomes clearer. Esther made an appeal on behalf of her people, the Jews, in order to save them from the horrific schemes of Haman. With her life surrendered to the loving care of the one true God, Esther knelt before an earthly king, and with her life on the line, she made a gracious appeal.

. . . And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish! Esther 4:16b

“And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king, and said, ‘If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?’ ” (Esther 8:4-6 NKJV)

Esther acted on behalf of others and God used her. The story reveals much. God is always at work. His work may seem hidden in your story, but GOD. . . is . . . . not. . . . absent! We may lose sight of Him, but He never loses sight of us. Are you faced with something horrible? Is that all you see? May you view your story with eyes to see the unseen hand of God, and may you surrender to His plan. Trusting Him will look beautiful on you!

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty  rules over all. Psalm 103:19

About the Writer:
Cindy is grateful for the truth that God is working-always working and His work is good! She continues to learn to walk by faith with a surrendered heart.

Where Were You God?

Have you ever felt like God didn’t show up when you needed him the most? And did that make you wonder if He truly cares about the pain you are experiencing? My husband and I struggle with infertility. Over the past three years we have experienced multiple miscarriages after doing fertility treatments. And to be honest with you, after the third miscarriage I felt trapped in a horrible nightmare and began to question whether God cares about the deep pain these pregnancy losses are causing. Because if He did, wouldn’t He show up and perform a miracle?

In the book of John, Lazarus falls ill. Mary and Martha (Lazarus’ sisters) send word to Jesus that Lazarus is sick. Jesus does not come to their aid immediately. In fact, Jesus waits days to come to their town and during that time Lazarus dies and is even buried. When Jesus finally comes Mary and Martha both greet Him at different times with the same bold statement, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32) Thank you ladies for saying what we were all thinking! And exactly what has gone through my head during our infertility journey, “Lord, if you had been here, these miscarriages wouldn’t have happened.” I imagine while waiting on Jesus to show up, Mary and Martha had to wonder if Jesus truly cared about their situation. Did He understand the grief their circumstance were causing? Now, if you read ahead you know that when Jesus does arrive. He is on the verge of performing a miracle, resurrecting Lazarus from the dead. But something beautiful happens when Jesus greets Mary and Martha as well.

          When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled. John 11:33

As they are walking to Lazarus’ tomb Jesus begins to weep along side Mary and Martha. He isn’t crying and troubled because He is shocked by the death of Lazarus and unsure how it happened. Rather Jesus is pained by the heartache death is causing them. He was weeping because He could see the outcome while they couldn’t. He knew that Lazarus was about to walk out of the tomb, but they couldn’t see that just as we can’t see the outcome of our situations.

God does hear our cries and He feels our pain. When we think He isn’t showing up, He is really weeping beside us as He works out His sovereign plan. While we tend to focus on the grave and what we have lost, God focuses on the miracle to come, the empty tomb. While we experience pain through our infertility, the story of Lazarus reminds us that God does deeply care and has a bigger plan. So as we wait, we may experience pain and sadness, but we do so with the expectation that God is working behind the scenes to create our empty tomb.

About the Writer:
Joni H. is a former elementary school teacher turned stay at home wife and mom to her son. She enjoys serving at First Baptist Dallas along side her husband as small group leaders in their Young Marrieds Sunday school class. She loves spending her free time crafting, attempting Pinterest projects, and above all spending time with her family.

Why Jesus matters for the Muslim, Jew, and You!

The book of Acts reads like a national best-seller with exciting plot twists, great character development, surprise characters, and supernatural creatures. Acts will make you excited to be a Christian. It reminds readers that the Holy Spirit is real; this thing called Christianity is alive, powerful, and exciting; that being a Christian is not boring but the greatest adventure anyone has ever be called to; and God is all-powerful and full of surprises for his followers! Do I have your attention yet? Good!

The biblical story I want to point you to today is found in Acts 10 and records the Roman centurion, Cornelius’, conversion to Christianity. Cornelius is thought to be the first Gentile (anyone who isn’t born a Jew) convert to the Christian faith. This is important for people who believe that Christianity is a predominately American religion that is insignificant for the rest of the world. The first Christians were Jews and they marveled that a Gentile could become a follower of Christ. Cornelius was, “a devout man and one who feared God will all his household…and prayed to God continually” (Acts 10:2). But even though Cornelius was a devout man who was constantly praying, God sent Peter to tell Cornelius about Jesus. Even though Cornelius was praying to the right God, he was not praying through the right mediator, Jesus Christ. Peter ends up telling Cornelius about Jesus, “through His name (Jesus) everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins”(Acts 10:43). Cornelius and his household accepted Christ right then and received the Holy Spirit.

So why does the biblical account of Cornelius’ conversion matter for us in 2017? A few weeks after studying this story, I found myself in an Uber with a Muslim driver. This man was telling me how he and I, a Muslim and a Christian pray to the same God. Honestly, I was tired, jet lagged, hungry, wanted to get home, and didn’t feel like trying to recall all my apologetics arguments. But then God brought to my mind the story of Cornelius. I told my Uber driver that the Bible says it is impossible to accept God while rejecting Jesus. The idea that all religions are basically praying to the same God is a lie being told in our schools, homes, friend groups, media, and even some churches. That’s why we must know the story of Cornelius, who though he was sincere, devout, religious, and even praying to the right God; he was sincerely wrong until He accepted Christ as his Savior. That is not my word. . . . , that is God’s view of people who try to come to Him without Jesus.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) under heaven that has been given…by which we are saved. Acts 4:12

Christians that teach Jesus is the only way to Heaven are often labeled intolerant. This is why we as believers must rest in the fact that pointing people to Jesus is not harming them. Salvation is more than about hurting someone’s feelings. Salvation is the difference between life and death in this life, but more importantly determines our eternal destiny. You are never ultimately hurting someone by telling them the Truth of the gospel in love.

About the Writer:
Julia is the Girl’s Ministry Director at First Baptist Dallas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who trained at the world-renowned Meier Clinics.  Julia is a professional speaker for Just Say Yes, speaking nationwide on the topics of suicide, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. Julia is passionate about her three favorite topics theology, psychology, and ryanology. She has been married to her junior high sweetheart, Ryan, for eight years and loves ministering to teenagers alongside her best friend and favorite boss. Julia has a heart to see people experience the same freedom through Christ that she has experienced!

Mercy Walks With Us

Grace—God giving us what we don’t deserve. Mercy—God not giving us what we do deserve. For many years the grace of God and mercy of God seemed pretty much interchangeable to me. And though they are both united together in God’s heart of kindness and love towards us, they are two uniquely different gifts.

When I think of mercy, there is an image etched in my mind: me, bent over the toilet, purging my stomach and for a time shutting down my turbulent mind and emotions. For the majority of my twenties I was enslaved to both anorexia and bulimia. Over the years, I tried to break the destructive habit. However, many times my resolve would waiver and my mind would choose bondage over freedom. Complete healing and the ability to identify the triggers and solutions from God’s Word are, I believe, only truly attained as the Holy Spirit teaches and empowers us to relinquish all to Him.

The Holy Spirit continued to reveal why these actions were potentially deadly and harmful to my body, as His child. Through it all, God protected me and that was mercy.  He patiently revealed layers of hurt, lies, and sinfulness that fueled my actions. It is easy as humans to harshly condemn a particular action, but it takes a merciful God willing to walk with us through it, while teaching us how to be free.

Just as Jesus Christ Himself knew the exact biblical truths to resist the temptations and lies Satan laid before Him in the wilderness, if saved, we have the Holy Spirit in us so that we too may know how to fight Satan, our adversary. The Holy Spirit is a constant reminder that God, in His mercy, is there for us and wants us to be victorious (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27).

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:31-34

Once God shows us the way to victory, our yoke is light (Matthew 11:28-30)…simply believe what He has said and act accordingly. The Bible tells us to “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” (Ephesians 5:1 NLT)

About the Writer:
Lyndsay has been many things in her past, but no career, experience, or calling define her more than the desire to follow after Christ in response to His gracious work in her life. At present, she teaches movement classes and works as a wellness consultant in addition to loving her amazing husband and raising her daughter to know and love the Lord.

Undeserved Kindness

So often we think of mercy as synonymous with kindness, when in actuality mercy is really undeserved kindness, compassion, or forgiveness. Undeserved, not worthy of, mercy is something we want from others in our time of need; but seem to cling tightly to when it’s our turn to give it away.  Mercy is not a quality I possess without immense conviction and purposeful action. I struggle daily.  I know the Lord knew this about be when He blessed me almost 15 years ago with my daughter.  Little did I know then how that little baby would minister to me in ways I would have never imagined.  My daughter has a heart so big it often times blows my mind.  She was diagnosed with autism, specifically Asperger’s, when she was only five years old. I knew early on she was different, but I had no idea how. If you met her today, you’d be shocked to think at one point this beautiful child ever struggled at all; or even still does.

Having struggled as a young girl with friend relationships, I knew how mean girls could be. I remembered all to well because I used to be that mean girl when I was her age. Now watching her endure the trials of junior high often brings me to tears. It is amazing to observe her actions with others and her mercy often astounds me, loving others irregardless of how they treat her.  She truly loves them in the way Christ has called us to love, forgiving so quickly with mercy flowing out of her towards her peers. Not only does she display mercy with others, but she displays unconditional love for me every time I loose my patience, or yell in frustration. Mercy shows up every time; her undeserved kindness shining through with daily forgiveness.

I am reminded of how so many times throughout my life I didn’t deserve the mercy received from Our Father. There is nothing I can do or bring to the Lord in return for my salvation. He came to die for me and showed undeserved kindness while I was still a sinner. Christ paid it all, redeemed me from the eternal death and punishment I deserve.

Be gracious to me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2

Why do we seldom show others the same mercy we so desire?  Give that person in your life who might not deserve forgiveness the undeserved mercy that Christ has given you. Extend grace and show mercy. Forgiveness is good for all.

About the writer:
Tamie is a stay at home wife and the mom of three kids with autism. She is a member of First Baptist Dallas who enjoys spending time hanging out at home with her family or a quiet dinner with girlfriends. Tamie is passionate about encouraging other woman in their daily walk with the Lord.

You Are Not Alone

Growing up, I moved around many times. By 4th grade, I was entering my 5th elementary school. I had moved three times in five months my junior year, went to three different high schools, had said goodbye to step-dads numbers 5 and 6, and had been married and divorced, with a baby, by the time I graduated.

Not long after I divorced, my son and I ended up homeless. I felt I had no other choice than to let my son go live with his dad, never imagining that I would lose all rights to him. I had experienced a great deal of loss by this time in my life, but nothing compared to this. I had wanted a baby, someone permanent to love, who would love me back. When I lost him, I felt completely alone. It was the greatest sadness I had ever felt – a sadness I was not equipped for, not just the pain of a broken heart, but the great emptiness. It was the kind of sadness that took control of my whole body. I was over a thousand miles away from my family and felt completely alone.

And then God spoke,  “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)  I’ve heard people say Christians just need a crutch, and that’s why they believe in God. I had several crutches: heroine, meth, cigarettes, shopping… We all have crutches. But crutches don’t have the power to save, only God does.

I was on my way home from St. Louis, headed back to Louisville, KY, when I totaled my car. I was so high, I barely remember climbing out of the passenger side window. I spent the next several weeks in jail, somewhere in Illinois. But God knew exactly what He was doing, because in that moment of desperation, with nowhere else to look, I turned to God. I just wanted God to get me out of jail, but he had other plans.

Sitting in a recreation room, inside that jail, somewhere in Illinois, some man, whose name I can’t remember, told me that Jesus loves me. The power of that truth was like water to my soul. To know that I wasn’t alone, that there was One who still loved me, especially after all I had done, pierced my heart.

. . . I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. . . . He who has seen Me has seen the Father. . . . I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. . . . John 14:6, 9b, 11a

Only God Can give you peace, heal your hurts, and give you a new heart. The only ones who will be with Him for all eternity to adore and worship Him will be those who accept Him as their Savior while they are still alive in this world. Accepting Jesus as Savior comes when we BELIEVE in Him. This means that we put our total faith and trust in Him to forgive our sins and to give us eternal life.  You will never be the same once you welcome the beautiful, loving, perfect, holy Son of God into your life.

 About the Writer:
Brandi likes to show God’s love by helping those in need. Since becoming a believer at 22, she has enjoyed working with troubled children, teens, and their families. She loves her grown son, enjoys working with those in recovery, and likes spending as much time as possible outdoors.

If you would like to put your faith in Jesus and want to know more, please contact the Women’s Ministry at First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, at firstdallas.women@gmail.com. 

Dwelling on God through the New Year

At this time of the year many of us make resolutions, a promise to yourself that you will do something you should do. Few of us turn those resolutions into goals, and even fewer of us write those goals down. Statistics prove the goals which are written down are 95% more likely to be accomplished than those which are not.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could all accomplish our goals?

Many years back, my husband and I heard a sermon from Dr. Charles Stanley of Atlanta, Ga.  He recommended a plan in which couples take time to plan at the end of each year, and set goals in at least five different areas of our life:  financial, physical, professional, personal, and spiritual; and many others have similar categories from which to choose.

Lots of experts in the field have different recommendations for financial goals such as saving for: retirement, our children’s education, vacations, or following a budget, etc. Few of those experts tend to note there are numerous scriptural references about our finances, with over 2200 references in the book of Proverbs alone! I only wish I were able to conquer all of these!

Many of us tend to start in January with goals for getting physically fit, such as getting in shape, or loosing weight. Some of us may even set professional goals and others even for  personal improvement.

All of the above goals are important; however, few of us take the time to even think about the most important goal of all, our spiritual growth. Do we want to grow in our relationship with God? Have we even read the Bible in its entirety? How do we know God’s direction for our lives if we do not dwell in His Word? What kind of spiritual legacy do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren?

God cares about every segment of our life and wants nothing but good for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)  I have witnessed greed, infidelity, divorce, and various other life circumstances within my own family as well as others which has caused heartache and brokenness. Only by abiding and dwelling in His Word do we recognize areas of  sinfulness we need to overcome, and we can, but only with His assistance.

Dr. Robert Jeffress has a plan recommended in his book Spiritual Essentials which is good to use to make God’s word a part of your life and spiritual goals for 2017.  He recommends we:

1. Set aside a period of time for reading God’s word.
2. Designate a place to meet with God.
3. Choose a translation that speaks to you. (ex. New American Standard Bible, New King James, etc).
4. Learn to distinguish between principles or general truths such as “Be Holy”(Leviticus 11:44) and precepts or specific commands which apply to us like not stealing nor gossiping.
5. Keep a prayer journal.
6. Establish a program for reading through the Bible, book a month, etc.

It is my prayer that we all will take time to make a plan (Proverbs 21:5) for all of the above areas for 2017, but especially to plan our spiritual growth in order to start down the road to a deeper and more rewarding relationship with our Heavenly Father than you can ever imagine! In a world that is sometimes upside down in thoughts and actions, how can we survive without the knowledge and wisdom found from dwelling on His Word?

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17.

About the writer:
Beverly has been an educator, administrator, educational sales representative, Sunday school teacher, and mentor; but most importantly she is a wife, mother, and grandmother with a passion for sharing Christ through working with Yada Yada in Women’s ministry of First Baptist Dallas.