Articles

Surely you didn’t think that I would actually suggest you gain a bunch of weight as a goal for 2012! I am writing about growing larger in a spiritual sense. Every Christian should have a burning desire to grow larger, deeper, purer, higher than ever before in their walk with the Lord. While the desire may be there, the ability to carry it out is another story. There is this thing called “finding the time” that keeps slipping away. How fast do your days go? Does it seem that the weeks and months just fly by? Yet, we must carve out each day, some time to spend with God, our Father, and Jesus, our Savior and the Holy Spirit, our comforter. There is another problem to growing in our faith. It is our personalities. It is who we are as a person. On the one hand, there are a small minority of people who are driven and laziness isn’t in their vocabulary. However, this extreme drive can also be detrimental. Often times these people are perfectionist, workaholics, or obsessive/compulsive people who do things out of a need to feel adequate and accepted. This causes you to do your bible study not out of a deep abiding love for Christ, but just one more item to check off on your daily push to do every thing just right. Your Bible study then becomes a routine and a ritual, rather than life-changing. You find acceptance of yourself by doing things on time and just right. This helps your self-esteem and makes you feel better about yourself. Performing task to make yourself more acceptable is impossible when it comes to God. If you have Christ in your heart, you cannot be anymore acceptable than you already are. No completion of tasks can change that fact. God loves and accepts you forever in Christ. Then there is a majority of humans that fall into the lazy category. None of us like to think of ourselves as lazy, but it is a common human condition. When you combine this with a lack of burning passion for the things of Christ; you get people who don’t truly grow in faith. We like the pleasures of the world. We like to relax when we are not at work or doing chores. I’m just not motivated like I should be. If these people do grow, it is at a snail’s pace. How could you explode in spiritual growth in 2012?

1. Repent of your tendency towards laziness or obsessive drive. Ask God to give you a burning desire from the Holy Spirit to “want” to pray and study His word. Literally ask for this specifically in prayer. But have the “desire” be from Him, and not of your flesh.
2. Make it a habit. Once you get into the habit of doing a bible study and personal prayer time; it becomes part of your daily routine. A daily routine doesn’t have to be uninspiring. It just makes it easier to accomplish. We humans are creatures of habit. When we get ready in the morning, or at night or during the day,if we don’t make God part of our habit; then the whole day goes by and you wake up the next day and say, “ oh man I didn’t do my Bible study.” Doing a prolonged time of prayer, seeking God’s face, should be as common as eating breakfast, combing your hair, or drinking your favorite beverage when you get up. Once it becomes a habit, it then becomes strange when you don’t do it. A huge step towards growing is to make prayer and Bible study a habit.
3. Be realistic. I hear people all the time tell me they are going to start setting their alarm an hour earlier, and get up in the wee hours of the morning for their personal growth time. 99% of the time, this will never last. You have to create this habit of devotion time that is reasonable and realistic with your life style. There are some people who actually wake up at 5:00 a.m. and can do a quiet time before anyone else in the house gets up. If that is your personality bend, “a morning person,” then go for it. But if you like to linger when the alarm goes off, don’t attempt to do spiritual growth at an hour that is not your cup of tea. You will only grit your teeth for a month or two and then get out of the habit. Carve out a time and place that works for you and stick to it. If you have kids, then they need to be made to understand that you are not to be disturbed during this time. Invariably there may be an interruption with small kids, and just go with it. But it shouldn’t be that you are always interrupted by them, and don’t get to do it. It is awesome for them to learn that you respect your time alone with God. It teaches them a valuable lesson for their own future spiritual growth.
4. Refuse to feel guilty if you miss a day. It happens. You don’t skip a day without prayer. I mean you may just miss occasionally your private time. It’s okay. Just quickly re-establish the habit.
5. If you can’t do this consistently, check your heart. You may have a heart problem. Our King not only commands us to do this, but how could you stand in His presence and not want to do this? If nothing else, let Jesus do heart surgery on you in 2012.
   Afterall, He is the great physician.

By Travis Plumlee director of Family Ark Ministries

Rick Russell, LifeWord’s Chief Programming Officer, received the following note the first week of January. It is a great reminder of our mission and calling. To read more stories of changed lives, visit www.lifeword.org.

“Last month we had a very interesting visitor who traveled for twenty hours to come and meet us. He is a listener of the Kannada LifeWord program. It was interesting to know that he came to know Christ as his personal savior through the broadcast. This man traveled all the way by himself and was completely blind. He came wanting to meet us just to let us know how thankful he was for the program. He only spent a couple of hours with us and then headed straight back to where he was from. It was a very touching time for all of us who met him. In a country like India where our system neglects the physically challenged, it was such a joy to see his own just to come and thank the ministry. Let us all continue to work together so that we can reach out to many more like this young man who needed a savior.”

Prashant Prakash, Producer
– Kannada broadcast, India

Can real life and the Bible mix? Can real wisdom be found in the common, everyday events when viewed through the scriptures? Retired BMAA Pastor James Barr believes so! The former Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church brings together the wisdom found in the scriptures with real life challenges in his newly released book, For His Glory: A  Kaleidoscope of Wisdom.

Compiling a series of personal memoirs, historical facts, and biblical biographies, Pastor Barr presents the reader with practical and useful views that will enrich his or her life. Short, pointed and positive, For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom, is a collection of inspirational thoughts presented in an easy and enjoyable manner. Like looking through a kaleidoscope, the beauty of God’s wisdom and glory come to life for today’s reader. Although deep biblical truths are shared, they are shared within an often amusing common sense manner from which all ages can benefit. Currently Pastor Barr’s book is only offered online.

James (Jim) Barr has a total of almost forty years in the ministry serving as Pastor, and Missionary. Brother Barr also conducts both short and extensive fun workshops on Finding God’s Wisdom for Your Life for churches, bookstores, auxiliary church groups, and clubs. He may be contacted by email at: pastorbarr@hotmail.com or by phone (812) 325-0158. To purchase the book and find more information concerning author Barr and his book is also available at www.amazon.com/author/jamesbarr or through the author’s website net153.com

For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom by James Barr

by Dennis Baker, President, BMA of Missouri Brotherhood Auxiliary

Ephesians 3:1-13

Paul’s letter to the church of Ephesus demonstrates that the purpose of the Lord’s New Testament Church was the inclusion of all nationalities in the proclaiming of God’s eternal plan of redemption to all of humanity. Paul’s personal testimony concerning his role in God’s mission of sharing the unsearchable riches of Christ with the Gentiles exposes some important principals relating to servant leadership.

1. Servant leadership focuses on God’s plan. V 2,”Dispensation of the grace of God,” denotes an arrangement or plan. Paul states the he “was made a minister, according to the grace of God, V7.” Paul was not selected by his own choosing but was entrusted to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul viewed his calling as a privilege and sacred trust. Paul was divinely appointed by God, his apostleship was nothing less than the result of the working of God.
2. Servant leadership involves stewardship. Paul’s stewardship of grace has particular reference to the inclusion of all people groups in God’s mystery of redemption. The inclusion of all nationalities into the “family of God” and the Lord’s New Testament church was revealed in the Old Testament, but what was not foreseen in Old Testament times was the fact that God’s promised blessings would incorporate the Jewish and Gentile believers on the common ground of Divine Grace. God’s favor is not to be enjoyed as a private luxury but shared with others.
3. Servant leadership has a purpose, V. 8. “Unsearchable riches of Christ,” reveals a missionary purpose. It refers to the boundless resources of Christ for meeting the needs of sinful humanity, V. 9. “Make all men see” has reference to a theological purpose. God’s intention has always been to offer redemption to all nationalities, but for all practical purposes that intention lay unrevealed until the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was revealed to the world.

Since the letter was written to the church of Ephesus these principals have application not only to ministers but every member of the Lord’s New Testament church. Servant leadership involves your role in God’s mission, of sharing the unsearchable riches of Christ. Remember it is nothing less than the working of God. Servant leadership involves stewardship. God’s favor is not to be enjoyed as a private luxury but shared with others. Servant leadership has a missionary and theological purpose.

It is encouraging to know that God has a role for each of us in His Divine Master Plan. There are no second-class citizens in God’s kingdom. We are all equals.

published in January 2012 issue of the Missouri Missionary Baptist Paper

My Identity is Found in Christ
by Jim Ainley, ALIVE Committee Chairman

The stage for Alive 2011 was set at the Airport Hilton in St.Louis during the last three days of December. Nearly 280 students and sponsors attended the conference designed to teach us about our identity and how it is found in Christ alone. We were led in worship by Broken Vessels (www.brokenvessels.com), a band with members from Tennessee and Louisiana. They did an excellent job in setting our hearts towards heaven and preparing us to listen to God through His Word. Dustin Wisely from Magnolia, Arkansas was the main speaker. He spoke like a polished veteran, and without a lot of hype and fanfare simply shared the Word of God. He reminded everyone that if we really want to grow, then we have to be in the Word. And as God often does, He touched and changed lives through the preaching of His Word. At least 6 people gave their lives to Christ, and many others recommitted their relationship with God.

A new feature in this year’s conference was small group break-out sessions. Blake Shelby of PSE Archery and Johnny LaGrand (from Potosi) of Mountain Screamer Game Calls spoke to the young men about being a godly man in a world that is telling us to be otherwise. Erin Kingston (war veteran and formerly from Bethel Baptist Church, Lonedell) and Jaclyn Rowe (FBC/Potosi; www.jaclynrowe.com talked to the ladies about such real life issues as modesty, hypocrisy, being a true woman of God, and where to find our identity when things don’t go like we planned.

On the lighter side, 321 Improv (www.321improv.com) entertained us and made us laugh till we cried. Check out their website to see what they are all about.

The Alive Committee would like to thank you for all the support and prayers, and we look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Alive Conference. Be looking for our new website coming early 2012. Like us on Facebook: Alive Ministries – Youth Alive Conference

Here are a few pictures from the recent Youth Alive Event in St. Louis.

The youth alive devotional book is available online for free from:
http://ozarkinspirations.webs.com/Writings/ALIVE2011.pdf

by Travis Plumlee, Family Ark Ministries
I want to share some things for you to consider doing in 2012. It is a new year and it is time to make some changes for the better, and for God’s glory.  You will not find in this list, praying and Bible study. Those are things we should do every day, all day; just like breathing.  It should be a natural part of our everyday existence. Of course, if it isn’t, then you should definitely have that as a goal for 2012. And all of us can increase our prayer time and our personal study time in the Word.  I’m just trying to give you some ideas outside of the usual new year’s goals of lose weight and take a class on something.  Here are a dozen ideas that you might consider doing in 2012. You can even post this article somewhere on your desk or in your bedroom and check the things off as you accomplish them. Remember, no matter what your new year’s goals are: do all for the glory of the Lord. I Corinthians 10:31

1.) Hug more than ever before.

Try to increase the amount of affection you give to those around you. We live in an ever increasing cold and uncaring world. We need to not only tell people that we love them, we need to show them.  For some of you this will be a real challenge. But everyone can do it. Hug someone each day who means something to you.

2.) Witness to someone.

They may not accept Jesus as their savior, but you have to try.  It is a command from God. We are to tell others who Jesus is, and that they need him. When was the last time you worked at leading someone to Jesus?  Make it a goal in 2012.

3.) Encourage others.

I Thessalonians 5:11. No matter how much you encourage others, set out in 2012 to encourage all those around you. Start at home and spread outwardly.  Smiles, handshakes, hugs, visits, and most importantly some encouraging words. Build others up.

4.) Let go of your anger.

Set as a goal to not get angry over something at least once a week. It is simply a choice. It is something that you do actually get mad about, but instead of responding how you always have in the past with anger; you choose to withdraw and walk away. A soft answer turns away wrath. Being slow to anger is the best way to be. Pray for them. Bless them. And walk away. You will find out that you can in fact control your anger. It is a choice. I will choose one thing each week to not go to world war III over.  And keep growing from there.

5.) Forgive someone this year.

You will never have total healing until you practice forgiveness.  Forgiveness is for you, not them. You can ask for it, text it, mail it or keep it in your heart privately but still give it to God. It frees you up. And we are required to do this one also.  You will be happier and free of torment when you practice forgiveness.

6.) Visit an older person.

Have as a resolution to visit an elderly person on a regular basis throughout 2012. It doesn’t have to be weekly, although that would be amazing. Even just once a month would help end one of the cruelest realities in human existence— loneliness. It can be a relative or a total stranger in an apt or nursing home. It could be a shut in from your church. Drop by and say hi to a dear older person.

7.) Mentor a young person.

On a monthly basis, find one or two young people that you can mentor. Pass on wisdom.  Encourage. Do something with them. Older women and men are to teach the younger ones about life. Pray and pick out a kid at your church and just make it a point to go up and speak something nice to them each week. Add a smile.

8.) Personal growth spiritually.

Many people set goals of growing intellectually by learning something new. Set a goal to do something that causes you to grow spiritually anew.  Study something different. Go somewhere. Increase your meditation and devotion time.  You can’t go wrong when you grow right. Seek God for guidance.

9.) Get a ministry.

We all are supposed to serve Jesus by serving others. Find somewhere to serve others at least once a month. Be committed and do this. Don’t neglect the work.

10.) Testify.

At least once a week, tell someone, somewhere, how God has been good to you. Not just at church, tell a neighbor or co-worker. Make it a weekly habit to share that our God is good all the time. It increases our joy and encourages others to seek Him.

11.) Laugh more.

This will be hard. But enjoy life more with your family. Spend more time with them. Don’t be so serious all the time. Look for things to laugh about. It is good medicine according to scripture.  Focus on people and love and laughter this year.

12.) PTO. Personal Time Off.

It is not selfish. It is self-preservation. Once a day come apart, or you will fall apart.  Build in a daily habit of relaxing, restoring and being quiet.  If you do these 12 things, you will have a great 2012. Now go make a great year for the glory of the Lord for He is worthy to be praised.

published in December issue of The Missouri Missionary Baptist paper.

Family Ark Ministries with Dr. Travis Plumlee

by Travis Plumlee, Family Ark Ministries

Please tell me we are not going to have to spank Bud during Christmas dinner. How sad that we have to yell at little Budette while opening Christmas presents. Oh surely not! You don’t mean that we might have to spank our kids because they misbehave at a Christmas get-together! Actually, the holiday time is a heightened time for kids to act out and misbehave. It is wise for parents to plan ahead what they will do, and how they will respond when their kids do disobey during the holidays.  Just because it is the most wonderful time of the year, does not mean that we can ignore our children’s rebellion, or disobedience or dishonoring actions and attitudes. Parenting is a 365 day a year job. Your children must never disobey or dishonor you at any time. This will mean that sometimes kids will pick the most inopportune times to embarrass you in front of the whole family.  Why? There are several reasons.  Routine Disruption. Kids always function much better in a routine. It offers them a security system to operate in from day to day. While holidays are awesome, it upsets the apple cart. During the holidays, children generally get less sleep. That accounts for more whining, irritability and anger outburst. This also is a period where we eat a very unusual diet for most of us.  Kids tend to eat more sweets, more carbs and things that they don’t normally eat. Food does have an effect on behavior. Then, think of how you can kind of get stressed out over the holidays with all the parties, church functions and family get-togethers.  Don’t you think that it also stresses out kids? They are out of their normal routines. Anytime we have a change in our routines, it throws kids into a chaotic state.  This is why you might see an exaggerated acceleration of misbehavior during the holidays. Generally, they are not doing it on purpose to annoy you. They are simply responding to the environment that they have been placed in. So, let’s look at some things to remember regarding discipline during the holidays.

1) Stick to a reasonable routine. Try as much as possible, to allow your kids to be in a normal routine of sleep. It is okay to let them have a night where they stay up late and play with cousins, or older teens stay up and play video games and watch movies. Don’t be a killjoy. These are fun times. But having no bedtime during the holidays is a recipe for behavioral meltdown eventually. Also, you should let them indulge in holiday foods.  Come on, It’s Christmas! But you should set limits. Hershey kisses and 50 candy canes in a day is too much. You will pay for that later that night. Tank up on sugar all day, and watch the fireworks that night.

2) Discipline in private. When disciplining your children, try hard to do it in private. I know it is hard when the whole family is around, but remove the guilty and speak to them privately. The older the child, the more important this is. If you have a teen, to get on to them in front of all the relatives, is a huge hurt. They are not even listening to you. They are just devastated that grandparents and cousins saw them get into trouble. Humiliation is all they are learning at this point.

3) Don’t let other family members tell you how to discipline your child. Everyone will have an opinion on what needs to happen. Stick to what you always do. If you need to improve in your discipline skills, do so after the holidays.  Don’t try and implement a new system of justice just to impress the in-laws. Start it as a New Year’s resolution when you get home. Don’t over react or let things slide because some loving family member tells you that you should. Stick to what are your family rules.

4) Watch your stress level. Long trips. Less sleep. Sugar overload. The tension of being around relatives all in one house. It effects your temperament as well. So don’t lash out at the kids just because you are stressed out. Pray and take a deep breath. Ask yourself, would I be losing it like this if I was in my normal routine?  Monitor your own behavior.

5) Notice when the volcano is spewing ash. Long before there is a volcanic eruption, the mountain is smoking. Pay attention to your kids. You have been ignoring them. You may need to spend some time out of the kitchen, away from the TV and just hang with them.  You should be aware of when they are getting too hungry, too sleepy, too upset and intervene before they explode. If dinner isn’t until 2:00 p.m, and they eat lunch at 11:00, then you better fix them a small snack, and don’t wait until they have a glucose crash and start screaming.  A snack won’t ruin dinner.  Having them pitch a fit will.  Pray a lot. Laugh a lot. Enjoy your family. Be wise and don’t take a holiday from disciplining your children. Thank God for your gifts – your children!

published in December issue of The Missouri Missionary Baptist paper.

Family Ark Ministries with Dr. Travis Plumlee