Friday, October 31, 2025
Friday, October 31, 2025
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All Ladies Invited to “Cultivate” with Us!

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All Ladies Invited to “Cultivate” with Us!

By Robin Clark, President • Arkansas WMA

      The Arkansas WMA Annual meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, in conjunction with the BMA of Arkansas meeting at Central Baptist College. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the meeting will begin at 9 a.m. We will meet in the Watkins Building, second floor, in the Mitchell Lecture Hall. Our theme this year is “Cultivate” from Gal. 6:9, and our keynote speaker will be Judy Wallace! The meeting will conclude around 11:30 a.m. All ladies are invited — even if you do not have a local WMA! You will be blessed by attending! We hope to see you there!

Faithful Bible Preaching

Paul White
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Faithful Bible Preaching

      “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (II Tim. 4:2).

      There is a preaching-identity crisis of colossal proportions in the evangelical world among younger pastors. Unmistakably, this confusion is caused by the rejection of preaching as the central-most important element in church. Millennial pastors are particularly falling for the concept of “contemporary preaching.” There is a preaching change taking place in pulpits all over the world — motivated, perhaps, by fair reasons, but justified with terrible theology. As they asked how can I make my church less church-like? For some it is the “looks” of the church, for others it is the music, and for the rest, it may be fashion and style. Whatever it may be, preaching becomes an element that is seen as a necessary evil, but pushed down to a much less priority level and transformed so that it looks less like preaching and more like a talk. In many churches, the looks of the meeting place are designed for a particular demographic group, usually younger adults. What millennials, baby-boomers or generation X need is preaching — theological, accurate, detailed, faithful Bible preaching.

      This is what Paul explains in I Thess. 2:3-6: “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” The purpose of preaching, and of Christianity, is to proclaim the gospel as given by God, not seeking to please men, but longing to please God.

      It really doesn’t matter whether God is pleased by a determined preaching style as long as it pleases the people. When this happens, we have changed real Bible preaching into a mere talk, a religious event. Preaching should be the central element in church because Biblical preaching is the call of pastors, the need for believers, the hope of the world, the means for salvation, the goal of ministry and the vehicle for evangelism. Therefore, there is nothing that could replace the value and effect of biblical preaching.

From Our Missionaries

Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “At Ebenezer, we encourage each person to create their ‘Oikos Map.’ This tool helps us identify the communities we interact with on a daily basis, whether at the gym, work, the supermarket, school, etc. Once these communities are identified, we begin to pinpoint individuals within them and pray for them. This allows us to visualize who we can invite to our Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) or special events at Ebenezer.

      “Last Sunday we celebrated our ‘Hispanic Heritage Celebration,’ an excellent opportunity to invite people from our Oikos maps. We had five visitors, and the time of fellowship during the meal was a great opportunity to connect with each of them. It was a blessing to have a congregation made up of people from Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama and the United States.

      “During the celebration service, I was surprised with an award for my pastoral work. It was the first time in many years that the pastor had been honored in this way.

      “On a personal level, I was able to connect with two people. With Janie, Veronica’s aunt, Kory and I will begin a series of Bible studies on the life of Jesus. I am also building a bridge of friendship with Rolando from Guatemala. Ebenezer is a healthy church, and thank God, there is an atmosphere of grace where people are edified and impacted by the Word of God.

      “Thank you for your prayers and support. To God be the glory!”

         Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel with a pretty good number for both Sunday School and for Worship. Our new times are working out well, especially for the younger families with kids. It is a huge challenge for them just to get around and get there sometimes, and for the rest of us as well. The later times just seems to relax the whole morning, and we certainly don’t want coming to church to be stressful for anyone. For those that don’t know, Sunday School is at 10 a.m., Worship is at 11 a.m. and Sunday Evening Worship is still at 6 p.m.

      “The drywallers really got with it this past week. They got all the taping, bedding and skimming done. They are set to spray the texture this week, and it looks really nice. They did such a good job! Our folks are really excited to be nearing completion and are looking forward to using those classrooms, and the kitchen! We are Baptists after all.

      “Again, we want to thank you all for your support and prayers! And we thank God for you!”

        Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “We had an action-packed week at Faith Journey! Tuesday was our men’s and women’s Bible study night, along with our kids’ class. We had around 20 in attendance between the three groups. Everyone is really beginning to build strong relationships with one another as we learn and grow together in God’s Word.

      “On Wednesday, we had the privilege of speaking at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting at a local high school. Around 125 students attended, and we were able to bring them pizza and share a Bible lesson on ‘Facing the giants in our Lives.’ You could sense the Lord’s presence and seeds were planted that day, and several students came forward afterward to ask questions and seek guidance. What a powerful reminder that God is moving in our schools and in the hearts of young people!

      “Thursday brought another wonderful time of ministry at our local nursing homes. One of the young men from our mission has been faithfully coming each week to sing and play guitar for the residents. His music has brought a new level of praise and worship to their lives, and they are truly enjoying the time they get to sing and worship the Lord together. We were also blessed to have a pastor friend of mine join us for one of the services, and he shared in the message and fellowship.

  “Sunday was another great day of worship and community at Faith Journey. Even though several families were traveling, we had good attendance, both services were filled with joy and encouragement. We spent time getting into God’s Word and were challenged to be bold in our faith and to take the love of Christ beyond our church walls and share it with others throughout the week.

      “On Sunday afternoon, we met with a young couple who will be getting married in just a few weeks. This was our third counseling session together, and they shared a great testimony about how God is working in their relationship. They said they’ve noticed their faith growing stronger and their love for one another deepening as they keep Christ at the center. Their friends and families have even commented on how much happier they seem and how their relationship is clearly changing for the better. It’s such a joy to see God transforming hearts and homes through His love!”

         Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week has been exhausting with planning for our big event ‘Celebrating Our Cultures,’ where we will showcase each of the seven countries represented in the church, highlighting their cultural richness, the state of the church in each country, and traditional dishes and folk songs. We expect more than 50 people to attend, and it will be an opportunity to introduce them to the gospel. Sister Mayerlin is in charge of the organization. We ask for your prayers for this event.

      “As part of the celebration of the month of pastoral appreciation, we have received many expressions of love from the brothers.

      “On Thursday we had our connection group in Springdale at Iris’s place. On Sunday we started a new Sunday school class — ‘Church, should I attend?’ Where we teach the brethren the importance of the church in the lives of believers. In our worship we had two new visitors, who will return next Sunday.”

         Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “Our Connection Groups met this week. Our Woodbridge Group in Pea Ridge did their first youth/adult split which went well.

      “Keep praying for our leaders as they continue to lead out. Pray for us as we seem to really be in a state of flux trying to get new leaders going, adding new groups, current groups expanding to multiple meetings and figuring out how our multiple public gatherings look, all while still trying to keep replicating disciple-making at the forefront of all we do.

      “We’re taking lots of steps with few people with little on ramping time which is making for a choppy journey at the moment.”

We Become What We Give Ourselves To

Derrick Bremer
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We Become What We Give Ourselves To

      It’s fascinating to me how easy it is to guess the kind of work someone is involved in by the way they approach problems in their lives. Our work has a way of shaping us. I’m in the middle of navigating some transitions. As a result, I find myself looking back at the different ways God has worked in my life to shape me. Some of this He has done through the jobs I’ve held.

      When I was in the corporate world, I learned to argue, persuade and guide. My job trained me to think strategically. It forced me to lead with confidence and trust my reasoning. And while those skills certainly served me well, I look back at the strategic planner who left that job to serve in ministry and rejoice that God taught me how to trust Him more than myself.

      When I became a pastor, the formation process wasn’t complete. I learned from the pastorate that patience matters more than persuasion. God taught me to value empathy, slowing down to listen, and sacrificial love above the efficiency of systems. Pastoral ministry has taught me to love people and be willing to lay down my comfort for the sake of others.

      Now, as I prepare to step into a new season as a church planter, I know that God is continuing to shape me. There is a lesson that those who seek greener pastures should take to heart — we are formed by what we give ourselves to.

The Renewal of Our Minds

      I’ve found this theme in my personal Bible studies repeatedly lately. The way we think shapes the way we live. To the church in Rome, Paul wrote, “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6 ESV).

      Contrary to common belief, what we think about is not harmless. Our thoughts become seeds that grow into habits, choices and traits that define our character. Naturally, Paul urges his readers: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). True transformation begins when we fix our thoughts on Christ, aligning our view of the world with His truth.

      We reflect what we revere. We become what we behold.

Formation Through Devotion

      At the risk of coming across like a self-help author, I have some observations about people. People who are concerned with their careers only see productivity. They become hindrances to the people of God, whose faithfulness doesn’t always produce measurable results. People who are given over to fear have dreams that shrink to the size of their worries. Our fickle human nature allows our hearts’ desires to scatter like leaves in the autumn breeze.

      But that isn’t the way it has to be. When we give ourselves wholly to God, He molds us into something holy. In other words, when we devote ourselves to beholding God’s majesty, beauty and truth while serving His people and His purposes, our priorities get lined out, our desires get cleaned up, and our character takes shape before Him.

      Our devotion is an investment that produces dividends. That can be good or bad. If we give ourselves to control, we’ll receive anxiety. If we give ourselves to cynicism, we’ll receive bitterness. If we give ourselves to ambition, we’ll find ourselves exhausted. But God’s Word promises that if we give ourselves to Christ, we’ll receive His peace.

      When Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” the treasure He spoke of included the things we pour our energy and affection into. Whatever we treasure shapes our hearts (Matt. 6:21).

      The corporate world shaped me through skills. The pastorate shaped me through sacrifice. In this new season, I see myself being formed to be dependent.

Learning to Be Shaped

      We need to learn to be shaped by what God is doing in our lives. Our human tendency is to control our growth. But since growth comes through surrender, it’s often in the seasons when we are uncomfortable that we grow the most.

      I want to pray with Isaiah, “O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8). I want to be shaped into the image of Christ for God’s glory. The clay does not direct the potter’s hands. I need to remember that.

      When we give ourselves to God’s purposes, He will stretch us. His glory humbles us. His people challenge us. In the crucible of just sitting amazed at God, the Lord’s wonder ignites joy inside us.

      The more we yield to God, the more we are shaped by Him. The more we behold Him, the more we reflect Him.

A Question for the reader

      So, what have you been giving yourself to lately? Have your habits formed you into someone anxious or peaceful? Are your thoughts more directed toward what is temporary or what is eternal? What has shaped you more, the world or the Word?

      Give yourself to God’s purposes. He is still writing His story through His people. Give yourself to His majesty. He alone deserves your awe. Give yourself to His beauty. He will fill your heart with wonder. Give yourself to His glory. He will remind you who you were made to be. Give yourself to His people. He will teach you to love as Jesus did. Everything in our world will fade. But the person who gives themselves wholly to God will reflect His grace. We are always being formed by something. Let us be a people who give ourselves to God without reservation.

Spotlight on Missions: Derrick & Michelle Bremer • France

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Spotlight on Missions: Derrick & Michelle Bremer • France

         As we continue to walk this journey toward mission work in France, we are encouraged by how God is confirming His call one step at a time. Last month, we shared how the Lord was stirring our hearts for the French people and invited you to pray, give and share in this vision. This month, we want to celebrate His faithfulness and share how He is leading us forward.

  “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad” (Psalm 126:3 NKJV).

         • Growing Support and New Opportunities — Just four weeks ago, we publicly shared that God was calling our family to France. We took the following weekend to rest, pray and remember that obedience starts with worship. On our mini vacation, God stirred in our hearts as we drew closer to Him and each other.

      Our Facebook group has grown to 200 friends praying for our success and opening doors to make the mission God has placed on our hearts a reality. We’ve sat across kitchen tables and cups of coffee with individuals praying about joining our monthly support team.

      At Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville, where my friend Paul Herndon serves as pastor, I shared our call to France. There, a kind lady shared with me that the Lord was leading her to become a monthly sending partner. I’ve said from the beginning that if God is in this, He will make a way — and still, I find myself rejoicing in amazement at seeing and hearing how God is moving in people’s hearts, just as He moved in our own.

      That same afternoon, I drove to Ashdown to share again at the Harmony Association’s annual meeting hosted by Central Baptist Church. There, the stories of some of my ministry mentors came flooding to mind. I was encouraged by the opportunity to worship atop the shoulders of giants in the faith who came before me and to see the same missionary spirit so alive and well. Before the day ended, one pastor invited us to present at his church this November. Each “yes” feels like another confirmation: God really is building a team of senders.

         • Preparing for Transition — This month, our attention turned toward the practical side of obedience. We’re renewing passports (and waiting for the government shutdown to end), finalizing registration with our language school in France, and working to stay connected to the Pasleys, the missionaries we’ll serve alongside in France. We’re already praying that God knits our families together in unity and friendship.

      Through BMA Global’s Missionary Care Team, Michelle and I have begun counseling and spiritual health preparation. It’s humbling to see how the Lord is shaping our prayer lives through this process. More than once, I’ve come home eager to share something I thought to be unbelievable from my day, only for Michelle to open her journal and show me where she had prayed for that very thing. A praying wife is a blessing like no other.

      At Denver Street, transition has begun. Soon I’ll step down as pastor to become our church’s missionary. This Sunday, Dr. John David Smith, president of BMA Global, will be at our church to teach what it means for a church to send one of its own. It’s a new chapter for all of us, and we’re trusting God to write it.

         • Trials and Trust — While this month brought us many blessings, it has not been without its challenges. A simple water pump issue in our primary vehicle turned into a $4,200 repair bill the week before I was supposed to drive to Nashville and Ashdown. God has shown up for us as we navigate the challenge of having one vehicle for the family, managing meetings, school drop-offs, pickups and Michelle’s part-time job. These moments refine our faith and prove again that God’s supply is never late.

         • Things to Look Forward to — Michelle and I are planning to host an online meeting for our prayer partners and friends who would like to know more about what we’re planning and how the Lord is providing. We want to share our hearts while providing a ministry and financial update to each of you who would like that. And of course, we want to answer your questions as if we were having a conversation. If you’d like to be sure you’re a part of that, just email us or send us a message on Facebook. Our goal is to provide transparency in everything we do with the people God has placed around us.

How You Pray This Month

         • Opportunities to Share — We want to share our calling and vision with the people God will use to make ministry in France possible.

         • Provision — New monthly partners and one-time gifts are necessary for us to move forward in faith.

         • Transition — Wisdom as we begin the pastoral transition at Denver Street and prepare to sell personal property in anticipation of moving.

         • Endurance — Strength and joy through both the progress and the setbacks.

      If God leads you to partner with us financially, you can give safely in two ways:

      • Online at tiny.cc/BMAGlobalGive. Please click “add message” and enter “The Bremers to France” to designate your gift.

      • Mailing your check to BMA Global, P.O. Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033, and writing “Bremers to France” on the memo line.

      If you would like to connect with us, please use the following contact information:

      • Email: derrick@livingoutthegospel.com or michelle@livingoutthegospel.com

      • Mailing Address: 3245 Eagle Drive, Greenwood, Ark. 72936

      • Social Media: facebook.com/groups/764035819887347, x.com/pastorbremer, facebook.com/derrick.a.bremer, instagram.com/pastorderrickbremer

Spotlight on Missions: Mickeal & Sharon Quillman • Zambia

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Spotlight on Missions: Mickeal & Sharon Quillman • Zambia

      “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

      Greetings from Zambia!We continue to rejoice in the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness as He builds His church here in Livingstone and beyond. Each week, we see new faces, new opportunities and new reasons to give thanks for all that God is doing. As you read this update, we hope you’ll be encouraged by the ways the gospel is advancing, lives are being changed, and the Lord is answering prayers in ways far beyond what we could ask or imagine.

      • Church Update — In case you missed it last month, our baptistry is now complete, and both our village pastor and leadership classes are back in session! We’re eagerly looking forward to beginning baptisms soon and can’t wait to share photos with you. Before that, we’ve been meeting with all the candidates to ensure everyone understands that the water itself cannot save — it is only through faith in Christ that one is made new. Please pray for us as we revisit these important truths with the baptism candidates.

      Our pastor and leadership classes have been going very well. These sessions play a vital role in equipping local leaders with a deeper understanding of God’s Word and providing practical ministry tools to help them shepherd their congregations effectively. Week after week, we see the Lord raising up faithful servants who are passionate about teaching, preaching, and discipling others throughout the Sekute chiefdom and beyond.

      In addition to leadership training, we also continue to hold weekly Bible studies for both men and women. These gatherings offer valuable opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and encouragement as believers study God’s Word together and strengthen their walk with Christ.

         • Praying for Workers — As the church continues to grow, one of our greatest prayer needs is for God to raise up someone who is called and equipped to work with our children and youth. We believe that investing in the next generation is essential to the future of the church, and we’re asking the Lord to provide the right person to lead this important ministry.

         • Growth and Expansion —             Chabantu Missionary Baptist Church continues to grow steadily. We are now averaging over 100 people each week in worship! We are humbled and grateful for how God is moving in hearts and drawing people to Himself. We are also prayerfully considering the location for our next church plant, where Lackson Munkombwe will serve as pastor. Please join us in seeking God’s wisdom and direction as we prepare to plant another gospel-preaching church in a nearby village.

         • Special Needs & Ways to Help — One of our current needs is to raise funds for a new ministry vehicle. The roads to many of the villages we serve are rough and often unreliable, and a dependable vehicle is crucial for carrying out our mission. From evangelism and discipleship trips to transporting supplies and people, a good vehicle is essential for effective ministry. If the Lord leads, we invite you to partner with us in meeting this important need.

         • From Darkness to Light! — (via Facebook Post on 10/20):After a year of hearing the true gospel, Bobby, once deeply involved in traditional religion and witchcraft, has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized on Sunday (10/19)! It was a day of great rejoicing as Bobby publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ through baptism! For many years, Bobby was deeply involved in traditional Zambian religion and witchcraft. But over the past year, he has faithfully listened to the true gospel and experienced the transforming power of God’s Word. Recently, Bobby made the decision to fully surrender his life to Jesus, trusting Him as Lord and Savior!

      Now, through baptism, Bobby has testified before everyone that the old life is gone, and a new life has begun. “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Please join us in celebrating Bobby’s new beginning in Christ! Pray that he continues to grow strong in faith, share his testimony boldly and walk daily in the joy of salvation.

      Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support. God is doing incredible things here in Zambia, and we are grateful to be on this journey together with you. Your partnership is making an eternal difference in the lives of men, women and families who are hearing and responding to the gospel for the first time.

Walking Out the Map of the Word (Part 14): The Crescendo of the End

Jake McCandless
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Walking Out the Map of the Word (Part 14): The Crescendo of the End

      We’ve been walking the map Jesus drew on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24). The same map that the prophets of the Old Testament had drawn. We’ve watched the regional conflict rise — Jerusalem encircled from the armies surging from the north. Violence has spilled outward, persecution spread, economies collapsed and deception has engulfed the world. We’ve watched the earth itself shudder — disasters multiplying, the heavens going dark. Everything Jesus called “the distress of those days” has played out on the ground of Israel and rippled across the world.

      Then the moment it has all been building towards will happen. It’s captured in verse 30: “Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). This is what everything has been building toward. The clouds part, and the true King appears.

      When Jesus spoke those words, He was not inventing new imagery. He was reaching back into the oldest visions Israel knew. Daniel 7 saw “One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven” to the Ancient of Days, receiving dominion over every people and nation. The prophets called Yahweh the cloud-rider, the storm-rider, the One who rides on the wings of the wind. Isaiah said, “The Lord is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt…” (Isaiah 19:1). Nahum called the clouds the dust beneath His feet (Nahum 1:3). To come with the clouds was to come as God Himself in judgment and rescue. So, when Jesus said He would return this way, He was claiming that mantle. The carpenter’s Son would ride in as the Lord of Heaven.

Matthew 24:30 says, “the sign of the Son of Man” will appear. We are not told exactly what that sign is. Maybe it’s the blinding glory that surrounds Him, the Shekinah light that once filled the temple. Maybe it’s simply Him — His appearing being the sign. However it unfolds, it marks the turning of the age. The heavens themselves become the stage for His coronation.

      Then the mourning begins. Matthew uses a phrase from Zechariah 12: “They will look on Me whom they pierced, and they will mourn for Him” (verse 10). The Greek can mean “the tribes of the land.” The picture fits the prophets — Israel, battle-worn and broken, sees her Messiah and realizes who He is. The mourning is real, not theatrical. Families grieve apart, hearts break open and repentance flows like rain. But Revelation widens the frame — “all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him” (Rev. 1:7). What begins in Jerusalem spreads to the world. Some mourn in repentance. Others in terror. Either way, every eye sees Him.

      All of history has been laboring toward this moment. Jesus called the wars and upheavals “…the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). The prophets called the final war around Jerusalem — birth pains. Birth pains are not meaningless agony. They are pain with a promise. And the question those contractions ask is simple — What is being born? The answer stands in the sky — the Kingdom, the reign of Christ on earth. The child of that suffering is the rule of God made visible.

      Every tremor, every persecution, every darkened sun is the travail before the glory. He will appear in the air before His feet touch the Mount of Olives. The world will see before it kneels. This is not a hidden or private return. It is not symbolic. It is the visible unveiling of the true King. The armies gathered for war will look up and find the real Commander descending. The false messiah will be exposed in an instant. The great lie will collapse beneath the brightness of His coming.

      The old phrase “coming on the clouds” becomes more than poetry in that light. It is movement and majesty. The same clouds that hid Israel in the wilderness now reveal her Redeemer. The same Presence that once rested above the mercy seat now rolls across the sky. The heavens shake not from destruction but from revelation. The Creator is stepping back into His creation.

      The prophets saw it in fragments. Isaiah saw the heavens rolled back like a scroll. Joel saw the sun turn dark and the moon to blood. Daniel saw thrones set and judgment given. Jesus ties them all together. The regional war, the deception, the famine, the collapse — they are contractions. The appearing is the birth. Out of tribulation comes the kingdom. Out of mourning comes mercy.

      For Israel, it is recognition. For the nations, it is reckoning. For creation, it is redemption. We are not watching myth but fulfillment. Geography and covenant meet on one horizon. The same land where He was lifted up on a cross will see Him lifted again in glory. The same Mount of Olives where He gave this prophecy will see His return. The same people who once said, “Crucify,” will one day cry, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

      Every thread of the story pulls here. The beast’s war, the false prophet’s deception, and the collapse of Babylon all bring the world to the edge of this revelation. The King is coming, first to the sky, then to the soil. Heaven invades earth not with speeches or symbols but with the presence of the risen Son of Man.

      When He appears, no one will need to ask if it’s really Him. Lightning doesn’t need a caption. Glory explains itself. The birth pains end. The reign begins.

      And for those who belong to Him, Luke gives the command that still holds: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

In His Time

Tom Mitchell
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In His Time

      I was just thinking about a phrase I’ve heard many times. In fact, I probably said it myself on some occasions. You might have said, “I want what I want when I want it! And I want it now!” If I had said that to my dad, he would probably have replied, “You will get it when I say you will get it! And not a minute sooner!”

      I think that when it comes to our prayers to the heavenly Father, we more often than not take the same approach. After all, did not Jesus say, “If you remain in me and my words remain you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7 NIV1984)? How many times have we prayed, asking for something, only to find we did not get the answer we expected?

Lord, Where are You?

         When facing trials and difficulties in your life, have you ever cried out, “Lord, where are you? I need you and I need you now!” Frustration mounts each day we pray, and we still have not received our requests we made to God.

      In the army, we had a saying that was used every day in some way. “Hurry up and wait!” It seemed everywhere we turned, there was another long line, whether at the mess hall, the training session, the inoculation center or another processing center. I am amazed at how much time I spend in West Little Rock waiting for a red light to turn green. It seems like it takes forever! But traffic signals are on a schedule — in their time, they will change!

      Christians often find themselves at a “red light” in their prayer lives. Asking is one thing; waiting is another. And patience… well, you know about patience! When you feel that God has abandoned you, remember He is the One who keeps His promises. He has said He would never leave nor forsake His children.

Lessons from the Past

         After the 12 had spied out the land of Canaan, the majority report was that the Israelites could not take the land. Only two believed that with God it was possible. Two had faith, 10 did not. As a result, the children of Israel would not enter the Promised Land in their time, but in God’s time — 40 years later.

      Upon returning to Jerusalem from 70 years of Babylonian captivity, the people wanted all to be as it had been before they were exiled. It did not happen that way. But, in God’s time, they rebuilt the wall for security, and Jerusalem was once again the place they had wanted.

God Provides — In His Time

         The Psalmist David wrestled with his patience. He fretted and even questioned God, much like we do today. But he made a statement revealing that God does not abandon His children; instead, He provides. “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).

      Karen and I will soon have been married for 57 years. We have never been rich, but our loving and gracious Father has always provided our every need. I did not say our every want was provided, but our every need!

      The things God knows we need; He provides. He already knows what we are going to ask even before we pray. So, yes, there are times God’s answer is no. But let us not blame God for our not receiving everything we want when we want it.  “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motive, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3). But be sure of this, the things we need we will receive — in His time!

I Deserve Better

Larry Barker
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I Deserve Better

         “I deserve better than this.” Do you? What does Scripture say about what any of us actually deserve? None of us deserves the love of God, but it is His grace that offers it to us, and if you are not careful, you can adopt an attitude of entitlement defined as “the fact of having the right to something.” Entitlement grows into a huge problem when someone begins to believe they are “inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.” There can be a thin line here, but our sin nature will kick into autopilot to make sure others understand how indispensable you are to the Kingdom of God. You are not.

         The ministry is serious business, and the challenges are very multifaceted. Someone says, “I cannot do this” or “I am way in over my head.” Exactly! Psalm 127:1 tells us, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” The ministry is tough, and multiple daunting situations cause you to realize how much this endeavor exceeds your abilities, training and knowledge. The reality is that God has called you into the ministry, and He has called you to be a shepherd to one of His flocks. God provides the skill, strength and resources needed to fulfill His calling on your life.

      First and foremost, make sure of your calling, and as it has been well spoken before, “Don’t question in the dark what God showed you in the light.” He is faithful to see you through the hardest, most difficult situations you could ever imagine or experience. He promised never to leave or forsake you, and that is a promise you can stand upon in the midst of adversity and hard times. The reality is that none of us are that big of a deal, none of us. Ronnie Floyd stated, “When pride walks onto the stage, Jesus walks off.” It does not matter what you have accomplished. You are simply a servant of the living God.

      On the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discussedthree dangers leading up to entitlement — isolation, the lack of accountability and being defensive. Scripture is clear that the shepherd is supposed to know his sheep, but also that the sheep are to know the shepherd. The pulpit is only a small part of the pastor’s responsibility. Taking care of sheep is time-consuming and challenging, but you are called to interact with your sheep and build strong, lasting, discipleship-based relationships. Temptation flourishes in isolation because no one is watching.

      Your life as a leader should be open to total observation so that the sheep can see how you are striving to be the man of God, He has called you to be. There is no need to be secretive about your desire to love them the way He loves you. It is not a good thing if the sheep are murmuring that no one seems to know you because your habits and patterns are so reclusive. Clifton and Hallock stated, “It’s ok to have your own life, but tell your secretary, tell your elders, tell people what you are doing. Don’t be doing these things in isolation.” Solitude is good when it drives you to God, but isolation can cause you to drift from God.

      Be careful about becoming too isolated and insulated. Another danger is a lack of accountability. Trustworthy leaders seek out and submit to being answerable and accountable to someone. If they run from this, avoid this or reject this concept, beware. When I was considering pastoring again, I drove to the area and met with three men. My goal (demand) was that I would not come if they would not hold me accountable. I told them I did not want “yes men’” but men who had the character and integrity to step into my office, close the door, look into my eyes and say, “brother, we need to talk about this.”

      Accountability is a blessing from the Lord, and all leaders need others who are close enough to them to say, “Hey, we love you, but we need to speak into your life right now.” Do not be upset that there is a group of people who know everything about your life and about what is going on in your ministry. It is a blessing and provides boundaries for you to stay on track for what God has called you to accomplish. Your wife is there to help you in this area as well. Mark Clifton stated, “Pastor, your wife should have access to every one of your passwords. She should be able to see everything on your computer and phone.”

      If you do not believe you need accountability, you are already headed toward potential trouble. Here is another item to consider. Are you receptive to constructive criticism? Do others have permission to speak into your life? As a church leader, you must set the example by graciously receiving the concerns of others. The challenge is not always doing the right thing, but it goes much deeper by challenging us to do the right thing the right way. It is prideful when you project an unwillingness to hear feedback because you know what you are doing, and they do not. Be thankful for the input and consider its source.

      A great question to always ask when confronted is, “What can I learn from this criticism to make me a better believer and leader?” It is not easy feeling like you are living in the proverbial fishbowl, but so often perception is reality. Even if you believe the criticism is 100% incorrect, you must pay attention to why that perception is out there and what you can do to change it in a Christlike manner. Maybe a part of the problem is that you have become isolated and difficult to approach. Has your inner circle developed an environment of unchecked affirmation where no one can touch “God’s anointed?”

      To protect yourself from an attitude of entitlement, make sure you are not isolated, have a lack of accountability or are defensive.

A Spiritual Growth Chart

Karen Michell
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A Spiritual Growth Chart

      We place growth charts on the wall to measure how much our children grow from one year to the next. It is exciting for them and for us to see them changing inches at a time. We expect them to mature physically and mentally. We want them to become good responsible citizens. It is our responsibility to bring them up “…in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4 NIV1984).

      How does your spiritual growth chart measure up since you became a believer, especially if you have been a Christian for many years? Are you maturing in faith? Do you have a closer relationship with God than when you were first saved? God desires for His children to grow into spiritually responsible adults. Peter says that we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jeus Christ…” (II Peter 3:18). We are “predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…” (Rom. 8:29). When we grow spiritually, the world notices that we are different. They can tell that we are Christians by our actions.

      It is disheartening to see a young person who refuses to grow up. He may be irresponsible going from one job to another, getting in trouble with the law or resorting to drug and alcohol abuse. To see a long-time believer who hasn’t progressed spiritually is also disheartening. She is quick to take offense, hold grudges, be unforgiving or unwilling to accept responsibility for her own actions. She gets upset when things don’t go her way. Concerning such behavior, Paul said, “put it away!” — “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man (matured), I put childish ways behind me” (I Cor. 13:11).

      Just as a child does not grow from three feet to five feet tall overnight, neither does a new believer grow spiritually overnight. Satan may put obstacles in her way. Her friends may not want to include her in their circle anymore. Previous temptations may cause her to falter. She may feel insecure around more knowledgeable Christians. Growing spiritually is a process that comes from routine Bible reading and prayer, from faithfulness in God’s service, from fellowshipping with other believers strong in the faith and from worshipping God. There will always be bumps in the road in a Christian’s journey, but they will become steppingstones to victory as one learns to trust God in all situations.

      We must each take responsibility for our own maturity in the faith. Others may encourage us, but we must not expect them to constantly have to prompt or prod to make us grow spiritually. It must be our own desire to seek an on-going relationship with Jesus. As we grow in grace and knowledge, we will experience the life that God wants us to have. It isn’t an easy road at times, but it is fulfilling and keeps us going and growing even when times are difficult.

      Growing in grace is rewarding. Your outlook on life is different as you are no longer a newborn believer. You have learned to trust God more fully. Your faith continues to grow. You love to read God’s Word and your knowledge of Him has increased. You are an encourager. You promote unity in your church. You exhibit the fruit of the Spirit which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” (Gal. 5:22, 23). To see a woman who embraces these characteristics is a woman who delights in the Lord.

      How does your spiritual growth chart look?

United WMA Meets

BT STAFF
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United WMA Meets

By Donna Gray

      The United District Women’s Missionary Auxiliary (WMA) met on Oct. 4 at Grace Baptist Church in Russellville for our last quarterly meeting of 2025. Six district churches and 29 individuals were present and joined together to build “Blessing Buckets” in support of our BMA Just the Crumbs (JTC) disaster relief ministry.

      When JTC first arrives in a disaster area, they desire to immediately make a difference even before they are fully set up to serve meals and provide other assistance. JTC identified this unique “Blessing Buckets” opportunity for us to assist them as part of their first response, and we are grateful for the vision of our United District WMA President Jessica Haden in challenging us to partner with JTC in this way.

      At our last meeting in July, we set our hearts on meeting this need with a goal to provide 100 buckets and the Lord supplied! Lowe’s in Conway graciously donated 80 5-gallon buckets with lids and Tractor Supply Co. in Morrilton donated 20. A blessing not planned was that the donated buckets were red, white and blue! We are very grateful for the support of these neighboring businesses as they partnered with us to meet the needs of those impacted by disasters.

      The district churches and church members gathered their contributions of Bibles, gospel tracts, cleaning supplies, gloves, paper towels, garbage bags, flashlights and first aid kits and rejoiced together in filling the buckets. Over $600 was also collected for JTC. More information on JTC can be found at justhecrumbsministries.com.

      Please continue to pray for the JTC ministry and prayerfully consider how the Lord might use you, your church or your district WMA to meet these needs.

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