Henderson’s First Free Will Baptist Church hosted the East Texas District Women Active for Christ meeting on September 16, 2017.
By Mitzi Burks (First, Henderson)
Judy Smith, Acting President, took care of business with new officers being elected for 2018-2019:
Coordinator — Mitzi Burks
Assistant Coordinator — Judy Smith
Secretary/Treasurer — Rita Brinkley
Mission Prayer Coordinator — Elsa Anderson
Mitzi Burks shared Elizabeth Hodges’ WNAC 2017 Celebration Report, reviewing the Lord’s accomplishments through women this past year.
Dr. Jan Banks spoke on ‘Redeeming Personal Devotions’ and a fellowship luncheon followed. Below are excerpts from Dr. Banks presentation. The entire presentation can be viewed on You Tube.
Probably all of us have struggled with personal devotions on occasion. Personal devotions are what we’re “supposed to do” as Christ followers; however, they may have become ritualistic, lost meaning, or not grown as they should have. Devotions are expressions of the relationship we have with the Lord, a time to be with the Lord for Him to speak to us, for us to listen and respond. Jesus has already redeemed our personal relationships when He died on the cross, but maybe our personal devotions need improvement, so they can be all that thy were meant to be, to reach their true worth.
How do we redeem personal devotions?
1) Pray
We’ve got to pray. “Lord help me, draw me; Lord, I want to know You more! Thank you for the privilege of talking to You, but I want more, Lord I want to know you more in this life.”
2) Plan
Determine the best time in the day for you, this will be different for every person. Schedule the time – we schedule everything else – doctor’s appointments, work, children pick-up, etc. And don’t belittle this relationship with the Lord. Unplugged, uninterrupted time! If someone calls and asked if you are busy, say, “Yes; I’ll call you back later, if this is not an emergency.” Remember in your planning, you need a Bible, pen, electronic device, notebook, journal, and yourself. God will be with You– you may not feel His presence, but He will be with you.
3) Stick to it!
Jesus made this possible and He will give you the help to do it!
What are the benefits of redeeming personal devotions?
1) A greater closeness to God and improved trust in God.
Psalm 145:18; Proverbs 3:5-6; James 4:8. Trusting in God and trusting God are two different things; trust God with our selves when difficult situations arise; we will get through this and it will be okay.
2) Grow more into likeness of Christ; godliness
Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; I Timothy 4:7-8. The closer we get to the Lord the more we become like Jesus. The Holy Spirit changes us. The more time you spend with God the more you become like Him.
3) Transformed mind/mind-heart ‘being’ transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:1-2. The Holy Spirit changes us. Change what goes into your mind; replace with what is healthy, Godly. His Holy Spirit changes us and transforms us to be more like Jesus.
4) Peace/relief in spite of trials, difficulties, challenges
Philippians 4:4-8. Memorize scripture. We can do it and the Holy Spirit will help us to do it. What do you think about these days? What do you meditate on?
Dr. Banks challenged us to read the Gospels, the stories of Jesus, His life, His teachings, and to linger. What did we hear the Lord say? We can read the Word, but what did we hear Him say? And do not make excuses! When Susanna Wesley pulled her apron over her head, that meant she was in prayer and couldn’t be disturbed. She had 19 biological children; John & Charles Wesley were two of her children who reached millions of souls for Christ. Susanna made daily time with the Lord and we can to! Ask the Lord to help you figure out the time, He will.
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