Gerald W. Nash Jr.
chaplain
Second Baptist
Conway

Job 1:1-3, 8, 11, 20-22; 2:7, 9-10

A few months ago my daughter-in-law was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer. Because his wife is a faithful Christian, my son couldn’t understand why God would allow this. 

I told him the truth: “I really don’t know.” 

Job was the most righteous and godly man in the world (Job 1:8; 2:3), and he suffered (Job 1:13-19; 2:7). Satan accused God of having a hedge of protection around Job (Job 1:9-10). He argued if God would remove His protection from him, Job would curse Him (Job 1:11). God allowed Satan to strike Job but not to harm his person (Job 1:12). The results were devastating. Job lost all his livestock, servants and his children. 

In spite of these devastating losses, Job says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21, NKJV). 

Job did not lash out at God, nor did he sin (Job 1:22).

Later God allows Satan to strike Job’s body so long as he spared his life (Job 2:5-6). Satan strikes Job’s entire body with boils (Job 2:7). 

In Job 2:9, Job’s wife asks, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” 

In Job 2:10, Job responds, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” 

Does Job ever ask, “Why?” Yes, in the form of complaints. God isn’t listening to him (Job 13:3). God is punishing him (Job 6:4). And, God is allowing the wicked to prosper (Job 21:7). After much debate, God weighs in and speaks about His power, wisdom and sovereignty. He makes no personal reference to Job’s personal suffering. Why? He wants Job not to focus on his suffering, but to focus on what he can learn from his suffering. He wants to teach Job that He is sovereign over Job’s life (Job 37:23-24). 

Rather than asking, “Is this really happening to me?” perhaps the better question is, “Now that this is happening to me, Lord, what do You want me to learn?”

George Sims
member
South Highland Baptist
Little Rock

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 2:15-17; 3:6-7, 14-19, 23-24

God existed in the beginning, but mankind did not. Man had a point of beginning along with all the rest of creation. God had purpose in all He did, and He gave purpose to man. He was to rule over all that had been created by God. Man also had the special distinction of being created in God’s image. He had potential to live, love and relate to his Creator in a special way.

Man’s assigned activity was clearly stated when he was placed in the garden to care for it. He could eat freely from the fruit of the garden, but he was restricted from eating from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Gen. 2:17). Man knew all of the good provision of God by experience. Knowledge of evil could only come from experience, as well. Once the man and woman rationalized that the forbidden fruit was good and ate it, their eyes were opened to evil by their experience of disobedience toward God.

Relationships that had been so wholesome were now broken. They felt that they had to hide from God. The serpent, part of God’s creation, was cursed for its part in tempting them. For the woman, pain in childbirth would be accompanied by a changed relationship to her husband. The man had traded the free and generous provision of God for the struggles of cultivating his food. His end would be to return to the dust from which he had been created.

Although banished from the garden and prevented from returning to the “tree of life” (Gen. 3:22) by his own efforts, there is promise of eternal life in the story of the fall. Through the gracious act of sending the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, God provided the way for man to overcome sin and rebellion and to return to a relationship with God who loved His creation.

We all experience the fall in our lives as we choose to rebel against God. Only by coming to believe in Jesus Christ can we return to God by having the barrier of sin removed.

Frances Raley
minister of adult education
First Baptist
Benton

Titus 2:1-15

Tom Rainer, in an article he wrote called “Seven Common Comments Non-Christians Make About Christians” states that non-Christians say, “I really can’t tell what a Christian believes because he doesn’t seem much different than other people I know. The only exception would be Mormons. They really seem to take their beliefs seriously.” 

That is a sad commentary about how we are living out our faith in the world today. 

We all know people who come to church on Sunday and talk the talk, but later we find out that they act quite differently Monday through Saturday. 

The people of Crete knew there were new converts living among them, and they were watching to see what it meant to be a Christ follower. For this reason, Paul begins the final chapter of Titus with further instructions on how the Christians were to live their lives so that unbelievers would be drawn to their God.

Not much has changed. We live in a culture that is increasingly questioning anything to do with Christianity. They need to see people whose lives have been transformed by their faith in Jesus Christ. When I married my husband, I took his name. He can either be proud or embarrassed that I wear his name – it will depend on my actions. When I became a Christian, I took Christ’s name, and how I act can either bring glory or shame to His name. We need to be challenged to live in a constant awareness that people are watching how we act and listening to what we say.

We were made for good work. Galatians 6:9-10a reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” 

May our prayer be that God will give us eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of people and seek to serve Him wholeheartedly by serving others and meeting their needs. Then God is glorified.

Jim Monroe
associate pastor
First Baptist
White Hall

Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:5-6, 17

When I was in college, my best friend and I were roommates. One day we had a conversation that infuriated me. However, after I cooled down, I realized the wisdom of his reprimand. I was involved in an unhealthy relationship that was affecting my grades and negatively impacting my future. I couldn’t see this for myself; it took someone who cared for me to see the situation objectively and take steps to correct it.

He didn’t have to intervene in a situation that didn’t involve him. But because he cared for me and my well being, he risked our friendship to do what was right. We continue to be best friends to this day and I’m grateful for his lovingly harsh words from over 30 years ago.

As we conclude the study in Proverbs about extraordinary relationships, we’re looking at giving others what they really need. Sometimes our friends need encouragement. Often they need our support. At other times, they need to be reprimanded. A rebuke is something we don’t enjoy giving or receiving, but a true friend is willing to have difficult conversations with a friend in a loving, yet firm, way.

You may have hundreds of friends on a social media site, but we all need that person in our lives who is “a friend who stays closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24b). This is the friend who “loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17a) and wants the best for you, even if it involves an unpleasant conversation.

When my friend spoke with me, his words were “an open reprimand” and “wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:5-6). I didn’t like what I heard, but it was needed. Our friendship has matured as we continue to encourage each other and speak words of correction when needed. We continue to sharpen each other as “iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17). Is there someone whom you need to lovingly reprimand? Whom do you allow to speak harsh truth into your life?

Frances Raley
minister of adult education
First Baptist
Benton

Titus 2:1-15

As a child, did you ever challenge your friends to “walk this way,” which meant they were to mimic you as you walked in funny, roundabout ways. Basically it was a game of follow-the-leader. It was a fun game to participate in and was also entertaining to observe. Even a baby will intently watch the face of his mother and mimic her. This is how babies learn; they watch and mimic. 

In Titus 2, Paul is telling Titus to issue the challenge to “walk this way.” Once again, Paul lists traits that are to be reflected in the lives of believers, as well as traits or habits that should not be a part of a Christian’s life. In turn, he instructs that older women are to teach the younger women and the older men to teach the younger men how to live godly lives. In today’s vernacular, he would be encouraging them to be mentors. 

The dictionary defines a “mentor” as “a trusted counselor or guide.” My pastor often reminds us that we only need to be a little further down the road than the person we are leading. When Paul speaks of older women and men, I think he means mature and is referring to their mental and spiritual maturity. Age is not as important as what we have learned and what we have to give.  Esther Burroughs, in her book “A Garden Path to Mentoring,” says, “Mentoring, in many ways, means using the best part of yourself to help another see and become the best that they can be.” 

Our world needs men and women who will pour into others, encouraging and challenging them to live godly lives. I often feel inadequate and wonder what I have to offer. We have a young couple that stays with us often. She truly does want to sit or help as I cook, fold clothes or pull weeds. We talk, laugh and talk about the Lord. Let us all be challenged as Paul challenged Timothy in 1Timothy 4:12b, which says, “But set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 

Be a mentor to someone.

Jim Monroe
associate pastor
First Baptist
White Hall

Proverbs 6:6-11, 16-19, 23-27; Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23

Just over a year ago, a 41-year-old teacher left his wife and three children and moved in with his 18-year-old former student. 

In a TV interview, the teacher said, “My family is disappointed in me. … I’m just following my heart.” 

As we saw in the first lesson this month, our hearts are not to be trusted (Jer. 17:9). Instead, God’s children are called to “guard your heart above all else” (Prov. 4:23a).

Following your heart comes naturally. Guarding your heart takes discipline and is not easy. It is discipline that molds us into people of integrity. Trustworthy and hardworking people of integrity are lacking in the world. Today’s lesson from Proverbs 6 instructs us to work diligently, using an ant as an example (Prov. 6:6-11). Christian, are you a diligent worker, or a slacker (Prov. 6:9)? Laziness comes naturally; working diligently takes discipline.

I did a quick Internet search on, “What qualities do you look for in a friend?” As I glanced through several pages, I noticed four answers that topped the responses: honesty, respect, compassion and loyalty. These qualities help shape us into a person others need. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists negative traits that the Lord hates, including lying (Prov. 6:17, 19a), making trouble (Prov. 6:19b) and scheming to do evil (Prov. 6:18). These behaviors come naturally. Being a person of integrity takes discipline.

The last section deals with exhibiting purity (Prov. 6:23-27). Following our sinful hearts can have catastrophic consequences. In the area of sexual purity, it is most important to guard your heart. When women read novels or men view pictures arousing desire meant to be shared solely with their spouse, they are playing with fire and will get burned (Prov. 6:27).  

I encourage you not to “go with the flow” or follow your heart. Be a person of integrity. Guard your heart. Be the person God wants you to be and the person others need.

Frances Raley
minister of adult education
First Baptist
Benton

Titus 1:1-16

Recently, we hired a new staff member. Though he has been in ministry as long as I have, he has come to me with questions and to ask for help. Why? Because I’ve been on staff at our church for 18 years, and I know our folks, as well as how we do things. I’ve answered questions about people, such as who is related to whom, and  we’ve talked about who does what and where things are located. Hopefully, I’ve made his transition easier.

We all seek out people in life who can help point us in the right direction. We look for someone to guide us as we are finding our way. But the questions that must be asked are: “Who is this person I am asking for help?” “Can they be trusted?”  “Is their information accurate?”  

What if this new staff member had asked these questions of someone who was mad or jealous? Misinformation from an untrustworthy source could have ruined his hope for a good start in his new position.

In this week’s lesson, Paul left Titus on the island of Crete to help the churches put into place qualified and functioning leaders. Paul took this very seriously because he knew that future and spiritual health of the church would be determined by who would be leading the church. Just like in today’s world, people can be easily led astray by false teaching and so it’s still important to make sure that leaders are qualified to lead.

In Titus 1:1-16, we find lists of both positive traits a leader should have, as well as negative traits they should not have. If you have been asked to serve in a position of leadership or if you are in a position of enlisting leaders in your church, let me encourage you to use these verses as either a self-inventory or an enlistment guideline. Leadership is a high calling, and Timothy 2:15 (NIV) reminds us, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 

Jim Monroe
associate pastor
First Baptist
White Hall

Proverbs 31:10-12, 15-20, 25-31

You’ve probably heard the expression “lipstick on a pig.” This means any attempt to change the character of something by merely making outward, cosmetic changes is futile. A pig with lipstick is still a pig.

Similarly, we often attempt to enhance our image with a visible makeover. 

Proverbs 31:30 warns us, that “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

Our attempt at wearing “lipstick” (charm and beauty) does not change our character.  

I recently attended the funeral of a senior saint whom I never met; she was the grandmother of one of my fellow staff members. She was a humble Sunday school teacher who saw many things in her 95 years. Her Christian legacy includes four ministers, a Gideon, deacons, Awana workers and worship leaders. I could tell by the testimonies of the grandchildren that this woman truly loved the Lord. Due to her strong Christian character, no one had to stretch the truth when talking about her. Instead, her Christian life allowed this verse to be fulfilled at her funeral: “Her sons rise up and call her blessed” (Prov. 31:28).

The characteristics of a woman who fears the Lord are given throughout this last chapter of Proverbs. She is trustworthy (Prov. 31:11). Her wise use of money allows her to help provide for her family (Prov. 31:16-19). She is sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate (Prov. 31:20). Hard work does not scare her (Prov. 31:15, 19 and 27). Her wisdom allows her to correct with “loving instruction”( Prov. 31:26).

Male or female, we should all strive to have the characteristics outlined in Proverbs 31. 

But remember, the activities listed in this chapter come from a character changed by Christ. We can’t change our character by doing good deeds. That would be like putting lipstick on a pig.

Gayla Parker
women’s ministry leader
Lifeway Baptist
Little Rock

2 Timothy 4:1-18

“Go for broke!” 

Really? Who wants to go broke? Most of us have been taught to always “hold a little something back” for a rainy day. Financially, that is wise advice, but regarding the way we live life for Christ … maybe not so wise. 

When I was a high school and college student, I taught gymnastics. As an instructor in the advanced classes, I would often say, “Girls, go for broke. If you hold anything back, you will get hurt.” 

The principles I taught in gymnastics are some of the same principles we learn from Paul in 2 Timothy 4. Paul writes to Timothy about what is required to be persistent in one’s faith to the end and go for broke!

Stay focused. On the balance beam, focus is essential to stay on the beam. In our spiritual journey, focus is essential to stay on course. 

Paul said, “keep your head in all situations” (2 Tim. 4:5). 

Do not be distracted by those around you who may no longer listen to or practice the truth of Scripture (2 Tim. 4:3). Instead keep your focus on the One who is truth, Jesus.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice tones one’s body, grows confidence and builds endurance. An athlete that has practiced is ready “in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). As believers, our practice comes in the form of Bible study, prayer, worship and sharing God’s Word spontaneously. Together those things prepare us to serve at any given moment in any circumstance – “in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). Practice builds confidence. Confidence builds endurance. Endurance builds persistence. 

Go for broke! Paul went for broke in his spiritual journey. He gave his all for the sake of Christ with no hesitation. He was persistent to the end (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Today, there are six billion people without Christ. To reach them will require following Paul’s advice, persisting to the end – a goal worthy of going for broke!

Jim Monroe
associate pastor
First Baptist
White Hall

Proverbs 3:5-7

About 20 years ago, I was a successful mainframe computer programmer. I loved my job with outstanding benefits and was quickly climbing the ladder in my chosen field. I was also quite active in a small Southern Baptist church. As deacon chair, Sunday school teacher and volunteer music minister, I kept quite busy. It was during this prime time in my life that I felt God calling me into full-time Christian ministry.

It didn’t make sense to me, though. My wife and I were comfortable with the life we created with our second-grade daughter. Through this, I was sensing God wanted me to attend seminary, but I didn’t know how I would support my family. I worried about my daughter’s well-being and adjusting to a different school. I was also concerned about our church because our absence would leave many leadership holes. I was probably most anxious about my small-town wife driving in Fort Worth!

It was at this critical time in our lives when we had to decide whether to continue doing what was comfortable or follow God’s leadership. Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us to trust in the Lord, not our own wisdom and understanding. To trust someone completely means to be wholly yielded and obedient to them. We don’t often think about this, but trust involves obedience. If you say, “I’ll obey later,” it’s the same as not obeying. Delayed obedience equals disobedience.

Society says, “Follow your heart,” but today’s passage tells us not to rely on our own wisdom, because “the heart is more deceitful than anything else” (Jer. 17:9). Our complete trust is to be placed only in God. Trusting and following our heart places our wisdom above God’s wisdom.

Remember, if God can be trusted with your eternal destiny, He can certainly be trusted with your today. Before working on our relationships with others, we need to make sure our relationship with God is right. Love Him. Trust Him. Obey Him.