WBFJ Wednesday Word

Wednesday Word for August 3rd

8:37 AM by WBFJ

Over the course of the past 3 years, I have had the distinct privilege of fellowshipping with believers on 3 different continents. While each instance looked extremely different, these experiences also bore remarkable similarities. I always enjoy seeing the unique faces of the Body of Christ in a global perspective.

However, last week I was fortunate to accompany 28 high school student for a mission experience unlike any other just outside of Nashville, TN. Good works and heart-touching experiences were complemented by intentional relationship building and an all-out desire of abandon for the mission call.

Most of our churches and many of our families were likely involved in some sort of mission activity this summer. Here’s hoping that the experience affects our lives beyond the event itself. Making a difference in our own community requires a similar dedication…guess that’s the whole Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria ripple effect of our faith in action. Fortunately, when we invest in the eternal, the dividends are secure!

~Wally

Wednesday Word for July 27th

8:03 AM by WBFJ

I don’t know if you’re like me, but it came as no surprise to hear about the death of rock star Amy Winehouse last weekend. Here’s another unfortunate passing of an entertainer, way too young and whose life was filled with multiple bad choices, thus possible the reason she’s in eternity. Which eternity, we’ll I’m not sure, nor is that for me to judge, but from the lifestyle she led… well you fill in the blank. Her family and friends were said to be shocked to hear the passing of Ms. Winehouse. Really? Why? Who could NOT have seen this coming? Obviously these people are not in touch with reality and their surroundings. It’s sad, so sad. Another wasted life that didn’t have to end like this.

On another sad but lighter note, Dan Peek, former member of the 70’s pop band America also passed away this past weekend. Sometime during the last 70’s Dan committed his life to Christ and actually had a few contemporary Christian hits. He also rewrote, “Lonely People.” It’s comforting to know that Dan is now in the presence of the Lord. It may have been a shock that he died, but I’m sure it’s not a shock to his family and friends to where he is spending eternity. Something for you to quietly think about… Have a great Wednesday.

~Kurt

Wednesday Word for July 20th

6:51 AM by WBFJ

Ever feel the Lord has put a message in your heart for a friend but you question if it was truly from the Father or just something on your mind? I think I am there right now.

As I lay trying to completely wake up the other morning, I kept thinking about the “Wednesday Word”I was to write today. And I kept thinking today’s word would not be universal as it often is…but would be for one person of the Father’s choosing. My second thought was “Lord, what about the other 99?” and my next thought was “they will now think to pray for the one”.

After all that mental exercise I was really ready for some great message but what came to mind was so simple I felt like I’m not going share that. But my heart will never feel satisfied until I share this simple message from the Father for the “one”.

“I know what you have been going through and I know the valley is deep. I know you have tried to climb the mountain out more than once but that too has been very tedious and sometimes almost not worth the effort. And you have failed so often you have lost track of just were you are in the journey. Sometimes you seem just about ready to give up. But I want you to know you are much closer to the summit than you can imagine. If you stop now, you will miss the top and the other side and a whole new world of blessings- more than you can imagine. What you see as the end is very close to being your new beginning. See your journey through. I will never leave you or forsake you.”

So simple a message but maybe the Father felt like it was important enough to deliver it to you this way. I really would like to find out if you are the “one” or maybe one of the “99” who knows someone who needs the encouragement. I even feel encouraged myself just delivering the message.

~ John

Wednesday Word for July 13th

6:49 AM by WBFJ

Music fills our minds and mouths on a regular basis, but sometimes there is a line or a lyric that reaches the heart. A line in a new song heard recently on WBFJ says; “the peace that passes understanding is my song…”

Each of us has a song that defines us, describe our character or pinpoint a certain place in life. That’s one of the joys of music. God uses the creativity of His servants (maybe even out of their pain) to encourage our hearts.

I’m not sure where this hot mid-summer day finds you. But as for me, I truly want to sing that chorus of peace previously mentioned. Things I don’t understand, circumstances over which I have no control and conditions I can’t explain can lead to hopelessness. That is, unless we lean on that peace we cannot define. I know I need it today and my guess is that you do too…

So regardless of the situation, let’s sing together and find rest in the arms that long to hold us…

~ Wally

Wednesday Word for July 6th

6:47 AM by WBFJ

“FREEDOM!!!” What a beautiful word! We have just celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence that took place on July 4, 1776, when the United States declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. I thank God everyday for our armed service men and women that continue to fight for our freedom and especially for those who have paid the ultimate price so that we can live our life the way we choose. There are all kinds of freedoms to want and to have, but the one freedom that we can all have is our spiritual freedom. That is the freedom from sin and death and the freedom to live as God lovingly created us to live. Christ offers us permanent and lasting freedom that touches every aspect of our lives by giving His life on the cross. Freedom is so easy when all we have to do is make it personal by having faith in Jesus Christ.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins...Ephesians 1:7

~Cindy

Wednesday Word for June 29th

6:45 AM by WBFJ

My daughter Carley and I are leaving this Friday for a week in Guatemala to serve on a Caroline's Promise mission team. I am super excited to share this experience with her! There are lots of great reasons to bring your child on a mission trip: they get to experience other cultures, they'll hopefully gain a new appreciation of their own life, they will learn how to be more flexible, not to mention the incredible opportunity you'll have to bond with your child on a mission trip (as soon as they're mature enough), is that by doing so, you are giving him or her a chance to meet Jesus in person.

In Matthew 25 (35&40), Jesus tells his disciples, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me".. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Lets be intentional about providing our children with opportunities to encounter Jesus among the least of these. You don't have to travel internationally to do it, there are plenty of opportunities right her in our community! Just pray about where God would like you to serve and I promise, opportunities will present themselves.

What are your suggestions about places to serve Christ with your kids?! Please, share them with me by email, tami@wbfj.fm.

~Tami

Wednesday Word for June 22nd

7:16 AM by WBFJ

Making memories for a lifetime…

This past weekend Paula and I celebrated our 17^th wedding anniversary…at Carowinds with our daughters.

No romantic dinner for two. No couple’s getaway to a bed and breakfast. We both decided to put aside our anniversary to capture a few more memories with our girls. Just the four of us.

I still want to believe that WE are not getting older. They are!

Bailey, our teenager, just started the driving part of Driver’s Ed. And, Mariah just entered middle school youth group at church! Seriously, the years have absolutely flown by. Reality check, the girls are doing what God intended; they are just growing up and getting older. So, Paula and I are capturing every moment ‘together’ with our girls as much as we can.

James 4:14 says that we “do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

As a parent or a grandparent, as a mentor or as a friend, take every opportunity to spend time with the ones you love. Compared with eternity, our lives on earth are just a ‘vapor’. Seize those special moments each and everyday. And enjoy!

~Verne

Wednesday Word for June 15th

7:14 AM by WBFJ

Do you want to make a difference in God’s kingdom? Do you desire to be used in a mighty way to the glory of Jesus? Do you have high ambitions for yourself in Christ’s body? Then don’t settle for holding a significant position or for being especially prominent. I want to encourage you to raise your sights even higher—make it your goal to be the chief person in the kingdom of God.. And start serving everyone around you.

Jesus told His disciples on several occasions the only way to be great in His kingdom was by serving others. The person that wishes to be great must take on the lowest, others-oriented position in the church and must become a servant to all.

So, here’s a tough, ’you & God’ question … Is there anyone in the church that you would seriously ‘dislike’ serving? Do you still see yourself above certain individuals because of their background, or social status, or financial situation? Then, you are not yet the ‘chief’ in God’s kingdom. Because you’re not serving to ALL.

Here’s the good news, God gives us opportunities every day to serve. Opportunities to seek out the ‘lowliest of these’ and become lower still by serving them. There is no person to small, or sick, or handicapped for you to serve in Jesus’ kingdom .. IF you are spiritually ambitious enough!

~Jeff

Wednesday Word for June 8th

5:28 AM by WBFJ

2 weeks ago tomorrow my mother in love (law) went to be with Jesus. It was a bittersweet time as we watched her breathe her last breath. The sweet was we were so glad that she would no longer be suffering. She would finally be home in heaven. The bitter is that there is a great hole, she is no longer is with us, taking part in our kids lives and ours.

The Lord has such a beautiful way of ministering to us through His word, friends and family. It is especially sweet when he gives you a lesson that you were not expecting.

This past Friday night I dropped my son off at a Going Away Party for an exchange student who had spent her junior year at my son's school. He and I both had the privilege of getting to know Anna from January to now because of a play they were both in. Anna is a delightful young lady from Germany who has brought much to our lives and hopefully we spoke blessings in to her life. I do know that she has been forever changed by her choice to make Jesus Lord of her life. But back to the party, I went in to tell Anna goodbye as well, which was harder than I expected because I began to feel that sense of loss again. I realized that her host family (the Nuttall’s) would be grieving, too, a little different grief than my family and I were doing, but still grieving. This precious girl who had slept in their home, broke bread with them, attended school with their daughters and just lived life with them was leaving. She was leaving what she has known for 9 months, as her life. It was one of those bittersweet moments. Leaving the Nuttall's with a sad heart, but Anna was going home, and everyone was excited for her, too. She had family waiting on the other side and as sad as it was to let her leave, the Nutall’s and Anna knew she would soon be home in Germany, rejoicing with her family, where she belongs.

What a sweet analogy that was for me. My mother in love, Nellie Grey Hilton is on the other side. She was greeted by her Saviour, her mother, father and all those who have gone before her. She is home, her eternal home where she belongs. I know she is dancing with the angels. We will have her memories that will keep her alive in our hearts until we see her again, when we all get home.

Thank you for your love and prayers during this time in our family’s life.

~Bonnie

Wednesday Word for June 1st

5:26 AM by WBFJ

Love Encourages...

“Marriage is not what I expected.” Have you ever thought that? What is it that you want married life to be? Do you want to feel secure, free to be yourself even if/when you fail? Your spouse wants that, too. The bottom line is that it is a choice to live by encouragement rather than by expectations. Towards your spouse you are to be encouraging, pouring in to them words and actions which allow them the freedom to be themselves, feeling loved. Towards yourself, you are to take responsibility for your own words and actions in order to improve yourself, rather than demanding more from others.

Maybe when you were dating, and when you first got married, you thought your spouse was “perfect.” Your expectations were high that you would “live happily ever after.” The fairy tale ended when you discovered that's not realistic.

Love would have us take a different path; one of encouragement, not discouragement. We all tend to respond better to kindness than criticism, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that your spouse is motivated in the same way.

This Saturday, June 4th, Nancy and I will celebrate 23 years of marriage!! And although their have been many more highs than lows, it's during the low times or difficult times that God has really developed the character of our marriage. Nancy is my wife, mother of our two children and best friend. Make a commitment to daily let go of unrealistic expectations and become your spouse’s greatest encourager. And the person they’re created by God to be will begin to emerge with new confidence and love for you.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

~Kurt

Wednesday Word for May 25th

5:22 AM by WBFJ

On a bright and sunny day, like today, I will likely be flying a flag at my home. In fact, I have two separate flags which I love to display.

An American flag and a Christian flag.

Yes, admittedly, I love to show my ‘patriotism’ by displaying ‘Old Glory’ whenever possible. Selfishly, I LOVE this country. But the Apostle Peter reminds me that my citizenship is really in Heaven.

Did you know that as believers, we are considered ‘ambassadors’ to this world? (1 Peter 2:11) As an ambassador, Peter urges us to show proper respect to everyone, live peacefully and submit to authority that God himself has allowed.

Going back to the flags, both have deep meaning. Both flags have red, white and blue as their colors. Yet, each represents a separate allegiance. Honestly, an allegiance that I struggle to balance out at times. A temporary ‘home of the brave’ compared to an eternal existence in a ‘city of gold’ with my Savior.

This weekend as we celebrate Memorial Day, I will likely put out my ‘stars and stripes’ and remember those men and women who ‘paid the ultimate sacrifice' for our freedom in America.

The freedom to do many things: the freedom to fly an American flag, or even a Christian flag, outside of my home.

~Verne

Wednesday Word for May 18th

3:16 AM by WBFJ

"Culture is formed by what we tolerate,” I read. That’s scary because ours is the “tolerant generation”. We are not shocked by much of anything anymore. I notice myself “tolerating” objectionable tv commercials and tv program themes that years ago would even make non-Christians blush.

Think about you, your parents and your children . Can you think of things that your parents “hated”, you “tolerate” and your children are beginning to whole-heartedly embrace.

It’s always the same cycle. One generation abhors and fights against, if necessary. The next generation will tolerate and reluctantly allow, if push comes to shove. And the next generation will totally embrace. Unfortunately, it’s our children and grandchildren that get hurt the most.

I am not talking about pierced ears, fads and superficial things. I am not talking about a return to legalism. I am talking about behavior, attitude, spiritual idolatry and things we personally and as a society are tolerating that are leaving us powerless before the Lord.

And while we are “in this neighborhood” I am not overly worried about “Judgment Day” coming on May 21^st as the local billboard warns. For judgment to come, all that has to happen is the Lord just lets our country reap what it sows. And if we want to change things before it's too late, it’s up to us to start changing what we tolerate.

~John

Wednesday Word for May 11th

3:14 AM by WBFJ

Hello, WBFJ family! I am typing this note from Minneapolis, Minnesota, while I am on a business trip. As a single mom, I have to leave my daughter Lexa behind in the loving care of my parents. Although I know that she is in wonderful hands, I miss her terribly and can’t wait to give her a call, just so I can hear her sweet voice. Being a parent teaches me valuable yet painful lessons regarding my relationship with our heavenly Father. Just as I long to hear my daughter’s voice on the phone, God longs to hear my voice in prayer. At times when He and I are apart, whether I am just too busy to pray or neglect to spend quiet time with Him, I know that God misses me even more than I am missing my daughter right now. As we go through this day taking care of life’s business, let us rejoice in the fact that we have a loving Father, who longs to hear our sweet voice and misses us terribly when we are apart from Him…

~Lana

Wednesday Word for May 4th

11:10 AM by WBFJ

Happy Wednesday!

“Thank You” sometimes seems like an understatement. That’s certainly the situation we find ourselves in following Sharathon, 2011. There are so many of you who helped us this year in a whole host of different ways. Maybe you called in during Prayer and Praise day to tell us how God has worked in your life this year…thank you! Perhaps you joined us for a night of music, fellowship and worship at the Chris August/Sidewalk Prophets concert…thank you! You may have been part of our team of volunteers who helped take calls from listeners making faith promises…thank you! Maybe you were one of those callers, giving sacrificially to support this ministry…thank you! Finally, you may have been one of the thousands of people who joined us in praying that God would continue to provide for the needs of WBFJ…thank you!

If you missed Sharathon last week, we still need and would greatly appreciate your support! Our financial need this year is $600,000 and we received just over $483,000 in faith promises during our 3 days of fundraising. We’d love for you to partner with the thousands of WBFJ listeners right here in our community who have pledged their support to WBFJ this year. You can still make your faith promise and be a part of what God is doing through this ministry by heading on line: http://www.wbfj.fm/sharathon2011.html

And…THANK YOU!!!

~Tami

Wednesday Word for April 27th

11:09 AM by WBFJ

The Eternality of the Temporal…or so it seems. For a split second, the world (not to mention traffic) seems to stop around you. It may be a moment of triumph or tragedy.

Then…almost as quickly, life resumes – with or without you. It’s at times like this when “the walls could speak.” There is a false sense that only the inanimate, nonhuman parts of our world are the ones that will last.

How deceiving is this notion in light of eternity where the exact opposite is true. Those things that seem to outlive us bear not even a semblance of the eternality of the soul.

This week is about sowing seeds into those things that are meant to last. Thank you for choosing to support God’s work through WBFJ. It not only provides a lasting investment, but also creates a partnership as together we engage our community for eternity.

~Wally

Wednesday Word for April 20th

11:02 AM by WBFJ

Wonderful Wednesday to you All!!!!!!!!!
I just wanted to say Thank You for being a part of our WBFJ Family.

Last week Laura Story was in concert at Hanes Mall. It was great to see everyone come out and be blessed. It was a wonderful time of worship and ministry. Her latest song Blessings made me think of you all. How God has blessed us with you being a part of our WBFJ Family. How we have been given the opportunity to share in your lives, to pray with you, believe with you and trust our God with you. What an awesome privilege.
Next week we have our annual Sharathon, April 26th through April 29th. Our Sharathon is what gives us the opportunity to be a part of your lives with concerts, VBS Express, and Cici’s Pizza Pledge to just name a few. How, you may ask, can I be part of Sharathon. We ask that you listen that week, you will be challenged. You will be blessed as you hear testimony after testimony of the life changing ministry that takes place through these airwaves.

The Lord may use you to give financially. We need you!
The Lord may use you to pray for the ministry. We need you!
He may even use you to give of your time. We need you!!!!!
During our 2011 Sharathon, we need over 100 volunteers who will give a couple of hours or more of their time. Your only qualifications: a willing heart, listening ear and legible handwriting. If you say, “Wow” I can do that!!!! Please email me, HYPERLINK "mailto:bonnie@wbfj.fm" bonnie@wbfj.fm. As the volunteer coordinator, I extend a warm welcome to you to come and enjoy this very special time in the life of your WBFJ family!!!!!!

The Master can use what you have to offer,

Though you may consider it small:

His work here on earth is done through His children,

So give Him your best, give your all. –Hess

~Bonnie

Wednesday Word for April 13th

7:50 AM by WBFJ

These are the words that Tony and I vowed to each other on April 12, 1981:

“We choose each other on this most beautiful day of our lives: To love and confide in, to honor and take pride in, to believe and trust in.

We will care for each other and share our lives with each other through the best and the worst that is to be expected throughout the rest

of our eternal lives. Through God’s leadership and guidance, and the direction of the church, our lives together will become fulfilled.

For all these things, we promise each other.”

For 30 years, we have kept this promise to each other and have faced many paths that God has taken us on, not knowing what would happen.

But with His help and leadership, we have become stronger through the rough times, raised two children that we are so very proud of and continue

to follow His lead as He prepares us for yet another path into our retirement years. He has proven over and over again what a GREAT God he is

and we continue to praise Him for all He has done and all we know He will do.

Love….endureth all things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

~ Cindy

Wednesday Word for April 6th

8:31 AM by WBFJ

I believe that your life is complete when you are satisfied with who you are, and where you are in life. I haven’t always been satisfied. Often, I have doubted why certain things were in my life, and why things happened the way they did. I didn’t understand that everything has its season, and all things have their purpose. I didn’t understand that struggles and heartache would make me stronger, and a better person because of it. I also didn’t understand how to live in the moment. I was always so concerned with the future, worrying about the next step I had to take, or living in the past, with fear and regret, instead of learning how to enjoy where I was at the moment. And, let me tell you, living in fear is not really living.

Romans 8:28 says, “…in all things God works to the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Matthew 6:31-34 says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’, or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

    I am determined to make the most of every opportunity, to live life to its fullest, and to live, really live, in every moment of every day. I don’t know about you, but I don’t ever want to miss out on a moment or an opportunity just because I wasn’t paying attention, or I was too concerned with things that I couldn’t change anyways!
     Perhaps you have felt this way at times, or maybe you feel this way now. If you are facing change in your life, you don’t have to be afraid! God has promised that he will never give you more than you can bear, and that he will be with you every step of the way! May we never be afraid to embrace change, and may we be always satisfied, and ever hopeful of what the changes may produce in our lives!

~Abigail

Wednesday Word for March 30th

7:39 AM by WBFJ

What do we make out of the recent trend of the tragic death of teenagers from traffic-related accidents in our community? As the parent of three teens and one who works with more of the same on a weekly basis, it certainly gives cause for concern. While the circumstances surrounding each of these events differs, the commonality is found in a young life cut short – at least as we see it now.

It also makes me wonder if there is more to be found in these young lives than we are sometimes willing to look for. The “hope for tomorrow” or “the church of the future” may be looking beyond what God intends for the present. Perhaps these young lives have significant contributions for today. Scripture and history are filled with examples of young people making a difference for good in their society.

Is youth wasted on the young? Only if we let it…If we believe that God has ordained our days, He has done so for a purpose. Let’s respect that purpose, celebrate that life and give our youth the opportunity to honor and enjoy their Creator.

~WALLY

Wednesday Word for March 23rd

8:54 AM by WBFJ

Many of you, like me for the last week or so have been intrigued by the buzzer beaters and getting caught up in all the "madness" that March brings! And although it's fun and entertaining to watch, many other important issues fill our world. Days after the Japan earthquake, coverage was seemingly on every channel and the networks couldn't even keep up. And then, it seemed like after a week or so, the coverage lessened, but we know the devastation was still there and so real, but it wasn't in the forefront of our minds, let along our hearts. In today's media-filled world, I think we get so desensitized to tragedies like this. It seems so far away and we can't relate; or it won't happen here. According to the latest figures, giving is down (to Japan) nearly 40% given the same amount of time during the Haiti quake. Why? Americans and most of the world see Japan as a wealthy nation as apposed to Haiti as a very poor country. Bottom line here: pray for these people, their families and all the rescue and relief efforts. And if God lays it on your heart to contribute monetary, be there "one shinning moment" this March!! Hey, did someone say NFL lockout?