Author: WWNTBM

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Are You Healthy Enough?

by John O’Malley

Is your mental and emotional state healthy enough to be an effective witness in your community right now? Are you in a good place mentally and emotionally for your family and ministry?

These are questions I ask myself from time to time.

Are you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually prepared for the Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day season? Whether there are holidays upon us or not, it is good to take such inventory.

The emotional distance between family in America and home on your mission field creates mental anxiety. This anxiety can be resolved in Christ and His word. The season between now and New Year’s Day can exponentially magnify this distance. Take heed.

In the spirit of the season of giving thanks and gifts, I urge you to find an hour with the Lord as you enter this season.

      • Synchronize your mind with the mind of Christ.
      • Set reasonable boundaries for your time.
      • Establish a goal to do one thing with your family that demonstrates their value to you.
      • Take time for your spouse.
      • Choose a passage from the word of God to memorize.

I am concerned for you as a missionary. I am concerned for your well-being and emotional longevity. It is proper to assess how we are thinking, on what we are thinking, and our overthinking, which creates anxiety.

Please consider these matters.

Yours for the harvest,

John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

 

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From the Memo Board: December 2023

Dates to Know

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations

December 5 – All prayer letters the Office assists in mailing via PrayerLetters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 10 – Those who normally receive funds on the 10th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

December 15 – Missionaries on an R-1 Visa will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

December 15 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or if you will need a deposit between Christmas and the end of the year. This allows us time to schedule your deposit around bank holidays and the office being closed.

December 18 – All prayer letters the Office assists in sending via MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 21-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas. The Office will reopen on December 28th.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries (except those on an R-1 Visa) will receive they final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – Missionaries on an R-1 Visa will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 29 – Those who normally receive funds on the 29th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

February 5 – those who normally receive funds on the 5th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

Special Support Dates

Due to the holidays, and to allow sufficient time for year-end contributions and necessary tax procedures, coming support days will be adjusted. We have taken proactive steps to assist you, should you have a need. Please note that all regular deposit dates after December 15 will be adjusted. Please refer to the dates above for special support dates.

Please note that during a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. This gives us several days to process month-end items in preparation for a 29th or 5th Deposit. However, due to year-end receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December. We are unable to close the books for December until January 10, to allow time for donations postmarked in 2023 to arrive in our office. As a result, we do not have final December income totals until January, and without those totals, we are unable to make the regular support deposits for December 29, January 5, or January 10. Therefore, all missionaries (except those on an R-1 visa) will receive their final December support on January 12, regardless of what day they normally receive funds. This deposit will likely be higher than normal. However, this means that deposits at the end of January will likely be lower than normal. Please be sure to plan ahead for this!

Upcoming Financial Reports for US Missionaries

Please prepare now to ensure that your year-end financial reports are submitted on time. October reports are due December 1, November reports are due January 1, and December reports are due January 15. If it is possible for you to submit reports before the due dates, that would greatly assist our staff. Please note it is fine to submit a report without waiting for the Line 1 income figure. We can add that for you as needed. Reports should be submitted to [email protected]. Please be sure to include all receipts for expenses $75 and over at the same time you submit your report so there are no delays in processing. Thank you for your help in these areas.

Uplift Podcast

The Greatness of God – His Eternality by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Self-Existence by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Sovereignty by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Omnipresence and Omniscience by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Omnipotence by Allen Mercer

 

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An Open Letter to Two Couples I Do Not Know

by John O’Malley

A friend asked in an online ministry forum:
“I have two young couples that are just preparing to start deputation. They have both been seeking help and advice on things they should know or do. What do you wish someone had told you when you were first starting out?”

Dear Couples interested in serving Christ,
I am thrilled to hear of your desire to serve the Lord. Your calling distinguishes you and will dispatch you to a place unfamiliar and to a people unknown.
Your friend said you seek advice about missionary service. Here is my advice to you:

    1. Give more than you take.
    2. Love more than you are given love.
    3. Pursue excellence.
    4. Show your heart; people will catch your vision.
    5. Give grace to everyone, including yourselves.
    6. Be honest with statistics. Remember, it’s the call of God that validates you. Your statistical data does not validate your need to be on your field.
    7. Meet each week with your pastor.
    8. Stay in the Word.
    9. Consider your family’s spiritual growth if you are preaching the same message each week.
    10. Tell God everything. He listens.
    11. When asked about hardships, speak of blessings: light afflictions last moments.
    12. When asked to speak of the worst experience, speak of the reward of serving. Plumbers have bad experiences too. One bad day of deputation is better than 10 seconds in Hell.
    13. Schedule time for fun.
    14. Discipline your children at home so the children only need a calm word for guidance.
    15. Eat with discipline, discernment, and discretion.
    16. Schedule 90% of your meetings within a 300-mile radius of your home.
    17. Smile.
    18. Live and act as if you serve the Sustainer of life. You do. Do all things with this awareness. He loves you.
    19. Give 40 hours per week to contacting churches for support. The people who support you will work forty hours per week at their job.
    20. Slothfulness is a sin.
    21. Love God.
    22. Love Others.
    23. Never seek revenge. “If you can revenge yourself, DON’T. If you could do it as easily as open your hand, keep it shut. If one bitter word could end the argument, ask for grace to spare that bitter word.” (Spurgeon)
    24. Never criticize. Ever.
    25. Never gossip. Ever.

What is your advice?

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

 

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From the Memo Board: November 2023

Dates to Know

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 10 – Most US banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 23-24 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations

December 5 – All prayer letters the Office assists in mailing via PrayerLetters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 15 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or the end of the year.

December 18 – All prayer letters the Office assists in sending via MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 21-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas. The Office will reopen on December 28th.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries will receive they final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

Year-End Adjustments

During a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. This means that you receive your Support List and total income figures on or about the 25th, and we then deposit funds into your account(s) on the 29th, 5th, or 10th of the month after we have calculated estimated taxes, tithes, and other month end payments.

Due to receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December, as we are required by law to process funds that were postmarked in December as if they were received in December. This means we cannot close the books for December until January 10th, and therefore we do not have final December figures until January 10th.

What does this mean for you?

      • Please contact our office by December 15 if you will need funds in your account before the end of the year. This helps our staff plan for all transfers before we close for the Christmas holiday.
      • The last day we can initiate a bank transfer in the year 2023 is December 20.
      • Final transfers of December funds (after all estimated taxes and tithes have been calculated) will be made for January 12th, 2024, regardless of the day you usually receive your monthly support.
      • Please be aware that your December support total may be higher than normal, while your January support total may be lower than normal. Please be sure to plan ahead for this!

Upcoming Financial Reports for US Missionaries

Please prepare now to ensure that your year-end financial reports are submitted on time. October reports are due December 1, November reports are due January 1, and December reports are due January 15. If it is possible for you to submit reports before the due dates, that would greatly assist our staff. Please note it is fine to submit a report without waiting for the Line 1 income figure. We can add that for you as needed. Reports should be submitted to [email protected]. Please be sure to include all receipts for expenses $75 and over at the same time you submit your report so there are no delays in processing. Thank you for your help in these areas.

Year-End Prayer Letter Services

If the office assists in mailing your prayer letters through PrayerLetters.com, please send us your information by December 5th for your recipients to receive it before Christmas.

If we assist with your MailChimp emails only, please get us your information by December 18th in order for your recipients to receive them by the end of the year. Please be aware that letters received in our office after these days may experience delays due to the holidays. Please plan the timing of your letters accordingly, and contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you!

Our Office will resume processing prayer letters on January 2, 2024.

Family Fellowship Week

We are beginning preparations for Family Fellowship Week 2024, which will once again be held at the Caraway Conference Center near Asheboro, NC. Our missions family greatly enjoys this quiet retreat location, which allows all services, lodging, meals, and activities to take place in one place.

Our next meeting will be held April 8-12, 2024. Please make plans to join us! Please watch your email for registration information in the next few days. Final reservations need to be communicated to the office by February 1, 2024.

This is a time to gather for fellowship and encouragement. Meals, lodging, and child care are provided. Attendees should plan to stay the entire week, beginning Monday afternoon, and ending after the Thursday evening service. (Lodging Thursday night and breakfast Friday morning are provided, but guests are welcome to leave Thursday evening if they wish.) There will be preaching and teaching sessions in the morning and evening, with free time in the afternoons. The week provides opportunities to rub shoulders with fellow servants from around the world in all stages of ministry. Please plan to join us.

Uplift Podcast

Trust God’s Plan by Cody Carden

Holiness Part 1 by Cody Carden

Holiness Part 2 by Cody Carden

Holiness Part 3 by Cody Carden

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From the Memo Board: October 2023

Dates to Know

October 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

October 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

October 9 – Most US banks will be closed for Columbus Day.

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 10 – Most US banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 23-24 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations

December 5 – All prayer letters the Office assists in mailing via PrayerLetters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 15 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or the end of the year.

December 18 – All prayer letters the Office assists in sending via MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 21-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas. The Office will reopen on December 28th.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries will receive they final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

Year-End Prayer Letter Services

If the office assists in mailing your prayer letters through PrayerLetters.com, please send us your information by December 5th for your recipients to receive it before Christmas.

If we assist with your MailChimp emails only, please get us your information by December 18th in order for your recipients to receive them by the end of the year. Please be aware that letters received in our office after these days may experience delays due to the holidays. Please plan the timing of your letters accordingly, and contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you!

Our Office will resume processing prayer letters on January 2, 2024.

New Missionaries

Stephen and Jenifer Minion have been accepted with World Wide as our newest missionaries to Brazil. They are sent out of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Shelby, NC, with Pastor Jim Davidson. The Minions are graduates of Ambassador Baptist College, and Stephen has served as an assistant pastor at Maranatha BC for the past five years. They have three daughters: Shiloh (4), Tirzah (3), and Keziah (1). Stephen is brother-in-law to our former Office Assistant Holly Minion. Jenifer is sister to our missionary Jed Duarte. Their goal is to begin deputation early next year. Please pray for them as they transition to this new ministry.

Uplift Podcast

Family Fellowship Week – The Gospel’s Hope by Tim Daniel

Family Fellowship Week: A Door of Hope by John O’Malley

God is our Refuge by Cody Carden

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What Have I Learned in 39 Years of Ministry?

by John O’Malley

Thirty-nine years ago this month, I began in ministry. On the anniversary of this event, I decided to write what I learned. I wrote these lessons to help me process, reflect, and remember the goodness of God over these years.

I know I can say with confidence thirty-nine years later:

    1. I chose not to see the scars, just the grace applied.
    2. I decided not to feel the bruises, just the mercy received.
    3. I chose not to remember pains, just the healing.
    4. I stood by gravesides and knew God’s comfort.
    5. I sat with the dying and knew hopeful sorrow.
    6. I sat with the grieving and saw their grace in grief.
    7. I was blessed to have friends and receive their forgiveness.
    8. I was blessed to walk the most challenging paths but was never alone.
    9. I was blessed to know a real friend.
    10. I learned that an enemy’s view of me is not God’s.
    11. I learned those who made themselves enemies can become teachers, helpers, and friends.
    12. I received mercy when I erred with friends.
    13. I received grace for my faults and failures from friends.
    14. I saw betrayal and loyalty from the same person.
    15. I learned hurt can become hope.
    16. I learned disappointment can become a classroom.
    17. I learned that the truth from the inner circle is better than flattery from any source.
    18. I knew love because of my wife.
    19. I held life’s greatest joy: the birth of a child.
    20. I saw God enlarged my heart when I met our daughter-in-law.
    21. I shed unfamiliar tears upon the news of a granddaughter joining our family.
    22. I learned life’s greatest treasures are the relationships made.
    23. I learned the greatest gift you can give your spouse, family, ministry, and supporters is being mentally and emotionally healthy and self-aware.
    24. I learned prayer is the best response.
    25. I learned it is best to believe in others.
    26. I found forgiveness is better.
    27. I found life is too precious to spend time pouting.
    28. I learned when uncertain to do the next right thing.
    29. I discovered a child’s smile is life-giving.
    30. I learned failures are not final.
    31. I learned forgiveness is a choice.
    32. I learned I do not need a man’s approval.
    33. I learned holding the same doctrinal position is more straightforward than changing positions.
    34. I learned a friend stays.
    35. I learned that when God pauses my plans, He works out His plan.
    36. I learned believing in people inspires them.
    37. I learned responding in kind is different from responding with kindness.
    38. I learned the cruelest and kindest words can come from the same people, including me.
    39. I learned childhood wounds do not have to hinder you; they can help you.
    40. I learned that I choose when I can get over whatever hurt me.
    41. I found remembering the delights of the Lord is better than remembering life’s disappointments.
    42. I learned the hope of watching God work tomorrow is better than today’s frustration.
    43. I learned discouragement is a luxury I cannot afford.
    44. I know God is faithful.
    45. I know God gives emotions.
    46. I know God can.
    47. I know God uses afflictions.
    48. I know God’s word is true.
    49. I know to everything, there is a season.
    50. I know applying grace is easier than holding a grudge.

Does one of these lessons resonate with you? What lessons have you learned that you want to share with me? I would love to read them.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

 

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Waiting on God, Whose Timeline is Longer than Our Own

by John O’Malley

God inhabits a place called eternity.
We occupy a space called the present.
God, Who dwells in eternity, can work in your present.
The contrast between your daily life and His work creates an exciting dynamic for man and a tension between our now and His when.
This tension will create either a dependency on Him or ourselves.
Wait for Him; He’s worth it.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

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The Homegoing of Pastor Stanley Cline

Stanley Cline
September 20, 1934 – August 2, 2023
 

Stanley B. Cline was born on September 20, 1934. He was raised in a fundamental Baptist church and was privileged to grow up hearing men like Harry Ironside; Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.; Frank Logsdon; Jacob Gartenhaus; and Herbert Lockyer preach. Missions was the heartbeat of his home church and helped to shape his view of ministry.

He married Eunice Marvine Sanders on July 3, 1953. After serving in business for 12 years, the Lord led him to pastor the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salisbury, NC. While pastoring, he began holding mission conferences at the church and assisted many missionaries in getting to the field. In 1985, the Clines visited Micronesia on a survey trip, and they joined WWNTBM in March of 1988.

The Clines arrived on the island of Majuro in the Marshal Islands in May of 1990, where he pastored the Majuro Independent Baptist Church until 2002. He began radio station V7AA and started the Majuro Baptist Christian Academy during his pastorate. The work was turned over to national pastor Helmer Lang in 2003, and the Clines returned to the United States. They remained in close contact with the ministry in Majuro, encouraging the church, raising funds, and helping to find teachers for the school.

For the next 11 years, the Clines represented WWNTBM as Deputation Director in churches, colleges, and conferences. They were able to return to Majuro in 2011 for MBCA’s first graduation ceremonies. Brother Cline filled the pulpit for many churches in the US, and they helped establish a Spanish ministry in their home church. They served as furlough replacements for missionaries in Grenada, British Columbia, South Korea, Italy, and Aruba. In 2014, the Lord led him to take the pastorate of the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Timberville, VA.

Brother Cline went to be with his Lord on August 2, 2023. He is survived by Marvine, his wife of 70 years, and their three children: Margaret (Joseph) Pierce, Daniel (Susan) Cline, and Mark (Diana) Cline, as well as nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on August 7 at Shenandoah Baptist Church in Verona, VA.

“Well done, My good and faithful servant,
Great is your reward!
You have been faithful, now your race is run –
Well done, My servant, well done!”
– Cindy Berry

Condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected].

 

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From the Memo Board: September 2023

Dates to Know

September 1 – July Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

September 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

September 4 – The Office, and most US Banks, will be closed in recognition of Labor Day.

October 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

October 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC

Financial Report Reminder

As we enter the last quarter of the year, thoughts turn to year-end tax procedures. Many people begin thinking of last-minute deductions that will affect them. If you anticipate making large ministry purchases and you desire the purchase to be a deduction in the year 2023, you may wish to make the purchase by the end of November. Because of the way our 1099s are calculated, December expenses are “reimbursed” out of January income, so the tax benefit on your 1099 would actually be considered a 2024 reimbursement. Regardless of when the purchase is made, you will still receive a tax benefit. However, we wanted you to be aware of these deadlines as you plan your expenses over the next few months.

Uplift Podcast Episodes

Family Fellowship Week – Groaning in Hope by Danny Whetstone

Family Fellowship Week – The Psalmist’s Hope by Gene Krachenfels

Family Fellowship Week – Jeremiah’s Hope by Barry Goodman

Family Fellowship Week – Don’t Lose Hope by Jeremy Lockhart

Family Fellowship Week – The Scriptures’ Hope by David Fulp

Family Fellowship Week – The Finisher’s Hope by Chad Estep

 

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A High View of God

by John O’Malley

In my recent studies on developing a high view of God, I began my study with John the Baptist. I started with John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

You cannot have a high view of God without realizing:

    • Your life must be about Christ and His cross.
    • You must make room for God on the throne of your life.
    • Submission to God is your goal.
    • You can measure your high view of God by the depth and breadth of respect for God.

A high view of God means:

    • I respect His name and nature.
    • I revere who He is in creation and salvation.
    • I submit to His holiness and His character.
    • I live by His righteousness and judgments.
    • I know and do His will and live by His Word.

It is easy for leaders, parents, and spouses to default to their training in Theology. We could say, yes, of course, He is God overall. But do we live with a high view of God?

This concept of having a high view of God is not isolated to John the Baptist.

    • Isaiah held a high view of God.
    • The Psalmist held a high view of God.
    • John the Revelator held a high view of God.
    • Job held a high view of God.
    • Nehemiah held a high view of God.
    • Paul held a high view of God.

A high view of God manifests in how I see God, myself through God’s eyes, and others in light of how I see God and myself.

Look around your heart. How much room have you made for God? Does your verbal profession of a high view of God match your walk with God? When you lead your family, is it with a high view of God? When you lead your ministry, is it from a place of reverence for God? Do people see your high view of God when you walk about your community? Does God see your high view of Him? Do you live by all his judgments, statutes, and commands?

May our high view of God set an example to all within our circle of influence.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley