Month: October 2021

We love being able to partner with incredible ministries like WayFM to help get God’s Word into the hands and hearts of people wanting to better understand who God is and his purpose for their lives. Through our WayFM partnership thousands of our HelpFinder Bibles have been sent out to help people go deeper into Scripture and easily find answers to some life’s toughest questions.

We hope you are as encouraged by Pastor Chad’s words as we are.

by Pastor Chad, Director of Ministries at WayFM

An incredible ministry that we have at WayFM Radio is our Free Bible Ministry, which exists because of our partnership with Tyndale. One of the encouraging elements of this ministry is that we ask people why they need a Bible. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised, but almost every week I am amazed by the varying reasons.

Here are a few reasons from last month:

“My husband, our two children, and I are starting over from scratch after getting out of my family’s toxic home, and I’m not able to get anything from the house, including my Bible. I know I can get a Bible on my phone, but that comes with distractions and I want to give all my attention to God.” Mariah, Panama City, FL

“Mom sent me to my first church camp this summer. Camp Fuego in Louisiana. It was amazing. I came home on fire for Christ. Unfortunately, my Bible has 9 missing books at the back of it. Not sure how it got damaged. Mom says the Word is like food for my soul. Can you send me some ‘food’? My soul is hungry. I am 14 years old.” Billy, Sherman, TX

“I want to start my own spiritual walk with God. As a person raised by Wiccans, I never felt their beliefs reflected who I was, and buying a Bible by myself is a difficult thing to do, including going to church.” Tara, Shelby, MI

“I was homeless and addicted to heroin. I listen to your station and it gives me hope and I have become closer to the Lord! I would like to learn more, but money is really rough right now.” Amy, Louisville, KY

“It’s been too long since I’ve read or studied God’s Word. WayFM has inspired a tugging in my heart to grow closer to God and to learn more about Jesus.” James, Anna, TX

Each month, we gather a group of supporters, listeners, and staff to prepare the Bibles to mail out. Before each Bible mailing, we read many of the stories from the current list and pray that the power of God’s Word will impact the recipients in great ways.

Let us remember the words of Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

The HelpFinder Bible includes an extensive topical index that addresses life’s questions, needs, and concerns. It enables you to quickly and easily find the help you need in God’s Word. Read an expert from the HelpFinder Bible.

Sometimes the noise of life makes it difficult for us to hear God. Maybe we feel he has disconnected himself from us because we’ve let him down, or maybe we don’t feel worthy enough to be in a relationship with him. God loves to be in conversations with his people. He invites us to talk with him. But how does God do that? “How does he communicate with me?” The HelpFinder Bible can help us find answers to questions like this.

Taken from the HelpFinder Bible

The opportunity to communicate with one another has never been easier—from smartphones to the Internet, from e-mail to video conferencing, we are always working to improve our ability to communicate. Why? Because communication is not just important, but essential. We like to keep in touch because it is vital to the quality and success of any relationship, whether it is marriage, friendship, family, or business. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. To know him we must communicate with him, and we must learn to listen as he communicates with us. Only then will we experience a breakthrough in our spiritual lives. The more time we spend communicating with him, the closer and more successful our relationship with him will be. When was the last time you felt in touch with God? How much time do you spend communicating with him?

How does God communicate with me?

• 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 | All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

God communicates with you through his Word, the Bible. Read it daily to keep in touch with him.

• JOHN 1:14 | So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
• HEBREWS 1:1-2 | Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.

God communicates with you through his Son, Jesus Christ. Talk with him often in your day.

• JOHN 14:26 | “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
• ROMANS 8:16 | For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

God communicates with you through his Holy Spirit. Pay special attention to the way he speaks to your heart and spirit.

• JOHN 8:9 | When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.
• ROMANS 2:14-15 | Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.

God communicates with you through your conscience, which is your God-given internal radar to help you know right from wrong. Always listen to your conscience. If you neglect it, it will become dull, and eventually you will no longer hear it.

• ROMANS 1:19-20 | They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
• PSALM 19:1-4 | The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word. . . . Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

God communicates with you through his creation. All nature sings about a majestic God who created rhythm and harmony in the seasons. Nature shouts the power of God in the starry heavens, the roar of thunder, earthquakes, hurricanes, and the glorious snowcapped mountains. But nature also whispers about God’s mindboggling attention to detail in the wings of a butterfly, the endless variety of plants, and the complexity of DNA. Look for God’s fingerprints in his handiwork and you will not be able to miss him.

• ACTS 14:16-17 | “In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”
• MARK 16:6 | But the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.”
• ACTS 2:22 | “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.”

God communicates through the miraculous. There are great miracles like Jesus’ resurrection and seemingly small miracles like a baby’s birth. As you begin to recognize the everyday miracles of God all around you, you will recognize how he speaks to you through them.

• 1 KINGS 3:5 | That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
• DANIEL 7:1 | Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw.
• ACTS 10:3 | One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.

God communicates through dreams and visions. These may not be part of your everyday experience, but the Bible clearly shows that God will do whatever he needs to get your specific attention.

• LUKE 1:11 | While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.
• ACTS 8:26 | As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
• REVELATION 1:1 | This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John.

God communicates through his angels. Perhaps you have never seen angels, but you have likely seen evidence of their work. Angels are a clear part of biblical teaching. They are all around the earth and they are near you.

• 1 SAMUEL 3:8-9 | So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’”
• ISAIAH 45:2, 4 | This is what the Lord says: “I will go before you, Cyrus. . . . And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of . . . Israel my chosen one.”
• ACTS 23:18 | So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

God communicates with you through other people. Most of the time he uses godly people to give you spiritual advice and help you mature in your faith. Sometimes he even uses people who don’t know him to unwittingly communicate his truth to you.

Learn more about the HelpFinder Bible

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10, NLT

Devotional from the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

Imagine the scene: Jesus has been crucified. The disciples’ lives are in turmoil. They’re unsure of what the future holds. Peter wants something familiar: “I’m going fishing” (John 21:3).

Then Jesus appears, although they don’t yet know it’s him, and he tells them to let out their nets one more time. They catch so many fish they can hardly handle them all. This is faithfulness. It’s continuing to cast the net because Jesus says so. Even when we’ve been up all night. Even when we’re weary. Even when we’re confused. Even when we’re discouraged and want to quit.

If you’re putting pressure on yourself today to do more, be more, or achieve more, then pause and take a deep breath. Just be faithful. If you’re comparing yourself to others in life or ministry and feel you’re falling short, refocus on your own journey. Just be faithful.

If you’re striving for perfection and trying to make everyone happy, let go of those unrealistic expectations. Just be faithful. Just do what you can, where you are, with what you have, to love God and others today. Then do it again one more time.

Holley Gerth, Cheering You On

God, when life is challenging, I want safety and control
and to hold on to what’s familiar. But what I truly need is to just take
the next step of faith with you. I know that you will help me discover what
I need along the way because you will provide it. I’m listening,
I’m receiving, I’m obeying. I love you. Amen.

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20, NLT

Reflection from the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

As a child of God, your life is filled with the things that he works together for good. As his child, tough times will build your character . . .good times will keep you grateful . . .testing times will strengthen your faith . . .prosperous times will enrich your giving.

Through all the times of life that come your way, you will grow into the faithful child God desires and enables you to be.

Father, thank you for your guidance through all seasons and situations. I give you permission to work everything together in my life, according to your plans, so that I can be most effective for your Kingdom work.

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9, NLT

Devotional from the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

Grace has called your name. You once were stained, but now you are clean. When you thought that there was no hope, God set your feet on solid ground
and redirected your steps. No longer do you sit in darkness, but rather you have been called into his marvelous light.

You are a new creation, his special treasure. You are chosen for greatness. He has big plans for you, and they are going to far exceed anything that you could ever ask him for or imagine. He will give you the vision to see if you look toward the light and trust him. You do this by abiding in him, meaning that you intentionally spend time reading his Word. You are daily seeking his wisdom
for your life. You are having regular conversations with the One who knows you better than anyone else.

Because you have such an intimate relationship with your Father, you now have access to all the blessings and favor that belong to those of royal birth. However, being given such authority means that you must use it wisely. The purpose of this gracious gift is to point others to the light. Reach your hands to heaven, and proclaim the praises of the One who saved your life.

You will never be ashamed of what Jesus has done for you and will refuse to hide your light under a basket. The world may not understand your light, but remember that light is attractive. Jesus is attractive. Your job is not to produce the light, it is simply to shine his light. You just be you, and he will do the rest. Once you were nothing, but now you are God’s highly favored and blessed child. You have received mercy and are made to shine. Your future is unbelievably bright.

April Rodgers, Made to Shine

O Lord, what can we say but thank you! May you be glorified
each and every day as I shine brightly for you alone! Amen.

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

“So the men of Kiriath-jearim came to get the Ark of the Lord. They took it to the hillside home of Abinadab and ordained Eleazar, his son, to be in charge of it. The Ark remained in Kiriath-jearim for a long time—twenty years in all. During that time all Israel mourned because it seemed the Lord had abandoned them. Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, ‘If you want to return to the Lord with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Turn your hearts to the Lord and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.’ So the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the Lord.” 1 Samuel 7:1-4, NLT.

Notes from the NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible

The Ark was taken to Kiriath-jearim, a city near the battlefield, for safe-keeping, and Eleazar was given the task of caring for it. Why wasn’t it taken

back to the Tabernacle at Shiloh? Shiloh had probably been defeated and destroyed by the Philistines in an earlier battle (1 Sam 4:1-18; Jer 26:2-6) because of the evil deeds of its priests (1 Sam 2:12-17).

Apparently, the Tabernacle and its furniture were saved because we read that the Tabernacle was set up in Nob during Saul’s reign (1 Sam 21:1-6) and in Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon (1 Chr 16:39; 21:29, 30; 2 Chr 1). Shiloh is never again mentioned in the historical books of the Old Testament. Further evidence of Shiloh’s destruction is that Samuel’s new home became Ramah (1 Sam 7:15-17; 8:4), his birthplace.

Israel mourned, and sorrow gripped the nation for 20 years. The Ark was put away like an unwanted box in an attic and it seemed as if the Lord had abandoned his people. Samuel, now a grown man, roused them to action by saying that if they were truly sorry, they should do something about it.

How easy it is for us to complain about our problems, even to God, while we refuse to act, change, and do what he requires. We don’t even take the advice he has already given us. Do you ever feel as if God has abandoned you? Check to see if there is anything he has already told you to do. You may not receive new guidance from God until you have acted on his previous directions.

Learn more about NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible

by Molly Jo Nyman

“My life changed when God led me to read the NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible in one year!”

Those words are in all caps and lead the message Pamela Nicholson gives on her website, a ministry to aimed at single women but open to all, called Life in Sweet Abandon.

Pamela was single for 20 years between her divorce and current marriage, so she knows the struggle of the single life. “When Scripture says that a day is like a thousand years, it sure seemed like that for me on so many days during my singleness, especially on holidays and Valentine’s Day!” she recalls.

When God brought her an amazing husband, he encouraged her to start a ministry to share her love of God’s Word and all He had taught her with others. After praying about it, her successful career had no hold on her, and Life in Sweet Abandon was launched.

“It was 2014 when I first saw the NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible in a Christian bookstore, and I asked for it for Christmas. I had read many Bibles in my life and was looking for a way to be strategic in my reading. This Bible has 1833 pages (without the front and back material); perfect for reading 5 pages a day,” Pamela said. “My life changed when I met with God and allowed Him to speak into my heart. I wasn’t reading what someone else thought about God, I was hearing God speak to me through His Word and fill my heart and mind with His truth.”

Her experience with God’s Word, her reasons for selecting the NLT, and the plan that she followed are now shared on her website and with over 100 followers on her Facebook page:

“The words seemed to jump off the page and come to life! I love reading the Bible in the order in which the events happened!

Why this version of the Bible? The New Living Translation combines the latest biblical scholarship with a clear, dynamic writing style that communicates God’s Word powerfully to all who hear and read it. It renders the message of the original texts of Scripture into clear, contemporary English that was written to be read aloud. With a focus on clarity, The New Living Translation invites readers to go deeper into the biblical text to discover God’s story for their lives and the world.

There are excellent resources scattered throughout the book.”

Pamela has many stories of lives changed through reading the NLT like Kathy

“Since this is the first time for me to read the whole Bible, I am glad I read a chronological Bible. It helped me to see the order of the big pictures. Also, the study notes are easy to understand, which has helped me to get things quicker. I like that there are photos and charts and maps and nice images to go along with scripture. I am a visual person so I enjoy charts and images. A few other things that helped make this a success this year, a set of Bible highlighters, the daily chart has really helped me stay on track and also attending the Story of Scripture at North Point last Jan. A big picture overview was the perfect introduction. One more thing I do is to write down my prayers in a journal in the morning. It helps me to look back and see that God did answer certain prayers so I am glad I have a nice morning routine now.”

There’s another story that is particularly close to Pamela’s heart.

“When my stepmom passed away, my dad was single again after 30 years of marriage. He saturated his mind with God’s Word, and I believe that because of it, he did not sink into depression,” Pamela said.

“Dad has many Scriptures memorized in King James, but when I say, ‘Now dad, tell me what that means,’ he says, ‘Well I don’t know.’ But then, when he reads that same passage in the NLT, he says ‘Now that makes sense.’ That’s why I love to get this Bible in people’s hands. They can understand it and it sinks into their hearts.”

Learn more about the Chronological Life Application Study Bible

“But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. Silence their lying lips—those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly. How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Praise the Lord, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, ‘I am cut off from the Lord!’ But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” Psalm 31:14-24, NLT.

Reflection from the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

Life is hard sometimes—crazy, mixed-up, messed up. And there you are, in the middle of it all, just doing your thing . . .being strong and brave and beautiful like it’s no big deal.

But let me tell you . . .Not everyone can do what you can do. Not everyone can handle things the way you can. While you wonder sometimes if you’re doing okay . . .the world is just watching in wonder.

Lord, thank you for giving me all
that I need to make it through. I will
trust your resources and care.

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers* in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:26-28, NLT.

Devotional from the DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible

Sometimes life as usual comes to a sudden halt. Through death, tragedy, sickness, and loss, normal routines, expectations, and ways of living are gone in an instant. Life will never be the same as it was. Outwardly free-flowing prayers become a silent plea. Thoughts are random and disconnected.

It’s when one looks harder than ever to see God and asks, “Why? Where are you? What am I to do now?” It’s also when he’s able to reach into the depths of our hearts and instill a whole new realm of healing power and loving assurance to undergird and support. It’s when Jesus prays on our behalf while carrying us in his loving arms.

We may never know why some things happen, but we can always know Who is with us—to help, and to heal, and sometimes just to be. He is our love, and he cares.

Lisa Stilwell, 100 Days of Faith over Fear

Lord, thank you for your love, for your tender care, and for your presence.
Thank you for carrying me when I can no longer stand. Thank you for holding
my life in your very hands and for your promise never to leave.

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.” Isaiah 61:1-2, NLT

Reflection from DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible

At the Father’s appointed time, Jesus came to earth so that you would never need to be far from him. What an incredible journey he made; what an overwhelming expression of love; what an awesome purpose he had in mind.

You were on his heart. He has called you. He is the one who keeps you, upholds you, and gives you strength. You are the one he calls his own.

Learn more about the DaySpring Hope and Encouragement Bible