Beautiful For Thee

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This could be the year that our Lord Jesus Christ returns for His redeemed children. It is the prayer of all of us at Beautiful for Thee, that each of you has experienced forgiveness of sin through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Saviour came as a humble babe, to take up a cross…..for you. There is no need to go through this life on your own and then enter a Christ-less eternity, when Christ’s very coming was to provide forgiveness of sins through His own shed blood. All He is asking is that we humble ourselves enough to seek Him with our whole heart. The provision has already been made for each of us to obtain forgiveness….if we will but believe Him and repent of our sin. Take Him at His Word dear friend. Seek Him while He may be found and believe the gospel.

Will you repent and believe?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

From all of us at Beautiful For Thee, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. This December, we are spending precious time with our families. There will be no new articles this month except for a new Daily Delights each day. Feel free to browse our old articles. We look forward to sharing what the Lord has taught us in 2012. Have a blessed Christmas and let's all remember the Real Reason for this wonderful season.

We Have So Much To Be Thankful For…

2011-11-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Our church...

and Pastor.

Our church sponsored missionaries and the precious souls in the Baptist Assembly in Prague.

Faithful Principal…

…and a faithful Assistant Pastor.

Faithful servants…

Answered Prayer!

Changed Lives!

Church Family Additions!

Let us never take for granted the bountiful blessings from the Lord.

Isaiah 25:1 “O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”

How Important is the Cross of Christ in my life…..

2011-10-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

~ The cross of Christ will take an ax to the very root of self!

~ We cannot have a revived heart outside of a daily crucifying of self at the foot of the cross.

~ The cross of our Precious Lord is indeed victory for the Christian! But we must remember that taking up a cross has always been victory…. but only through death!

~ Satan will use anything to keep us from going to the cross to die to self. Satan used Peter in an
effort to stop Jesus from going to the cross. (Matthew 16:23) What will he use on you?

Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

Determine to loose sight of yourself, your own will and your own interests…..for Christ’s sake and the gospel.

Romans 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Our lost world needs to see Christians, willing to be, crucified unto Christ! Will you be one?

A Summer of Bountiful Blessings!

2011-09-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Teen Camp!

Another God-blessed Family Camp!

Ladies Session

Fellowship!

Convicting preaching!

Sweet singing!

Great Fellowship!

Thank You, LORD for my sisters in Christ!

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander ---- LORD, I feel it ----

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart ---- O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Turn The Tide

2011-07-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

God HAS blessed America!
It’s time for America to bless God.

Reaching Our World For Christ

2011-06-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

NTBC has banded together to bring the gospel to a neighboring city that needs a good church.

Thousands of mail outs were collated and sent out to invite people to attend a Bible Study for the soul purpose of reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

People young and old sacrificed time to work together on this huge project.

God cannot heal our land without Christians who will reach the lost through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

LORD, in Your mercy, would you hear our cry…forgive our sin...and heal our land?

Looking Through His Eyes

2011-05-02T15:17:00.001-07:00

“Hell is larger today than it was yesterday because many of us have failed to pray.” David Smithers

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1

“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Ephesians 4:18

We must learn to see this world through God’s eyes! We must lay aside the petty and begin to weep over those lost in sin and cultural traditions. If we don’t….who will?

May's Issue of Beautiful For Thee

2011-05-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

Good morning! In honor of the Lord's Day, the May issue of Beautiful For Thee will not be up until 3:00 pm CST on Monday, May 2nd. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Beautiful For Thee Administrator

Be Still…..and Listen…

2011-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Years ago a man who operated an icehouse lost a good watch in the sawdust on the floor. He offered a reward for anyone who found it. Although many went through the wood-sawings with rakes, they were unable to find the lost treasure.

When they left the building for lunch, a small boy entered and came out a few moments later with the treasured timepiece in his hand. When asked how he had found it, he replied, “I just laid down in the sawdust and quietly waited until I heard the watch ticking!”

Many of us have lost much more than a watch. If we will just be still and listen quietly, the Lord will speak to us and show us where we lost our power and testimony.

Let us “study to be quiet” when God takes us aside, for only then will we know the miracle of His grace and the peace of His blessing. Listen like Elijah for His “still small voice”. ~ H.G. Bosch

I Thessalonians 4:11 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God:…”

Lord, make me beautiful for Thee…

2011-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.

Worry, doubt, distrust, fear and despair---these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust.

Whether 70 or 17, there is in every being’s heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement of the stars, and the star like things and thoughts, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what is
next in the game of life.

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubts; as young as your Christ-centered confidence, as old as your fears; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.

Lord, may You be seen in my age and attitude…

Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

Looking for Change...

2011-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

The world is restless and looking for something that will satisfy! They want change, but where do you go to find it and will it really bring peace into the life?

The new believers in the Czech Republic found that answer when missionaries, Jon and Emilie Rettig brought the answer from God’s Word, the Bible, to them.

Listen to their true stories, in their own words, as they share their conversion to Jesus Christ. Then ask yourself.... Have I been changed? Truly changed?

A New Year Has Dawned…

2011-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

…and we have a reason to live and serve our Great God!

Psalm 103:1 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

Happy New Year to all our faithful Beautiful for Thee Readers!

2011-01-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, such as two major blizzards in a three state area, our Beautiful for Thee Editor was unable to return home on time from Christmas traveling. Because of this inconvenience, January's issue of Beautiful for Thee is delayed. Please bear with us for a few days and we will have things back on track.

May you have a safe, Christ-centered 2011! If this should be the year that Jesus comes...it is our fervent prayer that you will be ready to meet Him.

Beautiful for Thee Administrator

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

From the Beautiful for Thee Staff and Contributors

We are in the midst of a most beloved season of celebration as Christians. As you enjoy the precious moments that this season brings, do not fail to remember the truth about the enemy of your soul.

II Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

A.W. Tozer said:

“We should learn the truth about the enemy, for the truth will set us free! The scriptural way to see things is to set the Lord always before us, put Christ in the center of our vision; and if Satan is lurking around, he will appear on the margin only and be seen as but a shadow on the edge of the brightness. It is always wrong to invert this---to set Satan in the focus of our vision and push God out to the margin. Nothing but tragedy can come from such inversion!

The best way to keep the enemy out …is to keep Christ in! The sheep need not be terrified by the wolf; they have but to stay close to the shepherd. The instructed Christian whose faculties have been developed by the Word and the Spirit will practice the presence of God moment by moment!”

Keep Christ in your Christmas…for a happy New Year!

A Few Reasons Why I'm So Thankful For My Pastors Wife

2010-11-24T23:17:00.000-08:00

You are loved Mrs. Shaffer.

1. She loved me first.

2. She cries when I cry.

3. She laughs with me.

4. She talks about Spiritual things more than anything else.

5. She loves my kids.

6. She prays with me.

7. She keeps my secrets.

8. She tells me when I'm wrong.

9. She tries to know my heart.

10. She understands my problems.

11. She shares Biblical answers.

12. She works harder than anyone I know.

13. She talks nice about her husband.

14. She helps carry the burdens of every lady in our church.

15. She hasn't given up in all the years I've known her.

16. She's not afraid of the valley.

17. She loves serving God even when it's hard.

18. She wears sparkly earrings.

19. She teaches me things and has never made me feel stupid in the process. (even when I’m a slow learner.)

20. She gives me hugs.

21. She looks me in the eyes when she talks to me.

22. She lets me love her.

23. She was the first person who ever told me I was precious.

24. She has a tender heart.

25. She loves people who don’t like her much and says that's what Jesus did for her.

26. She stops and gives tracts to homeless people on street corners.

27. She has people over to her house for dinner almost every Sunday of the year.

28. She treats every person she is with like they are the most important person in the world to her.

29. She can put lipstick on while driving.

30. She loves her children and I’ve never heard her complain about them. (I have heard her pray for them though.)

31. She is passionate about music that honors God.

32. Little kids love her.

33. Even when she is sick and hurting she comes to church.

34. She knows how to teach others.

35. Everyone sits up a little straighter when she comes into the room.

36. She does her own canning in the fall.

37. She shares.

38. She doesn’t get mad when her husband uses her for an example when he is preaching.

39. She helps people over and over and over.

40. She is willing to help anyone and if she cant help she will find someone who can.

41. She can write!!!! Dramas...devotions...poems... special birthday cards (to every lady in the church)...spirit filled articles for women and girls....and so much more. She should write a book someday.

42. She honors her parents.

43. She is spiritually minded

44. She gives herself away more than anyone I’ve ever known.

45. She has great ideas.

46. She watches out for others.

47. She is discerning.

48. She can kill bugs without freaking out.

49. Her faith is in God.

50. She goes the second, third and fourth mile.

51. She might not come right up to you and say anything but she can tell when people are hurting. (I guess that would go along with discerning.)

52. She has a sense of humor.

53. She has a beautiful voice.

54. She is a friend.

Thank You, Dear God...

2010-11-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you, dear God for all you have given me…

My church…

Our church staff…

Miracles…

Friends…

Thank You, Lord for all you have taken away from me…

Thank You, Lord, for all that you have left me…

Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

60 Years of Marital Bliss!

2010-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our staff Evangelist, Gordon Silcox and his wife Audrey, are celebrating 60 years together this month of October! What a blessing they are and have been to us all!

We would like to dedicate October’s Beautiful for Thee to Gordon and Audrey on the occasion of their 60^th wedding anniversary.

The Silcoxes have four children. They are pictured here with their two older daughters and their husbands. (Pastor Ken & Sheryl Shaffer, Pastor Mike & Grace Custer) The Silcoxes have a younger daughter, Diane, (Mark Becker) who lives in Ohio and a son, Jonathan who is deceased.

They have also been blessed with fourteen grandchildren. A few are pictured here…

It has been over 50 years since the Lord changed the direction of Gordon and Audrey’s lives and led them from salvation into the life of full-time ministry for the Lord. Their lives have touched so many of our lives. There are churches all over our country and around the world, that are a direct result of the ministry and training of Bro. Silcox.

Thank you for your example of Christ-likeness and faithfulness. We love you!

Happy Anniversary!

When you pray....Pray for America!

2010-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

We MUST pray....We can pray!

Bountiful Blessings from the Summer of 2010

2010-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:..” Psalm 40:3a

What a blessing Family Camp was!

What a thrill just to see all the happy faces!

So many helping hands…

The fellowship was sweet…

Our souls were fed and our faith strengthened…

Never take for granted these precious times…

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Shaffer!!!

2010-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Titus 2:3-5 expounds upon the demeanor that women are to have to be considered a godly example to those around them. It may read as just a list of does and don’ts to some women; something that is unattainable. But they are so wrong! We, the women of the New Testament Baptist Church, have the privilege of observing these character traits in action. They are lived out daily in the life of our Pastor’s wife, Sheryl Shaffer. Thank-you, Mrs. Shaffer, for being a pattern that we can follow. Each one of “your” ladies wishes you the best on this your birthday. We love you and thank God for placing you here as our example, our teacher, and our friend.

Happy Birthday!

----"I had a frustrating day yesterday--I put five dollars in the change machine...and I'm still me. Well, here's me wishing you a very Happy Birthday today. "Me" is Carol Hansen."

---- "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I want you to know that I am thinking of you on your special day. I miss you and hope you have a fabulous day." - Hugs, Rachel P.

---- "Happy Birthday Mrs. Shaffer! I want to thank you so much for being such a blessing and a testimony for me for the last twenty years! You have always been there for me and my family! It is always nice to know that I can count on you to always be the same and never wavering. I know it isn't you but the Lord that makes you so strong and so faithful! I wish you a very wonderful birthday! I hope that your day is filled blessings!" - Love, Belinda

---- "My Dear Mrs. Shaffer - Happy Happy birthday!! Love and Hugs!" - Sarah Hansen

---- "Just a little note to wish you a very happy birthday! Hope you have a fabulous day. I sure do love you." Your friend, Nicole

---- "What a blessing to get to tell you Happy Birthday! Thank you for being a godly example and my friend. I will miss you this week. Have fun helping Cherith and know that I am thinking of you and praying you have an awesome birthday!" Love and hugs, Jean

---- "Happy Birthday to someone who has been and will continue to be my hero. Your hugs make bad things "all better now." Thanks for loving me no matter what. Thanks for pointing me to the One you have given your life for, and for showing me why it is worth it do so." - Your Anna - Banana

---- "To My Pastor’s Wife, May the Lord give you and Cherith a very special day together as you celebrate your Birthday. With a multitude of emotions over the weeks to come, may I encourage you with, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…” Ecclesiastes 3:11." - You are Loved, Jo-Anne

---- "My Dear Sheryl. When God created you, He blessed a whole lot of people! Happy Birthday from one of them! Have a wonderful week with Cherith and remember - I love you, Sheryl" - Your Praying Angel "I thank God for putting us both into the same little corner of His beautiful world."

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, Wow, what a birthday of change, God's answer to prayer at every corner. It's a wonderful time to thank God for the blessing of you and to ask his continued strength and peace as these answers will bring major changes to your daily life. Have a wonderful special day with your daughter, may the painting go smoothly." - Love Audrey Zejdlik

---- "Happy Birthday!! Thankful for teaching us by your godly example. Titus 2:3,4" - Judy Diaz

---- "Hello and happy birthday Sheryl. Just a note to let you know I love you and am thankful for you and the fact you have given yourself away for others. You have certainly been a tremendous help to our family! Thank you for having a listening ear and words of wisdom to share. Thank you for loving unconditionally. Thank you also for supporting and enhancing the work of us parents. May you have many more fruitful years, as there are more adventures awaiting, in our walk with the Lord . I love you!" - Karen Banner

---- "Happy Birthday Mrs. Shaffer! Words can't express how much you mean to me. You have been my spritual mom, councelor, and friend all at the same time. To simply say the words "I am thankful for you" and "I love you" doesn't seem enough. I praise the Lord for you! Thank you for never giving up on this rebellious, head-strong girl. This birthday I hope you know how much I love you and I am praying you will have an extra special birthday!!" - Love and great big hugs!! Lynette

---- "Dear Sheryl, Happy Birthday, Dear Friend! I count you as one of God's Special Blessings in my life; you have taught me Sooo much! May God grant you as Special a day as You are to Me!" - I Love You Bunches and Bunches, "Little" Debbie

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer: I am so blessed to have you as my Pastor's wife. You are a wonderful Pastor's wife, a Godly woman, counselor, listener, and you are so much fun. I pray that God will bless you with a super, wonderful day." - Happy Day, Sarah Christiansen

---- "Happy Birthday Mrs. Shaffer! I pray it is a blessed on! I am so thankful for you and all you have done to help me and my family. I praise the Lord for all He has done through you and for all that He will do in the future! I am so grateful for you Godly example and your willingness to spend and be spent! The Lord has used you so greatly in my life! I love you so very much!" - Melissa Lehman

---- "I am so excited that this is your Birthday. And I am so glad that through the Blog we all get to wish you a happy day. You are a big blessing and encouragement to me. I have learned so much from you since I've been here at N.T.B.C. I am blessed beyond measure. We (the Nemoseck family) would not be where we are today if it were not for you and Pastor and the Word of God. God's word changes people. We have seen sinners like me change through the faithful preaching of the Word of God. It is exciting to see God work. Thank you for being a great example for us. We love you." - Susan Nemoseck

---- "Happy Birthday dear and precious friend! Wish I knew how to tell you how special you are to my heart. I love you more all the time and I'm so thankful God brought you into my life. Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you," - Dianne

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, I love you so much if you were a booger I'd pick you first! (0: Happy Birthday to one of my most favorite people in the whole universe." Love, Shelbie

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Shaffer, with love! Happy Birthday to YOU! What a blessing it is for these times that the Lord gives us to let someone know that they are SPECIAL, LOVED, a WONDERFUL FREIND, a SISTER IN CHRIST ( Isn't exciting to know that one day we will spend eternity in heaven with Christ together!), and PRAYED FOR MUCH! And that someone is YOU! Thank you for sharpening my countenance because you have done it much and so willingly. I hope and pray that in some little way I have sharpened yours. I love you LOTS, Mrs. Shaffer, and wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Have a great time with Cherith and am looking forward to seeing you soon." - Love and Prayers, Cindy (Lou)

---- "Home or away, we always remember you on your birthday! May it be a GREAT one!" -Hugs! Diane S

---- "A VERY BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! I want to wish you a special birthday greeting and let you know how much I appreciate you and love you. You are such a large part of my life and such a great example of putting the Lord first in everything. I’m so glad you can have this special time helping Cherith get her new home ready. You will always cherish the time. Thanks for all you are and do for me and NTBC."
- Lots of love and hugs, Sharry

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, Happy Birthday! We hope you have a wonderful day! We love you very much!" - Love you & miss you, The Mathis'

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, Happy Birthday! You are such a blessing to me. You teach me and guide me in the right ways and have always been a good example to me. May God bless you on this special day!" - Lots of love, Carolyn Griffith

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, Hello! Happy birthday! I sure miss seeing your smiling face around here. :) Have a fabulous day and don't work too hard. You are extra-special precious to me-I love you." - Your friend, Viki

---- "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I am so thankful that God has placed you in my life. I love you very much, and am very honored to have you as a Biblical counselor. I pray that you have a great birthday. I love you so much!" - love ya, Amber

---- "To my dear friend, Mrs. Shaffer, My prayers go up for you this morning as you rise to celebrate another year of life. I thank-you for allowing that life to touch me and my family. You have been here for us through the good and the bad. Never once have we doubted your love for us. I look forward to serving God with you for many more years. Have a Happy Birthday! I love you!" - Vicki Coachman

---- "Happy Birthday Mrs. Shaffer, I just want to thank you for being such a Godly example to me over the years. You gave of your time and heart to me and countless other ladies. We all appreciate the many sacrifices you have made on our behalf. Thank you for showing the love of Christ. I love you!" - Darcy Fultz

---- "On Your Birthday, "the blessing of the LORD be upon you." (Psalm 129:8) May the LORD in his goodness continue to bless you today and every day. Love to you from me on your birthday!" - Eleanor E.

---- "I could say "Happy Birthday, OLD friend" but I won't. Instead I send you this list of tunes for your listening pleasure..........

TOP TEN HYMNS FOR PEOPLE OUR AGE:

10. "It is Well with my Soul (but my Back Aches a Lot)"

9. "Nobody Knows the Trouble I have Seeing"

8. "Amazing Grace (Considering my Age)"

7. "Just a Slower Walk with Thee"

6. "Count Your Many Birthdays, Name them One by One"

5. "Go Tell it on the Mountain ..and Speak Up"

4. "Give me that Old Timer's Religion"

3. "Blessed Insurance"

2. "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (I've Forgotten Where I Parked)"

AND THE NUMBER ONE HYMN FOR PEOPLE OUR AGE IS ...........

1. "Nearer, My God, to Thee"

Birthday's are little reminders from God that life is to be CELEBRATED!!! Have a Wonderful Day" -LOVE YA ! Judi

---- "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Just wanted to let you know how much you are loved. Miss you this week an hope you have a fanstatic day." - Much love and Prayers, Regina

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, Have a wonderful birthday and may the Lord bless you for your faithfulness to Him and to those of us that you have taught to be faithful to the Lord. I love you!" - Laurie

---- "Hello Mrs. Shaffer! Happy Birthday! I hope you are enjoying your day. I love you and thank God that you are my Pastor's wife. I have learned so much from you over the past few years and am thankful to have you as an example in my life." - I love you, Heather P

---- "Happy Birthday Sheryl - Sending my love and to say thank you for being a wonderful
daughter! You truly are and have been a joy and blessing to your mother... I am a very blessed mom - This birthday is much different for you than all the "camp" birthdays you have had over the years... Please know I love you and appreciate who you are and thank you for your faithful service for the Lord. Have a wonderful, fun day !!" - Many Hugs from Mother

---- "Happy Happy Birthday to my sweet and precious daughter !!" Many HUGS from your Daddy

---- "Mrs. Shaffer, Happy Birthday! I'm thankful to have a woman like you in my life, who is an excellent example of someone who goes forward in their Christian life in complete faith in Christ! Thank you for being the consistent example of a woman who has a heart for God. I love you!" - Nessa

---- "A big HAPPY BIRTDAY to you Mrs. Shaffer!!! Love you bunches and hope that your day is a special one. As I grow older I have come to love and appreciate you more and more. I love talking with you and sharing a laugh or two. We are truly blessed at NTBC for the great friend and counselor we have in you. Once again hope that your day is fabulous and think of all the people here in Larimore that will be thinking of you today." - Love, Michele Southall

---- "Happy Birthday! Thank you for being the huge blessing you are to me and my family. YOu are a very deal lady, and I hope you have a wonderful day!" - Love you lots, Ashley T

---- "Happy Birthday, Mrs. Shaffer!" - Love Sarah W

---- "Happy birthday to a very special friend. You trully are a dear friend and I love you very much. Have a very wonderful day!" -Love, Lorraine Williams

---- "Thank you for loving me and letting me serve the Lord along side of you! I love you very much. :-)" - Rachel A.

---- "Happy b-day, Mrs. Shaffer! You are so special to us in so many ways. We know without a doubt how much you love us because you go out of your way to show it. Hope today is extra special!" - Love you, Diana and Becky

---- "Dear Mrs. Shaffer, there are no words for me to express how much I love you. Ever since I was 7 years old, you have had a huge part in my life. Your example has been a huge blessing and your "always ready to give an answer" choice words have often been the very help I have needed. I love you very much and pray that you are having a wonderful time with Cherith." - I love you! Rachael Coe

---- "Happy Birthday Mrs. Shaffer!!!! I love you soooooooo much! I hope you have a fantastic day!" - Love Kristen Cobb

The Price Of Our Two-Hundred Thirty-four Years of Liberty!

2010-07-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Written by Scott Phelps

With July 4th soon upon us and the celebration of our nation’s independence and freedom looming, I bring you a story that happened just recently to my in-laws, and one that brings tears to my eyes each time it is told.
I am not the most patriotic person around, but I love my country and served my country for nearly 10 years in the United States Air Force.

With the changes happening in America today, I hope you will find, as I did, that this story touches that part of the heart that swells our patriotic pride and makes you thankful to be an American!

Living far away from family can sometimes be hard to deal with, but when family visits happen, it is a highlight. My wife’s parents (whom I call Dad and Mom) are visiting us from Michigan. We are enjoying good times of reminiscing and just reacquainting ourselves together.

When they travel here, they really enjoy the route through northern Michigan, into the Upper Peninsula and across through Wisconsin and Minnesota which leads them along HWY 2, and right into North Dakota. This route is dotted with small towns where one can enjoy the majestic views of the Great Lakes, the pleasant scenes of the northern woodland, and the fine food of the small town café.

Dad is a veteran of the Korean War and proudly wears his “Korean War Veteran” cap where ever he goes.

Wherever he travels, this display of service leads him into engrossing conversations and much repeated stories with other veterans or service men, whether active duty or retired. This trip was no different. As they stopped for breakfast in a small Michigan town, Dad was once again wearing his cap with pride. Inside the restaurant, Mom and Dad met another older couple. The man noticed Dad’s cap and, well, you guessed it. He was a veteran too. Immediately, talk of “their time in the service” pursued.

What unit were you in? Where did you serve? And so forth.

When their food came, both men went their separate ways to enjoy their meal. As the meal ended and it came time to leave, Mom was beginning to get anxious knowing they needed to get back on the road and wondering why the waitress seemed to be ignoring them.

Upon getting the attention of the waitress, she asked for the bill. The waitress smiled and politely said, “Well, your bill has been paid. Your bill and the other couple’s bill were both paid by the young couple sitting a few tables over.”

This is interesting Mom thought. She got up and walked over to the young couple as they were enjoying their coffee. She humbly thanked them but told them that it wasn’t necessary to do what they had done. The young man replied, “I know it wasn’t necessary, but we wanted to do that for both of you to honor your husbands and show our gratitude for their service to our country.”

As I heard that story I thought to myself, “WOW! There’s something you don’t see every day! Someone who is actually appreciative of the sacrifice others have made for them! It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about that act of kindness.

It also makes me think about another bill that has been paid. This one was paid on my behalf. Paid in full! My sin bill has been paid for, with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus not only paid the entire bill for all humanity, He gave Himself -- to do it! Am I thankful? Are you thankful? Are we, as a nation, appreciative for the sacrifices that have been made that we might be free? So many men just like my father-in-law, put themselves on the line that we might have political, religious and so many other freedoms.
These freedoms that we enjoy in America are nice to have, but are nothing in comparison to the freedom that Jesus gives. The Lord Jesus Christ put Himself on the cross, that we might have freedom from sin. Freedom from the wages of our sin. Are we as thankful for that, as the young man was for the military service of those veterans he saw in a restaurant?

I find this thought worth pondering this year, as we celebrate 234 years of our nation’s freedom.

“Thank you, Lord…for liberty in America and for freedom from sin that I have found through repentance of sin and faith in You!”

Thankful for the Good Hand of the Lord!

2010-06-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Psalm 145:16 “Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.”

Join us in the month of June as we thank the Lord for the blessings He so freely sends our way.

As the Lord leads you, please fill out this form with a brief praise and thankfulness testimony that can be shared with others on this page.

The things that have come from God’s open hand to you….no matter what it was….it was good for you! Take the time to thank Him.

Testimonies from God's people:

"I just spent the last five days hosting my future son-in-law and once again I came away with a heart full of gratitude to the Lord for His Loving, Guiding Hand, in bringing to us His perfect will for our dear daughter. His way is perfect and I'm so thankful we were "in the way" so the Lord could bless us with Joshua. He is everything Cherith needs and it is beautiful to see that now, outside of the Lord, he is everything she desires. The Lord is soooo good. I'm so very glad I'm His child. The blessing of the Lord INDEED...makes you feel rich!" ~ Mrs. S

"I have so much to be thankful for but today I am thankful for the goodness of God in my life. He has given me so many undeserving blessings. He daily loads me up, though sometimes these blessings are in disguise, I am grateful to know that God is in control and He never gives me anything or lets anything happen that won't be for His ultimate glory." ~Darcy

"I'm thankful for everything and I'm praising God for it all! I don't deserve anything good yet, God is so good to me anyway. Even when bad things are happening God never leaves me alone. He is right there helping me learn to trust Him more. How could I ever praise Him enough." ~Dianne

"I'm so thankful for Ginger Turner, Viki Griffith, Susan Nemoseck, Debbie Anderson & Lynette Vaninwegen. They all hold special places in my heart and did different things that I didn't know or see in me. Through their care and concern for me I was saved in October of 1999. Thank you so much ladies for caring about my soul. God I'm sure has truly blessed each of you in his own way as a result. I think of each of you often as well as all the ladies out there. Thanks again from all of my heart." ~Michelle

"I am overflowing with gratefulness for the LORD's goodness and faithfulness to me! He truly is a merciful God, full of compassion, WANTING to bless us! My salvation alone gives me reason to praise Him and live for Him the rest of my life! How undeserving I am, and how merciful He was and is, to stoop down to ME and draw me with His love. And then for Him to bless me with a man who loves the LORD and desires to serve Him with all his heart and soul - and loves me far more than I deserve - I have truly been satisfied, just as Psalm 145:16 says!" ~Cherith

"I am so thrilled that God could use someone as unworthy as I am to serve Him on the mission field of Ukraine. I am a bus kid-turned-missionary's wife who is so grateful for this exciting journey the Lord has me on! I appreciate you ladies and your support of missionaries and their families. Keep up the great work of serving our Great Savior!" ~Jolene

"I am so thankful that my son, Alex, was able to graduate from a Christian School. I am so grateful for what the Lord has done for our family! He saved my husband and I and made amazing changes in our family. Now Alex is saved and has such a heart to serve the Lord. There is nothing too hard for God!" ~Melissa

"We have seen two examples in Mexico recently of Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20. The Lord used a tragic death to bring a lady back to church for the first time in 6 years, and an inmate who was wrongly accused of murder and has served 13 years should be released soon. The Lord used his incarceration to draw him toward salvation! "Great is Thy faithfulness!" ~Pat Christenson

"I'm so thankful that I don't have to walk through this day alone. My Lord is as close as the mention of His name. "Behold, God is my helper..." Psalm 54" ~ Sheryl

"I'm so thankful for the family God has given me. For my girls and for my wonderful husband. I'm thankful for the peaceful home He has given us. I am also thankful for His provision for my husband's job. He is so GOOD to me! And I deserve NONE of it!" ~Alyssa

"I'm so thankful that the Lord saved me and has given me a Scriptural Bible-believing New Testament Church to be able to serve Him in and a Pastor who does not compromise the Word of God but preaches the whole truth. I'm also so thankful that He is a God of second chances and that He does not require perfection in order for us to serve Him and receive His blessings." ~Sharry

"I'm so thankful to the Lord for enriching my life with the ladies of our church! Your testimonies of love and faithfulness teach me every day. It is a great privilege to get to know each one. G.a. meetings are extra special because your secret deeds of love are made known. Truly God has blessed me greatly through you!" ~Diana

"I am so thankful that my Lord answers my prayers even before I pray for it." ~Katie

"Today, I am thankful that I have a God that knows my needs and WHEN I need Him to meet them. It may not be in my time but it is always in His and when it does it, it is ALWAYS good." ~Rachael

"I am so very thankful for God's saving grace. Without Him I am nothing and with Him I am everything. I am thankful for our new church family. What a blessing everyone has been to us. Thank you for making us feel so welcome and loved. I am overwhelmed by God's graciousness and goodness. Praise the Lord!!" ~Sarah C.

"My family has reciently undergone a tough trial which has humbled us greatly but we have learned so much and through it we had been reminded of how great our God is and if we just step out of the way He will work his perfect will in our lives and His will is so much better then what we can fathom up for ourselves." ~Rebecca

Happy Mother’s Day!

2010-05-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

That little one placed in your arms by the Father up above, was entrusted to your care for one purpose….to bring glory to Himself through His creation. These little souls do not really belong to us. They are only borrowed for a time….

Treasure these precious moments you have with the Lord’s heritage for they pass much too quickly! Memorize the feel of that warm little body in your arms. Enjoy this priceless time.

We go through life protecting our children’s bodies, but we must be diligent to also protect their souls. We have an enemy that is just waiting to devour our little ones’ soul. Do not be selfish with your own heart and life. Live the Christ life in front of your children everyday.

The time you have to train them up in the way they ought to go is so short! Deal with your own personal anger, bitterness and disappointments for if you don’t ….you will indeed train your children in your own path.

The Other Side of Motherhood….

One day your children may be taking care of you! How we loved and nurtured our little ones will come back to bless us….or curse us.

It is important to be a good mother…but it is equally important to be a good child.

“Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 5:16

We must love them while we can!

April marks the 30th Anniversary of New Testament Baptist Church

2010-04-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 52:9 "I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints."

Walk with us as we review the stages of our history in "The Father's Business".

The first building…

The starting families…

Our Pastor's family…

Our second building…

We began to grow….

"Stick with your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil's dogs; do not fool away your time chasing rabbits. Do your work. Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let critics malign, let enemies accuse, let the devil do his worst; but see to it that nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you.

Our faithful Pastor…

He wears many hats and makes it look easy…

Keep at your work. Let your aim be as steady as a star. You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do."

Thank you Pastor Shaffer for remaining faithful.

Our soul would be lost…without the preaching of the cross!

Happy 30^th Anniversary NTBC and Pastor & Mrs. Shaffer

"Let's press on for Jesus' sake….till He comes!"

A Small Delay

2010-04-01T05:33:00.001-07:00

We regret that April's Beautiful for Thee cannot be posted until April 2, as our Administrator is attending the funeral of a loved one. We appreciate your understanding in our delay.

See you soon!

A thought to ponder……

2010-03-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

Our Lord Jesus had no desire for the cross…but He yielded to it. "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42

What if He had refused to bear that cross? Where would we be without His death…burial and His glorious resurrection? You will never serve God, if you are not willing to give up the self-life for a life of cross-bearing…for Jesus' sake.

Listen to these words sung twenty years ago, by our faithful Pastor and his wife. This is still the attitude of their life together.

May we all desire to yield to the cross that He has placed before us. Our lost world so desperately needs men and women who will embrace the cross and say, "yes, Lord, I will offer myself, in absolute surrender, that Your will can be done in my life!"

John 12:24-26 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, It bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me;…"

*If you are unable to see the video, please contact Rachael Coe at beautifulforthee@gmail.com and she will make sure that you are able to.

Consider the worth of one soul….

2010-02-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

James 5:19-20 "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

"For God so loved the world, that He gave…." John 3:16

Can you write down the name of one sinner that you have led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? What is the value of one lost soul to you?

A Look Back on 2009…

2010-01-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Jesus led us all the way….

He leadeth me, O blessed tho’t…..

What – e’er I do, wher- e’r I be….Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

By waters still….o’er troubled sea, Still ‘tis His hand that leadeth me.

Content, what ever lot I see, since ‘tis my God that leadeth me!

And when my task on earth is done…when, by Thy grace, the victories won….

His faithful follower I would be, for by His hand…He leadeth me.

Until then….through thick and thin….follow Him in 2010!

The Real Meaning of the Christmas Season

2009-12-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling… her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the President.. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader.

Suddenly, the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone."

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.

"Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything..."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this? Is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that in here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll just let me go…. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh…"

The woman smiled again… "I thought that might make a difference."

She glanced at the police officer who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us for a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty right now."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am.. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away... "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

"Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean… you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?"… the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been cold or hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment... I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in, on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember!" he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right..."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually, I started my own business that… with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office."

She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, and thank you for the coffee."

------------------------------------------------

Never forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. Nothing we ever do in Jesus' name is wasted.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave….." He gave His best…because of our worst!

What Have I Got To Be Thankful For?

2009-11-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

Aside from having more earthly wants and possessions than most people in the world; if we are a blood bought child of God, we are blessed far beyond what we deserve…and all because we have a personal relationship with The Good Shepherd, The LORD Jesus Christ!

Pause for a moment and meditate on that thought…..

Song of Solomon 2:16 "My beloved is mine, and I am his…"

We belong to The Good Shepherd, our Sovereign King and we now have a personal relationship with Him! I am His! O joy upon joy…and He is mine!

My Good Shepherd loved me enough to submit Himself to come down to sinful earth to take on human flesh, with the sole purpose…of dying to pay the price for my personal sin.

John 10:18 "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again…."

My Good Shepherd endured the agony and humiliation of crucifixion…by death… on a cursed cross! He did this for you and me… Are we thankful?

I Peter 2:23 "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered , he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."

He was undeserving of this treatment!

My Good Shepherd has become my Master…my LORD and my ALL. He is the secret to satisfaction! What do I have to be thankful for…?

Oh, just everything!

The Lord is my Shepherd. I've got all I want!

Do you ?

Happy Anniversary!!

2009-10-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

The month of October holds special meaning to these dear couples in our church family. Each of them celebrate a wedding anniversary!

In a world that takes a light view of commitment and marital longevity, it is still possible to live Biblical womanhood in today’s world. Your ability to live as a Biblical wife does not depend on your past or present circumstances. It does not depend on your perfection, but it does depend entirely on God’s perfection as He lives through you, to fulfill His purpose.

He alone, gives us the power to accomplish His purpose in our life, as a wife and helper to our husband.

Happy Anniversary to you all!

Ben and Aubrie – Celebrating 2 years of wedded bliss and blessed with baby #1 on her way to their open arms!

Kevin and Rachel – Celebrating their union of 13 years with the gift of two precious little girls to raise for God’s glory!

Scott and Kris – Celebrating 23 years together with God’s reward of 4 beautiful daughters. Their lives are being spent in full-time service for the Lord in the work of the ministry. May you always find joy in doing God’s will for your lives.

Hans and Carol – Celebrating the milestone of 35 years together for better or for worse. Their quiver has been filled with 4 precious grown up children and one daughter in law.

Gordon and Audrey – This couple have been examples to all of us in more ways than we can count! Their 59 years together is a beautiful picture of the grace and calling of God on the lives of two people who are willing to forsake all and follow Christ. We praise God and say thank you for your examples of married togetherness, lived for us all to see and enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Beautiful For Thee!

2009-09-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

Beautiful for Thee marks its one year anniversary this month of September! The good hand of the Lord our God has been in this venture and enabling us along the way. How we praise Him and thank Him for this Divinely provided, open door.

We have readers who come to this small section of cyberspace, from the four corners of the world…literally. Never in our wildest imagination could we have envisioned this outreach in one short year. We can only say, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23

The response from readers has been encouraging and prompts us to continue to be Titus 2 women, teaching the younger how to be Godly wives, mothers and women for God.

We have no intention of ever being in competition or a competition, for any other women’s online news letter. If others spring up as a result of someone having read ours, we say praise the Lord! We need more Bible believing voices out there.

Our deepest desire is to walk with Christ, be filled with His Spirit and to share with others what He can do for them also.

With the Lord’s help, we enter another year at Beautiful for Thee. As we share what the Lord is teaching us, may you be blessed and encouraged as well.

Heartfelt thanks to all the hardworking writers and contributors to this ministry. It would not be what it is…without each of you!

Let’s continue to go on….for Jesus sake!

Thank you for reading dear visitor! May you continue to be exhorted and strengthened in your pursuit of Biblical womanhood.

A Summer of Blessings….2009

2009-08-01T01:25:00.000-07:00

“Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.” Psalm 72:18

TEEN CAMP…

Five of our teens were saved during our week of teen camp in the North Dakota Badlands.

The girls !

FAMILY CAMP…

Good times with God’s wonderful people!

Six precious souls were converted to Christ during this most blessed week!

Our speaker and his family.

Faces we love…

Pastor and Mrs. Shaffer and Bro. and Mrs. Van Gelderen

A week of beautiful music

Our missionaries, the Rettigs, singing at camp. It was so nice to have them home for Family Camp.

God met with us at camp and we are forever changed because of it. We cannot go back to thinking in a faithless way.

There were six spiritual new births at Family Camp and the day after camp our church family welcomed one new physical birth into the world!

Gabriel William born on July 25 at 6:36 pm at 6 pounds 13.7 ounces and measuring 19 inches.

America, The Beautiful

2009-07-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

“I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

What a blessed nation we have been!

America! You’re beautiful! There’s no other place on earth I’d rather be.

America….you’re beautiful! You are beautiful from sea to shining sea!

America, you’re beautiful! My love for you grows stronger every day and I’m thankful for the privilege to live in the greatest land….the USA!

With all your beauty and the freedoms we have enjoyed, America…you are wallowing in Spiritual and moral decay.

Our children’s future freedoms are at stake. Rebellion against God, intentional, persistent, prevailing rebellion, is overwhelming our nation in destruction.

We weep for you America…

You were once strong in God’s Almighty hand. You’ve left the God of our fathers. You’ve turned from the Word of the Lord. We weep for you America, for the truth, that you have scorned….

For the sake of our children’s future…come back to a place of repentance America.

We plead with you America…Our sin and our wrong we must forsake.

America, you are too young to die!

William Penn once said, “Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.”

We pray for you America…We pray for you our land…

We pray for you America, that you’ll return to God’s almighty plan.

May it never be said of our dear USA: “Here lies a nation whose people scoffed and forsook Creator God."

Honoring My Father on Father’s Day

2009-06-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Just recently, I spent some time ruminating on just how blessed I have been! In meditating on how God has directed my life, I thought about what would have happened to me had my father not listened to God over 50 years ago! Then I thought about a man named Gideon in the Bible.

Gideon did not come from a Godly family so he had to make choices for himself that would keep him from following in the same pattern and manner of life that his father had lived. The Bible says he was “a mighty man of valour”, Judges 6:12. He became that kind of young man even when his father before him had not led him by example, in the path of courage and character.

Gideon desired to please God, and in obedience, he tore down the idols that his own father had built! Judges 6:25-28 Gideon did not procrastinate in doing what was right...he did it right away!

He had to pull down the strongholds that had been built and rebuild again. In Judges 6: 26, God told Gideon to build up an altar to God, with the wood FROM the strongholds that were torn down and to replace them with something to give to the Lord! Using the SAME wood he already had available, he built anew...for the glory of God! When Gideon did this, he immediately experienced the wrath of friends and family. But God used and blessed Gideon in a way that seemed impossible, in order to defeat the Midianites.

Once again I thought of my father. He has always been a mighty man of valour to me. He was a newly married man with an empty heart, on a search for truth and God, when he got saved. Immediately, he took up a cross to follow the Lord. The Light that had come into his dark soul, led the way out of his weary wilderness and he willingly followed...even when no one seemed to understand.

He did not want to follow the pattern and course that had been set for him by his father, who was a lost man. My Dad did what few men in this present day attempt to do. He forsook all.... religion, the family and the farm, and followed Christ. He was determined to raise his family in a separated, spiritual pattern, apart from the world. His family turned on him and for most of my growing up years, they were angry and bitter at my parents. All but his sister, died lost. My dad prayed for his sister’s salvation for over 50 years. My God heard that fervent prayer...

It took great courage and character for my Dad to keep right on standing for Christ and His scriptural New Testament church, when family and friends thought he was nothing but a fool.

Here we are over 50 years later---- By the grace and mercy of God, I am still in church and serving the Lord with my life. I have siblings who have done the same. We have decided to follow the spiritual example that was lived before us. When faced with their own decision to embrace the world, the flesh and the devil, my own children chose salvation through repentance and faith and are all saved and living separated, clean lives of service to God . They are a blessing in the churches they are a member of.

Where would we all be now, had my father not torn down the idols and strongholds built by his father, in his life? How different all our lives would be!

What one man started...can be lost in one generation, if we do not take heed to ourselves and do the same thing that Gideon did! Just because my father tore down the strongholds and idols built by his father before him, does not mean I am automatically saved.

I had to make the same decision that my father made!

Strongholds can take over in a moment of time and our refusal to call them what they are and destroy them immediately, WILL affect the next generation.

On this Father’s Day, I cannot thank my father enough for being a mighty man of valour in my life. With his imperfect humanity, I cannot thank him enough for living an obvious life of dedication and service to the Lord! How blessed I am to have the memory of a living, unwavering example of a “Gideon” father! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Happy Father’s Day Daddy! I love you.

Sheryl

A Special Relationship....

2009-05-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ashley & Kami

Daughter, Daughter

By Marjorie Holmes

How straight she sleeps, how slender-tall,

Daughter, daughter, recent small.

Rachel & Mykaela

Gone the braids and pinafores

And paper dolls across the floors.

Claire & Aerica

Party clothes across the bed,

Her hair spills shining free instead.

Dianne & Shelbie

An orchid floats within the dish

That once held turtle, snail and fish.

Gone the tomboy, gone the child,

A woman dreams here, life-beguiled.

Viki & Carolyn

The bough must break, the bud must flower.

Daughter, daughter, soon the hour

Belinda & Amber

When you, like others, come to wife.

This the pattern…..this-----life.

Ginger & Aubrie

But let me stand one moment brief…

Cupping again the uncurled leaf,

Audrey & Sheryl

So small, so safe upon the tree---

Daughter, daughter, close to me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Appreciate one another while you can. Sooner or later, our time together runs out and we are left with the memories that we made together.

Make ones worth remembering fondly.

What makes my mom special?

Mykaela: “She snuggles with me and we play together. I like her bedtime stories too.”

Aerica: “My mom has always been there for us when life was hard. She has done her best to faithfully raise us and do things for us. I love you Mom!”

Shelbie: “My mom is a precious woman. She remains faithful to the Lord and is always looking for some way to encourage some other lady. She loves my Dad very much and shows it through her actions. My mom is incredible!”

Carolyn: “My mom is caring, patient and strong. Her strength of character has brought us through many hard times and we would not be the same spiritually and emotionally without her.”

Amber: “My mom is so great! Even when she is sick, she is always there for me. She is willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. I love you Mom with all my heart!”

Aubrie: “My mom is my counselor, my teacher, my comforter, my friend. I know she loves me with all her heart. Now that I am going to be a mother myself, I expect to grow and understand that kind of love all the more. Thanks Mom! I love you!”

Sheryl: “How do you ever thank and honor adequately, a Godly, virtuous mother? My mother is all of these and more. She is still a major influence in my life and I welcome it! When I “grow up”, I want to be just like her! I love you, my dear and precious Mother.”

Will You Pray?

2009-04-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

You may feel insignificant and talent-less. You may think there is little you can do in the work of the Lord. Think again....

II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray......”

Will you pray?

“.....and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; THEN will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Isaiah 59:1

Our God answers prayer! There IS something you can do in the work of the Lord!
So many things could be done....if we would just pray.

Someone’s eternity depends on your prayers. Someone’s health depends on your prayers. Someone’s physical need depends on your prayers. Your church depends on your prayers. Your pastor and missionaries depend on your prayers.
Your family depends on your prayers.

Prayerlessness indicates unbelief. We really don’t think God can do anything for us, so why pray? Perhaps we don’t think we deserve for God to do anything for us. Neither of these reasons are valid reasons-- not to pray. Can you imagine what God could do and would do.....if we got serious about praying......real effectual, fervent, intercessory praying to our God, Who is still on the throne!

Just imagine.......

“Lord, make me beautiful for Thee."

2009-03-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Jessie Rice Sandberg wrote a beautiful song with this title. Do you know what it is suggesting? Here are a few more of the words:

Reflect in me thy beauty, Lord. I want the world to see...

That special glow that shines through me, and shows my love for Thee.

There is a beauty in a relationship with the Lord. There is a beauty in the worship of our Lord. In order to have that beauty in us, we must know what it is. In Leviticus 20:26 God says, “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.”

I Peter 1:15-16 “ But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (that is our walk, our talk, our manner of life), Because it is written, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY.”

What is our God saying to us here?

If we really want to be “beautiful for Thee”, then we must meet the required demands for that beauty. It is answered in Psalm 29:2 “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

Beauty = Holiness

We cannot have one without the other. Holiness is not a choice if we’re going to really please God. It is a divine command!

That brings up a question Ladies....

What makes up holiness? How will this “demand” affect our lives? Only those who really, really want to please God, will continue reading....

God told His people in Leviticus that they were to be a “severed” people. A people separated from the world and so distinctly different, that their difference would be obvious! There is to be a distinction between God’s people and worldlings. The noun form for holiness, that is used in the Old Testament gives two different words. One is “apartness” and the other is “sacredness”.
In other words... there must be a sacred apartness - a separation, between the holy and the worldly.

Separation is intrinsically a part of the very definition of holiness.

In order to be truly “Beautiful for Thee”, then God’s people must conform to God’s morality.
This is true Christ-likeness. Do you really want to be beautiful for the Lord? When you hear a term like holiness or separation, do you perceive this as a positive doctrine or a negative one? Do you see it as just a list of do’s and don’ts? Holiness, in the mind of most 21st century Christians has become nothing more than controlled carnality. Yet we can go on thinking we’re okay. The scripture says otherwise....

Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and HOLINESS, without which no man shall see the Lord;”

I submit to you dear ones, that we must take a closer look at what we call “our Christian life”. We must be willing to examine our heart. To be “beautiful for Thee”, there must be a separation from unholiness to God, in our lives. Is this “look” obvious in you?

1. Examine your “conversation”.... your lifestyle and conduct. “All manner of lifestyle” (I Peter 1:15) covers the issues for each generation and each culture of mankind. Understanding I Peter 1:15 is the key to really applying holiness practically.

A. What is it about your lifestyle that shows your “apartness” and indicates holiness?

B. What is it about your music that clearly shows you are separated unto God?

C. What is it about your fashion, the way you wear your hair, your jewelry, your make-up, that indicates your separation unto God?

These are all questions that are well worth the asking for any woman who desires to be “Beautiful for Thee”.

Are you living in holiness.......or are you living in controlled carnality?

The Love Month….

2009-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Love & Respect in Action!

Ephesians 5:33 “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

It may not make sense to the world, for a wife to show respect toward a husband that may be harsh and unloving. It also makes no sense to the world for a husband to show love toward a contemptuous, disrespectful woman. But it does make sense to God! This is the kind of obedience that He rewards. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God….” I Corinthians 3:19

What do you appreciate most about your spouse:

Dan & Alyssa

Dan is patient with me when I mess up and doesn’t yell or rub it in. He is wonderful with the children and backs me up. He makes me laugh and is so much fun to be around! I know he loves me. It was hard to stick to only three sentences!

Alyssa is very consistent, productive, creative and submissive. She helps turn the hearts of our children toward our authority as parents. She puts the Lord and others before herself and does it without hypocrisy. She watches over the family’s health, respects and follows me. I’m a blessed man because she cares for my needs without provocation and works hard so when I come home, I don’t have to. She is a Proverbs 31 woman who stands by me and makes me want to be a better man. I couldn’t stick to only three sentences!

Mark & Ginger

I truly appreciate my husband’s loving spirit and loyalty. This has been reflected all throughout his life; however, I most appreciate my husband’s love for me by praying with me and for me. He cares about my concerns and helps me get through those difficult times by simply being my best friend! I love him more than ever!

I appreciate Ginger’s dedication to her God, her family and the Lord’s church. She has outstanding tenacity regarding her job, despite the health problems she struggles with. I love her for her honesty when talking with people…especially me.

Jerry & Judi

Jerry is one of the hardest workers I know. If he can figure it out, he can fix most anything! It’s amazing at times! Jerry’s desire to help others is limited only by his resources.

I appreciate the fact that Judi has always been close to our children and even now, when they are in their 30’s, they still come to Judi for advice. As the Proverbs 31 woman, she takes care of things in our family. She is in charge of the checkbook. Long ago I knew I needed help with paying the bills. She took over that job and does a lot better job then I did. She is definitely a help meet to me.

John & Eleanor

During the nearly 37 years that I’ve been privileged to be married to John, the vows we made on our wedding day have been tested by some devastating blows in the areas of finance, family and health. BUT GOD has brought us through them and has used the difficulties to strengthen our trust in HIM. I appreciate my husband’s FAITHFULNESS to me as we’ve lived, loved, worked, raised children, and grown---together.

What I appreciate the most about Eleanor is that she has always had the desire to please God. I believe that her life exemplifies the virtuous woman that is described in Proverbs 31. As her husband, I have benefited greatly as she serves the Lord in her role as a wonderful companion, lover, keeper of the household, mother and grandmother!

Lynn & Melissa

What I appreciate most about my husband is his unwavering faithfulness. He is so faithful in his love to God, to me, to our family, our church and to his work. He gives us all he has and holds nothing back. He is totally selfless and the best picture of Christ in my life.

What I appreciate most about Melissa is her love for God. She is always striving to improve herself in accordance with God’s Word. I cannot even express adequately how much she loves our children and me. She also loves her church family and tries to help them in any way she can. She is someone I trust with everything I have. We both want to always work together in making our marriage even better.

Scott & Kris

I appreciate Scott’s dedication and steadfastness. He is not afraid to lead but he is willing to also listen to my ideas.

What I appreciated the most about Kris is that she is the perfect help meet…for me. God put her in my life at just the right time, because He knew that where I was weak, my wife is strong. God fulfilled the missing pieces of my life with her and I have been praising Him ever since.

Sam & Sharry (his “special K”)

God blessed me good, when He brought Sam into my life. I appreciate his love for the Lord, His church, His people, and me! He is a man of integrity and high standards. He is real and transparent and makes it so easy for me to respect him.

I appreciate my “Special K” because she has a true servant’s heart. She loves the Lord and her priorities are God first, family, then our local church. This is a tremendous encouragement to me. Her smile and willingness to help, keep me going. She is my best friend and the helpmeet that God knew I needed!

During this “love month”, find some ways to show extra love and respect to your spouse. Ladies, let’s make this a concerted effort to reverence and truly appreciate that man that God gave us and the one we chose. In the ultimate sense, our marriage has nothing to do with our spouse….It has everything to do with our relationship with Jesus Christ.

2009-01-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

The ladies at New Testament Baptist Church would like to wish Emilie Rettig a very special birthday. She is so special to our church because she is the wife of Jon Rettig, our missionary to the Czech Republic. She is a wonderful blessing to her ladies in the Czech and to us in North Dakota.

We love you, Emilie!

Honoring Two Precious Servants

2009-01-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

January's Beautiful for Thee is dedicated to Scott and Janna Phelps, two servants of the Lord, who are perfect examples of a family with a life mission! One of the goals all Christian families should have is a marriage that is mission driven, which produces multi- generational family fruitfulness for the Lord. The Phelps' "mission" is servanthood. That servanthood is directed toward the Lord's church, God's man, God's people, and ultimately the lost around them.

Scott and Janna, along with their children Nick and Sam, are known around NTBC as creative, busy, sacrificing, selfless servants. There is nothing that is too much to ask of Bro. Phelps. When Janna learned to reverence and respect these attributes in her husband's spirit, she then became a willing and inspiring help meet to him in all the projects that he enjoys doing. Together, they are a great team for the Lord and an inspiration of servanthood to others. Any day of the week, after working his secular job, Scott can be found helping others. He and his sons can be seen around town, shoveling snow from driveways, mowing lawns and doing general fix-it work for many members of the church as well as friends and neighbors. Janna works in our Christian school as a teacher-helper and is the head of our decorating department and the inspiration behind many banquets, dinners, receptions, ladies meetings, graduations and the like.

She is a happy and faithful member of our church orchestra and the sound would not be the same without her beautiful french horn!

The Christmas season at our church was a perfect example of what the Phelps family is about. Scott, along with his boys, worked tirelessly on stage props for cantata by constructing platforms, walls and a church front for the Harley Hall fellowship time.

As a labor of love, Scott built a beautiful new pulpit podium that will be a treasured keepsake for the Lord's church for years to come! On top of all this, he was an integral part of the drama presentation and the Lord used him to speak to all our hearts!

Christmas to the Phelps family is all about the Lord's church, Cantata time and being a blessing to others. Their children know this to be true and they willingly support their parents in "the mission".

With much gratitude, we dedicate January's 'Beautiful for Thee' to the Phelps family. You are a beautiful example of longevity in giving, selflessness and faithfulness in the doing of it. Thank you for being a blessing ! We love you all!

"The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of oneself to others."
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

The Blessings of 2008 in Review!

2008-12-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

Psalm 107:8,15,21,31 "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

God has been more than good to NTBC! 2009 is knocking at the door. Will we continue to serve Him with zeal and fervency? What if this would be the year that Jesus comes?

Happy Birthday, Pastor Shaffer!!!

2008-11-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Pastor Shaffer!

Leave Pastor Shaffer a special birthday message

(click here to send an e-mail that will be published)

November’s "Beautiful for Thee", is dedicated to our dear and faithful pastor, as he celebrates his 60th birthday! He has been a steadfast servant of the Lord in our church, for over twenty-eight years. We are blessed to call you "the man of God". You would be the first one to say that you do not need the praise of men to keep going for the Lord, for you have proven, without doubt, that you serve Him first, and foremost.

On this birthday milestone, we cannot let it pass without expressing our love and thanks for the example that you have faithfully lived before us all. You are a true picture of Christ and Christ likeness. Under attack, criticism and questioning, you have turned the other cheek and gone on to stay faithful to the calling wherewith you have been called. You have preached God’s Word without apology. You have counseled our families, sung and led the choir and music program of our church, even when your physical weariness may not have wanted to keep going. We have watched you. We have been encouraged by you. You have been our Moses and our Joshua and you have been the picture of Christ that we all needed to see.

From the bottom of our hearts.....we thank you for staying faithful! When others may give up, move on, become downhearted or desire a "change of scenery", you continue to show us what a faithful spirit looks like! How like the Master, the reflection of your life has been! We love you, Pastor Shaffer.

Happy 60th Birthday

Romans 10:15 "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

"You Are Beautiful To Us!"

"Being About the Father's Business"

Stick with your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil's dogs; do not fool away your time chasing the devil's rabbits. Do your work. Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let critics malign, let enemies accuse, let the devil do his worst; but see to it nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you.

He has not commanded you to be admired or esteemed. He has never bidden you to defend your character. He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood (about yourself) which Satan's or God's servants may start to peddle, or to track down every rumor that threatens your reputation. If you do these things, you will do nothing else; you will be a work for yourself and not for the Lord.

Keep at your work. Let your aim be as steady as a star. You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, "I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do."