Mindy Ferguson's Blog

Embracing Your Season

2011-12-15T11:13:00.000-06:00

Cool winds of change are blowing at the Ferguson home as we leave 2011 behind and look forward to 2012. Our lives are filled with a flurry of activity while the entire family pitches in to help get Mark's new business off and running by February 1st. He is opening a frozen custard shop, appropriately named, Fergy's Frozen Custard. The shop will be his second family run business in addition to his "day job" so needless to say, the entire family pitches in.

The ministry just moved our offices into the back of the custard shop building, so I can be closer to home and (since I do the bookkeeping for his companies), more accessible to his growing staff.

In addition, our son is completing his last semester of college this December and is looking forward to managing Mark's companies full-time, beginning in January. And as if that isn't enough change, the Ferguson nest will soon be empty when our daughter graduates from high school in May and heads off to college in the fall.

I must admit, I have mixed emotions about the many changes taking place in my life all at once. But I'm reminded that our lives are comprised of seasons. Change is not only normal, it is God ordained.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us,

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (NIV)

Whether your current season involves heart rending grief or glorious celebrations, give yourself permission to fully embrace your circumstances. When it is time to laugh, I hope you will laugh until you cry. When it's time to embrace, do so with warmth and sincerity. When it is time to speak, may your words be filled with truth and love. When it is time to build, work as one working for the Lord. And when it is time to weep, let the tears unashamedly flow.

I pray you live 2012 to the fullest, embracing each new day and all it offers as you walk closely with the One who ordains seasons for every activity under the heavens.

And... If you are ever in the Cypress, Texas area, stop by for some frozen custard and swing by the ministry office to say hello. Whatever the season, when you arrive, it will be time to embrace.

Live as You Want to be Remembered

2011-08-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what people will say about you at your funeral?

In preparation for a new writing project, I spent the past month studying the life of Moses. The final chapter of his story includes an amazing epitaph, honoring the reluctant, yet powerfully effective leader for the people of Israel.

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt - to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 NIV)

Moses was known for His intimate relationship with God and for the mighty works God accomplished through his life. Moses made numerous, costly mistakes in his role as Israel's leader. However, God was ultimately glorified through Moses' humble obedience and authentic leadership.

I can think of no better way to be remembered than as a woman who walked so closely with her Lord that others were able to recognize God's loving kindness and mighty power through the way she lived her life. I'm asking God to show me the changes that I need to make in order to make that epitaph a reality.

What about you? What do you want your epitaph to say? What changes do you need to make in order for that to become a reality? Ask God to give you the strength and courage to make those changes and live each day as you want to be remembered.

Mindy Ferguson

Copyright © 2011 Fruitful Word Ministries, Inc.

Removing the Mask of Perfection

2011-07-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

At a Bible study this week, my church Women’s Ministry leadership team discussed the importance of being transparent with those to whom we minister. In “Keeping Your Heart for Ministry”, Michael Miller says,

Exposing your weaknesses and failings takes courage and involves risk. When I have hidden my heart from others in the past, I have done so because I was afraid I would be misunderstood or hurt. But a minister with a true heart for the kingdom lives in transparency.

Are you living in transparency? Do you admit when you make a mistake? Are you honest about your disappointments and your fears? Or do you wear a mask of perfection?

If we want others to experience the depth of God’s grace and catch a glimpse of His goodness, mercy and unfailing love, we have to be willing to share the struggles we are facing and the lessons we are learning in our own walk with Christ. Rather than dispensing advice and pretending to have it all together, we need to share how God is working in the midst of our difficulties. You need to be willing to share such intimate things as the way God is sustaining you as you await the return of a prodigal son, or how you are finding peace during a season of loss.

When we try to hide our weaknesses and flaws and give the impression of perfection, aren’t we really attempting to elevate ourselves into the position of Christ, rather than magnifying the transforming work of Christ in our hearts? Let’s remove the masks of perfection. Transparency is risky, but an honest walk with Christ breeds hope, and authenticity, and unity, and transformation.

Mindy Ferguson
Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved

Sitting and Receiving

2011-05-09T14:52:00.002-05:00

How’s your quiet time going? An intimidating question, isn’t it?

Early this spring, I have to admit, mine wasn’t going well at all. Between juggling the needs of my children, Women’s Ministry, my husband’s business, and caring for my mother as she battled a serious illness, I often skipped my quiet time all together. Some mornings, I quickly read through a Proverb, but I felt like I had just gone through the motions with no real connection to God.

After about a month of arrow prayers as I rushed from one task to the next, I broke down in tears before the Lord. I missed my connection with Him. I was exhausted and weary and in desperate need of unstructured time with God. I finally put my to-do list aside and I just opened His Word and started slowly reading. I longed to connect with God and sense His presence. I was hungry for His Word and thirsty for His Spirit. As I read, I came across the story of Jesus feeding five thousand (John 6) and I noticed something unique about John’s description of the event.

After Andrew (Peter’s brother) pointed out that there was a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, Jesus said,

“Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish (John 6:10-11).

Jesus told the people to sit down. About five thousand sat down on that grassy mountainside, waiting with anticipation to receive what Jesus had for them. And Jesus distributed to those who were seated. As I read and re-read the words, “to those who were seated,” it occurred to me that some of the people on that mountainside chose not to sit down. If you are familiar with the amazing event, you know those five loaves of bread and two fish miraculously fed everyone who was seated with twelve baskets of leftovers to spare.

I asked God why some of the people on that mountainside would choose not to sit down and receive the sustenance that Jesus was offering them. I felt God’s tender conviction wash over me. I realized that I had been just like those men who chose to remain standing or decided they weren’t hungry. I was just like some of them who, perhaps, chose to return to their homes to prepare for the Passover Feast that was quickly approaching. I had been so busy serving and meeting needs, I hadn’t taken time to sit and receive the spiritual food Jesus had for me that would have sustained me and strengthened me and ministered to my weary soul.

Let me ask you again. How’s your quiet time going?

Are you taking time to sit and receive all that Jesus has for you? Believe me, I understand life can get busy. I recongize the demands of your schedule can make setting aside time with our Lord seem difficult. But like me, you cannot effectively minister to others if you do not take the time to sit and receive what Jesus alone can give you. He has more than enough to sustain you with baskets full to spare.

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).

I’d love to read your comments. And if you haven’t been sitting and receiving for awhile, I’d welcome the opportunity to pray for you. I’ve been there, my friend.

Mindy Ferguson
Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved.

Serving from the Overflow

2011-04-03T20:05:00.000-05:00

As servants of Chirst, we all want our work in ministry to be effective and fruitful. That happens most often when we are operating in the overflow. Colossians 2 outlines four important characteristics of living for Christ that describe what it means to serve from the overflow.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (vs. 6-7 NIV)

1). Have the roots of your being firmly and deeply planted in Christ (AMP).

The word "rooted" figurately means to become stable (Strongs). Our knowledge of God's Word and our relationship with Him need to be such that we are stable and strong. Like a tree, planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream...it has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:8).

2). Be continually built up in Chirst.
This is a construction term. As believers in Christ, God is doing a construction project in our lives, continually building us up in Christ. We need to be moldable and pliable in His hands. It is an ongoing process -- being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6).

3). Be strengthened and established in your faith
This refers to inner strength that comes from walking closely with God through the ups and downs of life. When we do, we don't just know about passages that refer to God as our fortress, sustainer, deliverer, provider, etc. We come to know Him as our fortress, sustainer, deliverer, and provider. First hand knowledge of God.

4). Overflowing with Thankfulness
When our roots are deep in Christ and we stay closely connected, allowing God to mold us and continually do His divine construction project in our hearts; growing to know Him, not just know about Him, our hearts will overflow with gratitude and we will operate from the overflow of a thankful heart. Our love and passion for Christ will be contagious and our ministries will be fruitful, like a tree planted by a stream of water. We'll be serving from the overflow...

-Mindy Ferguson

New Retreat Theme - Abiding Joy

2011-02-20T15:52:00.000-06:00

I'm working on a new retreat theme that will be available for events this fall called "Abiding Joy." The messages are based upon Jesus' words in John 15.

In Verse 5, Jesus said,

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (NKJ)."

The Amplified Version describes abiding as "remaining in vital union with" Jesus.

Are you experiencing the joy that comes from remaining in vital union with Jesus? He is the life-sustaining Vine. And abiding means more than simply having a regular prayer time and being involved in a Bible study. It's a life filled with what I call Abiding Disciplines.

One of those disciplines is Abiding in God's ways. In John 15:9-11, Jesus said:

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (emphasis added).

I'm excited about these new messages and the lessons God is impressing upon my heart as I study. I want to live each day in vital union with Jesus. And why is abiding so important? So His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete. He wants us to have abiding joy!

Joyfully studying...
Mindy

Copyright © 2011, Mindy Ferguson
All Rights Reserved

Unexpected Fires

2010-11-06T15:03:00.000-05:00

I once started a fire in my kitchen while attempting a home remedy to remove trapped water from my son’s ear. A friend had suggested that I heat equal parts vinegar and alcohol in a spoon and then dispense it into his ear. I carefully poured the vinegar and alcohol into the center of a large spoon, grabbed a lighter from the kitchen drawer, and cautiously held the flame under the liquid.

After about thirty seconds (just as I was about to extinguish the lighter) the mixture ignited. Looking at the flames in disbelief, I panicked and dropped the spoon, spilling the flaming liquid onto the counter. I quickly ran to the sink, turned on the faucet, cupped my hands under the running water, and tossed a handful onto the flames. The small puddle of fiery liquid suddenly became a stream of flames, flowing across the counter.

Shaking his head and rolling his eyes, my son, Brandon, calmly grabbed a dish towel from the drawer, soaked the towel under the running faucet, and threw it over the fire. The flames immediately disappeared. We stared at each other for a few seconds and then burst into simultaneous laughter.

How do you respond to the unexpected fires of life? Unfortunately, many of us respond to the loss of a job, a car accident, or a serious illness, much like I reacted to the flaming spoon that day in my kitchen —with utter panic and careless action.

Ephesians 6:16 tells believers to “…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” We take up our shield of faith by choosing to trust God when we encounter an unexpected trial. When your supervisor hands you a pink slip, instead of making a bee-line to the nearest mall and purchasing three new interview outfits on credit, or placing your house on the market that afternoon, choose (as my son did that day in my kitchen) to remain calm. Take time to pray, and seek God’s guidance before taking action.

By choosing to trust God, you will extinguish the fiery darts of fear, confusion, and doubt that can cause you to react with reckless haste. Not to mention, you just might avoid the humbling experience of turning a small fiery puddle into a flowing stream of flames.

Join Me for a Virtual Blog Tour August 16th Through September 1st

2010-08-02T09:01:00.004-05:00

Blogs are a great forum for sharing our thoughts and I typically utilize this space on the world-wide web to post articles or teaching from God’s Word. This month, however, I will be taking a blog-tour August 16th through September 1st and want to make you aware of my virtual stops. This is a new adventure for me and I invite you to participate by visiting the tour blogs, commenting on posts, asking questions (which I'll be happy to answer), or reading and/or listening to interviews.

I’ve posted the schedule for the tour below. There will be book giveaways and contests. Stop by one (or several) of the spots.

August 16th - Debbie White will be reviewing Walking with God: From Slavery to Freedom; Living the Promised Life http://christfocusbookclub.blogspot.com/

August 17th – Sarah Caiafa will be reviewing Hugs Bible Reflections for Women
http://caiafacraziness.com/CaiafaCrazinessReviews/

August 18th – Jill Jones will be reviewing The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://iambelievinggod.wordpress.com/

August 19th – I will join Marnie Swedberg, host of Marie and Friends Blog Talk Radio, for a Training for Ladies’ Bible Study leaders http://www.blogtalkradio.com/marniesfriends

August 20th – Verlina Adame will be doing a highlight of Fruitful Word Ministries
http://www.whatyoureadingnow.blogspot.com/

August 21st – Tammy Litke will be doing a review of The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://www.threedifferentdirections.com/

August 23rd – Michelle Vasquez will be doing a review of The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://michellevsblog.blogspot.com/

August 24th – I'll be answering questions for Amy Thue's interview
http://girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com/

August 25th – Amy Thue will be doing a review of The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://gatherinspirit.com/

August 26th – Molly Edwards will be reviewing Hugs Bible Reflections for Women
http://buuklvr81.blogspot.com/

August 27th - Ashley Dodd will be reviewing Walking with God: From Slavery to Freedom; Living the Promised Life http://www.thechristianscroll.blogspot.com/

August 28th – Verlina Adame will be reviewing The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://www.whatyoureadingnow.blogspot.com/

August 30th – Liberty Speidel will be reviewing The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://libertywordwanderings.blogspot.com/

August 31st – Kristi Herbrand will be reviewing The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/

September 1st – Lori Kasbeer will be reviewing The Women in Jesus’ Life
http://www.lorisreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/

I look forward to interacting with you along the way!

Mindy Ferguson

The Women in Jesus' Life Bible Study - NOW AVAILABLE

2010-07-19T11:29:00.001-05:00

The Importance of Focus in Ministry

2010-06-11T18:57:00.002-05:00

Do you feel like you have to fill every open spot or get involved in every activity at your church? Last week as I was preparing to teach my women’s Sunday school class, God reminded me to stay focused in ministry.

As the number of disciples in the early church increased, there were widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The twelve apostles gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables” (Acts 6:2 NIV). Instead of taking their focus off the work Jesus had commissioned them to do, the apostles delegated the work of distributing food to seven wise, spirit-filled men who could handle the responsibility. The apostles then said, “We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4 NIV).

God used these passages to remind me to delegate in my role as Women’s Ministry Director and to be purposeful in my writing and speaking ministry. There have been a number of projects that I’ve considered working on in recent months, but God reminded me that I need to stay focused. Although a few of the projects I considered were worthwhile and exciting, He has commissioned me to encourage and equip women through the study of His Word.

Every believer in Christ is called to serve God in some form of ministry. Is there work you are neglecting because you are trying to fill too many different roles at your church or in your ministry? Prayerfully seek God about your service. Give your attention to the tasks God has gifted you to complete. Delegate other responsibilities to spirit-filled folks who are willing and able to serve.

The apostles stayed focused and delegated effectively. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7 NIV). Likewise, when we are faithful to seek God and serve as He directs, our Lord accomplishes His purposes in our lives and ministries.

-Mindy Ferguson
Copyright © 2010 Fruitful Word Ministries, Inc.

Sovereign Philosophy

2010-04-09T20:27:00.000-05:00

Is God sovereign? That was the first question on my son’s worksheet for a college philosophy class. His lap-top computer wasn’t routing properly to the home printer, so he emailed the worksheet to me so I could print it out before he left for class. Like any good mother would… I peeked at his answer (as well as several others). I must say, the years of Sunday school, family devotions, and church youth functions appear to have been fruitful.

I wondered what the Philosophy professor might discuss in the class. I struggled with the idea of an unknown teacher debating the sovereignty of our Lord with my son (without using Scripture!). The truth of God’s sovereign rule and ability to work through His people (and sometimes in spite of His people) to bring about His divine will is best revealed through His Word. Immediately, I thought of an incident in Scripture that helped me solidify the concept of God’s sovereignty.

There was a Centurion in the Italian Regiment named Cornelius. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly (Acts 10:2 NIV). In a vision, Cornelius saw an angel who told him to send men to the home of tanner who lived in Joppa. The Apostle Peter was staying with the tanner at the time. The angel instructed Cornelius to have the men bring Peter to his house. Cornelius sent two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa as the angel instructed.

About the time the men were approaching the city of Joppa, Peter went up on the roof of the tanner’s house to pray. Peter fell into a trance and also saw a vision. In Peter’s vision, He saw something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat” (Acts 10:11-13 NIV). The sheet contained not only animals that Jews would consider “kosher” or “clean” and acceptable to eat, but also many that were considered “unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:15 NIV). While Peter was still trying to understand the vision, Cornelius’s men arrived at the house asking for him.

The Spirit said to Peter, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them” (Vs. 19-20). The next day Peter went with the men to Cornelius’s house in Caesarea. Interestingly, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends at this house, anticipating Peter’s arrival. Peter stepped inside and said, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

Isn’t that amazing? Peter left with Cornelius’s men even though it was against Jewish law to associate with Gentiles, and he went without even knowing the purpose of the visit. Peter was told by the Spirit not to hesitate and he obeyed, without objection, without question. Peter was a man deeply devoted to the Jewish laws. Only a work of God upon his heart could have persuaded him to break Jewish law and visit a Gentile home.

And how does the story end? Peter preached and shared that Jesus Christ is Lord of all and told the group that Jesus had been crucified and raised from the dead on the third day. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles” (Acts 10:44-45 NIV). The entire group was baptized and salvation was extended to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, just as God promised Abraham about two thousand years earlier when He said, all peoples on earth will be blessed through you (Genesis 12:3).

God spoke to two men living in different cities with precise timing. The messages were specific enough to clearly guide each man’s decisions. Our Lord is indeed sovereign. He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him (Daniel 2:21-22). And Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because He always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25). For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities –all things have been created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

We can rest in the truth that the One who created all things in heaven and on earth is the same God who works out everything according to His divine purposes and even grants wisdom to those who consider themselves wise. Yes, our God has a sovereign philosophy.

Hmm... I wonder if I can slip into that class!

-Mindy Ferguson

Copyright 2010 © Fruitful Word Ministries, Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Partying Light

2010-03-02T08:23:00.003-06:00

“Mom! I need to talk to you!” she yelled with a notable tone of urgency in her voice. The door slammed and muffled pounding erupted from the stairs as she quickly made her way to my study. Recognizing a “mom moment” in the making, I abandoned the fragmented sentence on my computer screen and turned attentively toward my usually up-beat daughter.

She threw herself into the brown suede lounge chair that was positioned in the corner of the room. Her lips quivered and tears began streaming down her sunburned cheeks as she struggled to speak. “I’m not going to that party,” she finally whispered through her tears. My soon-to-be junior high schooler had been invited to a birthday party by a slighter older girl who lived down the street. A number of eighth grade girls were planning to attend the girly gathering and this was my pre-teen’s first invitation to a “Jr. High” sleepover.

Quickly deserting my seat, I knelt on the floor beside my daughter, brushing a tear from her chin. I listened as she explained some of the activities that the adventurous teenage host had planned for her party, which included midnight festivities around a Ouija board. My daughter then said, “I told her I didn’t want to play that game.”

After a short pause, she sadly declared, “I’m not going to go to the party, Mom.” Tears began streaming down my cheeks as my heart swelled with a mixture of motherly pride and compassion. We talked and prayed together for a few minutes, praising God for alerting her to the party agenda ahead of time. After a few words of affirmation, she wiped her tears and slowly made her way to her bedroom to talk to a friend. As I returned to my place in front of the computer screen, I marveled at how much my little girl had grown up. I praised God for giving my fun-loving pre-teen the strength and courage to make such a difficult decision.

Later that day, my daughter asked if she could attend a portion of the party. After further discussion about the importance of steering clear from any activities that involved the contacting of spirits (Leviticus 19:31), I agreed. She attended the party for a few hours, enjoyed a visit to the swimming pool and some beauty tips from a cosmetic consultant. But as the son began to set, she thanked the girl for inviting her and then quietly walked back home for the night.

I must admit, I sometimes struggle to find the proper balance between separating myself from wordly activities and going to the extreme of isolating myself so completely from mainstream society that I become indifferent to those who need a glimpse of the Savior.

When interceding for His disciples, Jesus prayed:

They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified (John 17:16-19 NIV).

Jesus’ prayer made it clear that sanctification, which means to set apart for God’s use, does not mean isolation. We need to know the Word of God, live it out as best we can, and depend upon the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. We have to be careful not to withdraw ourselves so completely that we no longer reflect Christ to people around us. We are called to live out our faith before the world in order to glorify God and draw others to Him.

You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lamp stand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 NCV).

We are the light of the world. We must remain committed to purity, separating ourselves from activities that can contaminate our spirits or tempt us to sin. But we also must be careful not to completely isolate ourselves from people who need exposure to Jesus Christ. Like my daughter, sometimes that means we should be “partying light.”

-Mindy Ferguson
As appeared in P31 Magazine, February 2006 edition

Pressure Free Interview

2010-02-05T18:43:00.000-06:00

As I drove at a snail’s pace in rush-hour-traffic toward the Fox affiliate station in Houston, Texas, I began running through some possible responses to questions I anticipated from the station’s news anchor. I had been asked to appear on the morning news program for an interview about my recent book, Hugs Bible Reflections for Women.

When scheduling the interview, my publicist told me she hoped to send a copy of the interview to Fox’s national news coordinator with the goal of securing an appearance on Fox’s national morning news program. She ended the call by enthusiastically saying, “I’ll be watching you!”

I felt tremendous pressure to make the message in my book appeal to the diverse audience that would be viewing a mainstream news program. I’d done enough media interviews to understand that the station would expect me to use terms like “my faith” instead of “Christianity”. I knew full well that it was politically correct to avoid using the name of Jesus. I tried to convince myself that toning down my message would enable the book to get into the hands of more women who wouldn’t normally study the Bible.

However, as I thought through ways to avoid offending the non-believing viewers, I had a sick feeling come over me. I realized that the only motivation for rehearsing politically correct responses would be to secure more interviews with secular media outlets.

I thought of Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit...” A spirit of conviction came over me as I my life verse began playing in my head, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

Tears welled up in my eyes and I cried out to God, “All I want to do is glorify You! This interview is Yours. Please give me the words, Lord God, and forgive me for allowing selfish ambition to enter my heart.”

I pulled into the parking lot of the station with a heavy heart. But as I entered the double glass doors, a sense of peace engulfed me. The pressure was gone and I didn’t step into the studio with canned responses ready to roll eloquently off my tongue. Instead, I entered as a humbled servant on a mission, dependent upon the Spirit of my Jesus to guide me through that interview.

The tape of that interview will probably never make its way to the station’s national news coordinator. I wasn’t disrespectful of the station’s format during the interview, but I was honest and transparent about my faith. I am at peace that the only name that was advanced that day was the name of Jesus. And with that, I am at peace.

Have you ever taken a stand for Jesus when it wasn’t socially or professionally expedient to do so? If so, please share by posting a comment.

Enduring Mercy

2009-07-09T11:13:00.005-05:00

The sanctuary echoed with hundreds of voices singing, “His love endures forever!” A deep voice thundered the words from the seat behind me. A well trained soprano harmonized from across the room. The words were barely audible from the heartfelt whispers of the frail, elderly woman beside me. As I listened to the praises of the young, the old, the broken and the joyful, I was overwhelmed by the reality of God’s faithfulness to mercifully inhabit our unworthy hearts.

Thousands of years ago, there was another sanctuary filled with similar praises from the lips of God’s servants. After seven years of diligent and meticulous labor, Solomon’s workers completed the construction of the Lord’s glorious temple. With joyous expectation, the elders and priests gathered together to give thanks and dedicate the magnificent structure.

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever."
Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.
-2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (NIV)

The presence of God descended in a cloud, filling every crevice of that temple with His awe-inspiring glory. The instruments were silenced. The praises ceased. The Spirit of the Living God so overwhelmed His servants that they were unable to stand in His presence. What had simply been a spectacular building was instantly transformed into a sacred temple.

It is not our worthiness that woos our heavenly Father to the temples of our hearts. It is His abundant mercy. According to The Bible Knowledge Word Study: Joshua-2 Chronicles (Cook), The Hebrew word translated “love” in the worshippers’ song (2 Chronicles 5:13) refers to the mercy and kindness God faithfully bestows upon His covenant people.

As Christians, we come before a holy and righteous God only by the covenant blood of His beloved Son. It is God’s mercy that brought His son to earth. It is His mercy that sustained our Lord on the cross. It is God’s mercy that makes a temple worthy of His holy presence.

Beloved, regardless how ordinary or unworthy you may feel, by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of His Spirit, you have been mercifully transformed into a sacred temple of a Holy God.

O, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever! (Psalm 118:1 NKJV)

-Mindy Ferguson

Moving Compassion

2009-05-06T14:04:00.011-05:00

Are you compassionate toward people in need? I did a word study on the word, "compassion." I felt a little convicted as I was reminded that compassion is more than a feeling.

There are several different Greek words that are translated "compassion" in the New Testament. As I studied, I noticed there was one particular Greek word used throughout the gospels to describe Jesus’ response to people around him. The word is, splagchnizomai. It means, “to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (fig.) feel sympathy, to pity: - have (be moved with) compassion (Strongs).” It is a heart response felt deep in the gut that compels us to action.

Moved by compassion, Jesus healed the sick (Matthew 14:14), cleansed the leper (Mark 1:41), taught the crowds (Mark 6:34), raised a widow’s son from the dead (Luke 7:13), and miraculously fed the multitudes with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish (Matthew 15:32). In every instance, the compassion Jesus felt deep within Him, compelled Him to take action – to eliminate pain or help the needy.

1 John 3:17-18 says,

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (NIV).

Christ-like compassion is expressed when we go beyond simply telling others that we care by taking action to help them.

I have several reference books on Jewish history and traditions (one of my favorite topics!). I was interested to read that Jews have always had a strong sense of responsibility toward the poor and needy in their communities. Perhaps we can learn a little about compassion from our Jewish friends. Jesus was a Jew, you know!

A tradition that I found fascinating is the use of a small collection box called a pushke (or charity box). Jewish families begin teaching their children about the importance of regular, charitable giving through the use of small charity boxes. A collection box is kept in the home and used by all members of a Jewish household to deposit loose change on a daily basis. The money collected in the box is given to the poor or to a type of benevolence fund at their local synagogue. The presence of the charity box encourages young and old alike to cultivate the habit of giving to others without counting the cost.

After my research, I ordered a charity box for our family. Compassion isn’t a feeling. It is a heart response that compels us to action.

How does your family cultivate a habit of giving and reach out to the world around us with Christ-like compassion? I’d love to hear what you’re doing! Please share by posting a comment.

-Mindy Ferguson

Fresh Paint and a Fresh Word

2009-04-17T14:03:00.007-05:00

After living in our home for ten years, we finally granted our Family Room and Foyer a badly needed coat of fresh paint. I felt a little trepidation as the painters invaded our usually quiet home with a flurry of activity. Armed with a variety of ladders, neatly folded drop-cloths, spools of plastic , and paint buckets filled with our carefully selected colors, the diligent crew of workers began moving furniture and preparing our home for transformation.

Once they settled into their work, I poured a fresh cup of coffee, chased down our one-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Mollie (who was curiously inspecting the painters supplies), and closed myself into the master bedroom to do a little research for a lesson that I was working on. I spent the majority of the day confined to the bedroom, but as the painters were nearly finished, I cautiously stepped out into the foyer.

The rich colors brought new life to our ten-year old walls that had previously sported a drab shade of beige. I was surprised how much a fresh coat of paint and a change of color could transform our surroundings. I enjoy spending time in our “new” Family Room.

Interestingly, I had a similar experience recently when I began utilizing different versions of the Bible for my prayer time. I often read a Proverb and pray passages as I feel convicted or inspired by the content. Although I typically memorize passages and teach from the New International Version, by changing translations during my quiet time, I find that my time in God’s Word is enhanced and my prayers have more depth.

I encourage you to try reading from different versions of the Bible during your prayer time. I’ve collected a number of different translations over the years and always get excited when I am able to add a new Bible to my collection.

Post a comment and tell me your favorite version of Scripture. If I don’t have it, I’ll be sure to place it to my list of Bibles to add to my collection!

Wrestling with Why

2009-04-03T05:19:00.008-05:00

After a careless walk through a freshly mowed field, my daughter came running into the house, wildly brushing at her ankles. With a look of total frustration, she exclaimed, “Why did God Create ants?!” As I grabbed the calamine lotion from the bathroom medicine cabinet, I responded, “I have no idea. Let’s ask Him when we see Him!”

Have you ever asked God Why? “Why does He allow His servants to suffer?” “Why do cheaters often appear to win?” I must admit, the more answers I stumble upon in my journey of faith, the less I seem to fully understand. God uses the unqualified and exalts the meek. He cures some people from terminal illness and heals others by ushering them to Heaven.

In wrestling through the whys in my life, I’ve often thought I might do things differently if I were God. I’d probably choose the strongest and most influential folks to carry out my work. Certainly I’d only select leaders with unwavering faith and steadfast obedience. Criminals would always suffer and the righteous would always prosper.

But truth be known, if God operated according to my set of standards, the woman in my mirror would never qualify to work for the Kingdom of God. She is often weak. At times, she struggles desperately to walk faithfully with God. And sadly, she frequently fails to display the righteous behavior that God deserves from His “servants.”

Yes, I might have created a world without annoying ants, creepy cockroaches (there’s a why!), or the nuisance of bees, but in my diligence I would have produced a planet without amusing creatures like anteaters, the beauty of flowers, or the sweetness of honey.

In Isaiah 55:8-9 the Lord says,

For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (NIV).

I do not always understand the ways of God. But I marvel at the beauty He frequently generates from the ashes of tragedy. I am continually amazed that He so often chooses mercy when others might opt for wrath. And I am continually in awe of His ability to transform the rebellious and restore the broken.

I have asked my Lord “why” on more than one occasion. But the question with which I most often struggle? Why would He send His Son to die so that He could have a relationship with someone as flawed as me? Yes, I question...but I am eternally grateful that God’s ways are far higher than mine. (I guess I can put up with the ants.)

Mindy Ferguson

Copyright 2009 © Fruitful Word Ministries, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

God's Goodness in the Rearview Mirror

2009-01-19T13:57:00.006-06:00

I was in my car, waiting at a traffic light the other day, when I noticed a sign in the rear window of a small car that was sitting in the lane beside me. At first glance, the sign was illegible because the words were backwards. The sticker had been applied on the inside of the window rather than the outside, as it was designed to be displayed. But as I focused in on the words more closely and read in reverse, I realized that the sign read, “God is Always Good.”

For a moment, I wondered why the petite, middle-aged woman driving the car would have applied the sticker improperly. Surely she recognized that other drivers would have a difficult time reading the awkwardly displayed sign. But as I gave the scenario more thought, I realized that the woman hadn’t applied that sign to her window for other drivers. She had displayed the sign there for herself. It was positioned slightly off center so that it could be seen (and easily read) every time she glanced into her rearview mirror.

I felt an immediately sense of kinship with this unknown woman. I too have experienced seasons in my life when I needed visual reminders of God’s goodness amidst circumstances that were exhausting or deeply painful. There have been times when I’ve written Scriptures that speak of God’s faithfulness on my hands, on my vanity mirror, or even taped to the dashboard of my car. Passages like, Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands (Deuteronomy 7:9) have helped focus my thoughts on God’s goodness when my circumstances were not so good.

As the traffic light changed from red to green and we drove in different directions, I lifted up a prayer for this mysterious woman who chooses to keep God’s goodness ever present in her rearview mirror. I would imagine her focus on the goodness of our God will give her the strength she needs to make her way through whatever challenges lay ahead for her.

You may not want to paste a sign on the rear window of your car, but during seasons of disappointment or trial, I challenge you to write passages that speak of God’s goodness and faithfulness in prominent places in your home, your car, or your workplace. You'll find strength and courage for whatever the road of life may bring.
Below are a list of passages that I often use to remind myself of God’s goodness:

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. –Psalm 145:3

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. –Psalm 34:8

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. –Psalm 86:15

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. – 1 Corinthians 1:9

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. –Psalm 23:1,6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." –Joshua 1:9

If you have some passages that you use to remind yourself of God's goodness, I encourage you to share them by posting a comment.

Copyright © Fruitful Word Ministries, Inc. All Rights Reserved

New Year's in the Hill Country

2009-01-12T13:29:00.014-06:00

Our family took a short trip to kick off the new year. We stayed in some quaint little rustic cabins, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Our son, Brandon, brought along his girlfriend (they stayed in separate bedrooms, of course), so needless to say, we had a full cabin. My mother, sister, my thirteen year old niece and eleven year old nephew joined us, staying in a near-by cabin on the same property.

Without the distractions of television, cell phones, and the world-wide web, everyone was forced to occupy themselves with more primitive forms of entertainment. We played cards, read, and just talked as we sat on the deck under the starlit sky. It warmed my heart when frequent laughter and competitive shouts erupted from the cabins as the younger crew played card games until the wee hours each night. My husband, Mark, provided comedic relief with his unsuccessful, yet persistent efforts to convince the kids that a wild animal was invading the grounds. This is a photo of the kids. Fun was had by all!

The weather was extraordinarily warm – in the upper 40’s at night and low 70’s during the day – which made for a beautiful hike at a near-by state park. The first couple miles of the hike were intense, with a steep incline to the hilltops, but the view at the top was breathtaking…okay, we were out of breath from the hike, but it WAS beautiful. As we made our way down the other side of the hillside, we were surprised to see a LIVE armadillo beside the trail - only in Texas! It was a wonderfully refreshing way to begin the new year.

We all need times of rest and refreshment. After the apostles went out and preached and ministered among the people, they "gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught" (Mark 6:30). Jesus urged them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31). We’ve visited FoxFire Cabins several times throughout the years when our family needed time away to rest and reconnect with one another.

Please share a little about the quiet resting places God has provided for you or your family by posting a comment.

Hurricane Ike Relief

2008-12-18T13:47:00.015-06:00

I want to thank everyone that contributed to the Fruitful Word Ministries Kitchen Drive benefiting victims of Hurricane Ike. I'm excited to share that we collected more than $650 worth of flatware, dishes, and monetary donations. Thank you for talking it up with your women's ministry groups. We even had a Sunday school class and a local business donate money to purchase kitchen supplies. Together, we did indeed share the compassion of Christ with families in the Bay Area of Houston as they attempt to restore a sense of normalcy to their homes.

Tanya and I had a great time purchasing dishes and flatware before we headed down to the InterFaith Caring Hurricane Ike Relief Center. We spent some time sorting clothing for the center and talking with some of the regular volunteers. Before we left, we saw one woman walking out with some the kitchen items you donated!

Please continue to pray for the families in the Bay Area of Houston and in Galveston as they work to rebuild their communities and their homes.