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He Must Increase

Valerie Basham

August 22, 2011

Today is my husband’s “spiritual birthday”! He’s 18 today! 🙂 I was 15 years old, living in Benton, Arkansas, and a new Christian myself. I had begun praying for God’s will concerning a mate. The Lord was answering that prayer, and I wouldn’t know it for another 3 years! My husband lived in Flora, Illinois, about 10 hours from where I lived. God drew him to salvation and later called him into the Gospel ministry. You can read about how we met (if you’re interested)HERE. I am so grateful for God’s answers to prayer. 🙂 Anytime I talk to young girls, I tell them that while it’s inappropriate to chase boys, there is nothing wrong with praying for one – the right one! I tell them to pray, and stay busy serving God until He answers.

John 3:30 says He must increase, but I must decrease. Seven little words, but such powerful words! I battle with “self” all the time! Pleasing me, doing things for me, wanting to have myideas validated, and on and on. In fact, I’m dealing with a situation in my life right now that I desperately long to change. Every day, I go to my Bible hoping to see a neon sign that says “YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU WANT, VALERIE.” But so far, all I’m seeing are passages that point out how wicked my heart is or how I need to correct my ways or thoughts or both! I walk away saying “ouch!” My husband preached two great sermons yesterday, and both were things that I struggle with.

While it is hard to face my sinful ways and correct them, there is an amazing sense of peace and relief that washes over me as I bow my head and say, “Lord, forgive me. You are right.” Even after I confess my sin to the Lord, I must fight the flesh in the days following so that I don’t fall back into my old ways. I must constantly remind myself that HE must increase and I must decrease.

Free Water!

Valerie Basham

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August 21, 2011

Our city is famous for two things: Bill Clinton and watermelon. Each year, we celebrate the latter with the Watermelon Festival. My husband has been able to set up a booth representing the church for three years now. At the booth, we hand out free cups of ice cold water and free Gospel tracts. Terry gets the opportunity to witness personally to people from all over the country, of different ages and races. This year, we also had free bubble gum to give the kids! With the horrible heat – 107 to 110 degrees both days – the water was readily accepted by many, as were the tracts. We estimated that we gave out 850 cups of water and at least 400 tracts!

Our church people volunteered for one hour shifts with my husband filling in when no one else was available as well as setting up and taking down each day. My children (except the two youngest) had the opportunity to hand out tracts with their dad and witness as well. Our oldest, Lauren, was able to carry on a lengthy conversation with a person who believes you can lose your salvation. She discussed with this man how he was wrong, from the Bible. I was proud that she knew what she believed, and could intelligently explain it in a respectful way. This must be the Lord working, for we have not spent a lot of time teaching our children how defend their beliefs. When she told me one bit of Bible information that she shared with the man, I asked her how she knew that? Her reply? “From Dad’s preaching.” I found this comforting since recently someone told me that “Kids don’t get anything out of the preaching.” How wrong that is! I’m thankful for the “foolishness of preaching” (1 Cor.1:18). Please don’t keep your children at home, away from preaching. Please get your children out there, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ beginning at a young age. They can impact their world for Christ, if we give them the opportunity.

Here are some photos of our booth:

When Terry’s shift was over, the kids got to spend some of their own money on the festival experience. They purchased roasted nuts, funnel cakes, and a Bungee Jump ride.

Here’s Leslie getting ready to jump!

The video below is of Lauren on the Bungee Jump. She did some flips and the photographer from the Texarkana Gazette took her picture her for the paper! It was exciting to see her picture and name in the paper the next day, alongside our Governor! 🙂

I apologize for being woefully behind on posting. I have much to catch up on in the days to come. Thanks for reading! 🙂

My Favorite Story

Valerie Basham

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August 19, 2011

I suppose my favorite story in the Bible is the story of the resurrection. Along with that, is the story of the men on the Emmaus Road. Remember that story? The men were walking along, discussing the crucifixion and Jesus walks up and starts talking to them? I love that story. Those men said in Luke 24:21 (After they had given Jesus a bit of background) “But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside this, to day is the third day since these things were done.” They were wondering what was happening – they trusted Jesus, but now He was dead – what now? Jesus goes along with the men and expounds the Scripture. Then, Jesus starts to go on past where these men live, but they say “Please, stay with us!” (paraphrase) Jesus does just that! He sits down at the table with them and breaks bread with them. Suddenly, the men realize “This IS Jesus!”. Then, Jesus vanishes. I can’t imagine what that must have been like, to be sitting at my table, eating with Jesus, and not know it was He, and then when I realize it, He disappears! Verse 32 says “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us be the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” The men immediately get up and tell everyone that Jesus is alive.

When you meet Jesus on your own “Emmaus Road”, you will never be the same. I haven’t seen Him with human eyes, but I’ve seen Him, nonetheless. I know He’s here with me. I long for the day when I can see Him face to face. Until then, my heart burns within me as I walk with Him in His Word, as I talk to Him each day, and I want to shout it to the world that Jesus is alive!

Heed His Warnings

Valerie Basham

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August 18, 2011

In Luke 22, I read about Jesus praying in the Garden. He had just finished eating the last supper with His disciples, where he told Peter “Satan want to have you, to sift you as wheat.” (paraphrase) Later, in the Garden, Jesus tells the disciples, “Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:46) If anyone should have been praying, it was Peter! Jesus had specifically told him that Satan wanted him. I don’t know why Peter wasn’t afraid of that prospect, of being used by Satan. Especially when Jesus, the Son of God, warned him! Perhaps Peter had grown used to Christ’s presence in his life, and took Him for granted. Perhaps, he didn’t have a real fear of Satan. Or maybe, he just couldn’t fight his flesh.

It’s easy to grow cold in the Christian life. I don’t want to be that way. I don’t want to ignore warnings from the Lord, through His Word. If I’m being tempted, I want to hide behind God’s Word, pray through the night, if necessary, and trust Him for the power to obey. It’s often easier said than done. To live according to God’s Word, I must fight my flesh, and my flesh is a powerful enemy.

Cover It Up

Valerie Basham

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August 17, 2011

I always get a blessing from the chapter I read each day in Proverbs. I don’t have time to write all of my thoughts each morning, but I often jot down a verse from Proverbs in my notebook that convicts me.

Today, it was Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter spearateth very friends. By sharing someone’s sin with another person, we are hurting them, we are not showing love. It’s something I need to watch! If I truly love someone, I’ll cover up their transgression.

When I was in high school, a very good friend of mine criticized me for something I wore, saying it was immodest. My intention was not to be immodest at all! I was very embarrassed and hurt at the way she shared her thoughts with me. She had assumed I’d intended to do wrongly. When I got home, I told my mother about what she had said. I knew my mom would care and understand, but she wouldn’t hold it against my friend. I was planning on letting the whole thing go, I knew that it was just my friend’s way- she was kind of critical. I did not, however, want to tell my Dad! He and I were very close, and I knew my friend’s words would have hurt him. He might have said (as a knee-jerk reaction) “Don’t spend any more time with her.” Because of this, I wanted to cover up my friend’s words; I wanted to hide them from my Dad. I loved her, and while her actions hurt me, I didn’t want others to think poorly of her. I didn’t want to stop being friends.

Why can’t I be this way with everyone? I suppose it’s because I don’t love everyone the way I should. It’s something I’m working on. By the way, I’m very grateful when others cover up mywrong-doing as well. It’s a blessing to have friends and loved ones who see my faults, but love me anyway! I’m so thankful for my Saviour, who gave His very life to cover up my sin. Because of Him, when the Father looks at me, He sees righteousness! Praise the Lord!!

Keep Going

Valerie Basham

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August 16, 2011

In Genesis 26:17-22, I read about Isaac and how he dug wells. It’s a simple thought for today. Isaac’s enemies filled up the wells that Abraham had dug. Isaac dug them again, and he dug his own wells, which others wanted. Each time he dug a new well, there were his enemies, trying to take it from him. But Isaac just kept going, kept digging wells and finally, they left him alone. When the “enemy” – the world, the flesh, the devil – try to take my “well”, I must keep going. I must keep working. I know that eventually, the enemy will quiet down. It’s painful to keep going, to keep “digging”. It’s a lot work, but it’s worth it.

Calling Jesus

Valerie Basham

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August 15, 2011

I’ve also been mediating on Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.. I’m not sure why, it hasn’t been in my daily reading for a while now. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is prodding me to keep my eyes upon Him. It’s so easy to try to plan out my life, without regard to the Lord’s will. I’ve been asking myself, am I praying about decisions concerning my children? Concerning homeschooling? Concerning anything? Jesus cares about even the smallest situations in my life, but so often, I deal with them myself. I want to talk to Him throughout the day, about everything. One preacher described it as “Shouldering the phone”. That’s a good way to think of it. I want to call Him each day, and shoulder the phone as I go through the day, talking to Him all day long.

He Came to Me

Valerie Basham

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August 15, 2011

I jotted down several thoughts from my reading today. Luke was a blessing, especially reading about the blind man who cried out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”.(Luke 17:35-43) Others tried to shush him, but “he cried so much the more”. He knew this could be his only chance for healing, he didn’t care if he made a fool of himself, all that mattered was getting Jesus’ to look his way, to come to him. The blind man was unable to go to Jesus – where exactly was He? But Jesus could come to him, and He did! I’m so thankful that Jesus heard me cry out to Him for salvation on June 12, 1993. He came to me, because I could not see where he was. I’m so glad He changed me – He opened my eyes – and I’ve never been the same.

Thoughts on the Prodigal Son

Valerie Basham

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August 14, 2011

In Luke 15, I read the words of Jesus, as He told his disciples several parables. The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, or more commonly known as the story of the prodigal son. I can identify with the prodigal son in some ways. I’ve never left home or lived out in the world, but I’ve certainly “left” in my heart a time or two. I wonder if the prodigal son left home just because he was impatient, ready for his life to “begin”; for something important to happen? Maybe he was jealous of his older brother, who probably seemed to have it all together? Maybe he was tempted by those who seemed to be making a success of their lives out in the world? Or, perhaps he was just tired of his Dad’s rules, and rebelled. Jesus didn’t give us that information in the Bible.

I’ve been impatient, wondering, when is the Lord going to bless our efforts to serve Him? When will all the pews be filled? When will the gossipers and liars be proven wrong? When?

I’ve been jealous in my heart toward my older brother and sister, who also serve the Lord. Why can’t I be like them? They have it all together.

I’ve been tempted by the lures of the world. Why do the wicked prosper? I’ve asked in my heart.

I’ve been frustrated by rules, feeling confined and discouraged that I can’t ever be perfect, so why bother?

But every time I fall into one of the above traps, my Father reminds me of a few things. He tells me And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Gal. 6:9

He says to me that I’m not supposed to be like my brother or sister, I’m just supposed to be me. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Ps. 139:14

He reminds me of the ultimate fate of the wicked. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. Ps. 73:18-19

He tells me that I need to be more concerned with His will than the will of man. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Prov. 29:25

I hope I never reach the place where I could actually depart from God’s will. I want the Lord to continue to teach me the error of my thoughts, to chasten me when I need it, and draw me back into his loving arms.

I’m Thankful for what I Don’t Have!

Valerie Basham

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August 13, 2011

In Genesis 20, we read the story of Abraham jouneying to Gerar. There, for some reason, he told Abimelech, the king of Gerar, that Sarah was his sister. (Which, she was his half-sister, but more importantly, she was his wife!) Abimelech made plans to take Sarah for himself, thinking she was unattached. God intervened before that could happen. God told Abimelech in a dream that Sarah was taken, thus sparing Abimelech from sinning and sparing Abraham the consequences of that sin as well. Even though, Abraham sort of deserved it, since he did lie and all. God took care of Abraham, even though Abraham had sinned!

I often make mistakes. I say things I shouldn’t, or I think things I shouldn’t, or I make bad choices. Often, I immediately feel pricked in my heart for my wrong doing. I ask the Lord to forgive me, but I don’t ask that he erase the penalty for my wrong doing. How can I? I made the mistake, I deserve the punishment. Today, as I read this portion of scripture, I wondered how often the Lord has not just forgiven me for sin, but spared me the consequences of my wrong action? Probably more than I could count! Since He doesn’t speak to folks through dreams anymore, I’m not aware of how often He has extended mercy to me by preventing things from happening. We know what does happen – the blessings He sends us – because we see them. But I have no idea what hasn’t happened but should’ve.

I’m so thankful for God’s mercy. I’m thankful for things He hasn’t given me.