First Bible Baptist Church - Ladies Ministry

02/01/2025

From our Pastor’s wife, Mrs Brenda Conrad

Dear Ladies,
It is January 31 today. As I read Proverbs 31, I could have been overwhelmed by my inadequacy as a virtuous woman. I could have been bogged down by all the things I used to do that I can no longer do, the stuff still laying around everywhere because of rushing in and out the door to doctors and hospitals. I could have given in to physical pain; it was a bad day. It would have been easy to be disheartened by everyone’s problems and discouraged by seemingly unanswered prayers that entered my mind today. Or distracted by attention-getting headlines on FB as I went to the church prayer page for updates.
Then God reminded me of my new favorite verse (for now anyway J)… I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Ps 130:5 There was little hope for a good day in my thinking, in my feelings, in the menial tasks I was facing, so I knew I needed to go back to wait for the Lord… in his word. This time my attention was riveted on Proverbs 31:17 and the note I penned beside it on May 31,2021. I don't remember the circumstances of that day except that it was our anniversary. Evidently I needed strength and sought the scriptures to find it. The note was simply a list of verse references and the caption, How to Get God's Strength. Today, I knew that's what I needed and how and where to find it. The choice was mine… seek the Lord in His Word or wallow, whimper and whine about life.
I feel bad that January went by without a ladies fellowship, but God did not allow it. So before this last day of the month of the new year is over, I offer you hope in his word. Below are the scriptures where I found God's strength. Maybe God wanted you to seek His strength for yourself instead of depending on what He gave me. I sincerely hope that as you choose to meditate on these scriptures there will be a verse that will meet your need. I KNOW that if you… seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deut 4:29
Isaiah 50:10
Ps 112:1,4,7,8
2Chron 20:12-15,17
Isaiah 30:1,2,7,15,18,20,21
Prov 16:20
Ps 18:32
Rom 5:6
Eph 3:14-20
Col 1:10-13
Ps 71:18
Ps 73:26

Love and Blessings, Brenda

11/22/2024

We are going to live stream on the praise & prayer group

10/22/2024

PURIFYING and PERFECTING

At the end of earthly life, will the gold produced in your life be Fools Gold or Pure Gold?
Fools gold: something that resembles gold to an untrained eye. The owner believes it to be valuable, but it is not really so. It may be flashy and attractive but ultimately is a worthless investment and tarnishes easily.
Contrariwise, a person who is described as Pure Gold is defined as one who is genuine and always looking for ways to help others. Pure gold cannot be created without the supernatural purifying work of God from within. (Phil 2:13) We cannot be perfected without yielding our selves, body and soul, to the painful, purifying process that is Gods personal plan for each of us.
Since MLC I've been thinking on this... do I really want to go through the prolonged painful process Job went through to "come forth as gold"? My natural inclination is to avoid any kind of suffering if possible.

GOD'S PLAN
1 Kings 8:61 "Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."

A Perfect Heart is defined as: a heart that is complete, at peace, or centered.
A Perfect Heart with the LORD, is one that is at peace with the LORD. To be at peace gives the idea of being without turmoil or chaos. It shows us that we do not have to be affected by the turmoil around us. A perfect heart is a heart that is centered on the statutes and commands of God. Stability comes with consistency. Consistency is achieved by being centered on His Word, His Will, and His Faith. Solomon wanted Israel to know that their strength and success was dependent upon developing a Perfect Heart WITH the LORD their God.
Mt. 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect..." (Am I?)
Jn 17:23 "I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou has sent me..." (Does the world see the perfect Saviour in me?)
2Cor 12:9 "...my strength is made perfect in weakness..." (Am I depending on my strength or His?)
2Cor 13:11 "...Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (Am I perfected enough to be at peace even in conflict or trouble?)
All the things that happen in our lives are at least partially for the purpose of fulfilling God's plan to perfect us... The vehicle problems and accidents, the health concerns that crop up or reappear unexpectedly, the dark days that cause us to feel disheartened, defeated, maybe even despairing, the physical and/or emotional pain that we suffer, the temptation to react in the flesh when our buttons get pushed, the fears that resurface when seemingly "bad" things happen (like election results), the overwhelming weariness that comes when situations worsen instead of improving...

Our Responsibility in GOD'S PERFECTING PROCESS
1 Kings 8:61 "LET your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day."
There is never a command given by God that is impossible to achieve. The more we willingly surrender our selves and lives to the LORD the more we can understand the need for a perfect heart.
Heb 6:1 "leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, LET us go on unto perfection..."
James 1:4 "But LET patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing"
We must "let" or allow God to go on working in us and on us as He sees fit, even when it hurts! We often don't see how the situations that befall us could possibly bring about perfection, but God KNOWS. He also knows how long the process will take to complete, and how best to accomplish it.
Eph 4:13 "till we all come...unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ"
2Tim 3:17 "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good work."

How GOD PURIFIES to PERFECTION

Through PRAYERS
Col 4:12 "...always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. The fervent prayers of the saints for one another will greatly help each one to develop a God-centered determination to walk in His statutes.
(Are you fervently, continually praying for others spiritual needs as well as their health and wellbeing?)

Through FELLOWSHIP, TEACHING & PREACHING
I Th 3:10 "...praying exceedingly that we might see your face... and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith"
Godly fellowship and conversation, Bible teaching and preaching will help to perfect the areas that are lacking in the faith of our individual hearts. Missing out slows down and hinders God's perfection process.
(Does your Pastor or Bible teacher see your face every time God's Word is spoken?)

Through SUFFERING in the form of personal pain, loss, discomfort, needs, interrupted plans...
Heb 13:21 "Now the God of peace... Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ..."
The completeness of a Perfect Heart helps us avoid the distractions of this world so that we can dedicate our all to Him, without reservation. We often limit God's ability to perfect us in every good work by resisting what we don't like, by being distracted by what we want to do so we don't recognize HIS will, or by seeking to please someone other than God.
(Are you seeking His will, His direction, His Presence in EVERYthing, EVERY day?)

A BETTER WAY to BECOME PERFECT

Col 3:14 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."

Even if we are praying fervently for others, paying attention every time Scripture is presented, studying personally, speaking boldly, suffering willingly... there is a more excellent way to be perfected.
I Corinthians 12:31 Covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a “more excellent way."
I Corinthians 13:1-13

 13:1 We may speak what we believe loudly, clearly, consistently... in any language or even with the sweet tones of an angel... and still be heard by all as blaring brass or just a powerless tinkling cymbal...
 13:2 We may be biblically smart, well read with excellent comprehension, believe every word of the KJV and act on it to accomplish great feats...
 13:3 We may be unselfish and self-sacrificing for the benefit of God and others...
 13:4 If we are unwilling to wait on God, impatient with others; if we inwardly desire to be more like someone else or have what someone else has; if we often attempt to show ourselves important by verbally building ourselves up; if we think of ourselves first (Phil 2:3) ...
 13:5 If we don’t always behave as Jesus did, if we desire to have our own way rather than being concerned about what’s best for others and bringing glory to God... if we are easily annoyed, angered, upset... if we think the worst in every conflict...
 13:6 If we’re glad our enemies' sin and get judgment, rather than rejoicing when truth is upheld...
 13:7 If we ignore or neglect to bear the burdens of others and view people or situations as hopeless; if we rebel and/or refuse to “endure” some things...
"If" we do any or all these, we are at least partially “fools gold”. However, the finished, perfected product will not be revealed till Jesus comes or till we go Home; so, there is hope while we have breath! (I Cor 13:8-10)

 13:11 As we mature and desire to be more like Christ; as we allow Him to help us see ourselves clearly and allow Him to purify us; as we seek His help to put off and put away childish things and ways from our old nature, we grow into pure gold and godly womanhood that is wellpleasing to God!
 13:12 Right now our thinking and understanding is limited and clouded by our old nature. We press on, but often in our own efforts, which hinders Gods perfecting work. (Phil 3:12-15) When Jesus comes, we will be pure gold that is precious in His sight! (I John 3:2,3)
 13:13 CHARITY—"supreme love to God and universal good will to men”, is the catalyst that makes it all happen. It’s the supernatural nacre that forms the precious pearl. It's submission to God's refining fire that purifies us to be real gold.

ABIDE in HIM! LOVE HIM supremely, more than anything or anyone!
Let HIS LOVE dwell in you “in simplicity and godly sincerity...by the grace of God” to overflow abundantly to this world! (See: 2Cor 1:12, 9:12, Eph 3:20, I Tim 1:14, I John 4:16-18)

09/13/2024

PLEASE pray for Alison this morning as she is at SJRH for a very complicated and risky heart procedure

09/09/2024

FBBC Ladies and friends,
Could I ask you to please take 20min of each day between now and Thursday to pray for Maritime Ladies Conference?
Sept 12,13, 2024 We need GOD !

07/25/2024

Excited to announce that Online Registration is officially open for Ladies Conference 2024

Registration Link:
https://www.firstbiblebaptistnb.com/ladies-ministry

06/26/2024

A FAITHFUL MESSENGER
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him, for he refresheth the soul of his master. Proverbs 25:13

A FAITHFUL MESSENGER
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him, for her refresheth the soul of his masters. Proverbs 25:13

Once upon a time there was a wee curly-haired lassie named Brenda who lived in Perth, Scotland. The day to start school came when she was 5 years old and she began to walk in that direction. At the same time, a young 7 year old lad named John, who lived on her street, headed to school. As he saw Brenda, he took her hand and walked her to school that first day. Years later they married and became parents of two boys. They owned and operated a family business and eventually the sons married and started their own families.

In 1993, God sent Jeff and Shellie Smith to Perth, Scotland. They began knocking on doors and giving the gospel message to anyone who would listen. The Tayside Baptist Church was established with a small handful of attendees. After several months one family got saved and became part of the church family. For nine years, Jeff and Shellie labored in the Perth area. In 2001, Jeff was diagnosed with a brain tumor and went through surgery and radiation treatments which left him severely weakened, and with many side effects. In spite of these difficulties, he carried on the work of the ministry for 10 years before the tumor returned. During these years, Jeff and Shellie worked diligently at letter boxing and church ministries.

On one particular Saturday, after hours of letterboxing, Jeff realized that there was one street that they had missed and went back alone to cover the street with the gospel. Little did he know, but there was a salty Scots lady in one of those homes that had for years been searching everywhere through many religions for meaning in life. She was begging God to show her truth. That day, a John & Romans booklet with the church contact information went through her door. Shortly thereafter, still hungry for truth, Brenda came to church looking for answers. She met, and grew to love, Jeff and Shellie, who answered her questions with Bible truth. Brenda was gloriously saved and became an active part of the church in Perth. Her husband also was born again.

Then Jeff's brain tumor returned. Brenda visited him often in the hospital and took it very hard when the Lord called him Home on June 26, 2013. She and Shellie continued to be close friends and to serve God in every way they could. When Brenda's husband passed in 2021, Shellie was able to minister to Brenda in a way that only those who have suffered the same grief can do. They remain dearest friends to this day.

On June 24th, 2024, I had the privilege of meeting Brenda, now 80 years old and having recently lost her daughter-in-law. She hugged us, served us tea and biscuits, and in her humorous Scottish brogue talked of life... the trials and triumphs. She evidenced an inner peace and joy that she could never have experienced until she met Jesus Christ. Thank God!

June 26th marks 11 years since God called Jeff to his eternal home. For 11 years Shellie has remained a "faithful messenger" for her Lord, alone. She never leaves her home without a stack of gospel tracts; she engages people in conversation everywhere--with the purpose of being a testimony of Gods goodness; she constantly reaches out to hurting and needy people; she serves at her church faithfully... while stedfastly going on alone with the necessities of daily life. What a privilege it is to stay in this lady's home! My husband and I have truly been blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with one of God's faithful messengers! Thank you God for calling and enabling this lady to remain faithful! Thank you Shellie for still hearing and heeding God's call!

What if Jeff and Shellie had not endured and walked on through the struggles of life and ministry? What if Jeff had not listened to that still small voice and gone back to put the gospel in Brenda's home? What if Shellie had quit and gone home after her husband's death?

What if you and I cease to walk with God; what if we ignore His still small voice in the busyness of life? Are we still seeking Him with our whole heart every day? Are we committed to do His will all our days? Lord, help us!

--In His love, Brenda

04/19/2024

On SEEKING TRUTH

"...keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God..." (I Chr. 28:8)

“And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.”
‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭119:45‬)

God not only wants me to keep His commandments that I do know, but to seek for more.

How often do I look for "loopholes" in God's commandments, instead of diligently seeking for more ways to please Him?

How often do I avoid truth because I know it will demand a response, and it may expose my weakness or my wickedness?

Frances Havergal, a famous hymn-writer from the 1800’s said, “How little we must love His will if we would rather not know it, lest it should clash with our own!"

What a convicting statement!

It would be good for us to ask ourselves a few questions:
What is my appetite for the truth?
Do I sincerely want to know more about God and His will for my life?
What is my attitude toward the truth?
Do I believe that every word of the Bible is truth?
Do I seek that truth by reading and studying His Word every day?
Do I ask God for wisdom and understanding?

May the Lord help us all to truly desire to know the truth. May He help us never to flinch from its light, but rather to be drawn to it, and be led by it. May it be said of us that we seek Him with our whole hearts, and may this hunger and thirst for truth never diminish, but only grow stronger as we know Him more. May we say with the Apostle Paul,
“That I may know Him...”

🔎 Seeking truth requires humility, because it often reveals my ignorance. (Mk. 12:24; Pro. 1)

🔎 Seeking truth requires teachability, because it often instructs, corrects, reproves, and even rebukes me. (II Tim. 3:12-17)

🔎 Seeking truth requires courage, because the truth often exposes its enemies, and sometimes the enemy is myself. (Gal. 4:16; II Tim. 3:8; John 3:19-21)

🔎 Seeking truth requires faith, because “he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.(Heb. 11:6)

🔎 Seeking truth requires honesty, because I must be willing to admit when I am in error (II Tim. 2:25).

🔎 Seeking truth requires sincerity, because pretense and hypocrisy despise the transparency of truth. (Josh. 24:14; I Cor. 5:8; I Pet. 1:22; I Tim. 4:1-2; I Pet. 2:1-3; Lk. 12:1-2)

🔎 Seeking truth requires passion, because a half-hearted seeker of truth will be quick to settle for an easy lie. (Ps. 119:2-3, 10, 34-37, 69, 128; Pro. 3:5-7; I Jn. 1:6-10; 2:3-4

-from Christian Compositions

02/27/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/8jvfiJEqkxynyAhd/?mibextid=xfxF2i

02/27/2024

Ladies, this is the message I referred to at ladies meeting. Excellent!
Get out your King James Bible and follow along .. think and seek God!

02/05/2024

Ladies,
In the midst of these dark dreary days I have found great help, guidance and comfort in God's Words.
The message on the "Widows Mite" that I listened to today by Pastor Rob Carlson of Portage laPrairire, MN was challenging.

I believe there is something applicable to all of us here and encourage you to listen carefully with an open heart to God.

"Women of the New Testament" is the theme for this year‘s annual Bible Conference. Each of six different preachers will present a portrait of twelve women w...

01/13/2024

Reading Job again... perhaps this will be a blessing to someone, so sharing it again