August 2010 – Page 3 – The Prayer Link

Thursday

“. . . I . . . do not cease to give thanks for you,

making mention of you in my prayers:

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

may give to you the spirit of wisdom

and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

~Ephesians 1:16-17~

Gretchen V. Simpson

Yesterday my appointment with the doctor was cancelled, but they told me I could still get my x-ray of my neck done. I just got some good news today, my neck brace is gone. The doctors assistant called me to let me know that my neck was healed. I still have to wear a small machine over my neck for 4 hours a day, for the next 3 months. Thank you for your prayers.

Marty, Gretchen, Micah & Sarabeth Simpson

Mrs. Mary Young was not feeling well yesterday. Pray for her to get better soon.

Mrs. Mary Womack is home now, but going back for an appointment today. Pray the doctors can get to the root of her problem.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough is also seeing doctors and making decisions. Pray for her and her family as they help her through this time.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar had a heart procedure in Baton Rouge and should be coming home today. Pray for his recovery in a timely manner.

Do you like Christian fellowship? Come to the cabin at 6:30 tonight. You’ll also be fed well and get to participate in a devotional time.

Lessons from Prison

These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).

~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complained that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs — especially the “classic ” between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)

~ An inmate complained because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)

~ An inmate who murdered five people sued after lightning knocked out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he had to watch network programs, which he said contained violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sued to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)

~ An inmate sued for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)

~ An inmate sued because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)

~ An inmate sued because he didn’t like his mail being stamped in a way that indicated it was being sent from a state prison (California)

~ An inmate who was a murderer sued for $25,000, claiming a “defective” haircut resulted in lost sleep, headaches, and chest pains. (New York)

We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn’t afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison (and he hadn’t even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which came from Paul’s pen as he sat in chains:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly….. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).

This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same. There is much to be thankful for!

“Father, help me to truly understand that what matters most in life is not being comfortable, being stress-free, or even being treated fairly. What matters most is that I am living in a way that brings you the glory and draws others around me closer to you. Please help me to do that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Be an encourager to others today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Mid-day

Ronnie Brabham’s surgery went well. He is in recovery now.

Wednesday Addition

Stacey Scarle

Well we made another milestone, Stacey had her fourth chemo yesterday. It’s the last of the Adriamycin/Cytoxin series. This was a tough day for her as she has been extremely tired. The fatigue is really unbelievable. The nurse had a little problem accessing her port but was finally able to get it to work. The next thing is the appointment with the oncologist on the 26th to set the plans for the next phase. We think the next four chemos will be taxotere but won’t know for sure until then. Thanks again to all of you for the prayers, cards and calls they mean a lot to all of us. I pray for all of you and for all who are going through this terrible illness . We see so many people in the chemo lab who are suffering. Love to all of you.

Joanie (Mother)

Please pray for Ronnie Brabham as he has surgery in Texas today.

Rev. David Cutrer is taking his wife back to the hospital. This is the second time since she had surgery. Pray for the infection to clear up so she can return to good health and her usual activities.

Wednesday

If it is possible,

as far as it depends on you,

live at peace with everyone.

~Romans 12:18 (NIV)~

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris/journal?jid=5960649

Richard K. Aulds
(November 10, 1937 – August 17, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, he died at 8:27 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Baton Rouge General – Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge. He was born November 10, 1937 in Laurel, MS and was 72 years of age. He is survived by wife, Mary Tyra Aulds; daughter, Virginia A. Luper and her husband, Richard; son, Richard K. Aulds and his wife, Carolyn, all of Greensburg; 6 grandchildren, Justin Aulds, Brittany and Tiffany Luper, Tyra Dillon, and Tabitha and Kelsey Aulds; 4 great-grandchildren, Emily and Dewey Dillon, Bryson Tate and Kari Travis; brother, Charles B. Aulds, Cleveland, TN. Preceded in death by his parents, Napoleon and Una V. Aulds; 2 sisters, Anne Stevens and Libby Hernandez. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. A private family graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2010. Services conducted by Bro. Joe Day. Interment Aulds Cemetery, Greensburg.

The monthly (3rd Thursday) gathering at the cabin will be tomorrow at the cabin. Please feel free to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional. Jimmy Schwartz usually share an original story or two with us. Please feel free to join us at 6:30. Let me know if you need directions.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

THE APOSTLE JOHN begins the letter of 3 John by saying, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2)…

With those kind of prayers, do you suppose ther emight have been some who wished John would quit praying for them if he was going to pray that way?

Just what would happen if your health prospered “as” our soul prospered? Would people suddenly find their aches and pains suddenly gone? Would they find new strength and lift in their step? Or would they suddenly fall ill, maybe even to the point of being on their death bed?

Hmm… “May your health prosper as your soul.” Would you be good with someone praying that prayer for you? Give it some thought. Steve Higginbotham at MercEmail

“For bodily exercise profits a little,

but godlines is profitable for all things,

having promise of the life that now is

and of that which is to come.”

1 Timothy 4:8

Thanks for praying today.
Anna Lee

Tueday

“Dear friends,

God the Father chose you long ago

and knew you would become His children.”

~1 Peter 1:2 (LB)~

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5957019

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
AUGUST 16, 2010

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.” (Psalm 69:13)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Muhammad bin Rashid Al-Maktum of United Arab Emirates (eastern Arabian Peninsula).

BASOTHO OF LESOTHO AND SOUTH AFRICA (BAH-soo-too). As missionaries Jim and Teresa Flora open their Bibles, it starts . . . the drumming. Every Sunday afternoon, the Floras visit the village of Phoekoeng to teach the Bible. They meet in front of the chief’s “rondavel” (a traditional round building with a grass roof) and sit among a large crowd of Basotho who are eager to hear the truth of God’s Word. Just up the mountain is the home of the local “sangoma,” or witchdoctor. Each Sunday, about the time that the Bible study begins, the drums start. The “church” led by the “sangoma” is held in a small cinderblock building. The room is full of people of all ages, and confusion abounds. They truly believe that they are worshipping God, and that their access to God must come through their ancestors. Please pray that those attending the Bible study at Phoekoeng will hear and receive the truth of the Gospel and share it with those meeting just up the hill, listening to the sound of the drums.http://www.basotho.org/

MUSLIMS OF NORTH PAKISTAN. Thank you so much for your prayers for the national family. The Father has answered in wonderful ways. This couple, who moved back to their home village three months ago, made it safely. They were welcomed back by their families, which is a great answer to prayer. They were very anxious and nervous about seeing their parents and extended families again. The last time they saw them, their families would not even speak to them because of their decision to follow Christ. It seems now that the family members are more open to hearing about the Truth. Keep praying that the Truth will fall on listening ears and soft hearts. Pray that soon many families in North Pakistan will be worshipping the King together. http://www.basotho.org/

Baptist Press Stories for Aug. 16, 2010

—————————————

Pro-lifers: FDA-approved ‘ella’ is really an abortion pill

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33523

Pollster: Most ‘gay marriage’ polls skewed

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33524

Small groups key to spiritual growth

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33525

Rain doesn’t dampen spirit of Gulf benefit

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33526

FIRST-PERSON: The president’s misguided Ramadan greeting

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33527

Thank God for allowing that tropical storm to bring rain without all the wind and tornadoes of a hurricane.

Have a great Tuesday! “Count Your Blessings” today.

Anna Lee

Monday

And all of you must put on the apron of humility,

to serve one another;

for the scripture says, “

God resists the proud,

but shows favor to the humble.”

~1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)~

From Mary Criswell

Please add my brother, Joe (Brent), who lives in Nashville(formerly in Baton Rouge)to the prayer link. He was diagnosed with a malignancy on his kidney. He will see the Oncologist this week to begin treatment.

Mrs. Ruth Cutrer asked that we pray for Mrs. Faye Pike. She will be getting a replacement pacemaker Tuesday at North Oaks.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, August 16, 2010

“Finally, pray for us, brothers, that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for South Asians dispersed throughout the world.

The clothing and accents of South Asians living in your city may seem to make them stand out as unique, but in fact, their numbers are growing. Millions of South Asians have emigrated to the United States and Canada, the Caribbean islands, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Please pray for volunteer teams who are making contact with South Asian immigrants through Vacation Bible School outreach, Scripture distribution, medical clinics, sports activities, distribution of “JESUS” film DVDs, and nightly worship and preaching.

In three new suburban housing areas in Canada, approximately 25 percent of the new residents are expected to be South Asian immigrants. There are spiritual walls separating them from Christ. By keeping mostly within their own ethnic and religious networks, they have minimal contact with those who love Jesus and are His witnesses. A volunteer team from North Carolina recently sowed seeds by distributing multi-language “JESUS” film DVDs and Bible portions to 5,000 new homes.

The South Asian community of East Africa developed over a period of centuries. The largest segment has ancestral ties to the people of the State of Gujarat, India. In addition, there are sizable populations from all parts of India, the Punjab and Goa. Smaller pockets come from Pakistan, Iran and all of the Arabian and Persian Gulf states. The different nationalities are reflected in the diversity of language and religion. English has been the medium of communication in schools for many years.

* Please pray that the Holy Spirit will be poured out on South Asian people through prayer, networking, evangelizing and discipling.

* Ask God to bless the weekly radio broadcasts in East Africa, leading to a church-planting movement.

* Thank the Lord for South Asians in your community and ask for courage to tell them about Jesus.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow….” Philippiams 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN JOHN SAID, “It is not lawful (or “permitted”) for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18), he surely made reference not to the laws of the land, but rather to the law of God…

Herod was sleeping with his brother’s wife, and the wedding ceremony failed to change the adulterous nature of their relationship.

Same-gender marriages, legalized for the first time in U.S. history on May 17, 2004, offer an unhappy illustration of this point. The Bible strongly denounces homosexuality. Moses’ law condemns the offender to death by stoning. The New Testament writer, Paul, calls the sin a perversion and warns that those guilty of it will miss the eternal kingdom (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). From God’s perspective, legalizing same-sex marriage has no cleansing effect on the perverted behavior. Married or not, two men or two women sleeping together will be under judgment.

The parallel is striking. Moses’ law condemns adulterers to death by stoning. The New Testament writer, Paul, warns that people guilty of this sin will be excluded from God’s eternal kingdom. If legalizing same-sex relationships fails to legitimize them in the sight of God, why would legalizing an adulterous relationship sanctify it?

Heather is in a terribly difficult situation. She loves Don and knows that terminating her relationship with him would be extremely painful for everyone involved, especially the children. How could a loving God expect her to do such a thing? Two vital truths demand attention here. First, God is not to blame for Heather’s predicament. Jesus clearly states that sexual immorality is the only legitimate reason for ending the sacred bond of marriage. Heather’s own sinful and disobedient choices have created the dilemma she now finds herself in.

Second, obeying God, though sometimes very difficult, is always ultimately best for the obedient person. According to Paul, “those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). “Crucified” suggests pain. Dying to self hurt, but the reward of living a pure, God-pleasing life more than compensates for any loss of worldly pleasure. David Wright, “The Samaritan’s Immoral Lifestyle,” Real Women–Real Problems, 134-135

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5

Have a great week!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Unless you are faithful in small matters,

you won’t be faithful in large ones.

If you cheat even a little,

you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

~Luke 16:10 (NLT)~

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

THIS SOWER HAD really bad aim…

If this guy had been working for me, I would have fired him. He couldn’t get the seeds where they belonged. He was throwing the seeds everywhere, and seemed to be wasting them. Didn’t he know that there was a limited supply of seed? Didn’t he watch where he was throwing? Maybe he had no aim. It just seemed like the guy would put seed anywhere. Seeds equal money, and this seemed to be a huge waste of money. I probably would have fired the sower.

This guy wasn’t concerned with where the seed was spread. He just threw seed left and right. He seemed to care less about the destination of the seed. Didn’t he know that we like middle-class, white people in the church? If we are lucky, he didn’t throw any seed into the projects or the trailer parks. If he did, we might have a church filled with Gentiles and Samaritans.

Sometimes we spend so much time make sure the seed is placed so perfectly in the soil, that we barely sow anything. We are so concerned about the destination of the seed, that we stop throwing seed left and right. The sower in the parable just casted seed everywhere. At times it seems that in the church we have courses on how to throw seed (church growth), but the sower just threw seed everywhere. We talk about how to throw seed, techniques for casting seed, but the sower just threw seed and let the soil do its thing. Matthew Morine

“…A sower went out to sow.

And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside;

and the birds came and devoured them.

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth;

and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.

But when the sun was up they were scorched,

and because they had no root they withered away.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.

But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop:

some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

~Matthew 13:3b-8~

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris/journal?jid=5947183

We visited Mrs. Catherine Yarborough this morning. She is getting along well. The doctor told her the eye problem would clear up later. “Miss” Catherine has started occupational therapy and will be doing better and better. Continue to pray for her.

After prayer meeting Wednesday night, Mrs. Mary Womack told me she wasn’t feeling very well. She’s now in North Oaks. Please add her name to your prayer list.

Saturday

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities.

Let’s celebrate together!”

~Matthew 25:23 (NLT)~

I admire the spiritual strength of this mother. She’s been tested in the fire and found to be strong and true to God.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5944430

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is doing better. We saw her son last night. Continue to pray for Mr. Phillip and “Miss” Anna Bell.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

WERE IT NOT for faith, or as Paul mentioned the law of faith (Romans 3:27), salvation could not be by grace because faith allows entrance into God’s saving grace…

The two then, grace and faith, are inseparable qualities. Works are associated with faith, for “you see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). James further commented, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (v. 26). The premier biblical example of grace, faith, and works combining to bring about salvation is found in Noah who lived in advance of the law of Moses. As God was contemplating the destruction of the world in the great flood, the Bible says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). God told Noah to make an ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high, fill it with animals and food as God described, and get in it with his family (Genesis 6:14-7:1). The comment, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (v. 22) in no way countermanded the grace of God. Regarding Noah’s faith, the Hebrews’ writer said: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

God’s grace coupled with His commands and Noah’s faith brought about salvation. It was not legalism then nor is it now to say God’s grace coupled with His commands and our obedient faith brings about salvation. One who so believes and practices is not a legalist but an “heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Gary McDade, “Grace,” The Doctrine of Christ–Nineteenth Annual Florida School of Preaching Lectureship, 126-127

“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the faith of us all.” Romans 4:15; cf., 5:1-2

Have a great day of preparation for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

“Miss” Catherine Yarborough is progressing following her surgery and hospital stay. Her speech and memory are great, but she has some vision problems. Her family is staying with her around the clock. Thank God for her progress as you continue to pray for her (and her family).

Stacey Scarle’s oncologist has recommended surgery following eight chemo treatments, then radiation. Stacey will have the fourth chemo treatment Tuesday. She is excited the surgery will be scheduled soon. Please continue to pray for Stacey and her family and encourage them during this time.