Month: November 2009

Friday

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.”

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Pray for Mr. James Miller.  He’s “under the weather”.

Dr. Earl Council is hospitalized in Ruston.  Pray for him and his family as they seek a diagnosis.

Mrs. Jeanette McGehee will have surgery Monday.  Please be in pray for her.

Robert Earl Sanders
(August 31, 1943 – November 19, 2009)

Died on Thursday, November 19, 2009 in New Orleans. He was born August 31, 1943 in New Orleans, LA to James O. Sanders, Jr. and Thelma Mae Smith Sanders. Age 66 years.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time with McKnely Funeral Home, Amite.

Wilton “Ditsy” Bennett
(February 28, 1940 – November 19, 2009)
Died at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at his residence in Loranger, LA. He was born February 28, 1940 in Independence. Age 69 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009. Services conducted by Bro. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. He is survived by his 4 daughters, Tawana Bennett, Loranger, Dana Bennett, Eagle, CO, Rosalind Bennett, Wesson, MS and Shannon Bennett, Independence; a son, Brandon Bennett, Loranger; grandchildren, Hannah Depew, Heaven Schmidt, Hayley Bennett, Ragan Gainey, Tristian Picou and Eathan Bennett; great-grandson, Aiden Gainey; brother, James E. Bennett, Loranger; sister, Barbara Williams, Loranger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Lee Hayden Bennett; parents. Obie and Lettie Cutrer Bennett.

THAT’S AMORE!

Ready for some groaners? (author unknown)

When the moon hits your eye,
Like a big pizza pie,
That’s amore.  (song made popular by Dean Martin in 1953)

When an eel bites your hand,
And that’s not what you planned,
That’s a moray.

When your horse munches straw,
And the bales total four,
That’s some more hay.

When Othello’s poor wife,
Becomes stabbed with a knife,
That’s a Moor, eh?

When you ace your last tests,
Like you did all the rest,
That’s some more “A”s!

A comedian ham,
With the name Amsterdam,
That’s a Morey.

When your chocolate graham,
Is with marshmallows crammed,
That s’more, eh.

When you’ve had quite enough,
Of this dumb rhyming stuff,
That’s “No more!”, eh?

What is amore?  It’s the Italian word for love!  The Greek word is, of course, agape.  And in scripture, love is:

–the cement that holds relationships together, the “bond of perfection” (Col. 3:14)

–the essence of God’s nature (I John 4:7)

–the one thing greater than any of God’s spiritual gifts (I Cor. 13:8)

–the foundation of the greatest command (and the second greatest!) (Mark 12:30-31)

–the culmination of the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7)

That’s amore!  “Let all that you do be done with love.”  (1 Cor 16:14).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great Friday.  Make time to pray!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow

if you can help them now.”

~Proverbs 3:28 TEV~

Frances Gay shared two requests

  • Rachel Booty has been having seizures for about a year.  She had five yesterday and was taken to an emergency room in New Orleans.  Pray for Rachel and her family as they seek the cause of ther problem and the proper treatment.
  • Ann McMillan has also has been having seizures.  She was released from the hospital in Tylertown yesterday.

Your prayer for these will be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Earl Dees will be in CCU for about three days.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

George Langlois
(December 22, 1955 – November 18, 2009)

George Langlois, 53, was born on December 22, 1955 and passed away at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Ms. Jessie Jones

Age 61, and a resident of Hammond, Jessie passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a very special person, who touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Having worked in the banking business for the past forty years, she was employed by Capital One for the past ten years as the Hammond branch manager and vice-president.

Jessie is survived by two daughters, Lesley Fannaly, and Ashley Lanoue and husband John; grandsons, Davis and Spencer Lanoue; sister, Susan Patenotte; brother, Jerry Jones Sr. She is also survived by her former husband and longtime friend, Bernie Fannaly and many extended family members, including a special niece, Lori Batts.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Thursday, November 19th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until the funeral service time. Rev. Willie J. Holland will officiate the services and entombment will follow in Rose Memorial Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in memory of Jessie Jones, to the American Cancer Society, 10528 Kentshire Court, Baton Rouge LA 70810.

Condolences and other information are available online at http://www.bgthompsonfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home of Hammond.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…

Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!

The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!

How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?

A church with faith has its FEET ON THE GROUND.  Faith must be rooted in the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  We are living in the age of religious gimmickry.  All sorts of inducements are offered to lure people to worship.  Some will justify anything which fills pews.  Churches seek to sell excitement, entertainment, easy going informality, and minimal commitment.  The only church growth which his real and enduring, however, is that which is based on God’s Word.  Gimmickry betrays a spiritual shallowness.  It is an expression of a loss of confidence in God’s Word.

A church with faith has its HANDS ON THE PLOW.  Jesus said, “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).  (To be continued).  Bobby Dockery

“Jesus said to him,
‘If you can believe,
all things are possible to him who believes.'”
~Mark 9:23~
I hope you will join us at the cabin tonight for food, fellowship, and a devotional time led by Rev. Dennis Walker.
Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

We took Micah to see the doctor today (11-18-09) and his bone growth is the same which is good news, but we would have to go back every 6 month or if it starts bothering him. Our prayers have been answered.

Thanks,
Gretchen & Marty Simpson

Eddie Keith Schwartz is experiencing an eye problem and has an appointment with a specialist in the near future. Surgery may be required to correct the problem. Please pray for him as he faces this trial.

James Rimes

Our grandson, Braden Alford,  had the cast and pins removed from his arm.  With some exercise, his arm should now be as good as new.

Wednesday

“For what can be known about God is plain to them,

because God has shown it to them.

For his invisible attributes, namely,

his eternal power and divine nature,

have been clearly perceived,

ever since the creation of the world.”

~Romans 1:19-20a, ESV~

We take Micah back to Children’s Hospital for a check up on his overgrowth bone, Wednesday (morning early). Keep us in your prayers.

Thanks,
Gretchen Simpson

Continue to pray for Rev. Butch Reviere as he has additional medical tests.

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WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – November 18, 2009

NORTH AFRICANS OF PARIS, FRANCE (PAIR-is). God has answered your prayers for increased involvement on the part of French Christians. Many French believers are now participating in training classes, learning how to share Christ with their neighbors from other cultures. These cross-cultural training sessions are taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please pour out your thanks to God for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to learning how to share their witness more comfortably. Pray that they will constantly use these newly acquired skills, boldly sharing the gospel with their neighbors. Pray that those being trained will then train others and that many will come to salvation as a result.

BISSA OF BURKINA FASO (BEE-sah). “‘Group Meditation.’ In a women’s group, that’s what they’ve begun to call repeating a Bible story that they are learning,” writes missionary Kathy Shafto. “They gather in a building with a straw roof and a dirt floor. Before the meeting, one woman with a servant heart sweeps the floor of its wind-blown debris and animal droppings. Some of the women are not readers, so this ‘group meditation’ (repetition) is helpful to them and to all the rest of the group as well. They listen carefully as someone tells the story, and then go around the group, repeating the story and listening intently to see if correction is needed. If some are struggling, they act it out. During the telling and retelling and correcting of the story (with much celebration for those who tell it without fault or help), they find that the Holy Spirit is whispering to those hearts who are meditating on His spoken Word. Recently the story was about Mary and Martha. ‘What has God said to you through this story?’ I asked. One responded, ‘When we have visitors in our homes, we should give them more than just food; we should talk about what Jesus would talk about.’ Thank God with me for these women who, according to Colossians 3:16, are letting the Word of Christ dwell in them richly as they teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as they sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts to God.” http://www.shaftonews@blogspot.com

MEMPHIS PEOPLE OF CHINA. Please pray for J as she faces many challenges. Authorities have questioned her and tried to intimidate her. The Lord has given her the right answers each time, and she has felt total peace. She has lots of rats in her house, and they are eating her grain, clothes and books. Like most people who live in villages, she doesn’t have screens on her windows. She had two cats, but they only stayed for a few days and wanted out and never returned. Please pray for this courageous woman to stand firm, and ask for God’s protection wherever she goes. Please pray for co-workers for her and encouragement from other believers.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…
Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!

The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!

How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?

A church with faith has its EYE ON THE FUTURE.  Faith causes a church to dream.  A church with faith has a plan, a vision for the future.  Too often we are ready to set limits — “We are big enough, are active enough, are well enough equipped, etc.”  But faith looks to the future.  We must dream or we die!  Our faith is just as big as our plan for the future! (To be continued)  Bobby Dockery

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The share group will meet tomorrow night at the cabin at 6:30.  You are invited to join us.
Thank-you for praying today.  You are appreciated!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.

Mark 10:43 (MSG)

Caring Bridge Sites

Wayne Morris is home with hospice care.  Please remember Cora, the girls, and other family members.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

CHURCH MEMBERS NEED to be close to church members…

Anytime a Christian creates distance between himself and the church, he is under a great threat of falling away from the faith.  Some folks prefer to not be too involved with the work of the church, choosing rather to fall somewhere between “visitors” and “members”.  They come on Snday mornings to worship God, which is good in itself, but have little or no other interaction with the other Christians in the church for the rest of the week.
Take a valuable history lesson:
When ther great nation of israel prepared to cross the Jordan and take Canaan away from the enemies of God, and thus be blessed, two of the twelve tribes stalled.    1 “Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock, 2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, 3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, 4 the country which the LORD defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.” 5 Therefore they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan” (Numbers 32:1-5).
The request regarding cattle sounded reasonable, as do most arguments which excuse compromise, but it was compromise none the less.  Their loyalty should have been to God’s people.  In other words, they said, “We like it here in the suburbs of Canaan.  You all go in and fight all the battles of Canaan, and we’ll just be content to build our houses here.”  Moses said, “No way!”  “Shall your brethren go up and fight while you sit here in comfort?”  No.  You come fight the battles of Canaan, and then if you choose, you may come live here in the suburbs of God’s Canaan land.”
And so they did.  Weren’t they like some Christians today who are half-hearted in their loyalty to the Lord’s church?
Let’s look at another scene, after many years have passed.  Israel has had times of great faith and obedience, but many more of idolatry and disobedience.  Ultimately, a divided Israel would fall into the hands of the idolatrous enemies, Assyria and Babylon, because of their worldliness in bowing to the gods of the heathen.  That fact is widely known.  But I want you to see something else.  Which tribes in Isarel went down first?  We see in 1 Chronicles 5:25-26 that is was Reuben and Gad.
As history progressed, it appears that they bowed first to the gods of the nearby peoples; and now they are the first to go into captivity.  Half-heartedness in the united work of God’s people always seems and easy way to be religious, but it costs, not pays.
The solution is to grow out of it!  Never be satisfied with keeping your distance from the activities of the Lord’s church.  Attend all the services of the Lord’s church.  Find a good work you can enjoy doing, and get at it.  Take advantage of opportunities to be around other Christians.
Be close, stay close, and let’s help each other go to heaven.  Glenn Colley
“Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
but how can one be warm alone?”
Ecclesiastes 4:11
The share group will meet at the cabin Thursday at 6:30.  You are invited to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.  At this time, it seems Rev. Dennie Walker will be our guest speaker.  Come and receive a blessing.
Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Kenneth Dale Bridges
(December 27, 1948 – November 15, 2009)

Kenneth Dale Bridges

Kenneth Dale Bridges, 60 years old, born December 27, 1948 in Easleyville, lost his life Sunday, November 15, 2009 doing what he loved, farming. He was an avid farmer all of his life and wanted to keep farming alive in our country. He was also a member of Boilermakers Union Local #37 of Slidell. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Allen Bridges, Jackson, LA; 4 sons, Kerry and his wife, Connie, Khris, Scott and Ethan Bridges, all of Kentwood; 2 daughters, Janie Bridges Falgout and her husband, Victor, Loranger and Michelle Bridges, Slidell; 2 step-sons, Justin Coleman and his wife, Casey and John Coleman and his wife, Theresa, all of St. Francisville; a step-daughter, Amanda Delaughter, Jackson; grandchildren, Dalton, Blake, Shawn, Shane, Dalton Ray, Taylor, Riley, Kirstie, Katelyn, Scottlyn and Skyler Bridges, Jordan Lee, Matthew, Michaela and Madeline O’Hern, Makenna Fortenberry, Anthony Delaughter, Alexus Jones, Tobi Elizabeth Adams, Jordan and Jada Coleman; a brother, Donald Ray Bridges and his wife, Sheri, Kentwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.J. and Lucille Newsom Bridges; 2 sons, Keith Dale and Kevin Duane Bridges. Visitation will be at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Interment will be at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood.

Monday

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God

as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,

accurately handling the word of truth.”

~2 Timothy 2:15, NASB~

Revival at FBC, Kentwood has been great.  I haven been to Greenlaw, but I’m sure they are also having good services.  The Monday – Wednesday meetings at both churches will be at 6:30.  “Y’all come!”

Today, I want to remind you to pray for a few people.

  • Mrs. Kathryn Sanders
  • Chuck Puttman
  • Mrs. Faye Price
  • Mrs. Nat McKinney
  • Rev. Butch Reviere
  • Cliff and Lauree Titus

I wish I had read this before teaching a lesson on the prodigal son yesterday.

Prodigal

abson.jpgThe Prodigal Son, in the Key of ‘F’

Feeling footloose and frisky, a feather-brained fellow forced his fond father to fork over the family finances. He flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune feasting fabulously with faithless friends.

Finally, facing famine and fleeced by he fellows in folly, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy farmyard. Fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with the foraged foods of the fodder fragments left by the filthy farmyard creatures.

“Fooey”, he said, My father’s flunkies fare far fancier.” The fugitive found feverishly, frankly facing facts. Frustrated by failure and filled with foreboding he forthwith fled to his family.

Falling at father’s feet, he floundered forlornly. “Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favor,” But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching frantically flagged the flunkies. “Fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.”

But the fugitive’s fault-finding frater frowned on the fickle forgiveness of the former folderol. His fury flashed. But fussing was futile, for the far-sighted father figured such filial fidelity is fine, but forbids fervent festivity?

The fugitive found. “Unfurl the flags, with fanfares flaring Let fun and frolic freely flow ” Former failure is forgiven, folly is forsaken And forgiveness forms the foundation for futile fortitude.” (Charles Hastings Smith)

“And he arose and came to his father. But hen he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

Posted by Mike Benson

Set  your mind to having a great week!

Anna Lee