“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

Pray for Mr. Kenneth Felker.  He’s having trouble with his legs and back.

Continue to pray for Mike Nason and his family.  Mike is in ICU at North Oaks.

Pray for Brenda Brister Edwards in the death of her husband, Chris.  Brenda is still working to get through the death of other family members.  Pray too for the Edwards family in the loss of a son, brother, and uncle.

The news says the search for the wanted man in Kentwood was called off again last night, but will resume this morning.  Pray this dangerous man is caught without anyone being hurt.  Pray for the safety of people in the area who are nervous in their home, especially after dark.  Pray the life of this man will be changed by contact with Christians who are eager to “save” him for eternity.

Thought for the Day: Prison Thoughts

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, complains 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 complains 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 sues after lightning knocks out the prison’s TV satellite dish and he must watch network programs, which he says contain violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)

~ An inmate sues to be served fruit juice at meals and three pancakes instead of two. (Spradley v. Rathman)

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

~ An inmate sues 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 sues to be served fresh rather than reconstituted milk. (Gerteisen v. Bowers)

~ An inmate sues for right to conduct martial arts sparring and full-contact fighting as part of his religion. (Gibson v. Miller)

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

~ An inmate — who has filed more than 140 actions in state and federal court — sues over finding gristle in his turkey leg. (Attwood v. Bowers)

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 comes 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!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee 37188

Let’s not worry about the frivolous things of life, but those of eternal value.  Today is a good day to encourage/uplift someone.  What are you waiting for?

Anna Lee