Author: Anna Lee

Friday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

Pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell as she sees a doctor again today. She’s is feeling better than this time last week.

Mrs. Susie Wales is back at home. Thank God for her improvement.

Kyle Brabham will have some of his stitches removed today. Pray the doctor sees healing without any additional problems.

SRI LANKA. R is a national pastor who has been in the ministry for approximately 15 years. Within the past six months, he has become more passionate about the lost than ever before. He testifies, “I learned about evangelism in Bible school. I even taught evangelism. Now I am doing evangelism.” R says he has returned to his first love: He is waking every morning around 3:00 to pray and fellowship with His Savior. His passion is real, and it is igniting a fire in those around him. Recently R was able to lead his elderly grandmother to the Lord. Having been a very devout Buddhist, he had always thought, “She will never change.” But when he felt compelled to share his faith with her (remember he has been in the ministry for 15 years), she said, “So you’re telling me that what I need to do is pray to Jesus and accept Him?” “Yes,” was his reply–and she did! Praise the Lord! Pray that R will abide in Christ on a daily basis, bearing fruit and showing himself to be Christ’s disciple. Pray that his joy will be complete, that he will be able to love others as himself and hear clearly from the Spirit of truth (see John 15). Pray that R’s influence will lead other pastors to have a desire not only to build their own churches, but also to reach the lost with the gospel of Christ. http://www.go2southasia.org

RUSSIAN-SPEAKING MUSLIMS OF THE FORMER U.S.S.R. (RSMs). “This summer we have had the opportunity to teach a Business English class,” workers write. “Two nights a week we have approximately 15 people who come to take the class after work. This class will continue through the end of the year. Recently we were able to have all the students in our home for a meal and a game of dominoes, and we are planning a trip to the mountains together later this month. Pray that we will be able to build friendships and have opportunities to share the Good News. We know that three of the students are already believers. Pray for them, and also pray for the other students to be able to hear and understand the truth.”

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA (DER-bun). “August 22-25 is the date for our Southeastern Africa Cluster Spiritual Retreat,” writes the Durban Urban Evangelism Team. “A volunteer team from California will help with the ministry in music and with the ministry to our MKs. Pray for all those involved, asking that the Lord will speak to us and that we will listen and obey.”

Today’s Devotional

 

Jesus said, “If any want to become my followers,

let them deny themselves

and take up their cross

and follow me.”

~Matthew 16:24 NRSV Bible~

 

There is a cost involved in being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I read sometime ago about William Hinson who tells about a breakfast he had with an individual who had a very prosperous business. The business leader recently had become a Christian. It did not take this businessperson long to discover how costly his decision would be. He said to his minister, “I have been engaged in price-fixing with some of my supposed competitors.” He went on to tell his pastor about rigging bids and how he and his friends profited from this scheme. The business leader said, “I cannot do that anymore, and I have told them I can’t do it. They say that if I squeal, they will get the law on me because they have proof of my past involvement. They tell me that if I drop out, they will put me out of business, too.” He decided to do what was right, and soon he went broke.

What would you have done? Take up a cross or work out a compromise? Be satisfied with being a generic Christian or would you become a disciple?

True discipleship always costs something.

Dear Jesus, help me to be willing to pay the price for being a faithful disciple of yours. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Enjoy your Friday.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Selma Conerly Adams
(July 27, 1910 – August 20, 2008)

Died at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at Greenbriar Nursing Home in Slidell. She was a native of Livingston Parish and a resident of Slidell. Age 98 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 12 Noon until religious services at 1 p.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra A. Bordelon, Slidell; 3 granddaughters, Susan Hayes, Cocoa, FL, Jill Brant, Slidell and Judy Stile, Slidell; 5 great-grandchildren, Eddie Hayes, Cocoa, FL, Steven Hayes, Cocoa, FL, Amanda Stile, Slidell, John Stile, Jr., Slidell and Joseph Stile. She was preceded in death by her husband, Price Adams; parents, Owen and Francis Thompson Conerly; brother, James Conerly. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 (www.cancer.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association, 3717 Government St., Suite 7, Alexandria, LA 71302 (www.alz.org).

Thursday

“As holy people . . .be sympathetic,

kind, humble, gentle, and patient.”

Colossians 3:12 (GWT)

Pray for Sylvia Watson of the Pine Ridge community as she prepares for surgery.

Pray for Kyle Brabham as he prepared to see his doctor again tomorrow.

Sunday, Robert Wilson said he was doing better with his case of shingles. Please continue to pray for him.

Jason Alford said the constant pain in his leg is gone. He can still experience pain when he moves the leg sideways. Thank God for not needing surgery, good medical treatment, modern brace, and a supporting family. Pray for Jason to be able to stay off the leg for the coming months.

Jason Dean saw the specialist yesterday morning and will try a new medication to address his problem. Pray for Jason as he tries this medication.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve. His wife said he was able to go to a fire yesterday. If you know him, you know how important helping others in this way is to him. Thank God for his progress. Thank-you for praying for him.

Mrs. Blanch Wheat continues to be at home. Visitors would be a blessing to her and she would be a great blessing to the visitors!

Larry Miller is home again after another surgery. Pray for Larry as he recovers.

Mrs. Barbara Erwin was walking without a cane last night. Thank God she is now pain free.

Mr. I.W. Simmons will begin chemo tomorrow. Pray for him as he goes through the treatment.

Mr. Raymond Anthony is scheduled to leave rehab and go home tomorrow. Pray for him and “Miss” Velma as the recovery process continues.

Mr. Larry Watts continues to do well as his recovery continues. He will probably have a pacemaker implanted in the near future.

Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch is facing surgery. Pray for her and her family.

The monthly share group will meet at the Alford cabin tonight at 6:30 for a time of fellowship, food, devotional study, and prayer. You are invited to attend. If you need directions please call.

Baptist Press

TENNESSEE–Diver to begin her final Olympics event. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28722

TENNESSEE–Olympian ready to showcase his sport. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28723

CHINA–Olympian once was a rebellious teen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28724

CHINA–Bronze medalist thanks God through running. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28725

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: ‘The sun shall not smite thee.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28726

TENNESSEE–Faith healer separates from wife, draws criticism from charismatics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28727

WASHINGTON–Calif. court: Fertility doctor must treat gays. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28728

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Running the race. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28729

GOD IS LEFT-HANDED?

Little Bobby was spending the weekend with his grandmother. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful.

His grandmother remarked, “Doesn’t it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?”

Bobby said, “Yes, God did it and he did it left-handed.”

This confused his grandmother a bit, and she asked him, “What makes you say God did this with his left hand?”

“Well,” said Bobby, “we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God’s right hand!”

Indeed he does! “[God] worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-21)

The Hebrew writer tells us that such is an indication that Christ is far greater than any of the angels (1:3-4). Paul tells us in Romans 8:34 that Christ makes intercession for us while he is there at the right hand of God.

Jesus sits on God’s right hand. That doesn’t mean God is left-handed, but it does tell us just how magnificent Christ is!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Yesterday, I heard on the television that the deputy that was killed in another parish recently sang “How Great Thou Art”. She knew something many others need to learn!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

When people sin,

you should forgive and comfort them,

so they won’t give up in despair.

2 Corinthians 2:7 (CEV)

Pray for Jason Dean as he sees a specialist at 8 A.M. this morning at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.

Kyle Brabham is progressing according to schedule. Pray for healing, without infection, of the area where Kyle had surgery. Pray for Kyle as he deals with the side effects of the surgery and the limitations imposed on him until healing takes place.

Melinda Russell shares a prayer request from a co-worker:

The note below came in today from Bob Craig. Please pray for Diane Wagstaff in Craiova Romania. Thank you for praying!

Melinda

Dear Prayer Partners,

Our colleague, Diane Wagstaff took a fall yesterday while carrying a load of groceries. She fell on her right arm and bruised it badly. Today, she had an ex-ray which revealed a hairline fracture of her shoulder blade. She is now consulting an Orthopedic Doctor to see what should be done. Would you please go to the Father for her and for her husband Bob? She was able to get some sleep last evening, but is very sore.

Wednesday’s Window on the World

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – August 20, 2008

CHUABO OF MOZAMBIQUE (chew-WAH-boh). Thank you so much for your prayers in June for a week of teaching for pastors, church leaders and deacons. Give thanks to the Lord that more than 150 men participated in the event. This was the first time that the Chuabo of Mozambique had training for deacons, pastors and leaders all together. The Spirit of God was present during the teaching, and the men went home excited about what they had learned and ready to implement the teaching in their churches.

REACHING XTREME PEOPLES OF SOUTH AMERICA. The Xtreme Team writes: “Thank you for lifting up the ‘Xtremers’ on our team as they serve the Lord for weeks and months at a time in remote communities where there are no grocery stores, no hotels, no electricity, no running water and no health care. Pray that the Holy Spirit will shine brightly in their lives to light up the spiritual darkness around them. Ask that they will be able to depend on the Lord for all of their needs and that He will be glorified through all of their actions. Pray fervently that the lost people among the Asheninka, the Tigre Quichua, the Quechua and the Yaminahua will hunger and thirst to know God’s Word, and that the Xtremers will be able to present the gospel clearly and boldly.”

MUMBAI, INDIA (moom-BYE). Imagine walking on the streets of Mumbai, on the very edge of the city, where the metro meets the Arabian Sea. Imagine colorful wooden fishing boats, striped in red, blue, yellow and orange, lining the shoreline. They belong to Koli “fisherpeople,” the city’s original inhabitants who have been squeezed between developers’ high-rise apartments, the boardwalk where the wealthy take leisurely strolls to escape the confinement of the city, and the sea’s edge. Imagine their freshly washed blankets and faded bed sheets of all colors drying in the sun, stuck to the rocks. A thin sun-blackened Koli man carefully turns them like fluttering pancakes in the wind. Billows of nets lay in piles under frail wooden shelters, awaiting repair. Koli women cluster together, engaged in serious conversation, their baskets of fish waiting by the road. Imagine you are here: watching, smelling the sea air, praying for the thin Koli man and the chattering women, venturing into their community, learning their language and what it means to be culturally Koli. Pray, brothers and sisters, that you or someone you know might be called by God to cease imagining and go to this unreached people group to share with them the future He has planned for them! http://www.go2southasia.org

DEVOG – Daily Devotional Blog

Today’s devotional by Ronald

 

TODAY’S VERSE
“Bear one another’s burdens,

and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 (NASB)


TODAY’S MESSAGE

If I was asked to describe Christianity using only one word, I would choose the word, “love”. John tells us that God is love. It is His love that makes mercy and grace possible. Is it no wonder then, if we are really going to fulfill what Christ wants us to do, we must bear each other’s burdens? Bearing a burden means to take that burden on as if it was your own. We are called to help the wounded, love the hurting and to do whatever it takes to help those that are overburdened. If we don’t, who will? Who else is called to do this? It is this love of Christ, lived out by us in community, that is the mark of true Christianity. And if community is going to work, then each of us must prefer others to ourselves. We must put the needs of others above ourself. Jesus set the example. His whole life exemplified sacrificial love. So must ours. Today, ask God to help you sense when someone needs help. Ask Him to help you bear their burden.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, I am so grateful that You have borne every one of my burdens. Give me a heart like yours and the filling of Your Spirit so I might love in the way You have loved me.

AMEN

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Mrs. Susie Wales is still having blood pressure problems and is in Baton Rouge to be nearer her doctor. She and her family would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Update on Larry Watts:

Larry came home late yesterday evening and is doing well. Doctor’s appointment on Friday. Possibly a pacemaker later. Please continue to pray for him.

Update on Jordan Russell:

Thank you for praying for Jordan during his time in the hospital. He is home! He came home and fixed himself a protein drink and is now asleep in a nice comfortable bed. Please continue to pray for him as the trach area closes up (when the doctor changed the bandage today it was starting to close from the inside out) and his throat heals as well as the rest of his body recovers. He still has numbness/tingling in his left shoulder. The orthopedic doctor (my mother’s doctor) came by to see Jordan before we left. He said the problem seems neurological (no we don’t know how it happened) and hopefully it will start improving but if not better by next week to go see him. The nurse informed us Jordan can not drive for a week. I am taking him home to Belton in the morning to recuperate. We will stop in Tyler to pick up Kyle as we head home. Jordan will see his doctor next week to see how everything is healing.

Thank you for praying for Jordan and us during this past week.

Love,

Melinda and family

P.S. Kyle passed his driving exam today and now is an official driver. He even took the test in the rain.

Pray for Jason Dean as he prepares to see a specialist at 8 A.M. in the morning concerning his “second tonsils” problem.

Tuesday

I mean that I want us to help each other

with the faith we have.

Your faith will help me,

and my faith will help you.

Romans 1:12 (NCV)

Update on Jordan Russell:

This evening about 5pm Jordan had his trach removed!!! Thank you for praying for him! He is feeling a lot better with it out and breathing well. It was so nice to hear him talk again.

If all goes well he will be discharged Tuesday. Please continue to pray for Jordan as he continues to recover from the surgery and as the trach opening closes. Please also pray for his left shoulder. It has been bothering him since he woke up Thursday. He says it feels like it goes numb or tingles from time to time.

Love,

Melinda and family

PARAGUAY. Missionary Iracema Kunkel writes: “As Sunday approached, I started reminding those we were discipling to go to church. O., a divorced mother with a 13-year-old son, was one who needed special attention. She prayed to receive Christ in February after reading a written testimony distributed by one of our Baptist volunteers during a prayerwalk. However, O. had stopped coming for discipleship. I called her and asked her to come to church with us. After church, we spent the afternoon together. As we talked, she shared with us why she had stopped coming. Our conversation turned into a six-hour counseling session! We learned that she still had many idols in her house and in her heart. Tim and I offered to do a ‘cleaning’ of all the idols that were keeping her from following the Lord. We took two bags and went to her home. One of the bags we filled and burned in an incinerator at her place. She told the security guards who were watching that she was ‘burning her sins’! The other bag we packaged and sent back to her parents. They were family gifts, and she did not feel comfortable burning them, but at least they are out of her home. We prayed in each room of her house. O. is free today and calls us her adopted parents. Pray for her as she tries to live a holy life. God cleaned her house and her heart.”

HUNGARY. August 20, St. Stephen’s Day, is Hungary’s largest celebration of the year. Commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state in 1000 A.D. by St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king, it is celebrated with parades, folk singing, fairs and fireworks. Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ, and that Hungarian believers will take this opportunity to share their faith with those around them. Pray that Hungary will become a country that is not only culturally Christian, but also known as a place where the Lord is truly honored in the hearts and lives of the people. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a). http://www.heartforhungary.com

Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ,

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a).

Does that make you think of any other nation(s)?

PAKISTAN. In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, killing more than 70,000 people and destroying the fragile infrastructure of this developing nation. Due to this calamity, hostile areas closed to foreigners were desperate for aid and hope. Three years after this tragedy, God’s people are still responding with medical assistance and a physical demonstration of God’s love. Recently a mobile medical clinic offered care to women and children. A team of college students from the United States came to assist with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up their tent, they had a long line of women and children waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games with the little ones while the women listened to stories from the Word told in their own language. The doctor saw more than 80 patients in only seven hours. For many of these women, it was the first time someone had come to listen to them, hear their troubles, and help them. Please pray for fruit to come through the Word that has been planted among the women in this area. Pray that the demonstration of love will speak far louder than the medical advice they received.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. At the end of their summer stateside assignment, a couple who serves in Western Europe left their second daughter, as well as her older sister, in the United States to attend college. Pray that their daughter will have no problem adjusting to life in the country that she left behind when she was 5 months old. Pray that both of these young women will have a good year at their respective universities.


(I would like to add another request. Pray for the parents who went back to their field of service without two daughters.)

Baptist Press had some excellent, interesting articles yesterday evening. Read a few for yourself.

Baptist Press

August 18, 2008

CALIFORNIA–At forum, McCain & Obama differ sharply on abortion, judiciary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28712

CALIFORNIA–Forum gives Saddleback members unique opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28713

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: 2 gold medals come by faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28714

CHINA–Bronze medalist devotes her talent to God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28715

TENNESSEE–Triathlete relying on God’s strength. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28716

CHINA–Sprinter seeks platform for faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28717

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A hard question, an earnest appeal. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28718

FLORIDA–Fla. Baptists prepare for Fay’s wind & rain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28719

TENNESSEE–Pastor pay raises edge out inflation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28720

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Trey Graham): How much church is enough? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28721

A Few Moments with God

 

For I have set you an example,

that you also should do as I have done to you.

(John 13:15 NRSV Bible)

Choosing great persons for models is good advice for anybody. But who would be on your list? A few of us might choose Mother Teresa. Some may choose Martin Luther King, Jr., the Pope, or Billy Graham. But if you want to find someone who has done all things well our list would be mighty short.

Who shall we choose to follow? There is only one who achieved excellence in every area of life and that one was Jesus Christ. He lived well, he taught well, he died well. Beyond that, he rose triumphantly and lives with God forever. Christ is the one we celebrate today. Christ is the one we should model our lives after.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Snoopy sat droopy-eyed at the entrance of his dog house. He lamented, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I will still be a dog. There’s so little hope for advancement!”

We are who we are, but we can be so much more by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ.

Dear God, how wonderful is the example of your son. May I do all I can to allow him to live through me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Thanks for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Please add Mrs. Lorene Shelton who is 94 years young to your prayer list, she is experiencing some health problems and is in the hospital right now. Please also remember her family who are seeing to it that she is taken good care of. Thank you.

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty
(December 19, 1961 – August 17, 2008)

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty passed away at 9:43PM, on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. He was 46, a native of Independence and a resident of Greensburg and Fluker where he was raised most of his life. Randy was the son of the late Ronald and Evon Traylor Booty. Also preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lee Booty. Randy was an avid fisherman and loved motorcycles.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Kristen Booty and Nancy Booty, Amite, sister, Leisa Booty Ballard, Greensburg, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 20, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM, at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel, Amite with Rev. Scottie Holland officiating, and interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery.

Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Monday Afternoon

From Sue Minor:

Please add Mrs. Lorene Shelton who is 94 years young to your prayer list, she is experiencing some health problems and is in the hospital right now. Please also remember her family who are seeing to it that she is taken good care of. Thank you.

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty
(December 19, 1961 – August 17, 2008)

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty passed away at 9:43PM, on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. He was 46, a native of Independence and a resident of Greensburg and Fluker where he was raised most of his life. Randy was the son of the late Ronald and Evon Traylor Booty. Also preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lee Booty. Randy was an avid fisherman and loved motorcycles.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Kristen Booty and Nancy Booty, Amite, sister, Leisa Booty Ballard, Greensburg, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 20, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM, at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel, Amite with Rev. Scottie Holland officiating, and interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery.

Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.