Category: Devotional

Saturday

Mug & Muffin

This morning at 9:30 at FBC, Amite

Ladies, don’t forget we have a Mug ‘n Muffin (our WMU meeting for the month) tomorrow morning!! 9:30 am VERY casual! Our guest speakers will be Cheryl and Ernest Breaux with Fill the Gap. We will learn how we can help reach hurting families in our community. See you there!

 

 

 

Thought for the Day: The highest ransom ever paid

A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnapped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.

The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount?

Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined what the negotiations must have been like: “$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You’ve got to be kidding. Give me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer.”

I can sympathize with the kidnapped man because I wonder how much the people in my life think that I’m worth. But I am flattered beyond description to realize that I was worth enough to God that He was willing to pay the ultimate price for my ransom, my redemption. As Peter put it:

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19)

Ultimately, the value of something (or someone) is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. A piece of art that may be worth millions of dollars to someone else may be worth less than a hundred dollars to me. The worth of something is determined by how much we’re willing to pay for it.

What that means is that we are of tremendous value to God. He didn’t quibble about the price, but was willing to pay the full ransom amount — the highest ransom ever paid!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

Friday

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1~

 

Lee (from Wisconsin)

I know that you have a lot of things to pray about, and I live in Montana so I do not go to your church, but would you please consider prayer for my father-in-law. His name is Lee, and he lives in Wisconsin. He has been losing alot of weight (without trying), and has extremely high glucose levels (diabetic). Now the doctors are saying he has lots of problems and are believing that he has pancreatic (or some other type of) cancer. They have not found it yet, but believe he has. Please pray for this wonderful man, if you will. Thank you, and may God continually bless you.

Melinda

Andy Taylor

Everything good with gall bladder. Still a little sore. Needs to let inside heal good. Shingles a little better.
Hearing test on the 15th, wrist dr on the 20th,cataract surgery on march 21st.then we go from there. Thank you for all your prayers.
Betty

Pray for Andy and Betty as they continue to see many doctors.  The body has been weak, but the faith has been strong!

Carol Jean Gill

A few changes have been made, but basically she is the same.  Pray for Mr. Fernie Ray as he stays long hours each day.

Thought for the Day: My least favorite parable

A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama.

Then she asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?”

A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence. “I think I’d throw up!”

I have to confess that the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of my least favorite parables. You may be thinking: “It’s a beautiful story that teaches a strong lesson. What’s there not to like?” But that’s the problem. It teaches a very strong lesson and one that I can’t escape. There’s no way to explain this parable away, no way to come up with any fanciful interpretations that soothe my conscience.

Every time I read this parable, I realize my shortcomings in the area of meeting the needs of those around me. And the fact that I can relate so well to the priest and the Levite in the story leaves me squirming in my seat. Perhaps you understand what I mean. Allow the words of Jesus to pierce your heart once again:

“But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.” So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’ And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” (Luke 10:29-37)

“Father, in a world where I am surrounded by pain and suffering, it is so easy to turn my head and shut my eyes. Please forgive me of the times when I have done just that. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

That really makes us think.  May we all “put feet” to our concerns today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

 

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void,

but it shall accomplish what I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent.”

~Isaiah 55:11~

 

CaringBridge: LoganWatts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

Logan is still continuing to improve at a very fast rate. He went back to Dr Karlin today for a follow up after his botox injections and his range of motion in his right leg is much better than before. He is still a little tight so he may repeat the injections in 3 months, depending on his next visit. Logan is using a walker now, pretty much as his means for transportation. Either the walker or crawling, the only time we have been using his wheel chair is for school purpose or for master’s club at church. We appreciate all the prayers for Logan but there is something specific we would like to request prayer for. Logan’s Dr suggested for us to bring him to Birmingham to participate in CI (constraint-induced) therapy. This is because that he tends to neglect his right hand. Since the injury his left side is stronger and he was left handed before  so he does what he can with his left hand, he won’t use his right hand unless he’s forced too. At this point he is neglecting his right hand/arm which could cause it to retract and draw up to his body, be very weak, and not grow in size as the rest of his body does. His brain is still re-wireing itself so they say its a good time to do this right now because there can come a point where it will be to late. Once the muscles shorten they can not be fixed. The bad part is that this intensive therapy is for 3 weeks in Birmingham, Al and just the therapy part is 8k dollars. That’s not costing our stay or Jonathan missing 3 wks of work. Please pray that we make the right decision and for God’s will to be done. We are so grateful for the amazing progress he has made thus far.

Pray for Rafe Cutrer as he sees a neurologist today.  Pray for Rafe to continue to make progress.

 

Ms. Frances Strickland is better and was able to be in prayer meeting last night.

 

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she has a MRI today to gather more information on a recent problem.

 

Stephanie McKenzie’s grandmother, Mrs. Rebecca Moak, is hospitalized and undergoing tests.  Please pray for her.

 

Continue to pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony as he sees more doctors this week as he begins chemo and radiation for a lung problem.  Pray for his family as they transport him back and forth to Hammond daily for the next six weeks.

 

Pray for Kenneth Birch who is having back problems.  Pray for his sister, Mrs. Shirley Frazier, who continue to have back problems that have kept her home for months now.

 

New Beth Moore Bible Study – James: Mercy Triumphs

Coming soon to FBC, Kentwood

Two sessions to choose from – Sunday or Thursday Evenings

Please notify the church office or me if you are interested in attending.

Workbooks will be $15.00

Thought for the Day: Looking at things differently

A teenage boy lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was no where to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the eyepiece in her hand.

“How did you manage to find it, Mom?” the teenager asked.

“We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she replied. “You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150.”

It is so true that our passion and persistence in doing something will be largely determined by its value in our eyes. For example, evangelism will never be a top priority as long as you see your next-door neighbor as simply a middle-aged guy with a pot belly. When you see him as an valuable soul whose eternal destiny will be determined by his relationship with God, suddenly things are different.

If you see your involvement at church as simply cleaning out a baptistry or corralling a herd of 4-year-olds for an hour, you will quickly lose heart. When you see your involvement as an essential element in the building up of the kingdom of God, you will not “grow weary while doing good” (Gal. 6:9).

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2)

Looking at earthly things from a heavenly perspective will change the value of things in our mind. And that, in turn, will change how diligently we seek to do the things of God.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

You will influence others today in either a positive or negative way.  Make a choice to be a positive influence.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly

and be glorified, just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

 

 

From Charlene Blades

Update on my mom (Dell Phillips) she is home now. However we are making lots of adjustments. We now have nurses etc… coming in and out. A room full of medical equipment. It is a big change for us.
She felt pretty good yesterday but is very weak and tired today.
Please keep her and her caregivers in your prayers.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is back at home and doing well.  She is an amazing lady!

Jadon Pailet is doing very well four weeks after surgery.  He has had some ups and downs, but has been seizure free for four weeks!   Yesterday, he added a new phrase to his vocabulary – “Go bye bye”.  He’s a miracle in so many ways!

CaringBridge: AdriunnaCavanaugh

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Mildred Ann Bass Spence
(June 7, 1949 – February 7, 2012)

Mildred Ann Bass Spence, 62, passed away at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

She was born June 7, 1949 to George and Vickie Baham Bass. She was a lover of learning and education where she attended Southern Mississippi University.

In 1980 Mildred “Millie” married Lowell Spence and together they raised their five children. Millie adored and loved her children and especially her 3 grandchildren. Millie was very committed and close to her husband and family. She enjoyed gardening and helping others with family plans.

Ms. Millie is survived by her husband of 31 years, Lowell R. Spence; children, Greg L. Spence, John S. Tucker and wife Beth, Darby W. Tucker and wife Gabby & Amy L. Tucker; brother, George Bass, Jr. and wife Pat; sister, Shirley Ellzey; 3 grandchildren, Devon Tucker, Jacob Spence Langford & Nicholas Spence Langford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Vickie Baham Bass, Sr.; son, Lowell Spence, Jr.; sister, Victoria Wilkins and husband Charles.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 10:00 a.m.at Chappapeela Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Weaver officiating. Interment in the Spring Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers family request Memorial Donations be made to Chappapeela Baptist Church Building Fund, 61407 Vining Road, Amite, LA

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and the Holiday Inn Express.

 

Thought for the Day: Enjoy the grape

I read a parable recently that bothered me when I read it the first time. It is a story that was
reportedly told by Buddha: A traveler, fleeing a tiger who was chasing him, ran till he came to
the edge of a cliff. There he caught hold of a thick vine, and swung himself over the edge.

Above him the tiger snarled. Below him he heard another snarl, and behold, there was another tiger,
 peering up at him. The vine suspended him midway between two tigers.

Two mice, a white mouse and a black mouse, began to gnaw at the vine. He could see they were
quickly eating it through. Then in front of him on the cliffside he saw a luscious bunch of
grapes. Holding onto the vine with one hand, he reached and picked a grape with the other. How
delicious!

That's the end of the parable. That's it??? If you're like me, you want to know how the story
ends. Does the man get eaten by one of the tigers? Does he manage to find a way of escape? We
don't know. And how can a man possibly stop to enjoy eating a grape while in the midst of such
a crisis???

I can't tell you for sure what the parable was intended to teach, but after giving it considerable
thought, here's the lesson that I gained from it. We are sometimes so focussed on wanting to know
what's going to happen in the future that we fail to enjoy what we have right here, right now.

What is the doctor going to find when I go in for these tests? How can I possibly meet the
deadline my boss has given me since I have more work to do than I can possibly get done? How will
my wife react when I talk to her about the need to go see a counselor to deal with the deep-rooted
problems we're having? How am I going to pay the bills that are due next week when there's not
enough money in the bank to cover them? How should I react to the racial prejudice that's causing
students to say ugly things to me at school?

None of those things are unimportant (nor are the countless other trials and difficulties you
could add to that list from your own experience); some may even be life-threatening But today,
all day long, I am surrounded by countless blessings from God -- a beautiful sunrise, the changing
autumn leaves, a child's kiss, a bunch of grapes, a warm bed, hot water, and the list goes on and
on. Is it possible to focus on the blessings at hand even when we are surrounded by difficulties
and we don't know how the story will turn out? For a child of God, it is not only possible, it is
essential that we learn to do so.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever 
the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have 
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether
well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:11-12)
Are you surrounded by tigers today? Take a moment to enjoy the grape that God has placed right in
front of you.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith


It's easy to see the miracles in Jadon's life, but do we see them in our own lives?  


Today is a great day to pay attention and see what God is doing in our own lives.


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Tuesday
	


	
	
	

		
 


 


 


“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources


 he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” 


~Ephesians 3:16 NLT~




Great sorrow seems to have settled in with many families lately.  I don’t ever remember going to so many wakes and funerals of friends and family.  I refuse to continue to count them.  I ache for families who have lost loved ones lately, most of them in unexpected situations.  I know these times are much easier with God carrying us through the difficult days.  I cannot imagine what it would be like without that knowledge.


“Stand in the storm.  When the going gets tough, make adjustments, but keep standing.”           Unknown author


Life has given me some storms lately, but having God stand with me allowed me to seek Him more and to keep on standing.  I pray each individual and each family touched by problems of any kind will be able to keep standing because they have God walking through the journey of life with them.


I’m doing well with the storms of my life.  I can smile, face people, encourage others, etc.  Life doesn’t give “free passes” to us. We have to know God is with us and wants us to continue on.  If He is not your journey mate through life, I pray you will seek someone who can steer you in His direction.   He is the one and only way to travel through life!


That’s my sermon for today!




Baptist Press News


http://www.bpnews.net/


 


 


Thought for the Day: Jesus will give you rest (parts 1 & 2)


I heard a story about a young mother with three children. The phone rang one day and a voice on the other end of the phone said, “Honey, it’s Mom. I called because I know that you’re busy with the kids, and I want to give you some help. I’m going to stop by to clean the house, take care of the baby, and prepare dinner for when the boys get home from school.


“I want you to get ready to go to my beautician, I’ve paid her already, and she’s going to give you ‘the works,’ your appointment is at 1:00. Give George a call at the office and tell him that you’ll meet him at Olive Garden for dinner, it’s on me…”


At that point, the young mother interrupted and said, “George, who is George?”


“Your husband.”


She said, “My husband’s name is Fred.”


“Oh. Is this 365-3212?”


“No this is 365-3213.”


The caller said, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ve got the wrong number.”


After a pause, the young mother said, “Does this mean that you’re not coming over?”


Do you ever feel like you could use a phone call like that? Do you ever find yourself wishing someone would just come along and take care of things for you so that you can have a little rest?


I remember back in the 1970’s, there was a big concern that computers and technology would radically change how many hours a week people would work. In fact, there was testimony given to a Senate sub-committee forecasting that within 20 years, the average American would be working only 22 hours a week. They said, “The great challenge would be figuring out what to do with all the excess time.” Now here we are, 30 years later, after major advances in technology — how many of us are wondering what to do with all the excess time on our hands?


Our world has become the world of the Red Queen of Alice in Wonderland. She said, “It takes all the running you can do to stay in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that.”


That’s why what Jesus offers is so very precious. He says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)


It’s one of the most beautiful promises in all the Bible. It was a promise made to the Israelites as they headed toward the land of Canaan — forty years they traveled and traveled in the wilderness, until finally they arrived at a land of rest. And it’s the promise made to those of us who are Christians as we look forward to heaven. The Hebrew writer says, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9).


I don’t know about you, but one of the things that I’m most looking forward to when I get to heaven is being able to rest. I’m not talking about sitting down in a Lazy-Boy recliner with my feet propped up and a remote control to a big screen television in my hand. That’s not heaven. I just know that heaven will be a place where we won’t experience the feeling of being so tired, so utterly worn out. Sometimes when people ask me how I am, I just want to say, “I’m tired. I’m just so very tired.” Heaven is going to be place of rest.


“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…that they may rest from their labors.” (Revelation 14:13)


But when Jesus said, “I will give you rest”, I think he was talking about more than just heaven…..


(to be continued)


Have a great day!


Alan Smith




In 1930, something very unusual happened. It’s still an open case in the FBI missing-person file. On August 15th of that year, after dining with his family, a New York State Supreme Court Justice named Joseph Carter hailed a cab and was never seen or heard from again. The FBI thought his disappearance might be worked-related because the judge had heard a lot of mob cases. But there was no real evidence to support that theory. All the investigations led to a dead end. The only clue was a note Joseph Carter left for his wife and family. It said: “I am very, very tired. Love, Joe.” That was it. That was the last anyone ever heard from him.


I can’t help but feel that there’s a lot of us who feel the same way. And Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted, to the person who is worn out, frustrated and weary. He offers rest.


“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)


As I said in part one, we are looking forward to the rest that awaits us in heaven. But I don’t think Jesus is talking about heaven here in Matthew 11. I think he’s offering rest for our souls here and now. Somebody to help carry our burden. In Galatians 6:2, Paul says to “Bear one another’s burdens” and we can do that for one another. There have been some times in my life when I’ve gone through some things that I just don’t think I could have handled if I didn’t have brothers and sisters in Christ to be there for me. But what we do for one another in a small way, Christ does for us to a much greater measure.


Whatever burden you are carrying right now, Christ says he’ll be there for you. Whether it’s problems in your marriage, or maybe your children are in trouble at school or with the law. Maybe it’s burdens of loneliness, burdens of taking care of sick relatives, burdens of disappointment, of rejection, of addictions. Maybe the burden of not knowing which way to turn next. Life is filled with stress, with cares, with worries.


The reality is that life can be very difficult. But these are the very kinds of burdens that Jesus wants us to bring to him. Jesus is saying, “Come to me all you who are struggling with life in any way and those of you who have burdens that you can’t carry alone, and I will help you with your struggles.”


Do you remember the last time you made a trip to the airport with all your luggage? A couple of years ago, we took our daughter to the airport. She had absolutely crammed her suitcases as full as she could get them because she was moving to Germany. One of them weighed 65 pounds and the other one weighed 83 pounds. Fortunately they had the little wheels on them, because I can’t imagine what it would have been like if we had to lug those things all over the airport trying to find the right ticket counter. And, I want to tell you, when the ticket agent took those suitcases from us and we didn’t have to carry them around anymore, that was a wonderful feeling. No more burden.


That’s what Jesus does for us. Jesus is always on the lookout for hurting people. People who are bold enough to admit — Lord, I need some help. I can’t carry these problems alone.” And he’s promised to do it. He said, “I will give you rest.”


Have a great day!


Alan Smith


 


 


Thankful for the journey-mate and the rest!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Monday
	


	
	
	

		
“Rejoice always, 


pray without ceasing, 


in everything give thanks;


 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 


~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~


Continue to pray for Mrs. Carol Jean Gill and her family.  Pray for improvement on her part and peace and comfort for the family as they wait.


Mrs. Gail Pittman-McDaniel is now back in Kentwood for some rehab.  Continue to pray for her and her family.


Mr. Earlo LaBauve, Sharon Martin’s dad, is improving, but still being treated at North Oaks.  Please continue to pray.


Andy Taylor is improving, but still has a ways to go to get past the gall bladder surgery.  Keep him in your prayers.


Continue to pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland and for her family as they help care for her.


The wake for Mr. William Ed. Hatcher will be from 6-9 this evening at McKneely-Vaughn Funeral Home in Amite. Please continue to pray for his family.


Thought for the Day: Does God know about this?


There's a couple in Arkansas who have given their six-year-old son 


strict instructions to come home from playing every afternoon no later 


than 5 p.m. He is allowed to play with his friends, but his parents are 


quite serious about his curfew. If he is not home by 5 p.m., they begin 


to worry and call around the neighborhood to find out where he is. The 


boy knows this, though, and is careful to arrive every day on time. One


 April Monday, however, the day after Daylight Saving Time went into 


effect, the boy was late coming home. When he finally arrived, a few minutes


 before 6 p.m., his mother scolded him for being late. "You know you are


 to be home by five," she said, "and here it is nearly six." Puzzled, 


the little boy pointed out the window. "But the light," he protested, "the 


light; it's the light that tells me when to come home." Realizing what had


 happened, his mother smiled and gently explained that the day before the 


time had been changed, that everyone had reset their clocks and, now, the 


daylight lasted longer. The boy's eyes narrowed. "Does God know about this?" 


he asked suspiciously. It's easy to see why a young boy would ask such a 


question, but no matter what the circumstance prompting the question, the 


answer to "Does God know about this?" is always, "Yes, He knows." David 


reflected on this quality of God in Psalm 139: "Lord, you have examined 


me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I 


get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where 


I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do. 


Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are 


all around me -- in front and in back -- and have put your hand 


on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can 


understand." (Psalm 139:1-6)


 At times, it is a bit frightening to realize that God knows so much about


me, but ultimately it is a comforting thought -- that someone knows so


much about me, yet still loves me. Because God knows me so well, He knows 


my deepest needs. May you take comfort this day in the realization that


God knows everything about you there is to know. 


Have a great day! 


Alan Smith

	


	





	

		
		
Saturday
	


	
	
	

		
Thought for the Day: Too many rocks!


This list is circulating among Forest Service employees. These are actual comments left on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:


“A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”


“Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”


“Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.”


“Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”


“Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.”


“Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.”


“Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.”


“Need more signs to keep area pristine.”


“The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”


“Too many rocks in the mountains.”


Too many rocks in the mountains? I suppose the sky is too blue, there are too many leaves on the trees and too much water in the ocean as well! It’s hard to imagine anyone complaining about God’s creation. I stand in awe every day of His handiwork, from the mountains to the deserts to the beaches and everything in between!


“Praise the LORD!….Praise Him, sun and moon;


 Praise Him, all you stars of light! 


Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! 


Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created….


Fire and hail, snow and clouds; 


stormy wind, fulfilling His word;


mountains and all hills; 


fruitful trees and all cedars; 


beasts and all cattle; 


creeping things and flying fowl….


Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; 


His glory is above the earth and heaven.”


~Psalm 148:1a,3-5,7-10,13~




Next chance you get, walk outside, take a look around, and offer your praise to God who created it all.


Have a great day!


Alan Smith


Share God’s love today!


Anna Lee

	


	





	

		
		
Friday
	


	
	
	

		
“Continue earnestly in prayer,


 being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” 


~Colossians 4:2~


 


If we are to “continue earnestly in prayer” for some of those we have been praying for, I will remind you of some families to pray for.


Jadon Pailet                                Family of Ian Russ Guzzardo                          Family of Catherine Simmons


Carol Jean Gill                           Family of Roy Russell                                        Family of William Ed. Hatcher


Pauline Strickland                    Family of Lorna Smith                                      Family of Jason McKean


Boyd and Jennie Hatchel       Family of Dorothy Ricks                                   Family of Kelly Dunn Sofge


Earlo LaBauve                           Avis Sullivan                                                         Andy and Betty Taylor


Jill Brister                                  Gail Pittman-McDaniel                                     Family of Tripp Roth


Susan Rimes                            Billy Carl Strickland                                            Velta Morris


Dr. Derry Magee                     Raymond Anthony                                              Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby


KaLeigh Powers                     Jimmy Tolar                                                          Jimmie Shaw Family


These are some of the people for whom we have prayed.  You can pray for these and your own additions.


 


Jadon Pailet (Late last night)


Please pray for Jadon. We were admitted to childrens today because his blood cultures were positive. We will not know what kind of bacteria it is until tomorrow. The culture may have been contaminated but they don’t think so because he is so sick. We need prayers right now.




Baptist Press


BPNews.net


 


Thought for the Day: When everything goes wrong


Here is a list of "Murphy's Laws for Churches" (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on "Bring A


Friend" Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you'll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks


will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying "Let us pray" or singing "Just As I Am" causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher's question right, nobody remembers; when you


are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees


below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90




degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes


will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy's Law ("Whatever can go wrong will go wrong") manifests itself in a multitude


of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going


wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, "Everything will turn out all right eventually"? We


may be living in a dream world.


Do we react by saying, "How could God do this to me"? Our bitterness may cause


us to turn away from God.


Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see


us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to


preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, "Now, look on their threats, and grant


to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word...." (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down


around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much


they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to


manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith


Knowing Russ Guzzardo, I don’t think he will mind me sharing his thoughts on Facebook last night, just hours after burying his newborn son.


Just want to thank God for comforting me today. I want to thank him for all the people who have been praying for my family and put there words to action today by attending or participating in the services today. God you are an awesome GOD. Thanks for family and friends, I love you all.


 


With all the sadness around, especially the last two weeks, let’s remember we serve and awesome God who loves us dearly!


Anna Lee


 





	


	





	

		
		
Wednesday
	


	
	
	

		
“Very early in the morning,


 while it was still dark, 


Jesus got up, 


left the house and


 went off to a solitary place,


where he prayed.” 


~Mark 1:35 NIV~




Lots of prayer time is needed in our local communities to pray others and ourselves through the tough times so many families have experienced lately.  The Good News is that God has walked every step with each one of us and carried those who were unable to walk on their own strength.






Thought for the Day: When the rains begin


A newcomer to Seattle arrives on a rainy day. She gets up the next day and it’s raining. It also rains the day after that, and the day after that. She goes out to lunch and sees a young kid and, out of despair, asks, “Hey, kid, does it ever stop raining around here?” The kid says, “How should I know? I’m only 6.”


Residents of Seattle don’t tan — they rust!


I hear it only rains twice a year in Seattle — August through April and May through July.


Q: What do you call two straight days of rain in Seattle?

A: A weekend.


Q: What does daylight-saving time mean in Seattle?

A: An extra hour of rain.


Seattle may have a reputation for having a lot of rain, but it’s impossible to think about much rain without Noah and the flood coming to mind. The story of Noah is well-known, even among children, and its lessons are deep. Through this brief narrative, we are reminded of all of the essential elements of our relationship with God: God’s hatred of sin and the assurance of His judgment, God’s grace in providing a way of salvation, and Noah’s faith which led him to obey God completely.


“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)


May your faith sustain you when the rains begin!


Have a great day!


Alan Smith

White House Church of Christ

White House, Tennessee




I hope you have the faith to sustain you when the rains and floods of life happen in your world.  If not, please talk with someone who can guide you.  When you have that faith, life on this earth, no matter how good it is, does not begin to compare to life in heaven.


Anna Lee



	


	





	

		
		
Tuesday
	


	
	
	

		


“Be anxious for nothing, 


but in everything by prayer and supplication, 


with thanksgiving, 


let your requests be made known to God.” 


~Philippians 4:6~




David’s niece Janet A. Melanxon has a teen daughter hospitalized in Baton Rouge.  Pray for Harley to get better soon, so she can continue her school week.


Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland to get stronger and for her children Donna Fay, Firma Kay, and Billy Carl as they help take turns with a sitter to care for her.  The family thanks you for your continued prayers for “Miss” Pauline and for themselves.


 


 


Today is the day the Hatchel family were scheduled to return to the Czech Republic.  Due to blood clots in his left calf, doctors and he IMB have put the return trip on hold indefinitely.  Pray for them as they seek God’s leadership during this time.  Also, pray for the doctors who are working with Boyd.


Modern slavery is known as human trafficking.  It is real and exists all over the world.


Slavery is a bigger problem today than it has ever been in human history. It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves around the world–most of them involved in human trafficking. In India alone millions of girls are without hope as their bodies are sold again and again. http://ow.ly/8CXMg Pray for these victims to be set free–physically and spiritually.


Dorothy B. Ricks

(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)


A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.


Please pray for Diane and her family in the coming days.  Caring for “Miss” Dot has been one of her primary activities for a long time.


Thought for the Day: Fighting the Battle Alone


The story is told of an old lady who had moved to the United States from Europe when she was a child, but now she wanted to officially become a citizen of this country. After months of going through all the necessary red tape, she was finally ready to take the required oath.


“Raise your right hand, please.”


She raised her right hand.


“Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all its enemies, domestic or foreign?” was the first question.


The little old lady’s face paled and her voice trembled as she asked in a small voice, “Uhhh . . . all by myself?”


I know the feeling. When I read what the apostle Paul had to say about the great spiritual battle going on, I tremble a bit. Paul said,


“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)


The thoughts of waging such a battle alone is enough to cause even the most stout-hearted to tremble. But we don’t go into battle alone! We go forth as a part of the army of God, led by the Son of God in all his glory, and side by side with every brother and sister in Christ on the face of this earth. The battle is still a difficult one. There will be many casualties along the way. But, thank God, we do not fight it alone!


Have a great day!


Alan Smith

White House Church of Christ

White House, Tennessee


Have a blessed Tuesday!


Anna Lee