Devotional – Page 161 – The Prayer Link

Wednesday

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holy–the Son of God.”

~Luke 1: 35, ESV~

Jesse Dean’s sister, Patsy, is doing better. A diagnosis is getting closer. Plans are being made to transfer her to rehab. Continue to pray for her.

Pray for Andy and Betty Taylor as they return to the doctor. Andy hopes surgery will be scheduled to remove the rod in his right hand. Pray all goes well with them.

Mike Moore of West Monroe learned last week that he has a melanoma behind one eye. Yesterday, a doctor told him the melanoma usually travels through the blood to the liver, but this hasn’t happened yet with Mike. Surgery to remove the melanoma has been scheduled for the first week of January. Pray for the family.

FBC, Kentwood will make a schedule change tonight. Prayer meeting will begin at 6 P.M. to fit better with the youth schedule.

I broke my arm at the shoulder one year ago today. Since then, my life has been a whirl of doctors, tests, and hospitals because of my broken arm, Momma’s sickness and death, and my brain tumor. I thank God for bringing me through this year and walking each step with me and my family.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®

Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 57 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.

Thought for the Day: Did You Remember to Light Your Candle?

A circus owner walked into a restaurant to see everyone crowded around a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.

The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some wheeling and dealing they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.

Three days later, the circus owner runs back to the restaurant in anger, “Your duck is a rip-off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience and he didn’t dance a single step!”

“So?” asked the duck’s former owner, “did you remember to light the candle under the pot?”

Well, that might be one reason that someone would put a lighted candle under a pot, but that’s not what candles are for! As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, candles are meant to “give light to all who are in the house.” In like manner, our Christian lives are to “shine before men.” (Matt. 5:16-17). The reason is that we are to be a positive influence on others around us.

We sometimes speak of a “secret Christian” as if that’s a possibility. The truth is, unless our lives are reflecting the light of Jesus Christ, we’re not living Christian lives at all. If we don’t influence the world around us for Christ, the world will influence us.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).” (Eph. 5:8-9)

Did you remember to light your candle?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season! Let your light shine for Him!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Be friendly with everyone.

Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others.

Make friends with ordinary people.”

~Romans 12:16 CEV~

CaringBridge: Caroline Cutrer

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

Carol New is looking forward to getting her new knee in two weeks.

Baptist Press: Missions-minded grandma confronts thief — and wins

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36774

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

What is the average cost to support an individual missionary?

• $46,700 a year
• $3,890 a month
• $900 a week
• $128 a day
• $5.30 an hour
• $.09 a minute

Reported April 2011. Support includes housing, salary, children’s education, medical expenses, retirement and more.

http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=4426&LanguageID=1709

Devotional: Is There Room?

You may have heard the story about Wally. Wally was big for his age — seven years old. Everyone wondered what role the teacher would give him in the annual Christmas play. Especially considering the fact that he was also a slow learner. Perhaps he could pull the curtain. To everyone’s surprise the teacher gave Wally the role of the innkeeper. The boy of course was delighted. After all, all he had to learn was one line: “There is no room in the inn.” He had that down in no time.

Then came the night for the program. The parents took their places. Every seat in the auditorium was filled. The children entered singing “Oh come all ye faithful.” The lights dimmed. A hush moved over the audience. The curtain opened on Scene One. Mary and Joseph entered the stage and walked up to the inn. “Please sir, my wife is not well. Could we have a room for the night?”

Wally was ready for his line. He had rehearsed it all night. He began, “There is…” and he hesitated. He started over again, “There is…” and again his mind went completely blank. Everyone was embarrassed for him, but poor Wally just didn’t know what to do. Joseph thought he would improvise and started walking away toward the stable on stage left. Seeing him walking away, Wally called out in desperation: “Look, there’s plenty of room at my house, just come on home with me.”

The important question — not only at this time of year but all year round — is, “Do we have room in our lives for Jesus?” Our lives are so busy — with things that are good and things that are not so good. By the time we’ve filled our lives with time at work, time with the family, going to football games and the children’s recitals, shopping, watching television and the latest movie, our lives are so very crowded. I don’t know anybody who has “spare time” on their hands. The cry I hear from all around me is, “I wish I had a few more hours every day to get done when I need (or want) to get done.”

Looking back, we may find ourselves thinking that if the innkeeper had known that Mary was about to give birth to the Savior of the world, he would have made room. But I’m not so sure. The reason I question that is because I see what happens when we are faced with a question similiar to one that was asked of the innkeeper. Jesus wants to know of us, “Do you have room in your life for me?” And I see how often in our busy, hectic lives — even though we know who Jesus is — we allow other things to crowd Him out.

Will we open our hearts to Jesus, or will we allow the busy-ness of life to crowd Jesus out? The answer we WANT to give is easy to come up with; the answer we give by the way we live is sometimes disturbing. May we have a heart that desires to speak with the tenderness of Wally’s heart when he said, “”Look, there’s plenty of room at my house, just come on home with me.”

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season! Does the season make your heart warm with love, peace, and joy? Share Jesus with others today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?

Even sinners love those who love them.”

~Luke 6:32 NIV~

Eva Smith (89), my aunt in Alabama, fell and has a compacted disk. Pray for her and the family as they learn more today.

Mr. Kenneth Felker’s wife has been down due to her broken hip. Now, he is also sick. Please pray for this family.

Caring Bridge

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

A project suggested by a member of my Sunday School class Sunday and now by Baptist Press:

This Christmas, give a Bible

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=36731

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 5

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9341&LanguageID=1709

Volunteers Needed for Victory Baptist Mission Church

The slab is poured and material is on order to start building a 12,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility for Victory Baptist Mission Church in Walker, Louisiana. The building will include an auditorium, education space, and fellowship hall. Volunteers of all crafts, from carpenters, roofers, brick masons, electricians, plumbers and HVAC people are needed to help assemble the building starting in January 2012.

Volunteer groups are needed for the weeks starting:

Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 20, Feb 27, March 19, March 26, April 9, April 16, April 23,
April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, and May 28.

To volunteer, please contact Jim Wyble at ljwyble@bellsouth.net or 225.939.6842. He is the associate project coordinator assigned to the project and is responsible for coordinating the volunteers for the project.

To learn more about Victory Baptist Mission Church, visit:www.victorybaptistwalker.com.

Thought for the Day: Neither poverty or riches

Linda was on vacation, playing the slot machines. It was her first time in a casino, and she wasn’t sure how the machines operated.

“Excuse me,” she said to a casino employee. “How does this work?” The worker showed her how to insert a bill, hit the spin button, and operate the release handle.

“And where does the money come out?” she asked.

He smiled and motioned to a far wall before saying, “Usually at the ATM.”

That’s the trouble with gambling and other “get rich quick” schemes. There’s only one person getting rich, and it’s not you! The lure is strong, though. The temptation to come away with that big jackpot, to go home with your pockets full without putting forth much effort. It’s easy to see that Paul was right when he said, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare….” (I Tim. 6:9a)

Considering the constant temptation of money, it’s not surprising that Jesus had much to say about the subject. It is significant, though, that Jesus didn’t talk as much about what to do with our money as he talked about the right kind of attitude we ought to have toward it.

Agur, in his pearls of wisdom contained in Proverbs, also had much to say about our attitude toward wealth. One of my favorite verses on the subject is this one:

“Give me neither poverty nor riches — Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.” (Prov. 30:8b-9)

May you be sufficiently blessed. But may your riches (or your desire for them) never diminish your sense of need for God.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

~John 16:24~

Landon Murphy, son of Danny and Lisa Carruth, was taken to Greensburg Hospital and then to Our Lady of the Lake with the possible need for an appendicitis surgery. The family would appreciate your prayers.

Pray for Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Gabriel. He will have sinus surgery to correct a problem from an accident. Becky is hospitalized with pneumonia. As you pray for them, pray also for their daughter, Tina.

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

Hammond, Louisiana Outdoor Drama “One Night in Bethlehem “is reenacted by Calvary Christian Center and is free to the public. Held 2 weekends each year. December 10 & 11 17 & 18 5p.m.-8p.m. Come out and dress accordingly. Make it a new family tradition.

YOU ARE INVITED!!!! The combined choirs from FBC Livingston and Bethel Baptist Church will be presenting the Christmas musical, “A Song in the Air,” next Sunday at 6 p.m. in Bethel’s auditorium. A gumbo supper and fellowship will follow. Please come out and join with us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. (This is not the Bethel Baptist Church west of Kentwood.)

First Baptist Church, Kentwood

Dec. 7th – Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon in the fellowship hall at 11 A.M.
Dec. 11th – We will have a movie night at FBC, Kentwood. ”Christmas with a Capital C” will be shown at 5:30. No admission charge!
Dec. 18th – The choir will present a musical, “A Song in the Air” during the 10:30 worship service.
Dec. 18th – Dinner and candlelight service @ 5 and 6 P.M.
Dec. 20th – Breakfast muffins needed for gift bags which will be distributed on the 21st.
Dec. 21st – Church-wide caroling at 6 P.M.; Gift bags will be distributed.
Dec. 25th – Morning worship only – 10 A.M.

Herbert Woodard, Sr.
(February 10, 1948 – December 4, 2011)

Herbert Woodard, Sr. was born on February 10, 1948 and passed away at 1:05 p.m., Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was 63, a native of Independence and a resident of Clinton.

Herbert is survived by a son, Herbert Woodard, Jr. and wife Jennifer, Holden; 2 daughters, Kay Harrison, Houma & Beverly Vidaure and husband Wes, Independence. 11 grandchildren, Jessica Woodard, Kaylee Woodard, Austin Woodard, Dewayne Eldridge, Kelsey Vidaure, Troy Vidaure, Kamen Harrison, Chassity Peroyea, Jadyn Robicheaux, Stephanie Slaven Arnone and husband Frankie & Krystal Slaven. 4 brothers, Ernest Woodard and wife, Ester, St. Gabriel, William “Bill” Woodard and wife Martha, Kentwood, Huey Woodard and wife Betty, Kentwood & Russell Woodard and wife Juanita, Crossvillle, TN; s sister Dorothy W. Gross and husband Roger, Clinton; also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Lucille Rogillio Woodard; daughter, Donna W. Slaven; 2 brothers, Jimmy Woodard & Irvin Woodard; sister, Betty Stephen; grandson, Dusty Eldridge.

Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Larry Blades. Interment in New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood.

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

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

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 3

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9340&LanguageID=1709

Do something to make today a special day for someone else (rake leaves, bake candy, deliver Christian literature, invite someone for lunch, or just take time to visit). They will be blessed, but you will be blessed more!

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Monday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

Joanie Scarle’s brother, Bud

Thanks for all the prayers and calls about Bud’s surgery. He came home yesterday. He has exceeded all of the doctors expectations. I know this is because of all the prayers on his behalf. God has truly blessed our family.This Christmas season lets give thanks for the Reason. Thanks too for the prayers for my Mom, this has been very hard on her. She even wanted to stay over night at the hospital with him! Love to you all

Joanie Scarle

Mr. Jack Hughes of Line Creek will be having surgery this morning. Please be in prayer for him, the surgeons, and the family.

Continue to pray for the Cutrer and Harrell families. Their world has changed so much in the past few months.

I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to share with the AWANA children (and lots of adults) the story of Lottie Moon last night. May their hearts be stimulated to be more like Lottie.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 2

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=9339&LanguageID=1709

Thought for the Day: 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

Jesus is the reason for the season! Be sure to spread the word!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:8~

Lottie Moon Tea

FBC, Greensburg

Today @ 2 P.M.

Ladies, bring your daughters, granddaughters, or neighborhood daughters as well as your friends and female relatives.

See you there!

Baptist Press: Why we serve the poor (one church’s uplifting story)

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=36710

Thought for the Day: A gift that doesn’t need to be exchanged

Admit it, you’ve been there (and you may be there again in just a few days). You receive a gift that makes you grimace — an orange tie with purple stripes, perhaps, or a battery-operated radish peeler. You can’t be impolite and say, “I don’t like it. I want to exchange it.” So what do you say? Fortunately someone has come up with “The Top Ten Things to Say About a Christmas Gift You Don’t Like”:

10. Hey! Now there’s a gift!
9. Well, well, well …
8. What a shame! If I hadn’t recently shot up 4 sizes, this would’ve fit.
7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.
6. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.
5. If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!
4. I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.
3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.
2. To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.
1. “I really don’t deserve this.”

Whatever you say, you know you’ll be standing in line at Wal-Mart for hours with everyone else who received gifts that were just as horrible.

There’s a beautiful story in 2 Corinthians 8 about a gift that the churches of Macedonia gave to Paul to help out needy Christians in Jerusalem. It was a gift that Paul was reluctant to receive. Not because there was anything wrong with it. Quite the opposite — it was a generous gift. Perhaps too generous. The Christians who gave it were not at all wealthy, so the gift seemed excessive.

“For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” (2 Cor. 8:3-4)

The reason that their gift was so generous and so special, though, was because of another gift they had given: “And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.” (2 Cor. 8:5)

Want to give a gift that will never need to be exchanged? Give yourself wholeheartedly to the Lord. It’s certain to be exactly what He wnats this year!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Carefully consider the path for your feet,

and all your ways will be established.”

~Proverbs 4:26 HCSB~

Billy Graham has pneumonia, ‘responding well’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36695

Next ‘Family Movie Night’ film airs Friday

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36687

Heart to Heart with Holley: Good enough

Hello Friend!

I sometimes look in the mirror or at my life and I see all I am then say,

“Not good enough.”

You too?

And yet…

God saw all that he had made {that means people too} and then He said,

“Very good.”

It seems scandalous to believe that’s true. And yet who am I to argue with the One who spoke the stars into place, who spread the seas as far as we can see, who numbered every hair on my messy, imperfect head?

It’s not because of who we are but Whose we are.

Not because of what we’ve done but what Love has done for us.

Not temporary but forever-and-ever because He doesn’t change.

I’m going to try to stop saying “not good enough” and instead dare to agree with the Love that will not let me go.

Want to join me?

With love,

Holley

Pamela Ann Boudreau “Maman” King

She was a retired inside salesperson and a native and resident of Baton Rouge. She died at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge. Pamela was 65. She was an avid football and baseball fan and a supporter of Denham Springs High School athletics. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation will resume at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Denham Springs on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Ann Bond and husband Joe, and Marie Louise Featherston and husband Chuck; two sons, Paul David King and wife Lisa, and Michael Sanders King and wife Angela; special daughter, Diane Vollenweider and husband Eddie; four sisters, Margaret B. McGee and husband Larry, Paulette B. Drake, Elizabeth B. Black, and Janet B. Landry and husband Bobby; 11 grandchildren, J.P., Jared and Justin Bond, Rachel and Ryan Featherston, Josh McKean, Victoria and Tyler King, Nicole LeGlue, Emily and Eric Vollenweider; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pamela was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Dale King Jr.; parents, Paul Sr. and Janet LeBlanc Boudreau; and a brother, Paul “Bubba” Boudreau Jr. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association .

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“But the basic reality of God is plain enough.

Open your eyes and there it is!”

~Romans 1:19 MSG~

Carol New has completed two of six weeks at Specialty hospital. Her therapy is progressing nicely. Thank God He has given Carol such a good attitude as she goes through rehab.

Pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony. He has been undergoing tests.

Pray for Mrs. Mary Womack who has had a medical procedure.

Pray for the Harrels. “Miss” Annie Belle had a fall. Mr. Phillip is still recovering from his broken wrist.

Continue to pray for the Conti/Fowler family in the death of Johnny.

Coming dates for your calendar

Dec. 3rd – Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Tea at First Baptist Church, Greensburg Saturday at 2 P.M. Ladies of any age are invited to come celebrate the life of Lottie. What a special lady she was!
Dec. 4th – Week of Pray for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Dec. 7th – Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon in the fellowship hall at 11 A.M.
Dec. 11th – We will have a movie night at FBC, Kentwood. “Christmas with a Capital C” will be shown at 5:30. No admission charge!
Dec. 18th – The choir will present a musical, “A Song in the Air” during the 10:30 worship service.
Dec. 18th – Dinner and candlelight service @ 5 and 6 P.M.
Dec. 20th – Breakfast muffins needed for gift bags which will be distributed on the 21st.
Dec. 21st – Church-wide caroling at 6 P.M.; Gift bags will be distributed.
Dec. 25th – Morning worship only – 10 A.M.

Please say special prayers for the family of the baby who was sick her whole life.

Malaysia Ta’Sha Garner
(October 1, 2009 – November 29, 2011)
A resident of Kentwood, she died on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She was born October 1, 2009 and was 2 years of age. She is survived by her parents, Brian and Donnisha Alexander Garner; brother, Brian Garner, Jr.; grandparents, Lee and Sharon Robertson and Milton and Donnise Gordon; great-grandparents, Rose Alexander, Brisco Crain and Perry Soloman; Godparents, Wendell and Michelle Anthony, Milton Gordon, Jr., Sierra Jackson, Brandon Miller and Yolanda Callihan; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other special relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Marshall Crain; great-grandparents, Neva Crain, Ruby Garner, Wilbert and Adreen Robertson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Deliverance Temple Cemetery, Kentwood.

Thought for the Day: Who are you trying to impress?

The story is told of a newly promoted colonel who moved into a makeshift office during the Gulf War. He was just getting unpacked when out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a private with a toolbox coming his way.

Wanting to seem important, he grabbed the phone: “Yes, General Schwarzkopf. Of course, I think that’s an excellent plan.” He
continued: “You’ve got my support on it. Thanks for checking with me. Let’s touch base again soon, Norm. Goodbye.”

“And what can I do for you?” he asked the private.

“Uhhh, I’m just here to hook up your phone.”

For some reason (pride?), we feel it necessary to impress others, to have others think we are somebody special or that we have special connections. And so we play games, putting on a show and dropping names, sometimes appearing very foolish in the process.

“Therefore when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:2)

Who are you trying to impress? The people you work with? Your boss? Your friends? Or God?

Don’t play games, trying to elevate yourself in the eyes of people. Just live for God seeking his favor.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“This poor man cried out,

and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.”

~Psalm 34:6a~

Connor Corkern: My story

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorcorkern/mystory

Connor Corkern: My journal

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorcorkern/journal

Thought for the Day: The winds that blow

“This house,” said the real estate salesman, “has both its good points and its bad points. To show you I’m honest, I’m going to tell you about both. The disadvantages are that there is a chemical plant one block south and a slaughterhouse a block north.”

“What are the advantages?” inquired the prospective buyer.

“The advantage is that you can always tell which way the wind is blowing.”

It is important to know “which way the wind is blowing”. But it is also possible to allow that knowledge to affect us more than it ought to. I heard of a well-know hobo during the Great Depression of the 1930’s who was asked how he decided which direction he would go every morning. He said, “It’s easy. I find the way the wind is blowing, face away from it, and just let it blow me along.”

And it’s easy for us all to live our lives in just that way. We look around to see which direction everybody else is headed and we just turn our backs to the wind and drift along. And rather than make an effort to change the world (which is very difficult), we follow the easier path of letting the world determine the direction we take.

May these words serve to remind us of what our task as Christians is:

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

As you experience the wind blowing this week, remember not to always take the easiest path. Face the wind and determine your direction in life.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Carol New has completed one week at rehab and have five more to go. She has already seen progress. We’ll have a “new” Carol New in a few weeks!

Thought for the Day: So many valuable possessions

This comes from the file of “stupid criminals”:

Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into the house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. Only as he turned the corner into his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had, in fact, burgled and ignited his own property. His comment: “I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions.”

While we may not do anything quite that stupid (at least nothing that makes the national newspapers), there are times when Christians need to stop and reflect, coming to same conclusion Mr. Prendergast did: “I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions.”

From family and friends to material comforts (like electricity and running water), from our basic needs (like food) to luxuries other generations never dreamed of (like the computer you’re sitting at right now), from the freedoms we enjoy to the jobs we hold, there is much that we have been blessed with that we take for granted.

Even beyond the physical blessings, there is so much that God has given us through Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

Truly, I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions. “God, forgive me for taking so much of it for granted.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee