Wednesday

“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly

to these commands I am giving you today.

Repeat them again and again to your children.

Talk about them when you are at home

and when you are away on a journey,

when you are lying down

and when you are getting up again.”

~Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT)~

From Debbie Crawford

Bryan McCraw is the brother-in-law of my friend and neighbor Lisa McCraw. He had a major heart attack and is in the hospital in Hattiesburg not doing good. She asked that we add him to our prayer list. I know that many prayer warriors read this and so I’m asking you to pray for this gentleman. Thank you

Betty Simpson shared that Bobby Simpson got a good five year report. Thank God for this blessing in their lives.

Jadon’s Story

Making progress

Posted: 22 May 2011 06:23 PM PDT

I’m still doing ok. I had a bad morning this morning having 50 spasms
when I woke up but things slowed down after that. I’m officially
moving around on my belly. It takes all my strength and I can’t go
very far but I’m moving forward. Yay!!! We are so excited with my
progress I’m making. I’m able to go anywear I want in a room. I scoot
in the sitting position or I lay down and sit back up until I reach
where I’m trying to go. Im basically a wiggle worm. I dont like
sitting still anymore 🙂 My mommy has been taking me swimming in the
afternoons. I love it. I kick my legs and splash. I become very vocal
in the water for some reason. Mommy said swimming is going to be great
therapy for me this summer. I have a neurologist appointment Tuesday.
We are going to decide if I’m going to do the 5 day IV steriods.
Please keep my doctors and family in your prayers as we have to make
yet another difficult decision. I’ll update everyone Tuesday night.
Thanks for your prayers!!!

The tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri gives up plenty of opportunities – disaster relief, giving money, praying, etc. Do what God leads you to do in this situation.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35360

With the school year coming to an end, please remember all the students who will have free time. Pray it will be a productive summer for them. Pray many of the students will have opportunities to attend VBS, summer camps, etc. Pray for teachers to have time to recharge for the coming year.

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

MUCH HAS BEEN written about the alleged time and day for the end of the world…

The media has used it to make fun of “Christianity.” Some no doubt will say that because the Judgment day did not come that it will never happen! But a sobering thought crossed my mind last Saturday night. What if Mr. Camping had been right? What if the world had ended? What if the Judgment Day had occurred?

There would be no more chances for me to tell my wife and children how much I love them or how much they mean to my life.

There would be no more chances for me to say I’m sorry to someone I might have offended.

There would be no more chances for me to preach messages that so badly need to be heard.

There would be no more chances for me to make sure my life is right with God.

There would be no more chances for me to spend time with friends and loved ones.

There would be no more chances for me to tell friends how special they are to me.

There would be no more chances for me to express gratitude to someone who has been kind to me.

There would be no more chances for me to mend broken relationships.

There would be no more chances for me to repent of sins in my life.

There would be no more chances for me to study the Word of God.

There would be no more chances for me to pray for others.

The fact is Mr. Camping was wrong, but it is still true that “the Day of the Lord will come…” (2 Peter 3:9-10). It is still true that we will all “stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:10) It is still true that “each one of us will give an account of himself before God.” (Romans 14:12) The question is as valid as ever, “Are you ready for the Judgment Day?”

There is still time. Do something you need to do today. Don’t delay. Remember these words of our Savior, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

Dear Father, thank you so much for allowing us more opportunities to do something we need to do now. Help us to quit putting off important tasks that need to be accomplished and important words that need to be said. Help us dear God, to live every day for You. In the Name of our wonderful Savior we pray, Amen. Jeff Jenkins, http://thejenkinsinstitute.com/2011/05/what-if-mr-camping-had-been-right/

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3.9-10

I hope you are having a good week. Share some of your time with someone near and dear to you heart today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“You (God) created everything,

and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

~Revelation 4:11b (NLT)~

Pray for Mrs. Mary Womack as she sees her doctor to get an okay for surgery. “Miss” Mary thinks surgery will be the first part of June.

Continue to pray for Mr. Wenous Goings who is in Hammond.

Pray for the people who have been affected by the latest round of tornados and for the disaster relief people who will be assisting in recovery.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

THE STORMS THAT hit Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia have left devastation and ruin all across these states…

The pictures are almost surreal.

It is hard to imagine entire neighborhoods, business districts, and countryside wiped out in just a matter of seconds from the force of the tornadoes that hit.

While we were fortunate that God spared us, we need to keep many other folks in our prayers.

Of all the pictures I saw of the damage, one stood out more than the others… a couple standing in front of some damaged houses. All around them is destruction and their faces betray their dismay at the magnitude of the damage. Yet, they are holding on to each other. Everything they were familiar with, everything they had known, everything that had been normal the day before, is now gone…but they have each other.

It is one thing to lose a house and all its furnishings. It is quite another thing to lose your home. A home can exist even when the house is gone. You see, a home is made up of two or more people who share love, life, and laughter. And that home is made stronger when God is at the center of everything that takes place in the lives of those who are part of it. When God is at the center, our homes are storm proof. That doesn’t mean bad things will never happen. It simply means that when tragedy does strike, you will find the two of them huddled together, holding each other, and giving and receiving support. That’s how homes weather a storm.

Many of the houses in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia are gone. They may be rebuilt, but the greatest asset for those who have lost so much is their home. Home…where love dwells, where joy and grief is shared, and where the storms of life are not a threat…but a shelter of protection. Gary Knuckles, “Storm Proof,” Briensburg church of Christ Bulletin, 05.01.11:www.briensburgchurchofchrist.org

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4.12

Have a good day and a great week!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Heart to Heart with Holley: The world only gets one you…

You with your gifts.

You with your smile.

You with those things you do.

So take your place,

take your chances,

take this moment to know…

You’ve got something to offer.

Something good and right and true.

Something God-given,

Heart-of-Heaven created.

And the rest of us need it, need you.

Oh, you think it’s no big deal.

Anyone could be that way.

Anyone could do it.

Nope.

Not true.

There’s just one irreplaceable you.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world,

I give them a mission in the world.”

~John 17:18 (MSG)~

Karen Miller’s mother had surgery Monday. All went well, so she was scheduled to return to her home Thursday.

Robbie Lynn Callihan was hospitalized while my computer was not working. Thankfully, she is home now.

Elizabeth Carol New is doing well following eye surgery yesterday. Keep her in your prayers for a few days.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, also had eye surgery this week. This was his second eye to have a cataract removed. He also did well and is expected to be fine soon.

Dr. Council’s 96 year old sister tripped and broke her pelvis. This will slow her down for a while. It also caused her to have to postpone a trip to Louisiana from Florida. Pray for a full recovery for her.

My momma, Dot Smith, broke a blood vessel in her hand that caused a large goose egg yesterday while weeding flowers. She had to make a trip to Hammond to get her hand checked last night. The doctor said her hard should be much better today. Please say a prayer for her this morning.

I’ve passed the five month anniversary of my shoulder injury and have regained most of the usage of my arm. Pray with me that I will soon regain full range of motion. From the beginning, the doctor told me six months, but I had hoped he was wrong. I suppose he knows more about broken bones than I do!

Baptist Press Stories for May. 19 2011

—————————————

Rio school shootings spark Baptists’ prayer & outreach http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35334

‘Gender identity’ repeal bill goes to Tenn. gov.; SBC leaders urge him to sign http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35341

Couple leaves stewardship legacy

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35335

Girl’s bake sale yields $3,000 for Haiti

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35336

Embrace Christ, not culture, girls urged

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35339

NEWS BRIEFS: Circumcision ban to be on San Francisco ballot http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35340

SBC DIGEST: DR presents annual awards; Ergun Caner moving to Texas college

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35338

FIRST-PERSON: Marriage is worth protecting http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35337
—————————————

THE WISDOM OF FATHERS

Dads, give yourself a point for every one of these you’ve actually said to your kids:

Don’t ask me, ask your mother. Close the door — were you raised in a barn? You didn’t beat me — I let you win. Big boys don’t cry. Don’t worry, it’s only blood. Now you listen to ME, Buster! I’ll play catch after I read the paper. Coffee will stunt your growth. A little dirt never hurt anyone, just wipe it off. Get your elbows off the table. I told you, keep your eye on the ball. Who said life was supposed to be fair? Always say please and thank you — that way, you get more. If you forget, you’ll be grounded till the end of the world. You call that a haircut? “Hey” is for horses. This will hurt me a lot more than it hurts you. Turn off those lights — do you think I’m made of money? Don’t give me any of your lip, young lady. You call that noise “music”? We’re not lost — I’m just not sure where we are. No, we’re not there yet. Shake it off, it’s only pain. When I was your age, I treated MY father with respect. As long as you live under my roof, you’ll live by my rules. I’ll tell you why — because I said so, that’s why! Do what I say, not what I do. Sit up straight! So you think you’re smart , do you? What’s so funny? Wipe that smile off your face. If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times. C’mon, you throw like a girl. You want something to do? I’ll give you something to do. This is your last warning! What are your intentions with my daughter? I’d better get a good report, or you better head to Mexico. I’m not sleeping, I was watching that channel. What keeps those jeans of yours from falling off? I’m not just talking to hear my own voice! Don’t believe everything you hear. What do you think I am, a bank? What part of NO don’t you understand? I don’t care what other fathers are doing — I’m not everybody else’s father! You’re not leaving my house dressed like that! Hey, did you hear me talking to you? Don’t use that tone with me! Am I talking to a brick wall? If I catch you doing that one more time, I’ll…. Act your age. Wipe your feet! Don’t make me stop the car! What did I just get finished telling you?

Some of the things we fathers say are downright embarrassing when we think about it. But, in our finer moments, it is our intention to give advice that will shape our children into the people God wants them to be. Though our children don’t believe we can relate to anything that goes on in their lives, we can. With what we have learned over the years by listening to others and the experience of making wrong decisions, we want to share with our children a wisdom that will keep them on the right path.

“Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me: ‘Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.'” (Prov. 4:1-5)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell may have a heart procedure today. Please be in prayer for her, her family, and the doctors.

Dell Phillips

Update on my mom. We saw the ortho Tuesday. Her hand does need surgery but he advised against it due to her age. He put her in a cast. If healing goes well she will only have it for about 4 weeks. She is still in alot of pain but it is getting better. Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

Charlene Blades

Africa embraced as Fuge camp’s 5-year focus

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35276

‘SBC Fuge’ opens for Phoenix June 13-15

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35277

TRUSTEES: Church planting to be focus of new NAMB mission statement

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35283

Albright, Millican join NAMB in key roles

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35284

As states debate ‘gay marriage,’ consequences of legalization become clear

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35285

SWBTS holds final graduation at TX church

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35280

Korean Council to celebrate 30th anniv.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35279

Billy Graham in hospital with pneumonia

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35278

NEWS BRIEFS: House panel OKs ban on military ‘gay marriages’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35282

The first article above is about Fuge camps. I’m thankful they focused on the Rome of Central and Eastern Europe for the past five years. Their financial support allowed the ministry to the Roma to reach many for the Lord during this time. What a great blessing this has been. As the focus turns to another area, may the ministry to the Roma continue to develop and multiply. May the work in southern Africa be blessed and increased in the next five years as the focus is no them.

Don’t forget to attend Mug ‘n’ Muffin at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow at 10 A.M. tomorrow. All girls and ladies, no matter your church connection, are invited to attend.

Irma Bond Bernadas
(September 22, 1920 – May 10, 2011)

A lifelong resident of Amite, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at MorningStar Assisted Living Home in Lakewood, CO. She was born September 22, 1920 in Fluker and was 90 years of age. She was a graduate of Amite High School and Northwestern University (formally Louisiana State Normal College). For many years, she was the Executive Assistant of the Superintendent of Education under J. F. Corkern, Jack Lanier, and Dewitt Sauls and was also a board member of the Tangipahoa Teachers Credit Union. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Amite. A cherished event in her life was the year she was honored and selected by the City of Amite to reign as the Pearl of the Amite Oyster Festival. She is survived by her son-in-law, Ron McCullough, Golden, CO; grandson, William Ashley McCullough, Golden, CO; brother, Dr. John Russell Bond, New Orleans; 3 nephews, Jonathan Scott Bond and Marc Elliot Bond, New Orleans, John Russell Bond, Jr. Encinitas, CA; niece, Hesterlyn Bond Nakamura, San Francisco, CA. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert L. Ashley; second husband, Hector Emile Bernadas; daughter, Mary Ashley McCullough; parents, Rufus and Molly Mae Russell Bond; brother, Charles Elliott Bond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1p.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a memorial contribution to the First Baptist Church of Amite.

Mrs. Ierma Jean Hagen
(August 23, 1934 – May 11, 2011)

Mrs Ierma Jean Hagen was born on August 23, 1934 and passed away at 2:50 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 76, a native of Crofton, KY and a resident of Kentwood.

Mrs. Jean is survived by her husband, Rev. Richard D. Hagen, Kentwood; 2 sons, Sidney Hagen and wife Diane, Powersville, SC and Timothy H. Hagen, Houston, TX; 5 grandchildren, Rachael Hagen, Ben Hagen, Jeremiah Hagen, Nathaniel Hagen and Ricky Hagen; sister, Maedowney Barnard and husband Herb, Florence, AL.

Preceded in death by her parents, Herman & Hazel Parker Gladdish; sister, Jacquelyn Marcum; brother, Herman Gladdish, Jr.

Arrangements will be added later.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

THE VALUE OF SERMONS

The following story has been around for quite a while, but continues to make a good point. It is supposed to have begun with a letter to the editor of “The British Weekly.”

“Dear Sir:

I notice that ministers seem to set a great deal of importance on their sermons and spend a great deal of time in preparing them. I have been attending services quite regularly for the past thirty years and during that time, if I estimate correctly, I have listened to no less than 3,000 sermons, but, to my consternation, I discover I cannot remember a single one of them. I wonder if a minister’s time might be more profitably spent on something else? Sincerely….”

That letter triggered an avalanche of angry responses for weeks. Sermons were castigated and defended, but eventually a single letter closed the debate:

“Dear Sir:

I have been married for 30 years, during that time I have eaten 32,580 meals — mostly of my wife’s cooking. Suddenly, I have discovered that I cannot remember the menu of a single meal. And yet, I have received nourishment from every single one of them. I have the distinct impression that without them, I would have starved to death long ago. Sincerely….”

There is a great deal of wisdom in that letter. I have heard countless sermons over my lifetime — many were memorable, many more were not. The truth is, I can’t even remember everything that I have preached (that’s why God created databases)! But I know that many of the sermons which I heard have made an impact in my life, and I pray that the sermons I deliver do the same for others.

“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:4-5)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic Friday as you remember to pray for these needs and for other needs that are not listed here. Thanks for praying.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Then He said to His disciples,

‘The harvest truly is plentiful,

but the laborers are few.

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest

to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

~Matthew 9:37-38~

When people are in need, they seem to be more open to the Gospel. Between the tornadoes, flooding, sicknesses, deaths, fires, and accidents there seems to be lots of opportunities!

Disaster Relief Update

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams are active in several areas across the United States. For an update on current Disaster Relief activities, visit http://www.lbc.org/DR-News/SBDR-Update-May-9-2011

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Featured in New York Times

A recent article in the New York Times featured Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers Marteen and Wiley Blankenship. To read the full article visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/us/09baptist.html

Mrs. Virgie Mae “Cubie” Bennett Braase
(December 28, 1925 – May 10, 2011)

Mrs. Virgie Mae “Cubie” Bennett Braase was born December 28, 1925 and passed away at 3:25 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home, Greensburg. She was 85 and a resident of Roseland.

Mrs. “Cubie” is survived by a daughter, Joyce Emma Henley and husband Ernie, Evant, TX; 2 sons, Lawrence Braase and wife Patricia, Amite and Michael “Mike” Braase and wife Eva, Arcola; sister, Gladys Bennett Burton, Summit, MS; 7 grandchildren, Scott Pittman and wife Kathy, Jeff Pittman and wife Jennifer, Heather B. Accardo and husband Randy, Melissa Henley Erexson and husband Joe, Michael Braase, Jr., Dustin “Dusty” Braase and wife Vicki and Micah Braase; 13 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents; husband, Lawrence Thomas Braase; 5 sisters, Lula Smith, Nellie Golmon, Emilie Miller, Lena Westmoreland and Claire Granger; brother, Homer Bennett.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 13, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mike Foster officiating. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10
Mike Benson, Editor

IT’S A FACT that “hurt people hurt people…”

They usually dislike themselves and criticize others in a misguided effort to validate themselves. If one of these injured souls lobs a criticism grenade in your direction, defuse it with understanding. Part of considering the source is seeking awareness of what that person may be going through.

One time I was praying during worship, a few moments before preaching. Eyes closed, focusing on God, I felt someone slip a note into my hand. I never saw who it was, but the note was marked “Personal.” I thought to myself, “Someone probably wrote a nice note to encourage me before I preach.” A warm, loving feeling settled over me as I undfolded the paper.

A moment later, I lost that loving feeling.

Evidently, the note was from a woman who had tried to see me on Friday, my day off. She took offense at my absence and blasted me with hateful accusations. This happened literally seconds before I was to stand up to preach. In that moment, I had a choice. I could internalize the offense and become demoralized and discouraged. Or I could ask myself, I wonder what she’s experiencing that caused her to lash out?

I chose compassion over depression. My heart hurt for her. I knew that such a disproportionate reaction must indicate deep pain, so I didn’t take her note personally.

Consider the source. And consider the possibility that the jab may have come from an injured heart. Dismiss it and move on. If you don’t, you may become the very thing you despise. Craig Groeschel,Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God, 106

“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” Proverbs 19.11

Be loving today!

Anna Lee

Friday

“According to His great mercy,

He has given us a new birth into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

~1 Peter 1:3, HCSB~

Please continue to pray for Eddie Muse and his family as they care for him at home in Kentwood. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer is progressing with his walking. Continue to pray for him a while longer.

Roger Pittman continues to improve. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

Ferrin Hendry is home, but it will certainly be fine with her family if you continue to pray for her.

Please pray for all those facing potential and actual flooding of their home and other property. All that rain is going to make it way to the Gulf eventually.

Continue to pray for our military serving around the world. Thank God for all who have volunteered to serve to protect freedom.

Remember those who will be graduating from high school or college and facing the job market or continuing their education.

THE TROUBLE WITH BRAGGING

A North Carolina farmer was talking to a Texas rancher. The Texas rancher was bragging that his spread was soooooo big, that he got in his pick-up in the morning and didn’t reach the end of his spread until nightfall.

The North Carolina farmer replied, “Yup, I had me a pick-up like that once.”

That’s the trouble with bragging — no one seems to appreciate it as much as we do! But how will everyone know how important we are unless we tell them? So we tend to focus on ourselves — we talk about what we have accomplished, we talk about who we know, we talk about what we have just bought.

Can I offer a suggestion? Just for today, forget about yourself and focus on someone else. Take an interest in what someone else has accomplished, or better yet, take an interest in a problem that someone else is experiencing.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5).

But, if you do this, won’t others fail to realize just how important you are? Perhaps. But, more likely, they’ll recognize true greatness in your humility.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Remember to focus on someone else today. You’ll have a great day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“But you are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises

of Him who called you out of darkness

into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9~

Chloe Neyland is improving at home with her family. Continue to pray for her and her family.

Roger Pittman continues to have tests done. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Continue to pray for all those who experienced the bad weather this week. Pray for the many families who lost loved ones. Pray for all those who were injured. As people “pick up the pieces” of their lives, may they have assurance of God’s love and His great hope for their future.

THE THREE ENVELOPES

A fellow had just been hired as the new CEO of a large high tech corporation. The CEO who was stepping down met with him privately and presented him with three numbered envelopes.

“Open these if you run up against a problem you don’t think you can solve,” he said.

Well, things went along pretty smoothly, but six months later, sales took a downturn and he was really catching a lot of heat. About at his wit’s end, he remembered the envelopes. He went to his drawer and took out the first envelope. The message read, “Blame your predecessor.”

The new CEO called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO. Satisfied with his comments, the press and Wall Street responded positively, sales began to pick up and the problem was soon behind him.

About a year later, the company was again experiencing a slight dip in sales, combined with serious product problems. Having learned from his previous experience, the CEO quickly opened the second envelope. The message read, “Reorganize.”

This he did, and the company quickly rebounded. After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times. The CEO went to his office, closed the door and opened the third envelope. The message said, “Prepare three envelopes.”

What do you do when things go wrong? Who do you blame? How do you react? Imagine for a moment that the apostle Paul has prepared three envelopes for you when life gets tough.

The first envelope contains 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (make sure you don’t read it until you really need it!)

The second envelope contains Philippians 1:19-21 (only read it if things are getting worse!)

And the third envelope contains 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (save this one for extreme situations!)

May God’s Word give you the strength you need to meet the struggles of life this day and every day.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for praying today. Your prayers make a difference!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I’m a mess.

I’m nothing and have nothing;

make something of me!

You can do it;

you’ve got what it takes God.”

~Psalm 40:17 (MSG)~

The weather is finally settling down. Lot of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Many lives have been lost. If you can help someone, do so. If you cannot operate a chain saw or pick up debris, pray for those whose lives have been touched/changed because of the tornadoes.

Davud’s brother, Jimmy, will be having cataract surgery this morning. Pray all goes well.

Chloe Newland is home again. She seems stronger. The family is happy to be together again. Continue to pray for little Chloe.

Susie Sharkey has pneumonia. Add her name to your prayer list.

Roger Pittman is having checkup three weeks following heart surgery. So far, all seems to be good. Pray as additional tests are done today.

The Harrells, Mr. Philip and “Miss” Annie Bell, are doing a little better. Thank-you for your continuing prayers for them.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE is something we do together…

In Ephesians 4.29, God tells us to build each other p with our words, and later He instructs us to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (5.19).

We need other Christians to speak, sing, and sometimes shout the truths of God’s Word to us. We need others to pray for us when we’re in the midst of temptation. We need friends who will hold on to us when we’re ready to give up. We need friends who will challenge and even rebuke us when we’re indulging in sin.

Are you connected to others in the church? Many people today have lost their vision for the Lord’s church. I used to be one of those people. I thought of “church” as merely a building or a place to go for social interaction. I always went to church, but my lifestyle revealed what a low priority it was for me. The church was somthing on theh outskirts of my life. Joshua Harris, “Lone Rangers are Dead Rangers,” Not Even A Hint, 134

There’s a vast difference between attending “church” and being the church. mb

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1.22-23

Thanks for being there to pray for many needs today. Your prayers are needed and appreciated. If you can “put feet to your prayers”, please do so.

Anna Lee

Monday

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and His ears are open to their prayers;

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

~1 Peter 3:12~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, April 25, 2011

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth,” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, joining you in prayer for Bible studies.

Several young believers, working in groups of two or three, have been doing ministry in low-income areas around the city of Ahmedabad, India. They are telling stories from the Bible and teaching people what being a Christian means and what a church should be. One group is even asking whether it is time for them to start a church. Please pray for these young believers. Many of them have only been following Christ for a short time and are still learning themselves.

A key couple in a Bible study group, meeting in the Patagonia of Argentina, accepted Christ in early 2010 and has been growing steadily in their faith. Recently they have come under spiritual attack on various fronts.

Back in January 2010, two workers started Bible studies in four hard-to-reach villages along the Oras River in the Eastern Samar province, the Philippines. Pray for these Bible study groups to begin meeting regularly on their own and that a biblical understanding of salvation will result in a heart change among the Waray-Waray.

A foreign student is now studying in Malaysia and has been attending a Bible study group. He has begun reading the Bible for the first time. In his home country, he saw many cruel things being done by the leaders against the citizens. When presented with the biblical mandate to forgive and love one’s enemies, he became aware of the contrast between his life and that of a follower of Jesus. Pray that his questions will be answered and that he will see the truth.

* Please pray for the various groups that are meeting, asking that people will receive Christ as Savior and that believers will be well discipled.

* Pray that they will all have wisdom as to when their small groups should form into a church.

* Give thanks for God’s training provided through His Word.

Thank God for the beautiful day He provided yesterday. I know lots of families spent part of the day outside.

Mrs. Margaret Callihan was able to be at church yesterday. Thank God for her recovery from her recent surgery.

Several people are dealing with shingles. Pray for them to have fast relief.

Be careful to watch out for students who are out of school and spending much of their days outside.

THE SURROUNDING MASTER

The author of the following story is unknown to me:

A mother wishing to encourage her young son’s progress at the piano brought him to a concert given by the famous Polish pianist, Paderewski. When the evening arrived, they found their seats near the front of the concert hall and eyed the majestic Steinway waiting on stage. Soon the mother found a friend to talk to, and the boy slipped away.

At eight o’clock, the lights in the auditorium began to dim, the spotlights came on, and only then did they notice the boy upon the bench, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.

His mother gasped, but before she could retrieve her son, the master appeared on the stage and quickly moved to the keyboard. He whispered to the boy, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”

Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in the bass part. Soon his right arm reached around the other side and improvised a delightful obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice held the crowd mesmerized.

In our lives, unpolished though we may be, it is the Master who surrounds us and whispers in our ear time and time again, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” And as we do, He augments and supplements, until a work of amazing beauty is created.

“Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee