Category: Devotional

Friday

“Open your eyes and look at the fields,

for they are ready for harvest.”

~John 4:35b, HCSB~

 

Bernie Gill still has fever, so his bypass surgery will not be today.  Keep praying.

 

CaringBridge: Kathy Jo Thompson

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

CaringBridge: Adrianna Cavanaugh

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

Jadon’s Story: Feeling Better 🙂


I’m finally starting to feel better. I had 101.8 fever last night and then today at 11:00 I had 100.8. My mom just gave me some motrin because my fever is at 100 so I’m definitely getting better. I’m smiling again and not crying anytime someone looks at me. I started doing my tricks again and talking again 🙂 Thanks for praying for me. It has been a long week. I’m just thankful my mommy was off of work while I was sick. I left you a picture of me eating chocolate cake last night. I actually started getting better after I ate this. Notice my mardi gras shirt. I didnt’ get to go to the parade yesterday but I wore my shirt anyway 🙂 As far as seizure, they have been a little better today. Please continue to pray that we will find the right medicine and right dose to control these seizures.

 

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Day 6

Michael and Marla Allen

1011 W. Wilson
Chicago, IL 60640
srpr@ubcreal.org

Michael’s Birthday: January 16
Marla’s Birthday: October 29
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Children: Rachel, Daniel, Philip, Abigail
Michael’s Hobbies: golf, tennis, scuba diving, hunting
Marla’s Hobbies: sewing, tennis, walking
Favorite Bible Verses: Romans 6:1-4, Proverbs 31

When you see a homeless person, think about the Allens! Michael is senior pastor and center director for Uptown Baptist Church, a multi-ethnic church/ministry in Chicago. The church reaches out to many different people, including those who are homeless.

FEBRUARY 2010 UPDATE FROM MICHAEL AND MARLA: 

Pray for Michael and leaders in their church as they strive to develop a new strategic plan. Pray that God will give them wisdom and unity. Pray that Michael will continue to lead Uptown Baptist Church by example on how to be an on mission Christian in their neighborhood. Pray for mission teams coming to work with the church this spring and summer.

Their biography

http://www.onmission.com/onmissionpb.aspx?pageid=8589961890

Their video

http://www.anniearmstrong.com/allen/#video

 

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

WHEN PURCHASING AN airline ticket, I am often asked if I desire to go one way or round trip…

Since I always desire to return home, I always purchase a round trip ticket.

For past several years I have heard several friends mention a book entitled, “90 Minutes In Heaven,” written by Don Piper.  The book chronicles this man’s ninety minutes that he claims to have been allowed to enjoy in heaven.

One reviewer of the book made the following comments:

“Piper did not see Jesus, nor did he see God, though, to be fair, he saw only the “outskirts” and did not pass through the gates. Despite this, he was exceedingly joyful and feels that he experienced the very joys of paradise. For ninety minutes he walked through heaven, greeted by those he knew in this life, all of whom were (quite conveniently), the same age they were when he had last known them” (www.challies.com/book-reviews/book-review-90-minutes-in-heaven)

There is within the heart of every faithful child of God a desire to know more about heaven.  In fact, it is not beyond the realm of possibility for a person to dream of what heaven will be like.  But the only accurate testimony of heaven comes from the Scriptures.  For example, we thrill to imagine the full impact of Jesus’ description in John 14:1 – 3.  There are also the amazing and glorious descriptions of heaven presented in Revelation 21 and 22.

One major problem with a man claiming to have been permitted to have a “sneak preview” of heaven is that some clear Scriptures must be ignored or violated.  For example, Hebrews 9:27 states, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once.”

My hope is that when I leave this world that my final place of destination will be heaven.  I will not desire a round-trip ticket.  It will be then and there that the hopes of a lifetime will begin to be realized.  Bruce Ligon

“For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.” Philippians 1.23-25

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)~

 


Update on Johnnie Smith

Johnnie smith has been home sceen last sunday and doing good. Thanks to all or friends and family for there prayers and calls.

 

Jadon’s Story: The Past Couple of Days

My neurologist called first thing Wednesday morning. She didn’t want to increase my vimpat. She wanted to increase my banzel. So that’s what we did. The past two days haven’t been the best for me. Yesterday my mommy had to come home from work. I was crying, having seizures, and just miserable. We went to the pediatrician and I have a nasal and throat infection. She put me on antibiotics. She also gave me a cream to help my rash that I just can’t seem to get rid of. My seizures have not been good either. I’m having about 80 a day. I have done a little better this afternoon. My mommy has only seen about 10 small spasms. I’ve also been saying da da da all afternoon. So hopefully I will get to feeling better and my seizures will go down. I will keep you update. I love you and please continue to pray for me.

 

Baptist Press News

http://www.bpnews.net/

 

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

THE KEY WORD is through…

God promises you will get through the waters of grief, the river of sorrow, the furnace of pain.  Somehow you will get through.  What you experience today will not last forever.

One encouragement here is God knows who you are.  He is your Creator, and he calls you by name (Isaiah 43.1).  You are His, and He will take care of His own.  In time of sorrow you feel unimportant and unknown.  God knows you, and you are important to him.

God also knows where you are.  He knows when you’re fighting the current of the river of sorrow, when you’re walking through the firey furnace of suffering.  Others may not know what you’re experiencing.  One the outside you may have everyone believing you’re fine.  But inside you’re about to drown.  God knows — and He is there for you.

When Daniel’s three friends were thrown into the furance, the king watched (Daniel 3.22-26).  And what he saw amazed him: the men were not harmed, and a fourth person was with them in the furnace.

God knows how you feel: alone, afraid, uncertain about the future, isolated, maybe rejected.  God made you with your emotions, and he knows how they can overwhelm and control you.  God will never condemn you for the way you feel.  Tell him how it feels — He will listen.

God knows what you need.  You need someone to share the pain, to walk through this long valley with you.  He promises His presence.  He also promises His love.  God gave you His Son to conquer death and give hope.

Live on promises, not on explanations.  Even if God explained by your loved one died, the answer wouldn’t end the heartbreak or quench the questions.  Instead of explanations, God gives promises, which keep you moving ahead, giving hope and new strength.

You’ll get through your grief.  It won’t end today or next month.  But there is an end.  Just face today.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.  Don’t burn today’s energies on tomorrow’s problems that aren’t here yet.

You’re going to make it through.  David W. Wiersbe, “Going Through,” Gone But Not Lost, 77-78

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire,

you shall not be burned,

nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Isaiah 43.2

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Week of Prayer

North American Missions Emphasis 2011 “Start Here”

“When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:36-38, HCSB).

Spiritual awakening and revival will never come to our families, churches, communities, continent or world without it first coming to our individual hearts. Even Christians strong in their faith and the expression of it in word and deed need times of renewal and reflection on where God has brought them and where He is leading them to go. We need renewal. We need revival. We need to experience afresh God’s power and presence in our lives. We need His eyes to see, His hears to hear, His heart to love, His hands to touch, and His mind to engage people where they are and lead them to Him. Only then can we move out toward others with evangelistic passion and purpose.

To “Start Here” is to look inward at ourselves. It is to examine our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions. It is to discover the strengths and weaknesses of our faith. The mirror that reflects our inward condition is God’s Word. We must respond to God’s desire for us to explore His Word, listen to His voice, and invite His Spirit to move in our lives so we can freely and sacrificially give ourselves to His Kingdom work as we live out the Great Commission task.

“Start Here” is to also see those around us with God’s eyes and to respond to what we see with His hands of love and His heart of compassion and His message of Truth and salvation.

The landscape of lives that make up North America will never be fully cultivated and harvested without God first touching Christians’ hearts to see the field and discover their personal roles in fulfilling the Great Commission. Christians must see the crowds and not be overwhelmed by the vastness of the needs. They must “start here” – with one person, with one prayer. Those that have discovered God’s abiding presence, even in the midst of fear, inspire and motivate us to join them in having passion and compassion that reaches from one’s heart all the way around the world – knowing sometimes the world is as close as the person right beside you.

Southern Baptist North American missionaries are a key element in the task of fulfilling the Great Commission, but the call is for everyone’s involvement. As we support this great missionary force through prayer, through financial support, and through going to serve alongside them, we must recognize that their task is ours as well. They serve in hard places with dedication and perseverance, but they need our active participation.Missionaries first fall on their knees in prayer before standing up and moving into the field on their feet. They are role models in being fully used by God to bring the gospel to all people. They trust the Holy Spirit to move in the lives of people and rest assured that God has called them to be both faithful and fruitful. They know the joy of seeing transformation come as a new follower of Jesus starts here with simple faith and trust.

This year, will you commit to “start here” by re-examining your heart to discover His will and way for your life as you live out the Great Commission call? What transformation do you need to witness? How will you respond?

To learn more about the North American Missions Emphasis, which includes the Week of Prayer and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, visit http://www.anniearmstrong.com.

 

Don’t let the rain bring discouragement to the day!

Anna Lee

Friday

Simon Peter answered him,

“Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life.

We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

~John 6:68–69 (NIV)~

 

CaringBridge: Kathy Jo Thompson

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

 

Pray for the Scott Womack family as they welcome Slade today.

 

Pray for Roger Pittman as he has heart tests today.

 

THE ONLY ONE PULLING

An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area.  Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy.  He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!”   Buddy didn’t move.

Then the farmer hollered, “Pull, Buster, pull!”  Buddy didn’t respond.  Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco, pull!”  Nothing.  Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!”  And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.

The motorist was most appreciative and very curious.  He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.  The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try!”

We’re a lot like Buddy, aren’t we?  We don’t like to do something if we think we’re the only one pulling.  Need an example?

Ever said, “Why should I pour my time and effort into the work of the church?  No one else seems to care!”

Or, “Why should I put forth the extra effort to do a good job at work? No one else does, and it wouldn’t be appreciated anyway!”

Or, “Why should I be nice to him?  He’s certainly not going to make any effort to be nice to me!”

See what I mean?  Like Elijah in the cave, we often find ourselves saying to God, “I alone am left.” (I Kings 19:10).  Nobody else is faithful.  Nobody else is trying.

But God told Elijah he had 7,000 people on His side that Elijah didn’t know about.   Like Buddy and Elijah, we may be blind.  Blind to what others are doing around us.  But, even if we are the only one doing what is right, we need to continue.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

Hang in there, and have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”

~Psalm 66:19~

 

Pray for Roger Pittman as he has heart tests.

 

Bro. Joe Baugh said Rev. John and Mrs. Betty Gilbert are both in an assisted living place in Hammond.  Thank God for their impact on many lives, mine included.  Ask God to give them peace, rest, and contentment in their present circumstances.

 

Boots and Mary Prescott are both home and in the healing process.  Pray for them as they get through this time.

 

Continue to pray for Janet Phillips Myers who is being treated at M.D. Anderson in Houston.

 

 

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

I PLAYED A lot of basketball back in the day…

 

I sprained my ankles many times and I learned too late that the best way to handle all that black-and-blue is to fill a wastebasket with ice, and top it off with water.  Then, while the injury is fresh, put your wounded foot deep into that cold water and leave it there.

 

If you can last for one minute, it’s just crazy painful.  But if you can keep it in there for two minutes, the injury and its recovery time will be cut in half.  (The problem is that after two minutes the pain is so excruciating that you will be saying words your mother didn’t know you knew.)

 

If you can hang on for two and a half minutes, you can be playing basketball again by Thursday, but the pain of holding your fooot in that artic water will have you crying out for someone to bring you a sharp object.  Even with my worst injuries I seldom made it two and a half minutes.

 

But here is the incredible thing a bout “remaining under the pain” of having your foot in that cold bucket.  If you can hang on for three minutes, you’ll be walking on it tomorrow.  The pain will be consuming those last thirty seconds, worse by far than the injury itself now.  But you will walk tomorrow.

 

THOUGHT:  It is just that way with trials.  You can come to the place where the circumstance itself is less painful than the commitment not to give up.  If staying put was easy, if submitting to what God allows and not giving up was simple…everyone would be doing it.  The fact is, many folks are going round and round with God about the very same things because they change the scenery or marriage or job or congregation rather than remaining under the trial and letting God change them.  James MacDonald, “Why Trials?”, When Life is Hard, 63, 64

 

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1.4

Thank-you for being there to pray each day.  Your prayers are important to God and the people you are praying for.
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“If any of you want to come with me,” he told them,

“you must forget yourself,

carry your cross,

and follow me.”

~Mark 8:34 (TEV)~

 

Please take a few minutes to pray for Margaret Huber and her family.

 

Mary Prescott stayed at the hospital after her surgery.  Keep Mary and Boots in your prayers.

Jadon’s Story:

Appointment info

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:33 PM PST


I know it’s been a couple of days but we have just been trying to enjoy things and not think about seizures. I don’t have a real good count on how many I’m having because we haven’t been counting. We’ve been counting for over a year and we needed a break. I’m estimating about 60-80. We do know they have increased 😦 The good news is we haven’t seen any like the ones we had to go to the hospital for. We are seeing that type of seizure, it’s just not as long or intense as before. I went to the neurologist today. I didn’t get to see my neurologist because she had to leave due to a family emergency right before we got there. The neurologist that we saw increased my vimpat some more. We will see how I do. It’s almost like the vimpat is making one type of seizure better and my spasms worse. I really don’t know yet. We will definitely know in a few days. My neurologist is going to call me when she gets back so we will see what she has to say. So not much information today. I will keep you posted on how I do this week. Please continue to pray for me. I left you a picture of me at the mardi gras parade. I loved it!!!!

 

FBC, Kentwood will be providing lunch for the BCM (Baptist Collegiant Ministry) at SLU today.  Pray lots of students come for jambalaya and to her the brief devotional.  We thank God for this opportunity to minister to college students.  If you know a SLU student, tell them to come for some of Marty’s jambalaya.  It will be good!

 

I have a young cousin whose father-in-law passed away last night in Ohio.  Join me in thanking God he is in Heaven.  Pray for the England family in the loss of Sherman Roger England.

 

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

A WOMAN PUT an ad in the local paper: “Lost 50 pounds! Selling my fat clothes – they’re in good condition, sizes 18-20…”

She was bombarded with phone calls, but nobody wanted to buy her fat clothes.  They all wanted to know how she had lost the 50 pounds.

You see, the callers wanted to know about something that had changed her life hoping that this something could change their lives too!

That’s what folks outside of Christ are really looking for.  They want to know if Jesus really works in your life.  Jeff Strite

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven.”

~Matthew 5.16; cf. 2 Cor. 3.2~

 



They wanted to know the plan.  The plan was Jesus dying for us so we could go to our Heavenly 
home when we no longer live on this earth like Mr. England did!  Do you know the plan?
Anna Lee


Saturday

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

~Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)~

 

THE HANDS OF CHRIST

During World War II, a church building in Strasbourg was destroyed.  After the bombing, the members surveyed the area to see what damage was done.  They were pleased that a statue of Christ with outstretched hands was still standing.  It had been sculpted centuries before by a great artist.

Taking a closer look, the people discovered both hands of Christ had been sheered off by a falling beam.  Later, a sculptor in the town offered to replace the broken hands as a gift to the church.  The church leaders met to consider the offer and decided not to accept it. They felt the statue without hands would be a great illustration that God’s work is done through his people.

Truly, in the church, we are the “hands of Christ”.  If Christ is to minister to the poor, it must be through our hands.  If he is to take care of the sick, it must be through our hands.  If he is to reach out to those who are lonely, it must be through our hands.

“Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body.” (I Corinthians 12:27, NCV)

See something around you that Christ needs to take care of today?  He has no hands……..but your hands!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Hands, get busy doing His work today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Johnnie Smith

My daddy johnnie smith has had some chances,we got a call around 1:00am that he was having problems with his heart.so please keep him in ur prays.thanks for ur prays.

Sherry Rosamond

Mrs. Mildred Bridges had a stroke and is hospitalized in McComb.  She has already made some improvements.  J.C. Miller requested prayers for her.

“Boots” Prescott returned home last night.  Please be in pray for him as he continues to recover from knee surgery.

Mrs. Susie Wales will be having surgery next Wednesday.  Please begin now to pray for her.

Continue to pray for Mr. J.D. Smith as he continues to undergo tests in Baton Rouge.

Pray for my momma, Dot Smith.  The doctors we saw yesterday had different opinions.  Pray her problem is correctly identified and treated.

Frankie Gehringer will have surgery next week.  Begin to lift him up in your prayers.

She’s ninety-one and amazing!  Mrs. Kathryn Sanders was shopping in Walmart yesterday.  Thank God for her progress since she broke her hip.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Margaret Huber.  She’s at her home now.

Self-Control

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

DO YOU SUSPECT that your daughter might be more devoted to Facebook than physics, or have you been searching so avidly online that you suddenly realize you haven’t looked up from your screen in hours…?

A few handy websites can help you keep your eye on the clock.  Productivity Meter, free downloadable software, is available at fruitfultime.com.  You tag your favorite websites “productive” or “unproductive,” and the program registers and graphs your time.  Download the program data onto a portable flash drive so you can track your usage on any computer.

  • For about $10 a month, Slife Web (slifelabs.com) sits in the background of your screen, quietly watches your online activities.  You can restrict your time in particular areas such as news, e-mail, and games.

  • The family pan on rescuetime.com tracks how each member of your clan spends time online, and it plots the data by hour, day, and week.  The site, which also offers individual plans, even allows you to block distracting websites from your loved ones–and yourself.  Reader’s Digest,“Gadget Mania,” March 2011, 97

KneEmail:  22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5.22-24

 

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Walk with me and work with me—

watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me

and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

~Matthew 11:29-30 (MSG)~


From Kathy Wales

Please add Janet Phillips Meyer to the prayer link. She will be traveling soon to MDAnderson in Houston for a consultation. She and her family would appreciate everyone’s prayers.

Stacey Scarle’s surgery went well last night.  She made it home already.  Pray for good rest and healing of this problem area.

Today’s Devotional: Heart to Heart with Holley:  A little end-of-the-week-encourgatment

http://blog.dayspring.com/2011/02/a-little-end-of-the-week-encouragement.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

Feed%3A+dayspring%2FaSfH+%28Heart+to+Heart+with+Holley%29

Enjoy some outdoor time this weekend.  Thank God for the beautiful weather and all the other blessings you’ve received.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing to You among the nations.”

~Psalm 57:9~


CaringBridge: Callie Cole

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

Continue praying for the many people who have a virus, flu, and/or pneumonia.  The list is long.  It seems to have touched most families.  Try to stay away from it if you can.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 15, 2011
—————————————
  • 2011 could be defining moment for ‘gay marriage’
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34654
  • Displaced Egyptian Christians want peace
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34653
  • Lila Rose: ‘Tipping point’ may be near on defunding Planned Parenthood
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34655
  • FIRST-PERSON: The Christian divorce rate myth (what you’ve heard is wrong)

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34656

  • GuideStone releases pastor tax guide
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34657
  • FIRST-PERSON: An unforgettable Valentine’s Day
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34658
Kay Brister Taylor
Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with William “Billy” Brister and Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.
KneEmail

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

AS CONGREGATIONS, WE have tried about everything…

…meetings, lectures, Vacation Bible Schools, “Operation Doorbell,” city-wide

campaigns, television and radio programs, bus ministries, building buildings,

and hiring preachers with sex-appeal.  Some have even followed cultic schemes

of “discipling” and instituted unscriptural tactics of evangelism.  Many have

thought that growth comes naturally, or that, through the employment of slick

media methods or “get if for you wholesale” tactics, the noble purpose of the

Lord could be realized.  Now the time has come, having tried every modern

method known to man and having imitated the “numbers-mad” denominations,

to read the Lord’s instructions!  “When all else fails,” they said, “read the

instructions!”

Here comes our Lord giving us the very specific and powerful means to

penetrate the world: 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses

its

flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown



out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city


that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it



under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.



16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and



glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.13-16).

Jesus considered the way to penetrate the world was with light and salt.  These

two avenues, He says, are a demonstration of the most powerful and overwhelming

arguments for Truth: a good life, a life full of good works.  Good Christians, living a

good life and doing good works before men, penetrate the world!  Along with this,

someone has said that there are five powerful things in the world.  The fifth most

powerful thing is an idea.  The fourth most powerful thing is an idea that is true.

The third most powerful thing is the truth of God’s Word.  The second most powerful

thing is the truth of God believed.  But the most powerful thing in the world is the

truth of the Living God believed and put into practice!

For too long, we have been salting ourselves.  We have been lighting the church.

The Lord says salt and light are no good unless they get out into society, into the

world, where lost men and women live and die.  Salt penetrates the food, preserves

the food.  Light penetrates the darkness.  Leaven penetrates the bread to make it

rise and good to eat.

This is our Lord’s way of telling us that every member of the body of Christ is to be

involved in soul-winning, penetrating the world.  We can all live good lives.  We can

all do good works before men so that they can glorify and know our Father in heaven.

He calls us all, not only to be busy doing something, but to be busy being

something.  Mac Layton, “Jesus’ Supreme Goal: Great Outreach,” How to Build a

Great Church, 113-114

Shine for Jesus today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”

(this word means Sent).

So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him

begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?”

~John 9:7–8 (NIV)~

It looks like we are going to have another beautiful day.  I’m planning to celebrate with my last day of physical therapy for my broken arm which is healing nicely.  I will have a little more therapy to do at home to have the return of the full range of movement.  I thank God for this beautiful day and the great improvement in my arm!

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 14, 2011
—————————————
  • Egyptian Christian’s goal: restrictions lifted on Gospel
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34646
  • Poll: Christian-operated businesses have support of American public
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34647
  • ‘Culture of sacrifice’ is church’s goal
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34648
  • Panel passes bill banning abortion funding
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34649
  • Pastors’ Conf. aim: 1,000 church plants
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34650
  • FIRST-PERSON: Have you lost your love for Jesus?
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34651

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A MAN FELL into a pit and couldn’t get himself out…

A subjective person came along and said, “I feel for you down there.”

An objective person came along and said, “It’s logical that someone would fall down there.”

A Pharisee came along and said, “Only bad people fall into pits.”

A mathematician came along and calculated how deep the pit was.

A news reporter came along and asked for the exclusive story on the pit.

An IRS agent came along and asked if the man was paying taxes on the pit.

A self-pitying person came along and said, “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen my pit.”

A Christian Scientist came along and said, “The pit is just in your mind.”

A psychologist came along and said, “Your mother and father are to blame for your being in the pit.”

A self-esteem therapist came along and said, “Believe in yourself and you can get out of that pit.”

An optimist came along and said, “Things could be worse.”

A pessimist came along and said, “Things couldn’t be worse.”

A spiritual man came along, took the man by the hand, and lifted him out of the pit.  Source unknown

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass,

you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,

considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

~Galatians 6.1~

Which man are you?  Which man would you like to be?  What are you going to do to become the man you want to be?

Thank-you for praying for the many people who are listed here.  Your prayers make a difference in many lives!

Anna Lee