Devotional – Page 184 – The Prayer Link

Thank God we live in a nation where we can freely vote our opinions. Pray for those elected/re-elected yesterday to serve our country in a way that will be pleasing to God.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

A crowd of men, women, and children huddled together at the train station…

Dressed for a long journey and standing with their bags at their sides, they spoke in low tones. Armed men in the grim uniform of the SS, the feared wing of the Nazi army, surrounded the travelers.

The people shivering on the platform were not criminals. They were Jews, French Jews who had been hauled from their homes by the occupying solders and French Nazi sympathizers.

The non-Jewish French watched these events unfold with increasing concern. After all, these people were neighbors and friends. The group included the watchmaker and his family, the lad who sold newspapers, the old lady who made beautiful quilts. Now they were being “relocated.”

The plumes of smoke could be seen even before the train was heard. The townspeople cast a nervous eye toward the train platform as the black, soot-belching locomotive ground to a halt.

Armed guards herded the Jews into the train cars. They went cooperatively, putting up no resistance. Concerned observers wondered why this was taking place; but they told themselves that things would be find, that there was no need to worry about these friends and neighbors. They were in good hands.

How could they believe that? Because neatly printed in French on the door of every box car was the reassuring logo, “Charitable Transport Company…” Wayne Rice

We can also be deceived today. Though a political ideology can seem harmless — even good — it can represent a value system that undermines the sanctity of marriage, the family, morality, the church, respect for life, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just another innocent looking boxcar…like those that took millions of Jews to the gas chambers.

“And no wonder!

For Satan himself transforms himself

into an angel of light.”

~2 Corinthians 11.14~

Tuesday

“And let us consider one another

in order to stir up love and good works,

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,

as is the manner of some,

but exhorting one another.”

~Hebrews 10:24b-25, NKJV~

Today is election day. Be sure to vote! Cast your vote to represent your values. Pray for our country to be the nation God would have us to be!

Baptist Press Stories for Nov. 1, 2010

—————————————

Land: On Election Day, America is at a ‘crossroads’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33981

Robison advances call to pray for America

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33982

NAMB closing 2 Baptist centers in La.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33983

October CP giving 4.53% above ’09

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33984

Despite tough times, church boosts CP gifts

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33984#mce_temp_url#

TRUSTEES: 15th anniv. of GGBTS’ Ariz. campus celebrated

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33986

Calif. Baptists form ‘Focus 21 Task Force’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33987

Kan.-Neb. Baptists pare budget, add evangelistic outreach

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33988

FIRST-PERSON: Make your Christmas event an outreach

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33989

—————————————

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
NOVEMBER 2, 2010

“But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.” (Psalm 4:3)

HAITI EARTHQUAKE. Please intercede for the peoples of Haiti, as Hurricane Tomas is projected to make landfall there on Friday. It is currently a Category 2 but appears to be gathering speed. Pray earnestly that Tomas will be redirected out to sea by God’s power and strength. Even if Tomas does not make landfall, the resulting heavy rains could be devastating to the 1 million Haitians still living in tents due to the catastrophic earthquake. There is the potential of soaring deaths from mudslides and escalating illnesses from the ongoing cholera outbreak. Pray for God’s mercy, and for workers to have strength and wisdom as they seek the Lord’s help in this situation.

INDONESIA. Once again, natural disasters are jolting the people of Indonesia to an awareness of the fragility of life. Please continue to be in prayer for the families disrupted by the recent earthquake and tsunami that impacted Mentawai Island, and pray for those in the vicinity of Mt. Merapi, a volcano that continues to pose a threat. Pray that God will open eyes to the problem of sin and the need of a Savior. Pray for believers who will show the mercy of Christ in the midst of crisis, and ask that they will be sensitive and bold at the same time. Pray that in the midst of these events, God will show His mighty power to save all those who believe on His Son.

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for President Sebastian Pinera Echenique of Chile (western South America).

FUTA TORO FULANI OF WEST AFRICA (FU-tah TOH-roh fu-LAH-nee). “November is a wonderful time for Thanksgiving–not just the holiday, but ‘the attitude of gratitude.’ We are so grateful for what our Father provides for us to accomplish His work. We are blessed by the generous giving of Southern Baptists and the infinite prayers you lift up on our behalf. We are thankful for our Futa Toro Team members who are already on the field, working with the Futa Toro Fulani, and ask you to lift us up as we meet as a team to discuss, explore, and determine new and different methods of getting the Gospel to as many of the Futa Toro Fulani as possible. Pray that we will be united as a team and will be led and driven by the Spirit.”

KASHMIRI MUSLIMS OF INDIA (KASH-meer-ee). “Sometimes we feel like you’re our only hope around here.” An outgoing MBA student with a short beard and wire-rimmed glasses pulled a worker aside at a concert for peace in Kashmir and spoke these words of encouragement. Students across Kashmir have been unable to attend classes, take exams, or interact with their teachers since violence and unrest exploded in June of this year in Kashmir. Most of them have been under virtual house-arrest for most of the time or have been caught up in the fury or depression of the times. At the beginning of October, on one of the first “open” days, workers organized a musical concert to promote understanding among Christians and Muslims after rioting had broken out the previous month concerning the alleged desecration of a Quran. Both local musicians and Christian worship leaders from the West were featured, and several large groups of MBA students from the local university showed up. Please pray for those who attended the concert and heard the name of Jesus being praised, as well as saw several local believers praying in the name of Jesus in a public way. Also pray that upcoming campus events in November will impact these students for Christ in deeper ways and will bear lasting fruit for the kingdom on campuses in Kashmir. Most of all, pray that soon a group of these MBA students will be saying, “Jesus, You’re our only hope around here.”http://www.go2southasia.org/

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

SUPPOSE I’M VISITING in your home and I notice a lovely vase on the coffee table…

I pick it up and admire it, but suddenly, it slips from my hand, falls to the floor, and breaks! “Oh, I’m so sorry,” I say, and I offer to pay for it. I know I have a fifty-dollar bill in my wallet, so I think I’m safe.

But you tell me there are only two such vases in the world, and the other one is valued at $2,000! Am I any sorrier now than I was a few moments ago? Yes. I am $2,000 sorrier! What made the difference? Knowing the cost.

THOUGHT: Many people look carelessly upon Christianity, thinking it’s just another of the world’s great religions. But when we look at the Cross of Calvary and realize what our salvation cost, suddenly Christianity and the One whose life it represents take on a whole new meaning.

So, then, what value do you place on Jesus? George Vandeman

18 “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,

like silver or gold,

from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

1 Peter 1:18-19

Monday

“And this gospel of the kingdom

will be preached in all the world

as a witness to all the nations,

and then the end will come.”

~Matthew 24:14~

Brenda D. Bryant has improved so much since surgery that she was able to go home. The family thanks you for your prayers.

Jadon’s Story

I have been sick all weekend. I started wheezing Thursday night. Mommy and daddy took me to the doctor Friday. They started me on breathing treatments. The breathing treatments helped with my breathing but they caused my seizures to be very strong. So I could only take a half of dose of the medicine and only when needed. I haven’t needed a treatment since Saturday. Yesterday my fever was 103.4 and today it is only 100 so I’m doing much better. As far as my seizures, I had a really good day Thursday. I only had about 30 spasms all day. I’m also not having them at night anymore. Of course now that I’m sick they are up but I’m sure they will go down once I’m better. We are 1 week away from starting the ketogenic diet. This week we are going to eat everything I can’t have on the diet..LOL Please pray for us as we are nervous about starting something new. Everyone keeps saying that its hard but hey what can be harder than watching me have seizures everyday. There is not a day that goes by that my family doesn’t hurt for me. Maybe this diet will be the answer we have been waiting for so long. I have been seizing everyday for 8 months now and that’s not counting the 2 months before I was diagnosed. I did have 2 days of seizure freedom during the 1st dose of ACTH but that’s it. Please continue to pray for me. Your prayers are working and I’m on my way to being healed.

FYI
If you haven’t seen the movie “First do no harm”. It’s definitely worth watching. It’s about a mother and her son who had epilepsy during the early 90s. None of the medicine they tried worked so she starting researching herself. She read about the ketogenic diet and fought to get her son on it. It made me very thankful for the resources we have today.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar is in ICU because of heart rhythm problems. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

ON MAY 24, 1965, A young gray-cheeked thrush was captured in central Illinois as it was on its way north for the summer…

Scientists glued a tiny transmitter to the feathers on the bird’s back and then released it. Local receivers began picking up the signals and thus were able to keep track of the bird’s movements…

If we humans are able to create technology that can track and find a bird, then surely we can trust that the great God who made us can track us and find us, wherever we may be. Kenneth Holland

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?

And not one of them is forgotten before God.”

Luke 12:6

The Lord’s Church is presenting “Heaven’s Gates or Hell’s Flames”. You are invited to attend tonight or tomorrow night at 6:30. Last night, ninety-two people responded to the alter call!

You are very valuable in His sight!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Thought For The Day: What He’s Got Up There
“Perhaps my best ‘Bible class story’ was once when I was teaching five year old the story of Solomon’s wisdom. I told the children to think about what they might ask God to give them if they could ask for whatever they wanted. One little girl’s eyes just went into a trance as she excitedly pondered the question. Then she looked at me with a little bewilderment in those eyes and said, ‘But I don’t even know what all He’s got up there.'” (taken ffrom “A Sunday Afternoon With the Preachers’ Wives”)

How much truth is contained in the wisdom of a child! As I think about it, I realize that sometimes I’m hesitant to ask God for anything specific for the same reason. I am aware that God can do so much more than I ask or think (Eph. 3:20). How do I even begin to know what to ask for?

My biggest concern is that I’m asking for something inferior when God has something much greater that He wants to give me. I’m asking for health; God is offering His strength. I’m asking for financial assistance; God is offering His riches. I’m asking for loved ones to live a few days longer; God is offering eternal life. I’m asking for physical well-being, peace and comfort; God is offering His very presence.

So much of what I ask for seems so petty compared all that God has at His disposal. I don’t even know what all He’s got up there!

Listen to these words as the apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians: “I pray that the glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Christ better. Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that he calls you to have and the glorious wealth that God’s people will inherit. You will also know the unlimited greatness of his power as it works with might and strength for us, the believers.” (Ephesians 1:17-19, GOD’S WORD)

–Alan Smith

Friday

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

~Psalm 4:1~

Rip Rohner

Rip Roner had open heart surgery Tuesday, and the last I heard, he was responding well. He was operated on at St Tam. hospital. We have been praying for him, and thank God that He has seen Rip through this. Thank you for your time and for your prayers. Keep praying, and thanking God for loveing us as He does………….vs

Jadon’s Story

I know I haven’t updated in a long time. We have been super busy with all the fall activities. We have actually just been enjoying me having less seizures. I’m having about 40-60 a day. Even though I’m still having this many I’m doing lots of new things. I’m clapping, I said ma ma, and I’m holding my bottle and cup. Just imagine what I could do if we could get them down to 20. I saw my neurologist today. She is looking into trying to increase my banzel if possible. She said since it has decreased my seizures so much she would like to increase it if possible. Other than that she said I look fantastic. We are still scheduled to start the ketogenic diet November 8. She is hoping that between the diet and the banzel that will we get these under control. Please continue to pray for me. Your prayers are helping me more than you know!!!! I’m leaving you a picture of my brother and I playing this morning. He loves me so much. Mommy doesn’t have to tell him to tell me bye in the mornings. He always gives me a kiss before he goes to school. So sweet :)I know I haven’t updated in a long time. We have been super busy with all the fall activities. We have actually just been enjoying me having less seizures. I’m having about 40-60 a day. Even though I’m still having this many I’m doing lots of new things. I’m clapping, I said ma ma, and I’m holding my bottle and cup. Just imagine what I could do if we could get them down to 20. I saw my neurologist today. She is looking into trying to increase my banzel if possible. She said since it has decreased my seizures so much she would like to increase it if possible. Other than that she said I look fantastic. We are still scheduled to start the ketogenic diet November 8. She is hoping that between the diet and the banzel that will we get these under control. Please continue to pray for me. Your prayers are helping me more than you know!!!! I’m leaving you a picture of my brother and I playing this morning. He loves me so much. Mommy doesn’t have to tell him to tell me bye in the mornings. He always gives me a kiss before he goes to school. So sweet 🙂

SUING GOD

Did you hear in the news about the prisoner in a Romanian jail who is suing God?

“God received different material valuables from me, as well as prayers in exchange for promises of a better life. In reality, this did not happen – I found myself in the devil’s hands,” the plaintiff said.

The convict is serving 20 years in the west Romanian city of Timisoara. He apparently blames God for the troubles in his life and wants God brought to account for failing to fulfill the commitments He undertook and for taking bribes.

The plaintiff said that when he had been baptized in childhood, he concluded a contract with God that had legal effect – God was supposed to protect him from evil.

The plaintiff said the Romanian Orthodox Church, which, according to him, directly represents God, should compensate him for the alleged God-inflicted damage.

I promise – I’m not making this up! Does it surprise you? It shouldn’t. The truth, there are a lot of people who feel the same way.
And while they may not take the absurd step of filing a lawsuit against God, they do feel that God has let them down and hasn’t fulfilled his part of the “bargain.”

Often, when people become Christians, they expect that God will take away all their problems and life will be easy (and many of them expect that because that’s what a preacher told them). I suspect that we’ve all had the thought at some point in our lives, “How could God let that happen to me after all that I’ve done to serve Him?”

But, living the Christian life does involve difficulties. In fact, it may even be more difficult than life before Christ! Financial problems don’t magically disappear, there are still health concerns, people still let you down, and on top of everything else, there are people in this world who don’t like Christ who will make your life miserable at times.

But there’s no way to accuse God of breach of contract. Jesus was very clear about things up front – “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33). The problems don’t disappear, but we are promised God’s presence and His strength. And what God gives us far more than outweighs what we have given Him. Let’s just hope that God doesn’t sue us for our breach of contract!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank God for the many blessing He has given you, including this beautiful fall day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I cried to the Lord with my voice,

and He heard me from His holy hill.”

~Psalm 3:4~

Isn’t it great to know He hears us? We should go to Him in prayer more often, but it seems like many times our prayers are in our difficult times. How often do we remember to thank Him for answering our prayers?

Randy Relan is better now even though he has been very sick.

Brenda Bryant came through yesterday’s surgery very well.

Several people who have been seriously sick have been able to return to church lately.

Etc.

Think of your recent petitions to the Lord and take time to thank Him for the way He chose to answer.

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ‘ This is the Receiving Section.’ Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, “This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.” I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. “This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.” How is it that there is no work going on here? ‘ I asked.

“So sad,” the angel sighed. “After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments”

“How does one acknowledge God’s blessings? ” I asked..

“Simple,” the angel answered. Just say, “Thank you, Lord. ”

“What blessings should they acknowledge?” I asked.

“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world ‘ s wealthy. ”

“And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.”

“If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. ”

“If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation . You are ahead of 700 million people in the world..”

“If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.”

“If your parents are still alive and still married …you are very rare.”

“If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you’re unique to all those in doubt and despair…….”

Your are special! He loves you!

Count your many blessings and thank God for each one.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things.

Come and share your master’s happiness.

~Matthew 25:21 (NIV)~

Stacey Scarle

Well its that time again. Stacey has lab tomorrow, chemo on Wed. and oncology on Thurs. This will be number 7 with only one more to go. She has had a tough week and we have learned that the week before chemo is the worse at least with the Taxotere. She is very tired and had the sore mouth and trouble eating. If things stay on track she should have the last chemo in mid Nov. That would make the surgery sometimes in Dec. Thanks again for all your thoughts, calls and prayers. They are very much appreciated. She has had a tough time but we are learning to take one day at a time.

Willis W. Neal
(May 19, 1928 – October 25, 2010)

Mr. Willis Wesley Neal was born May 19, 1928 and passed away at 10:18 a.m., Monday October 25, 2010 at Tangi Pines Nursing Home, Amite. He was 82, a native of Goldonna, LA and a resident of Roseland.

Mr. Willis served our country during the Korean Conflict in the US Army.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Lessie Marie Arnone and husband, Anthony, Sr., Independence, Laura N. Garner and husband, Melvin, Spring, TX, and Debra Lynn Neal, Roseland; a son, David Neal and wife, Tammy, Magnolia, MS; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by wife, Christa Jane Allen Neal; parents, Albert and Lessie Mae Milam Neal; son, Willis Wayne “Bo” Neal and sister, Lucille Neal Rymes.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Mike Agnello officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy.#16 West (Exit #46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Carwash and Holiday Inn Express.

Thought for the Day

Making a Difference

The following story comes from John Shay, Sr.:

A group of dinner guests were sitting around a table discussing life. A CEO decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?” He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.”

To stress his point, he said to another guest, “You’re a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?”

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ student feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

“You want to know what I make? I make kids wonder. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English. I make them understand that, if you have the brains and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn’t learn.”

Susan paused and then continued. “You want to know what I make? I make a difference. What do you make?”

It was James who wrote, “Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers.” (James 3:1, GOD’S WORD). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely. He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way. It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.

But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way. Those of you who are teachers — who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms? You may not see the results of your efforts for years. In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.

Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character. Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.

So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because I know exactly what you make. You make a difference!

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.” (Romans 12:6-7)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

God withdrew from Hezekiah

in order to test him

and to see what was really in his heart.

~2 Chronicles 32:31 (NLT)~

Correction concerning Frances Gay: Frances is in remission, not cancer free. Thank God for the good news. Remission is wonderful!

Pray for Petey Harper as he has cancer treatment in South Carolina this week. His sister, Keri/Cissy is with him. Pray for her as she travels home later.

Lloyd Hayden continues to need our prayers. He continues to have problems related to his diabetes and his medicine. Your prayers for him will be appreciated.

Continue to pray for Jimmy Tolar. He continues to be plagued with several issues.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
OCTOBER 25, 2010

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 19:14)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Philemon Yang of Cameroon (western Africa, between Nigeria and Chad).

BAOTOU, CHINA (BOW-toh). Thank God that believers have become more numerous in this city. Please plead with the Father to bless His children in Baotou with godly, gifted, faithful, well-rounded leaders who will shepherd His flock with clean hands and pure hearts. Ask Him to bless training events so that participants will grow not only in knowledge and skill, but also in integrity of character.

SHAN OF THE PACIFIC RIM. A worker was able to visit with and encourage T, the believer for whom you have been praying. T realizes now what Jesus meant when He said, “But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown” (Luke 4:24). Pray for T, as he longs to share Truth with those in his hometown and the surrounding villages, but is the only believer right now. P, his younger brother, has not yet decided to follow Jesus, but remains interested. Pray that P will soon choose to follow Him.

Rebooting and Starting Over

Thought For The Day

Alan Smith

The following are some suggested new error messages for Microsoft Windows:

1) Smash forehead on keyboard to continue.

2) Enter any 11-digit prime number to continue.

3) Press any key to continue or any other key to quit.

4) Press any key… no, no, no, NOT THAT ONE!

5) Close your eyes and press escape three times.

6) Bad command or file name! Go stand in the corner.

7) Keyboard not attached. Press F1 to continue.

8) CONGRESS.SYS corrupted… Re-boot Washington D.C? (Y/N)

9) Runtime Error 6D at 417A:32CF: Incompetent User.

10) Error reading FAT record: Try the SKINNY one? (Y/N)

11) WinErr 547: LPT1 not found. Use backup…..PENCIL & PAPER.

12) Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic.

Wouldn’t it be nice if every time we made a mistake in real life, we received an “error message” telling us we did something wrong, along with instructions on how to correct it? And wouldn’t it be nice to keep “backups” so if we did something stupid we could go back and put in the backup, continuing on as if nothing had ever gone wrong? And if things get really bad, wouldn’t it be nice just to be able to “reboot” and completely start all over again from scratch?

In essence, God has given us a way to do just that. Part of the blessing of becoming a Christian is the ability to start afresh. Paul said of the Corinthians:

“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Cor. 6:9b-11).

Thanks be to God for giving us all a way to “reboot” and start over.

–Alan

Thanks for praying. Make today a good start to your work week.

Anna Lee

Friday

The wise man looks ahead.

The fool attempts to fool himself

and won’t face facts.

~Proverbs 14:8 (TLB)~

Pray for Mr. Malcolm Hastings. He was released from North Oaks and is back at home. Pray for his family as they care for him.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
OCTOBER 22, 2010

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 1:29-30)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia (southeastern Asia, between Thailand and Vietnam).

HAITI EARTHQUAKE. God is answering your prayers for children in Haiti. The majority of school schedules have been disrupted due to damaged or collapsed buildings. The Woman’s Missionary Union, SBC, has given funds through their Foundation to purchase blackboards and desks and to provide scholarship tuition for students. Other assistance has been given through the combined contributions of the International Mission Board and Global Baptist Response. The Dominican Republic Baptist Convention purchased roofing materials for one church school. Give thanks to God for these contributors who are working in partnership to enable Haitian children to return to their classrooms and a more stable routine. Continue to pray for the emotional healing of Haitian children. Pray for them to receive sincere love and godly guidance from their teachers. praying4haiti@mail.com

JULA OF COTE D’IVOIRE, BURKINA FASO, AND MALI (JOO-luh). The Jula Team writes: “We are really just looking for one believer–the one who will be the key to reaching the Jula. Sister organizations are looking, partnering churches are looking, and we are looking, but nothing will happen until it is God’s time and place. So please pray that we will be in the right place to find what God has for us. Pray that we will have patience and perseverance to work until it is His time.” prayforjula@dtccom.net

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, October 22, 2010

“Let marriage be held in honor among all,” (Hebrews 13:4a, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for marriage relationships.

Imagine, if you will, that you are a married Hindu woman living in northern India. This coming Monday, October 25, you would get up around 4 a.m. to begin a strict day-long fast in observance of Karwa Chauth. This Hindu festival gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your devotion to your husband. During the day, you would pray for the long life, wellbeing, and prosperity of your husband. You would also mark the day by visiting friends and family, and exchanging gifts. On this day, you would wear the things that symbolize your status as a married woman: jewelry, bangles, henna (intricate designs dyed on your hands), bindi (a red dot on your forehead), your wedding clothes, etc. Your husband would give you beautiful gifts to show his love and care.

Among the Obie of East Asia, however, there is very little respect for marriage. Usually the husband and wife do not spend time together. Often one spouse will go out with other friends in the evenings to drink tea or to sing while the other stays at home. Also, they often joke about how many girlfriends or boyfriends they have outside of their marriage. They are very open and do not feel any shame in talking about these relationships. It seems that most of the people have accepted this lifestyle and have grown to believe that this is normal and healthy. Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict these men and women of their sin.

* For non-Christian couples, please pray that they discover the all-surpassing love of God and surrender their broken, unhealthy marriages to His restorative power.

* Ask God to strengthen Christian couples to be committed to purity and mutual respect in their marriages.

* Intercede for missionary couples as they strive to model devoted Christian marriages within their adopted culture.

SUCCESS AT ALL COSTS

The story is told of a man named Yussif, the Terrible Turk. Yussif was a 350-pound wrestling champion in Europe a couple of generations ago. After he won the European championship, he sailed to America to wrestle our champ, whose name was Strangler Lewis — a little guy by comparison who weighed just a shade over 200 pounds.

Although he wasn’t very big, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents and it had never failed to work. He put his massive arm around the neck of his opponent and cut off the oxygen. Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.

The problem when he fought Yussif the Turk was that Yussif didn’t have a neck. His body went from his head to his massive shoulders. Lewis could never get his hold and it wasn’t long that the Turk flipped Lewis to the mat and pinned him. After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold. After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast waist, he stuffed the gold into the belt and boarded the next ship back to Europe. He was a success! He had captured America’s glory and her gold!

He set sail on the SS Bourgogne. Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink. Yussif went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body. The added weight was too much for the Turk and he sank like an anvil before they could get him into a lifeboat. He was never seen again.

Maybe you think, “What a fool! He should have had a lot more sense than that!” But, the truth of the matter is, we all tend to grasp the things of this world and hold onto them even while we’re sinking.

Solomon made this observation: “Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun: There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, ‘For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?’ This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.” (Ecclesiastes 4:8)

Solomon describes a man, like so many today, who doesn’t know how to quit. He can’t slow down. He’s driven to succeed, to achieve, to accumulate. He works harder and harder to become that successful person he so wants to be. And never once does he pause long enough to ask the question, “Who am I doing this for? Why do I feel compelled to run faster and faster in the rat race?”

Success promises a view from the top. But, without God in the picture, success will drag you down just as it did for Yussif, the Terrible Turk.

“Better is a handful of quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for praying. You make a difference in many lives.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Come to Me,

all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28~

Pray for Brenda Daniel Bryant as she has an angiogram today and then whatever is necessary after that. She is in Lafayette.

Jadon’s Story

My seizures are staying about the same now. I’m only having about 20 during the night and then about 40 during the day. So the medicine is definitely working. We are very thankful that my seizures are down. We still aren’t satisfied with 60-80 a day though. Mommy talked to my neurologist in New Orleans today and we are going to start the ketogenic diet. Mommy and daddy have been researching between Vagabatrin and the keto diet since we left Boston. They both think that it is less risky to do the keto diet. We know that it is going to be hard, but we would rather start this diet while I’m still young. The diet has a very high success rate. We went and got my vision checked and talked to the eye doctor about the medicine and we just don’t want to risk vision loss right now. My strengths are my vision and my personality. I already have so many issues and we think its too risky. So we are waiting for the neurologist to call us back with a date to start the diet. I will have to start it in the hospital and stay for 4 days. We are not looking forward to the hospital stay but we believe that this is the next step that we should take. In Boston we had decided to go with Vagabatrin, at the last minute the doctor came in and said try Banzel first. We believe this happened for a reason and that the diet is the right way to go. Hopefully the combination of the diet and the meds that I’m on will give us seizure control. If the diet works, I will be on it for two years. Two years is also when Boston wants to see us back to repeat the test that they did recently. Please continue to pray for me. I’ve really come a long way in the last week.

Thought for the Day: Lessons from Legos

The following essay on “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned From LEGOs” was written by Steve Klusmeyer:

“Life might be less complicated for all of us if we each received our own LEGO kit at birth. Yes, I realize there is a choking hazard for children under three. But when you are old enough, you can learn a lot from LEGOs. I have learned that:

~ Size doesn’t matter. When stepped on in the dark, a 2X2 LEGO brick causes the same amount of pain as a 2X8 brick.

~ All LEGO men are created equal (1.5625 inches tall). What they become is limited only by imagination.

~ There is strength in numbers. When the bricks stick together, great things can be accomplished.

~ Playtime is important. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you are building, as long as you’re having fun.

~ Disaster happens. But the pieces can be put back together again.

~ Every brick has a purpose. Some are made for a specific spot – most can adapt almost anywhere – but every one will fit somewhere.

~ Color doesn’t matter. A blue brick will fit in the same space as a red brick.

~ No one is indispensable. If one brick is unavailable, another can take its place.

~ It doesn’t always turn out as planned. Sometimes it turns out better. If it doesn’t, you can always try again.

I thought about each of these statements as it relates to the church. Some of the statements apply more than others. For example, unity is a biblical concept. When Christians stick together, great things can be accomplished.

And it is an important biblical truth that every Christian has a purpose. As Paul describes it in I Corinthians 12 using the analogy of a human body, some of us are eyes, some are hands, still others are feet, but we all have a purpose and a role.

But while it is technically true that “no one is indispensable”, the teaching of scripture is that each one of us is needed and the body suffers greatly if we don’t do our part (I Cor. 12:20-22)

The greatest comparison between Legos and Christianity, though, is that we are indeed a building shaped by God’s own hand. And every Christian is a part of that building — not a plastic building block, but a “living stone”:

“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:4-5)

–Alan

Have a terrific Thursday! I hope to see some of you at the cabin tonight at 6:30 for the Third Thursday meeting for food, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer.

Anna Lee