Category: Devotional

Wednesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Thank God for the wonderful rain He is providing for us this morning.

Jadon’s Story

I was hesitant to post this because it seems like everytime I post good news we have days of bad. I finally decide that I was because today was a great day. I don’t have many great days so we are just going to praise God for today and pray that we will have more good days than bad. I made it all night without having any spasms. When I woke up this morning, I had a bad cluster of around 35. Since then I have only had about 25 more spasms. This is a huge improvement. Thank you God!!! Maybe this medicine with the help of your prayers is working better than we thought. We will definitely know in the next couple of days. Thanks you God for this great day and thank you all for your prayers!!!!

Pray for Holly K. as she travels back to the United States today.  Thank God for her willingness to serve two years.  Pray for her safety as she travels.  Pray for her family.  I know they are anxious and very excited today.  Pray for Holly as God leads her in the next step of her life.

Operation Christmas Child

It’s that time of the year again.  We get to pack shoe boxes for children around the world.  They can learn of human love and God’s love because of the box they receive.  If you need more information, google Operation Christmas Child, contact a church that participates, or contact me.  Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Also, think of how great it is to introduce a child (and their family) to Jesus!

Jacqueline Russell Ricks
(January 28, 1941 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Amite, she died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at her home. She was born January 28, 1941 in Independence and was 69 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 12 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. Survived by 3 daughters, Shannon Reeves and her husband, Greg, Hammond, Laura Banos and her husband, Omar, Amite, Ann Renee’ Jones and her husband, Tracy, Roseland, 2 sons, Boe Ricks and his wife, Kelly, Roseland, John Ricks and his wife, Amy, Loranger, 4 sisters, Becky Davis, Amite, Jean Rowdon, Amite, June Graves, Ponchatoula, Bonnie Hardy, ILL, 1 brother, Charles Russell, Amite, 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Stephanie, Jason, Julie, Candace, Brock, Dakota, Tracie Danielle, Joei’ Lauren, Hunter, Logan, and Laiken, 5 great-grandchildren, Grace, Nicholas, Joseph, Kensley, and Kade. Preceded in death by parents, Charles Lee Russell and Nettie Laura Pevey Russell, 2 infant sons, Michael and Robert Ricks.

Are You Starting to Forget

There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”

There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Don’t forget the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin tomorrow.  Contact me if you need more information.  We would love to have you!

Thanks for praying today.  You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God,

and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart

and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

Madison Watts continues to impress the doctors and her family with her improvement.  Please continue to pray for her.

Caleb Estay will have minor surgery today.  Please pray for the family as they wait and for the doctor as he/she works with Caleb.  Also, pray for a easy recovery period.

I hope you will take the time to read the following Baptist Press article:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33890

“¡Gracias Señor!” (Thank you, Lord!)

SOMEBODY IMPORTANT

The story is told of a famous football coach who was on vacation with his family in Maine.  When they walked into a movie theater and sat down, the handful of people there applauded.  He thought to himself, “I can’t believe it.  People recognize me all the way up here.”  Then a man came over to him and said, “Thanks for coming.  They won’t start the movie for less than ten people.”

Ouch!  That’ll deflate an ego in a hurry.  That’s the trouble with thinking you’re somebody important — not everyone is as convinced of that as you are!  I heard about one man who was hesitant to go on vacation.  When someone at work told him, “Don’t worry.  We can get by without you here for a while.”, his response was, “I know, I know.  I just don’t want anybody else to find that out!”

Humility.  One of the most difficult-to-find traits in our society.  And one of the most important traits in the eyes of God.  How often we try to raise our esteem in the eyes of men when we ought to be showing our willingness to lower ourselves.

“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.  But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’  Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8-11)

Look for an opportunity today to take a “lower seat.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank you for praying today.  Have a terrific Tuesday.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Being confident of this,

that He who began a good work in you

will carry it on tocompletion

until the day of Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians 1:6 (NIV)~


Some of you will remember Bro. Chip Sloan as he pastored in this area thirty five years ago.  He and Martha became grandparents again.

Hayes Elizabeth (daughter of Jason and Joy Laney) was born on October 13 at 10:42 p.m. She weighs 8lbs 5 oz and is 2o inches long. She is the cutest thing….big cheeks and all! Thanks for all your prayers! We are now a happy family of 3!!! 🙂

An Amazing Love

Alan Smith

Posted at Thought for the Day

Thought For The Day
Here is the entire text of a love letter intercepted by a second grade schoolteacher, passed on to a parent:

“Dear Billy, if you don’t say you love me and walk to the bus stop with me I will kill myself and beet you up. I love you and wan to marry you soon. Suzy”

The little girl was eight at the time. The parent showed the preacher the letter at the rehearsal dinner the day before Suzy married Billy. Suzy was twenty-four. During the wedding service, he shared the letter with the guests, and in her vows, had Suzy repeat these words: “I, Suzy, promise you, Billy, never to kill myself or beat you up.”

He later said, “If the marriage lasts as long as her love, and her love is as large as the laughter in the ceremony, the odds are good for a happy ever after.”

We’ll do some amazing things in the name of love, won’t we? And the deeper our love, the more extreme our willingness is. That’s why a mother is willing to stay up all night tending to a sick child. It’s why a godly husband will sacrifice all that he holds dear to care for his wife (Eph. 5:25-28). And, in the most extreme example, it’s why Jesus Christ was willing to give up his very life for us when we least deserved it.

“Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us.” (Romans 5:6-8, GOD’S WORD)

May God’s example of love motivate us to have a stronger love in our marriages, our families, our churches and all of our other relationships.

Have a great Saturday as you plan and prepare for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro

throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong

on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a~

Continue to pray for two ladies who are dealing with heart issues.  Mrs. Mildred Birch is in Baton Rouge General on Blue Bonnet.  Also, Mrs. Brenda D. Bryant who is undergoing tests.

Chilean engineer gives miners sermons, music

Posted on Oct 12, 2010 | by Tristan Taylor

SANTIAGO, Chile (Baptist Press)–As the day of their rescue draws near, trapped miners in Chile are listening to recordings of sermons, Bible studies and Christian music a half-mile underground, thanks to the efforts of Chilean engineer Igor Bravo.

Bravo has been part of the rescue efforts for 33 trapped miners in northern Chile for weeks. But it isn’t only the miners’ physical needs that concern him — it’s their spiritual needs as well.

“I had to help in some Christian way,” Bravo said. “If there is an opportunity to share the Gospel — even if we’re extremely occupied — and to contribute to the Christian cause and evangelism, it’s something that’s in [my] blood.”

A partial collapse blocked the mine Aug. 5, leaving the miners trapped in a living room-sized chamber for more than two months. Bravo owns the geo-technical monitoring company that is helping the rescue efforts on the desert surface 2,300 feet above the miners.

A member of First Baptist Church of Santiago, Bravo realized that though the miners’ physical needs were being met, their spiritual needs had been overlooked. He called his pastor, Luis Cortéz, for help.

Cortéz recounted: “He [Bravo] said, ‘I’m here basically by myself providing the spiritual support…. If you are able to send me materials, hunt, search and call [for them].'”

Cortéz contacted Radio Harmonia, a Christian broadcasting station in Santiago, which was able to provide MP3 files of pastor Adrian Rogers’ sermons and Bible studies in Spanish along with Christian music. Rogers, the late pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., was a former Southern Baptist Convention president, author and TV-radio speaker.

While Cortéz made contacts in Santiago, Bravo searched Copiapó, the nearest town to the mine, for other spiritual materials. He found 33 New Testaments and two entire Bibles that met the size restrictions for what could be sent down the chamber.

On Sept. 17 he sent the materials to the miners via the “paloma,” a device used to transport objects between the trapped miners and the surface. (“Paloma” means “pigeon” or “dove” in Spanish.)

Three of the 33 trapped miners were evangelical Christians when the mine collapsed. Since that time, two more of them have made professions of faith. One of the original believers, José Henríquez, has been leading Bible studies for the miners each evening.

“It [Bible study] started out 5, 10, now 20 participants,” Bravo said. “[The people on the surface] have José Henríquez identified as the spiritual leader; they call him ‘The Pastor.'”

Bravo wrote Henríquez’s name in one of the Bibles and sent it specifically to him but left the other blank. Henríquez says he intends to give the second to the Bible study’s best student.

As Bravo ministered to the miners, he knew their families waiting at Camp Esperanza (Hope) needed spiritual encouragement as well.

“A lot of people don’t know the Lord,” Bravo said. “That’s when the second need surfaced.”

Bravo called on the Chilean Baptist Union for help, and soon pastor Marcelo Leiva of Vallenar Baptist Church in Vallenar, Chile, was on-site comforting the miners’ families.

“Pastor Marcelo has been fundamental in meeting that need,” Bravo said.

Amid ensuring that both the miners and their families have the spiritual support they need, Bravo continues to play a vital role in the rescue efforts. His company determined the size of the rock blocking the mine following the collapse and is currently monitoring the status of the rescue shaft.

“I was very involved in the technical aspects and then later became involved in the spiritual,” Bravo said. “It’s been a great blessing.”

(Tristan Taylor is an IMB writer in the Americas.)

Swirling in My Head and Heart by Rev. Jason Dukes

I grew up in New Orleans. One of the guys I played basketball with there used to utter a phrase that still makes me smile. When a player would make a strong move to the basket, particularly if he slammed it down over someone, then my friend would scream out, “RIGHT ON THEY HEAD!!!” It was quite amusing, both the dunk and the declaration.

Well, this last Sunday morning, we wrapped up a series on Romans 12 called “It Just Makes Sense.” We focused in on Romans 12:17-21, which says:

17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine , I will repay ,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry , feed him , and if he is thirsty , give him a drink ; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head .” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We talked a lot about the lie of our culture that love is nothing more than a feeling that you lose when someone treats you poorly or when a relationships gets tough. In fact, just the opposite according to the New Testament teachings of Jesus and of Paul.Love is the choice to give your life away to someone and be more concerned about who he / she is becoming than about our own interests, no matter how they are treating you at the present time.

Paul, in Romans 12:17-21, challenges the Jewish Christians living in their segregated ghetto of Rome to not think so much of themselves that they forget to choose love even toward their enemies. Revenge is not an option. The bitterness behind revenge usually does more damage to the one exerting revenge more than the action damages the one upon whom revenge is being exerted. Paul even goes so far as to challenge his readers to actively serve their enemy. Feed them. Give them drink. Be hospitable. In so doing, they will heap burning coals on their enemies head.

What in the world does that mean?

My mom had always told me this phrase when challenging me to be kind to someone being unkind to me. The implication seemed to be some kind of bonus to aggravate them by exposing their rudeness with my kindness. Some sort of appeaser while we wait for a vengeful God to pull out His great and mighty revenge taser in the sky and rain down wrath upon our enemies. While that might still be an option, at least upon those who choose unbelief and defiance toward a loving, patient, graceful and JUST God, my dad suggested otherwise.

Sunday afternoon, he shared the following story with me:

Coals of fire may refer to making the enemy feel guilty and ashamed, but Dr. Ray Robbins suggested an interpretation that fits the context of unconditional love much better.

He was in the Holy Land and was talking to a Bedouin who, in the course of conversation commented, “That would heap coals of fire on his head.” Dr. Robbins stopped the conversation and asked the man what the saying meant to him.

The Bedouin said before matches were invented, a traveler in the desert would carry a hopper of coals on a pole above his head. He would carry it for the purpose of building a fire in the absence of matches, and he would carry it above his head so that the rising heat would not make him hotter than the desert sun already was. If a rider found another camp, he would stay there as a guest for the night.

Desert hospitality called for the host to do all he could for him to make him comfortable during his stay. When the traveler was about to leave and after the host had done everything else he could to meet the needs of his guest, the last thing he would do for him would be to fill the hopper with fresh, burning coals and lift it up over the rider’s head for the next leg of his journey. An amazing show of hospitality.

The meaning, therefore, Dr. Robbins suggested – Anyone who arrives at your camp, do what you can to help him. Be good to him as long as he will let you, even to the point of sending him away with an abundant act of love.

In the context of Romans 12, this certainly fits. And Paul calling for such hospitality even for an enemy certainly fits the call for us to love like our Savior loves. Not a feeling lost but an active choice to give, even to someone who lacks the same expressive love towards you.

So, this week, look for ways to heap coals of fire right on they head!

3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? [Romans 2:3 & 4]

Look for ways to show love this week (even to those who do not show love to you)!

Anna Lee

Monday

All of you together are Christ’s body,

and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

~1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT)~

Jadon’s Story:  http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

The Roma couple has now found a place in Italy.  Pray for their work there.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell was able to be at church for the second week after her recent illness.  Mrs. Catherine Yarborough was able to be back for the first time.  Thank God for the examples these ladies had set for others.

A number of people are waiting for test results.  Pray for them as they endure the waiting and face the uncertainties of life.

Heart to Heart with Holley

When We Don’t Know the Words to Pray

(Posted Oct. 0, 2010)

Lord,

Sometimes the words escape us.

Because life is too happy or too hard.

And all the syllables you’ve given us don’t seem like enough to express what our hearts want to share. So in those moments, in those times…

Make every breath a message that reaches your ears.

Make every tear we cry a portrait of our pain you see.

Make every heartbeat a note in a love song to you.

Thank you that even in our silence, even in the awkward pauses, even in the uncertainty and mess we bring you…

You still know.

You know what we need.

You know how we feel.

Because you know us.

So whatever it is that the one reading this now wants to say please hear it, spoken between the lines, whispered within the hurt, thought of in the night, and answer with what is good, right, and full of LOVE.

We trust you always do…

and that you will now too.

Amen.

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:4

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee


Sunday

Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body.

~Romans 12:5 (Msg)~

From Gail Ballard Leggett MADY UPDATE from her mommy: Mady is still staying strong. Still breathing completely on her own. Waiting on X-rays of her neck before vent can be removed! She looks great. I got to see both eyes open today!! Not sure how much she can see but at least she can open them!! Time is on her side!! Please LORD place ur healing hands on my babys eyes and restore her vision!

Jason’s Story
I’m finally finished with all my test. The leads that were on my head have left sores because they were on so long. Mommy and daddy are putting medicine on it so hopefully they will heal quickly. I was discharched from the hospital around 6:00 pm. Mommy and daddy brought me to an italian restaurant across the street from the hospital. I loved it and ate a lot of food. I was so hungry after they starved me all week for all those test. After that daddy surprised us with a hotel room. Now we get to sleep in a comfortable bed and we have our own bathroom. LOL On to my PET scan results. The PET scan gave the same information as the other test did. My seizures are coming from the left hemiphere but they can not find a focal point. So I do not qualify for surgery at this time. As my brain develops I might qualify in the future. So far now we have to try and control these seizures. Dr. Bourgeois came to visit me this morning. He said he wants to try Banzel before Vagabatrin. So I started Banzel tonight. I will continue to have my eye exam so I will be ready to start the Vagabatrin in case the Banzel doesn’t work. Hopefully the Banzel will work and then I won’t have to be on the Vagabatrin. So please pray that it will work!!! Our flight leaves at 8:30 in the morning and we will be back in NOLA at 11:00. I can’t wait to see my brother Jacob.

Oct. 29th – One day! One deed! One difference!

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

KneEmail

Love

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

Alan Smith – Editor

ROBERT THORTON RELATED the following incident from his childhood…

“In the middle of one of my parents’ more memorable disagreements, my father jumped up from the table, grabbed two sheets of paper, and said to my mother, ‘Let’s make a list of everything we don’t like about each other.’  Mom started writing.  Dad glowered at her for a few minutes, and then wrote on his paper.  She wrote again.  He watched her, and every time she stopped, he would start writing again.  They finally finished.  ‘Lets exchange complaints,’ dad said.  They gave each other their lists.  ‘Give mine back,’ mom pleaded when she glanced at his sheet.  All down the page dad had written: ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.'”

In the the long ago, Peter prayed,

7 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”] 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 4:7-11

Please pay special attention to what Peter said about love.  We are to have love above all things.  It is to be first.  Furthermore, please note that it is to be fervent.  It is not to be lukewarm.  Finally, please note that it is to be flourishing.  It must cover a multitude of sins. Perhaps, it must cover them on many occasions.

How easy it would be to make a list of things that we do not like about one another.  However, what we really need is to give love its proper place in our relationships one with another.  Wade Webster, “I Love You, I Love You, I Love You,” The Searcher, August 15, 2010, 1

4 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Each of us will have to give a personal account to God.

~Romans 14:12 (NLT)~

Pray for my Texas relatives as Micah is evaluated by M.D. Anderson next week.

(in)ecourage:http://www.incourage.me/2010/10/has-anyone-told-you-lately-how-amazing-you-are.html

Baptist Press:  http://www.bpnews.net/

Sharon R. Wunstel
(April 15, 1951 – October 8, 2010)

She passed away at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010 at her home in Kentwood. She was born April 15, 1951 and was 59 years old.

Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Friday

Your attitude must be like my own,

for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served,

but to serve and to give my life.

~Matthew 20:28 (LB)~


Cheryl Hughes Green got home about 3:30 from same day surgery.  All went well.  Cheryl should get lab results next Wednesday.   Keep her in your prayers.

 

Pray for Randy Relan who is hospitalized again.

Mrs. Willie Mae Graves is also hospitalized.  Her family is meeting with the doctor this morning.  Pray for them as they make plans for her care.

Continue to pray for Erin Evanoff as she waits for lab reports.

Stacey Scarle has completed another chemo and only has two more left.   The next one will be on the 27th.  She appreciates all the prayers for her.

Holly K. will be home in twelve days.  Pray with her family and friends as she completes her teaching in West Africa and moves into the next phase of her life.  Pray for guidance in the decisions she will be making in the coming months.

CaringBridge

Some of you may be interested in following this blog for Jadon who is a year old.  Prayers will certainly be appreciated by the family.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, October 8, 2010

“Having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,” (Hebrews 10:21-22a, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for the Turks of Marmara, Turkey.

The Marmara (pronounced MAR-mah-rah) area is the smallest of seven geographic regions of Turkey, but it is the most densely populated. Thirty percent of the country’s population lives there. Istanbul is a very modern city with a population of approximately 13 million. There are subways, high-speed Internet, modern highways, and an efficient public transportation grid. Yet there are also Gypsies selling flowers and riding horse-drawn carts on the interstates. There are beggars and stray dogs and cats at most busy intersections. The literacy rate for women is less than 50 percent. Honor killings are not a thing of the past. The Marmara area of Turkey is in tension. There are forces pushing to the West and the East . . . Asian and European . . . conservative and liberal . . . Islamic and secular. There is little room in this mix for local Christians.

Many millions of these Turks have been raised in moderate Muslim traditions. They dress as Westerners, call themselves “modern,” and participate in only the bare minimum–if any–Islamic practices.

One of these modern Turks is J. Through dreams about Jesus, reading a Turkish Bible (a gift from her neighbor, who is a worker), many conversations with her neighbor and other workers about Bible stories and Truth, and many prayers, J seems to have come to faith in Jesus! Recently J told her neighbor that her father “believes like I do”! He has been visiting J for a month and has watched her copy of the “JESUS” film countless times.

* Please pray for J’s father and other modern Turks as they turn to Christ and grow as disciples.

* Ask God to open doors among students so that they may hear His truth.

* Intercede for Christian workers to serve with a true heart in full assurance of their faith.

Thought for the Day:  SOAK IN THE MUD

Albert walks in to his doctor’s office for his yearly physical exam as he has done the same time every year that he can remember.  The doctor takes him through all of the motions, does the normal tests and then leaves to get the results.  After about 30 minutes, the doctor returns with a very sad look on his face.

“Well Doc, what kind of shape am I in this time?” Albert asks.

“Albert, I don’t know what to say.  The news is bad.  Really bad.”

“What is it Doc?”

“I hate to have to give you such bad news. I can’t find the words to tell you. I really don’t know what to say.”

Albert, being a strong man who appreciates straight talk, tells the doctor, “Ok, don’t beat around the bush.  Tell me what you know.  I can take it”.

“Well”, says the doctor, “Let me put it this way.  I think that you should go to Arkansas and visit the hot springs there for a nice relaxing mud bath.  Spend some time soaking in the mud.”

“Oh, so I need to relax a little bit, eh?  Will that cure me, Doc?”

“No, Albert, it won’t cure you.  And it won’t help you relax.  But it will help you get used to being covered in dirt.”

From time to time, we all need to be reminded of our mortality.  “As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.  For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” (Psa. 103:15)

It is only when we are convinced of the limited time we have on this earth that we feel motivated to plan for where we will spend eternity.  That’s why Solomon said, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.” (Eccl. 7:2)

The house of feasting is certainly more fun.  But while we are in the house of mourning, we are reminded that death will come to us all.  As someone has put it, we are all “terminal.”  May we “take it to heart” and live accordingly.

Oh, and if you happen to be in Arkansas anytime soon, I highly recommend the mud bath.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Count your blessings today.
Anna Lee

Thursday

Now you belong to him …

in order that you might be useful

in the service of God.

~Romans 7:4 TEV~

CaringBridge

Baptist Press Stories for Oct. 6, 2010
—————————————
  • Three decades of one-child policy plagues China
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33809
  • Canadian court OKs legalized prostitution
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33810
  • ‘Secretariat’ director grew up in church
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33811
  • Volunteers minister to equine enthusiasts
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33812
  • A submissive horse is collegian’s witness
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33813
  • Dakota Baptists trim budget, send more to SBC
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33814
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Thomas B. Singleton

(December 15, 1930 – October 5, 2010)

Thomas B. Singleton was born December 15, 1930 and passed away at 4:15 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 79, a native of Roseland and a resident of Amite. Mr. Thomas was a Veteran of the US Navy.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Louise Brown Singleton, Amite; 2 sons, Wayne Thomas Singleton and wife, Faye Elizabeth, Amite and Barry Lee Singleton, Manchester, NH; sister, Bertha West, Baker; sister-in-law, Jeanine Singleton, Baton Rouge; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by parents, Tom and Clara Johnson Singleton; son, David Alan Singleton; 4 sisters, Ida Magee, Mattie Thornton, Irene Courtney and Lela Vicknair; brother, Clifton Singleton.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, October 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Larry Blades 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 (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Thought for the Day: Be Careful Who You Imitate

The following story is reported to be true:


A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn’t understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place. Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew with a seat open was the one on the front row.

So as not to make a fool of himself, this recruit decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the missionary tried to follow along. When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man took the cup and bread for the Lord’s Supper, he took the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn’t understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look like that man in the front pew.

Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too. Then the preacher said some words that he didn’t understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up, too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing, so he sat down.

After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English: “I take it you don’t speak Spanish.”

The missionary recruit replied: “No I don’t. Is it that obvious?”

“Well yes,” said the preacher, “I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up.”

There is nothing wrong with imitating godly men and women, but we need to be careful who we imitate, and to what extent. Even the apostle Paul was careful to limit those who sought to follow him:

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)

Follow the example of those you know who are living godly lives, but be sure to keep one eye on Christ as the ultimate standard. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing when you ought to be sitting!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Be blessed today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find;

knock, and it will be opened to you.”

~Matthew 7:7~

Mrs. Lois Bridges is  completing her time at rehab and will be at her home.

Don’t forget to pray for Cheryl Hughes Greene as she has outpatient surgery today.

Thought for the Day: The Value of Teachers

There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.

The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.

The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.

The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.

The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.

The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: “You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!”

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 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 you thanked a teacher lately?

Anna Lee