Devotional – Page 189 – The Prayer Link

Sunday

“Unless you are faithful in small matters,

you won’t be faithful in large ones.

If you cheat even a little,

you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

~Luke 16:10 (NLT)~

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

THIS SOWER HAD really bad aim…

If this guy had been working for me, I would have fired him. He couldn’t get the seeds where they belonged. He was throwing the seeds everywhere, and seemed to be wasting them. Didn’t he know that there was a limited supply of seed? Didn’t he watch where he was throwing? Maybe he had no aim. It just seemed like the guy would put seed anywhere. Seeds equal money, and this seemed to be a huge waste of money. I probably would have fired the sower.

This guy wasn’t concerned with where the seed was spread. He just threw seed left and right. He seemed to care less about the destination of the seed. Didn’t he know that we like middle-class, white people in the church? If we are lucky, he didn’t throw any seed into the projects or the trailer parks. If he did, we might have a church filled with Gentiles and Samaritans.

Sometimes we spend so much time make sure the seed is placed so perfectly in the soil, that we barely sow anything. We are so concerned about the destination of the seed, that we stop throwing seed left and right. The sower in the parable just casted seed everywhere. At times it seems that in the church we have courses on how to throw seed (church growth), but the sower just threw seed everywhere. We talk about how to throw seed, techniques for casting seed, but the sower just threw seed and let the soil do its thing. Matthew Morine

“…A sower went out to sow.

And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside;

and the birds came and devoured them.

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth;

and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.

But when the sun was up they were scorched,

and because they had no root they withered away.

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.

But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop:

some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

~Matthew 13:3b-8~

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities.

Let’s celebrate together!”

~Matthew 25:23 (NLT)~

I admire the spiritual strength of this mother. She’s been tested in the fire and found to be strong and true to God.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5944430

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is doing better. We saw her son last night. Continue to pray for Mr. Phillip and “Miss” Anna Bell.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

WERE IT NOT for faith, or as Paul mentioned the law of faith (Romans 3:27), salvation could not be by grace because faith allows entrance into God’s saving grace…

The two then, grace and faith, are inseparable qualities. Works are associated with faith, for “you see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). James further commented, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (v. 26). The premier biblical example of grace, faith, and works combining to bring about salvation is found in Noah who lived in advance of the law of Moses. As God was contemplating the destruction of the world in the great flood, the Bible says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). God told Noah to make an ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high, fill it with animals and food as God described, and get in it with his family (Genesis 6:14-7:1). The comment, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (v. 22) in no way countermanded the grace of God. Regarding Noah’s faith, the Hebrews’ writer said: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

God’s grace coupled with His commands and Noah’s faith brought about salvation. It was not legalism then nor is it now to say God’s grace coupled with His commands and our obedient faith brings about salvation. One who so believes and practices is not a legalist but an “heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Gary McDade, “Grace,” The Doctrine of Christ–Nineteenth Annual Florida School of Preaching Lectureship, 126-127

“Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the faith of us all.” Romans 4:15; cf., 5:1-2

Have a great day of preparation for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)~

Volunteer in Zambia Killed in Automobile Accident

http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=8854&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press Stories for Aug. 12, 2010

—————————————

At Sturgis rally, hope shines near Main & Junction

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33501

‘Judicial arrogance’: Prop 8 judge lifts stay

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33502

Iowa deluged, disaster relief teams at the ready

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33508

Database aids study of ancient texts

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33503

NOBTS acquires copy of Purple Codex

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33504

Oil spill prompts push to aid Ala. churches

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33505

FIRST-PERSON: Prop 8 case has implications for all Americans

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33507

WORLDVIEW: Messing with our minds

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33506

PROVIDING WHAT WE CANNOT

A store manager overheard a clerk saying to a customer, “No, ma’am, we haven’t had any for some weeks now, and it doesn’t look as if we’ll be getting any soon.”

Alarmed, the manager rushed over to the customer who was walking out the door and said, “That isn’t true, ma’am. Of course, we’ll have some soon. In fact, we placed an order for it a couple of weeks ago.”

Then the manager drew the clerk aside and growled, “Never, never, never, never say we don’t have something. If we don’t have it, say we ordered it and it’s on its way. Now, what was it she wanted?”

“Rain.”

As much as we’d like to think that we can provide everything that others might need, the truth is we cannot. There are some things only God can provide.

Maybe you’ve been in one of those situations lately. Perhaps you have a family member who has been going through a serious illness. Or maybe you have a child away at college who is experiencing some trials and is feeling very alone. Or maybe you have a friend who is going through some tough times in her marriage.

There are some small things you can do to help, but ultimately you feel helpless because you can’t provide what they really need. And so you pray to God, because there are some things only God can provide. We sometimes make the mistake of thinking, “That’s the least I can do.” No, that’s the most we can do. We have a God who can provide what we cannot. Keep that in mind today if you’re feeling inadequate to meet the needs of everyone around you.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us….” (Eph. 3:20).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

August 13, 2010

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b
PLAYTIME
It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to live in another country. Is life the same as in the United States, or do they do things differently? What kind of games do the children play? A mom living among the Northern Africa and the Middle Eastern peoples sent some notes about what she has learned:

Children in our part of the world have very few toys. We’ve only seen the boys playing outside. I haven’t seen any girls with dolls, but I know dolls are for sale in the stores. Boys play pick-up games of soccer in the streets–often without any shoes. We’ve also seen them playing darts, with the dartboard propped against a stone wall, or a game of chess. These games of chess are between two players, but they have an audience of 5 or 6 other boys…

Go to http://kompray.imb.org to read more of this story and find prayer requests from Missionary Kids (MKs) around the world!

I hope you found something here today that touched your heart and gave you encouragement.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow

if you can help them now.

~Proverbs 3:28 (TEV)~

Mr. Jimmy Tolar has had knee surgery and is beginning therapy to get him to walking again. Please pray for him.

Ellen Morris Vande Vuss thanks God for taking good care of her and the children when they were involved in an accident earlier this week.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she recovers from surgery.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is now home. Pray for her as she strives to “get back on her feet.

Mr. George Eddie Lee is improving. Pray for him as he continues to get better.

Paula Splain’s mother, Mrs. Kliesch is in Our Lady of the Lake. Please pray for her.

Pray for the Brabham family as they have memorial services for Mr. Billy today and for the family of Paul Moak as they make plans for his services.

Thank God for the tropical storm that fizzled. We should get some rain in the next day or so, but not the winds of a hurricane.

Reminder: The baby shower for Kim Easley Bodden will be Sunday at 2 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. Kim is registered at Target and Babies R Us.

KneEmail

Love

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I HAVE BEEN to youth rallies, gospel meetings, seminars, lectureships, and so many other church venues, when the topic of evangelism has been discussed…

I have spent hours listening and reading articles from gospel preachers about how we can get people to the building. However, the answer is so simple — by love. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). If we want people to know that we are Christ’s disciples, then we must have love for one another, and not just any love. We must have the kind of love that edifies; a kind of love described by the inspired Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. We must be people who love one another patiently, kindly, and without jealousy. We cannot brag or act arrogantly toward our brothers and sisters. We must always act righteously and not seek our own. We must never provoke and never take into account wrong doing. We must only rejoice with our brothers in the truth and never in unrighteousness. Living love-filled lives that edify others will not only change the church, but it will change the world! Garrett Best, “Love Is Edifying,” Freed-Hardeman University 2010 Lectures, 39.

“Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

1 John 4:7

May God richly bless you today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and that not of yourselves;

it is the gift of God,

not of works,

lest anyone should boast.”

~Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV~

George Eddie Lee is still hospitalized in Baton Rouge. Please continue to keep him and his family on your prayer list.

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she continues her recovery at home.

Pray that everyone gets properly prepared for the tropical storm that seems to be headed in our direction.

Pray for the Brabham family as they celebrate the life of Mr. Billy tonight and tomorrow.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5927760

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A TEACHER HAD twelve students in his class…

He brought into the room a box of thirteen roses. Taking one of them out of the box, he passed it around the class asking each student to handle and smell it. Afterwards, he placed it back into the box. When the class period came to a close, he passed the entire box of roses around the room for each student to get one for themselves. With twelve students and thirteen roses, naturally there would be one left.

Which do you suppose it was?

It was the one everybody had touched — the one whose petals was falling off that did not look very fresh anymore.

In like manner, we urge all of our young people to avoid becoming used and soiled. Rather, we encourage them to preserve their chastity and purity at all costs, giving themselves to one man or one woman for life. (Allen Webster, “Why Not Be a Prodigal?”)

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Remember to prepare for the storm that seems to want to come through our area. Remember to prepare for the storms of life that blow our way. There is One who can face those storms with us! Be sure you have invited Him into your life!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well

what you need and he will give it to you

if you give him first place in your life

and live as he wants you to.”

~Matthew 6:33 (LB)~

Weekly Prayer Requests from the IMB

August 11, 2010

* Urgent: Pray for the people of Pakistan, which is experiencing its worst flooding in 80 years; more than 13 million people are being impacted.

* Give thanks to God for providing two new English teachers to assist those serving among the Rumelian Turks of the Balkans who have been overwhelmed by the demand for good English teachers.

* Pray that during the month of Ramadan, the Uzbeks of Post-Soviet Central Asia who are seeking God will find Him in His Son, Jesus Christ.

* Thank the Lord for a young Herero couple in Windhoek, Namibia, who feel called to return to their village to plant a church among their people.

* Pray for Tswana young people in Botswana who are hurting and in need of a caring and compassionate friend and for the missionary couple who are seeking to provide them godly counsel.

You may enjoy some of these Baptist Press articles. I did.

Baptist Press Stories for Aug. 9, 2010

—————————————

10 Christian aid workers killed in Afghanistan mountains

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33482

Volunteer in Zambia dies in auto accident

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33483

Expert: Supreme Court likely cautious on ‘gay marriage

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33484

70th Sturgis motorcycle rally begins

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33485

Baptists welcome bicycle riders to town

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33486

FIRST-PERSON; Giving up on the Great Commission God?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33487

My aunt sent me this link to a DaySpring blog. I think it will touch your heart if you spend some time reading it.

http://blog.dayspring.com/

Please continue to pray because your prayers make a difference!

Anna Lee

Monday

“But the LORD answered,

‘Who makes people able to speak

or makes them deaf or unable to speak?

Who gives them sight or makes them blind?

Don’t you know that I am the one who does these things?

Now go!

When you speak, I will be with you and give you the words to say.’”

~Exodus 4:11-12, CEV~

Petey Harper’s mother, “Miss” Maxine, is with Petey in South Carolina. Petey will require another surgery and additional treatment. I know the family will appreciate your prayers.

Kayla Schneeweiss has three fractured facial bones and some nerve damage. Hopefully, both will heal without any permanent problems. Pray for Kayla and her family.

Mrs. David Cutrer was able to leave the hospital again. Pray she does well this time and does not need any additional hospital time.

Add Mrs. Judy Liberto to your prayer list. She will require an additional surgery and follow-up treatment. She will appreciate prayers on her behalf.

Mr. Robert Frohn is doing much better. Thanks for your continued prayers for him.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar is having problems with his eyes and his knees. Please add him to your prayer list.

Obituary for Joshua Wade Carrier

http://www.actionnews.us/News/Obituaries/tabid/61/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3292/Joshua-Wade-Carrier.aspx

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

A SENIOR HAD backed a meek little freshman into a corner and was bombarding him with an impressive string of scientific facts…

He said, “Did you know that…? Are you aware of…? Does it interest you…?”

Finally, the beleaguered freshman got a word in edgewise. “Well, there is one thing you don’t know,” he said, half-crying.

The senior snapped back, “And just what is that…?”

“You don’t know,” sobbed the freshman, “that you are standing on my sore foot…”

People will turn away from the gospel if we are insensitive and harsh. (Bob Barnes) It is not enough that we have the truth…, we must also have the touch.

“Let your speeech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.

~Proverbs 19:1 (LB)~

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

CHARLES COLSON, IN his book of essays Who Speaks for God?, tells of watching a segment of television’s 60 minutes in which host Mike Wallace interviewed Auschwitz survivor Yehiel Dinur, a principal witness at the Nuremberg war-crimes trials…

During the interview, a film clip from Adolf Eichmann’s 1961 trial was viewed that showed Dinur entering the courtroom and coming face to face with Eichmann for the first time since being sent to Auschwitz almost twenty years earlier. Stopped cold, Dinur began to sob uncontrollably and then fainted while the presiding judge pounded his gavel for order.

“Was Dinur overcome by hatred? Fear? Horrid memories?” asks Colson, who then answers:

No; it was none of these. Rather, as Dinur explained to Wallace, all at

once he realized Eichmann was not the godlike army officer who had sent

so many to their deaths. This Eichmann was an ordinary man. “I was

afraid about myself,” said Dinur. “I saw that I am capable to do this. I am

…exactly like he.”

Colson follows his pentrating observation with this question: Why is it that today sin is so seldom written or preached about? The answer is in Dinur’s dramatic collapse, for to truly confront our sins is a devastating experience. If preachers talked about sin, says Colson, many people would flee their church pews never to return. R. Kent Hughes, “The Comfort of Mourning,” The Sermon on The Mount — The Message of the Kingdom, 25-26

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 3:23; cf., v. 10

Evon Wilkinson Lindsey was born February 9, 1934 and passed away at 6:28 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2010 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. She was a native of Amite and a resident of Greensburg. Ms. Evon was an avid cat lover, loved to read and retired after 25 years of service with the Tangipahoa Parish Library.

She is survived by numerous extended families.

Preceded in death by her husband, Winfred Lindsey and parents, WC and Ruby Allen Wilkinson.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, August 8, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mike Foster officiating. Interment in the Day’s Cemetery, Greensburg.

Pallbearers will be Clint Allen, Stewart P. Cox, III, Stewart P. Cox, IV, Donald Langston, Sonny Cutrer, and Charles Allen

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.

Many of you may remember Evon as the “puppet lady” at the Tangipahoa parish libraries for many years.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Remember this,

whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.

And whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give,

not reluctantly or under compulsion

for God loves a cheerful giver.

~2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)~

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5910959

Mrs. David Cutrer of Roseland had gall bladder surgery earlier this week. There were complications that required her to return to the hospital for another surgery yesterday. Please continue to pray for her.

Pray for Bro. J.P. Miles and his family as they make the daily adjustment to life without Sheri.

Baptist Press Stories for Aug. 6, 2010

—————————————

Medical team meets N. African spiritual, physical needs

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33474

Former Muslims pay heavy price for faith

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33475

Couple sees Muslims come to Christ

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33476

Miraculous healing brings African to faith

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33477

Nurse’s compassion opens mother’s heart

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33478

McCain, Levin clash over ‘Don’t Ask’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33479

KneEmail

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

FREE

Mike Benson, Editor

YOU HAVE HAVE heard about the $175 million class-action lawsuit settlement made by several of the upscale department stores…

If you bought makeup between 1994 and 2003, you are entitled to receive an item from a giveaway list worth $18 to $25. These cosmetics are free while supplies last or until January 26th. All one has to do is sign a form stating they made the purchase. The details are at CosmeticsSettlement.com (info via TheDenverChannel.com).

This is going on all over the country, with routine reports of long lines in department stores everywhere. People like free stuff. They will burn the gas, park in far off spaces, and endure long lines in order to get the ultimate of bargains. Offers like these do not come along very often. How many will take advantage of this offer? One could imagine the final tally will be exorbitant.

It is interesting that there are no long lines of people standing and waiting to get the benefit of the greatest offer of all times. There is an offer being made to give people an escape from eternal condemnation and a home in heaven for a never-ending eternity. It is not restricted to people who have bought something or been somewhere at a particular time. It is for anyone who will accept the most reasonable of all terms. It is said to be “free” (Revelation 22:17). Three times in Romans (5:15,16; 6:23), Paul calls it the “free gift.”

Sadly, the majority will not take advantage of this offer to their eternal ruin. It is hard to fathom, but sadly true. Let us do the best job we can of getting the word out about how truly incredible this offer is. It comes from the storehouse of the Richest One and constitutes His Greatest Gift! Neal Pollard

“For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

Make preparations today to be in the Lord’s House tomorrow!

Anna Lee

Friday

“There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment;

for we brought nothing into the world

and we can take nothing out of it.”

~1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NRSV)~

Be careful in the thunderstorms we are having. Hopefully, the rain will bring cooler temperatures. Thank God for the much needed rain.

Pray for students, faculty, and staff. Some schools have already started. Some will begin next week. Pray everyone has a successful year! Pray for safety in the increased traffic associated with schools.

KOM Pray

Kids on Mission Pray

August 6, 2010

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

LEARNING TO READ

Do you remember learning how to read and write? Wow! That opened up whole new worlds to you. You can read stories about far-away places, even imaginary places. You study new subjects and learn about history or geography or truths from the Bible. It’s fun to be able to read and write.

In many countries around the world, children and women don’t have a chance to learn to read or write. That is true for many Gujjar (pronounced goo-jer) people living in Pakistan. There is so much work to do that the children don’t have time to go to school. Every day, they milk water buffalo, gather dried manure chips as fuel for their fires, wash clothes, and cook meals. After all the work is done, a small group of Gujjar women and children get together for reading lessons. They don’t learn English. They study Urdu, their national language.

Workers help them learn, and recently they were able to show the “JESUS” film to the class. Even some of the men came to watch. These Gujjar people have seen the love of Jesus in the workers and now they know the story through the film. Please pray for these Gujjar families to accept Jesus as Savior.

There has been a really bad flood in Pakistan and many people have died. Please pray for relief workers who are trying to bring comfort to the families and help the Pakistani people find places to live and food to eat.

Pray requests from MK’s:

http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/details.asp?StoryID=7683&LanguageID=1709

PRAYING FROM THE HEART

Today’s thought is a prayer is entitled “Psalm of Single-mindedness” and was written by Joe Bayly:

Lord of reality, make me real,
not plastic, synthetic, pretend, phony,
an actor playing out his part – hypocrite.
I don’t want to keep a prayer list
– but to pray,
Nor agonize to find Your will
– but to obey what I already know,
I don’t want to argue theories of inspiration
– but to submit to Your Word.
I don’t want to explain the difference between eros and philos and agape
– but to love.
I don’t want to sing as if I mean it
– I want to mean it.
I don’t want to tell it like it is
– but to be like You want it.
I don’t want to think another needs me
– but I need him, else I’m not complete.
I don’t want to tell others how to do it
– but to do it;
I don’t want to have to be always right
– but to admit it when I’m wrong.
I don’t want to be a census taker
– but an obstetrician
Nor an involved person, a professional
– but a friend.
I don’t want to be insensitive
– but to hurt where other people hurt Nor to say “I know how you feel”
– but to say, “God knows”
and “I’ll try if you’ll be patient with me”
and meanwhile I’ll be quiet.
I don’t want to scorn the clichés of others
– but to mean everything I say
Including this.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Thanks for praying each day. You make a difference for so many!

Anna Lee