Devotional – Page 194 – The Prayer Link

Friday

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away.

Slowly,

steadily,

surely,

the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.

If it seems slow,

do not despair,

for these things will surely come to pass.

Just be patient!

They will not be overdue a single day!”

~Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, May 28, 2010

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,

for the gain from her is better than gain from silver

and her profit better than gold.”

~Proverbs 3:13-14, ESV~

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

“Although not considered an official ‘people group,’ professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and architects are often unreached,” writes the Rural Interior Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo Team of Brazil. “They can be a difficult group to reach with the Gospel of Christ, because many feel that they ‘already have everything they need’ and they have a hard time recognizing their need for someone to save them from sin. Also, their need for hope and salvation is often not as outwardly obvious to the rest of us as are the needs of the physically and financially poor.”

Team members have recently been told that the local medical training facility for doctors, nurses and physical therapists has a reputation for being one of the worst in the area, and that many of the students are involved with drugs and other dangerous activities. Please pray with the Rural Interior Team that they can find a ‘person of peace’ (Luke 10:6) within the medical school and that they can reach these students through Bible studies.

A one-day business seminar is being held in Dalian City, China. Please pray for the Christian business people to bring their lost colleagues and friends to hear good ethical business practices and also to hear how Christian business people follow God in their businesses. Several local believers will also complete special training courses.

* Please pray for conference participants to put this training to use and to train others. Ask that great multiplication will take place.

* Intercede for professionals who are trapped in substance abuse that they will recognize the risks they take before it is too late.

* Pray for businessmen and women to realize that the one who gets understanding is blessed and gains more than the temporary reward of silver or gold.

Larkin Dorris

Update from Kelly…

Today we are very happy to report that the MRI results were negative for cancer cells in both the spine and brain. We celebrated with her first dinner out at PF Changs. Tomorrow if her blood chemistry looks good she will have her “buddy” removed. We will find out when we can leave for home as well.
Thanks,
Kelly Dorris

I got the call while exercising today. I think I made some men in the treadmills around me a bit uncomfortable as tears of joy ran down my cheeks. I had a big smile on my face and I had an AMAZING workout!!! Thank you for your love and support and prayers. Thank you, God!
with a lot of love and a lot of joy,
Larkin’s Aunt Meg

THINGS CHANGE WITH TIME

Here are some new concerns for the “Boomer generation”:

Then: Long hair
Now: Longing for hair

Then: Acid rock
Now: Acid reflux

Then: Moving to California because it’s cool
Now: Moving to California because it’s warm

Then: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor
Now: Trying not to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor

Then: Paar
Now: AARP

Then: Worrying about no one coming to your party
Now: Worrying about no one coming to your funeral

Then: Rolling Stones
Now: Kidney stones

Then: Obsessing over PSATs
Now: Obsessing over PSAs

Then: Passing the driving test
Now: Passing the vision test

Then: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
Now: Children begging you to get their heads shaved

Then: Disco
Now: Costco

Then: Getting out to a new, hip joint
Now: Getting a new hip joint

Most things change with time. We grow old, gain wrinkles and lose hair. People around us move away and die. You may change jobs, and move from city to city every few years. Ever gone back to the place where you grew up to see what it looks like now? Things change. And life can be very unsettling if it is not grounded on something that does not change through the years.

Fortunately we have this assurance: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).

Even if we become faithless, he remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). When all others let us down, his love will still be there for us. You can count on it. What comfort and assurance that gives us! Praise be to God for his unchanging nature!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for making a difference in so many lives by praying!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“But when you ask him,

be sure that your faith is in God alone.

Do not waver,

for a person with divided loyalty

is as unsettled as a wave of the sea

that is blown and tossed by the wind. . . .

Their loyalty is divided between God and the world,

and they are unstable in everything they do.”

~James 1:6, 8 (NLT)~

Jesse Dean continues to improve. Keep praying for him . Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Daddy saw the infections disease doctor yesterday and got a good report. Daddy said he knew he got well because of all the prayers that were said for him. Thanks for your part in helping Daddy get better!

Pray for all the students who have completed their school year or who will do so soon. Pray for safe summers for them. Pray for Vacation Bible Schools, church camps, and other church activities that will help point them in the right direction. Thank God for those who will be working with them. May they be led to say the things that will make a difference in their lives here on earth and point them to a heavenly home for eternity.

Baptist Press Stories for May. 24, 2010

—————————————

Iran’s apostasy charge dropped against 2 women
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32993

Budget gaps lead states to gambling
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32994

ERLC: treaty threatens parental rights
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32995

Pastors: 400 more Haitian churches needed in N. America
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32997

FIRST-PERSON: Gambling: What is at stake?
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32998

G

ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites all got sick…

They all caught a deadly virus. It was far more virulent and lethal than the SARS virus that brought death an destruction to our world. It was the G virus — the “grumble” germ…

All but two occurrences of “grumbling” in the Old Testament are found in six chapters of the Pentateuch: Exodus 15, 16, and 17, and Numbers 14, 16, and 17. Of all the sins of the fathers, God counted this one of the worst. It is one of Satan’s most effective weapons because it robs us of God and robs God of us!

Sometimes learning what God thinks about our grumbles helps us to deal with them. First of all, God hears us when we gripe and grumble. Numbers 11:18 says, “The LORD heard you when you wailed.” Over and over again the Bible says that God heard the Israelites’ griping and their grumbling. We need to know that God doesn’t want to hear it!

Our son and daughter-in-law have seven children. There is a sign displayed in a prominent place in their kitchen that says briefly and succintly: “No whining!” Whining is unacceptable behavior to those parents, and it is unacceptable to God . It poisons the environment and spoils relationships. It makes God sad to hear us whine, and it also makes Him mad! “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD. And when He heard them His anger was aroused” (Numbers 11:1). God wants us to know that wailing and whining are unacceptable behaviors. Jill Briscoe, “The Other Side of Redemption,” Here Am I Lord…Send Somebody Else!, 80-81

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Friday

There’s far more here than meets the eye.

The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow.

But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

~2 Corinthians 4:18 (MSG)~

Jesse Dean is home again. Please continue to pray for Jesse and Majel.

Adam Carter is doing very well with his recovery. Thank you for praying for him.

Scott Lindsay’s surgery went well yesterday. The family thanks you for praying.

Yesterday, Daddy got a good report from the test that was done the day before. I hope he’s on the way to a full recovery.

Orin Davidson
(November 27, 1917 – May 18, 2010)

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=616730&fh_id=11426&s_id=AD21558B796F3869582A8425F2EDE770

TODAY’S PRAYER

IMB
MAY 21, 2010

“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;

You will prepare their heart;

You will cause Your ear to hear.”

~Psalm 10:17~

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 Johnson Toribiong of Palau (islands in North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines).

CENTRAL THAI OF THAILAND (tie). Please pray for the small Christian church on Sri Chang Island. This is a congregation of approximately 20 people. They are the only church on the island and experience resistance and spiritual warfare continually. Still, the members are determined to grow and serve God. They continue to have weekly discipleship sessions and now have begun a Friday night Bible study in the very small home of two members in town. Since almost all members are new believers, it is complicated. Some couples have been living together for years out of wedlock. They want a Christian marriage, but sometimes that is a challenge since previous marriages were not officially ended through the legal system, yet they have a sincere desire to do what God wants them to do in their lives. Pray for God to grant wisdom to leaders in how to address the many complicated issues that arise. Pray for the continued spiritual growth of the church members, and ask that they will use the witness training and small-group training they have been taught to win souls to Christ and begin new groups in homes. Pray for the lost of this island to have their hard, resistant hearts broken and opened to the Word of God. Pray for a dramatic, spiritual event to take place that will shake the entire population with a movement toward God and His salvation.

COAL CITY, CHINA. J first heard the Gospel almost a year ago and has been a believer for about nine months now. He is burdened for those around him, having already shared with many of his friends and family, and as a result, his wife is also a believer. Although a young believer, J has been faithful in regularly praying and reading the Word. Please pray that J will continue to be faithful in his witness, and ask that the Lord will bless him and allow him to see fruit as a result. Also pray that J will have confidence as he begins training other new believers using the same lessons he has been trained in and that, as a result, a church will form soon.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

The following story comes from John Kanary in “Chicken Soup for the Soul”:

Charlie Boswell was blinded during World War II while rescuing his friend from a tank that was under fire. He was a great athlete before his accident and in a testimony to his talent and determination he decided to try a brand new sport, a sport he never imagined playing, even with his eyesight . ..golf!

Through determination and a deep love for the game he became the National Blind Golf Champion! He won that honor 13 times. One of his heroes was the great golfer Ben Hogan, so it truly was an honor for Charlie to win the Ben Hogan Award in 1958.

Upon meeting Ben Hogan, Charlie was awestruck and stated that he had one wish and it was to have one round of golf with the great Ben Hogan. Mr. Hogan agreed that playing a round together would be an honor for him as well, as he had heard about all of Charlie’s accomplishments and truly admired his skills.

“Would you like to play for money, Mr. Hogan?” blurted out Charlie.

“I can’t play you for money, it wouldn’t be fair!” said Mr. Hogan.

“Aw, come on, Mr. Hogan…..$1,000 per hole!”

“I can’t, what would people think of me, taking advantage of you and your circumstance,” replied the sighted golfer.

“Chicken, Mr. Hogan?”

“Okay,” blurted a frustrated Hogan, “but I am going to play my best!”

“I wouldn’t expect anything else,” said the confident Boswell.

“You’re on Mr. Boswell, you name the time and the place!”

A very self-assured Boswell responded: “10 o’clock . . . tonight!”

Timing is everything! As Solomon said, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Eccl. 3:1). But the problem for me has always been doing or saying something at the right time. So often, I’ll leave a conversation and hours later be thinking, “That’s what I should have said!”, but it’s too late, the time has passed.

Solomon also said, “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Prov. 15:23), or as the NCV translates it, “People enjoy giving good advice. Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing.”

Father, may the words I speak today be “the right words at the right time” both to be of help to others and to be a glory to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

May you end your workweek with a smile on your face!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Fill your minds with those things that are good

and that deserve praise:

things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.

~Philippians 4:8 (TEV)~

Mr. Larry Phillips

I am asking a favor. My dad has had lupus for many yrs. It is a disease that attacks major organs (liver, kidney, lungs, etc). We found out that it has made its way into 2 parts of his brain and into his lungs. I am asking everyone to please say a prayer for him. He is a great man and an excellent dad. Please and thx u

Blaine

Pray for Adam Carter as he has surgery this morning in McComb at 7 A.M. Adam will have tubes put in both ears and both sinuses opened. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Jesse Dean will not be coming home today. He seems to have developed another concern that will need to be treated. Please pray for Jesse and Majel.

Stacey Scarle now has a plan for treatment of her cancer. She will have chemo, surgery, chemo, and them possibly radiation. The oncologist thinks this will work to get Stacey well. Pray for Stacey and her family as they face the coming months day-by-day.

Muriel Elizabeth Travis Cutrer
(January 29, 1980 – May 16, 2010)

A resident of Osyka, MS, died at 6:02 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born January 29, 1980 in McComb, MS and was 30 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Raymond Garcia. Interment Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS. Survived by her son, Anthony Travis Cutrer, Magnolia, MS, mother, Juanita Travis, McComb, MS, mother-in-law, Mildred Rosamond, Kentwood, 3 brothers, Marcus Cline and his wife, Theresa, Pelahatchie, MS, Johnny Travis and his wife, Rose, Fernwood, MS, and Quinn Travis and his wife, Tammy, McComb, MS, sisters, Emily Brown, McComb, MS, Sherry Jackson and her husband, David, Sr., Centreville, MS, 3 brothers-in-law, Scott Cutrer and his wife, Allison, NC, Gabe Cutrer, Kentwood and Matthew Rosamond, Kentwood; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Christopher Lee Cutrer, 2 sons, Christian and Nathan Cutrer, father, Murry Cutrer, sister, Mary Travis, brother, Christopher Travis; grandparents, John and Mary Travis and Marcus and Louella Raborn.

You are invited to the cabin for food, fellowship, and a devotional led by Jan Hammons Thursday at 6:30 P.M. Contact me if you need more information.

Shark attack was ‘God’s will’ (Baptist Press)

http://BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=32952

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

He has shaped each person in turn;

now he watches everything we do.

~Psalm 33:15 (MSG)~

Please add Mr. Philip Harrell to your prayer list.

CaringBridge

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

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Monday, May 17, 2010

“You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time–serving the Lord with all humility, with tears, and with the trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews–and that I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable, or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house,” (Acts 20: 18b-20, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, giving thanks for years of faithful missionary service.

Sixty missionaries were honored Saturday night at a recognition service and reception. These individuals have served a combined 1,730 years on the field. That’s nearly 30 years per person. These individuals, both singles and couples, answered the call of God early in their lives then steadfastly set their faces to go to their new countries of service. They have held responsibilities of leadership, education, church planting and more. Each one could regale you with stories of culture and friendships.

Yet there is no story more precious than those of lives impacted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. During the last 30 years, these missionaries have had the joy of telling the story of Jesus more times than can be counted. Thousands of lives have been eternally changed.

Respect is duly given these missionaries, but they would say, “All the praise and glory goes to the Lord!”

* Please give thanks for God’s calling and gifting that allowed these sixty missionaries to persevere through three decades of ministry.

* Ask God to raise up new workers–perhaps even you–who will serve sacrificially and with longsuffering.

* Intercede for these sixty emeritus missionaries as they transition into their new roles and ministries, asking God to give them good health, patience as they adjust to life in the United States, and fulfillment as they steadfastly set their faces in a new direction.

Two new website you may wish to visit

BLESS

a 20.jpg WHEN DAN CLARK was a teenager, he and his father once stood in life to buy tickets for the circus…

As they waited, they noticed the family immediately in front of them. The parents were holding hands, and they had eight children in tow, all behaved well and all probably under the age of twelve. Based on their clean but simple clothing, he suspected they didn’t have a lot of money. The kids jabbered about the exciting things they expected to see, and he could tell that the circus was going to be a new adventure for them.

As the couple approached the counter, the attendant asked how many tickets they wanted. The man proudly responded, “Please let me buy eight children’s tickets and two adults tickets so I can take my family to the circus.”

When the attendant quoted the price, the man’s wife let go of his hand, and her head dropped. The man leaned a little closer and asked, “How much did you say?” The attendant again quoted the price. The man obviously didn’t have enough money. He looked crushed.

Clark says his father watched all of this, put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a twenty-dollar bill, and dropped it on the ground. His father then reached down, picked up the bill, tapped the man on the shoulder, and said, “Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket…”

The man knew exactly what was going on. He looked straight into Clark’s father’s eyes, took his hand, shook it, and with a tear streaming down his cheek, replied, “Thank you, thank you, sir. This really means a lot to me and my family.”

Clark and his father wen back to their car and drove home. They didn’t have enough money to go to the circus that night, but it didn’t matter. They had encouraged a whole family. And it was something neither family would ever forget. John Maxwell in Winning with People

When he came and had seen the grace of God,

he was glad and encouraged them all

that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.”

Acts 11:23

Posted by Mike Benson

May today be a great day for each of you!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Through Jesus, therefore,

let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise –

the fruit of lips that confess his name.

~Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell and her family.

Jesse Dean had a good day and is on the way to being released from the hospital early next week. Please continue to pray for Jesse and his family.

Continue to pray for my parents as Daddy is recovering at home.

Mr. Billy Brabham is continuing his treatments in Hammond. Pray for him and for his family as they take turns helping with transportation and appointments.

HAVING THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

I heard about a lady (I won’t speculate as to what color her hair was) who went into an auto parts store. She asked for a seven-ten cap.

The employees all looked at each other and say, “What’s a seven-ten cap?”

She says, “You know, it’s right on the engine. Mine got lost somehow and I need a new one.”

“What kind of a car is it on,” they ask. Perhaps it was an old Datsun 710 but no, she says, “It’s a Buick.”

“OK, lady, how big is it?”

She makes a circle with her hands about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.

“What does it do?” they ask.

She says, “I don’t know, but its always been there.”

One of the employees gives her a note pad and asks her if she can draw a picture of it. So she makes a circle about 3 1/2 inches in diameter and in the center she writes 710.

The guys behind the counter are looking at it upside down as she writes it…and they just fall down behind the counter because they are laughing so hard.

One guy finally says, “I think you want an oil cap.”

She says, “Seven-ten cap, oil cap, I don’t care what you call it, I just need one, and I don’t see what is so funny about it.”

(by the way, in case you haven’t figured it out by now, the word “OIL” upside down looks like “710”)

Perspective makes all the difference. Things look differently when we look at them upside down. I’m reminded of the Christians in Thessalonica who were accused of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6). The truth, though, they were turning the world right-side up. We live in a world that looks at things upside-down.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).

The world looks at material things and calls them “items of great value.” It looks at sin and immorality and calls it “good and right.” It looks at lies and calls them “truth.” It can be very confusing unless we realize the need to turn things around and look at them from an eternal perspective.

If things in your life “don’t look quite right,” perhaps you’ve been looking at things upside-down and you need to allow God to help you to turn things around.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

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

Anna Lee

Friday

“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.

As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.”

~Psalm 119:33 LB~

Jesse Dean was moved to a private room at North Oaks. He is doing better and will be monitored through Tuesday. Please continue to pray for Jesse and his family.

CaringBridge

Ivy Keith Forrest

(October 7, 1955 – May 13, 2010)

Ivy Keith Forrest was born October 7, 1955 and passed away at 7:50 p.m., Thursday, May 13, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Keith was 54, a native of McComb, MS and a resident of Kentwood.

Additional information will be added on Friday.

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
MAY 14, 2010

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” (Psalm 5:3)

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 Chairman Kim Jong Il of North Korea (eastern Asia, between China and Japan).

HAITI EARTHQUAKE. Thank you for praying for the medical team from Georgia as they ministered tirelessly on March 22-26 in Haiti. Their clinic was held at the Carrefour (pronounced car-FOO) Baptist Church, in an area where the earthquake had left thousands dead and thousands of homes destroyed. The team treated more than 1,200 patients, and volunteers prayed individually with each patient. Many came to be seen by a doctor because of stomach disorders. Volunteers listened intently as IMB missionary nurse Delores York translated the patients’ stories of grief and stress and their fears of sleeping in their homes. Volunteers learned that teachers had moved their classrooms outside the building into the open air because of children and parents’ fears. God worked through the volunteers’ prayers, listening ears, and comforting words intertwined with medical care. An unforgettable scene occurred at the conclusion of one day when Haitians began singing hymns and volunteers joined them. One group sang in Creole and the other in English, blending their voices to make beautiful music to the Lord. Give thanks to God for the volunteers and for four Haitians who surrendered their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. Intercede for those living in Carrefour to experience God’s salvation and His peace, enabling them to heal from their emotional scars. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2). praying4haiti@mail.com

TSWANA OF BOTSWANA (t’SWAN-ah). On dusty dirt roads, missionaries, volunteers and national believers prayerwalk villages in the country of Botswana. They come across people who are desperate financially, physically, but most of all, spiritually. The evil one has confused the minds of many. Alcoholism, witchcraft and apathy are just a few of the strongholds. Please pray that missionaries and national believers will clearly share the Gospel daily. Pray that new believers will live out this truth: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

For additional prayer requests, click here: imb.org/todaysprayer

KNOW

“WHEN YOU’RE MARRIED so long, you know what the other person is thinking before he even speaks…

Your minds are so close that you miss that too, ” says Nancy after the death of her husband.

What a blessing to have someone who knew you so well and who loved you just the way you are.

Let God fill this need in your life. He knows you inside and out. He knows even the number of hairs on your head ( Luke 12:7). Nothing about you is hidden from God. Bill Dunn and Kathy Leonard in Through a Season of Grief, 124

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.”

Psalm 139:1-4

Posted by Mike Benson at May 13, 2010

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

By faith,

Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land.

He was warned about something he couldn’t see,

and acted on what he was told. . . .

As a result, Noah became intimate with God.

~Hebrews 11:7 (MSG)~

Pray for Scott Lindsey. He will be undergoing surgery May 19th.

CaringBridge

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

LIGHT

ALL OF US know how much comfort and reassuring light can be in certain situations…

Think of the child in the nursery. Light affords a degree of security and comfort.

Think of the patient who suffers though the long, dark night. How often he or she will pray for the dawn and coming of day.

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” Matthew 4:15-16

Here is a picture of Christ coming and offering a ray of hope. Yes, He is the light of the world. J. Winfred Clark in Expositions of “The Expositor,” 251

Posted by Mike Benson at May 12, 2010

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

Pray for Rev. Bobby Eads as he has heart surgery on May 26th in Alabama. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Stacey Scarle has a port and will meet with the oncologist on May 19th. Again, your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Caleb Estay was seen by a specialist yesterday. He continues to be a living miracle! Thank God for this little miracle.

Jesse Dean had a check-up and seems to be past that set-back he experienced. Continue to pray for Jesse and his family as they work to get Jesse better.

Harrell Sharkey continues to have back pain. He will have an important appointment next week to determine his treatment. Hip surgery will probably be scheduled at that time. Pray for relief from pain.

Please pray for Mason Carter. He has an infection and is out of school for a while.

Both my parents seem to be doing better. Thank-you for praying for them and asking about them. The family appreciates you.

Know

IT SEEMS STRANGE that one can know for sure the basic laws of the land, but he cannot know the basic laws of God…

All people are in agreement that their automobile should have a state license tag. They agree that they should drive their automobile on the right side of a two-way street in the United States. They agree that a traffic light showing red is an indication for them to stop. It may be true that all people do no abide by these traffice rules, but it is not because they cannot know what they should do.

To say that one can know the laws of the land and yet cannot know the laws of God is a reflection on God. Is God incapable of revealing truth that man can understand? Obviously not. The problem is not with the Author of truth, but with man who is the subject of truth. William Wardlaw

KneEmail: “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God exceptthe Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11-12

Posted by Mike Benson at May 11, 2010

“Count Your Blessings” today!

Anna Lee

Monday

This will continue until we are . . . mature,

just as Christ is,

and we will be completely like him.

~Ephesians 4:13 (CEV)~

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
MAY 10, 2010

“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~

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 Mahamadou Danda of Niger (western Africa, southeast of Algeria).

SOUTHEAST ASIAN UNENGAGED PEOPLES. The Eastern Cham people of Southeast Asia stem from a very ancient civilization that once ruled the area. Once a majority people with many skills and know-how, they now find themselves a very small group that is much persecuted and neglected. The Eastern Cham live in rural locations, with limited opportunities for schooling and healthcare. They take much pride in their great heritage and practice a mixture of various religions: Islam, Hinduism, Brahminism, animism, and ancestor worship. Unfortunately, they have only a few Bible portions in their language. The “JESUS” film is available in the Western Cham language, but that language is quite different. Please pray that the Lord will raise up workers to reach the Eastern Cham, and that many resources and avenues will be created to allow them to hear the truth of God’s great kingdom.

SWAZI OF SWAZILAND (SWAH-zee). Thank you for praying for the Swazi Baptist National Easter Services that were held on April 1-4. Join the Swazi Team in thanking the Lord for the blessings of these services. One leader remarked, “This is the first Easter in two years!” The last two years, problems occurred when certain individuals promoted speaking in tongues and the prosperity gospel. But this year, there was a spirit of unity and fellowship and a desire to see everyone work together. Lives were moved by the preaching of God’s Word, sessions were geared toward learning more about Baptist polity, and the theme of the children’s program was “New Beginnings.” The Swazi Team writes: “The ‘spirit of Easter’ definitely came to this year’s services! Pray for a continued spirit of unity among the Swazi Baptist churches and Swazi Baptist Convention. Pray that the spirit of Easter will be with us all year long!”http://www.swaziprayerbytes.blogspot.com

Maxie Simmons Hale
(May 6, 1927 – May 9, 2010)

A resident of Baton Rouge, died on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was born May 6, 1927 in Fluker and was 82 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Services conducted by Bro. John Fulda. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. She is survived by her husband, George L. Hale, Baton Rouge; 2 daughters, Susan Hale, Baton Rouge and Karen Kirschbaum, Prince Frederick, MD; 2 grandchildren, Nicholas and Joshua Kirschbaum; 3 sisters, Elva S. Pulliam, Amite, Ruthie S. Cazaubon, Metairie and Elizabeth S. Spears, Denham Springs; a brother, Joseph Simmons, Metairie. She was preceded in death by her 2 brothers, Raymon and Dorman Simmons.

Elsie Varnado McElveen
(January 15, 1931 – May 9, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, died at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born January 15, 1931 in Osyka, MS and was 79 years of age. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Shumock. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Ann Thomas, Kentwood; son, Dennis Gordon McElveen and his wife, Rosalee, Spokane, WA; 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth McElveen, Marc Huber, Lori Burch and Matthew McElveen; 4 great-grandchildren, Amber Huber, Kelsey Milton, Kylee Burch and Eathan Burch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Ricks McElveen; brother, Eddie Laverne Varnado; parents, Kermit and Mae Varnado.

Have a happy Monday!

Anna Lee