Category: Devotional

Friday

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, April 9, 2010

“Come, you blessed of My Father,

inherit the kingdom prepared for you

from the foundation of the world . . .

I was in prison and you came to Me.”

~Matthew 25:34,36b, NKVJ~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, encouraging you to pray for ministry to prisoners.

Several years ago, a young Central Tibetan man, R, was wrongly accused of stealing and put into prison without any type of trial. His sisters are strong believers and shared quite a lot about Jesus with him, both before his incarceration and during visits to see him, but his religious background kept him in bondage. R recently experienced physical release from prison; pray that he, and all the Central Tibetans in Asia, will experience spiritual release from their traditional beliefs and live in the freedom of Christ.

B, who has been in a Somali prison since last year, was recently granted a release, in answer to your prayers. However, the head of the prison refuses to honor the court’s decision and let B go free. Please ask the Lord to move in the official’s heart, and pray that B’s actual release will come quickly. This official has also refused the release of other prisoners because of financial or political pressure.

IMB mobilizer Paul Lambach, who serves at the Equatorial Baptist Seminary in Belem-Para, asks prayer for these needs: “1) Give thanks that we had almost 20 in attendance at the Monday morning chapel at the men’s prison in Americano. Eight of those were first-time visitors interested in studying the Gospel of John. Leaders from two of the units are interested in starting our Basic Theology extension course in those units. 2) Thank the Lord that more than 20 people attended Tuesday morning chapel at Massafra Construction Supplies. Pray for seminary students to preach in this weekly chapel.”

* Please pray for Paul Lambach as he attempts to set up the first seminary extension in a men’s prison.

* Intercede for R to accept salvation and for B to be released without further delay.

* Ask God to show you how you can support local jail ministries

Pray for Mason Carter as he has sinus surgery at 11:00 this morning in McComb.

Pray for my daddy, Grant Smith.  He’s not been feeling well this week and had to see a doctor yesterday evening.

Continue to pray for Ora Lee Wilson’s family.  As the family was sitting with Barbara, Barbara’s husband had to receive medical treatment.  Ora Lee’s aunt’s obituary is below.

Luzina Penton “Miss Dood” Branch
(July 17, 1925 – April 6, 2010)

LUZINA PENTON “Miss Dood” BRANCH, age 84

and a resident of the Hilltop Community died at 11:15 PM Tuesday at her residence. She was a member of the Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of Delos Branch.

Survived by: Numerous nieces and nephews 3 sisters in law: Helen Branch of Hilltop Vergie Branch Mattie Penton both of Stateline She was also preceded in death by her parents John and Louisa Branch Penton; a sister Edwena Bedwell; 5 brothers Ancil Penton, William “Bill” Penton, Odean Penton, Wilson Penton and Edsel “Pete” Penton; a half brother J.E. Wheat.

Visitation at Crain Funeral Home from 5 PM until 9 PM Friday. Visitation will continue after 9 AM Saturday at Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church until time for the funeral service at 11 AM with Eld. Mark Hobgood, Eld. Edward Penton and Eld. Duane Ball officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. Obituaries can be viewed online at http://www.crainfh.com

Continue to pray for my Texas relatives.  They are dealing with a brain tumor, three with Huntington’s disease, MS, etc.  Pray they will continue to turn to God and realize He’s walking through their difficult journey with them.

CaringBridge

Helen Toney Basso
(July 18, 1930 – April 7, 2010)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:45PM on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA after a battle with pneumonia. She was born July 18, 1930 in Independence, LA and was 79 years of age. Mrs. Basso was a retired caregiver at Hammond Developmental Center, Hammond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Saturday April 10, 2010 until religious services at 11:30a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Bro. Kenneth Istre. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. Survived by son and daughter-in-law, Calvin J. “Tugar” Basso, Jr. and Anne Liuzza Basso, Independence, 3 sisters, Pat Cleveland, Beulah Hoover and her husband, Leo, and Joyce Easley and her husband, Wilson, and family dog, Brody Basso. Preceded in death by husband, Calvin J. Basso, Sr., parents, Henry P. and Opal Bennett Toney, and brother, John H. Toney. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to the Tangipahoa Council on Aging.

IS YOUR HOUSE A MESS?

I recently heard the following story:

“My daughter Michelle is the commander of a Coast Guard Cutter. When she gave my husband Bob a tour of her ship, he was impressed by the neatness of all decks.

“However, when Bob went to Michelle’s house with her, he couldn’t believe the disorganization. ‘Why is everything in its place on your ship,’ he asked, ‘but your house is such a mess?’

“‘My house,’ Michelle said, ‘does not take 30-degree rolls.’”

I found the story quite humorous, but it made me wonder.  How often do others notice that things are just fine in our workplace, but not at home?  Things may be “in its place” at work (and elsewhere), but at home things are “a mess.”  One of the saddest passages in the Bible is found in I Samuel 8:1-3:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel…But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.”

Here was Samuel – a great prophet, one of the greatest men in the Bible, arguably one of the godliest men in all of history, but his sons didn’t follow after his example.  Some commentators have speculated that it was at least partly due to the fact that Samuel traveled around Israel fulfilling his responsibilities as a prophet (I Sam. 7:15-16), neglecting his family in the process.

It’s a problem that everyone who works struggles with, but especially preachers because we often view our work as being done “for God” so we feel justified in pouring more of our time and effort into our work.  But there is always the danger — the temptation – that we may be neglecting things at home.

Early in my ministry, my wife used to complain, “You always have time for anybody else who comes to you with a problem, but you can’t find time for me.”  There were times she was right.  I felt compelled to make sure that everything was in order at “work”, but I sometimes allowed things at home to be a “mess.”  I’m sure there were many times my children felt the same way.  I would like to think that I’ve learned from my mistakes and have a better balance now.

My message today comes with an encouragement for all of you who work to make an assessment of your own.  Are you more interested in keeping things in order at work than you are at home?  May God help each of us as we strive to fulfill our God-given responsibilities to our spouses and children.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Please feel free to share your requests, praises, and updates so we can pray for you. Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“If you put your trust in the love of Jesus Christ,

your sins are wiped out,

‘There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ.'”

~Romans 8:1 NLT~

Pray for the Gehringer family as they have the service for Frank today at 11:00.  Continue to pray for them in the coming days.

Pray for my former student, Charlotte, as they have services for her husband Saturday.

Pray for other families who have lost loved ones lately.  The grieving is not over when the services are over.

Donald J. Forsyth, Jr. was born July 12, 1964 and passed away at 5:55 a.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at his residence. He was 45, a native of Lutcher and a resident of Amite.

Donald is survived by wife, Charlotte Whitener Forsyth, Amite; a son, Skylar Singleton, Amite; mother, Mary Grace Forsyth, Gonzales; 2 sisters, Cindy Melancon and husband, Jeff, and their children, Jordan and Brooke, Gonzales and Melanie Schexnaydre and husband, Charles, and their children, Lauren and Alex, Prairieville; mother and father-in-law, Wilson “Dub” and Gail Whitener, Amite; sister-in-law, Lisa Carruth and husband Danny, and their son, Landon, Greensburg; godchildren, Landon Murphy, Lauren Schexnaydre and Brooke Melancon; godmother, Julie Cambre, Luling; godfather, Vinzule Bourgeois, Jr., LaPlace; his beloved pets, “Harley” & “Tib”.

Preceded in death by his father, Donald J. Forsyth, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Armaize and Godfrey Forsyth; maternal grandparents, Grace and Vinzule Bourgeois, Sr.

Donald was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He worked as a driver SAIA Motor Freight for 22 years.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Darryl Miller officiating. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery.

Pall Bearers; Skyler Singleton, Charles Schexnaydre, Jeff Melancon, Landon Murphy, Al Glover, Russ Jenkins, Danny Carruth, Brian Kirkland and David Kirkland.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Frank Gehringer was a resident of Kentwood who died at 8:55 a.m. on Monday, April 5, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was born May 19, 1965 in Baton Rouge and was 44 years of age. He had a love for working on anything mechanical from a small child. He continued this passion his entire life. He was employed by the local Ford dealership where he was a certified Ford Diesel Technician and was a member of First Baptist Church, Kentwood, LA. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller and Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by Son, Gavin Gehringer, Kentwood, daughter, Lauren Gehringer, Kentwood, parents, Frankie and Fay Gehringer, Kentwood, sister, Jennifer Gehringer, Kentwood. Preceded in death by grandparents, Mildred and Robert Miscar, Iley Gentry, and Frank and Estelle Gehringer, 2 uncles, Dr. Gerald Gehringer, Fred Gill, and brother-in-law, Ken Lee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, AWANA Children’s Fund, 310 Ave. E, Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

ALONE

alone.jpg

HAVE YOU EVER felt truly alone…?

After my father died, I gathered with our family at a funeral home to choose the casket and arrange specifics for the memorial service. As I drove away from the funeral home, I made it only about two hundred yards before I broke down and wept, and had to pull the car over and stop.

This wasn’t the first time I’d cried after my father’s death, but it was the first time I’d cried alone, and the tears and the grief were so strong. Cars streamed past me, their passengers and drivers unaware of what was taking place in my car, and I vividly remember how alone I felt.

But in truth I wasn’t alone, because only two hundred yards away were people who loved me with all their hearts. To be comforted, all I needed to do was turn around and go back to the funeral home. I felt alone–but I really wasn’t.

For me, personally, the sense of aloneness in that moment was overwhelming; yet I know that many others have experienced far worse than anything I went through. Many have wept as I did, but could never be assured there was someone nearby they could turn to for comfort, whether two hundred yards away or two hundred miles.

And yet, even in comparison to such unbearable experiences, there’s Someone else whose pain of isolation and abandonment goes infinitely deeper.

Before being nailed to the cross, Jesus already knew what it meant to be forsaken; He had become intimately acquainted with being rejected or abandoned by men. Yet whenever it happened, He could always say, “Though forsaken by men, I am not alone, for My Father is always with Me.”

But not now.

He who for all eternity has never been alone is now wholly abandoned. Such utter desolation has never existed before in all eternity, because of the infinite love and fellowship of the Godhead, which can never be broken. But not the incarnate Son must be forsaken by the Father…because the Father is holy, and there in the Father’s sight is “the most grotesque display of ugliness imaginable.” It’s the monstrous sight of the unbounded totality of human sin resting upon one Man.

Therefore that Man must be utterly removed from the presence of the holy God, utterly separated, as far as the east is from the west.

Jesus didn’t just feel forsaken; He is forsaken. (C.J. Mahaney)

KneEmail: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'” ( Matt. 27:46).

Posted by Mike Benson at January 15, 2009 12:16 PM

Do something special for someone today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

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)~


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

Please pray for the prayers that people have but are unable to speak or put in writing. Sometimes people just have things on their hearts that they cannot share yet.

Pray for the many families in our area who are grieving the loss of a family member or dear friend.


TODAY’S PRAYER
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
APRIL 7, 2010

“But you are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9~

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 Chief Minister Tony Brown of Isle of Man (western Europe, between Great Britain and Ireland).

DECCANI MUSLIMS OF INDIA (deh-KAH-nee). Recently one local pastor stood and taught more than 40 others how to share Christ among the Deccani Muslims! This is an answer to prayer–to see others trained and rise to the challenge to train still others to make disciples from the Deccani Muslim communities. This has been a rare occurrence due to the historic “separateness” between religious communities in India. Many Christians remain passive towards the Muslim community–but not this one pastor! God has given him a growing passion to see God’s glory cover the Deccani Muslims as the waters cover the sea (see Habakkuk 2:14). Praise God for His answer to prayer: raising up others from within His church as laborers for the field–even training others to do the same! http://www.go2southasia.org/

NYUNGWE OF MOZAMBIQUE (NYUN-gway). Join the Nyungwe Team in giving thanks to God that the first teaching time in February went very well. As you prayed, the Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way as leaders studied God’s Word together. They also worked on how to give a testimony, and then everyone shared their testimonies with the group. One leader who had inherited the leadership of a church by default, even though he himself was not a believer, came to Christ through the testimony time! The group decided to have the next teaching time in September. Ask the Father to continue to work in the lives and hearts of these leaders.cknalls@gmail.com; http://thenalls.wordpress.com/

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

GOD’S PLAN OF salvation has completely leveled the playing field…

In almost every area of life people have some kind of advantage.  In the system called Christianity, all so-called advantages disappear.  This is conclusive proof that God views the prominent people of society in the same way as factory workers and housewives.  Men may put more value on the converted souls of the rich, powerful, well-educated and “well-connected,” but God does not.

An elderly couple had worked in Africa for many years.  They were returning to the United States on an ocean liner.  On this same ship was President Teddy Roosevelt (he was returning from a big game hunting expedition).  The missionary couple watched the fanfare given the President and his entourage.  When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet him.  The Mayor was there to welcome him.  Several newspapers had sent reporters to cover his return.

During the commotion the missionary couple slipped quietly off the ship and found a cheap apartment.  They had no pension, were in poor health, and felt discouraged.  The husband was especially disturbed.  He could not understand how God would allow the President to be treated so well while the years of service he and his wife had offered seemed to be unnoticed and unappreciated.  He claimed that God was being unfair to them.  He bitterly complained to his wife.  She finally turned to him and said, “We’re not home yet.”  Brad Price

“And the base things of the world

and the things which are despised God has chosen,

and the things which are not,

to bring to nothing the things that are,

that no flesh should glory in His presence.

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus,

who became for us wisdom from God–

and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–

that, as it is written, ‘

He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.'”

1 Cor. 1:28-30

Tuesday

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

~James 5:16b~

CaringBridge

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

SHE WAS A Christian woman with whom I’d been acquainted for many years…

In recent months her husband battled some serious ailments. In that time, she developed some conditions of her own. It seemed she was doing better. But her husband woke up one morning, and she did not. She was 81 years old.

But on the last day of 2006 he suffered a heart attack and died. He was 23 years old.These two sketches of real people illustrate a principle we’ve come to know all too well: life is fragile. Though it may seem we’re in the prime of life, enjoying excellent physical health, conditions can change with blinding speed.

An undetected illness surfaces, and carries a poor prognosis. An oncoming car fails to negotiate a curve and veers into our lane. A freak accident occurs on the job. Just when we thought life was going smoothly, the end comes.

James didn’t use the word “fragile” in describing the temporal nature of life, but his image carries the same idea. He wrote:

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13,14, NKJV).

“A little time” may mean ninety years, but it may not. In view of eternity, any number of years begins to look puny. Even if we lived to be 500, it would be “a little time,” and then we would vanish away.

The lesson to be learned was not forgotten by the inspired writer: “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15).

His point: We need to live in view of God’s will. And God’s will is that we be reconciled to Him and live according to His will – every day.

This package contains items that can be easily broken. That’s why I’m asking the postal worker to handle it with care. Similarly, God warns us that our souls are enveloped in fragile containers. Before they break and spill our spirits into eternity, let’s make sure we’re ready.

Let’s live in a constant state of readiness. And if we vanish away today or twenty years from now, we’ll welcome the appointment, knowing we’re heading home!  Tim Hall at:http://www.forthright.net/heavenly_connections/fragile_-_handle_with_care_1.html

“Come now, you who say,

‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city,

spend a year there,

buy and sell,

and make a profit’;

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.

For what is your life?

It is even a vapor that appears for a little time

and then vanishes away.”

~James 4:13,14~

Make today count!

Anna Lee

Monday

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)

Trisha Wilson thanks you for praying for the Easter party at her home Friday.  It went well.  Trisha was able to explain the real meaning of Easter to the children.

CaringBridge

Continue to pray for the Gehringer family.

Continue to pray for Roger Pittman.  His pain continues, but it’s not time to go back to the doctor yet.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I AM NOT a hunter…

In fact, no one could be more removed from that world than I.  However, a couple of years ago a friend took me to his hunting club to check on the “food plots.”  Of course, I had no idea what these were, but I quickly realized that they existed to lure unsuspecting deer to the shooting area by using their need for food.  Wow!  Who knew that eating could get you killed?  (Unless, of course, you have watched any of the Godfather trilogy…)

The idea is not original.  Anyone ever read Genesis 3?  The serpent introduces Eve and Adam to the concept of self-will and, through it, the failure of humanity.

The adversary is still at it today, and he uses the same strategy.  Why would he need something new when the original works so well?  Most of our disappointments, failures and shortcomings are the result of this same trap.  I have never met a person who gets up one morning and says, “Today, I will make a mess of my life!”  Life destruction should never be a conscious choice.  That said, why do we so often find ourselves caught and entangled in the web of sin?  Scripture tells us that the adversary “prowls the earth looking and watching…”  To makes matters worse, he understands our weaknesses and knows how to exploit them.

Jesus prayed in Matthew 6, “lead us not into temptation” (v. 13).  This has always been a curious verse to me.  Would God purposefully do that to God’s children?  No, but through our basic needs and desires, we often do it to ourselves.  And the adversary is glad to give us a little shove.  When we walk with the Lord, He can through Scripture show us the traps (i.e., food plots), even when they look appetizing and inviting…  (Shane Standford, Ronnie Kent)

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” James 1:13-14

Have a productive Monday!

Anna Lee

Saturday

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”

~1 Timothy 2:8~

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 Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar (island off southeastern coast of Africa).

BOZO OF WEST AFRICA (BOH-zoh). “During our last visit to F-village, for which you have been praying, the gentleman who had quietly asked many questions in the privacy of our hut sought us out again,” writes a Bozo Team member. “This time, he boldly came to our group and asked for prayer for healing. He had developed an infection over his eye, resulting in a large cyst. We gently laid hands on this friend and prayed to the Great Physician for healing. The next day, not seeing much of a difference, we offered a ride to the nearest doctor. “No,” he responded. “The prayers of the Christians work. It is already starting to feel better.” Praise the Lord that God is showing His power in amazing ways to this man and that the man is willing to give the glory to our Father!”

WESTERN PUNJABIS OF PAKISTAN (pun-JAH-bees). Give thanks that in answer to your prayers, God has opened doors among university students across Lahore in different avenues in the past year. One avenue involves a team member’s teaching at a local university. After the final exam this month, one student commented to this team member, “Since I was a kindergartener, I have been taught to work hard and make lots of money, and then I will have a nice car, a big house, etc. For the first time in my life, one of my teachers (the team member) has told me that it is more important to love God and live to please Him all my days. I learned in this class that we should ‘Do unto others as we would have them do unto us.’ Thank you for teaching me about really important things in life.” Thank you for making this work possible. Please continue to pray for students across Lahore to see that truth is found in Jesus Christ!http://www.go2southasia.org/

CaringBridge

Smith, Jessie M.

A resident of Kentwood died at 12:02 a.m. on Friday, April 2, 2010 at Southeast Regional Medical Center in Kentwood. She was born December 16, 1916 in Gulfport, MS and was 93 years of age.

McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

LET’S CONSIDER THAT prized trophy or treasured car…

Would you consider leaving it outside in the open, exposed to the elements of nature, animals, dirty-fingered kids, and inconsiderate neighbors?   Probably not.  More likely you would shield it from these elements.  You might make sure it has a special place in the garage or on an out-of-reach shelf.  You would likely cover it with glass and polish it often, or park at the far end of the parking lot to avoid dings in your doors.  You would do your best to protect your treasure.

Do you best to shield and protect your spouse from things that may be harmful to him or her.  This may mean providing adequate housing and a safe car to drive.  It may mean standing up against those who may be cutting your spouse down (even if they are your family).  It may mean walking together in a dark parking lot or hold him or her close during a storm.  Maybe it means protecting your spouse from negative aspects of yourself (i.e., mean words, irresponsible behaviors) by working hard to overcome those behaviors.  As you focus on treating your spouse like the priceless gift that he or she is, many of  those negative aspects of yourself will disappear.  Yes, you can control these.  You probably already do when you are at work, church, or a new acquaintance’s house.  But it seems the more comfortable we feel with someone, the  more we let down these controls.  Don’t let comfort do away with appropriate control.  All of these positive behaviors are protective in nature and will help your spouse feel treasured by you. (Debbie L. Cherry, Discovering the Treasure of Marriage, 72-73).

“Love always protects…”

~1 Corinthians 13:7~

!

That’s why Jesus went to the cross.  He was protecting us in/for eternity!

Anna Lee

Good Friday

“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table;

and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart,

because they did not believe

those who had seen Him after He had risen.

And He said to them,

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

~Mark 16:14-15, NKJV~

Mrs. Mary Young is doing well as she recovers from her surgery.

Frances Gay continues to improve. but I sure it is not as quickly as she would like it to be.

CaringBridge

Baptist Press Stories for Apr. 1, 2010
—————————————
  • Did Jesus rise from the dead?
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32621
  • CULTURE DIGEST: Barna survey: Easter’s meaning unclear to many Americans
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32623
  • Md. churches, via GPS, share Gospel
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32624
  • Saturday outreach is key to GPS
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32625
  • Cooperative Program’s results resonate at missions-minded Living Hope Baptist Church
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32627
  • CP 1.21% behind 2009 pace
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32628
  • Floyd replies to ‘3 questions’ article
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32629
  • Ala. Senate approves electronic bingo
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32630
  • WORLDVIEW: Little Easters
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32631
  • FIRST-PERSON: To the cross
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32632

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
FOR A MOMENT, stretch your imagination…
The manger was near Bethlehem’s sheep pastures, and the shepherds were summooned by heaven.  They were Jews, caring for sheep.  At the same time the priests had their eye on breeding a particular quality of lambs, those without spot or blemish.
Now fast forward thirty-three years.  When Jesus is making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the shepherds are bringing in the sheep, and particular attention is paid to the candidates for the Passover sacrifices.  As Jesus is being tried by Pilate, the priests are carefully examining those sheep.  As they are satisfied they are saying, “I see no blemish in this one…”  Perhaps about that time Pilate is saying, “I find no fault in Him.”  As the blade is put to the throats of the lambs, the nails are driven into the hands of Jesus.  He was, after all, the perfect Lamb of God.  Glenn Colley
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,
like silver or gold,
from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
1 Peter 1:18-19
Jesus is the reason for Good Friday!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Don’t think only about your own affairs,

but be interested in others, too.”

~Philippians 2:4, TLB~


Trisha Wilson thanks you for supporting the Good News Bible Clubs they conducted at the local school.  They have already been approved for next year.  Pray they will be allowed to have more students next year.  She also thanks you for praying for her as she spoke at MOPS.  Her request for this week is for the Easter party she will host at her home for the children in school with her two older children.  So far, she’s expecting to have 22 children Friday.  Pray for good weather so they can go outside but mainly for little hearts to be open to the message of Easter.

Linda Hughes Benfield has been released by her doctor so she is free to drive and even return to work.  Thank God for her good progress.  Thank God for her family who helped take good care of her.

Wanda Cage is now home.  Pray for her as she continues to recover and makes plans for treatment.

Pray for my sister, Carolyn, as she and her daughter fly to visit her other daughter and family tomorrow.  This will be Carolyn’s first flight.  She is very nervous.

CaringBridge

Please take time to read this Baptist Press article.  It gives insight into losing a parent and insight into gaining  a heavenly home while losing earthly family.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=32601

UNDERCOVER BOSS

I don’t know how many of you have watched the TV show “Undercover Boss”, but it is one that intrigues me.  The show features a CEO of any given company who decides to go undercover and work as one of his men on the front lines.  The purpose is to find out what problems there are and what the CEO can do to make it better.  Now to some extent, this show seems a bit staged to me as the workers are almost always more than thrilled to be working for the company and they have unique, difficult situations that they open up about to this “stranger” filming a documentary, whether it be about dialysis or losing their home to a flood. But that aside, it is interesting to watch the reactions of people at the end of the show when they learn that the man that they serve, that they’ve never met, has spent the day working beside them.  And everything they did and said was being observed by the man who pays their salary.

More often than not, the CEO is touched by how hard his employees work and they are rewarded.  Some are rewarded with bigger job opportunities within the company.  Some are given raises, some sent to school, some have foundations set up in their name.  It reminds me so much of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25.  The show for me, makes that passage come alive.  I think a lot about God revealing himself to us at the end of our time and saying, “I was with you.  I was watching you work and heard what you said.  I was impressed with your work ethic.  You work very hard.  I know it hasn’t been easy, but I’m going to make things better for you now.  You do an excellent job where you are at, but I would like you to take on more responsibility.”

This show is helpful in getting me to understand that passage.  I’m afraid too often that I relate far too easily with the steward with one talent.  I hope that God finds me neither afraid or lazy, but can warmly greet me in his “office” and say “Well done good and faithful servant!”

Charity Thomas
Johnson City, TN

(Charity Thomas is the daughter of Alan Smith who usually writes this devotional.)

Share the message of Easter this week.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Keep your eyes open,

hold tight to your convictions,

give it all you’ve got,

be resolute,

and love without stopping.

~1 Corinthians 16:12-15 (MSG)~

Frances Gay is doing better and may be able to come home tomorrow.  Keep praying for her.

Mr. Billy Brabham got a good report.  He will continue the treatment in Hammond that was started earlier in the week.

Rev. Butch Reviere is doing well now.  He will not need any additional treatment.  Thank God for answering many prayers on Bro. Butch’s behalf.

The state WMU meeting in Covington was great last night.  We heard two wonderful speakers.  The meeting continue today.  Pray for those dedicated to sharing the Good News and for those who still have not heard and accepted the Good News.

Nelwyn M. Hendrickson
(November 14, 1930 – March 25, 2010

Mrs. Hendrickson was a resident of Kentwood, LA and died at 12:35PM on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at her residence. She was born November 14, 1930 in Orange County, CA and was 79 years of age and was a retired Register Nurse. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church, East Fork, LA from 10 a.m. on Monday and until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Shumuck. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. Survived by 3 daughters, Amanda Hendrickson, Magnolia, MS, Abbi Hendrickson, Kentwood, Wendy Morris and her husband, Mike, Kentwood, 2 sons, David Hendrickson, Kentwood, Randy Hendrickson and his wife, Darlene, Zachary, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Cecil Hendrickson, parents, H. E. and Lillie MacArthur, sister, Bettye Alderson, 2 brothers, Ed MacArthur and Frank MacArthur, and a grandson, Scott Sterling. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Pray for the faculty and students of KHS as well as the family of Ebony Williams as her life will be celebrated this morning.

CALMING ANGER DOWN

In a west Texas town a few years ago, employees in a medium-sized warehouse noticed the smell of gas.  Sensibly, management evacuated the building, extinguishing all potential sources of ignition — lights, power, etc.

After the building had been evacuated, two technicians from the gas company were dispatched.  Upon entering the building, they found they had difficulty navigating in the dark.  To their frustration, none of the lights worked.

Witnesses later described the vision of one of the technicians reaching into his pocket and retrieving an object that resembled a lighter.  Upon operation of the lighter-like object, the gas in the warehouse exploded, sending pieces of it up to three miles away.

Nothing was found of the technicians, but the lighter was virtually untouched by the explosion.  The technician that was suspected of causing the explosion had never been thought of as “bright” by his peers.

Years ago, Jim Croce, in his song, “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim”, used to sing about things that you don’t dare do (pull the mask off the Lone Ranger or tug on Superman’s cape, for example).  He might have done well to add, “You don’t flick your Bic inside a building with a gas leak”!  In an explosive situation, the last thing you want to do is provide the spark.

We’ve all been around those kinds of situations (not literally, but figuratively) — where someone was angry and it wouldn’t take much to create an explosion.  We have two choices in that setting, described by Solomon in this way:

“A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger.” (Prov. 15:1, NCV)

How I admire those people I know (and my wife is one of them) who have a calming effect on those around them (including me), gently stifling the flames of anger before they burst in flames.

“Wise people calm anger down.” (Prov. 29:8b, NCV)

May God help us all to be wise.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day today as you prepare for the Lord’s day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“You also must help us by prayer,

so that many will give thanks on our behalf

for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

~2 Corinthians 1:11, ESV~

Mr. Billy Brabham started treatment Monday in Hammond.  He’s doing well.  Continue to pray for him and his family.

Pray for the Louisiana WMU as they meet at FBC, Covington tonight and tomorrow.  May the WMU continue to have a big influence!

CaringBridge

Today’s devotional will give all of us an opportunity to think about those we meet and whether or not we take advantage of opportunities we have.  I think this is true both stateside and “across the pond”, although it is probably more true there than here.

“The Second Setting” by Jennie A. Hatchel

http://larrymccrary.com/

Continue to pray for those who have been mentioned lately that have continuing needs and for those who are not listed, but who would benefit from your prayers.  Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee