Category: Devotional

Monday

Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher.

They were looking for a way to get into the house

and set him before Jesus.

When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd,

they went up on the roof,

removed some tiles,

and let him down in the middle of everyone,

right in front of Jesus.

Impressed by their bold belief,

he said, ‘Friend, I forgive your sins.’

~Luke 5:18-20 (Msg)~

Sydney Dixon (Written by her mother, Jess)

She’s doing better! God is faithful and the prayers of many are being answered– the weaning of oxygen is going well so far and we’re hopeful that maybe the doctors will start talking about home tomorrow!

Ryan Diddon

Just wanted to inform you about Ryan, he is the grandson Mr.Eddie Didone and Ms. Barbara Didone of Tangipahoa. From what I understand that a hunter found him this morning he killed himself. Which as I am sure you remember Mr. Eddie done the same thing a couple of years ago.
Just be in Prayer for the family they have had several tragic events in the past years.

Thanks
Stephanie McKenzie

Trisha Wilson, daughter-in-law of Robert and Ora Lee Wilson

Friends, just wanted to ask you to pray for a few evangelistic outreaches. We are hosting Abby Grace’s kindergarten class in our home on Thursday, December 3rd and Graham’s first grade class on the 4th. Both Christmas parties are right after school. We’ll decorate cookies, and then I will share the nativity from FamilyLife, What God Wants for Christmas. I plan to put a bit more of the Gospel in at the end as well. Please pray that kids will come and have a good time, for the Gospel to be clearly heard by all, that I will be filled with the Spirit, and any other thing you can think to pray!

Also, I am speaking at a few women’s outreaches/brunchesl. One is Tuesday evening, December 8th and the other is Saturday, December 12th. Again, please pray women will come and hear a clear presentation and that it will be in a very natural way and not weird or anything!

I appreciate your prayers so much!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Tricia

Pray for Mrs. Jeanette McGhee as she has surgery about the middle of the day.

Mrs. Della McDaniel is doing better.  She hopes to be home be the end of the week.  Keep praying for her and her family.

Signals

aahs.jpgIN THE ACADEMY award-nominated film Traffic, Michael Douglas plays the federal government’s newly appointed drug czar, charged with leading the country’s war on drugs…

In a sad irony, he is so caught up in his rising political career that he is blind to the fact that his own teenage daughter is a drug addict. Because of his wife’s own previous experimentation with drugs, she is able to see what her husband missed–the clear, unmistakable warning signs that her daughter was involved with drugs. When Douglas’ character finally realizes that his own daughter has become hooked on illegal drugs, his wife chastises him for not picking up on the warning signs earlier. The film’s audience feels Douglas’ mix of frustration, self-anger, and helplessness as he realizes that he “should have seen it coming.”

Illicit drug users aren’t the only ones who give warning signs. Research has shown that a wide variety of destructive social behaviors are preceded by visible early-warning signals. Many times, people whose spouses have been unfaithful to them say that, in hindsight, there were signs that something was amiss in the marriage. Similarly, young women suffering from eating disorders often drop clues to their behavior. And frequently those committing suicide will tip off their intentions ahead of time. Of course, not everyone in such situations exhibits the signs. And obviously, not everyone knows how to read the signs properly. But those who do are, more often than not, able to detect that something is wrong and successfully intervene either to prevent or minimize the negative behavior.

Might the same be true for those falling away from the faith? Do those abandoning the Lord telegraph their behavior ahead of time? These are important questions because, if there are some telltale signs that a fellow Christian is drifting away from the faith, keen-eyed believers might be able to act to prevent him or her from falling away. (Brian Simmons)

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2~

Posted by Mike Benson

Take time to think of all the ways you are thankful to God.  Enjoy a great week of expressing to God and others how thankful you are.

Anna Lee

Sunday

And all of you must put on the apron of humility,

to serve one another;

for the scripture says,

“God resists the proud,

but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)

Mr. Earl Dees is doing well following heart surgery.  Keep him in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Rev. Butch Reviere as he seeks medical answers and faces surgery.

Pray for Dr. Earl Council as he also seeks answers concerning his health.

Continue to pray for David Allen.

Robert Earl Sanders
(August 31, 1943 – November 19, 2009)

Died at 4:55 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Canon Hospice Center in Metairie, LA. He was born August 31, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was a resident of Hammond, LA. Age 66 years. He is survived by his 2 brothers, James O. Sanders, III, Covington and Charles David Sanders, Metairie. He was preceded in death by his parents, James O. Sanders, Jr. and Thelma Mae Smith Sanders. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

SOME TIME BACK I read a statement which really got my attention…

The statement declared that a little, tiny gnat can wreck an automobile.  Of course, I wondered, “How?”  And the article then explained that a tiny gnat had wrecked a car by flying into the eye of the driver at a critical time, causing the driver to lose control.

The lesson was quite plain: So often in life, little things can do great harm.  It is easy for us to be like the gnat.  Our petty criticisms, murmuring, complaints, and fault-finding can “wreck” the most ambitious person or program.

Friend, what the church needs is “builders” — not “wreckers.”

Which are you?  David Sain

“Now we exhort you, brethren,
warn those who are unruly,
comfort the fainthearted,
uphold the weak,
be patient with all.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”

~Mark 10:43 MSG~

CaringBridge Sites”

Baptist Press

November 19, 2009

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers: Senate health bill unacceptable. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31722

WASHINGTON–D.C. suit asks for voter input on ‘gay marriage.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31723

LOUISIANA–La. Baptists express CP support. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31724

WASHINGTON–Northwest Baptists welcome 13 churches. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31725

GEORGIA–Churches become ‘Missionary Encouragers.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31726

LOUISIANA–CP VIEWS (Reggie Bridges): Cooperating for missions. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31727

INDIANA–CP VIEWS (Paul Brewster): My two cents worth. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31728

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Penna Dexter): ENDA VS. religious liberty. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31729

KOMpray (Kids on Mission Pray)
November 20, 2009

“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

Thanksgiving Dinner

Have you ever heard of the country of Bhutan?  When you say it, it sounds like boo-TAHN.  Look it up on a map, and you will find it close to India, Bangladesh and Nepal—way over in the eastern part (the right side of the map). Most of the people are Buddhist, not Christian.

There are many people from Bhutan who have moved to the United States.  About 300 live near Richmond, VA, and lot live in Texas.  Maybe there are Bhutanese (boo-TAH-nees) people living in your city too…

Christians are going to invite some of these Bhutanese people to their houses to have Thanksgiving dinner with their families. They will eat turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy.  The people from Bhutan like chilies in their food so maybe they will slip some hot chilies in the dressing!

Pray for the families that invite these Bhutanese people into their homes. Pray that they will explain that Thanksgiving is a holiday when we give thanks to God for His blessings.  Pray for the people from Bhutan that they will want to learn more about God.

Guess what? I’m praying for you too—praying you will have a GREAT Thanksgiving and that you will say “Thank You” to God lots of times for all the wonderful things He is doing for you.

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

Pray that the International School will be able to start their campus in Kuala Lumpur.  MA, age 12 (Southeast Asian peoples)

My family has just moved to a new village in Niger.  Already the Lord has brought me many new friends and I love to run up and down the paths in our village.  Today we had church in our front yard and many people came to hear us sing and tell stories from the Bible.  Please pray that they might come to understand the love of Jesus. NOAH, age 3 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…
Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!
The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!
How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?
A church with faith is a working church. James says, “But someone may wells say, ‘You have faith and I have works’; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).  A church’s faith is measured by the energetic service, involvement, and sacrificial commitment of its members.  Faith finds a way!  We must dream, but we must also work our dreams!
A church with faith has its heart on God. We must never leave God out of the picture.  Too often we talk of future plans and needed works as though God were not even involved.  We conclude that some things are “impossible” or “out of the question” because we have eliminated God from the discussion.  We made the mistake of trying to calculate the future of the church with an adding machine and a slide rule, without leaving room for God!  We may plant and water, but it is God who gives the increase!
Genuine faith is highly visible — it can be seen!  Our problem is that we try to build churches the wrong way around — we want the results of faith without the rigors of faith!  But faith cannot be counterfeited or imitated.  It must be real to produce real church growth!  Bobby Dockery
KneEmail: “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

Dorothy Courtney Stevens
(October 16, 1921 – November 20, 2009)

Dorothy Courtney Stevens

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; When adversity takes the place of prosperity; When friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; When trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” – Washington Irving

Mrs. Dorothy Courtney Stevens was born October 16, 1921 and passed away at 2:45 a.m., Friday, November 20, 2009, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Mrs. Dorothy was 88, a native and resident of Amite.

She is survived by daughter, Margaret Ann Stevens McCoy and husband Bobby R. McCoy, Baton Rouge; son, Larry Earl Stevens and wife Cindy Dees Stevens, Amite; three grandsons, David McCoy and wife Rene, Prairieville; Derek McCoy and wife Shirley, Baton Rouge; Robbie McCoy, Baton Rouge; two granddaughters, Kimberly Stevens Guillory and husband Heath, Ponchatoula; Kristen Stevens, Amite; three great-grandchildren, Madeline, Patrick Wallace and Evangeline McCoy, Prairieville; sister, Margaret Courtney Stevens, Amite.

Preceded in death by husband, Wallace Earl Stevens; parents, Harney and Bessie Shumway Courtney; brother, Norman Courtney.

Pallbearers are David McCoy, Derek McCoy, Robbie McCoy, Ray Bellot, Gerald Melancon, Paul Johnson, and Charles “Butch” Slade. Honorary pallbearer is Greg Dreher.

Visiting at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, November 23, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m and on Tuesday, November 24 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious services at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mike Foster officiating. Interment in Stevens Cemetery, Amite, LA.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Memorial 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 & Bond Eye Clinic.

Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.”

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Pray for Mr. James Miller.  He’s “under the weather”.

Dr. Earl Council is hospitalized in Ruston.  Pray for him and his family as they seek a diagnosis.

Mrs. Jeanette McGehee will have surgery Monday.  Please be in pray for her.

Robert Earl Sanders
(August 31, 1943 – November 19, 2009)

Died on Thursday, November 19, 2009 in New Orleans. He was born August 31, 1943 in New Orleans, LA to James O. Sanders, Jr. and Thelma Mae Smith Sanders. Age 66 years.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time with McKnely Funeral Home, Amite.

Wilton “Ditsy” Bennett
(February 28, 1940 – November 19, 2009)
Died at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at his residence in Loranger, LA. He was born February 28, 1940 in Independence. Age 69 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009. Services conducted by Bro. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. He is survived by his 4 daughters, Tawana Bennett, Loranger, Dana Bennett, Eagle, CO, Rosalind Bennett, Wesson, MS and Shannon Bennett, Independence; a son, Brandon Bennett, Loranger; grandchildren, Hannah Depew, Heaven Schmidt, Hayley Bennett, Ragan Gainey, Tristian Picou and Eathan Bennett; great-grandson, Aiden Gainey; brother, James E. Bennett, Loranger; sister, Barbara Williams, Loranger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Lee Hayden Bennett; parents. Obie and Lettie Cutrer Bennett.

THAT’S AMORE!

Ready for some groaners? (author unknown)

When the moon hits your eye,
Like a big pizza pie,
That’s amore.  (song made popular by Dean Martin in 1953)

When an eel bites your hand,
And that’s not what you planned,
That’s a moray.

When your horse munches straw,
And the bales total four,
That’s some more hay.

When Othello’s poor wife,
Becomes stabbed with a knife,
That’s a Moor, eh?

When you ace your last tests,
Like you did all the rest,
That’s some more “A”s!

A comedian ham,
With the name Amsterdam,
That’s a Morey.

When your chocolate graham,
Is with marshmallows crammed,
That s’more, eh.

When you’ve had quite enough,
Of this dumb rhyming stuff,
That’s “No more!”, eh?

What is amore?  It’s the Italian word for love!  The Greek word is, of course, agape.  And in scripture, love is:

–the cement that holds relationships together, the “bond of perfection” (Col. 3:14)

–the essence of God’s nature (I John 4:7)

–the one thing greater than any of God’s spiritual gifts (I Cor. 13:8)

–the foundation of the greatest command (and the second greatest!) (Mark 12:30-31)

–the culmination of the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7)

That’s amore!  “Let all that you do be done with love.”  (1 Cor 16:14).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great Friday.  Make time to pray!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow

if you can help them now.”

~Proverbs 3:28 TEV~

Frances Gay shared two requests

  • Rachel Booty has been having seizures for about a year.  She had five yesterday and was taken to an emergency room in New Orleans.  Pray for Rachel and her family as they seek the cause of ther problem and the proper treatment.
  • Ann McMillan has also has been having seizures.  She was released from the hospital in Tylertown yesterday.

Your prayer for these will be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Earl Dees will be in CCU for about three days.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

George Langlois
(December 22, 1955 – November 18, 2009)

George Langlois, 53, was born on December 22, 1955 and passed away at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook 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 & Bond Eye Clinic.

Ms. Jessie Jones

Age 61, and a resident of Hammond, Jessie passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a very special person, who touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Having worked in the banking business for the past forty years, she was employed by Capital One for the past ten years as the Hammond branch manager and vice-president.

Jessie is survived by two daughters, Lesley Fannaly, and Ashley Lanoue and husband John; grandsons, Davis and Spencer Lanoue; sister, Susan Patenotte; brother, Jerry Jones Sr. She is also survived by her former husband and longtime friend, Bernie Fannaly and many extended family members, including a special niece, Lori Batts.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Thursday, November 19th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until the funeral service time. Rev. Willie J. Holland will officiate the services and entombment will follow in Rose Memorial Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in memory of Jessie Jones, to the American Cancer Society, 10528 Kentshire Court, Baton Rouge LA 70810.

Condolences and other information are available online at http://www.bgthompsonfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home of Hammond.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…

Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!

The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!

How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?

A church with faith has its FEET ON THE GROUND.  Faith must be rooted in the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  We are living in the age of religious gimmickry.  All sorts of inducements are offered to lure people to worship.  Some will justify anything which fills pews.  Churches seek to sell excitement, entertainment, easy going informality, and minimal commitment.  The only church growth which his real and enduring, however, is that which is based on God’s Word.  Gimmickry betrays a spiritual shallowness.  It is an expression of a loss of confidence in God’s Word.

A church with faith has its HANDS ON THE PLOW.  Jesus said, “No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).  (To be continued).  Bobby Dockery

“Jesus said to him,
‘If you can believe,
all things are possible to him who believes.'”
~Mark 9:23~
I hope you will join us at the cabin tonight for food, fellowship, and a devotional time led by Rev. Dennis Walker.
Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“For what can be known about God is plain to them,

because God has shown it to them.

For his invisible attributes, namely,

his eternal power and divine nature,

have been clearly perceived,

ever since the creation of the world.”

~Romans 1:19-20a, ESV~

We take Micah back to Children’s Hospital for a check up on his overgrowth bone, Wednesday (morning early). Keep us in your prayers.

Thanks,
Gretchen Simpson

Continue to pray for Rev. Butch Reviere as he has additional medical tests.

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000105 EndHTML:0000006222 StartFragment:0000002514 EndFragment:0000006186

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – November 18, 2009

NORTH AFRICANS OF PARIS, FRANCE (PAIR-is). God has answered your prayers for increased involvement on the part of French Christians. Many French believers are now participating in training classes, learning how to share Christ with their neighbors from other cultures. These cross-cultural training sessions are taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please pour out your thanks to God for these brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to learning how to share their witness more comfortably. Pray that they will constantly use these newly acquired skills, boldly sharing the gospel with their neighbors. Pray that those being trained will then train others and that many will come to salvation as a result.

BISSA OF BURKINA FASO (BEE-sah). “‘Group Meditation.’ In a women’s group, that’s what they’ve begun to call repeating a Bible story that they are learning,” writes missionary Kathy Shafto. “They gather in a building with a straw roof and a dirt floor. Before the meeting, one woman with a servant heart sweeps the floor of its wind-blown debris and animal droppings. Some of the women are not readers, so this ‘group meditation’ (repetition) is helpful to them and to all the rest of the group as well. They listen carefully as someone tells the story, and then go around the group, repeating the story and listening intently to see if correction is needed. If some are struggling, they act it out. During the telling and retelling and correcting of the story (with much celebration for those who tell it without fault or help), they find that the Holy Spirit is whispering to those hearts who are meditating on His spoken Word. Recently the story was about Mary and Martha. ‘What has God said to you through this story?’ I asked. One responded, ‘When we have visitors in our homes, we should give them more than just food; we should talk about what Jesus would talk about.’ Thank God with me for these women who, according to Colossians 3:16, are letting the Word of Christ dwell in them richly as they teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as they sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts to God.” http://www.shaftonews@blogspot.com

MEMPHIS PEOPLE OF CHINA. Please pray for J as she faces many challenges. Authorities have questioned her and tried to intimidate her. The Lord has given her the right answers each time, and she has felt total peace. She has lots of rats in her house, and they are eating her grain, clothes and books. Like most people who live in villages, she doesn’t have screens on her windows. She had two cats, but they only stayed for a few days and wanted out and never returned. Please pray for this courageous woman to stand firm, and ask for God’s protection wherever she goes. Please pray for co-workers for her and encouragement from other believers.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

FAITH IS INDISPENSIBLE in the lives of individual Christians (Hebrews 11:6)…
Faith is also the vital ingredient for church growth.  The words “faith” and “belief” are used almost 500 times in the New Testament.  No individual or congregation can ever be great without faith!

The contemporary religious scene offers no shortage of church growth experts who tout a wide variety of leadership styles, management plans, and growth strategies for building bigger, better, more exciting churches.  In the final analysis, however, real growth in any congregation will never rise above the level of faith of its membership and leadership!

How can you determine whether or not a church possesses genuine faith?

A church with faith has its EYE ON THE FUTURE.  Faith causes a church to dream.  A church with faith has a plan, a vision for the future.  Too often we are ready to set limits — “We are big enough, are active enough, are well enough equipped, etc.”  But faith looks to the future.  We must dream or we die!  Our faith is just as big as our plan for the future! (To be continued)  Bobby Dockery

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The share group will meet tomorrow night at the cabin at 6:30.  You are invited to join us.
Thank-you for praying today.  You are appreciated!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.

Mark 10:43 (MSG)

Caring Bridge Sites

Wayne Morris is home with hospice care.  Please remember Cora, the girls, and other family members.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

CHURCH MEMBERS NEED to be close to church members…

Anytime a Christian creates distance between himself and the church, he is under a great threat of falling away from the faith.  Some folks prefer to not be too involved with the work of the church, choosing rather to fall somewhere between “visitors” and “members”.  They come on Snday mornings to worship God, which is good in itself, but have little or no other interaction with the other Christians in the church for the rest of the week.
Take a valuable history lesson:
When ther great nation of israel prepared to cross the Jordan and take Canaan away from the enemies of God, and thus be blessed, two of the twelve tribes stalled.    1 “Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock, 2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, 3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, 4 the country which the LORD defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.” 5 Therefore they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan” (Numbers 32:1-5).
The request regarding cattle sounded reasonable, as do most arguments which excuse compromise, but it was compromise none the less.  Their loyalty should have been to God’s people.  In other words, they said, “We like it here in the suburbs of Canaan.  You all go in and fight all the battles of Canaan, and we’ll just be content to build our houses here.”  Moses said, “No way!”  “Shall your brethren go up and fight while you sit here in comfort?”  No.  You come fight the battles of Canaan, and then if you choose, you may come live here in the suburbs of God’s Canaan land.”
And so they did.  Weren’t they like some Christians today who are half-hearted in their loyalty to the Lord’s church?
Let’s look at another scene, after many years have passed.  Israel has had times of great faith and obedience, but many more of idolatry and disobedience.  Ultimately, a divided Israel would fall into the hands of the idolatrous enemies, Assyria and Babylon, because of their worldliness in bowing to the gods of the heathen.  That fact is widely known.  But I want you to see something else.  Which tribes in Isarel went down first?  We see in 1 Chronicles 5:25-26 that is was Reuben and Gad.
As history progressed, it appears that they bowed first to the gods of the nearby peoples; and now they are the first to go into captivity.  Half-heartedness in the united work of God’s people always seems and easy way to be religious, but it costs, not pays.
The solution is to grow out of it!  Never be satisfied with keeping your distance from the activities of the Lord’s church.  Attend all the services of the Lord’s church.  Find a good work you can enjoy doing, and get at it.  Take advantage of opportunities to be around other Christians.
Be close, stay close, and let’s help each other go to heaven.  Glenn Colley
“Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
but how can one be warm alone?”
Ecclesiastes 4:11
The share group will meet at the cabin Thursday at 6:30.  You are invited to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.  At this time, it seems Rev. Dennie Walker will be our guest speaker.  Come and receive a blessing.
Anna Lee

Monday

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God

as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,

accurately handling the word of truth.”

~2 Timothy 2:15, NASB~

Revival at FBC, Kentwood has been great.  I haven been to Greenlaw, but I’m sure they are also having good services.  The Monday – Wednesday meetings at both churches will be at 6:30.  “Y’all come!”

Today, I want to remind you to pray for a few people.

  • Mrs. Kathryn Sanders
  • Chuck Puttman
  • Mrs. Faye Price
  • Mrs. Nat McKinney
  • Rev. Butch Reviere
  • Cliff and Lauree Titus

I wish I had read this before teaching a lesson on the prodigal son yesterday.

Prodigal

abson.jpgThe Prodigal Son, in the Key of ‘F’

Feeling footloose and frisky, a feather-brained fellow forced his fond father to fork over the family finances. He flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune feasting fabulously with faithless friends.

Finally, facing famine and fleeced by he fellows in folly, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy farmyard. Fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with the foraged foods of the fodder fragments left by the filthy farmyard creatures.

“Fooey”, he said, My father’s flunkies fare far fancier.” The fugitive found feverishly, frankly facing facts. Frustrated by failure and filled with foreboding he forthwith fled to his family.

Falling at father’s feet, he floundered forlornly. “Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favor,” But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching frantically flagged the flunkies. “Fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.”

But the fugitive’s fault-finding frater frowned on the fickle forgiveness of the former folderol. His fury flashed. But fussing was futile, for the far-sighted father figured such filial fidelity is fine, but forbids fervent festivity?

The fugitive found. “Unfurl the flags, with fanfares flaring Let fun and frolic freely flow ” Former failure is forgiven, folly is forsaken And forgiveness forms the foundation for futile fortitude.” (Charles Hastings Smith)

“And he arose and came to his father. But hen he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

Posted by Mike Benson

Set  your mind to having a great week!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”

~Mark 10:43 MSG~

Caring Bridge

Baptist Press

November 13, 2009

VIRGINIA–In Ethiopia, uncovering the truth. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31686

LOUISIANA–Great Commission resurgence requires radical change, Rankin says. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31687

WASHINGTON–Calif. reverses on non-embryonic research. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31688

WASHINGTON–Attorney: ENDA would ‘burden’ religious groups. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31689

WASHINGTON–Down diagnoses in unborn up, births down. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31690

GEORGIA–‘Fireproof’ makers to announce next movie. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31691

COLORADO–Colo. Baptists mark 54th meeting. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31692

GEORGIA–Ga. Baptists minister in the rain. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31693

SOUTH CAROLINA–S.C. Baptists address legislative issues. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31694

MISSOURI–Anglo-Hispanic ties grow in Mexico (Mo.). http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31695

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Christians concerned over Orissa acquittal rate. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31696

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): If he talks & behaves like a terrorist … http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31697

KOMpray

40 Days and 40 Nights

Can you imagine??? Some missionary kids in Africa get to go to a bush camp, visit a crocodile farm, eat foreign foods!  Missionary families working with Sub-Saharan African people groups can go to a special training called 40/40.  For 40 days and 40 nights, they learn how to live in Africa and learn more about the culture there.

Missionaries are real people who sometimes get nervous about talking in the local language.  Their 40/40 training helps them not be so nervous.  It’s a little like you.  When you first learned to read, it was kind of scary to stand in front of a class and read from a book.  But now?  You are an expert, aren’t you?  …okay, maybe you need more practice… That’s just what the missionaries and their children need—practice.  40/40 helps them get that practice.

One missionary learned so well, he went into a village by himself and talked to the chief of the village.  Then he sat in the yard with 23 people and told them about Jesus.  He was SO excited!

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

Please pray for my friends because not all are Christians.  Please pray for my family that they will be safe and please pray for me that I will know God more, (I am a Christian but I still need to learn and need God’s help).  JESSE, age 13 (East Asian peoples)

Me and my family are going to the US for a year.  And we won’t go back to the same country when we go back to the field.  I am very, very, very sad.  After we go to the USA for a year we are going to a different country.  Got to go and thank you.  Bye.  PS.  Please pray for my family.  AY, age 8 (East Asian peoples)

Who’s missing? Whose mission?

You play a key role in teaching children about God’s love for children who live in Peru, Ghana, India or China, about the people He uses to show His love and about His commission to all who love Him to tell His story around the world. During 2009, we invite you to join us as we focus on “Who’s Missing? Whose Mission?”  More than 1.5 billion people are still missing out on the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Do your children know they have an important role in helping to reach them?

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

RECENTLY MY WIFE and I sat in the backyard swing discussing how busy our lives had become…

Between activities at work, a full schedule with our church family, grandchildren and various other commitments, we determined that we hardly had time to even talk with one another.  We continued with a discussion of the reasons for all that we were involved in when my wife said, “You know, one of the sweetest times I can remember was sitting in the carport, eating cheerios, watching the rain pour down, and talking to each other’s hearts.”  She remembered how relaxed we were when I was recovering from heart-valve replacement and she was looking after me. Memories are the wallpaper of our hearts, and on those sheets we write the things that matter and affect us the most.  I understood exactly what she was feeling, because I felt it too.

How much joy do we miss because we have allowed the world to dictate what we do with our time, and because we allow others to assign importance to the real treasure that makes up our lives–our time?  We fill up every minute with things that “must” be done or else.  More often than not, that “or else” amounts to virtually nothing.  Our time is the most important commidity we have.  We measure our very lives by time and write on our hearts the memories that matter.  Those we help, those we love, those we pray for, those we share with, and those we serve are all written in the time record of our lives.

Perhaps the lesson is that no matter what we “must” make time for, we should never neglect to just eat cheerios and watch the rain.  Don’t just use time…make it count.  Ken Upchurch

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16
Reminders
  1. Revival at Greenlaw Baptist Church led by Rev. Gibby McMillan
  2. Revival at FBC, Kentwood led by Dr. Bill Richardson and Rev. Dennis Walker.  Bring side dishes  and desserts for dinner tomorrow.
Have a great day today as you prepare for the Lord’s Day tomorrow.
Anna Lee

Friday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Please pray for Billie Jean Booty.  She continues to have several health issues.  Your prayers  will be greatly appreciated.

Caring Bridge Sites:

PRETEND THAT YOU’RE HAVING A HEART ATTACK

The story is told of a married couple who enjoyed their luxury fishing boat together, but it was the husband who was always behind the wheel operating the boat.  He was concerned about what might happen in an emergency.  So one day out on the lake he said to his wife, “Please take the wheel, dear.  Pretend that I am having a heart attack.  You must get the boat safely to shore.”  So she drove the boat to shore.

Later that evening, the wife walked into the living room where her husband was watching television. She sat down next to him, switched the TV channel, and said to him, “Please go into the kitchen, dear.  Pretend I’m having a heart attack.  You must set the table, cook the dinner, and wash the dishes.”

It’s not a very pleasant thing to pretend such a thing, but there are some legitimate concerns we should have.  I wouldn’t consider it at all out of place for an insurance salesman to ask the question, “If you were to have a heart attack today, would your wife and children be taken care of?”

An even more important question, though, needs to be raised as we consider our spiritual relationship with God.  If I were to have a heart attack tonight and die, would I be prepared to stand before the great judgment seat of Christ?  It’s a legitimate question.  When I was a teenager, I thought that I would live forever.  As I grow older, I become more and more aware of the fact that each day is a blessing provided by God, and I am not promised even one more.

“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)

I know it requires a degree of seriousness that may make you a bit uncomfortable, but just for a moment, pretend that you are having a heart attack.  Are you prepared for eternity?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Enjoy a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee