Category: Devotional

Thursday

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord

does not save with sword and spear;

for the battle is the Lord’s,

and He will give you into our hands.”

~1 Samuel 17:47~

Pray for the LaBauve family and the Carter family because of the loss of a loved one.

Pray the senior adults have another great day in Branson.  Pray that as they interact with various people today, those people will see Jesus in them.

Pray for all the rest of us that as we interact with people wherever we are, those people will see Jesus in us.

Caring Bridge Sites

Baptist Press

November 11, 2009

WASHINGTON–ERLC lays out 15  principles for health care reform. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31663

TEXAS–AMA reconsiders medical marijuana. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31664

FLORIDA–VETERANS DAY: WWII POW recounts a sustaining faith. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31665

FLORIDA–VETERANS DAY: After Battle of the Bulge, he credits angels’ care. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31666

TEXAS–VETERANS DAY: Prof to serve God & country. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31667

TEXAS–Obama, at memorial, cites troops’ defense of freedom. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31668

TENNESSEE–BP journalism contest draws 20 schools. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31669

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Adam Cole): Christ, at work in the military. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31670

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (David Francis): Missions and class Christmas parties. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31671

Leave

aaam.jpgWHAT SHOULD WE leave behind when we die…?

A faithful family.

We will leave a mourning family behind on that sad day, but will we leave a faithful one? Will each be on his or her way to heaven? We are not able to make decisions for them, but we will have a great influence on each, especially our children (Proverbs 22:6).

Sarah left a godly man to mourn (Genesis 23:2).

Abraham left faithful sons behind (Genesis 18:19; 25:8).

Zebedee and Salome gave the world James and John. Lois taught Eunice, who molded Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5;3:15).

If we would leave such a family, we must start NOW, because the years may come when they will not listen (Ecclesiastes 12:2). No greater legacy can be left than faith in God and faithfulness to His church. (Allen Webster)

“You are the light of the world…” Matthew 5:14a

Posted by Mike Benson


“This little light of mine.

I’m going to let it shine….”

Let your light shine today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find;

knock, and it will be opened to you.”

~Matthew 7:7~

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders is home and doing better.  Please continue to pray for her.

Dr. Earl Council is also felling much better.  He got a good report yesterday in Ruston.

There are no funeral arrangements for Jean Carter DiMauro yet.  Please continue to pray for the family.

Mrs. Lois LaBauve

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Baptist Press
November 10, 2009

TEXAS–Pastor treks to mosque in Killeen. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31656

TEXAS–At Fort Hood, chaplain aids grief-stricken. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31657

TEXAS–2 mass murders in 1 town improbable, pastor says. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31658

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers: No room for compromise in health care. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31659

IOWA–Iowa messengers approve sale of building. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31660

GEORGIA–States to handle DR for Ida. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31661

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Scott Barkley): Happy birthday to us. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31662

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

TWO “OLD BOYS” down home went deer hunting and hit the jackpot…

They killed an eleven-point buck and were dragging him through the thick underbrush toward their truck when they encountered another hunter who offered some free and unsolicited, “Fellows, it’s none of my business, but if you will pull that deer by the horns instead of by the legs, those horns won’t get caught in the underbrush, and he will be lots easier to pull.”

Recognizing the wisdom involved, combined with their desire to be friendly, they  dropped the deers legs, grabbed him by the horns, and started pulling.  After a couple of minutes, one of them commented that their benefactor was one smart guy because the deer was much easier to pull.  The other “old boy” wasn’t so sure about the wisdom, though, as he said, “Yes, but we’re getting farther from the truck all of the time!”

Of course, it’s a joke.  However, it’s not a joke that many husbands and wives are getting farther apart as the years go by when they should be getting closer together.  The net result is that our society and our way of life are all being negatively impacted, and our nation itself, based on historical evidence, is threatened.  Zig Ziglar

“And He answered and said to them,
“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘
made them male and female,’ and said, ‘
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh’?
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
let not man separate.”
Matthew 19:4-6
Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

We are to use our blessings to bless others.

“I will make you into a great nation.

I will bless you . . . and you will be a blessing to others.”

~Genesis 12:2 NLT~

Senior Adult Branson Trip

We arrived about 5:45 p.m., checked into motel and went to dinner.   Tues. we see 12 Irish Tenors, go on Showboat Branson Belle for dinner and then to Baldknobbers show.  Sounds like a full day.

Majel Dean

Pray for the LeBauve family as they make funeral arrangements for “Miss” Lois today.

Pray for Jean Carter DiMauro’s family as they also approach time for her funeral.

Caring Bridge Sites

Baptist Press

November 9, 2009

RUSSIA–Russia may restrict missionary activity. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31647

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers win major victory in House. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31646

TEXAS–Chaplains at Fort Hood face wide-ranging needs. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31648

TEXAS–Fort Hood-area churches offer refuge. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31649

TEXAS–Gov. urges Fort Hood community to mutual support. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31650

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Mark Edworthy): The wall became a door. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31651

ILLINOIS–FIRST-PERSON (Mark Coppenger): One down. One to go. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31652

MISSOURI–BERLIN WALL RETROSPECTIVE (R. Philip Roberts): True freedom. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31653

VIRGINIA–Liberty students swing election, get lesson in democracy. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31654

FLORIDA–Fla. Baptists to brave Ida winds & rain. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31655

Mature

laughing.jpgTOP TEN SIGNS YOU’RE GROWING MORE “MATURE”

10. Your teeth spend the night in a jar.

9. You have an executive “lift” chair.

8. It takes you longer to go to sleep than it did to get tired.

7. You and the pharmacist are on a first-name basis.

6. It takes you twice as long to look half as nice.

5. The pressing question of your life is, “Where did I park the car?”

4. You get winded playing Bible Trivia.

3. You know all of the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.

2. You walk with your head held high…to see through your bifocals.

1. Shuffleboard doesn’t sound too bad.

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

Posted by Mike Benson

Pray for our senior adults as they have fun and are walking, talking testimories to others as they spend the week in Branson.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Monday

Three requests from Susie Sharkey

Please be in prayer for Wanzie Williams. She had to go to the ER yesterday. She said they told her that her blood pressure was high and treated her for inter-ear. She is still going on the senior trip anyway.

Please be in prayer for Roy Frazier. He is in MD Anderson and is having congestive heart problems. Roy is Julee Sharkey Frazier husband.

Also my daughter-in-law (Heather Sharkey) wanted me to put Buddy Colton on the prayer list. He also is going to MD with cancer.

Pray for the senior adults as they begin traveling at 6:30 this morning.

Stay alert to the Hurricane Ida updates.  Pray for those in the path of the storm.  Make early preparations in case we are affected.

Captain Kirk S. Varnado
(January 18, 1940 – November 8, 2009)

Captain Kirk S. Varnado

Captain Kirk S. Varnado was born January 18, 1940 and passed away at 1:18 A.M., Sunday November 8, 2009 at his residence in Amite. Kirk was 69 years young and a native of Independence.

Captain Kirk was a retired supply boat captain with over 30 years of service. After retireing his passion was riding his motorcycle.

Captain Kirk is survived by his 2 daughters,Krystal Varnado, Amite, and Deborah Varnado, New Smyrna Beach, FL.; 1 son, Billy Shane Cooley, Sandusky, Ohio; 6 grandchildren, Raven Cannon, River Hayden, Riley Hayden, Emily Cooley Taylor Cooley, and Justin Cooley; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Iley and Alva Antonio Varnado; previous wives, Deborah P. Varnado and Delores H. Varnado; 1 sister, Virginia Golman; 5 brothers, Edgar Iley Varnado,Donald Earl Varnado, Henry Norton Varnado, Charles Bernard Varnado, and

Visitation will be at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 12 Noon until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 4:00 P.M. with Rev. Larry Blades officiating. Cremation to follow conclusion of services.

In lieu of flowers the family request plants or pick-up cards for later use.

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy. 16 West behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond Eye Clinic.

Repentance

WHEN BABIES ARE born prematurely, one of the most common critical problems is with their underdeveloped lungs…

In September 1996, the New England Journal of Medicine reported the results of a pilot study that offered hopeful treatment. The treatment is surprising. In the study, doctors filled the lungs of critically ill premature babies with liquid — an oxygen-rich liquid. Through this liquid the babies actually “breathe.”

Normally, when fluid fills the lungs, people drown. But this special oxygen-filled fluid actually saves lives.

In a similar way,

there is a sorrow that kills

and another sort of sorrow that brings life.

Sorrow because there are consequences for my sin

drowns my spirit and brings death;

godly sorrow that produces repentance brings life.

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation,

not to be regretted;

but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

2 Cor. 7:10

Posted by Mike Benson at October 31, 2008

Thanks for praying today.  Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and His ears are open to their prayers;

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

~1 Peter 3:12~

Caring Bridge

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
A MAN IN his sixties was walking down the street of a modern subdivision…
In his hand was a scrap of paper from a doctor’s office with a name and address scribbled in pencil.  As the man approached the house, he waded the paper and pushed it into his pocket.  He made his way to the front door, pushed the doorbell button, and waited anxiously.
Earlier that day, the man had been reading a medical journal in a doctor’s office wiating room when he came across an interesting article about organ donation.  He was reading how so many people were on waiting-lists for kidney transplants, and how some would surely die waiting.  As he closed the journal, still waiting for his name to be called, he imagined what it would be like too be dying in a waiting room.  Right then, he made the decision to donate one of his kidneys.
An hour after asking his doctor for a lead, he was standing out in the cold on the doorstep of a complete stranger.  As he herd the door being unlocked from the inside, he was eager to look upon the face of the one who would benefit from his sacrifice.  The door pulled open.
“If you’re selling something, I’m not interested.”  The first response was automatic.  The man inside was middle-aged and appeared somewhat annoyed by his uninvited guest.  “No, I’m not selling anything sir,” the older man answered back.  “Actually, I guess it might seem odd why I’m here, but you see, I was just out walking and this air is terribly cold, so I thought perhaps you would allow me to step in for a few moments to warm up…”  The man inside hesitated for a couple of seconds, glancing back and then sighing with a hint of frustration.  “Alright, come on in.”  The invitation was cold and half-empty.
The older man stepped into the warm house, and for the next few minutes, he did everything he could to carry on small-talk with the stranger.  More than anything, he just wanted a glimpse of who this man was, a peek at the life he would spare.  But it soon became evident that this man was ready for his guest to leave.  “Sorry, but I’ve got something planned, so I’m afriad you’re going to have to be on your way now.”
The older man generously offered his thanks and quickly stepped back out into the cold.  As he walked away from the house, he paused and looked back.  Through the large front window, he watched as the man inside plopped down in front of a television and reclined back in his chair.  It was precisely at this moment, as he looked upon the undeserving man, that he smiled and said to himself, “This is the man I want to help.”
Why choose to help someone who doesn’t deserve it?  When Jesus came to this earth, he voluntarily sacrificed himself to offer us hope — and certainly not because we deserved it.  As Christ hung on the cross, He looked down upon an undeserving crowd of spectators and cried, “Father, forgive them…”  Thank God that His desire to save the hopeless was not detoured by rejection. Alan Pitchford
“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die;
yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:7-8
Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

~Philippians 4:13 NIV~

Pray for the LaBauve family today as they face a difficult day.

Caring Bridge

Looks

ajesus.jpgTHE BIBLE DOES describe the physical appearance of many people…

Moses was said to be a beautiful child. People spoke of King Saul as being handsome, standing a head taller than anyone in Israel. David and Solomon were both “ruddy,” handsome men.

But what of Jesus?

Nothing. Zilch. Zero. Not a word about a regal nose, handsome visage, or muscular body. In fact, the Bible tells us virtually nothing about Jesus’ looks. Only that he “has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” ( Isa. 53:2 NKJV).

From those words we might presume Jesus wasn’t handsome, at least not in the way modern artists portray Him. Apparently, in the mind of God, this was a nonissue. Jesus’ words and character and love drew people to Him, not His dashing good looks. (Mark Littleton)

THOUGHT: We probably put too much emphasis on a person’s outside.

KneEmail: But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” ( 1 Sam. 16:7; cf. v. 12).

Posted by Mike Benson

Thanks for “tuning in” today.  Don’t forget to pray for the needs mentioned today and in recent days.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone . . .

If you fall, your friend can help you up.

But if you fall without having a friend nearby,

you are really in trouble”

~Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 CEV~

Missions Rally

FBC, Kentwood

Tonight at 6:30

Dr. and Mrs.  Jerry Rankin

Dr. Rankin leads the International Mission Board.

His extended family has served for many years as missionaries

and continues to do.

This will be once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!


Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price.  She’s still at North Oaks.  Pray for her family as they continue to stick by her day-by-day.  It has now been eleven months since “Miss” Faye had heart surgery.

Thank God that Jim Slaven’s heart is not damaged from the problems he had Staurday.

Pray for the many people with viruses and different forms of the flu.  Pray they will recover completely without spreading what they have.

Continue to pray for David Allen and his family.

There have been several updates for some of the children we have been praying for.  You may need to read the journal section  of the links below.  Caring Bridge sites:

Ruth Konzleman sent word this morning that Dennis Konzleman just passed away.  Arrangements will be posted when they become available.  Your prayers for the family will be appreciated.

I think I may have shared this devotional before, but as I think of long-term illnesses like some I have mentioned today I realize we may need this reminder.  I hope some of you can relate to this or share the message with someone else who is weary and needs encouragement.

Weary

football.jpgTHE WORST DEFEAT in a college football game came on October 7, 1916, when Georgia Tech played Cumberland College of Tennessee…

The final score was 222 to 0. The much smaller Cumberland players were mauled.

Cumberland had discontinued its football program before the season, but was not permitted to cancel its game against the Engineers. The fact that Cumberland’s baseball team had crushed Georgia Tech earlier that year 22-0 (amidst allegations that Cumberland used professional players) probably accounted for Georgia Tech coach John Heisman’s running up the score on the bulldogs.

Cumberland received the opening kickoff and failed to make a first down. After a punt, the Engineers scored on their first play. Cumberland then fumbled on their next play from scrimmage, and a Tech player returned it for another touchdown. The Bulldogs fumbled again the next time they had the ball, and Tech took two plays to score its third touchdown. Cumberland lost nine yard on its next possession, then gave up a fourth touchdown two plays later.

The Engineerss led 63-0 after the first quarter and 126-0 at halftime. Tech added 54 more points in the third quarter and 42 in the final period. Cumberland’s longest play during the game was a 10-yard pass (on 4th and 22). Tech scored on every one of its drives.

Sometimes our situation seems hopeless. We’ve dropped the ball and we don’t feel like picking it up again and running with it. We’ve been knocked down time and time again, and we just want to quit the game. But what we feel like doing and what we should do are two different things.

“Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 NIV

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a fantastic day.  Be sure to schedule in 6:30 for the Missions Rally!

Anna Lee

Monday

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles,

some prophets,

some evangelists,

and some pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints.”

~Ephesians 4:11-12a, NKJV~

Mrs. Faye Price continues to be at North Oaks.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Tomorrow night at 6:30, Dr. Jerry Rankin will be the speaker at FBC, Kentwood.  Dr. Rankin has served as a missionary for many years and is now president of the International Mission Board.  You are invited and encouraged to attend.

Panic

panic2.jpgTHERE WERE SOME anxious moments at our house as my daughter and I prepared for our mission trip…

Late in the packing process we discovered that my passport that had been set out earlier, was not a current passport! That current passport was not where we expected it to be.

For about an hour, we gave the term ransack new meaning. God answered our fervent prayers and we found the all-important document.

Those who travel understand the seriousness of misplacing a passport. This document shows you are a citizen of the United States and have been cleared for travel to other countries. Without it I would have been denied admission to Peru. Actually, I wouldn’t have been allowed onto the plane headed for Peru. I would have been left behind.

As I reflect upon that nerve-wracking episode, I think of a more vital appointment. Jesus spoke about it in Matthew 25:31,32:

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and
all the holy angels with Him, then He will
sit on the throne of His glory. All the
nations will be gathered before Him, and He
will separate them one from another, as a
shepherd divides his sheep from the goats”
(NKJV).

Following the pronouncement of judgment, only two destinations will await those who have been sentenced. Of the two, heaven and hell, all know the destination to which they want to go.

Earlier in that chapter (verses 1-13), Jesus spoke the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. Ten young women anxiously awaited the arrival of the bridegroom. The wait was longer than expected and five of them found that their supply of oil for their lamps was not sufficient. While they were away buying oil, the bridegroom came and the door was shut. The five foolish maidens were barred from the celebration they had dreamed about. They should have made better preparation.

There will be those at the Day of Judgment who will experience panic far worse than I recently felt. They will assume they’re ready for the coming of Jesus — but they won’t be. For them there will be no second chance. The sound of heaven’s door closing will be heard, and it will prompt “weeping and gnashing of teeth” ( Matthew 25:30). As you read this, realize one thing: You have this opportunity to make preparations for the coming of the Lord. You may not have another opportunity. We urge you out of genuine Christian love to prepare your soul for the certain arrival of Jesus Christ! Tim Hall at http://forthright.net

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.” Matthew 25:1-3

Posted by Mike Benson

A great week awaits us.  Let’s get going!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost

those who come to God through Him,

since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

~Hebrews 7:25~

Trisha Wilson is married to Dwayne Wilson, the son of Robert and Ora Lee Wilson.  She sent you a wonderful thank-you card with a picture of the family.

Just a note to thank you and all those on the prayer link for praying for me.  Whatever I had that was causing so much pain and swelling seems to be gone and I pray it doesn’t come back.  What a very strange 7 or 8 weeks I had!  I am grateful for so many prayers for me and how God answered.

Mildred H. Duncan
(March 25, 1922 – October 30, 2009)

Died on Friday, October 30, 2009 at South McComb Extended Care in McComb, MS. She was a native of New Orleans, LA, a resident of McComb, MS and a former lifelong resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 87 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 1 p.m. on Wednesday and until religious services at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Dennis Walker. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by 2 sisters, Judy Cornette, McComb, MS, Shirley Kizer, Osyka, MS, 6 grandchildren, James Kizer, Petal, MS, Alton Dillon, Sacramento, CA, Anita Phillips, McComb, MS, Bridgette Dutt, Denver, CO, Mickel Dean, Morton, MS, Pamela Cutrer, McComb, MS. Preceded in death by daughter, Lena Winstead, sister, Florence Duncan, brother, George Hughes.

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

“YOU’LL HAVE A hard time topping him…!”

This was the comment made by a well-intentioned Christian lady to the next speaker on the lectureship.  He responded to this sister, “I don’t want to top him.  We’re on the same side.”  Though I’m sure this sweet Christian lady meant nothing negative, it reminds me of the old saying, “There is no competition among light houses.”  We would do well to remember that sentiment on a regular basis.
There seems to be an infatuation with some Christians that they “get credit” for their work.  Some preachers have even warned, “If you use my material, be sure to give me credit.”  In the secular world there is surely understandable, but in the Lord’s church the obsession with getting credit seems a bit out of place.  My goal as a Gospel preacher is not about “getting credit.”  My “credit” is not on this earth.  My goal is to save souls, and if I produce something that will help others more effectively accomplish this goal, then please use it.

The Pharisees were very concerned with getting credit and with being seen of men.  When they gave alms, they wanted credit among men.  When they prayed, they wanted credit among men.  But the Lord said, “Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:2).  May our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees!

One is also reminded of Herod in Acts 12 who evidently had given a very eloquent verbal presentation.  Though the praise of the people was certainly excessive, Herod enjoyed it nonetheless.  The text however says that “an angel the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God…”  Without a doubt this is where all credit should be directed.  Though we may have been blessed with great ability, it must be remembered that it was given to us by God.

In the business world, employees who work for the same company labor together to produce a product that will benefit the business.  And ultimately, the credit goes to the company, not the individual.  In fact, under the U.S. copyright law’s work-made-for-hire-doctrine, the owner of an intellectual creation is not the employee who originated the idea, but rather the company for whom he works.
In the Lord’s church, well all work for the same “company” if you will.  Though the Lord’s church is not a company, it is a team of people all working together to accomplish the same goal — save souls and to give God the glory.  Let’s let the credit remain with the Owner of the church.  (Don Blackwell)

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let Your glory be above all the earth.”
~Psalm 57:5~
Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Don’t carelessly place yourself in tempting situations.

Avoid them.”

~Proverbs 14:16 TEV~

Today, let’s catch up on the Caring Bridge sites.

You may not be interested in all of the Baptist Press articles from Friday, but I found several of them very interesting.  Hopefully, you’ll have time to read a few today.
October 30, 2009

WASHINGTON–Health care fight nears over abortion. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31588

NEW JERSEY–ELECTION 09: N.J. race among several key elections. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31589

VIRGINIA–Vodka unlikely ally for missionary to Lezghi Muslims. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31590

TENNESSEE–CP EMPHASIS: Diverse profiles reveal a common passion for cooperation. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31591

LOUISIANA–CP EMPHASIS: Seminarians speak up. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31592

TENNESSEE–BP journalism conf. ventures to the Web. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31593

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: Vatican invitation could mean married priests. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31594

MISSOURI–Mo. board authorized to act on suits against 5 breakaways. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31595

GEORGIA–CP EMPHASIS (FIRST-PERSON, Jim Burton): What about the missionaries? http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31596

MISSOURI–FIRST-PERSON (Tim Ellsworth): A prom to remember. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31597

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Hate crimes law intended to silence. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31598

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

MANY PEOPLE SUFFER from what has been called the ‘hamster syndrome…’
Day after day, these cute creatures run their little hearts out on an exercise wheel mounted in their cages.  Yet for all that effort, when they step off of the wheel, they have gone nowhere.  That unproductive lifestyle may be acceptable for hamsters, but not for humans.  Aubrey Johnson, “Renewing Your Spiritual Life,” Gospel Advocate, 21
Observation: The first part of Paul’s life was spent on the exercise wheel of Judaism.
  • It was spent persecuting Christ and His church (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-5).
  • Following his conversion, Paul was determined to no longer run in vain (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
  • He was careful to make sure that whatever he did was by the authority of Jesus (Colossians 3:17).  Wade Webster, “Riches From My Reading,” The Searcher, 02.08.09, 4
“Holding fast the word of life,
so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ
that I have not run in vain
or labored in vain.”
Philippians 2:16
Many people appreciate what you do for them.  Your prayer efforts are not in vain.
Anna Lee