Category: Devotional

Tuesday

“Be careful how you think;

your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

~Proverbs 4:23 GN~

Pray for Eyvonne Ricks as she has surgery on both feet this morning in Baton Rouge.  Pray for the time of recovery and rehab to also go well.

Adrianna Cavanagh

Monday, September 21, 2009 8:22 PM, CDT

Stephanie is staying at Hope Lodge and couldn’t get to the computer because of the number of folks ahead of her-so she asked me to write a journal entry which she relayed to me.
The ultrasound of the liver only revealed nominal swelling, which the doc. says is “no big deal” because this happens with most kids.  They will scan her again Wednesday.

Adrianna is very sweet, and still maintains her keen sense of humor.  Although she is very, very quiet, not speaking due to the presence of lots of saliva (which they have to suction often), and mouth sores, something happened today which will exemplify her spunk and playfulness:  when Stephanie lay down with her on the hospital bed, Adri grabbed her mom’s head with both hands and pulled her face to face , eye to eye- and then grinned her biggest grin. What a sweet, sweet kid!  Adri has been sleeping most of the time, still throws up despite having had nothing to eat, but she continues to display her sweet, loving spirit when she does awaken. As Jackie Gleason used to say, “How SWEET it IS!!!”
Steph sends her thanks to you all for your continuous, unceasing prayers, which we believe are indispensible to Adri’s healing.  Thank you all,  to the top of the Chrysler Building! God bless you and keep you!  With love from Joe, Steph, Adri and the whole extended family.  Stephanie will write tomorrow if possible.
Poppa [Reggie]

Callie Cole

Monday, September 21, 2009 8:25 AM, CDT

Good Morning.  This is Frances.  I just wanted to let you know Callie had another uneventful night. So praise Him! God is so good.
The newest milestone for Callie is she is tolerating her nutrition.  She receives sustinance through a nasogastric tube.  She is given a 2000 calorie liquid to restore her body’s energy.  I anticipate better movement once a couple of feedings are complete.  She has gone 9 days without any additional energy.

We need to fuel our body much like we fuel our car.  We also should fuel our souls with His word in the same way.  Make up your mind to ride on a full tank.  Please continue to pray for your relationshi

p with our Lord and Savior and continue to lift Callie up to the Great Physician.
Thanks for all your love and support.
With much love                                           France

Monday, September 21, 2009 10:16 PM, CDT

Hey!  This is Tom.  During the 9 PM visit, Callie got really agitated.  Her blood pressure, heart rate and ICPs were extremely high for a couple of minutes.  She may have been in pain.  To ease the pain, the nurse gave her 2 mg of morphine.  She calmed down and her vitals returned to normal after 5 minutes or so.
We really don’t know what Callie can comprehend at this point.  The agitation and high vital signs could possibly be anxiety due to the coma.  Our desire is that she won’t become scared.  We prayed over her tonight and asked the Lord to comfort Callie and allow her to feel his presence.

Frances and I covet the prayers of all of you who continue to lift up our precious child to the throne of grace.  It brings to us tremendous peace to know we are not alone in this.

Tom

Colton Frazier

Monday, September 21, 2009 10:02 AM, CDT

We had a good weekend with Colton.  All the therapist said he worked hard this past week.  We fully dressed him and sat him in his chair.  We all went outside on the deck.  Colton would take his feet and roll himself back and forth in the chair.  It had to be good for him to get some fresh air.  He even wore his cap one time.  Stella gave him a hair cut and trimmed his face.  He looks great!!!

Saturday they had a Jambalaya benefit for Colton in St. Francisville, his mothers home town.  The turn out was huge.  I know it takes a lot of hard work to put something like that together.   We just want to thank each and everyone who participated in making it all happen.    Thanks so much!!

Elaine Hilbun
(November 4, 1926 – September 19, 2009)

Died at 8:40AM on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Liberty Community Living Center in Liberty, MS. She was a native of Tangipahoa, LA and a resident of Osyka, MS. Age 82 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Ken Irwin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by son, William Laine “Billy” Hilbun, Gloster, MS, sister, Helen Joyce Newsom Dykes, Kentwood, 3 grandchildren, William S. “Van” Hilbun, John Wesley Hilbun, and Daniel Laine Hilbun, 1 great-granddaughter, Johanna Laine Hilbun, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sister, Doris Newsom Kennon and brother, Ernest Donald Newsom.

Marcus “Danny” Duarte, Jr.
(May 20, 1946 – September 19, 2009)

Died at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at M. D. Anderson Medical Center in Houston, TX. He was a native of Dallas, TX and a resident of Roseland, LA. Age 63 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Bro. Jim Mauldin. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by wife, Jenine Duarte, Roseland, children, David W. Mote, Roseland, Judy M. Varnado and her husband, Mark, Kentwood, Bridgette Duarte-House, Franklin, NC, and Jeffrey M. Duarte, Van Nuys, CA, 6 grandchildren, Sara, Marcus, Emily, Victoria, Alexander, and Madison, parents, Marcus Duarte, Sr. and Alicia Duarte sister, Anna Gomez, brother, Mark C. Duarte. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia Foundation. http://www.leukemia.org/.

Diane Ruth Cutrer
(September 2, 1956 – September 20, 2009)

Diane Ruth Cutrer

Diane Ruth Cutrer was born on September 2, 1956 and passed away at 12:00 Noon, Sunday, September 20, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 53, a native and resident of Amite. Diane was a 1974 graduate of Amite High School, served our country in the US Navy for 10 years of which she spent 4 years in Spain and was a Federal Firefighter/Dispatcher for 18 years while living in California.

She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Beatrice Bennett Cutrer; 2 brothers, Jay Cutrer and wife, Cookie, and Ray Cutrer and wife, Donna; a sister Linda Cutrer Hines and husband, Leland; 2 nieces, Susie Cutrer Simmons and husband, Chad and Shellie Cutrer Lynn and husband, Evan; and a nephew, Ryan Schumacher all of Amite; 6 great nieces & nephews

Preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Louis Cutrer.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. David Cutrer and Rev. Bob Simpson officiating. Interment in the Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.

An online Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

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

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

ANTHILLS ARE MADE when a bunch of insignificant creatures get together…

If you ever mistakenly step on an anthill without shoes, their fellowship will make an impact on you.  One ant bite might sting a little.  Most folks can handle that.  But if a person messes with the whole family in an anthill, those ants will gather around your foot and serve notice that you are unwelcome in their house…

One ant can’t create that kind of impact by itself.  Gathered together, their combined effect is much greater.  Not only do they ward off intruders together, they will also work together to rebuild in a day and a half what was destroyed.  (Tony Evans)

“Though one may be overpowered by another,
two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Have a wonderful Tuesday.
Anna Lee

Monday

“Look straight ahead with honest confidence;

don’t hang your head in shame.”

~Proverbs 4:25 TEV~

Eyvonne Ricks

Eyvonne will have surgey on both feet Tuesday 9-22-09 at the Brass Bldg. in B.R. 6:30 A.m. The surgey will be appx. 1 1/2 hours. Please add her to the prayer list.

Thanks Luther

Callie Cole

Sunday, September 20, 2009 8:27 AM, CDT

Callie had a good, uneventful night.  She is completely off all medications.

She had previously been on blood pressure meds to raise her pressure and sedatives.  Callie’s blood and intercranial pressure was and continues to be within normal range.
Callie is not out of the woods yet. So Tom and I want you to continue to pray for complete healing.  We are on the Lord’s time table not ours, so please be consistent and steadfast thru prayer and meditation.
Thanks so much for your prayers.
Love,  Frances
Adrianna Cavanagh
A number of people will be undergoing tests or treatment this week.  Please be in prayer for them.

KneEmail

Why?

WHILE APPEARING ON a panel with other bereaved parents, I was surprised at how much I learned by listening…

We were there to help a group of ministers help the grieving, but we ended up learning from one another.

One mom, who had lost her infant daughter to meningitis, shared a simple truth that touched me. She related that as she tried to work through the huge question of “Why?” she spoke to her dad about it. He told her that a better question to ask is “Who?” He explained that she may never know why her daughter was taken so early, but the help she needed most would come from pursuing who God is in this tragic situation.

Think of what this means to us in our difficulties. When we face unexpected grief and ask “Who?” we thus answer: “The Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). When we face a period of weakness, we discover that “the LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psm. 18:2). When the ungodliness of this world seems overwhelming, we can know that the “God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly” (Rom. 16:20). When “Why, God?” is on your heart, ask instead, “Who are You, God?” Then seek Him in His Word. (Dave Branon)

“Lord, all my desire is before You;

and my sighing is not hidden from You.”

~Psm. 38:9~

Posted by Mike Benson
Let’s seek God’s face as we all face the uncertainties of the week.
Anna Lee

Sunday

“Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!”

~Psalm 66:20~

Today, let’s especially pray for all those who would love to be in church, but who are unable to go.  This includes nursing home patients, hospital patients, home-bound, and those working.

Caring Bridge Sites

Week of Prayer for the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering

Day 8 – Friday Night Church, Morgan City

“… for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

FridayNigtChurch-pgGod not only has a desire for everyone to know Him through Jesus Christ, He also has a divine plan. His mission is to reach His world, which includes Louisiana, with the Gospel. Our one task is to reach the lost and unchurched for Christ.

Charles Gilder, retired pastor of Bayou Vista Baptist Church in Morgan City, and Marty Romero, pastor/church planter at Friday Night Church, have one task, and they share a vision to accomplish it. Their task: to reach persons in Morgan City who would not go to traditional churches and to make and disciple new believers, guiding them toward a church home.

The sponsoring church, Bayou Vista, takes its role seriously; many of the members attend services and help with music. Together Bro. Marty and Pastor Gilder find joy in reaching people who are discouraged and seeing them come and get excited about what God is doing. Marty says “sharing the Gospel is serious business, but at Friday Night Church people are reached where they are.”

This unique church plant model can be used elsewhere, too, according to Bro. Marty and Pastor Gilder. Unique approaches are needed if we are to reach Louisiana for Christ.

  • Pray for continued vision to reach people who might otherwise be overlooked with the Gospel.
  • Pray for disciples. Disciple making is a challenge when working with people accustomed to undisciplined lifestyle.
  • Thank God for assistance through Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering that enables church planters and missions pastors to focus more on ministry.
  • Pray for partnering churches.


Elaine Hilbun
(November 4, 1926 – September 19, 2009)

Died at 8:40AM on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Liberty Community Living Center in Liberty, MS. She was a native of Tangipahoa, LA and a resident of Osyka, MS. Age 82 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Ken Irwin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by son, William Laine “Billy” Hilbun, Gloster, MS, sister, Helen Joyce Newsom Dykes, Kentwood, 3 grandchildren, William S. “Van” Hilbun, John Wesley Hilbun, and Daniel Laine Hilbun, 1 great-granddaughter, Johanna Laine Hilbun, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sister, Doris Newsom Kennon and brother, Ernest Donald Newsom.

Mrs. Lucille Pledger’s daughter, Melinda, is planning a big part for “Miss” Lucille’s 90th birthday on September 24th.  Let’s let her know Kentwood connected people still love and care for her.

Melinda’s address is:   Melinda Huss
2307 Western Drive
Decatur,  IL  62521

The truck will be in Kentwood to pick up the groceries we have given for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home Fall Food Roundup.  Please leave your donations in the area at the base of the steps that lead to the church office.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
SOMETIMES GOD SEEMS to take forever…

You wait and wait and wait.  But when He finally moves, He does more in one hour and you could accomplish in a lifetime.  So it’s your choice: be busily consumed with your paltry attempts or wait on God until He moves in the fulness of His glory and purposes.  God’s sense of timing is like this: He waits forever and then moves suddenly and instantaneously.  There’s only one way to even begin to tune into God’s sense of timing, and that is through waiting.  Waiting transports us out of the temporal, out of our time-zone, and into His time-zone.

God can out-wait anybody.  He just waits and waits, while the crisis looms larger and larger, and He waits some more.  He waits until the crisis becomes an impossible predicament.  And then He waits some more!  Finally, when the remotest chance of escape is completely gone, God intervenes suddenly.  A good example of this is Abraham.

God promised Abraham a son when he was 75 years old, even though Sarah was baren.  And then God waits five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years.  By now it’s too late.  Even if Sarah were not barren, she is now too old, and so is Abraham.  Twenty-five years.  Count them.  Twenty-five interminable years.  Finally, when all natural hope was exhausted, God provided and Sarah became pregnant!  God is the king of wait.  (Bob Sorge)

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”
~Proverbs 37:7~

Honor God on His day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“God shall bless us,

and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.”

Psalm 67:7

Mason Carter’s surgery yesterday went well.  Pray the both Mason and Adam continue to get good reports.

Please add Ray Ydarraga to your prayer list.  He has been undergoing and continues to be undergoing some medical tests.

CaringBridge sites

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

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

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

Baptist Press

September 18, 2009

FLORIDA–Principal, A.D. avoid jail time for prayer. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31282

NEW MEXICO–Economic woes increase demand on hunger ministries across U.S. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31283

TENNESSEE–TRUSTEES: ERLC board commits to pray for SBC task force. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31284

FLORIDA–IMB appoints 60 new missionaries. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31285

NORTH CAROLINA–Directors of missions nurture their unity. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31286

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Abortion funding in health care hurts support. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31287

WASHINGTON–Care denied for preemie. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31288

TEXAS–Texas board: Keep Christmas in textbooks. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31289

MAINE–Poll: Gay marriage opponents lead in Maine. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31290

MISSOURI–Church mourns loss of youth pastor. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31291

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (part 5) (Mike Licona): Why were the four N.T. Gospels selected and not others? http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31292

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): More evidence of media bias. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31293

Georgia Barnette Mission Offering for Louisiana

Day 7 – Forest Hispanic Mission

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

ForestHispanic-pgThe last phrase of Matthew 28:19-20, “…lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world,” reminds us that we are not alone as we take our part in the Great Commission. Paul uses the word “together” to remind us that we do not work alone.

Two reasons Pastor Isidro Hernandez and Director of Missions Jay Morgan serve at Forest Hispanic Mission are the growing Hispanic population in our state and their love for the Lord’s people.

The work at Forest began as a ministry to a large group of Hispanic farm workers, and it grew into a church plant. There are needs for Bible studies, programs for women and children, equipment, materials and supplies. Discipleship is important because the people come for a while, then they often go to a job in another state or even to another country.

Bro. Hernandez and the people of Bayou Macon and Madison associations know the importance of “together” in this ministry. Louisiana Baptists, through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering are part of this partnership also. While our gifts are important to this and other language works, so are volunteering and praying.

  • Thank God for those who serve Hispanic congregations throughout our state.
  • Pray for the lost people to come and for many opportunities to teach and disciple.
  • Pray for the economic situations that tend to have priority in the lives of people who need ministry at Forest. Pray that as their needs are met, there will be opportunities to share Christ.

As a person who sometimes worries too much, I got both a reminder and a laugh from this:

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
“I HAVE A mountain of credit card debt,” one man told another…

“I have lost my job.  My car is being repossessed and our house is in foreclosure, but I am not worried about it,” exclaimed his friend.  “I’ve hired a professional worrier.  He does all of my worrying for me, and that way I don’t have to think about it.”

“That’s fantastic!  How much does your professional worrier charge for his services?”

“$50,000 a year,” he replied.

“$50,000 a year?!  Where are you going to get that kind of money?!”

“I don’t know,” came the reply.  “That’s his worry…”

“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
Matthew 6:27
Have a good day as you prepare physically and spiritually for the Lord’s Day.  Thank-you for “tuning in” to The Prayer Link.  May it always be a blessing to others and useful ministry for God’s glory!
Anna Lee

Friday

“And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT

*Adrianna Cavanagh’s CaringBridge page:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh/journal

*I know that many people know Elaine Stewart. She is at North Oaks Rehab Hospital. Elaine had a fractured hip and had three rods and two screws put in her hip. It will be a long process, so please pray for her recovery.

Esther Rodriguez

*Chance O’Hern had his heart cauterization yesterday.  All went well.  Thank God for a good report.

*Mason Carter’s surgery is today, not yesterday.  Extra prayers are not a problem!

*Jimmy Schwartz will be having knee surgery in less than two weeks.  Please be in prayer for him.

*Pray for Wayne and Cora Morris.  Wayne is not doing well.

*Pray for the people where Holly K. is in western Africa.  There’s much flooding there.

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana missions

Day 6 – Directors of Missions

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

DOM-pgLaborers, with a job to do, work at it until it is done. Paul taught that the labor is as important as the goal; “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men.” (Colossians 3:22). The labor is not for us; it is for God.

For ten years, as Director of Missions in Northwest Baptist Association, Eddie DeHondt (recently retired) encouraged churches and pastors to be involved in missions. Everything about this labor excites him – seeing individuals’ lives change as they come to know the Lord as Savior and then mature, taking their places as disciples and leaders. Churches sponsoring mission work share this excitement as they experience blessings and renewed vision.

Bro. Eddie is representative of twenty-one other Directors of Missions in Louisiana whose role in missions may be much like that of Timothy when he was sent to Athens, “…to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (1Thessalonians 3:2).

Bro. Eddie says a mission may often “feel like orphans, children with hopes, dreams and goals, but no one to guide them. The Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering helps mission churches, church plants and ministries to have hopes, dreams and goals.”

  • Pray Mark 9:35-39 for workers to be called out.
  • Pray for the mission pastors serving in your association by name.
  • Pray for ministry and evangelism projects and mission building projects in the associations.

Vernon Shelton Pulliam “Hoss”

//
Vernon Pulliam, 46, born March 23, 1962, died Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kan. He is survived by his wife, Emily Rae Wing Pulliam. Hoss and Emily were married on Feb. 25, 2006. Also surviving are his mother, Marie Lanier Pulliam; brother and sister-in-law, Charles K. Pulliam and Susan Sharp Pulliam; two nephews, Reggie Pulliam and Chase Pulliam; sister and brother-in-law, Roxanne Pulliam Sumrall and Perry Sumrall; and niece, Elizabeth Marie Sumrall. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Shelton Pulliam. Memorial services are scheduled in Topeka for Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. under the direction of Davidson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Amite Church of Christ at a later date yet to be determined. Hoss met his final days with courage. He knew that as a Christian, he would joyfully meet Jesus and find peace and relief from his suffering. May the Lord send comfort to his family and friends.
THE PASSING OF TIME

The rules at a particular university were such that if the professor were not present in the classroom by 15 minutes past the hour, the class was considered a “walk” and the students were free to leave — with no penalties for missing a class.  The rooms were equipped with the type wall clocks which “jumped” ahead each minute, in a very noticeable fashion.  These clocks were also not of the most sophisticated construction.  Some enterprising student discovered that if one were to hit the clock with chalkboard erasers, it would cause the clock to “jump” ahead one minute.

So, it became almost daily routine for these students to take target practice at the clock (as it would have it, this particular professor was not the most punctual).  A few well-aimed erasers, and lo, 15 minutes were passed, and class dismissed itself.

When the day for the next exam rolled around, the professor strolled into the room, passed out the exams, and told them “You have one hour to complete it.”

The professor then proceeded to collect the erasers from around the room and gleefully took aim at the clock.  When he had successfully “jumped” the clock forward one hour, he closed the class and collected the exam papers.

We’ll all been in situations where we would like for time to jump ahead and move faster than it does.  But, as we get older, we become aware than time is moving quite fast enough on its own, without any help!

“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle…” (Job 2:6)

“Now my days are swifter than a runner; They flee away….They pass by like swift ships, Like an eagle swooping on its prey.” (Job 9:25-26)

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14b)

The Bible speaks often about how quickly life passes, not to depress us, but to bring us to the realization that we had better be preparing now for the eternity that lies beyond this life.

If you find yourself watching the clock at work today, wishing the time would pass faster, be careful!  It will be gone before you know it.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for reading and praying today.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

~Psalms 23:6 NLT~


Just want to let everyone know that we have a beautiful new grandson.  Henry Steele Backus arrived Sept. 14 weighing in at 8 lbs. 6 oz., son of Rebecca and Aaron Backus.  All are doing well.

Frank and Mary Alice


Pray for Chance O’Hern as he has a heart catharization at Oschsner’s today.  Pray for the medical staff and the family was you pray for Chance.

Pray for Mason Carter as he has sinus surgery again today.  Pray it is effective.


Tiffany Bankston Currier got another good report.  Thank God for the progress she has made in the last three months.


Cathy Stringer continues to have serious medical problems as a result of her heart failure.  Pray for the family as they sit by her side and pray.


Caring Bridge sites to read and children to pray for today

Dr. Jerry Rankin will retire from the IMB.  I’m thankful to know one date on his calendar in these last months will be speaking/sharing/encouraging in Kentwood.  Pray for the Rankins as they prepare for the next step God has planned for their lives.
Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer for Louisiana missions

Day 5 – Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

ToledoBend-pgIn I Corinthians 3:5-8, Paul points out that each person involved in farming has a necessary role. “One plants, one waters, but God brings the growth.” We each have a role in reaching the lost in Louisiana for Christ.

Missionary Mary Gore and Associate Missionary Lee McClintock at Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry understand that being “laborers together” involves many others. Along with three other recreational and vacation-type ministries in Louisiana, they find ways to bring worship experiences to people on vacation.

Typical ministries at Toledo Bend include Backyard Bible Clubs, day camps, puppet shows, concerts and worship services at the marinas; the ministry has expanded to include work in local apartment complexes, schools, block parties and festivals. The goal at Toledo Bend and other resort ministries is to provide every person with whom they make contact an opportunity to make a decision for Christ.

The churches that make up the five associations in “District 8” are partners, as is the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Mary Gore is an appointed North American missionary; making them another partner.

  • Thank God for continued support from Louisiana Baptists through state missions giving and volunteering.
  • Pray always. Mary Gore says if “we would all pray, we would give; and if we would all give, we would meet our mission needs.”
  • Pray for volunteers that come not just in the summer, but throughout the year.
  • Pray for the fall ministries at Toledo Bend and opportunities to present the Gospel to persons at fairs and festivals.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

A STORY IS told about a man who came face to face with the dangers of worry…
Death was walking toward a city one morning and a man asked, “What are you going to do?”  “I’m going to take 100 people,” Death replied.  “That’s horrible!” the man said.  “That’s the way it is,” Death said.  “That’s what I do.”  The man hurried to warn everyone he could about Death’s plan.  As evening fell, he met Death again.  “You told me you were going to take 100 people,” the man said.  “Why did 1,000 die?!”  “I kept my word,” Death responded.  “I only took 100 people.  Worry took the others.”

“An anxious heart weighs a man down.”
~Proverbs 12:25~
Don’t forget the food, fellowship, and devotional time at the Cabin tonight at 6:30.  I hope to see you.

Have a terrific Thursday!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

~Psalms 23:4 NLT~

Caring Bridge sites for you to read today:

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

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

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

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

Pray for Elizabeth Hughes Cooper as she has surgery today.  Her mom came home to be with her for a while.  I know that will help Elizabeth get well that much quicker.

Continue to pray for our service men and women as they serve day and night seven days a week for us.

Clyde Alexander Davidson
(April 28, 1947 – September 10, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died at 9:25 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, LA. He was a resident of Metairie, LA. Age 62 years. He was a veteran of Viet Nam. Survived by mother, Yvonne S. Porter, Roseland, 2 brothers, Don Davidson, Fischer, TX and Keith Porter, Roseland, sister, Brenda Pierce and her husband, Jack, Amite, Preceded in death by, father, Ivy Thomas Davidson, sister, Sandra Osborn. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Georgia Barnette Week of Pray for Louisiana Missions

Day 3 – Christian Women’s Job Corps, Beauregard Assn.

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

CWJC-pg“Together” is a word that on its own says we are not alone. It is important to be reminded that we are fellow workers, partners, team, serving alongside one another to reach the lost and unchurched for Christ.

Mary Koehn, director of Beauregard CWJC in DeRidder, along with other volunteers, looks forward to seeing change in the lives of those who participate, knowing that change will happen in all lives. Every part of CWJC is geared toward helping a client grow spiritually whether it is through Bible study, job skills instruction in the classroom or one-on-one mentoring. The fact that three women made professions of faith during the past semester helps to keep the volunteers focused on the purpose.

Eva, a graduate of Beauregard CWJC, says that CWJC “is a place of encouragement and everything needed – because it’s backed up by God’s Word.”

Louisiana WMU is involved, providing training expenses through an allocation from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering. CWJC (and Christian Men’s Job Corps) is a ministry of WMU, so there are “sister-sites” in Louisiana and other states, too. There are three operating sites in Louisiana and other sites in progress.

  • Pray for the spiritual growth of the participants. This is the overall purpose of CWJC.
  • Pray that leaders and volunteers would always be sensitive to how God wants to meet the needs of people.
  • Pray for adequate meeting space and equipment.
  • Pray for the development of a CMJC site, providing life skills and job skills training for men in a Bible-based context.

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

WHEN GOD TELLS us in the Bible not to worry, it isn’t a suggestion…

It’s a command.  Worry and/or anxiety is specifically mentioned twenty-five times in the New Testament alone as something we should avoid.

The words used most often for worry and anxiety in the New Testament come from the same Greek word, meridzoe, which means “to be divided, to be pulled in opposite directions, to choke.”  (Perhaps we wear anxiety around our necks after all.)

In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells us: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures.”  These people have accepted the Word of God, Jesus says, but “they do not mature.”  Grasping for spiritual breath, worry-bound, thorny-ground Christians may survive, but they never truly thrive.

The Old English word for worry meant “to gnaw.”  Like a dog with a bone, a worrier chews on his problem all day long.

Why is the Bible so adamant about our avoiding fear and worry?  Because God knows worry short-circuits our relationship with him.  It fixes our eyes on our situation rather than on our Savior.  It works a little like thick London fog–the kind of fog that is legendary.  Why, it wouldn’t be a Sherlock Holmes without fog to obscure the villain and allow him to get away.  “Thick as pea soup,” Londoners describe it.  “Can’t see your hand in front of your face,” they say.  Joanna Weaver

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

I thought we might all need that reminder today.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Let God transform you into a new person

by changing the way you think.”

~Romans 12:2 NLT~

Week of Prayer for State (Louisiana) Missions – Sept. 13-20

Day 1 – Main Street Mission, Pineville

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

MainStreetMission-pgPaul uses the word “we” inclusively, bringing every believer into the picture. He addresses all believers with a heart for making a difference. Believers have the responsibility to be on mission to spread God’s Good News of salvation and eternal life to the lost and unchurched in Louisiana.

At 3:00 on a hot July Thursday, the last thing a mission pastor wants to hear is the “clank, clank, clank,” of an air conditioner fan as it slowly quits turning or to discover a ceiling leak after an extremely bad thunderstorm. He whispers a prayer plea – “Who do I call now, Lord?”

We Louisiana Baptists meet this type of need through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering. Ask Herb Cady of Pineville’s Main Street Mission. An emergency grant, matched by funds from the sponsoring church, First Baptist, Pineville and North Rapides Baptist Association helped replace their leaking roof two summers ago.

This is only one of the many mission churches to receive emergency assistance. When you pray today, bringing Herb Cady’s prayer requests to the throne of the One who knows our every need, pray that we will recognize the importance of faithful giving to meet emergencies.

  • Thank God for the fact that emergency needs and equipment needs can be and are met.
  • Pray that children and their families will hear the Gospel and respond to God’s offer of salvation as Herb Cady and others work with them.
  • Pray that volunteers will hear and respond to God calling them and answer as Isaiah did, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).

Adrianna Cavanaugh

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

Please continue to pray for Clarence Johnston and his family. Clarence was unable to receive the lung transplant the other night due to the fact the lungs were filled with puemonia. Continue to pray for a donor or some type of treatment will come available for him. This is a very difficult time for his family.

Laura DeBeblanc

Baptist Press

September 11, 2009

WASHINGTON–Rep.: Plan would lead to abortion increase. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31239

CAIRO–During Ramadan, Egypt arrests 155. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31240

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Convictions overturned for jailed Mexican Christians. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31241

LOUISIANA–9/11 REVISITED (First-Person): Just another day …. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31242

ILLINOIS–9/11 REVISITED (First-Person): A thought experiment. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31243

TEXAS–WEDGWOOD REMEMBERED: Shootings, 10 years ago, gripped pastor’s grief, theology. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31244

TEXAS–WEDGWOOD REMEMBERED: SWBTS remembers victims. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31245

TEXAS–WEDGWOOD REMEMBERED: Shooting killed 7. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31246

GEORGIA–NAMB staff goes to the mission field. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31247

Isabelle “Tizzi” Scarle Eckholdt
(August 15, 1944 – September 10, 2009)

Died on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at Acadian Medical Center in Eunice, LA. She was a native of Amite, LA and a resident of Eunice, LA. Age 65 years. She was a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. She is survived by son, Dr. Scott Eckholdt and his wife, Deborah, Eunice; 2 granddaughters, Ashton and Madison Eckholdt; 2 brothers, G. M. “Porgy” Scarle, III, Fluker and Marshall “Mike” Scarle, Mandeville. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Milford Scarle, II and Isabelle Bethune Kent Scarle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Louisiana Chapter, 4613 Fairfield St., Metairie, LA 70006  LINK.

Dora Nell Martin Cannon
(July 28, 1933 – September 11, 2009)

Dora Nell Martin Cannon

Mrs. Dora Nell Martin Cannon a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister was born July 28, 1933 and passed away at 6:15 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 76, a native of Walthall County, MS and a resident of the Mt. Nebo Community.

Mrs. Nell is survived by her husband, Earl K. Cannon, Mt. Nebo; 3 sons, Terry Cannon and wife, Pam, Ponchatoula; Randy Cannon and wife, Wanda, Amite; Marty Cannon, Mt. Nebo; a sister, Patricia Kinsella, Covington; a brother, Arnold Martin, Franklinton; 5 grandchildren, Kyra McDaniel and husband Chris, Mt. Nebo, Alissa Cannon, Mt. Nebo; Whitney Cannon, Wilmer; Justin Cannon and wife, Meshelle, Amite; Jennifer Richmond, Amite; 8 great-grandchildren, Kallin McDaniel, Kayden McDaniel, Raven Cannon, Devin Conti, Olivia Wascom, Gabrianna Cannon, Abbrianna Cannon, and Donovan Meyn.

Preceded in death by her parents, Clydie & Bertie Martin; a grandson, Ryan Cannon; a brother, J C Martin and a sister, Melva Martin Sandifer.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Larry Blades officiating. Interment in the Dees Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Justin Cannon, Chris McDaniel, Randy Cannon, Terry K. Cannon, Reed Dees & Joe Wayne Sandifer.

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 and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Express Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.
PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE?

The story is told of a Russian named Ivanovich who visited the Moscow zoo for the first time.  To his amazement, he found a little lamb sharing the cage with a big fierce lion.

Ivanovich expressed surprise to his guide.  The guide smiled and said, “That is peaceful coexistence.”

When Ivanovich shook his head in a doubtful way, the guide explained, “Of course, we have to put in a fresh lamb every morning.”

As much as we should strive for peace, there are some things which simply cannot coexist peacefully — truth and error, righteousness and ungodliness, morality and immorality.  If we try to combine two such things in our lives, they will only coexist “peacefully” only if one gobbles up the other.  That’s why James was so forceful in his warning:

“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?  Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4, NASB)

This verse frightens me more than just about any verse in the entire Bible, because I see the influence that “the world” has on me and on Christians around me.  We have just as much interest in accumulating “things” as the world does.  We often don’t do a better job of taking care of those in need than the world does.  We worry just as much as the world does.  We value the same things as the world does.  We imitate the world to such an extent that if you were to go into an average workplace and ask the boss, “Which of these men and women working for you are Christians?”, he wouldn’t be able to identify us.

Let us beware lest we make the mistake of thinking that our association with and imitation of “the world” doesn’t affect our relationship with God.  Some things can’t live in peaceful coexistence, and “whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God”!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men.”

~Colossians 3:23 NIV~

Colton Frazier

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

Adrianna Cavanagh

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

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
I HAVE A vivid recollection of that day…

My wife came in the room, turned on the TV set and then spoke in shaken tones.  She said, “They’ve flown a jet-liner into one of the World Trade Center towers in New York…”  For the next several hours I sat transfixed before the television and watched in horror as the events of 911 unfolded.

Exactly eight years after that dreadful day, many Americans, like myself, look back on September 11 with intense emotion.  We recall those gaping wounds in the sides of the towers.  We remember those ill-fated flights and how they were intentionally slammed into the very icons of our nation.  We remember those those thick plumes of noxious smoke as the bellowed out of the top of those lofty skyscrapers and into our collective conscience.  We remember our own anxiety and ponder what must have raced through the hearts of fellow-citizens as they contemplated the end of their earthly existence and the brevity of human life.  We remember the internal shock of watching the first, and then the second tower plummet to the ground.  We remember those feelings of helplessness and despair as lower Manhattan was engulfed in ash and debris.

But may I suggest, dear reader, that there is a far more terrible tragedy that warrents our joint remembrance.  Every first day of the week (Acts 20:7), we need to call to memory (1 Cor. 11:23-26) those horrific events which transpired nearly 2,000 years ago:
We need to remember the murderous plot against the innocent Son (Mt. 26:3-4; Heb. 4:15; 7:26).  We need to remember the Lord’s internal struggle as He pondered His impending death (Mt. 26:37-39).  We need to remember His betrayal at the hands of one of His own disciples (Mt. 26:47-50).  We need to remember the ill-informed attempt to thwart His crucifixion (Mt. 26:51-54).  We need to remember the disciples’ cowardice and how they fled for their lives when He needed them the most (Mt. 26:56).  We need to remember the howls of the angry mob as they shouted, “Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!” (Mk. 15:13-14).  We need to remember the incredible injustice of both the Jewish and Roman courts (Mt. 26:57ff).  We need to remember Pilate’s timidity before that blood-thirsty crowd (Mt. 27:24-26; Lk. 23:13-25).  We need to remember the brutal flogging (i.e., “little death”) at the hands of the Roman lictors (Jn. 19:1).  We need to remember Peter’s lying about his association with Jesus (Mt. 26:69-75).  We need to remember the slanderous mockery of the soldiers, priests, and thieves (Mt. 27:27ff; 39-44).  We need to remember the Lord’s humiliation as He was stripped of His clothing and numbered with lawless, ungodly men (Isa. 53:12; Mt. 27:28; Heb. 12:2).  We need to remember that ruthless blow to His head (Mt. 27:30).  We need to remember the heavy burden of the cross that was thrust upon His weary shoulders (Mt. 27:32).  We need to remember those cruel nails that pierced His hands and feet and how that He was suspended between holy God and sinful man (Jn. 3:14; 12:34).  We need to remember the bitter  taste of sour wine mingled with gall (Mt. 27:34).  We need to remember His desperate cry to His own Father (Mt. 27:46) and how that heaven itself turned away from His mangled form.  We need to remember the frightful earthquate that shook the earth the moment the Savior died (Mt. 27:54).  Perhaps most importantly, we need to remember that our own sins made this barbaric occasion necessary (1 Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53).

“Lest I forget Gethsemane, lest I forget Thine agony, lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary.”

“…Do this in remembrance of Me…” 1 Cor. 11:24, 25
Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Friday

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

Those who know Your name trust in You

because You have not abandoned those who seek You, LORD.”

~Psalm 9:9-10, HCSB~

Adrianna Cavanagh

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

John and I went and seen Will (Easley) yesterday. He looks so good and has been eating alot. Before the surgery he didn’t eat to much. He has had an ear ache since the surgery. They went to the doctor yesterday afternoon to see why. When I find out I will let you know. Also Wyatt McKenize is doing better. They never found out why his legs hurt so bad, but it has gotten better over the last couple of weeks. Thanks for all that you do. God bless.

Cheryl Hughes Green

Please continue to pray for the Nielsen family as they try to get Madelyn better.  Pray for all those with the new flu,  Take precautions and encourage others to do so too.

KOMpray

http://kidsonmission.org/prayer

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


CONSIDER A FEW excerpts from Tom Heymann’s book, “In An Average Lifetime…”
Mr. Heymann has analyzed several aspects of life and has calculated what an individual does in a typical lifetime. The average American individual:
  • Spends 3 years in business meetings
  • Spends 13 years watching television
  • Spends $89,281 on food
  • Consumes 109,354 pounds of food
  • Makes 1811 trips to McDonalds
  • Spends $6,881 in vending machines
  • Eats 35,138 cookies and 1,483 pounds of candy
  • Catches 304 colds
  • Is involved in 6 motor vehicle accidents
  • Is hospitalized 8 times (men) or 12 times (women)
  • Spends 24 years sleeping
With all of this activity, or lack thereof, it is important to remember that life is brief at best.  Are we doing the really important things with the time we have been given?
“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 4:14
Thank-you for praying for these and other needs today.  Your prayers make a difference in many lives.  Let’s also pray for America today.  Pray for people to work together to continue to make our nation great, safe, free, and fair as we continue to honor and serve God.  Remember those who serve around the world to help provide our safety and freedom.  Especially pray for the families of those who lives have been lost in service of our country, those who have been injured, and the family that deal with military separation.  Pray for our leaders to seek God’s leadership for all they do as citizens strive to keep abreast of what is happening and made good decisions as they vote and speak up.
Don’t leave God out of your day today!
Anna Lee