Category: Devotional

Thursday

“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”

~Acts 13:47~

From Frances Gay

My surgery has been canceled due to anemia. I have appt to see Dr. Bizette, Hemotalogist, next week. Will have to reschedule surgery when I get oked by my doctors. Thank you for all the prayers offered so far and continue to remember me as I stuggle with the blood levels.

From:
Subject:
Quote Message Text
My grandson From Annette Hano

Anna I read your prayer link daily and want to thank you for taking time and doing such a wonderful job. I would like for you to add my three year old grandson (Brady Muse) to the prayer list. We were told yesterday he has lost his hearing in his left ear. We are praying it will return after his surgury. Surgury is scheduled for September 8.

…

May god bless you,
Annette Hano

Continue to pray for Ola King.  She has been found to have a lung disease.

Thank God for the progress Mrs. Nadine Council has made since her recent hip surgery.

Thank God for Averi Strickland’s progress as he continues physical therapy.

I ‘m using this update on Maggie Lee Henson’s mother, Jen, as our devotional today.  We need to read about the next steps in life after the loss of a loved one and know that life goes on – goes on with a new hope.

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

Jason Dukes has a new idea, a new purpose, and a new website.  Take some time to learn more.

http://humanitybeautiful.snappages.com/home.htm

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“I am the God who forgives your sins,

and I do this because of who I am.

I will not hold your sins against you.”

~Isaiah 43:25 TEV~

Baptist Press

August 25, 2009

KYRGYZSTAN–Kyrgyzstan suppresses minority religions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31136

WISCONSIN–Wis. A.G. won’t defend same-sex law in court. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31137

TEXAS–Tony Dungy asked Michael Vick: ‘Where was the Lord in all of this?’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31138

FLORIDA–Tim Tebow: (Super)Man of Faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31139

TENNESSEE–Baptist colleges fare well in rankings. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31140

NEW MEXICO–FIRST-PERSON (Joseph Bunce): Christ for clunkers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31141

Continue to pray for Colton, Aaron, and Michael, the boys injured on four-wheelers last weekend,  Pray for the boys, their caregivers, and their families as they wait.

Mr. Houston Brown passed away yesterday.  I was not able to locate an obituary.

Koby Sumrall
(July 6, 1995 – August 22, 2009)

Koby Sumrall

Koby Sumrall was born on July 6, 1995 and passed away at 5:55p.m., on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at his residence. He was 14, a native of Hammond and a resident of Franklinton. Koby loved just about anything outdoors, hunting, fishing, but his passion was skateboarding.

Koby is survived by his mother, Glendette Dykes Kennedy, Franklinton; daddy, Scott Creel, Franklinton; a sister Karli Sumrall, Kentwood; a brother, Konnor Kennedy, Franklinton; father, Christopher Sumrall, Angie; great-grandmother, Mrs. Lois Dykes, Amite; grandparents, Glenis & Pat Dykes, Wilmer, Vernell Winborn, Albany, Gilda McCain, Franklinton, Barbara & Virgil Sumrall, Franklinton, Emile & Marilyn Creel, New Jersey; special aunts, Jeanette McIntyre and Suzette Boudreaux; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many extended family.

Preceded in death by, step-father, Justin Kennedy; grandfathers, Levauhgn McCain and Samuel Winborn; numerous great-grandparents.

Visitation will be at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 28, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Larry Blades, Bro. Billy Mack Lowery & Bro. Tommy Morgan officiating. Interment in the Wilmer Baptist Church Cemetery, Wilmer, LA

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 Car Wash and Bond’s Eye Clinic.

Rhoney Warren

(August 28, 1937 – August 24, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Rhony Warren was called home to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 24, 2009. He was 71, a lifelong resident of Amite, St. Helena Parish, a retired dairy and cattle farmer, a US Army Veteran, a member of Kedron Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge #96, Greensburg.

Rhony is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Gale Jenkins Warren; a daughter, Tina E. Warren; a son, John D. Warren and his fiancé, Marilyn Buhler; 2 grandsons, Steven R. and Trinton L. Warren; 2 brothers, James (Jimmy) Warren & Lewis Wayne Warren; also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. Warren, Sr. and Azelea Miller Warren; a son, Dan L. Warren; a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Nicole Warren; and a brother, W. C. Warren, Jr.

Rhony was much loved and will be greatly missed.

At this time arrangements are pending at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to Kedron Building Fund.

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

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

Today’s devotional thought is a message of HOPE and CONFIDENCE written by Jen Henson, mother of little Maggie Lee Henson.  Please take time to read her thoughts.  You’ll be so glad you did!

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

Tuesday

“Hear my prayer, O God;

give ear to the words of my mouth.”

~Psalm 54:2~

I want to thank everyone who has been praying for Will (Easley). The surgery was a success and Will made it through with flying colors. Praise God. They replace the valve and flap, there are no more blockages, good for heart and lung. Will be in PICU for 2-3 days and home in 7-10 days. Thanks again for your prayers and continue to pray for his healing and recovery. I will keep everyone updated on Will. God bless you.

Cheryl Hughes Greene

KneEmail

Indifference

IN ANOTHER COMMUNITY I spoke in fervent tones about reclaiming our families for God…

After the session a mother approached me and thanked me for speaking boldly about our families. She informed me that she was very thankful that her children had grown up without ever causing them “one minute’s problem.” She continued to describe them as great parents to her grandchildren, community leaders, thoughtful and respectful. I then asked her where they worshipped. Her response? … “Well, there is one thing. None of them are faithful to the Lord.”

THOUGHT: That sort of indifference is appalling. She and I were not even on the same planet, spiritually speaking. The “one thing” about which she spoke so recklessly is the only thing. While she spoke so proudly about not having “one minute’s problem”, the eternal problem totally eluded her. The fact that her grandchildren were being led down the broad path to hell was not even on her radar! I pray that her breed of motherhood is rare in the Lord’s church. (Cindy Colley)

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Tim. 1:5; cf. 3:15; Deut. 6:5-7).

Posted by Mike Benson at August 15, 2006

Thanks for your continued prayers for our churches, the lost, our servicement, the lonely, the bereaved, etc.

Anna Lee

Monday

“You have been bought and paid for by Christ,

so you belong to him—

be free now from all these earthly prides and fears.”

~1 Corinthians 7:23 LB~

Will Easley (10 yrs.) surgery is still on for today. It suppose to start around 7am this morning at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Please continue to pray for him and his family. The surgery is suppose to last about 12 hours. Thank you and God bless.

Cheryl Hughes Greene

(Will only has one lung.  That’s what the surgeon will be working on.)

Update from Dr. Jimmy Dukes

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

Update on Don Denton

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

Continue to pray for Chuck Pittman and other battling cancer.

Pray for my daddy, Grant Smith, as he as a baloon procedure today to stretch his esophagus.  The last procedure about five months ago did not work very well or very long.

Linda Stegall Hendry thanks you for your prayers on behalf of Ginny Stegall and for Robert, Linda’s brother, and the three girls, as they continue to adjust to living without Ginny.  Linda knows and treasures the power of your prayers.

Cry

WALKING PAST MY barn one day, I heard a frantic chirping inside, and upon investigation I found a bluejay beating its wings against the glass pane of the window…

Had it not cried and squawked, I would not have heard it. But its plaintive note prompted me to open the door wide and the jay flew out to liberty. That bluejay was in a strange place for a bird; and Jonah found himself in a strange place for a human being. Because of his disobedience, Jonah was cast into the sea, swallowed by a sea monster and trapped in its belly. Although it was Jonah’s own fault that he was there, God was also there to hear his prayer. And when he confessed, God delivered him.

God’s children sometimes get themselves into some strange places and unhappy circumstances because of their folly. Are you in a strange place today? Are you out of fellowship with the Lord, defeated, unhappy? Then cry out to God, confess your sin, and be restored by His abundant mercy. God is waiting to hear your faintest cry and accept your repentance. Maybe through your own foolish choices you’re in a strange place today — but He is with you and waiting to hear your cry (M.R. DeHaan).

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” ( 1 John 1:9; cf. Jonah 2:1).

Posted by Mike Benson at April 4, 2006

My Sunday School class will be studying Jonah Sunday.  Join us if you would like to refresh your memory or learn more about Joanh and why his story is recorded for us.

Thanks for praying today.  You make a difference in many lives!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Therefore, accept each other in the same way that Christ accepted you.

He did this to bring glory to God.”

~Romans 15:7 GWT~

Worship

DURING THE CIVIL War, when Liberty, Missouri, was under the command of Union troops, an order was issued that no public meeting, of any kind, was to be conducted…

This directive even included worship services. Dr. W.A. Morton, a strong southern sympathizer, was determined to keep the church doors open. Hence, the first Sunday morning the order was in effect, Dr. Morton went to the church building and prepared for worship. The members also showed up for worship. Word about the assembly spread quickly through the community, ultimately reaching the ears of the commanding officer. He responded by sending an officer to the building to remind the members that no services were to be held. Dr. Morton and the entire assembly responded by saying, “We have orders from a higher officer than yours to have services; and, we plan to obey his command.” The officer withdrew and services were held, not only on that Sunday, but every Sunday thereafter.

Dr. Morton and his brethren understood responsibility. As a result, they joyfully assembled on Sunday morning, despite their challenging circumstances. We, too, must embrace the responsibilities that God has entrusted to us (Mike Winkler).

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:

‘We ought to obey God rather than men’.”

Acts 5:29

Posted by Mike Benson

May your worship today touch your heart in a special way!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“You also must help us by prayer,

so that many will give thanks on our behalf

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

~2 Corinthians 1:11, ESV~

Ms. Ola King, a teacher at KHS, has been hospitalized for a week due to pneumonia.  Please pray for her to recover soon and return to her family and her school family.

Ms. Rose Williams, a former KHS teacher, is the primary caregiver for her husband who has suffered several health problems including a stroke.  Pray for them as they go through an especially tough time.

Now that school has started and football season is beginning please pray for faculty, staff, students and parents in a new school year.

Baptist Press

August 21, 2009

KENYA–Starvation continues to stalk millions of Maasai in Kenya. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31121

WASHINGTON–Obama could stop abortion confusion, Land says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31122

WASHINGTON–Q&A: Abortion & the health care plan. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31123

LOUISIANA–Hispanic conference focuses on revival. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31124

TEXAS–Prof stays at church with ‘gay’ members. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31125

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Scientists pursue artificial human brain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31126

TENNESSEE–LifeWay seeks tenants for historic Frost Bldg. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31127

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Anne Fortenberry): Ramadan -– a Christian’s perspective. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31128

NORTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Timothy Rogers): Covenant or confession. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31129

Mrs. Evelyn Lea

(Died August 21, 2009)

Mrs. Evelyn Lea passsed away at 2:06 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

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

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

IN HIS LITTLE book Fully Human, Fully Alive, author John Powell relates an experience which happened to a friend while he was vacationing in the Bahamas…

The friend was sightseeing when he noticed a crowd gathered toward the end of a pier.  He walked down to investigate the commotion.  Powell says:

“…he discovered that the object of all the attention was a young man making the last-minute
preparations for a solo journey around the world in a homemade boat.  Without exception everyone on the pierwas pessimistic.  All were actively volunteering to tell the ambitious sailor all the things that could possibly go wrong.  “The sun will BROIL you!”  “You won’t have enough food.”  “That boat of yours won’t withstand the waves in a storm.”  “You’ll never make it.”

When my friend heard all these discouraging warnings to the adventurous young man, he felt an irresistible desire to offer some optimism and encouragement.  As the little craft began drifting away from the pier towards the horizon, my friend went to the end of the pier, waving both arms wildly like semaphores spelling confidence.  He kept shouting: “BON VOYAGE!  You’re really something!  We’re with you!  We’re proud of you!”

How much could be accomplished if there were more brave souls on the end of the pier smiling and affirming? (Charles Swindoll)

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 ESV
Make a point of encouraging at least one person today.
Anna Lee

Friday

“Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body.”

~Romans 12:5 MSG~

Trisha and Dwayne Wilson shared this good report on their mission trip.  Thank God for their opportunity and willingness to minister.
GAIN Team

El Salvador

June 27- July 6, 2009

·         600 GAiN CarePacks with backpacks distributed

Each pack contained: backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, 1 Beanie Baby,
1 New Testament, and 1 pair of Children’s sandals.

·         1075 CarePacks distributed with a Beanie Baby, and 1 pair of adult
sandals for family.

·         1300* Bibles distributed (There is about ½ case of bibles left that
Enrique will distribute)

·         425 estimated families received a bag of food. The bags were about
12-15 lbs of rice, beans, pasta, and soup mix

·         Estimated 2200 individuals (Children and Adults and a few wandering
dogs) heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

·         80 GAiN Seed packets used at the Achiotal School.

Pray for the Lockwood family and the Pittman family as David and Chuck continue their battles with cancer.

Maggie Lee Henson’s mother placed some comments on Caring Bridge.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Kids love VBS

In Guadalajara, Mexico, children are baptized as babies.  A 12-year-old Mexican girl was really surprised when she learned that Baptists are baptized after they accept Jesus as Savior.  She was going to Vacation Bible School and learned about baptism and more about Jesus through Bible study, music, crafts and games.

One night during the week of Bible school, the leaders wanted to show an evangelistic Christian film.  Evangelistic is a big word, but it just basically means that you want to tell others about Jesus so they can love Him too. The movie would have encouraged the kids in VBS and their parents to tell others about Jesus. Three people from the neighborhood came to protest the film.  Unfortunately the projector was broken.  Let’s pray that they get to show the movie some other time.

At the final program for Vacation Bible School, 15 parents came to hear the 62 children sing and repeat Bible verses. Yes, just like you, kids in Mexico love VBS too!

This story comes from the Operation GO team.  If you want to learn more about them, ask your parent’s permission then visit their website: http://macopgo.blogspot.com/

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

Please pray for the Wa people.  They are poor, and only a few of them know about Jesus.  They are like Chinese people, but their language is different.  MN, age 6 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Pray for my friend in Pakistan, that she’ll learn about Jesus.  MARLA, age 7 (South Asian peoples)

My prayer request is about my school.  My whole school will be moving this year.  I hope we will be safe there.  CW, age 10 (East Asian Peoples).

Please pray for my family to be safe in the US. Benjamin, age 6 (American peoples)

I have lots of prayer requests:
My grandma has cancer.
Friend’s grandpa not Christian.
Deaf people.
Most people are Catholic in Malta.
Please pray for our family as we serve God and love our family.  KATHRYN, age 8, (European peoples)

Hi, my name is Christian.  I would like you to pray for my family as we struggle our way through life and as we have bad times.  I would like for me and my sister to get along.  I also have some Tanzanian friends who are not Christian.  Please pray for my dogs so that they can be well taken care of and live a long time.  Please pray for me and my family.  CHRISTIAN, age 12 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Pray for more people to become Christians.  HOPE, age 8 (East Asian Peoples)

Baptist Press

August 20, 2009

ISRAEL–Huckabee, in Israel, pushes one-state solution. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31106

WASHINGTON–In reducing abortions, 2 bills take drastically different tactics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31107

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers: Rep. Tim Ryan, his bill not pro-life. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31108

MINNESOTA–Piper: tornado a ‘warning’ to Lutherans about approving sin. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31109

KENTUCKY–Mohler: SBC must be willing to change or face decline. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31110

ALABAMA–FIRST-PERSON (Bob Terry): What will SBC membership be? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31111

MONTANA–Long recovery ahead for missionaries injured in Mont. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31112

VIRGINIA–Giving shortfall risks opportunity to re-engage closed country. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31113

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Prayer in school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31114

GEORGIA–Former NAMB president issues statement. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31105

David L. Sibley

(Died August 20, 2009)

David L. Sibley 29, passed away at 10:57 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

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.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
Henri Nouwen (Making All Things New) believes Jesus isn’t saying we should forget about our responsibilities and live happily ever after, ignoring the schedules and activities that make up our daily lives…

Jesus’ response to the rat race is different.  He wants us to center our attention on something else that is much more important.  Instead of being frustrated by too many items on our to-do lists, He asks that we focus on “one necessary thing.”  He isn’t asking us to leave the world but to live in it with a new sense of prioritites: “Jesus’ does not speak about a change of activities, a change in contacts, or even a change of pace.  He speaks about a change of heart.’
The rest of the book explores what it means to have a true “change of heart.”  Does it mean getting up an hour earlier in the morning to be sure to have devotions?  Working fewer hours?  Taking a time management course?  All those ideas are good ones, but the change of heart that Nouwen speaks of goes deeper than that.
The fast lane is a state of mind, not a certain ribbon of concrete between home and work.  If we want to choose “the better part,” we need to start by following Jesus around to see where He goes and what He means.
Are you a Martha?  A Mary?  Somewhere in between?  Are you controlling your schedule, or does it control you? (Fritz Ridenour)
“And Jesus answered and said to her,
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.
But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part,
which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41, 42



Thursday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me,

and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

The Hatchels were out-of-pocket for two weeks.  We thank God for the ability to hear their voices again.  They are back in Prague now.

Continue to pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith, and my sisters and I as we care for their needs.

Update on Trisha and Dwayne’s Mission Trip

GAIN Team

El Salvador

June 27- July 6, 2009

·         600 GAiN CarePacks with backpacks distributed

Each pack contained: backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, 1 Beanie Baby,
1 New Testament, and 1 pair of Children’s sandals.

·         1075 CarePacks distributed with a Beanie Baby, and 1 pair of adult
sandals for family.

·         1300* Bibles distributed (There is about ½ case of bibles left that
Enrique will distribute)

·         425 estimated families received a bag of food. The bags were about
12-15 lbs of rice, beans, pasta, and soup mix

·         Estimated 2200 individuals (Children and Adults and a few wandering
dogs) heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

·         80 GAiN Seed packets used at the Achiotal School.

Frances Gay will have shouder surgery in Baton Rouge on Sept. 1st.  Please begin to pray now.

Roy Frazier, Wanzie Williams’ brother-in-law, will have surgery Sept. 4th.

Please continue to pray for the Landon Estay famiy in Houston.

Pray for the Stegalls:

Mr. Bob is in a V.A. home and “Miss” Parmys is in the Greensburg Nursing Home.

Baptist Press

August 19, 2009

TENNESSEE–VBS project proves children can do missions too. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31099

TEXAS–Church is ‘healthy’ after EKG emphasis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31100

GEORGIA–Longtime youth minister seeks ‘eternal impact.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31101

WASHINGTON–Poll: Americans believe bill will cover abortions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31102

TENNESSEE–New Driscoll leadership school features SBC staffers Stetzer, Ware and Allison. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31103

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Chuck Bentley): Practical ways to teach children about money. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31104

KneEmail

Service

abelderly.jpgA MAN WAS discussing how empty his life was, and he knew that something had to be changed…

This might appear strange, because he had all of the outward signs of success — at least those the world prized highly.

To illustrate the void in his life he said, “The only happiness I have had lately was something that happened the last time I came to services. That was a day when the temperatures dropped noticeably while we were at worship. As I began to drive off the parking lot, I noticed an elderly couple leaving. They did not have coats because they lived so close, and they had walked to services. It was cold, so I turned around and drove over to them. I rolled my window down and insisted, in spite of their reluctance, that they let me take them home. That feeling of being helpful was the greatest thing I had felt in a long, long time.”

Life is at its best when we’re doing good for others. Much of the depression experienced by millions stems from being too self-focused. The harder people try to please themselves and lay hold of happiness, the more frustratingly elusive satisfaction becomes. God made our eyes to look outward not inward. As we key in on the hurts and pains of our neighbors, surprisingly our own petty grievances seem to shrink in proportion. Maybe, secretly, we realize that if we can help others cope with life, there is hope for us too. (Kerry Knight)

“…I know that here is nothing better for man than to be happy

and do good while they live”

~ Ecclesiastes 3:11~

Posted by Mike Benson at February 6, 2009 10:24 AM

Have a terrific Thursday!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Your attitude must be like my own,

for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served,

but to serve, and to give my life.”

~Matthew 20:28 LB~

Frances Gay will be seeing a specialist today concerning her retator cut tear. Please be in prayer for her as she faces surgery.

Adasyn Antoon arrived safely.  She is beautiful, but we all know that runs in the family.  Pray for the Antoon family of three as they make adjustments to life with a baby.  Thank God for the safe arrival and good health of Adasyn.

Pray for Mrs. Ola King, a teacher at KHS.  She has been hospitalized for pneumonia.

Pray  for Averi Strickland as he begins physical therapy in Hammond today.

Pray for the students who will be involved in football activities in all the area schools.  Pray for safety and a good spirit of teamwork.  May they all enjoy the sports opportunities they have an opportunity to participate in.  May the fans be great observers and participate with concern for all involved.

The monthly share group will be tomorrow nigbt at the cabin at 6:30.  If you would like to join us, we will be glad to have you for our usual time of food, fellowship, and devotional study.  Call if you need more information.

Continue to pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith, as they address a number of health issues.

Thank God for a medication the helps give a good night’s sleep.  I needed it briefly three years ago when David had surgery.  I need it now  to help turn the thought process off long enough to get some rest.  Thankfully, I was able to get eight whole hours of much needed sleep.  That’s a big improvement and will allow to to face the day better.

Elaine Hart McElveen


A resident of Birmingham, Ala., Elaine Hart McElveen, 75, passed away after a long and courageous struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. Elaine left this world to be with her Lord and is in a place full of love and peace and no longer feeling the restrictions of her illness. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her smile filled every room and her loving, compassionate approach to life is reflected in the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Even in her most difficult days, her priority was not her own needs, but it was her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Brooks McElveen; two sons, Gregory Lynn and wife Cameron, and David Michael and wife Dana; a daughter, Dawn Elaine and husband David; and eight grandchildren, Natalie, Kurry, Corey, Christian, Brooks, Lennon, Emily and Graham. The family will receive friends at Hunter Street Baptist Chapel, 2600 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Ala., (205) 985-7295, on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 p.m. until memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International at www.jdrf.org. If you would like an alternate way to give, please call (800) 533-CURE (2873) or write the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall St., 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005.
Published in The Advocate on August 15, 2009

KneEmail

BIG

Nazca.jpgMystery on the Desert, Maria Reiche describes a series of strange lines made by thte Nazca in the plains of Peru, some of them covering many square miles…

For years, people assumed these lines were the remnants of ancient irrigation ditches. Then in 1939, Dr. Paul Kosok of Long Island University discovered their true meaning could only be seen from high in the air. When viewed from an airplane, these seemingly random lines form enormous drawings of birds, insects, and animals.

Similarly, people often think of the Bible as a series of separate, unrelated stories. When we view the Scriptures as a whole, however, we discover that they form one great story of redemption–from the first “In the Beginning” of Genesis to the final “Amen of Revelation. Weaving through all the diverse strands of the Bible is a divine story line, the overarching story of how God has rescued, redeemed, and restored humanity, from the first nanosecond of creation through the final cry of victory at the end of time. (Mike Macintosh)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him.” Ephesians 1:3-10

Posted by Mike Benson at August 18, 2009

May your Wednesday be wonderful.  I’m going to try to assure mine is.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The righteous cry out,

and the Lord hears,

and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

~Psalm 34:17~

Pray for John and Kirstie Lee Antoon as their baby girl Adasyn is born today.

Greg Tanner is doing well.  He is out of the wheelchair already.  Thank God for Greg’s recovery so far.

I was surprised to see Averi Strickland yesterday.  He is progressing very well following his stroke and is walking and talking.  He will begin physical therapy in Hammond Wednesday and will do school as a homebound student for a while.  Pray for a return to his pre-stroke condition.  I told him many people were praying for him.  He was surprised, but glad.

Appointment

Garfield.jpgON PRESIDENT GARFIELD’S first Saturday in Washington as President, a member of the Cabinet insisted that a Cabinet meeting must be called…

Garfield refused on the grounds of another engagement. The Cabinet member insisted. Garfield still refused on the grounds that the other was a prior engagement. The Cabinet member then insisted that the national matter was of such grave importance that the President should break the engagement. Garfield refused. Then the Cabinet member remarked, “I should be interested to know with whom you could have an engagement so important that it could not be broken.” Garfield replied, “I will be a frank as you are. My engagement is with my Lord to meet Him at His house and at His table at 10:30 tomorrow, and I shall be there.” The crisis passed. The nation survived. President Garfield had been faithful to his obligation.

He understood the seriousness and his obligation to partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of each week. (Kyle Cantrell)

“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” Acts 20:7a; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26

Posted by Mike Benson at August 17, 2009

Thanks for  being there to pray for needs each day.  Your prayers mean so much to many people.

Anna Lee