Category: Devotional

Sunday

“All men shall fear,

and shall declare the work of God;

for they shall wisely consider His doing.”

~Psalm 64:9~

Please continue to pray for Momma and for my sisters and me as we take turns sitting with her.  She is in roon 4115 at North Oaks.

Don Denton

Today Don dropped down to 5mg of steroids and so far so good.

He has been very neauseated today.  But he is tolerating it and he was able to eat today.

. . .

thanks
Diane

SEREER OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA (suh-RARE). Last month you prayed for
the Operation Christmas Child boxes’ distribution, when the IMB
missionary team and their partnering church presented the good news of
God’s love to more than 1,500 children and their families. Each of the
children also took home a storybook that begins with Creation and leads
to Christ. Pray for those who heard and are reading this book, asking
that God will stir in their hearts the desire to know more and that He
will lead them to those who can answer their questions. Pray that
through this, all the members of the household will have the
opportunity to be touched by the love of God given through His Son.



DEAF OF SOUTH AFRICA. “We rejoiced to hear that Deaf students at the
Filadepfia school continue to meet every Sunday and worship the Lord
with or without adult leadership,” writes the Deaf Evangelism Team.
“They keep practicing and reviewing the Bible stories they have
learned. Thank the Lord for the students’ steady hunger for God’s Word,
and pray that they will remember the stories well so they will be eager
to share with others.”



SOLI OF ZAMBIA (SOHL-ee). Missionary Kevin Rodgers took a trip to
Luangwa recently to do some teaching, and a baptism followed. Before
the baptism, he had each of the people share their testimony. One woman
shared that one day while she was just working at her home, she heard
the sound of a motor and felt drawn to go and see what it was. She saw
this white man coming in a boat. He was speaking in her language but
about something she had never heard before–having a relationship with
Jesus and how Jesus could change your life. She knew that there had
never been a time in her life when she had repented of her sins, for
she was a prostitute. That day, a few weeks ago, she prayed to receive
Christ. This past week, she was among the 12 who were baptized. Pray
for this group to continue to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Pray that they will reach out to others and share all that they are
learning. Pray for this woman in particular and the others to break
free from the strongholds in their lives. http://easternharvestteam.blogspot.com/



OBIE OF EAST ASIA (oh-BEE). D has no desire at this time to believe in
God or even to hear about the one true God. When her older brother
became a Christian, her parents became very angry with him. They were
upset that he would no longer worship their ancestors. This left a
lasting impression on D. She said that she would not go against her
parents’ wishes after seeing how much trouble her brother encountered
for following Jesus. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it”
(Mark 8:35, NIV). Pray that D will see a need in her life for Jesus.
Ask God to change her heart. Pray that she will have the courage to
follow Jesus despite persecution from her family.



LAST FRONTIER. What can we share about one Last Frontier people group?
Their daily needs are in short supply. Their medical needs go unmet.
Family members do not trust each other. Their freedom to travel at will
is limited. They know that their future is not bright. Possession of a
Bible will most likely result in a prison term. Gathering with other
believers is forbidden, as is sharing a story about God’s love. Knowing
these things, there are many requests we can make to our Father for
these people. But this week, please ask the Father to give the
believers among this people group joy. Pray that they will find His joy
in the everyday activities of life. Ask that they will experience His
joy as they work, as they seek to meet their daily needs, and as they
seek to worship Him even as it risks their personal freedom and lives.
May this thought be in their hearts: “You give him blessings forever;
You cheer him with joy in Your presence” (Psalm 21:6, HCSB).







INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, April 17, 2009

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership
have righteousness and lawlessness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14a, NASB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global
Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for godly marriage partnerships.

The Maldive Islands have one of the highest divorce rates in the
world (90 percent). Traditionally, weddings have been considered less
significant than birth, puberty or funeral rites. Ask God to send
additional godly families to live and minister in the Maldives as an
example of His design for marriage.

Married believers in Iran also strive to overcome deeply rooted
cultural norms. The way of Christ is a sharp contrast to the Islamic
worldview in which Persians are raised. Pray for husbands and wives,
fathers and mothers, asking that they will respond to all situations in
a Christ-like manner. Ask God to help them know how to live out their
faith appropriately in their homes and in the society.

Prayer requests take many forms, but the following two almost make
you want to help the individuals move from China to Niger or vice versa!

Three women in China sat, discussing how they desired to be married
but how the church was “slim pickings” when it came to available men.
Please pray that many more men will come to Christ and that women like
these three will wait patiently for a Christian husband.

Across the continents in Niger of Africa, there are Zerma men who
are following Jesus. Some of them have not married yet, but really want
to do so. There is a lot of pressure to get married and have children.
Ask God to show them what He wants marriage to be. Pray that these men
will be strong and not give in to the temptations of the world.

* Please pray fervently for godly partners to be found for those
longing to marry, resulting in relationships that demonstrate God’s
righteousness.

* Intercede for single Christians that they live in holiness and purity.


* If you are married, pray with your spouse and ask God to make your marriage a powerful testimony of His character.



KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee
should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
 
“IS IT REALLY possible for a
person to KNOW the truth…?”
 
There are so many opinions about what
the Bible teaches. “Is truth even attainable in the religious realm?”
 
These are common questions
today.  Consider a few observations from
Scripture:

  1. How can a person be expected to
    OBEY (    Hebrews
    5:8-9    ) Christ if he is incapable of knowing
    what constitutes obedience to Christ?

  2. How can a person be expected to
    ABIDE IN (    John
    8:31    ) the word of Christ if he is unable to
    learn and know Christ’s teaching?

  3. How can a person be expected to
    PROVE (    1 Thessalonians
    5:21    ; cf. 1 John
    4:1    ) what the Bible says if the truth cannot be
    distinguished from error?

  4. How can a person be expected to
    CONTEND (    Jude 3) earnestly for the truth if the truth is
    unattainable?

  5. How can a person be expected to
    BEWARE (    Matthew
    7:15    ; cf. 2 John
    7    ) of false teachers if there is no discernible
    way of telling whether or not they are teaching error?

  6. How can a person be expected to
    SPEAK (    Ephesians
    4:15    ) the truth in love if he is unable to
    differentiate between truth and error?

Yes, we can know the truth.  (Mike Benson at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“And you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32; cf. 2 Timothy
3:13-17).
Have a great Lord’s day!
Anna Lee

Friday

“Don’t think only about your own affairs,

but be interested in others, too.”

~Philippians 2:4 NLT~


Update on Don Denton

Don did Ok through the night. I am sooooooo
thankful!

We will go to St. Louis later today for testing all day tomorrow.

Please pray that he will be able to tolerate the tests.

Will update later to let you know how his day went.




Update on Jimmy and Retia Dukes

“for better or for worse.
in sickness and in health.”

49 years is a long time. No matter how you cut it, even when life can change so suddenly. 49 years of marriage today, and this situation epitomizes the two above phrases common to most marriage vows. Mom and Dad are living that out.

I will admit to you, being honest – I am struggling today to be hopeful for Mom. I know I shouldn’t be. It’s just the heaviness of what I see in Dad’s eyes today and what I can’t see in Mom’s and what I can’t imagine he is thinking.

I desperately hope she wakes up. Dad told me this morning he is trying to be hopeful, and that he is trusting and surrendering, no matter what.

When they married at 18, it certainly would be a stretch to say that Dad could have envisioned he would “celebrate” his 49th anniversary in a hospital bed with his wife in another bed, five floors down, and in a coma. I saw it in Dad’s eyes this morning, and when he shook his head and sighed (thinking I didn’t notice).

Your prayers for him and Mom mean so much right now. He especially needs it today.

This morning, Erik and I toured the hospital where Mom and Dad will likely be transferred first. It is here in New Orleans in uptown. Kindred Hospital is a national franchise and listed as Fortune 500’s #1 most admired private hospital (something like that), according to a banner in the cafeteria.

Four out of five physicians recommend it (I have always wanted to say that about something :o). Seriously, every doctor and nurse where Mom and Dad are now listed it as the top hospital for Mom and Dad’s needs at the present time. We will see once Dad is ready for rehab, whether we stay here in New Orleans or transfer them both back to Orlando. Erik and I are not sure what to do there or what we will be able to do. Please pray for wisdom for us on that one. Pray for favor with all the insurance stuff, too.

Mom had surgery on her tongue around midday. It was unexpected for us, even though we knew it would need to be repaired at some point. Glad they went ahead. I’ll let you know tomorrow how that goes. Not sure yet. She had either bitten it in the accident, or it had been eroded by one of her tubes in her mouth in the ICU. Not sure which. They had to take some of it that was damaged beyond repair out and sew it back together. Sorry if that is too graphic for some. Just letting you know what’s going on.

Dad had a great morning of therapy. He has had guests all day and hopefully will take a nap here shortly. He needs that rest. It looks like he will be transfered to that other hospital for long-term care and pre-rehab stuff probably early next week. We hope to see Mom transferred soon there, too.

Erik flew out just a few minutes ago. He is heading home this afternoon. He will be back next Friday. I will fly home next week for a few days. I am pumped that he will get to see my awesome nephews and his sweet wife! I will miss him, though. We’ve been leaning on each other a lot. I am more than blessed with my brother. Not only has he always been one of my best friends, but he has lived out and taught me the ways of Jesus like no other. I love him so much.

How awesome, though, has “the church” been in all of this. You all have loved us more than we could have ever imagined through this. I honestly can’t put into words how grateful we are. And I was blessed this morning again in several ways. With Erik leaving for the first time since the accident, Chris Mayberry (one of my closest friends) flew up from Orlando to be with me for two days. And, he brought several monetary gifts from some very generous and loving folks back home in Orlando as well as from Jackson, TN (they had mailed it to our home). He also brought underwear – pretty important.

To my love, Jen – I was overwhelmed watching my Dad see Mom again for the first time since the accident. I pray we will see 49 years together, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, no matter what. And I hope the same for all of the rest of you who are married. Cherish today. Relish in the blossoming beauty of your marriage. Forgive now if you need to. Reconcile and live in the abundance of the relationship most like what God desires with us. And love, selflessly, no matter what.


KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=6686&LanguageID=1709

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WHY TELL PEOPLE to keep quiet about the most stupendous, incredible, world-shaking thing that had happened in their lifetime–that God had come down into human flesh and lived among them like a typical man…?
Because it wasn’t yet Jesus’ time to die: His ministry was not yet complete. And He knew how the jealous religious leaders would react–precisely the way they did: they sought to kill Him.
You see, Jesus’ identity was the stick that broke the camel’s back for the people who most wanted Him gone (cf. Matthew 26:59-68). His statements that He was the Son of God were what the Jews decided was the final proof of Jesus’ guilt before the Law: they claimed He blasphemed (“cursed, derided, slandered, and libeled”) God by claiming to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God. They could not deal with. He was everything they believed the Messiah wasn’t. And he was nothing they thought the Messiah should be.
Nothing inspired more derision, hatred, and revulsion toward Jesus than His claim to be God incarnate. And nothing brings greater disdain than that claim today. You can call Jesus a good man, a great prophet, a fine leader, perhaps the greatest man who ever lived. But utter the words “He wasn’t just a man, He was God,” and you may be in for a fight.
When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” they answered the expected ways: “a great prophet, Elijah, etc.” But Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (cf. Matthew 16:13-16). Jesus then told Peter this was the “rock” on which He would build His church. The “rock” wasn’t Peter himself, but rather the confession of Jesus being the Son of God.
Ultimately, that’s the line of demarcation for everyone. “Whom do you say He is?” is the question each of us must answer. How we answer determines where we will spend eternity. (Mark Litteton)
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).


I hope you took time to read KOMpray. If not, please do so now or later today. Your heart will be touched.

Have a fantastic Friday!
Anna Lee

Thursday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

always in every prayer of mine

making request for you all with joy,

for your fellowship in the gospel

from the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

Pray for Mrs. Pat Gill as she has surgery at North Oaks late this morning. She and her family will be most appreciative of your prayers.

Pray for Beverly Parson as she has knee surgery.

Update on Don Denton

Just a quick update:

Well last night was a rough night for Don he was awake allot with headache pain and again did not get out of bed until mid morning. His headache pain is increasing.

Then this afternoon he seemed somewhat better, he even went to physical therapy and talked with some friends this evening for a while.

But at the same time feeling sick. He has not eaten today and tonight was sick to his stomach and could not keep down his pills at bedtime. AT one point he could not stand up the dizziness was so bad. Then he seem to get a little better.

So, tonight has been rough. I am prepared to take him into the ER in Springfield if needed.

I will post first thing in the morning, Thrusday morning. to let you know how he did through the night.

If you don’t hear from me you will know what has happened.

Pray, Pray, pray.

love,
Diane

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
MY SWEET, BEAUTIFUL wife (some 8,000 miles away from me), posted that the very house in which she was typing on the computer had been an unwitting host to a black mamba just three days ago…
Just reading her note sent a shiver down my spine. The black mamba is my biggest stumbling block on mission trips. (Lord willing, I will return for a sixth time to Tanzania this fall). In those times, I have seen two of these vile creatures. Both “sightings” were in 2005, on a Safari for Souls campaign in Moshi, and, thankfully (!!), both were smashed flatter than a pancake.
Why am I so afraid? Consider what National Geographic says: “Traveling at 20 kilometers per hour, they are one of the fastest snakes in the world. They can reach lengths of 14.2 feet, taller than two NBA players combined.” Oh, and the fact that their fangs are filled with neuro- and cardiotoxins and that they are very willing to repeatedly strike, my mind is made up about these cuddly creatures. They are also described as a “nervous” snake, and when they threatened, they get downright aggressive.
Discussing this “snakophobia” of mine with a good friend, he made the remark that this world and the church would be a far different place if we reviled and hated the one called “that serpent of old”. (Rev. 12:9) as much as Indiana Jones (and I) hate snakes. What a great point! If we understood the poison of his lies (cf. John 8:44), his appetite for us (cf. 1 Pet. 5:8), and his slick ways of deceiving and lying (cf. 1 John 5:19; John 8:44), we would “flee” from him like he was a highly upset mamba. His potential threat is eternally greater than even the world’s deadliest snake.
Yet, the Bible tells us repeatedly that, with God’s aid and strength, we can stand up to him and make him flee from us (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9). But, when we are lulled into complacency or guided by worldly thinking, we are allowing that serpent of old to do deadly damage to us! How do we know whether or not this has occurred in our lives? Check your morality, ethics, activities, interests, desires, and goals. Are they leading you toward the Lord or away from Him? If the answer is the latter, it should make you shudder like any trembling a slithering serpent can induce. (Neal Pollard)
“Let Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Thanks for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many,
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Let the peoples praise You, O God;

let all the peoples praise You.”

~Psalm 67:5~

Holly K. was recently able to participate in distributing 1,500 Operation Christmas Child boxes in West Africa. Pray that the 1,500 children who received the boxes will soon receive something much greater than the contents of a box. Pray the same thing for children around the world who also received boxes. Thank God for each box that was prepared and the time and money that goes into this project each year.

Continue to pray for the families who have recently lost loved ones. This picture of “Miss” Bernice was posted yesterday on McKneely’s site. I hope you remember fond memories as you view the picture.

Bernice Monts Simmons

Alice Fairburn Picou
Alice Fairburn Picou died at 4:20 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2009, at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. She was 49, a native of Independence and a resident of Amite. Graveside services will be held at Lebo Cemetery in Chesbrough on Wednesday at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Willie Westmoreland. Survived by a daughter, Ashley Fairburn, Amite; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Alan Simmons, and Cathy and Dudley McIntyre, all of Amite; two brothers, Luther Warren Fairburn Jr. and wife Glenda, and Jerry Patrick Fairburn and wife Jani, all of Tangipahoa; five nieces and nephews, Charles, Lacey, Robert, Regina and Jamie; and two great-nieces, Hallie and Abigail. Preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Robertson; parents, Luther W. Sr. and Louvernia Lebo Fairburn; brother-in-law, Richard Crotwell Sr.; and nephew, Richard Crotwell Jr. Arrangements by McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit www.mckneelys.com.

FLEEING TEMPTATION

This story was told by a chemistry teacher at school. A female student wanted to make some potassium hydroxide solution (aqueous) and decided to throw a large lump of potassium into a bucket of water.

Out of the corner of his eye, her professor observed what she was about to do and hurried toward her. After confirming what she was intending to do, he asked her to first stir the water in the bucket for five minutes before adding the potassium.

She was puzzled and asked the purpose of this action. “It will give me time to get away,” said the professor.

There are times when running away is the proper response. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said to “Flee sexual immorality” (I Cor. 6:18) and “Flee from idolatry.” (I Cor. 10:14). Fleeing is especially important when we encounter temptation. We sometimes make the mistake of putting ourselves in situations where we are tempted, thinking that we are strong enough to handle it. Sometimes we are, but often we are not.

Remember when Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife? She “cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (Gen. 39:7). Joseph refused to commit adultery with her, but she persisted to the point that finally Joseph needed to flee. “He left his garment in her hand, and fled outside.” (Gen. 39:12).

There may not be a Potiphar’s wife in your life, but there is likely some temptation which you find difficult to resist. If alcohol is your temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid people and places where alcohol will be readily available. If sexual impurity with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid situations where you are alone and the temptation is stronger. If inappropriate use of your money is a temptation, flee. Stay away from the mall!

The worst mistake any of us can make is to think that “I can handle it. I know this is a strong temptation but I won’t give in. I’ll hang around close, but I won’t cross the line.” The real question we need to consider is this: “Who (or what) do we want to stay close to?” Because fleeing is not just running away from something; it is also running toward something.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (I Timothy 6:11)

Father, more than anything in this world I desire to be close to you. Help me to flee from those things which tend to pull me away from you, and draw me close. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For the wages of sin is death,

but the free gift of God is eternal life

through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

~Romans 6:23 NLT~

The music provided by the Louisiana College Chorale was of exceptional quality. If you missed the performance last night, you missed something special.

Please pray for Larry Watts and his family. Larry is home at home.

Monday night (9:59 EDT) update on Don Denton

Don was able to go to church this Sunday and for us to attend as a family was a special event. We love our church family they have been there for us even when we have not been able to be there.

They are precious people of God and we are honored to be a part of this special gathering of christians. They have been “light” to us and have continued to walk with us, love us and support us in a way that is beyond what we could have imagined. We are so grateful!

After church Don was pretty tired and wore out, he came home and slept.

What is hard for people to see is that Don is dizzy all the time. I am amazed that this man can get up everyday with his dizziness, nausea and headaches and push through that to do life as best as he can.

He looks good and he is getting stronger and one would never no that he is so sick by just looking at him.

What I love to watch is that he continues to teach our son, Joshua about the unconditional love of God too.

I am humbled to watch this father-son relationship in such a way that models Christ. I am blessed to experience this. It can be tough for a man to be vulnerable with their son. Especially with our western culture mindset that men should not show emotion. When one is raised in such a way, it is hard to break that cycle.

I love that our pastor emulates that love toward his church. It is precious to hear our pastor tell us that he loves us. We are ministered deeply to. That is how God intended it to be.

When life takes away what one knows life as. It can change you and how you look at life. Children don’t understand that, they can’t.

We do our best to take each day and make the best of it, yet it is hard when the rubber meets the road to rise above that. We are human. Thank God he is faithful. Thank God we can admit our mistakes and He loves us in such an amazing way.

Don tapered down to 7.5mg. today. He has been more sick today and has needed to rest more. He did go to physical therapy and it took allot out of him.

Well, I still need to do dishes. We continue to pray that Don will make it just another 11 days till he is off of steroids.

WE will leave Thursday late afternoon to drive up to St. Louis. Don will have testing all day on Friday. We will drive back home.

Then Don will see Neurosurgeon on the 28th. Hopefull surgery will happen a few days after. We will not know until that time.

If the sun is shining tomorrow and it is warm enough to get outside, Josh and I will work in our little garden. With all the cold weather still lingering, our vegtables have not thrived as well as I would have liked.

Thank you so much for praying for us. I believe Don has not relapsed because of prayer. I believe it.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

Funeral services for Reuben Lee will be at 1 P.M. today at McKneely’s in Kentwood.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bernice Simmons will be at 11 A.M. at Line Creek Baptist Church. “Miss” was probably one of the best know and most loved ladies in the Kentwood area. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Everyone has special memories of people who have moved to their heavenly home. Our favorite memory of “Miss” Bernice is that she ALWAYS asked about out children BY NAME. That was so special to us!

Jesse Dean’s sister, Patsy, is hospitalized in North Oaks. Please be in prayer for her.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Frances Bell as she begins the rehabilitation process for the broken hip.

We have a third Thursday this week. There will be a meeting for food, fellowship, and Bible study this Thursday at the cabin at 6:30 P.M.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
SEVERAL YEARS AGO, my family was camping in the mountains of Colorado…
We have arrived there late in the afternoon, and we picked out a nice spot close to a beautiful river. While I was attending to the chores of setting up and organizing our camp, the children went off to play.
As the sun began to set, we started rounding up the children and hustling them back into our campground before it got completely dark. Our four-year-old son, Scott, was missing. The river was making so much noise that my calls were drowned out, and its roar was a constant reminder of danger.
Panic began to build. Where was he? Had he wandered out of the campground? Had he wandered up or down the river? The last time I saw him, he was playing at the edge of the water with a little boat he had made.
By now you could barely distinguish the camp as the rays of the setting sun were further blocked by the forest. A chilling reality gripped me. I only had a few minutes before darkness made my search nearly impossible.
What should I do?
First, I want to tell you some of the things I did not do.
I did not organize any classes on how to find lost children.
I did not hold any rallies to enlist volunteers to help me.
I did not wait until someone came along with was better qualified than I to search.
I did not fail to do anything for fear of doing the wrong thing.
Now, I want to tell you what I did do.
I acted immediately.
I ran around the campground.
I dashed up and down the river.
I called Scott’s name, in spite of the roaring river.
I searched the churning waters.
I stopped total strangers to describe him, and they joined in the search.
Nothing else mattered for that period of time. Finding him was my top priority.
After running all over the campground and up and down the river, I still could not find him. Not knowing what else to do, I decided to go back to camp to figure out what to do next. Scott and I arrived at the same time. He was walking nonchalantly into our campground, oblivious to everything; I was still on a dead run.
An old preacher once said, “If a man has a soul, and he has, and if that soul can be won or lost for eternity, and it can, then the most important thing in the world is to bring a man to Jesus Christ.” (Don Humphrey)
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save
that which was lost.”
~Luke 19:10~

Make a difference in a someone’s life today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Let the peoples praise You, O God;

let all the peoples praise You.”

~Psalm 67:5~



Mrs. Faye Price was scheduled to go home for a little while yesterday. Celebrate this major step with the Price family.


Mrs. Margaret Huber is waiting for lab reports which should be available tomorrow. Pray for her and her family as she recovers from surgery.


Pray for the Simmons family as they prepare for the wake and funeral celebration for “Miss” Bernice. The wake is from 5-9 P.M. tonight at her home. The funeral will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow at Line Creek Baptist Church.

Jeremy Thomas Dover
(November 28, 1980 – April 11, 2009)

Jeremy Thomas Dover

Jeremy Thomas Dover a beloved husband, father, son, brother, & friend passed away at 9:34AM,on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was 28, a native of Independence and a resident of Pride, LA.

Jeremy is survived by his wife, Kristin Kinchen Dover, Pride; a daughter, Logan Kinchen Dover, Pride; a son, Gabriel Thomas Dover, Pride; parents, Thomas Edwin & Nita Kay Sowell Dover, Greensburg; a sister, Heather Dover, Greensburg; mother-in-law, Beverly Kinchen, Albany; father-in-law, Billy Kinchen, Pride; brother-in-law, Joshua Kinchen, Albany; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family & close friends.

Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Joseph C. & Anita Sowell; paternal grandparents, Alvis & Maudie Dover; 2 uncles, Joseph C. Sowell, III and Joey Dover.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 11:00AM until Religious Services at the funeral home Chapel at 12:00NOON.

Interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Jeremy Dover Benefit Account, %Bank of Greensburg, PO Box 10, Greensburg, LA. 70441

Family would like to thank the OLOL Trauma Neuro Critical Care Unit.

An on-line Guest book is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

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



Don’t forget the choir from Louisiana College. They will have a one-night stop in Kentwood. See you at 7 P.M. Expect some beautiful music!

Gibbie McMillan is leading revival at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. I was told twenty-one people made professions of faith yesterday morning. The revival continues through Wednesday with services at 7 P.M. each night. You are invited to attend.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
LAST YEAR WHILE hiking in the mountains of North Georgia, I came across a very large unusually shaped brick…
The brick was almost completely covered in green, fur-like vegetation. After I scraped the green goop away, I carefully inspected the brick and discovered that it was a brownish-yellow color instead of the traditional red. I also discovered some unusual markings and identification numbers on the brick. When I returned home, I was able to do some research and found that this particular type of brick was used in the early-to-mid eighteen hundreds to construct smelting ovens. These ovens melted and purified gold after it was mined from the mountains of North Georgia and Carolina. The purpose of the melting process was to remove any impurities that were attached to the gold.
THOUGHTS: God compares the difficulties and trials that each of us must experience in our lives to the purification or smelting process that gold goes through in order to become valuable. It is kind of like the refining process that the old yellow brick had been a part of over a hundred years ago. The brick had actually facilitated the fire’s ability to remove impurities from the gold after melting, and thereby increased its value. And more than likely some of the very gold which was purified in that particular type of brick smelting oven is still around today, possibly in the form of antique jewelry that has been passed from one generation to another. (Mitch Temple)
KneEmail: “The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7



Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“God showed His great love for us

by sending Christ to die for us

while we were still sinners.”

~Romans 5:8 NLT~

Jimmy and Retia Dukes and family

Friday, April 10, 2009 10:29 PM, EDT

Today was a busy day with Pop and more of the same with Mom.

Early this morning, they transitioned Pop out of the ICU. They moved him to his own room. There they will continue to help his bones heal, manage his pain, and begin rehab. His rehab will consist for several weeks of simple things – moving his legs and arms in his bed, transfering him out of bed (by carrying him – he can’t put weight on his legs yet) to sit in a comfortable chair, and watching the news while displaying his stellar sense of humor to the nurses and visitors.

Still no word on when they will repair his wrist. Erik and I saw his arm and legs without bandages and splints today, while they were changing his dressings. WOW. Lots of road rash. Lots of bruising. Pretty rough stuff. The doctor said it all seems to be healing well.

Pop complained of his head and neck more today. Not worried yet, but definitely gonna keep an eye on it. He does have the fracture in his neck they said would heal. He also had a minor head injury with some bleeding, which they said resolved.

Mom is still in a deep coma. She continued to make baby steps common for head injury patients – like basic reflexes to discomfort. She cringes prettily heavily and moves around a bit when they are suctioning her and cleaning her teeth and mouth. The response subsides completely afterward. She is still not interacting with us in a noticable way.

We were encouraged by the rehab doctor. He said their team would work hard to get Mom and Pop in the same rehab facility. We hope that will be the case.

We continue to be so blessed by the prayers, the visitors, the food delivered to the hospital and to where we are staying, and more. Thank you all so very much – in New Orleans, in Booneville, in Orlando, and in so many other places. It is so clear that they have loved on so many folks. We are so thankful.

Jen walked through all the comments on the Caring Bridge site the other night and counted at least 30 states and 5 countries represented among the comments. SO AMAZING!!!

There will be a news story aired tonight or tomorrow night here in town on WWL about Mom and Pop. They told us it would be posted online, as well. So, we will post a link in an upcoming update when we find out the URL for the video.

We love you all. Please keep praying for Mom and Pop. Please keep praying for for Mom to show some kind of interaction – any kind. Please pray for Pop to rest and heal and be patient in this very long recovery process. Please pray for Erin and Jen and the kids as they continue to hold down the fort at our respective homes. We have been video chatting with them some. We miss them. Thanks to all who have loved on them and played with them there.

One of the ladies in the waiting room who is with a family we have connected with there keeps grabbing me by the shoulders, giving me a hug, and telling me this – “God can. God will. God must.”

We hope and believe He will. Thanks for your support in this difficult time. You all have blessed us richly.

-jason


Friday, April 10, 2009 11:24 PM, EDT

A local news station, WWL, and a very kind reporter who found out about Mom and Pop’s accident from a friend, covered Mom and Pop’s story today. It was a featured story – 2nd in the lineup at 9pm and 10pm.

Thank you, Susan Edwards, for your compassionate heart and your sincere concern for our family. We appreciate the story highlighting the love of Mom and Dad shared all these years and the amazing outpouring of love toward them since the accident.

Here’s the link:

http://www.wwltv.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=350935

Just wanted to share it with yall.

-jason

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, April 10, 2009

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:5b-7a, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, praying with you for those who do not know the joy of Easter.

In the Philippines, many traditions surround this week of remembering Christ’s death and resurrection. Most businesses are closed for part of Friday, and most public transportation is suspended. Much emphasis is placed on Jesus’ suffering and death as devotees walk several kilometers, some carrying crosses or beating themselves to pay penance for their sins.

The majority of the people in Taichung, Taiwan however, will spend Easter just like any other Sunday. They will work, shop or spend some time in a park with friends or family. Pray that this Easter, the wonder and miracle of Christ’s resurrection will be proclaimed in such a way through the bold witness of Taiwanese believers that many will be “added to their numbers.”

Sadly, the words “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” are not heard in Saudi Arabia unless they are whispered between believers. As in Taichung, Easter is just another workday. Please pray that believers will radiate the love of Jesus during this special season. Pray that their Saudi coworkers and neighbors will see the joy in their faces and ask genuine questions.

* Please pray for new Waray-Waray believers in the Philippines to grasp the truth that Christ has come down from the cross and risen again, claiming victory over death and the grave.

* Ask God to help immature believers understand the assurance they have in Jesus’ complete sacrifice.

* Pray for yourself and for Christians in such diverse places as the Philippines, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia to have boldness to share with their families, friends and relatives the message of the good news of salvation through Christ alone.

From Annie’s Home Page:

The NEW Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave,
Green is for the grass He made,
Yellow is for the sun so bright,
Orange is for the edge of night.

Black, white, brown, yellow and red is for the children He made
All of these colors receive the grace He gave,
Purple is for the hour of sorrow,
Pink is for the new tomorrow.

Give a bag full of jelly beans,
Colorful and sweet,
Tell them it’s a Prayer….
It’s a promise..
It’s an Easter Treat!

Also from Annie’s Home Page:

“Resurrection Cookies”
~Also known as Easter Story Cookies~


This is a great recipe to teach your Children the REAL story of Easter.

So Grab your Apron and Let’s Get Started!!!!!!!

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible


Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important — don’t wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon
to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3


Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar
to drink. Read: John 19:28-30


Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life
to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11


Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest
into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers,
and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27


So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the
sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to
know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins
have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3


Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60


Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.


Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

Cozy Bed
GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22


On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked
surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed
to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Good Friday

“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked Him,

“Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”

~Mark 14:61 NIV~

Would you please add Ms. Margaret Huber to the prayer list. She is having surgery today. They have found a tumor where the large and small intestine are joined.

Mary Margaret Kundler

Caring Bridge Update on Dukes

Spoke with Jason and Erik for the latest update:

They got news that they did NOT actually fix dad’s wrist. Because the skin abrasions were severe enough there, they did not want to risk infection. So they DID fix his humurous, but NOT his ulna.

As the day went on, dad got a little bit more sensible. He struggled a bit coming out of the anasthesia. They did write orders to begin transition to a step down room out of ICU. They expect that to happen tomorrow. He will still be under close watch in a room with a sitter.

As for mom, the neurosurgeon told us that there is really no change. The positive, she is not digressing. Her swelling is going down and the swelling in her face is going down. They said she is making normal progress for a head injury patient but she is still in a deep coma. They are specifically using that terminology.

Please be praying:

1-mom would in some way demonstrate some kind of interaction – sometimes people don’t have that kind of response for 3-4 weeks.

2-pray that both are protected from infections and from clots since they are laying flat all the time.

3-regard to infection for dad – found some issues with skin on legs as result of traumatic type of issue that it was – soft tissue damaged. being diabetic – big cause of concern – don’t want issue with legs and circulation.

4-dads bones would continue to heal and manage pain well.

They continue to be encouraged by the incredible response from friends and family. Jason and Erik’s church families have stepped up to help Jenn and Erin back at home. Please be praying for them as they walk through this with the kids. Erin’s mom is with her and Jenn’s sister Lindsey is staying with her.

Thank you all so much for being the church.

Pray for Dwayne and Trisha Wilson and others as they participate in a mission trip to El Salvadore during the Easter holidays. Pray for the Wilson children and their grandparents as they enjoy this time together.

I look forward to Fridays so I can read KOMpray (Kids on Mission Pray). You can read it too by going to http://kompray.imb.org.

Baptist Press

April 9, 2009

ILLINOIS–FIRST-PERSON (Mark Coppenger): God the Son & His Victorious Resurrection. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30248

TENNESSEE–Oprah doctor: ‘stem cell debate is dead.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30249

TENNESSEE–Rick Warren: ‘I … never campaigned.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30250

PENNSYLVANIA–Philadelphia churches sweep city with God’s Plan for Sharing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30251

KENTUCKY–Resolutions Committee named for ’09 SBC . http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30252

TENNESSEE–Obama tax proposal shouldn’t hurt churches, exec says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30253

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Luis Palau draws 425,000 in Guatemala City. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30254

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): Hope for the hopeless. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30256

KANSAS–FIRST-PERSON (Phil Boatwright): Films celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30257


FBC, Kentwood will have an 8:15 service this week in addition to the normal Sunday School and worship times.

Monday, the Louisiana College Chorale will be in concert at FBC, Kentwood at 7 P.M. I heard this group many times while Jennie and Jason were students at LC. The students in the group will be different, but the high quality should still be the same. Don’t miss this special night!


THE REWARD FOR FAITHFULNESS

I thought you would enjoy the following list of “Rules and Regulations for Teachers in 1872”:

1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys, and trim wicks.

2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and scuttle of coal for the day’s sessions.

3. Make your pens carefully: you may whittle nibs to the individual taste of pupils.

4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly.

5. After 10 hours in school, the teachers spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.

6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.

7. Each teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.

8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or get shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intentions, integrity and honesty.

9. The teacher who performs his labors faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of 25 cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.

I was intrigued by the wording of #9 above. It sounded somewhat familiar to me. Then it dawned on me that there is a similarity to what Jesus had to say to the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2 and 3.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev.2:10b)

“…[T]hey shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Rev. 3:4-5)

There are a couple of significant differences, though, between the promise given to teachers in 1872 and the promises given by Jesus. Jesus doesn’t require that we live “without fault” (and oh, how I’m thankful for that!). The reward that Jesus promises is considerably better than 25 cents for every five years of service (and I’m thankful for that as well!). And it’s not a matter of gaining the approval of a group of men. The only approval that matters is the smile we’ll see on our Father’s face.

Father, thank you for the promises that you have given — not just the promise of a crown or of white garments, but the promise of an opportunity to be in your presence, to be held in your arms. I don’t live before you “without fault”, so I thank you for your grace as I seek to live faithfully as your child. I commit all that I am and all that I have to be used in your service. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Because Jesus was raised from the dead,

we’ve been given a brand-new life,

and have everything to live for,

including a future in heaven.”

1 Peter 1:3-4 MSG



Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family as they travel down “unfamiliar paths”. “Miss” Faye is back in the nursing home in Kentwood.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE BLOG TITLE read, “Moron turns in $140,000.00…”
The title refers tot he news story that broke last month. Eli Estrada, a 40-year-old Palm Beach resident found a bag containing $140,000 in unmarked $20 bills.
Mr. Estrada certainly could have used the money. About six months ago, he opened a landscaping and artificial-grass business and is in debt; he says his child support payments are tough to make; and he supports his mother, who moved in with him last year after she lost her house to a fumbled refinancing plan. Yet Mr. Estrada went straight to the police and turned in all $140,000.
Apparently a Brinks armored truck somehow lost the money. Brinks rewarded Mr. Estrada for his good deed by giving him $2,000.
So now, was Mr. Estrada really a “moron”? Only if one views such values as honesty, integrity, and the “golden rule” as foolish. But what about the cheap reward that was offered? Some on this blog said that if they knew the reward for turning in the money would have been so small, they would have kept it. But do we have to be financially rewarded for doing the right thing? Are our values so degraded that we feel we deserve a reward for doing what we’re supposed to do?
A moron? Hardly. Here’s a man who has demonstrated that he had sufficient intelligence to know that some things are more valuable than money–things like integrity, honesty, and doing the right thing. Thank you, Mr. Estrada, for your example. May your tribe increase!
Now then, truthfully, what would you do if you found the money? (Steve Higginbotham)
“..But that you should do what is honorable…” (2 Corinthians 13:7).

Have a better day today than yesterday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Trust in Him at all times, you people;

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.”

~Psalm 62:8~

Two Easter dramas in two nights! Both were good. There were similarities and differences. I was blessed by experiencing both of them. I hope you have been able to participate in something special to help you remember the real meaning of the Easter season. Just like Christmas, Jesus is the meaning of the season!

Don Denton

Today is Tuesday and Don will taper down to 10mg of steroid tomorrow. He has had more headaches and some nausea, but he has not had a relapse. He had a good day today as well.

Joshua is doing somewhat better. He is still having to use the nebulizer as his cough is still holding on.

And for that matter, I have gotten some much needed rest. I just felt that I had hit bottom this weekend with not much sleep for about a week. So I am thankful to have more rest.

We rescheduled Don’s day of testing up in St. Louis for April 17th and then his biopsy will be the last week of April.

Our blast of Winter came and went and we are glad for the hint of Spring again.

Today Don walked without a walker in physical therapy and his therapist says he can start using a cane by weeks end. He will have to take it very carefully as his dizziness is what makes it so difficult to keep his balance.

We are hoping that we all are well enough to go to church this Sunday. It has been most difficult not being able to be in church and be with our church family. WE look for the day that we can be back.

Thank you for continuing to reach out to us and walk with us it means so much to hear such words of encouragement.

…

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – April 8, 2009

UNENGAGED PEOPLES OF CENTRAL, EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. “For the last few years, prayer requests have been submitted on behalf of the Tsonga-Shangaan (pronounced T’SON-guh shon-GAHN) people of the Limpopo province of South Africa. Approximately 820,000 Tsonga-Shangaan live in the Gazankhulu area of the province, with no IMB personnel living among them. With joy, missionaries serving in the Southeastern Africa Cluster share that the Tsonga-Shangaan of the Limpopo province have been adopted in a prayer partnership by a church in Kansas. What a blessing to begin to work with this church to provide prayer support for the Tsonga-Shangaan people! Pray for unity as we begin this ministry together. Ask the Lord to provide personnel to help and assist in starting new work and developing leadership among the Tsonga-Shangaan.” prayerplus@imb.org

SAUDI ARABS OF SAUDI ARABIA (SAU-dee). “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” are words that are heard in Arabic across the Arab world as Christians greet each other on Easter morning. Unfortunately, these words are not heard in Saudi Arabia unless they are whispered between believers. In fact, Easter is just another workday. Please pray that believers will radiate the love of Jesus during this special season. Pray that their Saudi coworkers and neighbors will see the joy in their faces and ask genuine questions. Pray that believers will have the boldness to share the story of Easter and how Jesus has changed their lives! http://www.lovesaudis.com/

TURKS OF TURKEY’S MEDITERRANEAN REGION. “In a country where soccer is the national sport and American-style football is not played in any high school that we know of, college and ‘professional’ football are attempting to take root. This is a dream come true for our son’s best friend in this country. He first played football when we arrived here a few years ago. Our son, who loves football, taught him the basics of the game. This year, this young man went to a university that has a football team. He has been able to play as a freshman on the team. It is an exciting new sport here, and there are opportunities to share the Good News and build relationships through this sport. It is illegal for adults to share the Good News with a minor in this place, but our children can share with their friends. Over a recent school break, our son was able to share a good deal about the Scriptures with this friend. Please stop and intercede for him. ‘Almighty God, we ask that Your Holy Spirit will quicken this young man’s mind and that he will seek to know You. May the truths that he heard resound in his mind until he comes face to face with Christ, the lover of his soul. Father, we ask You to draw his entire family to Yourself. Please open doors to share the gospel through sports all across this country, and let this be the generation that follows Christ.’”

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
ARISTOTLE SAID, “WE are what we repeatedly do…
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” We are creatures of habit. Habits–overeating, thumb-sucking, breath-holding, nail-biting, smoking, and the like–run the gambit from unpleasant to unhealthy. Other habits, like reading, healthy eating, exercise, money management, and getting adequate rest, greatly improve our quality of life.
Our lives are all composed of habits from the time we wake up all the way up to bedtime. If a habit is negative, a cycle that includes triggers, feelings, and impulses can be broken anywhere along the way. If the habit is positive and needed, we can nurture that cycle by continuing in it.
Think about certain spiritual matters that are matters of habit–faithful attendance, daily Bible study and prayer, pure speech, visitation, welcoming visitors at church services, involvement in church works, controlling the tongue, and any number of personal growth matters.
Aristotle was right. Excellence does not consist in doing something once. it is not even found in sporadic, occasional engagement. We cultivate excellence by focusing on certain areas with repeated, persistent effort.
Paul urged the church at Thessalonica to “abound more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1). That consisted in knowing how “to walk and to please God.” Peter told the Christians dispersed abroad to keep their “behavior seemly among the Gentiles” (1 Peter 2:12). In the second letter, he included excellence–virtue–as a Christian grace (2 Peter 1:5).
Excellence is not something we are born with or just wake up possessing. It is, as Aristotle said, a matter of our habits! (Neal Pollard)
Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

May you and I feel the presence of God as we walk, run, or crawl through this day!
Anna Lee