Category: Devotional

Sunday

“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him?” (Romans 10:14a, HCSB)

One way children will “hear” is through the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Our church is collecting them this morning and dedication them to “speak” to young hearts through the gifts and the printed words that Samaritan’s Purse will include in each one. Thank-you to those who have packed a box already. It’s not too late for those of you who have not done so already. Please let a church staff member or me know today if you wish to turn in a box later than today. You may go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/ to learn more about Operation Christmas Child. If you didn’t participate this year, you can begin to make plans to do so next year.

The Georgia Barnette Offering for state missions is doing well. So far, we have collected $6,109.00 toward our goal of $7,500.00. If you have not given, please try to do so today. If you have already given, you might want to give more. It’s never too late to contribute. Be sure to mark your check and envelope with “Georgia Barnette”. The need to build and rebuild after recent hurricanes is great.

Bobbie Raborn and Frankie Gehringer will be the deacons of the week this week. If you have a need or know of a need, please contact one of these men.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is doing better. Pray for her and Mr. Philip as she continue to work to overcome this health issue she has been dealing with this year. Thank God for the medical personnel who have worked so diligently to help her.

The WMU of FBC will meet at 4 P.M. today in the heritage room. If you are interested in missions, please try to attend.

The next two projects for our associational WMU will be stamped Christmas cards for the prisoners at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and new toys for the children of migrants. You may begin bringing them to the church office at FBC, Kentwood.

Billy Thomas Whitaker
(September 14, 1934 – November 15, 2008)
Billy Thomas Whitaker born on September 14, 1934 and passed away at 9:55AM, Saturday, November 15, 2008 at his residence in Amite. Mr. Billy was the son of the late George B. & Viola Burks Whitaker. He was 74 and a native of Baton Rouge.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Edna Jones Whitaker, Amite; 4 daughters, Rhonda Knippers and husband, Chris, Loranger, Judy Miller and husband, Ronnie, Amite, Carolyn Spiess and husband, William, Independence, & Robin Clark and husband, Wayne, Bay Minette, AL; a son, Dennis White and wife, Susan, Lake Charles; 3 sisters, Loraine Ayer, Zachary, Irene Rogillio and husband, Ellis, Clinton, & Ola King, Baker; a brother, Edwin “Hunky” Whitaker and wife, Joyce, Zachary; 30 grandchildren & numerous great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 sons, Ray Whitaker, Kenny Whitaker & Lloyd Whitaker; 2 granddaughters, Lizzie Whitaker & Lacey Whitaker.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Monday, November 17, 2008 after 8:00AM until Religious Services at 10:00AM in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Mike Hegwood officiating. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Baker, LA.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Manual

HAVE YOU EVER tried to figure out the remote control for your television set…?

I find myself calling our cable company at least once or twice a year to say, “Hey, how do I make this thing work?” Inevitably, some techie on the other end of the line asks, “Well, Sir, did you read the instruction manual?”

You’re probably like me — you either can’t bring yourself to actually read an owner’s manual or you can’t decipher the hieroglyphics if you do read it. There is nothing more irritating than a manual for whatever gadget, gizmo, or appliance you might have.

During my research, I discovered one group of professionals tha apparently isn’t into owner’s manuals. A sign in an engineering firm’s reception area read: “Real engineers don’t read owner’s manuals. Reliance on a reference book is a hallmark of the novice and coward.” Another wall held the following sign: “Real engineers don’t seek technical support. To do so is a sign of weakness.” Engineers may be the only ones in our society who can comprehend gadgets and devices without some kind of manual. The rest of us need help to figure out all the buttons, blinking lights, and electronics that overwhelm us.

As frustrated as we might become with electronic devices, there’s something far more important we need help with: our lives and the problems we face, the challenges we encounter, and the sorrows we endure. Since we are created beings with a free will and a purpose for our lives, there must be some instructions for us somewhere that ensure we will function at optimal capacity. I would like to suggest that the Bible is just such a book, put here so you and I can live up to our maximum potential. In fact, if I were given the assignment of coming up with a new title for the Bible, it might very well be:

LIFE: AN OWNER’S MANUAL
Your Tiime-Honored, Time-Tested Guide to the
Here and Now
and the
Then and There. (Mike Macintosh)

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” ( 2 Pet. 1:3).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 9, 2008 10:57 AM

Have a special Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Emily Panter (new format)
http://www.EmilyPanter.com

NOT ENOUGH CHAIRS

The new preacher loaded his car with his large family and visited an old deacon on the farm. After the introductions there was an awkward pause as the unexpected guests looked for chairs upon which to sit. The parlor had only two chairs.

“Brother, I don’t believe you have enough chairs,” suggested the preacher.

“That ain’t it,” muttered the old man. “I got plenty of chairs — just too much company!”

Some Christians make it clear they don’t want to spend too much time with other Christians, but how important is our fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ! Living in a hostile environment, we need the encouragement that comes from those who share the same hopes and goals that we do.

God knew that we would need each other, that the Christian life would be difficult if not impossible to live in isolation. That’s what the church is all about. The early Christians certainly recognized the value of being together:

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (Acts 2:46, NIV)

Take time today to spend a few moments with a fellow Christian, encouraging and being encouraged. Just be sure to have plenty of chairs ready!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend!
Anna Lee

Friday

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 (NLT)

Please pray for Emily Panter and her famiy.
http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Dr. Council is finally overcoming his cough and cold or whatever he has had lately. Pray he is much better and able to get back to his routine.

Pray for my niece’s husband, Josh, and his family as he leaves Sunday for Marine boot camp.

Frann Clark shared this:

I just learned this afternoon that I will be having an IVIG at Beauregard Memorial Hosp. from 8 a.m. until about 4:30. Please pray that everything will go smoothly.

My daughter Krista talked to Riley today and he sounds fine. He told her it was cool outside and he wasn’t doing much.

My back pain returned earlier in the week but it is better today.

God Bless You
Frann Smith Clark

Pray for Holly K. as she continues her training to become a MK teacher. She will be home December 18th.

KOMpray
(Kids on Mission Pray)

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

40 DAYS/40 NIGHTS

Missionaries in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa go to a very special program when they move from the United States to Africa. It’s called 40 days and 40 nights. For forty days, they learn how to ride African public buses and bargain in the market. In the U.S., there is a price tag on everything and that’s what you pay. In Africa, the price tag may say one dollar; but if you bargain, you might get it for sixty or seventy cents. The missionaries also show the love of Jesus by working with African pastors, telling Bible stories to children, and helping beggars.

This week, the 40/40 missionaries AND their children will go and live in a Zambian home. They will eat African food, work with the Zambians, sleep in the hut, and go to church with them. Some of the families are nervous about staying with people they don’t really know, but they are excited to give it a try. Pray for the children of missionaries that have fun learning about their new culture. Pray for the adults to be very patient with their children and with each other. Pray for the Zambian families. They are sharing their love and time and homes with the missionaries. Pray they will all be blessed with new friendships that will last their whole lives.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

I pray that our band “Call of Fire” will be a great influence to people’s lives. ZACH, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray I will have fun in childcare and pray I will read the Bible. MARC, age 7 (South Asia)

Dear God, thank you for our friends and our family. Please help us to make more Christians in our country. Thank you for the food and thank you for our teachers. I hope we can get along with friends. Amen. GM, age 8 (East Asia)

I need pray for my brother, who is 28 and in the Army. I would appreciate it if you pray for Nathan’s safety. NATALIE, Age 11 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

I want you to pray for the Balinese that they will come to know God. JOSHUA, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Pray that Christians in my closed country will be strong and will be safe, so they will be able to tell others about God without being persecuted. LYNSIE, age 12 (Central Asia)

We have a (household) helper named SC. Her Mom died a couple of days ago. Could you please pray for her? CL, age 10 (East Asia)

My brother and I have been sharing with our friends about Jesus. We don’t talk about Jesus a lot because our friends try to change the subject. They have seen the Jesus film, but afterwards they haven’t said a word about Jesus or God. I would like you to pray that our friends’ hearts will be opened to what we have to say and that my brother and I will have the language to share with them. SETH, age 14 (West Africa)

J.P. is a Gadariah man. We preached and he accepted Christ. And he has already shared with family and friend. Pray they will accept Jesus too. ALEXANDRA, age 11 (South Asia)

Well, I moved to Botswana awhile ago and was scared that no one would like me. So that was a prayer that people would like me and that the move would go well—and it did so I am happy. MICAH, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Baptist Press
November 13, 2008

TEXAS–WRAP-UP: IMB reports cautionary finance news. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29323

GEORGIA–Ga. Baptist policy impacts churches with female pastors. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29324

OKLAHOMA–Okla. elects 1st Native American president. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29325

TEXAS–SBTC celebrates 10th anniversary. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29326

TEXAS–BGCT postpones name change, trims budget. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29327

NORTH DAKOTA–Dakota convention coincides with blizzard. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29328

TENNESSEE–Trespassing activists arrested at Union Univ. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29329

SOUTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Melanie Spinks): Forever changed. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29330

KneEmail

*

Letters

JOHN KASS, A columnist for the Chicago Tribune, wrote about a waiter he met named Bouch, who worked at a tavern in Chicago…

Bouch decided to write to the king of his homeland, Morocco. King Mohammed VI is immensely popular because he often interacts with his subjects in public, he had freed political prisoners, and he helps the poor and disabled. When Bouch wrote to him from the United States, King Mohammed VI, true to form, wrote back.

“Look at the letters,” Bouch told Kass. “These are letters from the king. If I meet him, I’ll be so happy.”

In his column, Kass mused, “How many guys hauling burgers in a Chicago tavern have a correspondence going with a royal monarch?”

The journalist was intrigued, so he talked to Morocco’s deputy consul general in Chicago. Kass was told that it isn’t unusual for the king to write personal letters to his subjects abroad.

“It happens a lot,” the official told him. “The king loves his subjects.”

We fancy the idea that a king would correspond with a commoner. But there’s something far more incredible. The King of kings, the Creator of the universe, has chosen to correspond with us. He has given us an entire book full of letters, stories, and poetry. (Mike Macintosh)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” ( 2 Tim. 3:16).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 8, 2008 12:45 PM

Make today a great day! Take time to read some letters from the King of Kings!
Anna Lee

Thursday

Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (MSG)

Glen Magee, Jr. is home following his surgery in Florida. All seems to be going well. Keep him in your prayers.

James Lee “Hutch” Hutchinson is now in rehab in Hammond. Please continue to pray for him and “Miss” Barbara.

Mrs. Margaret Callihan is in North Oaks. Pray for her and her family as she works to get better.

Mrs. Lucille Pledger fell and broke a hip. Pray for her peace and comfort during this time.

Be sure to read the latest updates on Emily Panter. Emily had several good medical reports yesterday. A tracheotomy is scheduled for this afternoon. Continue to pray for Emily, her family, the medical staff, and the many friends who are supporting and encouraging the Panter family throughout this difficult situation. If you have time, read some of the comments on the blog. You’ll be blessed.

WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE

Though skeptical of his teenage son’s newfound determination to build bulging muscles, one father followed his teenager to the store’s weight-lifting department, where they admired a set of weights.

“Please, Dad,” pleaded the teen, “I promise I’ll use ’em every day.”

“I don’t know, Michael. It’s really a commitment on your part,” the father said.

“Please, Dad?”

“They’re not cheap either,” the father said.

“I’ll use ’em, Dad, I promise. You’ll see.”

Finally won over, the father paid for the equipment and headed for the door. After a few steps, he heard his son behind him say, “What! You mean I have to carry them to the car?”

The comparison to our Christian lives is all too obvious. We can be told how much commitment is involved in being a Christian. We can be told how much will be required of us when we become a Christian. We say that we understand all that is involved and we are still willing to give our “all” to Christ. But, often, we are barely dried off from our baptism before we are complaining about what is expected of us — “Surely you don’t expect me to spend that much time, that much money, that much effort!”

The truth is, those of us who are Christians rarely see Christianity as much of a struggle. Christianity is an easy way of living for most of us. Perhaps too easy. I think there’s enough in scripture to label Christianity as a struggle for our faith. In Luke 13:24, Jesus said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” We don’t just walk through the narrow gate; we have to strive to get through. That word suggests there is to be a great deal of effort on our part.

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul describes the Christian life in this way: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The picture Paul paints for us is a picture of struggling, a picture of constant battle.

The Hebrew writer constantly alludes to the fact that we need to put a great deal of effort into our Christian lives. The word diligent is frequently used. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest….” (Hebrews 4:11).

It has been said that our favorite hypocrisy is to make a choice and then to refuse to pay for it. We have a word for that in this country — it’s called credit! Thanks to credit, I can go to the store and pick out something I want, and then not have to pay for it now. In fact, some stores go so far as to say, “Come in and buy our furniture and make no payments until January 2010!” But how many people do you suppose have gotten themselves into severe financial difficulty because they made a choice that they were not really willing to pay for?

But that truth applies to far more than just financial matters; it applies to all of life. Rudyard Kipling once said that if anyone did not get from life what they really wanted, it was because either he didn’t really want it or because he began to quibble about the price. That may be a bit of an overstatement, but I do think there’s a great deal of truth there. We must be willing to pay the price for what we want.

The price for the Christian life is high, and Jesus wants us to count that cost as part of our decision to follow him.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic day!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11 (NIV)

More updates on Emily Panter:
http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/
If you haven’t read this blog before, please start from the oldest and work to the newest updates.

Thank God for the rain that is coming our way today.

Baptist Press
November 11, 2008

SOUTH KOREA–Chaplains impart support & strength to soldiers in combat. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29307

SOUTH KOREA–Chaplain looks for “God-fearing” soldiers. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29308

SOUTH KOREA–Chaplain ‘giving back’ near Korea’s DMZ. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29309

SOUTH KOREA–Army hospital keeps chaplain challenged. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29310

SOUTH KOREA–Chaplain’s gift helps airman & wife reconnect. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29311

SOUTH KOREA–Senior chaplain underscores value of prayer. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29312

TEXAS–Vet pursues chaplaincy after close call in Iraq. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29313

VIRGINIA–Battle-scarred vet says college rescued him. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29314

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Adam Cole): A sailor’s journey. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29315

KneEmail
Rules
(A good reminder for athletes of any age!)

ANCIENT WRESTLING MATCHES weren’t for the squeamish or timid…

Hoping to see some clean takedowns, reversals, and figure-four leg locks? Better look elsewhere. During the time of the Roman Empire, little things like kicking, biting, and scratching were perfectly acceptable tactics in the world of wrestling. However, there was one way to be disqualified…one hard and fast rule…one boundary you just didn’t cross in the fun and games of wrestling. You were never allowed to poke someone’s eye out. (Gary Stanley)

KneEmail: “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” ( 2 Tim. 2:5).

Monday

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Please pray for our mother (Virginia Wickham)and the rest of the family that everything go well as she will come home this morning after 3 weeks in rehab for a total knee replacement.
Jane Wickham

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

I RECENTLY READ about a study that they did about the best tasting ice cream…

They did a blind taste test. They brought some people together and they got all kinds of vanilla ice cream. They got gourmet ice cream. Homemade ice cream. Brand name ice cream and even the price saver cheapo ice creams and they did the taste test to find out what factor made ice cream taste better. What they determined was that the number one determining factor in the taste of ice cream and what made people like it, it wasn’t the price of it. It didn’t matter if it was gourmet or brand name, and it wasn’t if it was homemade or not. The number one determining factor was the percentage of fat in the ice cream. In other words, the more lard that was in the ice cream, the more people seemed to like it. Now, isn’t that one of the cruel ironies of life?

Why can’t fried chicken, which happens to be my favorite food, be as good for you as an apple? I have never heard a doctor say—”A fried chicken leg a day will keep the doctor away.” And the reason they say that is because if you had fried chicken every morning for breakfast, it would probably keep the doctor nearby because your cholesterol would shoot up. I don’t know, but I guess I have to settle for apples.

This is the thing about temptation and about giving into temptation. It tastes good initially. And it feels good for a moment. But later, when we see that we have been tricked and when we realize what we have given up when we get into that temptation, we regret it. When we give in to temptation, we always regret it because in the long run we always give up something greater for instant gratification right now. (Nelson Searcy)

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Have a fantastic Monday!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12, NKJV).

Mr. Philip and “Miss” Annie Bell Harrell are both doing better. Please continue to pray for them

If you are praying for Emily Panter, you will want to read the latest updates at http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Baptist Press
November 7, 2008
TENNESSEE–Servicemen reflect on Veterans Day. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29290
LOUISIANA–Battle of the Bulge veteran credits God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29291
VIRGINIA–Military service meets Great Commission. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29292
VIRGINIA–Military spouses keep the faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29293
BRAZIL–Gospel reaches to remote Brazilian villages. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29294
BRAZIL–In Brazil’s interior, volunteers lend a hand. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29295
TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: Use of the word ‘Christmas’ scrutinized again. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29296
TENNESSEE–Fireproof opening in 130 new theaters. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29297
KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Pray for our new president. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29298
THE WINDS THAT BLOW
The real estate salesman said, “This house has both its good points and its bad points. To show you I’m honest, I’m going to tell you about both. The disadvantages are that there is a chemical plant one block south and a slaughterhouse a block north.”
“What are the advantages?” inquired the prospective buyer.
“The advantage is that you can always tell which way the wind is blowing.”
It is important to know “which way the wind is blowing”. But it is also possible to allow that knowledge to affect us more than it ought to. I heard of a well-know hobo during the Great Depression of the 1930’s who was asked how he decided which direction he would go every morning. He said, “It’s easy. I find the way the wind is blowing, face away from it, and just let it blow me along.”
And it’s easy for us all to live our lives in just that way. Politicians are famous for doing it. Before taking a position, they’ll take a poll and see how many people in the country believe one way or the other. But we’re all guilty at times of allowing the “majority opinion” around us to shape who we are and what we do. It’s so easy to look around to see which direction everybody else is headed and just turn our backs to the wind and drift along. And rather than make an effort to change the world (which is very difficult), we follow the easier path of letting the world determine the direction we take.
May these words serve to remind us of what our task as Christians is:
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Enjoy a beautiful day – provided by our God.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” (Philippians 1:9)

Mrs. Parmys Stegall is now in rehab in Covington. She is scheduled to come home by the end of the week. Mr. Bob’s eye surgery is still on hold. Please continue to pray for this couple.

Barbara Gaines of Roseland is having surgery. Pray for her during this time of hospitalization and recovery.

Mr. Orin Davidson is now in rehabilitation in Kentwood. Mrs. Sudie Phillips is in rehabilitation in Hammond.

Nedra Hurst Carter will soon be having surgery. Pray for her and her family during this time.

Mr. James Lee Hutchinson has improved while at North Oaks. He should be able to return home by the end of the week.

Pray for Debbie Miller as she sees her cardiologist again this morning. Debbie seems to be doing very well.

Continue to pray for David Lockwood and his family as they deal with his illness.

November 16th is the deadline for Operation Christmas Child (shoeboxes for needy children). How many will you and/or you class package for distribution? Contact the church office or me if you need more information.

Baptist Press
November 5, 2008

WASHINGTON–Obama gains historic win; conservatives wait. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29270

WASHINGTON–Obama administration could radically change landscape on social issues. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29277

CALIFORNIA–Calif. passes Prop 8, giving pro-family groups landmark win; Ariz. & Fla. adopt amendments. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29278

TENNESSEE–No victories on pro-life initiatives. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29271

ARKANSAS–Ark. passes ban on unmarried adoptions. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29279

WASHINGTON–Gambling foes win 3 of 6 state ballots. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29272

TENNESSEE–Marijuana made inroads in 2 states Nov. 4. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29273

ALABAMA–Democrat wins race between 2 deacons. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29274

WASHINGTON–FCC opens ‘white space’ despite protests. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29275

TENNESEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): An open letter to President-elect Barack Obama. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29276

THE LIVING DEAD

During an Army war game a commanding officer’s jeep got stuck in the mud. The C.O. saw some men lounging around nearby and asked them to help him get unstuck.

“Sorry sir,” said one of the loafers, “but we’ve been classified dead and the umpire said we couldn’t contribute in any way.”

The C.O. turned to his driver and said, “Go drag a couple of those dead bodies over here and throw them under the wheels to give us some traction.”

War games are not the only places that you can see a bunch of “dead” bodies walking around. In fact, we live in a world of the “living dead”. Paul wrote,

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world….” (Ephesians 2:1-2a)

Did you notice that? We were dead while we walked the way the world walks. This death was not a separation of the spirit from the body, but a separation from God.

Praise be to the One who has the power to bring the dead (both spiritual and physical) back to life!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I hope your week is going well so far.
Anna Lee

Tuesday Morning

We only have one specific prayer request, especially considering the 2008 presidential election. So much of the focus is on who will be in office that it seems we’ve forgotten the key to all of American’s problems, even the world’s:
From Dwayne and Donna Brown in Romania:

“If my people, who are called by my name (that’s God’s people/all Christians/Republicans and Democrats alike), will humble themselves (Americans, especially, are not known for their humility) and pray and seek my face (earnestly ask God for His will to be done for His glory) and turn from their wicked ways (commonly known as “repenting”), THEN (emphasis mine) will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (a promise from God and there isn’t a promise yet made by God that He hasn’t kept) 2 Chronicles 7:14

Maybe it should be referred to as The 4-Step Program…

Saturday

An intelligent person aims at wise action,
but a fool starts off in many directions.
Proverbs 17:24 (TEV)

BAPTIST PRESS

October 29, 2008

MEXICO–Pastor still missing after Tijuana kidnap. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29222

SOUTH DAKOTA–ELECTION 08: S.D. again at center of abortion debate. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29223

WASHINGTON–Biotech firm hopeful for embryonic stem cell trials. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29224

TENNESSEE–IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Obama & McCain on humanitarian crises. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29225

PAKISTAN–Pakistan earthquake assessment underway. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29226

VIRGINIA–How are Lottie Moon dollars used? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29227

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (John Revell): When Christians fail to vote. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29228

October 30, 2008

CALIFORNIA–Prop 8 supporters raise $5 million in one week. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29229

TENNESSEE–Poll reports on pastors & ballot box. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29230

ALABAMA–Study: Missions education lifts stewardship. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29231

GEORGIA–Baptists enhance missions learning options. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29232

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Jim Burton): Salad bar discipleship. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29233

ARKANSAS–Ark. Baptists focus on children, youth. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29234

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: 7 ‘words of worship.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29235

CALIFORNIA–FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Where in the world are you? http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29236

October 31, 2008

TENNESSEE–ELECTION 08: Calif. Prop 8 headlines a host of initiatives nationwide. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29237

WASHINGTON–FCC may impede churches’ wireless microphones. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29238

WASHINGTON–FCC bans some wireless microphones. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29239

ECUADOR–Former ranchers nurture Andean churches. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29240

ECUADOR–Cows, sheep & pigs help their outreach. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29241

ECUADOR–Airwaves reach hearts in Ecuadorean villages. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29242

ECUADOR–Barn rejuvenated in Andean village. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29243

TEXAS–GuideStone adds property & casualty ins. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29244

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Lay those experts end-to-end! http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29245

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (Russell D. Moore): ‘Judgment house’ evangelism. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29246

Sadie Russell Pevey
(July 17, 1923 – October 30, 2008)
Died at 12:02 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Willis Knighten Pierremont Health Center in Shreveport, LA. Age 85 years. Mrs. Pevey was a current resident of Shreveport, LA, previously of Grand Prairie, TX, Baton Rouge, LA and Roseland, LA. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She formerly worked as Recording Secretary for the Board of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Eileen Pevey Vennum, Grand Prairie, TX and Carolyn Francis Pevey and her husband, Thomas J. Jones, Montgomery, AL; 4 sons, Joseph E. Pevey, Jr., Prairieville, LA, Cary R. Pevey, Holden, LA, Richard W. Pevey, Shreveport, LA and Jonathan B. Pevey, Brownsville, TX; 2 brothers, Cara “CB” Russell, Denham Springs, LA and Cleo Russell, Ponchatoula, LA; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Pevey, Sr.; father, Boliver Ray Russell; mother, Allene Lambert Russell; sister, Belle Russell Lanier; 2 brothers, Royce Russell and Dale G. Russell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and at Big Creek Church of Christ, Russelltown, on Monday from 12 Noon until religious services at 1 p.m. Monday. Interment Big Creek Cemetery, Russelltown, LA.

NAMING THE SHEEP

The following story comes from Julie Helms in Christian Reader, “Lite Fare”:

My husband and I, with our two daughters, operate a small sheep farm. One day a non-farming friend asked, “How can you bear to slaughter those cute little lambs?”

My husband explained, “We don’t want to get emotionally attached to the ones we plan to eat, so we don’t give them names.”

Not satisfied, the friend probed, “What about your kids?”

Her husband quickly replied, “Oh, we name them!”

While very few of us are personally familiar with sheep and shepherds, the relationship between the two is one of the most powerful images in the Bible used to describe the relationship between Christ and his followers. The loving care shown by shepherds to their flock, and the willingness of sheep to utterly depend on what the shepherd can provide offer a glimpse of our personal relationship with the good shepherd. While it may seem to be a small thing, our name plays a significant role in that relationship.

“He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:2-3)

“He calls his own sheep by name.” Though there are many disciples of Christ around the world, we are not just “one of the masses”, not just a number. We are intimately known and loved by the good shepherd. He knows us by name. It tells us not only that he cares about us, but that he plans for his relationship with us to be a lasting one.

May the fact that your shepherd knows your name give you comfort this day.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

REMINDER:
Don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight or you’ll be late for church.

Make something of this beautiful day from the Lord.
Anna Lee