Category: Devotional

Tuesday

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.”

~Psalm 27:7~

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Ben and Kumiko Collins, International Service Corps workers in Japan, need your prayers for their new daughter. She was born prematurely on Sept. 4, 2008, about six weeks from her due date. At birth, there was no movement, so she was given medication to help her brain rest for a few days. As of Sept. 8, she has been taken off this medication but still is not showing signs of movement. She is receiving breast milk through a feeding tube and digesting that well. The next step will be to see if she exhibits any other normal bodily functions. Please pray for this child, as the doctors are trying to understand what is happening and what care she should be receiving. Pray for the parents and their older son, since this is very difficult on the entire family. Pray for our Great Physician to touch this child and bring her healing, and ask for the peace and rest that Jesus offers to be felt by Ben and Kumiko at this time.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Personnel in one Asian country write: “Because of tighter requirements for visas, many on our team still have to travel out for months at a time, and there may be only one family in the country in September at best (out of seven). Six families are currently on the hunt for a new visa. Please pray for 12-month work permits for every husband, and pray that all of the document issues will be worked out for the team to be able to live and work in the homeland of our people group.”


Pray for Jason Dean as the medication he has been taking doesn’t seem to have cured his throat problem. He’ll see the specialist again.

Sylvia Watson’s surgery was Thursday. She’s back in the Pine Ridge community and doing well. Please continue to pray for her.

Kyle Brabham continues to recover from last month’s outpatient surgery. Yesterday, he had treatment on his arm. Please continue to pray for Kyle and his family.

Pray for the people who were in the path of Hurricane Gustav as they try to return to normalcy. Pray for the people in the path of Hurricane Ike as they prepare for the storm. Pray for wise decisions.

Christine S. Gulotta
(June 27, 1932 – September 5, 2008)

Mrs. Christine S. Gulotta, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister was born June 27, 1932 in Independence, LA and passed away September 5, 2008 at the North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was 76, and a resident of Independence. Mrs. Christine was the daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline Sirchia. She is survived by a son, John Joseph Gulotta and daughter-in-law, Cathy Wascom Gulotta, Independence; three sisters, Frances Costa, Independence, Lena Costa, Independence, and Katherine Giartiano, New Orleans; a brother, Frank Sirchia, Independence; three grandchildren, Ashley Gulotta Guzzardo and husband, Russ, Amite, Lacey Gulotta, Independence, Blaine Gulotta, Independence; two great-grandchildren, Bethainee and Bryelle Guzzardo; also numerous nieces and nephews.She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lawrence Gulotta; a brother, John Sirchia; a sister, Annie Cacioppo.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 10:00 a.m. Interment at the Colonial Cemetery Mausoleum.

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

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

Lucille Sullivan
(October 20, 1939 – September 4, 2008)

Mrs. Lucille Sullivan was born October 20, 1939 in Independence, LA, and passed away September 4, 2008 in Aberdeen, MS. She was 68, and a resident of Loranger. Mrs. Lucille was the daughter of the late John & Lula Mae Williams. She is survived by her husband, Mullen E. Sullivan, Loranger; 2 sons, Mullen E. Sullivan, Jr. and wife, Teresa, Aberdeen, MS and Eddie Timberlake and wife, Gail, Loranger; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Gwendolyn Viola Boudreaux and a brother, Eugene Williams.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, September 8, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 3:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Marshall Wallace officiating. Interment in the Briar Patch Cemetery.

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

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

Antoinette Liuzza Mason
(June 13, 1937 – September 7, 2008)

Died at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the age of 70 years at her residence in Amite. She was born September 13, 1937 in Independence. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her son, Edward G. Mason, III and wife, Mary “Pat” Bellott Mason, Amite; 5 grandchildren, Christy of Amite, Nicholas of Jasper, TX, Thomas of Corpus Christi, TX, Micheal of Amite, Catherine of Amite; 2 great-grandsons, Jacob and Nathan; 2 brothers, Jack N. Liuzza, Sr. of Amite, Anthony “Fuzzy” Liuzza of Independence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward G. Mason, Jr.; parents, Nicholas J. & Jennie Carreca Liuzza; son, Nicholas A. Mason, Sr. She was the Medical Lab Director at Hood Memorial Hospital and a Member of Community Advisory Committee (CAC) with LSU Lallie Kemp Medical Center.

Baptist Press

September 8, 2008

CHINA–Good news overshadowed by bad in China. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28857

WASHINGTON–State Department urged to penalize Vietnam. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28858

WASHINGTON–Pelosi’s archbishop invites her to meet on abortion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28859

GEORGIA–As Ike looms, relief workers take precautions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28865

LOUISIANA–Collegians were ready for post-Gustav ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28860

ALABAMA–Dellanna O’Brien, former WMU exec, dies at 75. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28861

WASHINGTON–FIRST-PERSON (Terry Mattingly): On the count of three — pray. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28862

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Ken Connor): Deadly intentions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28864

LOUISIANA–New Orleans seminary partially reopens. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28856

SEEING OTHERS AS WE SHOULD

A man dressed as Napoleon went to see a psychiatrist at the urging of his wife. “What’s your problem?” the doctor asked.

“I have no problem,” the man replied. “I’m one of the most famous people in the world. I have a great army behind me. I have all the money I’ll ever need, and I live in great luxury.”

“Then why are you here?”

“It’s because of my wife,” the man said. “She thinks she’s Mrs. Smith.”

Pride tends to do two things with us. It causes us to see ourselves as more important than what we really are. That’s why Paul wrote, “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Rom. 12:3, NIV).

But pride also causes us to see other people as less important than what they are. Someone has described us as having a “crab mentality.” The term refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot. As humans, we often act the same way. If we can’t be somebody great, we can at least pull down others around us so that we look better by comparison!

In the Corinthian church, there was a lot of competition involving spiritual gifts. Those who had the more prominent or public gifts, such as the ability to preach or the ability to speak in different languages, regarded themselves as superior to those who held what they viewed as “less significant” gifts. Paul says, though:

“On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor….But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (I Cor. 12:22-25, NIV).

May God help us not only to ourselves as He sees us, but to see others around us as He sees them as well.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I wish and pray you have the best day you have had in the last week or so.

Anna Lee

Monday

The annual Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Battist Children’s Home is requesting the following items:

Ziplock Bags (gallon/quart)
Mayonnaise
Salad Dressing (Ranch, Italian, Thousand Island)
Pickles
Flour ( Plain & Self Rising)
Sugar
Pancake Mix
Meal (Plain & Self Rising)
Grits (Regular & Instant)
Oatmeal (Regular & Instant)
Cake, Cookie & Brownie Mix
Cake Frosting
Foil, Plastic Wrap, Wax Paper

Cleaning Supplies
Paper Towels
Tea (Regular & Decaf)
Fruit Juice
Spices
Cooking Oil
Kool-Aid & Lemonade
Cream Soups
Instant Potatoes
Hamburger Helper
Canned Pie Filling
Canned Fruit
Cereal
Barbeque Sauce

Ketchup
Syrup
Canned Meats
Chocolate Syrup
Deodorant
Canned Vegetables
Kleenex
Onion Soup Mix
Chicken Broth
Beef Broth
Condensed Milk
Crackers
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap

Dishwashing Powder
Bath Soap
Hairspray
Deodorant
Feminine Products
Biscuit Mix
Furniture Polish
Cooking Spray
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Lotion
Cupcake Liners
Microwave Popcorn
Splenda
Toilet Paper

Any of these items can be turned in at FBC by the September 22 collection day. Thank you for sharing with the children who live at LBCH.

Deacons for the week at FBC, Kentwood:

Larry Miller

Henry McKenzie

Kid’s Choir at FBC, Kentwood will begin Wednesday night at 6:30 in the choir room under the direction of Wendy A. Fowler. The children will begin work on “Miracle on Main Street” which will be performed in December.

The associational senior adult revival will be Sept. 15-18 at the following churches:

Monday – Montpelier

Tuesday – Lewiston

Wednesday – Greensburg

Daphne G. Brown
Age 87, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Daphne passed away peacefully at Hammond Nursing Home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Daphne was a native of Castor, a resident of Hammond for the past 20 years and lived most of her younger adult life in Amite. A true homemaker indeed, she was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, flower arranging and even “acting” in a movie from time to time; however, she always made time for volunteer work in her community. She was known as a highly educated person without a degree, for her favorite pastime was reading – a library book, a magazine, the Bible or whatever she could find. Daphne and her surviving husband, Edward L. Brown, were married on April 5, 1939, and have had 69 beautiful years together. She is also survived by a daughter, Carolyn Brown Spiller and her husband, Dr. Edmund Spiller, of Hammond; granddaughter, Beth Sanders Scamardo, of Pumpkin Center; and grandsons, Greg L. Duoos, of Mandeville, and Douglas D. Brown, of Hammond. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Dara Daphne Stewart and Gwen Brown; along with five great-grandsons, Zach Stewart, Ian Scamardo, Avery Scamardo, Gareth Brown and Wiliam Brown. Surviving siblings are Mary Helen Ellzey, of McComb, Miss., Edna Faye Joseph, Natchez, Miss., and Pope Emmitt Godfrey, of Forest, Miss. Preceding Daphne in death were her daughter, Janice M. Brown; brothers, Dalton and Marshall Godfrey; and parents, Thomas Aaron and Bertha Guin Godfrey. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service at the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, west of Hammond, on Monday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours on Sunday, Sept. 7, were observed at the funeral home from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Monday from 9 a.m. until service time. Daphne’s nephew, Cedric Parsons, lay minister, of Houston, will officiate the service. Interment in Holly Gardens Cemetery. The family expresses “special thanks” to the wonderful staff at Hammond Nursing Home, North Oaks Geriatric Rehabilitation, third floor medicine unit at North Oaks Medical Center, especially Rick Thomas, R.N., and to Brandon and Martha Thompson along with their staff at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home. Condolences and information are available online at http://www.bgthompsonfuneralhome. com.

Baptist Press

September 5, 2008

HAITI–Storms kill 150, destroy crops in Haiti. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28842

FLORIDA–Florida disaster relief teams bracing for Ike. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28849

LOUISIANA–After Gustav’s chaos, Baptists bring reassurance. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28850

MINNESOTA–McCain’s pastor, a Southern Baptist, prays at RNC. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28843

MEXICO–Mexico high court upholds abortion law. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28844

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: College presidents reignite drinking age debate. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28845

GEORGIA–Marriages nurtured despite Hurricane Fay. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28846

GEORGIA–Speakers encourage ‘Fireproof’ marriages. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28847

NORTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Nathan A. Finn): Gender and the vice presidency. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28848

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

“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

EVERYONE IS GOING TO SCHOOL!
Just like you, many children around the world have just gone back to school. Kids in Russia did, and now have a special chance to tell their school buddies about their new friend. Weeks ago, you prayed for children in a summer camp and some of them accepted Jesus as Savior. Please pray for these Russian children-they can tell their school friends about their newest friend and Savior, Jesus. Pray they will be brave enough to tell their friends.

I go to an International School where there are a lot of people of different religions. Please pray that these kids will come to know Jesus like we do.

Also please pray for my brother. His best friend just recently began to swear and hang out with some really bad kids.

And please pray that my grandmother will get the right treatments for her breast cancer. JASMINE, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I go to a school where most of the people are religious but they don’t live a Christian life. Please pray for them to know the Lord. Also please pray for the government. KIRSTEN, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for my neighbors go to church more often. Pray too that I will make friends. SOPHIE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

The people in the bush of Angola believe in witchcraft and cults. I pray that these lost people will be touched by the Holy Spirit. I also pray for the province of Cunene. It has had MAJOR flooding and they have way dirty drinking water. Please pray for the thousands who are dying lost every day.

Also pray for us missionaries that we will be able to do God’s work and not ‘lean on our own understanding.’ Pray that we will rely on Him. IONA, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Ask God to help my grandfather to get better. JAMES, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

For the People Who do not Know God to Know Him. JOSEPHINA, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray that more people in Argentina will come to Christ especially in Corrientes and in my neighborhood. Also, pray that I will find a great friend close to home here who is already a Christian so I don’t miss my friends in Dallas so much. SAMUEL, age 11 (South America)

I live in Botswana, the people speck Setswana and English. You can pray for the HIV Aids to go down. BLANTON, age 12, (Central Eastern Southern Africa)

My prayer request is that I need God in all aspects of my life like school. GABE, age 14 (Pacific Rim)

My best friend’s mom in Tennessee used to have breast cancer but the dr’s did not remove it all and now she has Stage 4 cancer in 2 or 3 places on her body. Please pray for a miracle to happen. ALYSSA, age 10 ½ (South Asia)

My family just moved so we need to get moved in. Please pray for us that we make new friends, make the house feel like home, and share Jesus. HANNAH, age 11 (Pacific Rim)


LEARNING FROM TREES

 

The following (edited) article is entitled “All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees” (author unknown)

It’s important to have roots.

In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out.

If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.

Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

Grow where you’re planted.

It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.

Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.

If the party gets boring, just leaf.

You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

It’s more important to be honest than poplar.

Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways. First, he is planted — he’s got his roots put down deep, he’s fortified, stable. Second, he bears fruit — he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. Third, he doesn’t wither — he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

That could be the Hurricane Gustav thougth for the week!

Anna Lee

Friday

You are better off to have a friend

than to be all alone . . . .

If you fall, your friend can help you up.

But if you fall without having a friend nearby,

you are really in trouble.

~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (CEV)~

Pray for the people of the Gulf Coast region as they make preparations for Hurricane Gustav.

Pray for Kyle Brabham as he returns to the doctor today to possible get some stitches removed.

There have been many names listed on The Prayer Link in the last few weeks. Many of the needs still exist. Please continue to pray for the needs of these people.

Pray for those who will receive a blessing from volunteers who participate in On Mission in Kentwood. Pray for those who will receive a blessing as they participate in On Mission in Kentwood.

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

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Have you ever heard that phrase: beauty is in the eye of the beholder? What does that mean? I can think something is beautiful when I look at it. Then you look at the same thing…and you don’t think it’s beautiful at all.

In Africa there is a country called Sudan. The Dinka people of Sudan have a different idea about beauty than I do. The idea isn’t wrong, but it’s definitely different. Listen to what happens when some missionaries visit their Dinka friends.

The missionaries are single women, and their friends in the US say they are beautiful. Not the Dinka women. They feel sorry for these single missionaries. They think no one will ever want to marry these young women. Why? Because they have a big problem. What is it? The young women still have their four front teeth on the bottom! The Dinka women say they will help the missionaries pull these four teeth!

Different groups of people have different ideas, don’t they? These Dinka women also have different ideas about how Jesus loves us. They think they have to pray to their dead relatives. They try to do everything they can to keep their dead relatives happy. Ask God to help these young missionaries show the Dinka people what it means to love Jesus.


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

I love living on my island. It is sunny and beautiful all year round. We (my family and I) share the love of Jesus with all the people of our island. Many of my friends are Hindu or Muslims and don’t know Jesus. Please pray for my friends to know Jesus died for them and love them. Also please pray for my allergies and eczema problems. Thank you. Love you. We will pray for you also. Love, DREW, age 4, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Will you pray for my family? Pray for us to have a good time of service here and for us to have a good time back in America (on stateside assignment). BETHANY, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my big sister who goes to college now. Pray that both of us will do good in school. BONNIE, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

My mom had a miscarriage and my brother has a rash. Please pray they will get better. CAITLYN, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray that my mother does not get stuck in the mud again! Please pray that the people will understand the Bible. MYA, age 8 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for my friends down the street that they will start going to church with us. SADIE, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my family-Mom, Dad, brother, sister and me. Could you also please pray for all the people in the U.S.A.?-just so I know that they are all still safe and protected. Thank you. Yours sincerely: ZEB, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My uncle was riding his bicycle in America and fell off. A car passed by and hurt him. We prayed for him and now he is ok. Thank God for that. RICK, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray for me with my school. I’m having a hard time. AUSTIN, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MUSIC AND MISSIONS

LifeWay has partnered with the International Mission Board to create the 2008-2009 Passport to Adventure. Music and missions are paired as you travel around the globe, learning how missionaries share Jesus with the world. And how you can, too! Visit http://www.Lifeway.com/cms


Passing On the Blessing

A girl who received an Operation Christmas Child shoe box while an orphan in Russia has the opportunity to deliver gifts to children in Ecuador. She tells her story on CNN.

Tanya knew nothing of love when she was growing up in Russia. Her parents abused her and then abandoned her when she was 8. She was separated from her brother and sister, and taken to a bleak orphanage.

“The orphanage provided a house and food, but the teachers were discouraging to me,” she said. “They basically told me that nobody loved me and nobody cared for me.”

Then one day, when Tanya was 10, her despair turned to joy. Operation Christmas Child came to the orphanage with gift-filled shoe boxes for all of the children. Tanya eagerly opened her box, and discovered a teddy bear, school supplies, and many other wonderful things.

“It was very special to me,” she said. “It was the first gift I ever received. My parents never bought me a gift. Money was always spent on alcohol.”

The most important thing in the box was a letter from the family that had packed it. This was proof that her teachers were wrong.

“People who didn’t know me and had never met me were telling me how much they cared for me,” she said. “The shoe box gave me hope.”

Tanya, along with her brother and sister, was later adopted by a family in America. They now live in St. Louis.

Nearly nine years later, Tanya still vividly remembers the moment she felt God’s love through the gift-filled shoe boxes.

“It’s amazing what Operation Christmas Child can do,” she said.

She wants other children to experience the same joy, so she and her family pack shoe boxes each year.

Tanya recently had an opportunity to pass on the blessing personally when she traveled to Ecuador with a Samaritan’s Purse Youth team. The 20 teenagers delivered Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes and participated in other Samaritan’s Purse ministry projects.

“It was special,” she said. “It was amazing how happy they looked to get these simple things. I was glad to be a part of it.”

REVENGE OR KINDNESS?

Year ago, on the mighty Mississippi River, two tugboat captains who had been friends for years, would always cry “Aye!” and blow their whistles whenever they passed each other.

A new crewman asked his boat’s mate, “What do they do that for?”

The mate looked surprised and replied, “You mean that you’ve never heard of… an aye for an aye and a toot for a toot?”

I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Matthew 5:38), but let’s be honest — there is something instead us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been those that opened with someone being mistreated. We spend the rest of the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact his revenge — and then we cheer!

It’s not much different on a personal level. I suspect that whenever somebody does you wrong, the temptation is there to immediately start thinking of what you can do to get them back. But, if you find yourself tempted to take revenge, may I suggest two things:

(1) Resist the temptation to exchange evil for evil. That temptation will always be strong and we need realize that it will be there. But we also need to remember the emptiness and hollowness of revenge and resentment.

(2) Show your enemy kindness. Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being too nice to his enemy. He was told to be firmer; he must destroy his enemies. He replied, “I do destroy them when they become my friends.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:43-44)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

May you realize God’s blessings on your life today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord will receive my prayer.”

~Psalm 6:9~

The Alford baby passed away. I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

Editorial, Hammond Daily Star

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT

As Hurricane Gustav approaches, now is the time for families to review their emergency plans in the event they may have to put them into effect. Now, as always, is also a good time for prayer.

Poignant are the words of the Most Rev. Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981), second bishop of Lafayette, who authored a prayer for safety against hurricanes many years ago:

“O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order and returned to its former quietude. You are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster.

“During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time…Amen.”

 

Hurricane Gustav

You may use the link below to track the hurricane and get needed information.

http://media.myfoxtampabay.com/myfoxhurricane/

On Mission in Kentwood will be this Saturday. Meet at the church at 8:00 A.M. for a quick breakfast and an assignment. If you would like to volunteer, please contact First Baptist Church or me. If you know of a project for the volunteers, you may also contact the church or me. Come join in and receive a blessing.

Dr. and Mrs. Steve Bryan have just moved to Austin, Texas where their daughter Anna lives. Pray for the Bryans as they make the adjustment to living in a new area.

Baptist Press

August 27, 2008

COLORADO–While Denver parties, witnesses impact eternity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28784

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers decry APA denial of abortion-depression link. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28785

UGANDA–Gospel message met with joyful ‘trill.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28786

UGANDA–Senior duo adds to 70-plus mission trips. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28787

LOUISIANA–Katrina, after 3 years, remains mission opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28788

(Friday is the three year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.)

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (Christine Sneeringer): No longer lesbian. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28789

KneEmail

Mike Benson

Storm

JESUS TOLD THE twelve to get into a boat on the Sea of Galilee…

As they started across the sea, everything was smooth and calm, and Jesus went to sleep. Suddenly a huge wind blasted on the sea and the boat began to be swamped with water. They awakened Jesus in great fear and said, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24). They believed they were going to die right there on the water. Jesus woke up and told the wind and water to be still, and instantly the sea was as smooth as glass. At this point Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). The disciples were now terrified, not of the storm that had stopped, but of the One who stopped the storm.

Why were they suddenly afraid? They had already witnessed so much power from Jesus. What was different on this occasion? The difference was that is was their storm. They were the ones in the boat this time. It was their lives on the line. They knew Jesus could take of the storms in someone else’s life, but it was an entirely different issue when it was personal. People tend to do this all the time. Spiritual lives are destroyed because of the storm of family problems, or the storm of past sin, or the storm of sickness, or the storm of money troubles, ad infinitum. It is easy to tell someone else that they need to trust God to take care of them, but what about when it is my boat that is sinking? What do we do?

If Jesus is with you, outside influences cannot enslave you, nor can they sink your boat (Rom. 8:31-39). Outside influences cannot take away eternity as long as you weather the storm. They may make life more difficult here, but they will not defeat you unless you allow them to do so. Jesus Himself suffered more than any of us, yet He was victorious because His focus was on God’s eternal plan, not the immediate storm of life. The next time you are facing a storm, remember that He needs to be in the boat first, and then you will be successful in weathering whatever storm you are facing. (Terry Frizzell)

“But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’

And they were afraid, and marveled,

saying to one another, ‘Who can this be?’

For He commands even the winds and water,

and they obey Him!”

~ Luke 8:25 ~

Be prepared for the possible storm.

Anna Lee

Monday

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

in the morning I will direct it to You,

and I will look up.”

~Psalm 5:3~

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is still not feeling her best, but was present at church yesterday morning. Please keep her in your prayers.

Mrs. Susie Wells said she was doing much better. Thank God for her progress.

Mike Nason will be having eye surgery in September. You can begin to pray for him now.

Kathy Dyer’s surgery is today. She’s the speech teacher at Spring Creek. Please keep Kathy and her family in your prayers.

Mrs. June Russell of Chesbrough fell and broke her hip. She’s in North Oaks. Please add her to your prayer list.

Missionary Moment

To Party or To Pray
Missionary KENNETH DILLARD serves as campus pastor at the University of Cincinnati. He meets with students for personal discipleship, plans ministry events, and interacts with other campus ministers, faculty, and staff. Located in an area surrounded by Greek houses, students involved in Baptist Collegiate Ministries search for ways to connect with the hundreds of students who would rather party than pray. His wife, MARY, is a partner in marriage and ministry. God’s love is being shared on college campuses across America, thanks to your participation in the Cooperative Program. This week, pray for the students to be open to hearing the Gospel. Deuteronomy 16:17 “Everyone [must appear] with a gift suited to his means, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.”

Praying for Protection
Both GARY and MARGARET SIMONDS (names changed for security reasons)use their vocational fields as avenues for sharing Jesus with those in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Gary works in the business world as a consultant on leadership and management for young professionals. Margaret is a physician providing quality medical care at a refugee clinic. Patients have opportunities to see the JESUS film, speak with national believers, and receive free Bibles. People are coming to Christ, but many are fearful of openly acknowledging they are followers of Him. Pray that God will send people with open hearts to the business seminars and the clinic. Also pray for the protection of new believers.

Giving to God has always been in relation to the amount God gives to people. A major difference in Old Testament and New Testament giving was the use made of the gift given. Christians give to help win others to faith in Christ.

Be extra careful to be safe and healthy in the rain.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself

him who is godly;

the Lord will hear when I call to Him.”

~Psalm 4:3~

Linda Williams shared this request:

Kathy McDaniel Dyer, speech therapist at Spring Creek Elementary, has been on medical leave this school year. She will have intestinal surgery Monday morning in New Orleans and needs our prayers for healing.

Sherry Cummings asks that you pray for her family.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD


“Then he said to his disciples,

‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore,

to send out workers into his harvest field.'”

Matthew 9:37-38, (NKJV)

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, joining you in prayer for laborers.

In April, five hopeful men flew deep in the interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to seek out Ngando people, an unreached people group. They found the people but very few food choices: bananas, papayas, peanuts, brown beans and rice or fried cassava plus free-range chickens. A videographer was with the five and took footage for a new video on the five top unreached people groups in the DRC. Pray for a couple or a family to join the Congo Team, working with the Ngando people.

The Maluti Mountains in Lesotho are massive and cold, towering over hundreds of small, remote villages that are only accessible by horseback or foot. Please pray for the Basotho of the Maluti Mountains, asking the Father to break down the barriers of distance and isolation in order to bring the Good News of salvation to these villages.

In Brazil, eight strategic positions need to be filled. Strategy coordinators, team leaders and church planter strategists are needed to form, train and lead teams to reach large rural areas and strategic cities throughout Brazil.

Workers who are willing to learn are needed to reach the Jat Sikhs of India. Pray that they will faithfully pass along what they learn. Ask God to provide all that is needed to see a core group of such “church-planting movement catalysts” begin working within the next year.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, the time appears to be right for a young male short-term worker to come and teach English as a Second Language (ESL), provide computer training, and be part of the “Coffee World” seeker discipleship meetings.

Team Bulgaria is praying for English teachers, computer teachers, rural outreach strategists and others

* Please pray with all these teams that the Lord will send out workers into His harvest field.

Tesshe Mae Hutchinson Travis
(July 14, 1927 – August 22, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Died at 11:10 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2008 at Tangi-Pines Nursing Home in Amite. She was a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Amite. Age 81 years and a veteran of the U. S. Navy. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2008 and at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2008. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at the Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. She is survived by her husband, Monroe Madison Travis, Amite; brother, Preston Hutchinson, New Orleans; aunt, Mary Tibbits, Denison, TX. She was preceded in death by her son, James Monroe “Jim” Travis; parents, Jake Simpson Hutchinson and Rose Branch Hutchinson.

Mrs.Lucille A. Morgan
(August 16, 1915 – August 22, 2008)

Mrs. Lucille A. Morgan born August 16, 1915, passed away at 9:55AM, Friday, August 22, 2008 at the Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. She was 93, a native of Tangipahoa Parish and a resident of Kentwood. She was the daughter of the late Bennie & Ora H. Strickland.

Mrs. Lucille is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Eddis Axvig and husband, Bob, Kentwood, a son, Lloyd Morgan and wife, Elizabeth, Dallas, TX, 2 brothers, Buel Strickland, Kentwood & J T Strickland, Kentwood, a step-mother, Mrs. Jewel Strickland, Kentwood, 2 half sisters, Mrs. Rose Rohner, Kentwood, & Mrs. Sissy Mixon, Kentwood, a half brother, Ben Strickland, Kentwood, 2 grandchildren, Rene’ McDaniel, Kentwood & Duane Morgan, McComb, MS, a great grandson, Iley McDaniel, Kentwood, & 4 great great-grandchildren, Austin, Jon Jon, Joey & Alexis McDaniel, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Also preceded in death by her husband, James H. Morgan, and a brother, D. V. Strickland.

Visitation will be Monday, August 25, 2008 at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite from 9:00AM until Religious Services in the Funeral Home Chapel at 12 noon with the Rev. Bill Galloway, officiating. Interment in the Lewiston Cemetery.

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.



GREAT EXPECTATIONS

 

Here is a list of:
Rules For Dealing With Women

* The female always makes the rules.
* The rules are subject to change at any time without prior
notification.
* No male can possibly know all the rules.
* If the female suspects the male knows all the rules, she must
immediately change some or all the rules.

* The female is never wrong.
* If the female is wrong, it is due to a misunderstanding which
was a direct result of something the male did or said wrong.
* If the above applies, the male must apologize immediately for
causing the misunderstanding.
* An apology without flowers is not an apology.

* The female may change her mind at any time.
* The male must never change his mind at any time without the
expressed consent of the female.
* The male may not point out that the female has changed her mind.

* The female has every right to be angry or upset at any time.
* The male must remain calm at all times, unless the female wants
him to be angry or upset.
* The female must, under no circumstances, let the male know
whether or not she wants him to be angry or upset.

* No anger or emotional outburst on the part of the female may be
blamed on PMS. This will result in swift and extreme retribution.
* The male may not inquire if the female is angry or upset.
* The male may not inquire when the female will be ready.
* The male is expected to mind-read at all times.

* Any attempt to document these rules may result in bodily harm or
death to the male.

Relationships are complicated! When I do pre-marital counseling, I always spend some time talking about the expectations that each one has of the other as they enter into marriage (“I expect her to do all the cooking”, “I expect him to stay home and work in the yard on Saturdays”). Sometimes without even realizing it, we expect a certain behavior from others. And if they don’t exhibit that expected behavior, then we let them know that they have disappointed us.

God has expectations for us as well, though certainly nothing unreasonable. And, as in human relationships, when we fail to meet His expectations, we let Him down. Listen to these words spoken to the people of Judah:

“My Well-beloved has a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. He dug it up and cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?” (Isaiah 5:1b-4)

Just a question for your consideration today: Is God finding in your life what He expects to find?

Have a great day!


Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Is God finding in my life what He expects to find?

Is God finding in your life what He expects to find?

Anna Lee

Friday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

Pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell as she sees a doctor again today. She’s is feeling better than this time last week.

Mrs. Susie Wales is back at home. Thank God for her improvement.

Kyle Brabham will have some of his stitches removed today. Pray the doctor sees healing without any additional problems.

SRI LANKA. R is a national pastor who has been in the ministry for approximately 15 years. Within the past six months, he has become more passionate about the lost than ever before. He testifies, “I learned about evangelism in Bible school. I even taught evangelism. Now I am doing evangelism.” R says he has returned to his first love: He is waking every morning around 3:00 to pray and fellowship with His Savior. His passion is real, and it is igniting a fire in those around him. Recently R was able to lead his elderly grandmother to the Lord. Having been a very devout Buddhist, he had always thought, “She will never change.” But when he felt compelled to share his faith with her (remember he has been in the ministry for 15 years), she said, “So you’re telling me that what I need to do is pray to Jesus and accept Him?” “Yes,” was his reply–and she did! Praise the Lord! Pray that R will abide in Christ on a daily basis, bearing fruit and showing himself to be Christ’s disciple. Pray that his joy will be complete, that he will be able to love others as himself and hear clearly from the Spirit of truth (see John 15). Pray that R’s influence will lead other pastors to have a desire not only to build their own churches, but also to reach the lost with the gospel of Christ. http://www.go2southasia.org

RUSSIAN-SPEAKING MUSLIMS OF THE FORMER U.S.S.R. (RSMs). “This summer we have had the opportunity to teach a Business English class,” workers write. “Two nights a week we have approximately 15 people who come to take the class after work. This class will continue through the end of the year. Recently we were able to have all the students in our home for a meal and a game of dominoes, and we are planning a trip to the mountains together later this month. Pray that we will be able to build friendships and have opportunities to share the Good News. We know that three of the students are already believers. Pray for them, and also pray for the other students to be able to hear and understand the truth.”

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA (DER-bun). “August 22-25 is the date for our Southeastern Africa Cluster Spiritual Retreat,” writes the Durban Urban Evangelism Team. “A volunteer team from California will help with the ministry in music and with the ministry to our MKs. Pray for all those involved, asking that the Lord will speak to us and that we will listen and obey.”

Today’s Devotional

 

Jesus said, “If any want to become my followers,

let them deny themselves

and take up their cross

and follow me.”

~Matthew 16:24 NRSV Bible~

 

There is a cost involved in being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I read sometime ago about William Hinson who tells about a breakfast he had with an individual who had a very prosperous business. The business leader recently had become a Christian. It did not take this businessperson long to discover how costly his decision would be. He said to his minister, “I have been engaged in price-fixing with some of my supposed competitors.” He went on to tell his pastor about rigging bids and how he and his friends profited from this scheme. The business leader said, “I cannot do that anymore, and I have told them I can’t do it. They say that if I squeal, they will get the law on me because they have proof of my past involvement. They tell me that if I drop out, they will put me out of business, too.” He decided to do what was right, and soon he went broke.

What would you have done? Take up a cross or work out a compromise? Be satisfied with being a generic Christian or would you become a disciple?

True discipleship always costs something.

Dear Jesus, help me to be willing to pay the price for being a faithful disciple of yours. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Enjoy your Friday.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“As holy people . . .be sympathetic,

kind, humble, gentle, and patient.”

Colossians 3:12 (GWT)

Pray for Sylvia Watson of the Pine Ridge community as she prepares for surgery.

Pray for Kyle Brabham as he prepared to see his doctor again tomorrow.

Sunday, Robert Wilson said he was doing better with his case of shingles. Please continue to pray for him.

Jason Alford said the constant pain in his leg is gone. He can still experience pain when he moves the leg sideways. Thank God for not needing surgery, good medical treatment, modern brace, and a supporting family. Pray for Jason to be able to stay off the leg for the coming months.

Jason Dean saw the specialist yesterday morning and will try a new medication to address his problem. Pray for Jason as he tries this medication.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve. His wife said he was able to go to a fire yesterday. If you know him, you know how important helping others in this way is to him. Thank God for his progress. Thank-you for praying for him.

Mrs. Blanch Wheat continues to be at home. Visitors would be a blessing to her and she would be a great blessing to the visitors!

Larry Miller is home again after another surgery. Pray for Larry as he recovers.

Mrs. Barbara Erwin was walking without a cane last night. Thank God she is now pain free.

Mr. I.W. Simmons will begin chemo tomorrow. Pray for him as he goes through the treatment.

Mr. Raymond Anthony is scheduled to leave rehab and go home tomorrow. Pray for him and “Miss” Velma as the recovery process continues.

Mr. Larry Watts continues to do well as his recovery continues. He will probably have a pacemaker implanted in the near future.

Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch is facing surgery. Pray for her and her family.

The monthly share group will meet at the Alford cabin tonight at 6:30 for a time of fellowship, food, devotional study, and prayer. You are invited to attend. If you need directions please call.

Baptist Press

TENNESSEE–Diver to begin her final Olympics event. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28722

TENNESSEE–Olympian ready to showcase his sport. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28723

CHINA–Olympian once was a rebellious teen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28724

CHINA–Bronze medalist thanks God through running. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28725

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: ‘The sun shall not smite thee.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28726

TENNESSEE–Faith healer separates from wife, draws criticism from charismatics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28727

WASHINGTON–Calif. court: Fertility doctor must treat gays. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28728

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Running the race. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28729

GOD IS LEFT-HANDED?

Little Bobby was spending the weekend with his grandmother. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful.

His grandmother remarked, “Doesn’t it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?”

Bobby said, “Yes, God did it and he did it left-handed.”

This confused his grandmother a bit, and she asked him, “What makes you say God did this with his left hand?”

“Well,” said Bobby, “we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God’s right hand!”

Indeed he does! “[God] worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-21)

The Hebrew writer tells us that such is an indication that Christ is far greater than any of the angels (1:3-4). Paul tells us in Romans 8:34 that Christ makes intercession for us while he is there at the right hand of God.

Jesus sits on God’s right hand. That doesn’t mean God is left-handed, but it does tell us just how magnificent Christ is!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Yesterday, I heard on the television that the deputy that was killed in another parish recently sang “How Great Thou Art”. She knew something many others need to learn!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

When people sin,

you should forgive and comfort them,

so they won’t give up in despair.

2 Corinthians 2:7 (CEV)

Pray for Jason Dean as he sees a specialist at 8 A.M. this morning at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.

Kyle Brabham is progressing according to schedule. Pray for healing, without infection, of the area where Kyle had surgery. Pray for Kyle as he deals with the side effects of the surgery and the limitations imposed on him until healing takes place.

Melinda Russell shares a prayer request from a co-worker:

The note below came in today from Bob Craig. Please pray for Diane Wagstaff in Craiova Romania. Thank you for praying!

Melinda

Dear Prayer Partners,

Our colleague, Diane Wagstaff took a fall yesterday while carrying a load of groceries. She fell on her right arm and bruised it badly. Today, she had an ex-ray which revealed a hairline fracture of her shoulder blade. She is now consulting an Orthopedic Doctor to see what should be done. Would you please go to the Father for her and for her husband Bob? She was able to get some sleep last evening, but is very sore.

Wednesday’s Window on the World

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – August 20, 2008

CHUABO OF MOZAMBIQUE (chew-WAH-boh). Thank you so much for your prayers in June for a week of teaching for pastors, church leaders and deacons. Give thanks to the Lord that more than 150 men participated in the event. This was the first time that the Chuabo of Mozambique had training for deacons, pastors and leaders all together. The Spirit of God was present during the teaching, and the men went home excited about what they had learned and ready to implement the teaching in their churches.

REACHING XTREME PEOPLES OF SOUTH AMERICA. The Xtreme Team writes: “Thank you for lifting up the ‘Xtremers’ on our team as they serve the Lord for weeks and months at a time in remote communities where there are no grocery stores, no hotels, no electricity, no running water and no health care. Pray that the Holy Spirit will shine brightly in their lives to light up the spiritual darkness around them. Ask that they will be able to depend on the Lord for all of their needs and that He will be glorified through all of their actions. Pray fervently that the lost people among the Asheninka, the Tigre Quichua, the Quechua and the Yaminahua will hunger and thirst to know God’s Word, and that the Xtremers will be able to present the gospel clearly and boldly.”

MUMBAI, INDIA (moom-BYE). Imagine walking on the streets of Mumbai, on the very edge of the city, where the metro meets the Arabian Sea. Imagine colorful wooden fishing boats, striped in red, blue, yellow and orange, lining the shoreline. They belong to Koli “fisherpeople,” the city’s original inhabitants who have been squeezed between developers’ high-rise apartments, the boardwalk where the wealthy take leisurely strolls to escape the confinement of the city, and the sea’s edge. Imagine their freshly washed blankets and faded bed sheets of all colors drying in the sun, stuck to the rocks. A thin sun-blackened Koli man carefully turns them like fluttering pancakes in the wind. Billows of nets lay in piles under frail wooden shelters, awaiting repair. Koli women cluster together, engaged in serious conversation, their baskets of fish waiting by the road. Imagine you are here: watching, smelling the sea air, praying for the thin Koli man and the chattering women, venturing into their community, learning their language and what it means to be culturally Koli. Pray, brothers and sisters, that you or someone you know might be called by God to cease imagining and go to this unreached people group to share with them the future He has planned for them! http://www.go2southasia.org

DEVOG – Daily Devotional Blog

Today’s devotional by Ronald

 

TODAY’S VERSE
“Bear one another’s burdens,

and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 (NASB)


TODAY’S MESSAGE

If I was asked to describe Christianity using only one word, I would choose the word, “love”. John tells us that God is love. It is His love that makes mercy and grace possible. Is it no wonder then, if we are really going to fulfill what Christ wants us to do, we must bear each other’s burdens? Bearing a burden means to take that burden on as if it was your own. We are called to help the wounded, love the hurting and to do whatever it takes to help those that are overburdened. If we don’t, who will? Who else is called to do this? It is this love of Christ, lived out by us in community, that is the mark of true Christianity. And if community is going to work, then each of us must prefer others to ourselves. We must put the needs of others above ourself. Jesus set the example. His whole life exemplified sacrificial love. So must ours. Today, ask God to help you sense when someone needs help. Ask Him to help you bear their burden.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, I am so grateful that You have borne every one of my burdens. Give me a heart like yours and the filling of Your Spirit so I might love in the way You have loved me.

AMEN

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

I mean that I want us to help each other

with the faith we have.

Your faith will help me,

and my faith will help you.

Romans 1:12 (NCV)

Update on Jordan Russell:

This evening about 5pm Jordan had his trach removed!!! Thank you for praying for him! He is feeling a lot better with it out and breathing well. It was so nice to hear him talk again.

If all goes well he will be discharged Tuesday. Please continue to pray for Jordan as he continues to recover from the surgery and as the trach opening closes. Please also pray for his left shoulder. It has been bothering him since he woke up Thursday. He says it feels like it goes numb or tingles from time to time.

Love,

Melinda and family

PARAGUAY. Missionary Iracema Kunkel writes: “As Sunday approached, I started reminding those we were discipling to go to church. O., a divorced mother with a 13-year-old son, was one who needed special attention. She prayed to receive Christ in February after reading a written testimony distributed by one of our Baptist volunteers during a prayerwalk. However, O. had stopped coming for discipleship. I called her and asked her to come to church with us. After church, we spent the afternoon together. As we talked, she shared with us why she had stopped coming. Our conversation turned into a six-hour counseling session! We learned that she still had many idols in her house and in her heart. Tim and I offered to do a ‘cleaning’ of all the idols that were keeping her from following the Lord. We took two bags and went to her home. One of the bags we filled and burned in an incinerator at her place. She told the security guards who were watching that she was ‘burning her sins’! The other bag we packaged and sent back to her parents. They were family gifts, and she did not feel comfortable burning them, but at least they are out of her home. We prayed in each room of her house. O. is free today and calls us her adopted parents. Pray for her as she tries to live a holy life. God cleaned her house and her heart.”

HUNGARY. August 20, St. Stephen’s Day, is Hungary’s largest celebration of the year. Commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state in 1000 A.D. by St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king, it is celebrated with parades, folk singing, fairs and fireworks. Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ, and that Hungarian believers will take this opportunity to share their faith with those around them. Pray that Hungary will become a country that is not only culturally Christian, but also known as a place where the Lord is truly honored in the hearts and lives of the people. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a). http://www.heartforhungary.com

Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ,

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a).

Does that make you think of any other nation(s)?

PAKISTAN. In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, killing more than 70,000 people and destroying the fragile infrastructure of this developing nation. Due to this calamity, hostile areas closed to foreigners were desperate for aid and hope. Three years after this tragedy, God’s people are still responding with medical assistance and a physical demonstration of God’s love. Recently a mobile medical clinic offered care to women and children. A team of college students from the United States came to assist with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up their tent, they had a long line of women and children waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games with the little ones while the women listened to stories from the Word told in their own language. The doctor saw more than 80 patients in only seven hours. For many of these women, it was the first time someone had come to listen to them, hear their troubles, and help them. Please pray for fruit to come through the Word that has been planted among the women in this area. Pray that the demonstration of love will speak far louder than the medical advice they received.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. At the end of their summer stateside assignment, a couple who serves in Western Europe left their second daughter, as well as her older sister, in the United States to attend college. Pray that their daughter will have no problem adjusting to life in the country that she left behind when she was 5 months old. Pray that both of these young women will have a good year at their respective universities.


(I would like to add another request. Pray for the parents who went back to their field of service without two daughters.)

Baptist Press had some excellent, interesting articles yesterday evening. Read a few for yourself.

Baptist Press

August 18, 2008

CALIFORNIA–At forum, McCain & Obama differ sharply on abortion, judiciary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28712

CALIFORNIA–Forum gives Saddleback members unique opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28713

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: 2 gold medals come by faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28714

CHINA–Bronze medalist devotes her talent to God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28715

TENNESSEE–Triathlete relying on God’s strength. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28716

CHINA–Sprinter seeks platform for faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28717

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A hard question, an earnest appeal. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28718

FLORIDA–Fla. Baptists prepare for Fay’s wind & rain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28719

TENNESSEE–Pastor pay raises edge out inflation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28720

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Trey Graham): How much church is enough? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28721

A Few Moments with God

 

For I have set you an example,

that you also should do as I have done to you.

(John 13:15 NRSV Bible)

Choosing great persons for models is good advice for anybody. But who would be on your list? A few of us might choose Mother Teresa. Some may choose Martin Luther King, Jr., the Pope, or Billy Graham. But if you want to find someone who has done all things well our list would be mighty short.

Who shall we choose to follow? There is only one who achieved excellence in every area of life and that one was Jesus Christ. He lived well, he taught well, he died well. Beyond that, he rose triumphantly and lives with God forever. Christ is the one we celebrate today. Christ is the one we should model our lives after.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Snoopy sat droopy-eyed at the entrance of his dog house. He lamented, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I will still be a dog. There’s so little hope for advancement!”

We are who we are, but we can be so much more by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ.

Dear God, how wonderful is the example of your son. May I do all I can to allow him to live through me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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

Anna Lee