Devotional – Page 241 – The Prayer Link

Monday

“Hear me when I call,

O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

~Psalm 4:1~

Update concerning Jordan Russell:

Good evening all! Thank you for continuing to pray for Jordan. He is out of ICU and in a regular room. Yeah! He was moved late Saturday afternoon. He is up and walking around and eating and drinking (mostly drinking water and juices). He is on a full liquid diet but does not usually eat much of it since nothing really tastes good.

Please continue to pray for the swelling to go down in his throat. The trach can not come out until he can breathe normally out of his nose. His doctor said today that there is the possibility Jordan could go home with the trach still in BUT we would prefer that not to happen. Jordan is on steroids to help with the swelling. He does not have to have as much pain medicine now which is good.

Pray also he sleeps better at night. Last night Jordan and Nathaniel (spent the night with him) did not sleep well. He is by himself tonight. Nathaniel had to return to Belton and Roger is in Belton since he preached tonight at FBC Belton. Kyle is in Tyler. Jordan told me I did not have to spend the night with him.

We are glad to see Jordan more aware of what is going on and can enjoy visitors now that he is out of ICU. My Uncle Victor came last night and this morning Jordan enjoyed a visit from three of his Union friends (one is a roommate of his). They had spent the summer working at Pine Cove Camp outside of Tyler and were heading back to Tennessee. Jordan also had me call friends and his Sergeant from TN National Guard this evening to give updates.

Thank you again for praying for Jordan and us.

Love,

Melinda and all

Pray for Jason Dean as he prepares to see a specialist at OLOL Wednesday at 8 A.M. Jason is having problems with his “second tonsils”.

Joan Hagan requests prayer for her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, and her aunt, Mrs. Elaine Bennett. Your prayers for these two ladies will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Kayla and Kelly Schneeweiss who are in West Palm Beach, Floria as tropical story Fay visits the Florida area. Play Kayla and Kelly will be able to fly out before the worst of the weather. Pray for all the people in the path of Fay as she heads to Florida.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is home after a sudden visit to the hospital Friday. She is better, but needs our prayers as she continues to improve.

Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson was at church yesterday morning and evening. Thank God for her amazing progress following surgery.

Please pray for Frann Clark.

I will have an IVIG Monday at Beauregard Memorial Hospital starting at 8 am & ending about 5 pm.

Tuesday I will have phy therapy with pickup at 8 am. That afternoon I see Dr. Nichols in Lake Charles for a check of my esophagus. He had to stretch it several years ago & will probably have to do it again. I am having a little trouble swallowing.

Wednesday I will probably be zapped out after a long day Monday & Tuesday.

Please pray for me on both days.

God Bless You
Frann

The share group that meets at the Alford Cabin will meet Thursday at 6:30. Please feel free to join us. Call for directions.

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

Towel

JESUS SAID THE answer to pride was a towel ( John 13)…

Men have never been good at using towels. After three years of concentrated teaching, the apostles were still pushing and shoving for the chief seats. If Jesus was not angry, He was disgusted. Without a word, He washed feet. On cue, Peter whipped out his “no, never” sermon. Without mercy, Jesus cut him to the ground. Christian lives/churches are built only with towels. (Charles Hodge, reprinted with permission, Gospel Advocate)

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher,

have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I have given you an example,

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

~ John 13:14-15~

It’s not about being self-centered and always expecting others to do for us. It’s about serving others. Jesus set the example!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Ask of Me,

and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance,

and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

~Psalm 2:8~

AUKAN OF SURINAME AND FRENCH GUIANA (AW-kan). The Aukan Team praises God for His loving kindness to the Aukan people. A flood came two months ago and left more than 1,000 families homeless. The Christians responded to the flood by giving out food packets to the families. The Aukan people saw God’s love and are thankful to God’s people for their kindness. Please pray that the people will come to know Christ as their Savior.

BULGARIA. “We are so excited about the women who are coming from Texas and Illinois to do the quilting demonstration in September,” writes Team Bulgaria. “Please continue to lift them up as they prepare to come and use their love of quilting to share God’s love with women here. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of the women who attend to be drawn nearer to Him as they learn the art of American quilting. Praise our gracious Father for the supplies that He has already given us for this project, and ask Him to continue to lead us.” pray4bg@yahoo.com; http://www.teambulgaria.org/

PALESTINIAN ARABS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (pal-uh-STIN-ee-uhn). In the midst of a densely populated Muslim area, God has strategically positioned a Christian elementary school. The student body is predominantly Muslim. The Lord is illuminating the school as an island of peace amid a sea of turmoil. Despite persecution, the school is continuing to grow. Praise God! Several new classes will be added this year. Pray for God’s protection for students, staff and school property. Ask that many young families will open their hearts to the love of God through His Son.

Change of Schedule at FBC, Kentwood Tonight:

Evening Worship will resume at 6 P.M.
AWANA will resume at 4:45.

SECURING THE TOMB

A joke heard around the Pentagon goes like this:

One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don’t speak the same language.

For example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building,” they would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.

It seems to me that there was some misunderstanding regarding the “securing” of a location in Palestine in the first century as well.

“On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He has risen from the dead.” So the last deception will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.” (Matthew 27:62-66).

The Jewish and Roman leaders’ idea of “securing the tomb” meant putting a big rock in front of it. Unfortunately for them (but fortunately for us), Jesus’ idea was to secure the tomb’s place in history by rising from the dead. Mere rocks are unable to hold back the one who created the universe! What hope is ours because of what happened that glorious morning nearly 2,000 years ago! Praise God for the resurrection of His precious Son!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Be imitators of God, therefore,

as dearly loved children and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

~Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV~

Friday Night Update on Jordan Russell:

Thank you for continuing to pray for Jordan. He is doing better but still has a ways to go even before going home. The doctor decided to keep Jordan’s trach in until Monday since his throat is still swollen making it hard to breathe through his nose and mouth. Pray he can keep nourishment down. He tried eating this afternoon but got sick. He gets easily anxious or stressed. Please pray he will take it easy as he begins to take liquid or soft foods like Boost, jello, pudding and even ice cream. He is still in ICU but may be moved to a regular room Saturday.

Thank you for praying for Jordan and us.

Love,

Melinda and guys

I talked with Beth before and after Kyle Brabham went to the doctor yesterday. Kyle is doing well, but experiencing pain. Pray for him as he continues to recover from surgery.

Richard Dunn continues to be at East Jefferson, but plans to come home Sunday or Monday. Pray for Richard and Kathy as they make the transition to their home.

Jason Dean has been having problems with his tonsils most of the week. Pray for him as he continues to try to get well.

Baptist Press

August 15, 2008

CHINA–‘God is my biggest fan,’ Olympics rower says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28698

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: With memories of Phelps, teacher heads to the classroom. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28699

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A visit to Saling. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28700

TENNESSEE–Relief workers monitor needs in Georgia conflict. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28701

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Abortion doctor pleads not guilty in believer’s death. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28702

TEXAS–Katrina tragedy still grips missionary’s call. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28703

KENTUCKY–Beth Moore simulcast reaches 70,000 women. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28704

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): We need more men like these. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28705

ARKANSAS–FIRST-PERSON (Emil Turner): Heroism. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28706

SEEKING PRIVACY

The following humorous piece was sent to me author unknown:

ATTENTION CHILDREN: The Bathroom Door is Closed.

Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out.

Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken, I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here, but it’s been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door.

Do not go running back to the phone yelling, “She’s in the BATHROOM!”

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.

Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was funny when you were two, but not now.

Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two this got a little tiresome.

If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

And yes, I still love you.

(signed)
Mom

I know that every parent (and especially every mother) can relate to that. Sometimes it seems that there is no hope of any privacy. No matter where you go, little steps are heard right behind you. You try to hold a private conversation and little ears are listening. There’s no getting away from it!

That’s true of God as well. Though we may sometimes wish that we could get away from Him for just a few minutes, there’s no way. Listen to how David put it:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8, NIV)

Though, at first, it may seem that God’s continual presence is something to dread, David realizes that there is great comfort in such knowledge:

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.”

(Psalm 139:9, NIV)

God’s omnipresence means that He will always be there to take care of us, no matter where we may be. Instead of being something to fear, His presence is something which gives us comfort.

Take comfort today in knowing that you can never get away from God — not even by closing the bathroom door!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great weekend!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Bucky and Ccolbye Erwin’s baby’s names is spelled “Ryleigh”. Everyone is doing well.

James Lee and Barbara Hutchinson has a new great grandson, Christian Hayden Holmes.

Mrs. Blanch Wheat is back at home in Kentwood with a sitter. If you know “Miss” Blanch, you know she wants to be in her own house. Pray for her and visit her. You’ll be richly blessed.

Mike Nason has experienced some additional problems lately, but is doing better. Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Mr. Raymond Anthony and Mrs. Avis Sullivan continue to be in rehab in Hammond. Pray for them as they work to overcome problems associated with recent surgeries.

Dr. Earl Council’s sister will have hip replacement surgery next week. Please be in prayer for her. I think the surgery will be in Florida.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer is slowly recovering, but needs our continued prayers as he does so. Pray for his family as you pray for him.

Ashley Miller of Hillsdale received a good report.

Sharon Martin’s dad, Earlo LaBauve, is back at home and doing well. Thank you for praying for him.

JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri
(July 25, 1939 – August 3, 2008)

JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri
JoAnna Wallace Gualtieri, 69, passed away on August 3, 2008. JoAnna was born in Memphis, Tennessee July 25, 1939. She was a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana during her growing up years until moving to Hobbs, New Mexico and graduating from Hobbs High School. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Angelo Gualtieri of Tooele, Utah; one daughter, Rene’ (Marshall) Tucker and husband, Houston, TX; and one son, Keith Marshall and wife, Ogden, Utah; stepchildren, Kathy Martinez, Sherry West and Mariea King and husband; sister Aimee Wallace Theobald in Lexington, KY; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father Josiah Nettles Wallace and mother Annie Gill Wallace, Kentwood, and siblings Douglas Nettles Wallace and Alice Wallace Shirley. JoAnna loved sewing, cooking, singing and any craft she could put her hands and heart to. A memorial service was held Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 6pm at the Tate Mortuary in Tooele, Utah. JoAnna’s children, Rene’ Tucker and Keith Marshall would like to hear from JoAnna’s family and friends. Please feel free to contact Rene’ at 10326 Pine Pass Drive, Houston, TX 77070.

Nellie Mae Lea Lee
(September 24, 1912 – August 11, 2008)

Nellie Mae Lee Lea, 95, passed away on August 11, 2008 at Atlantis, FL. She was a resident of Line Creek near Kentwood, LA from 1929 until 1998. She was born on September 24, 1912 in Jackson, LA and lived there until she married Orris Harmon Lea and moved to Line Creek. She was preceded in death by her husband and two children, Orris, Jr. and Eleanor Mae and a daughter-in-law, Mary Lea. She is survived by her daughter, Tommie Jean Chorpenning and son- in-law, Jack, her son, Robert N. Lea, her 6 grandchildren, Jack Smith Chorpenning, Frank Chorpenning, Rebecca Casceoli, Mark Lea, Terry Monaghan, and Tracy Mansfield. She also has 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 am until the service following at 1 pm on Friday, August 15, 2008 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at the Line Creek Cemetery near Kentwood, LA.

Tena Singleton Bridges
(January 1, 1918 – August 13, 2008)

Tena Singleton Bridges died at her home near Kentwood, LA on Thursday, August 13, 2008. She was born in the Lewiston Community of Tangipahoa Parish, LA to Robert Hinson Singleton and Alma Boyd Singleton on January 1, 1918. She married Willie Bates Bridges of St. Helena Parish and they had eight children, Betty, Monnie, Billie, Maurice Jay, Thomas “Pud”, Garland “Rocky”, Rhonda Coleen and Raymond Curtis “Curt”. She is survived by daughters, Betty B. Wales, Monnie B. McNabb and her husband, Johnny McNabb and Billie B. Bullock; son, Maurice Jay Bridges and wife, Judy Birch Bridges; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Merlin S. Cox. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents as well as her sons, Thomas, Garland and Curt; daughter, Rhonda, parents, Robert Hinson and Alma Boyd Singleton; brothers, Wilson, Jack, Ollie and Roy; sisters, Mae, Nina, Verlie and Helen. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Danny Smith. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

SECURING THE TOMB

A joke heard around the Pentagon goes like this:

One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don’t speak the same language.

For example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building,” they would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.

It seems to me that there was some misunderstanding regarding the “securing” of a location in Palestine in the first century as well.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

We may be victims of miscommunication periodically, but we can rest assured God does not have that problem. His message to us is clear and unchanging.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Join with others in following my example, brothers,

and take note of those who live

according to the pattern we gave you.

Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

Pray for Jason Alford as he gets MRI results today in Rome, Georgia.

Please continue to pray for Greg Fortenberry. Greg was involved in an accident Memorial Day and has been hospitalized for twelve weeks at Ochsner Hospital. The plan is to try to move him to Hammond this week. Pray for Greg and his caregivers as they continue to watch over him.

Baptist Press

August 12, 2008

CHINA–Prayer helped outfielder reach the Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28668

CHINA–Archer ties Olympic mark, but loses next round. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28669

NORTH CAROLINA–Olympian to teach at Baptist school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28670

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: Ignorance about China is inexcusable. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28671

TENNESSEE–2008 Baptist Hymnal makes official debut. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28672

CALIFORNIA–Out-of-state donations key to Calif. Prop 8’s success. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28673

CALIFORNIA–DNC gave $25,000 to defeat Calif. amendment. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28674

CALIFORNIA–‘Prejudicial’ language to stay on Prop 8 ballot. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28675

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Confusing the ‘gay marriage’ issue. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28676

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

“A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22, HCSB

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for medical ministries.

In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, destroying the fragile infrastructure of this nation. God’s people are still responding with medical assistance. Recently a team of college students came to assist a mobile medical clinic team with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up, they had a long line waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games 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, hear their troubles, and help them.

As the result of a prayerwalking trip among the Kano Katsina Fulbe, a ministry is now offered in an area of 17 Nigerian villages. The chief and the health workers (all Muslim) offered to let Christian workers use their clinic. The team agreed saying, “If we do that, we would also like to share about the way of Jesus.” Their response? “That is OK with us.”

A medical team from Alabama is currently in Guatemala holding a medical clinic in a Kekchi village. The VIC Team in Colombia has begun nutrition groups in several areas of the country for malnourished children under 5 years of age and for expectant mothers. A dental team will arrive in Guinea August 15. This is the first clinic hosted by the Fulbe Futa Team.

Summer student workers are in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, assisting dentists and other doctors in clinics. After a pediatrician helped a family, they shared the gospel and a mother and daughter were saved!

* Please pray for the preparations for these various medical and dental clinics.

* Ask God to draw the patients to Himself as workers demonstrate His love in both word and deed.

* Thank the Lord for opening doors through practical means.

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

BE IT FOREVER understood that Jesus Christ never came into the world merely to explain what sin is…

Moses had for his mission the exposition of sin through the law; Christ has for His mission the eradication of it. Jesus did not apologize for sin; Christ never died so that sin might appear less sinful, that God might be less severe toward sin. Indeed, we never see sin to be so black as when we view its evil as revealed in the sufferings of Jesus, nor is God’s wrath ever more intolerable than when we behold it consuming His only begotten Son. No, Christ came to cure sin, not to cover over it, nor to make men forget the disease by drugging them with presumptuous thoughts of consolation but by absolutely removing that which is the cause of their dread and to make them whole. (Charles Spurgeon)

“It is not the healthly who need a doctor,

but the sick.”

Matt. 9:12

Share the Doctor with someone who is “sick”!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God,

and you will find Him

if you seek Him with all your heart

and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

Bucky and Colbye Erwins baby daughter arrived sometime Sunday night. I won’t attempt to spell her name because it has been several weeks since Bucky and Colbye told me the name. Thank God this young lady has arrived. Thank God for the Christian home she will have.

Bro. Bucky is the minister for youth and children at FBC, Kentwood.

Earlo LaBauve, Sharon Martin’s dad, had a stent put in his heart yesterday and was doing well. If all continued to go well last night, he will be released today.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn and his family during some difficult days.

Jason Alford had a MRI yesterday on his injured knee. He will get results Wednesday.

James Rimes shares this yesterday evening:

Larry Watts had carotid artery surgery this evening at St. Tammany Hospital. He is out of surgery and doing well. Please pray for him and the family as he faces by-pass surgery later
in the week.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is scheduled to leave rehab in Hammond and return to Line Creek Thursday. Let’s pray for her as she completes her last days of rehab.

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

THE DISCIPLES WERE no different than we are…

Get a group of people together in any organization and there is a power struggle. Someone wants to be the big shot or the one most honored and respected or just the one who gets to tell everyone else what to do. There is the organizational appointed leader and then there is a leader unofficially chosen by the group that is to be led.

Sometimes these two leaders are on the same sheet of music and cooperate well and other times it is an adversarial relationship. The group leader always instigates the old “us versus them” controversy. You know, labor versus management, deacons versus preacher or whatever the division is in the particular group. Sometimes the adversity is hot and livid and other times it is more of a passive aggressive situation. You always get a “Yes, Sir or Yes Ma’am”, but there is always a problem getting a project accomplished on time or correctly. We have all worked in shops or served in churches like that.

So here we have the disciples debating which one is the second in command since Jesus was the Master. Peter was vocal and the first to declare Jesus as the Christ. John was closest to Him and was known by them as the one that Jesus loved. The others gave forth all their strengths and reasons why they should be the elder or leader among them. They may have gotten into a heated discussion over this. Peter was a firebrand so I am sure he lit a few fires in the discussions.

As in all our disputes and reasonings, Jesus saw the core problem and used a child to illustrate the true way to greatness in the Kingdom. The way up is down. Jesus came here for the little guy. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Son of God, the Mighty Counselor and the Prince of Peace who left glory to die for creatures that in comparison to Him were bacteria and bad bacteria at best. He came into the world as the son of a poor carpenter and was laid in a manger or cow trough. He was living as a poor, itinerant preacher and even had a fish provide tax money for Him and His followers. Yet, His followers were arguing about how great that they were when in their countrymen’s eyes they were only poor, illiterate fishermen. The sheer gall of it all is mind boggling until you realize that we do the same thing. (Ronald Shultz)

“Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great'” (Luke 9:46-48).

Monday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Judy Easley reports her new grandson, Tyler Easley, had a good first week at home. Pray for Tyler’s family as they continue to give him the special care he requires because of his premature birth. Thank God for the progress Tyler has made so far and for the way God has made His presence known to the family.

Mr. Bobby Raborn continues to do well as he continues to recover from double knee surgery.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve. Pray for him as he tries to be patient with the speed of the recovery process.

A request has been made for prayer for Mr. Robert “Bobby” Thompson. Mr. Bobby lives in Amite and is married to Mrs. Ruby Thompson.

Sharon Martin’s dad, Mr. Erlo LaBauve, will be having some heart tests at North Oaks today. Sharon’s uncle will also be in North Oaks undergoing other tests. Please pray for these folks.

Pray for Alice Bankston, a teacher at Sumner, as she deals with newly diagnosed cancer. She’s was able to start school with her students Friday.

Pray for Bucky and Colbye Erwin as the time quickly approaches for the birth of their first child. Colbye is staying with her family in Mississippi to be near her doctor and hospital.

Pray for Karen Miller as she adjusts to a new position – secretary at Roseland Elementary. She is receiving on-the-job training because she was not hired in time to get the training before school started.

Please continue to pray for teachers and students as school will be underway in all area schools today. Pray for a minimum of interruptions so the maximum learning can be accomplished. Pray teachers and other staff members will be able to influence young lives in ways other than just material in a textbook.

Pray for AWANA as it begins next Sunday at FBC, Kentwood. Pray for all involved. Pray for Scriptures to be learned and applied to young lives. Pray for missions to be instilled in these children.

Children’s Choir will begin next month. Plan to add choir to the Wednesday schedule for your children and grandchildren.

Pray for how God would have you involved in On Mission in Kentwood on the 30th. There is an assignment for anyone who wished to participate – young, older, male, or female. Come receive a blessing as you bless someone else.

Big 10 from TeamRomany August 2008

1. FARM students complete their ministry assignments and return home this month. Please pray for them to finish strong. Thank God for the way in which they were able to enhance existing ministry and begin new ministry points. Thank God also for their own spiritual growth as they saw God use them to share His Good News in many communities. Pray also for Katie Steele, an American student summer missionary, who is serving in the Czech Republic. Pray that God will continue to provide opportunities for her to minister in Romany communities.

2. Thank God for the ministry of International World Changers (IWC) teams who served with teamromany in both Romania and Czech Republic this in July. They were able to open doors for ministry in new areas. They provided a positive witness for Christ and shared the Gospel with many. Thank God with us for changed lives as a number of Roma prayed to receive Christ. Pray for teamromany members as they provide follow-up.

3. Please pray for the Silbys as they begin language study, continue to get settled in and adjust to the culture.

4. Daniel’s car was broken into last month and he suffered significant material loss. Please pray for him as he clears up all the details from this event. Pray for him as he is hosting several volunteer teams this month.

5. The Banks family is thankful for God’s goodness to them. They are grateful for their new apartment in Brailia, Romania. The apartment and location are a great match for their needs.

6. Pray for the Banks family as they visit the villages of Viziru and Valea Canepii to follow-up on outreach work started by the Hills and Insuratiei mission pastor. Pray for protection, favor, and boldness to share the Gospel in these villages. Pray for the new believers to open their homes for Bible study and discipleship.

7. Pray for Tamara and Jennie as they begin a new year of homeschooling. Tamara will be teaching Wesley and Coulter and Jennie will be teaching Mallory, Miles, Madison, and Mason. Pray for the Silby children (Ryan, Elizabeth, and Hannah) as they begin new schools in the Czech Republic.

8. Pray for Cornel Tuns as he marries Erica Bartsch this Saturday. This is an answer to Cornel’s prayers. He’s thankful for God’s goodness.

9. Thank God that the Hatchels received their residency visas which are valid for one year. Please pray for the Hills as they begin the visa renewal process in Romania. Pray that the process will go smoothly and swiftly.

10. Pray for the Hills as they take a team of Romany young people on a mission trip to Sighisoara, Romania. Pray for that God will change the lives of both the youth participating in the project and the people they will minister to.

Thank you for praying with us and for us.

Teamromany

Wes and Tamara Banks – Romania

Daniel Byrd – Romania

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel – Czech Republic

Bob and Gayle Hill – Romania

Joe and Julie Silby – Czech Republic

Deacon Hospital Visitation this Week

David Alford
Jesse Dean

Please contact these men if you know of any need.

Margarette Catha

Margarette Catha, 93, died at her home in Cleveland, Tenn., on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. She was born on Aug. 5, 1915, in Kentwood, to the family of William Thomas and Mary Ann Catha. She worked as a clerk/stenographer in the Baton Rouge area with Charity Hospital, Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Public Welfare Office, Louisiana State Department, War Manpower Commission, U.S. Recruiting Department and Department of Employment in Cleveland and Chattanooga. In 1949, she began her work in Cleveland, Tenn., as the executive secretary to the Church of God, where she worked for 31 years. She retired at the 1980 General Assembly. She was a longtime member of the North Cleveland Church of God, where she once taught a children’s Sunday school class, was in the Crusaders Choir, was on the board for Women’s Ministries and was a member of the Unity Sunday school class. Survivors include several nieces and nephews in Florida and Louisiana; her special friends, Beulah Mae Murphree and Grace Golden, of Cleveland; and her caregivers, Cathryne Blocker and Ramona Hyberger; along with personal assistants and support from Amedisys Hospice. She was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters, Leila Catha Langlois, Oris Catha Seefield, Loleat Catha Carlson, Grace Catha Gaines; and two brothers, Advil and Troy Catha. Celebration of Life service at Grissom Funeral Home, Cleveland, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Mitch Maloney. Visitation begins at noon. Interment at the Woodland Memorial Cemetery in her home town of Kentwood, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, Attn. Margarette Catha Scholarship for Needy Children, P.O. Box 439, Sevierville, TN 37864 or the North Cleveland Church of God, Attn. World Missions Fund or the Building Fund, Cleveland, TN 37311.

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

Today

BEFORE ENTERING THE broadcasting field, Jim Valvano led the North Carolina State University basketball team to a national championship…

Then cancer developed in his lower back. Invited to address the Duke University squad, Jim had this to say: “Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize this day, seize this moment, and make the most of it.”

God gives us an urgent directive in Hebrews 3:13, “Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Why is there such a strong insistence on today?

It may be that today, this very day, could be the last one in our time here on earth. Today may be your last opportunity to obey God’s plan of salvation, or to share His love with a friend or loved one.

James has this warning about presuming upon our tomorrows: “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14).

Seize the opportunities that God gives you today. That’s sound advice-not just for basketball players, but for all of us. (Vernon C. Grounds)

“You do not know what will happen tomorrow.

For what is your life?

It is even a vapor that appears for a little time

and then vanishes away.”

~Jas. 4:14~

Thank God for the slow, steady rain we are receiving this morning. Have a great week!

Don’t forget the associational church council meeting tonight at FBC, Kentwood. It begins with supper at 6 P.M.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved–you and your household.’

Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him

along with everyone in his house.”

~Acts 16:31-32, HCSB~

The following thank-you note is for members of First Baptist Church, Kentwood from Boyd and Jennie Hatchel:

Thank you for the generous gift from Vacation Bible School this year. We are honored to be considered your missionaries. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support of our ministry among the Roma.

The funds you gave provided for a number of great new initiatives for our team. Some of your funds are helping summer missionaries from Romania and America minister to Romany people in Brno. Some of your funds are helping with block party supplies like face paints, jump ropes, snacks, and sports equipment. Some of your funds are helping with follow-up visits in Ostrava from the work of International World Changers last month. Some of your funds are helping with the costs of a conference next month with our team members.

Prayers, encouragement, gift packages, and this gift are some of the many ways that you have shown your support and cooperation with our efforts. Thank you for your generosity, sacrifice, and service with our team. We are not your ambassadors – we are on the same team!

Blessings from Brno,

The Hatchel Family

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

Attention

GOD WAS ANGRY with their careless, shoddy methods of worship…

The animals they brought for sacrifice were not acceptable to Him because they were not the best of the herds and flocks. Instead, they offered stolen, lame, and sick animals.

While we may not be showing this degree of contempt toward God, sometimes we are too casual in our worship. A friend of mine made this observation about herself: “When I shop for simple things like soap or butter, I hardly think about it. But when I’m looking for a blouse to match a skirt, I shop very carefully. I go from store to store until I find exactly what I’m looking for.” Then she added thoughtfully, “I should pay that same attention when I am worshiping God. But sometimes I approach Him as casually as if I were shopping for a box of Kleenex.”

During our worship assemblies, we may fail to give God our full attention. We rush in late. Our thoughts wander. We need to discipline our minds so that we are not focusing on yesterday’s cares or tomorrow’s responsibilities. When we worship the Lord with all our heart, He will be pleased with us. (Dave Egner)

“You bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick. …

Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord.”

~Mal. 1:13~

Saturday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

I forgot to mention Joan Hagan’s doctor’s visit Monday. He said she is progressing as expected. Please continue to keep Joan in your prayers.

Pray for Randy Simpson as he continues to have difficulty with speaking and hoarseness.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn, Chuck Pittman, and others who are undergoing cancer treatment.

There will be no evening worship services at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow. The regular worship services which have been cancelled for the summer will resume August 17th,

The associational church council meeting will be at 6 P.M. Monday at FBC, Kentwood.

Children’s Choir will begin on Wednesday nights beginning Sept. 3rd. AWANA will begin with a party this week and regular meeting next week.

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY

I heard recently about a man who filled his car with gas at a self-service gas station. After he had paid and driven away, he realized that he had left the gas cap on top of his car. He stopped and looked and, sure enough, it was lost.

He thought for a second and realized that other people must have done the same thing, and that it was worth going back to look by the side of the road since even if he couldn’t find his own gas cap, he might be able to find another one that fit.

Sure enough, after only a short time of searching, he found a gas cap. He carefully wiped it off and slipped it into place with a satisfying click.

He told his wife as he climbed back into the car, “I may have lost my gas cap, but I found another one that fits and it’s even a better cap than the one I had – it locks…”

Oops! A locking gas cap is a great idea — but only if you have the key that opens it! Understanding the Bible is much the same way. Remember when Jesus first began speaking in parables — his apostles came to him for an explanation. They wanted the “key”, and Jesus gave it to them. Jesus said, “”To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God.” (Mark 4:11).

The book of Revelation is a difficult (some would say impossible) book for people to understand, but it becomes a much easier task when you have the “key” explaining the symbolism of the numbers, colors and images found in the book.

Sometimes the ministry of Jesus is referred to as a “mystery”. Paul wrote often about the “mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19), the “mystery of Christ” (Col. 4:3), or simply “the mystery” (Eph. 3:9). The word “mystery” means that it was something that was “hidden” for a while. All through the Old Testament, God was preparing for Jesus Christ to come to this earth, but no one fully understood what that would mean. The prophets foretold his coming, but they didn’t fully understand (I Peter 1:10-12). Even the angels didn’t know what God had in mind. But we do. We understand the significance of the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Give thanks to God for “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

I have an unspoken request from Tricia Wall McCain. Please pray as she requested.

Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson is home and progressing nicely. Please continue to pray for her as she heals.

Continue to pray for Kyle and Beth Brabham as they see his doctor this afternoon at 2 P.M.

Jeff Tolar was discharged yesterday. His surgery went well. Please continue to pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

Aubrey Perry is home and will be beginning a new treatment.

Please continue to pray for Mr. I.W. Simmons as he battles cancer.

Mr. Raymond Anthony had hip surgery Tuesday. Pray that after the recovery process he will be able to get around much better.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan as she continues to recover from her surgery.

Please continue to pray for Robert Wilson as he battles shingles. Pray for the pain to ease quickly.

Glenda Schilling said her mother, Mrs. Ona Schilling, has had some problems lately, but is basically okay. Please continue to pray for Mrs. Schilling and for Glenda.

Bro. Brady Haynes sent this report of his mission trip taking International World Changers to work with the Roma (Gypsies):

. . . . The Czech trip was amazing. Our main objective was to engage the Roma people through sports and spiritual conversations for the purpose of finding believers in the area who would be willing to start house churches. Boyd said that several key individuals were located in the areas where we worked and assured us that he objective was reached. One of the sights in particular had about 26 conversions (children and adults) and our site had 3-4. It is always cool for me to see the lives of students changed when they go on an international mission trip. The Roma are outcasts…the focus of prejudice and hatred…and God called us to minister to them. Our students have already been discussing ways to do local ministry to the outcasts and forgotten. Please pray for our group and those Roma that were confronted with the Gospel. Also, please pray for Honza and Lenka our translators who are not believers. Several of us have connected with them over Facebook so that we can continue the relationship over the web for the purpose of sharing the Truth of Christ.

Thanks for your prayers!

Brady and “the Bunch”

(Jennie reported the team from Alabama was well trained and did an excellent job with each task assigned to them.)

A Message to Teens about Profanity

By Phil Boatwright

Baptist Press

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP)–Name me a PG-13 film that doesn’t employ profanity (that is, language misusing God’s name). Shoot, even most PG films nowadays contain such language. And when you hear “Jesus” in a movie nowadays, it’s generally not spoken with regard for His Messiah-ship. Christ’s name is used more like an expletive. But let’s face it, by now, we’re pretty used to hearing the irreverent utterances in the movies. So, is the use of profanity that big of a deal?

I’d like to aim this piece at the dominant movie-going demographic: teenagers. My reasoning? I’ve already presented my thesis to oldsters many a time. But you — high schoolers — are who Hollywood aims to please — and teach.

Alas, I’m not one of you. I haven’t been a teenager since before you were born. And because of that age difference, we probably like different movies, different music, different clothes and different slang. But before you dismiss me as simply being a — what’s today’s euphemism for old fogey? — keep the following in mind. No matter the time on earth we call our generation, some things remain the same. Revering and respecting God should be something we have in common. It’s something we’re told to do in the Bible.

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7). Honoring God is a command — from God. If it weren’t important to Him, wouldn’t it not be on the list at all?

While we keep hearing that there’s too much violence and sexuality in movies, those are only symptoms of what ails our entertainment mediums. Consider for a moment: If you go to a surgeon and detail the symptoms you are suffering, the doctor doesn’t just treat the symptoms. If he does, the malady will re-manifest itself. Well, when it comes to spiritual matters, defying God is the malady. For it is only when we honor God that we begin to truly care for our fellow man. You with me?

Those who profane God’s name are breaking one of God’s laws. And although we Christians have been turning a deaf ear to the media’s usage of blasphemy for quite some time, should we continue to do so? That also begs the question: If modern-day man wrote their own Ten Commandments, would the misuse of God’s name make the list? Probably not.

There’s no indication in Exodus 20 that a movie storyteller is exempt from following the same commands as the rest of us, yet nearly every actor of this era misuses His name in the movies. Why are they so free with profanity?

I’m not sure if that disobedience of biblical teaching is done out of ignorance, disbelief or just defiance. But I do know from a lifetime of studying Scripture that the Ten Commandments are not just suggestions. They are guidelines for honoring our Heavenly Father and for caring about our fellow man.

Some people may ask: If misusing God’s name is such a big deal, then why aren’t people being smote all over the place? Our God is merciful and patient (2 Peter 3:9), but the Bible indicates that there is a price to be paid for disobedience or mockery. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Read Psalm 73 and you’ll see that a time of justice will befall the unrighteous and those who live outside of God’s commands and refuse to make Jesus Lord of their life. Read the whole Bible and you’ll see what Hollywood often doesn’t.

You may not change the media. Just don’t let the media change you. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

(Phil Boatwright reviews films for previewonline.org and is a regular columnist for Baptist Press.)

I’m thankful for Phil Boatwright’s stance on movies. Pray he will be able to influence people of all ages in making decisions about movies.

Deacon Hospital Ministry this week:

Tom Tolar
Raymond Cutrer

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday:

Gail Brister
Sharon Martin
Walter & Kathy Dykes

There will be no evening worship services again this week at FBC, Kentwood.

If you have a request for On Mission in Kentwood, please contact the church office or me. Begin praying now asking God if He would want you to minister in Kentwood in His name. There is a task for everone! Sign up to be blessed!

I CAN DO ALL THINGS?

A 6-year-old girl once asked her father, “What do you have to do to become a doctor?”

Her father said, “You have to do extremely well in school, take a lot of math and science, get into an excellent college, make the highest grades possible, and then go to med school, and follow that with an internship. Then you can start your own practice. Honey, as smart as you are, you can be anything you want to be.”

The little girl thought about that and then asked, “What do you have to do to be queen?”

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but I want to let you know that there’s a verse in the Bible that you may have mis-interpreted for many years. I know that I have. You see, many of us have heard lessons which promote positive thinking. We’ve been told, “If you can see it, you can achieve it.” So, if you’re a golfer, visualize getting through the golf course at 4 under par. If you need to lose weight, visualize what your life will be like when you’re 60 pounds thinner. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, visualize yourself with the position and the salary you desire.

And the verse we have often used to give us the strength to achieve these things is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” There are, no doubt, some Christian athletes headed to Beijing this week to compete in the Olympics who anticipate bringing home a gold medal because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Now I don’t dispute that there is great value in having a vision of where we want to be and what we want to accomplish. And I don’t dispute that God will bless us with strength in all endeavors that glorify Him. But I believe it is wrong to teach that anyone can accomplish anything because God will give you the strength. Not every little boy with a dream of playing in the NFL or the NBA is going to achieve that. Not every athlete that quotes Philippians 4:13 this week will bring home a gold medal from Beijing. And you can dream about being king or queen all you want to — dreaming it won’t make it happen.

The truth is that for many of us, young or old, life is not always going to turn out exactly like we thought it would. And when people are made to think that if you believe something with all your heart, it will come to pass, then when it doesn’t happen that way, they get discouraged, depressed, feel like failures, get angry, or they give up. Christians may even begin to lose their faith in God. “God, how could you let this happen to me? This is not what I wanted! You promised I could do all things!”

When you look at the context of Philippians 4:13, though, it contains a more powerful message than we ever imagined. In the previous verse, Paul writes, “I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil. 4:12).

What is it that Paul can do through Christ? He can be content no matter what the situation — whether he has plenty or he has nothing, whether he comes in first place with a gold medal or he comes in last place, whether he makes the team or he doesn’t make the team. Whatever the circumstance, whatever he may have or not have, Paul learned to be content, to be joyful. Why? Because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

May this verse serve as an encouragement to you, not to achieve great victories in life, but to find joy even in the midst of defeat.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I pray you will take time to think and rethink on the devotional above until the message becomes part of your way of thinking.

Anna Lee