Devotional – Page 243 – The Prayer Link

Thursday

Put on the new self,

created to be like God

in true righteousness and holiness.

~Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)~

Mrs. Avis Sullivan continues to progress nicely following surgery. Please continue to pray for her.

Tyler Easley, grandson of Judy Easley, remains in Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. Please remember him and his family, especially Joffrey and Moira, in your prayers.

Mrs. Jimmie Shaw continues to improve since her recent fall. Pray for her as she goes through rehabilitation for a few days.

Cliff Titus has had some more difficult days lately. Pray for Cliff and Lauree as they deal with his continuing health issues.

Continue to pray for those who are battling cancer daily. Pray for strength and hope.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, July 23, 2008

“Blessed are you when people hate you…

on account of the Son of Man!

Rejoice in that day…for behold,

your reward is great in heaven”

(Luke 6:22-23a, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, inviting you to pray for the people of Iran.

Fear is common for new believers in Iran. They do not know how to explain their new faith and are afraid of family response. Compounding the sense of isolation and fear is a reluctance to meet with other believers. “What if the others are only posing as believers and use information they find out about me to harm me?” Ask God to grant courage and boldness.

One Iranian Arab couple has refused to leave their country despite persecution, but remain in order to share the Good News. Pray for God’s protection over their lives.

V, on the other hand, is an Azeri of Iran who has had to flee and is not able to return to his family. He recently received a new version of the Bible in the Farsi language. He has found it much easier to read and has been sharing it with others.

MR is a Sorani-speaking Kurdish man from a key western city in Iran and leader of a small group of Kurdish believers. Recently MR was thrown in jail for his faith. The authorities tell him that he may be in jail for as long as six months. They also say that if he will discontinue his Christian activities and also expose other believers, his time in jail will be reduced. Please pray for MR to remain faithful and strong during his time in jail. Pray that he will fully experience the peace of God. Often during times of persecution, God calls out new leaders. Pray for believers to be attentive to His call during MR’s imprisonment.

* Please pray that these experiences will result in the growth of the church in Iran.

* Ask that the hearts of Iranian believers will be stirred to reach their people.

* Pray that these believers will rejoice in persecution for great is their reward.

On Mission is Kentwood in this Saturday. It’s not too late to sign up to participate in some way. There’s something for everyone. If you know of a project that needs our attention, please contact me or the church office.

Continue to pray for the children’s sports camp at church. Pray for safety and fun, but mostly for growth in relationships with God. Thank God for the young people from Simpson and Kentwood who gave of themselves to run the camp this week.

I just received an email from Jennie. She and the children are now home. Boyd remains with the International World Changers and will get them to the airport for the return trip home. Thank God for the opportunities of the last two weeks to impact the lives of the Roma. Remember there is a seven hour time difference, so pray today for the travelers as they return home tomorrow. Pray for Bro. Brady Haynes as he continues to minister to and influence the young adults in Birmingham. Thank God so many were willing to give of themselves to take the news of Jesus to an often overlooked people group.

Boyd Alton Bennett
A native and resident of Central, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. He was 82. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mildred N. Bennett; daughter, Janice B. Carpenter, Deville; son, David Bennett and wife Lois, Baton Rouge; brother, Levi and wife Elaine Bennett; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Laura Lee and Whitey Waters, of Central, Bobbie and Pete Neyland, of Baker, Marguerite Baudin, of Kentwood, and Louise and Barzie Fletcher, San Angelo, Texas; seven grandchildren, Ralph Carpenter Jr., Amanda Carpenter Cooksey, Eric Bennett, David Bennett, James Bennett, Lisa Bennett Langley and Michelle Bennett White; and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, James Bennett; mother, Margaret “Maggie” Browning Bennett; three sisters, Inez Ward, Annie Martin and Flarrie Baudin; and son-in-law, Ralph Carpenter. He was a retired route salesman for Holsum Bakery. He served during World War II in the 409th Quartermaster Depot Company as a cook. He was a member of the Central Masonic Lodge. In 1976, he was one of the founding members of the Central Volunteer Fire Department and in 1969, he was a Boy Scout leader. He was instrumental in the building and opening of Central Private School in 1968. He was a member of Zoar Baptist Church. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, July 25, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Saturday from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Danny Smith, pastor of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood. Interment in Zoar Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ralph Carpenter Jr., Brandon Cooksey, Eric Bennett, David A. Bennett, James Bennett and Mike Neyland. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph White and Aaron Langley. Special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge and Dr. Say. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, the American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.
Published in The Advocate on 7/24/2008

GETTING OLDER (part 4)

George Burns once said, “Tennis is a game for young people. Until age 25, you can play singles. From there until age 35, you should play doubles. I won’t tell you my age, but when I played, there were 28 people on the court — just on my side of the net.”

I’ve talked some about the fears we have related to getting older. But, I want to close out this series by looking at the positive aspect of aging. In Proverbs 20:29, Solomon wrote, “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” The Bible has for us several examples of elderly people who refused to believe their usefulness was over just because they weren’t young anymore, who served God well despite their advancing years.

One of the greatest examples is found in the book of Joshua. Caleb was 85 years old. He had served the Lord faithfully for his entire lifetime. When he was 40, he, along with eleven other soldiers, sneaked into the land of Canaan to spy out the land that God had promised them. What they saw was frightening and ten of the soldiers concluded there was no chance of victory. Joshua and Caleb were the two faithful spies who stood firm in their conviction that God could give them Canaan despite the giants in the land.

Then for the next 40 years, that unbelieving nation wandered in the wilderness until Caleb and Joshua were the only adults left. Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan and Caleb had fought valiantly in securing the land. But by the time we get to the 14th chapter of the book of Joshua, Caleb is an old man — 85 years old. You would think he was ready to sit out on that porch swing, but listen to him:

“And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as he said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:10-12).

At the age of 85, Caleb was still looking for ways to serve God; he asked for a mountain full of giants to conquer. It was the most difficult spot in the whole land to be conquered. He deliberately chose the hardest task. Now if anyone in that nation had earned the right to retire and live the rest of his days in comfort, it was Caleb. But, he wasn’t ready for the shelf; he wanted a mountain.

What was his secret? There are several things that I think stand out. He was a man who obviously had a positive attitude and faith in God. It’s easy to become negative as we get older, looking back on “the good old days”. But Caleb refused to be negative. He had a positive faith in God. God said, “Even to your old age, I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you.” (Isaiah 46:4). Caleb truly believed that, that God is in control at every stage of our lives.

Here was a man who had a divine purpose. He was in his eighties, but he believed that God had something important for him to do. And he believed that with God’s help he could do it. He was a man who looked for ways to serve God despite his advancing age. There are tasks that an older Christian can do that a younger Christian just simply isn’t equipped to do.

But, above all else, Caleb was obedient to the Lord. It’s difficult for a person to obey God in his old age if he doesn’t establish a pattern of obedience in his earlier years. But it can be done. The important thing is to continue to give yourself to the Lord no matter what your age.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

The important thing is to continue to give yourself to the Lord no matter what your age.

I think that statement deserves an”Amen”!

AMEN!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Then He said to them,

‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”

~Matthew 4:19~

Mr. Frankie Gehringer is home. Thank you for your prayers for him the last few days and your continued prayers too.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. As a result of a governmental treaty between the United States and France, Ron and Lisa Jones have recently learned that they must leave Reunion Island in September 2008. Please join Ron and Lisa in prayer as they seek the Lord’s will for their future as well as the future of the work they will be leaving in Reunion. At this point, they feel the Lord leading them to serve in the country of Namibia. The IMB currently has only one family serving in that African country, and they will be returning to the States on stateside assignment within the next few months and would like to have someone oversee the existing work as well as begin new work. However, in the past few years, it has been difficult to obtain work permits for IMB personnel to enter the country. Thus Ron and Lisa would like you to join them in prayer for a miracle: Pray that the Namibian government will grant a work permit for them to enter the country in a timely manner. They also ask you to join them in praying that the Lord will call out someone to take over the new work they have started in the south of Reunion, surely one of the darkest and most unevangelized areas of the island.

Teachers will be going back to school in the next few days, if not already, to prepare their classrooms for the coming year. Please begin to pray for each teacher and each student in each school throughout the area. Pray specifically for the teachers and students you know.

Baptist Press

July 22, 2008

HORN OF AFRICA–A simple plant battles malaria & gives hope. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28515

TURKEY–Iranian believer flees to Turkey. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28516

WASHINGTON–Kazakhstan weighs new religion restrictions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28517

TENNESSEE–McCain’s VP choice ‘significantly important’ to evangelicals, Land says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28518

TENNESSEE–Man accepts Christ after killing deacon. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28519

TENNESSEE–At Bonnaroo, Baptists offer ‘More than Music.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28520

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Mike Licona): Is Jesus the only way? (part 1) http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28521

KneEmail

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

Suffering

IN AN INTENSIVE care ward, all visitors are united by a single, awful thread: concern over a dying relative or friend…

Economic differences…fade away. You’ll see no sparks of racial tension there. Sometimes strangers will console one another or cry together quietly and unashamedly. All are facing life at its most essential. Many call for a [preacher] for the first time ever. Only the megaphone of suffering is strong enough to bring these people to their knees to ponder ultimate questions of life and death and meaning. (Philip Yancy)

“For affliction does not come from the dust,

nor does trouble spring from the ground…

But as for me, I would seek God,

and to God I would commit my cause”

~ Job 5:6, 8 ~

Have a good “hump-day”!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

God is working in you,

giving you the desire to obey him

and the power to do what pleases him.

~Philippians 2:13 (NLT)~

Mr. Frankie Gehringer’s surgery went well. He may be able to come home today. Please keep him in your prayers.

Ethan O’Brian, grandson of Joan Hagan, has an unexplained rash. Pray for a diagnosis so proper treatment can begin.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is progressing at North Oaks. Please keep her in your prayers.

Mr. Bobby Raborn was able to come home last night. Pray for him as her continues to recover from double knee surgery.

Mrs. Faye Price has has some good days. Pray for her as she has additional tests today.

Marvelous Monday was again marvelous! The services have all.been very good. Next week, we will be led by Dr. Steve Echols and Rev. Ronnie Nielson. Services begin at 7 P.M. followed by a time of food and fellowship.

On Mission in Kentwood will be Saturday at 8:00 A.M. Feel free to join us for a time of giving of ourselves in the Kentwood area. You will be richly blessed for your participation.

The Sports Camp at FBC, Kentwood went well yesterday. If you have children in grades K-6 be sure to have them at the church by 8:30 this morning. They will have a good time and learn a lot.

Continue to pray for Rev. Brady Haynes and his group from Birmingham as they work with International World Changers in the Czech Republic. They are ministering to the Roma, Gypsies, with the Hatchel family. Pray for life-changing decisions among the Roma and the young adults ministering to them.

KneEmail

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

UNEXPECTED THINGS ALWAYS happen…

Life itself is a series of surprises, good and bad. The unexpected brings us both the trivial and earth-shaking. Be it a flat tire at an inconvenient moment or a terminal illness, we can’t and don’t anticipate today’s events.

The disciples were shattered when Jesus was arrested and crucified. They scattered, they ran, they hid, they followed from afar. All had one question in mind: “How could this happen?” After all, he was the Messiah-to-be, the one who would put all things right. And things went so wrong!

But the death of Christ should not have caught them unawares. Time and again he told them he would go to Jerusalem and die. And be raised from the dead. With their preconceived ideas and their own agenda, they discounted his warnings. His words were unintelligible, nonsensical, forgettable.

And then the unexpected happened.

With their world in pieces, some gravitated back to what they did before Jesus called them. Peter went fishing. But there was no return for some like Levi, where another was sitting in his tax office.

And then the unexpected happened again.

Jesus rose from the dead.

The heavenly messengers reminded them. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise” (Luke 24:5-7 ESV).

Around the Table of the Lord, we listen again to the risen Son of Man who tells his disciples that he will come again. Our eating and drinking signals our hope in his return.

And because we eat the bread and drink the cup, his manifestation will not catch us unawares. We live for him and speak the Good News to all. We may not know the day and hour, but we know the fact of his coming.

No more angels will remind us what he said. They will trumpet his return, but there will be no more chiding. Only judgment.

So today we rejoice that, in spite of our daily surprises, good and bad, large and small, for us the Unexpected will not happen again. For ours is hope in the Awaited One.

(J. Randal Matheny at: http://www.forthright.net/communion_meditation/when_the_unexpected_happens_1.html)

“For as often as you eat this bread

and drink this cup,

you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

~1 Cor. 11:26~

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“But you are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness

into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, July 18, 2008

“And in every work that he began

in the service of the house of God…

he did it with all his heart,

and prospered.”

~2 Chronicles 31:21, KJV~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for volunteer teams serving in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

During the month of July, several volunteer teams will minister through events, such as prayerwalking, Scripture distribution, sports evangelism, and English ministries. Already, a team from Alabama served in Kharkov, Ukraine, sharing Jesus through Backyard Bible Clubs and helping with construction projects at the church.

A group from Arkansas is now in Irbeet, Sverdlovskaya oblast on a construction project, serving through July 25. The Prague Mega-City Team of the Czech Republic is sponsoring a City Day Camp (July 19-26) as well as English Camp Benecko 2008 in the mountains north of Prague.

Volunteers from Mississippi will minister through medical teams in Kharkov, Ukraine, this coming week. Pray that the Ukrainian believers working alongside the volunteer team will build strong relationships with nonbelievers.

The small Baptist church in Puspokladany, Hungary will hold a sports camp. Please pray that the Lord will use this camp to strengthen ongoing friendships from past projects. Pray, also, that it will be an encouragement to the eight-member church as they serve as salt and light in this town of 17,000.

Another project with volunteers from North Carolina runs July 19-31. Team Bratislava in Slovakia will reach out to young and old alike with activities, including English courses, sports and games, and community work projects.

From July 22-31, youth from across Kamchatka, Russian Federation, will come together for a Wilderness Camp at the base of two volcanoes outside of Petropavlovsk. Activities will include daily opportunities for Bible study and worship, as well as exploring nature, rock climbing, and hiking to the top of a volcano. Pray especially for the youth who will attend; they will be from various backgrounds, ranging from “church kids” to children from the local orphanage.

* Please pray for these volunteers serving in Central and Eastern Europe as they serve Jesus with their whole hearts.

(Of course, every team serving in Central and Eastern Europe is not listed. One such team is a group of 75 International World Changers from Brady Haynes church in Birmingham. Pray for them as they minister to the Roma (Gypsies). Brady is a former youth minister of FBC, Kentwood. He will be working with Team Romany which includes the Hatchel family.)

Major Bernard “Ben” R. Williams, Jr., USAF Retired, of Osyka, died peacefully at his home on Friday, July 18, 2008, from pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, at Osyka Baptist Church from 2-6 PM and services will follow at 6 PM. Burial will be at Osyka Cemetery.

(Ben was the husband of Linda Williams who has worked in the Pupil Appraisal section of the Tangipahoa Parish School System for many years. Please be in prayer for Linda and her family.)

Baptist Press

July 18, 2008

CHINA–Olympic torch ventures to China’s last frontier. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28495

CHINA–China pastor, wife forced from home, living on streets. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28496

MISSOURI–McCain raises public profile of pro-life views. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28497

KENTUCKY–Builder helps churches enlarge their passion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28498

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Mother eliminates children to gain cancer-free baby. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28499

TENNESSEE–Church to vote on Sutton retirement. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28500

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): The election & the Supreme Court. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28501

CALIFORNIA–FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Assurance of salvation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28502

GETTING OLDER (part 3)

Children touring a retirement home were asked by a resident if they had any questions. “Yes,” one girl said. “How old are you?”

“I’m 98,” she replied proudly.

Clearly impressed, the child’s eyes grew wide with wonder. “Did you start at one?”

In the last couple of TFTD messages, I’ve talked about our fears of growing older. I suggested that one reason we’re afraid of growing older is that many of us live in a culture that glorifies youth. Another reason we’re afraid of growing old is because of our concept of old age. We have a tendency to think of old people in a nursing home who are poor, isolated, sick, unhappy, and senile. It’s no wonder we find the prospect of growing old unattractive! But it’s an unfair evaluation. Yes, there are some old people who find it necessary to live in nursing homes. And some do become senile, although it’s a very small percentage (about 8 percent). But I really believe that most elderly people are about as happy as they were when they were younger people. If you find a cantankerous old man, chances are he was a cantankerous young man, too!

One perspective on age was offered by an elderly man who said, “Now it takes me longer to rest than it does to get tired. Often I have to sight against something to see if I’m moving….All my younger years I bemoaned the fact I was so short. Now every morning when I waken and everything hurts, I can be grateful. If I was tall, there would be so much more to hurt.”

But then as we heard it said so often, “Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative!” So, what about it? Is growing old a good thing or a bad thing? Is it something to dread or something to look forward to? Well, that all depends.

At the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon begins to draw some conclusions from his observations about what’s really important in this life. He says, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Solomon says, “Follow God while you are young.” And that’s important. It’s important that those of you who are young to make a conscious decision to commit yourselves to God, to surrender yourselves to his will, to faithfully obey God’s instructions beginning right now while you’re still young.

But there’s a part of us when we’re young that wants to say, “What’s the rush? Why not wait until you’ve sown a few wild oats? Why not wait thirty or forty years until you’ve had a lot of fun doing things your own way and then turn to God? That way you get the best of both worlds.”

Solomon doesn’t waste time answering that kind of reasoning. He says to remember God “before the difficult days come”. When we’re young, it’s easy to think we’ll be young forever. Our bodies play tricks on us, trying to convince us that we’ll always feel just as good as we do when we’re young. But, of all the pains that we have to deal with as we get older, the ones that hurt the most are the regrets of things we’ve done. I’ve never known anyone who is old who said, “I should have disobeyed God more when I was young. I missed out on a lot!” I’ve known many older people, though, who have said, “If I had listened to God when I was young, it would have saved me a lot of heartache.”

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

(to be continued)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Alan Smith certainly passed on some words of widsom today. I hope you will apply them to your life and share them with others.

Anna Lee

Friday

God knew what he was doing

from the very beginning.

He decided from the outset to shape the lives

of those who love him

along the same lines as the life of his Son. . . .

We see the original and intended shape

of our lives there in him.

Romans 8:29 (MSG)

You were asked to pray for Brett Erickson, the young man from LaPlace who was in the military base in Afghanistan where nine Americans were killed Sunday. Brett was able to email his mother to say he was okay. Thank you for praying for this family. Pray for our military as they serve around the world to provide for our freedom.

Eleanor Morris is better. Please continue to pray for her.

Danny Esch has improved. Pray for continued improvement as he goes through rehabilitation.

Pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan as she has surgery today at North Oaks.

The wake for Mrs. Inez Lea will continue today at Line Creek Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Friday. Please continue to pray for the family.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray
July 18, 2008

“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

A GIRL NAMED BO

Bo is a sweet girl of 12. She lives with her loving, encouraging father and gentle grandmother. Bo has a good home environment. Our family was overjoyed when we learned that she came to know Jesus. We had been visiting in the United States and found out about her salvation when we got back to Thailand. Praise the Lord! Our job now is to disciple Bo and three other new believers who are also children. Every Sunday, we take them to a Northern Thai church. We enjoy giving a ride to other curious kids too. We teach them how Christians should act and think. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will teach them all things and will remind them of everything Jesus has said to them (John 14:26). Pray that God will give us wisdom as we train these four to be a witness to their friends and family.

Pray for Bo that she will not let anyone look down on her because she is young, but may she set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12) ADRIAN, teen (Pacific Rim)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS
Please pray for my grandmother to get better.
HB, age 12 (East Asia)

Please pray for our family as we minister to people in Mozambique. WILL (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I would like people to pray for the people in Niger to become Christians. BRADY, age 10 (West Africa)

Prayer request: We need friends in our neighborhood. EMMA, age 8, and HATTIE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for my friends, Hank and Nicolas. ETHAN, age 9 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Nursery Workers during Worship – July 20

Susan Rimes
Wanda Miller

FAITHSTRONG

Children’s Sports Camp
July 21-25
8:30 – 12 Noon
FBC, Kentwood
Children who completed grades K-6
$10.00
Sign-up

Beth Moore Living Proof Live 2008

FBC, Kentwood
August 1 – 6:30-9:00 & Aug. 2 -8:30 – Noon
$25.00

Marvelous Monday – July 21

J.P. Miles – preaching
Dennis Walker – music
Bob Raborn – piano

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
ONE OF THE great concerns for many churches is how to keep our young people after they have left home to begin their own lives…

Statistics indicate that we are losing a large percentage of young people during their college years when they are on their own and free to make their own choices. Even among those who remain faithful during those years, it is not uncommon for some of these to marry (often outside of the faith) and either leave the Lord’s church or drop out of religion altogether.

I am often asked what we can do to keep our young people. My answer to that question is simple…reach them and teach them! Reach them by showing an interest in them as valued individuals. Once having reached them, teach them that God has a plan for their lives. Many people in our world are wandering without definite spiritual direction. Young people need to know that God has something in mind for them now and in their future.

It’s a shame that so many young people grow up without specific spiritual instruction. Yet, the opportunities for spiritual preparation are unlimited! We provide Bible classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday night, Vacation Bible School, gospel meetings, summer youth programs as well as youth rallies, and weekly preaching. If necessary, we could provide more opportunities. The problem is not the lack of opportunity, but the lack of parental influence and direction. We make sure our young people have the best secular opportunities, but fail to encourage them to participate in spiritual activities that are designed to promote their eternal welfare.

When we lose our youth, we lose the future! No church can exist longer than its youngest generation. Want to do some great mission work? Start with the youth group and help prepare them for the future.

Reach them…teach them…and we will keep them! (Gary Knuckles)

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:6-9; Prov. 22:6).

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

He has shaped each person in turn;

now he watches everything we do.

Psalm 33:15 (MSG)

Mrs. Faye Price will have additional tests next Tuesday at North Oaks. Pray for her as she tries to “take it easy” for a few days.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan did not come home as expected. Instead her surgery has been moved up to this Friday. Pray for “Miss” Avis, her family, and the medical staff at North Oaks.

Mr. Bobby Raborn’s double knee surgery went well at Baton Rouge General. Pray for him as he goes through therapy.

Colbye Erwin’s paternal grandmother passed away. Her funeral was yesterday.

Inez Carroll Lea
A resident of Line Creek, she died at 10:53 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at her home. She was 96 and a native of Pine Grove. She was an officer and member of Eastern Star. Visitation at Line Creek Baptist Church, Line Creek, on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the church on Friday from 8 a.m. until religious service at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Ken Irvin and the Rev. Leon Dunn. Interment in Line Creek Cemetery. Survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Vernon Branch, Pine; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Nelson Lea, Kentwood, Chris and Sheila Lea, Duck Hill, Miss., and Kernan and Debbie Lea, Kentwood; two brothers, Pat and Darby Carroll; two sisters, Ruth Robinson and Carolyn Reinninger; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Guy Lea; parents, Leon and Arsula Carroll; son, Lloyd Lane Lea; and granddaughter, Erin Lea. Arrangements by McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Published in The Advocate on 7/17/2008

Baptist Press

July 16, 2008

CHINA–China relief effort adds focus on ‘Hope Centers.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28479

NEW YORK–Josh Hamilton: From heroin to home run hero. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28480

MASSACHUSETTS–Mass. Senate OKs ‘gay marriage’ for nonresidents. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28481

TENNESSEE–Baptists’ gifts to Union surpass $3M. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28482

WASHINGTON–‘Gay marriage’ could be costly for religious liberty, panelists say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28483

GEORGIA–NAMB’s Meacham to work with Baptist associations. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28484

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Tim Ellsworth): Josh Hamilton not the true hero. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28485

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Howard Dayton): Don’t let a vacation bust your budget. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28486

GETTING OLDER (part 2)

An elderly man went to the doctor for a visit. “Doc,” he says,” I am so stricken. I have chest pains, headaches, back pains, nausea, arthritis, constipation, stomach cramps, earaches, burning in the eyes, congested lungs…”

“Sir,” says the doctor, “you complain you have so many things. What don’t you have?”

The man answers, “Teeth.”

I began talking about the subject of growing older in the last TFTD, and I mentioned that we dread getting old. As I said, I think there are several reasons for that. One is that (at least in the United States) we live in a youth-oriented society. We live in a society that glorifies and even worships youth. The things we hear and read seem to say that in order to be happy, you have to have good looks, good health and a good job, things we associate more with youth. So we don’t want to get old.

Old age should be looked upon with honor and respect. The Bible teaches us to respect and look up to those who are older. God commanded the Israelites in Leviticus 19:32, “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man.” In I Peter 5:5, Peter says to Christians, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.” Now he’s not talking about the office of elder here. He’s talking about members who are older. Old age is something that should be respected and in most cultures of the world it is, but unfortunately not always here in America.

Here, youth is glorified, so age is something that you cover up and deny, not something seen as good or enjoyable. One of the new concepts that our industrial world has brought us is “planned obsolescence” — it’s the idea that what isn’t new isn’t desirable. And, so it follows, according to this reasoning, that when people wear out, they should be pushed aside and ignored.

The talents and skills of the elderly, acquired over a lifetime, are often ignored. Older people often feel they’ve spent their whole life working to become good at something, only to find that nobody wants their skill. And so they struggle with feelings of uselessness, loneliness and depression.

I think we need to do a better job (both in the church and in our personal lives) of making use of this vast resource of wisdom and experience. I encourage you to sit down with the oldest person you know and simply ask the question, “What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in life?” Be prepared to take notes. 😉

(to be continued)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Don’t forget the share group meeting tonight at the cabin. We meet at 6:30 and everyone is invited to join us. (I know many of you live too far away to attend, but if you are ever in the area on the third Thursday, schedule some time to be with us.)

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“But you, when you pray,

go into your room,

and when you have shut your door

pray to your Father who is in the secret place;

and you Father who sees in secret

will reward you openly.”

~Matt. 6:6~

Mrs. Faye Price was able to return home yesterday. Pray for her as she addresses her health issues at home.

Joan Hagan will have outpatient tests today in Hammond. Please be in prayer for her during the tests.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Transition is a normal part of life for a missionary kid (MK), but that doesn’t mean that it is easy by any means. When it is time to leave for college, a young person can experience a variety of emotions but traveling overseas to begin this exciting adventure can add many more dynamics. Pray for MKs as they begin college this fall. Pray for the right roommates, wisdom for decisions in what courses and activities to pursue. Pray for good relationships to form that will inspire, encourage and bless them. Pray for their families as they release their sons and daughters, that God will grow all of them through this time of transition.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, July 16, 2008

“For this reason God also highly exalted Him

and gave Him the name that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow–

of those who are in heaven and on earth

and under the earth–

and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”

~Philippians 2:9-11, HCSB~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, inviting you to pray for women in predominantly Muslim cultures.

“No one seems to understand why we desire to help Palestinians, including the Palestinian people themselves!” a worker comments. A young Palestinian woman recently asked a worker why she was willing to teach her English. She explained that God had placed a love in her heart for the Palestinian people. Finding this hard to believe, the woman tried to persuade the worker otherwise, saying, “You really can’t love me!” The worker finally convinced her that her love is genuine. “I’ll have to ask God why He would do this,” the young Palestinian woman answered. Pray that this woman will come to understand that true love comes from the one true God alone.

M is a seeker in Dubai and God has been working in her life and bringing her to a deeper understanding of the truth. But in recent weeks, her growth has been combated by the evil one. She has become very busy with her new job and time-consuming visitors from her home country. She has even stopped responding to any contact from believers. It is unclear what is going on. Please ask that her faith will be proven genuine and that she will continue to turn to God’s Word for wisdom.

* Please pray for Christian workers to consistently demonstrate the love of Jesus through their outreach projects.

* Intercede for seekers and young Christians living in Muslim cultures that they will stay intentional in their study of God’s Word.

* Ask God to call out new believers who will confess the name of Jesus as Lord in these restrictive countries.

Associational WMU Meeting

Thursday
Spring Creek Baptist Church
10:00 A.M.
Covered dish luncheon

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

Praise

PSYCHOLOGISTS TELL US that one of the deepest urges in human nature is the craving to be appreciated…

Thus, we contribute immeasurably to the happiness and success of others when we express appreciation for their work and worth.

We are also advised that the giving of sincere praise brings out outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation for others.

Observation teaches that the most successful people have mastered the art of giving praise.

Giving honest praise is like “saying grace” at the table…very difficult to start, if it hasn’t been our pattern. Here are some guidelines to get one started.

1. Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. We tend to wait for colossal achievements before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a “treasure hunt” searching for little things to praise.

2. Look for things close at hand for which you can express appreciation. The human tendency is to see glamour in things at a distance and defects in things close at hand. It doesn’t take much sense to find fault with things and people close by. Conversely, it requires sensitive perception to detect the genuine worth of nearby treasures.

3. Voice your appreciation. It isn’t that we don’t appreciation others…it’s just that, for some unknown reason, we are hesitant to voice that feeling. It is necessary to say nice things to have them do good…not merely think them. By not acting quickly to praise one for his work the impulse often fades away.

It may well be that one of the greatest duties you can perform this day will be speaking a word of appreciation. (John Gipson)

“Now we exhort you, brethren,

warn those who are unruly,

comfort the fainthearted,

uphold the weak,

be patient with all.”

~1 Thess. 5:14~

As you read The Prayer Link each day, please look back over the names that were recently listed. Many of these people need our continued prayers at this time. Also, please realize there are always people with needs that I am unaware of or those who would rather not be listed publicly. You can pray for these needs even if you are not aware of them.

As always, your prayers mean so much to so many. Thank you for praying each day.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

~James 5:16b~

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is in North Oaks, but may be able to return home soon. After a couple of weeks at home, she’ll have surgery. Please keep “Miss” Avis, one of our special friends, in your prayers. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Ann Trappey called to request prayer for the son of a friend. Brett Errickson of LaPlace was in the new base in Afghanistan that was overrun by militants this weekend. His family has not heard from him and requests prayers for Brett and the others serving to protect us.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar is doing well following his latest back surgery. He was able to be at church last night. Keep praying.

Mrs. Anne Hurst is now associated with the North American Mission Board. She is excited to be able to serve in ministry again. Keep her in your prayers as well as those with whom she will minister.

Braden Alford had a good day yesterday with no apparent problem from the head injury. Thank God his fall did not create a bigger problem.

Please continue to pray for the many volunteers, including International World Changers, as they minister around the world this summer. Pray many lives will be touched because of those who care to give of themselves to help minister to others. The Hatchels are working with one team this week and another one next week. Pray for all the IMB personnel as they coordinate volunteer teams. Pray for safety as traveling involves many miles and different countries. Pray for luggage and ministry materials to arrive safely and on time. Pray for receptive hearts.

Marvelous Monday was again a very special night. I hope you were able to be there. The service was followed by a time of fellowship that was well attended. The next Marvelous Monday will be led by Dr. J.P. Miles, Dennis Walker, and Bob Raborn. I’m already looking forward to another special service.

Even though a specific country is named in this request, you can replace that country with numerous other country names and still have a very important prayer request. Add a few other country names to this request as you pray.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Pray for a missionary as he transitions from language school in Bangkok to life and ministry in another part of Thailand. Pray that the Lord will help him grow in his comprehension and speaking ability and that he will build good relationships with local people, both believers and non-believers. Ask the Lord will use Him mightily to further His kingdom in that province.

Patsy M. Smith
Smith, Mrs. Patsy M. First Baptist Church, Amite, at 1 p.m.
Published in The Advocate on 7/15/2008

Harry Herman Helmrich Jr.
Born Nov. 28, 1936, in Amite, to the late Irma Ellen Anthony Helmrich and Harry Herman Helmrich Sr., he passed away Saturday, July 5, 2008, in Baton Rouge, at age 81. Mr. Helmrich was a forester and a U.S. Marine veteran of World War II who proudly loved and served his country in the invasion of Okinawa. He was member of First Christian Church, Society of American Foresters, Nicholson Post 38 of the American Legion and the Cruisin Cajuns. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Yvonne Perrin Helmrich; two sons, Michael Harry Helmrich and companion Jackie Marie Nigro, and Orien Mark Helmrich and spouse, Catherine Farrar Helmrich; and three grandchildren, Christopher Mark, Catherine Rebecca and Philip Casey Helmrich. Visitation at First Christian Church, 8383 Old Hammond Highway, Baton Rouge, 70809, on Thursday, July 17, from 9 a.m. until memorial service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the music ministry of First Christian Church of Baton Rouge.
Published in The Advocate on 7/15/2008

Edgar Eugene Adams Sr.
Adams Sr., Edgar Eugene McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 11 a.m.
Published in The Advocate on 7/15/2008

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

A GOOD FRIEND of mine recently sat in my office thinking out loud about whatever came to mind…

The topics ranged from his marriage (which had its share of disappointments), to his future plans for ministry, to the quality of his walk with the Lord. As the conversation continued his mood became increasingly thoughtful — not gloomy, but quietly and deeply reflective, the kind of mood no one ever feels in a fast-food restaurant.

My friend, I should point out, is a committed Christian, a gifted counselor, and an unusually clear thinker. His life has known a few trials, but nothing remarkably different from what most middle-aged men have experienced. His friends describe him as friendly, hardworking, loyal, and sincere. A few see his spontaneous fun-loving side. Everyone agrees he’s a solid, well-adjusted Christian.

After nearly an hour of reflective rambling, his thoughtful mood shifted into a profoundly sad, almost desperate, loneliness. As though talking to no one in particular, he quietly said, “I wonder what it would be like to feel really good for just ten minutes.” (Larry Crabb)

“Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

and the young men shall utterly fall,

but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.”

~Isa. 40:28-31~

Thanks for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many. Also, feel free to share praises, requests, and updates so others will know how to pray.

Anna Lee

Monday

Requests from the IMB

SOMALI OF THE HORN OF AFRICA (suh-MAH-lee). In the Horn of Africa this year, rain has been scarce. The drought has claimed the lives of both humans and animals, both of which are significant among a people whose families are central to their society and whose livelihood comes in large part from their herds. In the Somali region of Ethiopia, regular power outages have resulted from a lack of sufficient hydroelectric power. In Djibouti, intense heat perpetuated during a season when rain and relief were expected. And in Somalia, the distribution of food aid is stymied by ongoing conflict. Many relief workers have been killed in Somalia this year, many organizations have disbanded their relief operations in the country, and pirates have continued to capture food shipments coming in by sea. Pray for those suffering as a result of drought and impending famine. Pray that relief organizations will be able to spread hope and the truth of the gospel as they distribute food aid in the Somali region, especially in those areas where Christian workers are not generally allowed access.

SEREER OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA (suh-RARE). As she prepares for language evaluations, one of the subjects that missionary Kimberley F. has to master is to articulate the difference between her faith and the two major faiths found in Senegal. Kimberley was talking through this with O.S., a student about to graduate from secondary school who has been helping her to prepare. He is an intelligent young man who has been awarded a scholarship to a university in France. In the course of the conversation, Kimberley asked him, “O.S., what do you believe will happen when you stand before God?” He replied, “I hope that God will have pity on me. The good works I did during my lifetime must outweigh my sins; then maybe I could have a chance to enter heaven.” Voicing a prayer in her heart to God, Kimberley said, “O.S., I can tell you with all confidence that when I die, I will be in God’s presence and He will welcome me into heaven.” She continued, “I know that God is holy and I am sinful, so because of this, I cannot enter His presence on my own. It is only because I have accepted God’s gracious gift in sending His Son to die in my place that He has written my name in His book.” O.S. says that he is “curious” about this faith and wants to know more. Please pray for him as he reads the Bible on his own, claiming John 8:32 as you pray.

ZIMBABWE. Baptists in Zimbabwe are being blessed abundantly by donations from the United States through the newly formed Baptist Global Response (BGR). BGR has provided more than 100 tons of food in the form of food boxes delivered to destitute families. The boxes include staple items that could be purchased for approximately $25 U.S., but it would take more than a year’s salary for most Zimbabweans to purchase these items–if they were available in the grocery stores! One woman wept as she opened her box, “I was praying this morning, asking God what to do because I have no food to eat. Then you brought this food to me. I know God really does care about me.” An elderly man, not a Baptist, who has been surviving on one bowl of porridge a day, was overcome and could not speak for quite some time after getting his box. Everywhere people are saying that Baptists don’t just talk about God’s love, they give it away! BGR has also purchased more than $40,000 worth of essential medicines for the Sanyati Baptist Hospital and is currently working on re-vamping the hospital’s water system. Another project on the drawing board is to distribute school supplies to 25,000 needy students along with book covers imprinted with evangelistic stories and Scriptures, as well as the plan of salvation. Pray that as Baptists in Zimbabwe continue to provide for the needs of the people, many will be open to hearing the gospel, and ask that Baptists will be able to meet spiritual needs as well.

PHILIPPINES. “On site with insight” is a phrase used to explain the significance of prayerwalking. How about riding a motorcycle and a boat? Carl Miller and Pastor S in Leyte (Central Region) guided 22 men from Mindanao (Southern Region), who traveled on motorcycles, to learn about ministry opportunities on Samar and Leyte and discover where God can use them. The men hired a boat to go up river to see where God is at work among the Cebuano and Waray people of Leyte and Samar. Pray that this experience will motivate these men to effectively share the vision for a church planting movement among their home churches in Mindanao and that God will call out co-workers as a result.

KURDS OF IRAN. For several years, there has been an adequate translation of the New Testament in the Sorani Kurdish language. However, there has never been a Sorani full Bible translation. Please pray for those currently involved in this translation project. These workers have labored on this translation for many years now. There are various holdups and delays, which are causing many to grow discouraged with the project. Please pray that a deep sense of unity will come over all involved in this project, and that all involved will press on to finish the translation. Access to the whole Bible is vital to the complete and effective training of Sorani believers and leaders. It is essential for the long-term growth and development of the Sorani-speaking church. Pray that many Sorani Kurds will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a result of this Sorani full Bible. doulos@comcast.net; http://centralasia.imb.org/

JAT SIKHS OF INDIA (jut SEEKS). “Hands On” is a program for young adults to spend six months on the mission field getting their hands on the work. There are positions open for two young men to spend the spring of 2009 helping with the Jat Sikh work. It requires young men who are bold and passionate about reaching the lost. These young men will plunge into the front lines of lostness as they work with Jat Sikhs. They will share the gospel, and many of the listeners will be hearing it for the first time. Please pray for the Lord to call the right people to fill this request. Maybe He is calling you or someone you know. SouthAsiaVIM@wigtake.org; http://www.go2southasia.org/

AIDS. After her husband took another wife, she was then “chased away” from her home by her stepson and forced to find another place to live; a 13-year-old was raped by a young man living in a room in her mother and stepfather’s house and is now five months pregnant; a faithful Christian recently found out her brother had been abusing her daughter–these are just a few cases of abuse occurring in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. For most women who find themselves in abusive situations, there is very little recourse since there are few laws to protect them. Statistics indicate that approximately one out of three women in southeastern Africa has suffered some form of sexual abuse as a child. For some who continue to deal with their situations as well as the possibility of contacting the HIV virus from their experiences, the nightmare continues. Pray for the plight of women and children who live in fear of abuse on a regular basis. Pray that laws will be passed and enforced, protecting them and allowing them to live healthy and happy lives. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

The Marvelous Monday services tonight at 7 P.M. will be led by Bobby Eads and Tim & Becky Daniels. A nursery will be provided. There will be a time of fellowship following the service. Please try to attend.

The monthly share group will be at 6:30 P.M.Thursday at the Alford cabin. Please feel free to join in the food, fellowship, and devotional time. Call or email for directions.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE MOST DRAMATIC moment in human history makes for odd drama…

The hero is center-stage yet silent. His script is only seven lines long, some whispered, some groaned through gritted teeth. He gestures simply and seldom. He is still, pinned as it were to a prop from which neither the audience nor the other actors can easily unfasten their eyes. The stage is stark, the scenery sparse, the props peculiar — hammer, spikes, spear, dice. The action is minimal at best, at worst awkward. The lighting is at first too bright, then too night.

Other actors take the stage. Soldiers hammer and gamble, making light of the weighty moment. Bystanders assuage their boredom with blasphemy. Priests parrot their vain victory, ignorant of the irony: “If you come down, we will believe.” Followers weep and wonder, only a few and from afar. The rest, obvious in their absence, rest off-stage. Ultimately our eyes are drawn back to the main character, still still, and we listen to the seven lines and the sudden silence.

This old drama makes for odd drama. And we find ourselves left wondering less about the hero than ourselves. Where will we stand on the stage, with the deriders or the disciples? Will we stand fearfully but faithfully with the women or will we slip off to the wings unable to see or be seen? And what will we say when the next line is ours?

And if we should decide not to try out for this play, not to take part in this odd, old drama, it’s too late. By coming to this table we have already accepted a role, we have already joined the cast, we have already taken the stage. This meal is which we are invited reminds us that we are privileged to play a part, a part in the most dramatic moment in human history, in the great drama of redemption. (J. Lee Magness)

“And when they had mocked Him,

they took the purple off Him,

put His own clothes on Him,

and led Him out to crucify Him.”

~Mark 15:20~

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Therefore He is also able to save

to the uttermost those who come to God through Him,

since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

(Hebrews 7:25)

Danny Esch had a heart attack last week and is in ICU in McComb. His condition is real serious and we would appreciate your prayers for him and his family during this time. The last report I got at VBS Friday night was they are planning to do some type of heart surgery on Monday.
Margaret Huber &
The East Fork Baptist Church

Please add Jerry Fairburn to your prayer list, He is in North Oaks Hospital. Jerry cannot speak, and has had 2 strokes but they don’t know when or how close together they were. The Doctors are running test to find out what is going on. Please Keep him on your Prayer list until you hear of an update on him. I promise to email you as soon as I hear.
thanks for your prayers,
yours in Christ
Faye Carney

Dear Prayer Partners,

Pray for Jordan as he heads off to Camp McCain in Mississippi Sunday for two weeks of Army maneuvers. Pray for him and the other soldiers as they are out in the heat and humidity on the maneuvers. Pray for their safety and for good health throughout the whole period.

Thank you for praying! God bless you as you seek the Lord’s will in your lives.

Love,

Melinda

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, July 11, 2008

“But in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. He sent the message…of peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all,” (Acts 10:35-36, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, praying with you for the people of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa (CESA).

So much of the CESA region is experiencing the pull of power, politics and the scramble for available resources. South Africa and the recent “xenophobic” outbursts as South Africans attacked people from surrounding countries, Kenya and the tribal tensions after recent elections and, of course, Zimbabwe and the struggle for power and land all reveal man’s basic sin nature and the desperate need for a relationship with Christ. In the midst of these struggles and tensions and as Africa redefines itself, missionaries and Baptist partners live and share the hope and purpose that comes through Christ alone.

Many displaced people of Johannesburg, South Africa have had to flee their homes because of racial violence. Pray for our missionaries living among and around these families as they seek to meet the immediate needs and “represent Christ” to them.

Thousands in Sudan have fled their homes, after battles broke out between the predominately Islamic North and predominately animistic (ancestral worship) South. Both sides desire a key town that sits on the line dividing the North and South. This hub city is the place where half of the oil pumped in this oil-rich country passes each day. Tensions are growing over the desire to control this wealthy town. Pray that the leaders of the two sides will come to lasting agreements.

* Pray that missionary testimonies will be strong and that they will impact the people with truth.

* Ask God to give governmental leaders godly wisdom as they lead the various countries of Africa through these difficult days.

* Intercede for churches as they minister in the midst of the current situation and strive to demonstrate the peace of Christ, the Lord of all.

FBC, Kentwood

No P.M. services tonight
Baby shower for Colbye Erwin at 2 P.M.
Marvelous Monday @ 7 P.M.: Bobby Eads; Tim and Becky Daniels

The Hero of the Story

No doubt all history in the last resort

must be held by Christians

to be a story with a divine plot.

– C.S. Lewis

For he has rescued us

from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom

of the Son he loves

– Col 1:13

It’s natural for us to see life as an on-going story where we are the central character and the hero. It is our biography, happening in real-time and we have been cast in the starring role.

If we’re the hero and the star, where does that leave God in all of this? Well, He’s the author, of course, carefully weaving the situations and conditions into a plot which assures a victorious outcome for the hero. Like all good authors, He is making sure the hero overcomes all conflict in the end while the villains get the justice they deserve.

This kind of perspective can lead to some serious disillusionment. If we’re the hero, shouldn’t we have a better job, fewer problems and more adventure? Shouldn’t the story have a more interesting plot than this? Sometimes it feels like we’re not living the life we would have chosen for the hero, and that can leave us feeling bitter and disappointed. What kind of author is God, anyway?

If you assumed, as many do, that God is just the author, then we need to make a few small corrections. It’s absolutely true that God is the author, and He is indeed weaving the plot to ensure the best outcome for the hero. Yet, God is not just the author, he is also that hero. The story is about Him.

Does this mean we are some small, bit player in the drama? Not at all! We may not be the hero, but we are the next best thing. We are the hero’s beloved who has been separated from Him and locked away in a terrible dungeon. This particular chapter of God’s story is about how the hero fights and wins many battles in order to rescue His beloved. In the end, they live happily ever after.

So, here we find ourselves nearing the climax of the story. From outside the dungeon walls, God calls to us, “I have come for you. I have endured many trials, won many battles and even lost my only Son in order to rescue you. I have unlocked the doors. Come out now, and let us leave together.”

The dungeon we’re in is a peculiar one. Many of us do not know we are even in a dungeon, and some don’t want to be rescued. Inside the dungeon, we are the hero. Despite the terrible conditions, we are in control and no one can take that away from us. We fail to see that we are the hero of nothing — an empty, lonely life in a cold and desolate world. Yet, we hesitate to leave the security and eminence of our own story to join ourselves to another where we are not the Hero. And so, God waits patiently outside the walls hoping that we will at last truly desire the unimaginable love which awaits us in His story when we choose to be with Him.

It’s almost impossible to understand how anything in life is supposed to make sense when we cling to the notion that we are the hero and that God is crafting a story just for us. In that context, how could we ever hope to explain the pain, loss and suffering we all experience? When trouble comes, as it always does, part of us wonders, “How could you do this to me, God?”

The answer makes more sense when, with the proper perspective, we understand the story simply is not about us. The story is not about a happy ending here, on earth. It’s not about fame, wealth or success in our career. Those things may or may not be made available to us depending on what God is accomplishing in our lives, but they are not the hero’s reward and we are not the hero. No, this chapter is about our happy ending with God in Heaven, while the entire story is about His eternal glory.

When things don’t make sense in our lives, we should not ask, “Why me?” Knowing our proper place in the story will help us to ask instead, “What do you want me to learn about you from this situation?” and “How can I help you to accomplish your will through me?” Maintaining the right perspective will go a long way towards keeping us from the bitterness and despair which await those who demand the starring role and insist on maintaining control.

When we have the correct point of view, we will learn to trust the author and the hero. Secure in the knowledge that He loves us and has come for us, if we will only just trust Him and leave the dungeon behind, He will take us home to His kingdom. We can maintain that trust even when the particular details of the plot are difficult to understand. No matter how hard life becomes, regardless of the dangers we will face and the losses we endure, we will never stop following His voice as it guides us out of the dungeon and into His loving arms.

Be sure to make this day the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee