Category: Devotional

Saturday

May the Lord smile on you.

~Numbers 6:25 (NLT)~

Mrs. Faye Price had tests this week. Pray for her as doctor recommendations are being followed.

Several missionaries have reported answered prayers in regard to visa and health issues. Please pray missionaries will remain faithful in times when their faith is tested while on the mission field.

Summer ministries to the Roma are continuing at full speed:

  • We received work from Jan Hammons’ niece who just returned from church camp that she made the connection between the Roma she learned about and Jennie’s family. The partnership between Team Romany and Baptist camps is in year two. Thank God for this partnership and the support it brings to Team Romany.
  • Summer missionaries have arrived from American and Romania.
  • New missionaries have arrived and will participate in two weeks of World Changers camps before even moving in their apartment.
  • The first International World Changers group has arrived with another group due new week. Bro. Brady Haynes and his students will be among those in the second group. Bro. Brady Haynes was a a former student minister at FBC, Kentwood.
  • Jennie and her children are traveling today to minister with Boyd and the World Changers for the next two weeks.
  • Pray for the Roma in the villages where ministry will occur. Pray for receptive hearts.
  • Pray for a love of missions to develop in the hearts of some of those who are volunteering with the Roma ministry this summer. Pray for receptive hearts as God speaks to the volunteers.

Baptist Press

July 11, 2008

MYANMAR–Myanmar relief focuses on SE Asia partnership. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28456

NEW YORK–ELECTION 08: Obama says he’ll ‘never back down’ on abortion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28457

LOUISIANA–Baptists rally to needs of the homeless in New Orleans. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28458

MASSACHUSETTS–Celebration to mark 50-year work in N.E. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28459

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (William A. Dembski): A faith healer’s farce. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28460

TENNESSEE–Draper: Healing entails God’s sovereignty. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28461

VIRGINIA–Cancer fight didn’t deter missionary’s call. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28462

WASHINGTON–Jury declines to indict abortion doctor Tiller. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28463

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Beijing police evict activist as US congressmen visit. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28464

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): When no one’s looking. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28465

I can relate to this devotional. I’m sure you will too.

GETTING OLDER (part 1)

 

The story is told of a little girl who went to visit her great-grandmother. The elderly lady had hair that was white. Her face was covered with wrinkles. As the little girl looked at her, she asked, “Grandma, are you an old lady?” With a twinkle in her eyes, her great-grandmother said, “No, honey, not exactly. But I must say I’ve been young for a mighty long time.”

Old age is a strange thing. Very few of us actually think of ourselves as being old. As one 85-year-old man (Bernard Baruch) put it, “To me, old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” And that’s about right. When I was a teenager, anyone who was 40 years old seemed ancient. But when I reached the age of 40, I didn’t feel like an old man. But those people in their mid-50’s sure were old. Now as I have passed the age of 50 myself, those folks are looking younger and younger all the time!

But, whether we want to or not, whether it’s something we look forward to or something we dread, every single one of us is getting older. There’s no getting around that fact. Every time the sun rises and every time the sun sets — even every chime on the grandfather clock — serves to constantly remind us that we’re all growing older. We’re older today than we were yesterday and tomorrow, if the Lord sees fit to bless us, we will be older still.

According to statistics, we live in a society that’s rapidly growing older and older. In this country, in 1900, the average life-span was only 47 years. Right now, the life-span of an average American is about 75 years of age. And it is expected that within a few decades, as the “baby boomers” get older, the life expectancy for males will be 86 years and for females will be 92.

David said in Psalm 90:10, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

You would think that most people would be excited about the prospect of living longer, but sadly, that’s not the case. A lot of people are afraid of getting old. Even David expressed this fear when he prayed to God, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails….Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come.” (Psalm 71:9,18).

I think Jonathan Swift was right when he said, “Every man desires to live long, but no man wants to be old.” There are a couple of reasons for that. I’ll share them in the next TFTD.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful weekend. Be sure to give the Lord His share of your time this weekend!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Judy Easley called to say her new grandson, Tyler Easley, is doing. He seem to be progressing well after first losing a little weight. Mom is home, but Judy has been taking her to the hospital for two feeding times a day. Pray Tyler continues to gain weight and the family will all soon be at home together. Thank you for your prayers the the Easleys.

Joan Hagan called to say she was able to see a doctor yesterday. Tests have been scheduled for Wednesday at North Oaks. Please be in prayer for Joan on a daily basis. Your prayers are always welcomed.

This is an old devotional, but always a good reminder.


DON’T SAVE IT FOR THE FUNERAL

An elderly man lay dying in his bed. In death’s agony, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands.

With labored breath, he leaned against the doorframe, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death’s agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven: There, spread out on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Was it heaven? Or was it merely one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?

Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. His aged and withered hand made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when his wife suddenly smacked it with a spatula.

“Stay out of those,” she said. “They’re for the funeral.”

She’s not the only person to save something for a funeral that should have been shared long before. It often seems a shame that flowers are sent at a funeral rather than beforehand when they could truly be enjoyed. Many of the comments made at a funeral reflect the realization that we didn’t express our feelings adequately to those we love while they were alive: “What a wonderful friend she was. I never told her how much I appreciated what she meant to me!” “I hope he realizes how much I loved him!”

If someone means something special to you, don’t save it for the funeral. Share it with them now!

“Therefore comfort one another and edify one another, just as you are doing.” (I Thess. 5:11)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Tuesday

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient,

bearing with one another in love.

~Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)~

Joan Hagan did not make the appointment yesterday. Please pray for her as she makes future plans.

Several people have had back problems lately. Pray for each one as they get the help needed to return to good health.

Marvelous Monday was very good last night. If you missed it, you missed a special night. The next Marvelous Monday will be led by Bobby Eads and Tim Daniels with Becky Daniels at the piano. I hope to see you there at 7 P.M.

Eugene Ott Jr.

Eugene Ott, Jr., 84, of Osyka, died July 6, 2008, at Aston Court Retirement Center in McComb.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb, then 9 a.m. Thursday at Osyka Baptist Church until services there at 10 a.m. The Rev. Percy Frazier and Dr. Milton Kliesch will officiate. Burial will be in Osyka cemetery.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be sent to Community Hospices of America, 140 N. 5th St., Suite B, McComb, MS 39648.

Additional information was unavailable.

(I didn’t know Mr. Ott well, but I really liked him. I know he will be greatly missed in Osyka.)

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


PROBABLY ALL OF us remember of the story of Abraham’s intercession on behalf of the city of Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33)…

Not only was Abraham unable to find fifty righteous souls within the city, he was even unable to find ten righteous people within the city, so God’s judgment was unleashed.

With a slight variation, if I were to ask the question, “Can you find 100 people in your city who love God?” I think you could answer in the affirmative and have little problem finding them. But now, what if I were to ask, “Can you find 100 people in your city who hate sin?” Now that may be a different proposition altogether.

I think we could easily find 100 people who love God, but I’m not sure we could find 100 people who hate sin. Today, our problem may not be so much a problem of “love,” but a lack of properly directed “hatred.” Paul said that we should “abhor that which is evil…” (Romans 12:9).

Friends, learning to love God is easy because of who He is. Learning to hate sin takes a little more work, but it’s work in which we must grow and mature. Give it some thought. (Steve Higginbotham)


“Let love be without hypocrisy.

Abhor what is evil.

Cling to what is good”

(Rom. 12:9).

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

 

 

DON’T SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST

The story is told of a professor who stood before his class of 20 senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam.

“I want to say that it’s been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you’ve all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer. So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a “B” for the course.”

There was much rejoicing amongst the class as students got up, passed by the professor to thank him and sign out on his offer. As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked, “Any one else? This is your last chance.” One final student rose up and took the offer.

The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining. “I’m glad to see you believe in yourself.” he said. “You all have “A’s.”

Too often, we’re content to settle for second best. A lot of students would be thrilled to settle for a “B” (“That’s better than I usually get.” “That’s doing better than most of the others I know.”). And most students, I think, would rather get a “B” with little time spent studying, than to make the effort it takes to get an “A”.

A lot of us are content to settle for second best in our spiritual lives as well. We’re close to God (at least closer than many people we know), but we aren’t willing to take the time and the effort to have the kind of relationship we know God wants us to have.

The biggest problem with settling for second best is that we miss out on that which is best.

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ ” (Luke 10:42)

What Martha was doing was good (second best, even), but “Mary has chosen what is better.” May we always seek out and choose “what is better” in our relationship with God!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thursday

“I thank my God

upon every remembrance of you,

…being confident of this very thing,

that He who has begun a good work in you

will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

~Philippians 1:3-6~

 

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Marie Sims. She will be in ICU at North Oaks for a few more days.

Pray for the many people in our area who are undergoing cancer treatment.

Pray for the senior adults as they battle the heat. Especially pray for those without air conditioning.

Pray for those who are struggling with inflation and limited incomes.

Pray for the church youth as they make plans to attend student life camp next week.

Pray for Marvelous Mondays in July. Former staff members will lead in worship.

Pray for Jamie Schwartz and his family as he will return to Iraq on the 10th.

LAST FRONTIER. The time of year that marks an increase in the terrible “mosquito diseases” is coming in the next few months. Mosquito repellant will be given away to those who live in the neighborhood that has the most mosquito disease-related deaths per year in all the world. Please pray that children will be protected from disease. Pray that those who become sick this season will turn to the Great Physician for healing and salvation.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. The R family has had to change their stateside assignment dates. Mission housing is usually booked years in advance and can be difficult to find. Pray that the Lord will provide them a place to live from July to December.

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. After hearing the testimony of a South Asian Muslim-background believer, a Muslim man with whom he was meeting said, “You’re lying!” The believer replied, “I am not. Why would I lie? This is a good thing that God has done. If I were lying, I couldn’t talk to you anymore.” Pray that this Muslim man, and others like him who doubt the power of Jesus to save from sin, will realize that a man’s testimony is his word of honor before Almighty God. Pray that upon hearing how Jesus has changed a former Muslim’s life, the doubters will be convicted of the truth and will turn to follow Him. http://btw.imb.org/

 

 

 

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
IN THEIR BOOK, “WHY ME?”, Pesach Krauss and Morrie Goldfisher tell a story about two men who cut down an aged hardwood…

The woodcutter’s observations about the inner rings within the old tree are compelling:

“…I sometimes tell patients the parable about the two wood choppers who had taken down a tree that was over one hundred years old. Looking at the growth rings to determine the tree’s age, the younger man noticed that there were five very narrow rings. He concluded that there had been a five-year-drought, during which the tree had shown very little growth. However, the other lumberman, a wise, old man with a philosophical bent, had a different viewpoint. He contended that the dry years actually were the most significant in the tree’s history. His reason: Because of the drought, the tree had to force its roots down further to get the water and the minerals it needed. With a strengthened root system, it was able to grow faster and taller when conditions improved”/1

Observations:

1. All of us inevitably experience “dry years” at some juncture in our lives. “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Like the apostle Paul, we can identify with those occasional periods of trouble and burden; they are an inescapable part of the human condition (cf. Job 14:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7).

2. “Dry years” tend to be intense, but limited in duration. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17; cf. Romans 8:18). In a manner of speaking, a part of what I hear Peter and Paul saying is that while a five-year drought is harsh and difficult to tolerate, it eventually comes to an end. (Mike Benson at: http://www.forthright.net/)

1/ Pesach Krauss and Morrie Goldfisher, “A Time of Trouble Is a Time To Grow,” WHY ME? — Coping with Grief, Loss, and Change, 71.

“Are they ministers of Christ?-I speak as a fool-I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

Lord, help us to all grow some “roots” so we can withstand the trails in our lives.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

When will you ever learn that

“believing” is useless

without doing what God wants you to?

Faith that does not result in good deeds

is not real faith.

James 2:20 (LB)

Pray for Mrs. Marie Sims as the doctors at North Oaks try to determine her problem and the best treatment.

Please continue to pray for Curt Martin and his family in the loss of his dad.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Blake and Dawnya Kimbrough, who serve among the Nyika people of Zambia, write: “This month, we will welcome our fourth child into our family! We ask you to pray for a good delivery, a healthy baby boy, and a smooth transition as we adjust to having a new family member. We also ask you to pray for the Bible study groups meeting in Luwalizi and Katete villages, as we will be away from Zambia for over a month to have the baby. Pray that the new believers will continue meeting as a group, evangelizing, and growing in their walk with the Lord.”

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

“Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?'” (John 3:4, NKJV)

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, rejoicing with you in new birth.

To be an 81-year-old man in a Wassulu village means that you have passed the life expectancy of a man in the village by approximately 35 years. To be the oldest man in a Wassulu village who accepts Christ as His Lord and Savior at age 81 means that you will open the door for others as well. Praise God for this man’s recent salvation and for the years he has left to share his testimony.

The West Africa Engagement Team shares this wonderful news: “Six years ago, God led us to our ‘village brother’ who has helped us facilitate many volunteer teams. He has heard about Jesus countless times. We were surprised when he recently asked if he could share a thought during our Bible storying time in a village. He said, ‘If you read the Bible every day and follow what it says, I think your way will be easy to go to heaven. It’s not just for reading, but God wants you to live it and teach it to your children. If you read it, you know that God sent Jesus to show the way. If you can’t read it, ask someone to help you; you will understand. You must read it and follow the way; it’s the way to God. Even if you’re busy, take just five minutes and you’ll learn. Teach your children-it’s your responsibility. They are the next generation, and they deserve to hear the Truth.’ Our hearts leaped with joy as we realized what he was really saying! According to his profession of faith to us that day, praise God for our new brother in Christ.

* Please pray for others to accept the new birth Jesus offers.

* Thank God for His redeeming grace.

* Intercede for your family members who do not yet know Him.

1st Marvelous Monday at FBC, Kentwood – June, 2008

  • Keith Rhodes – Speaking
  • Chris Wales – Music
  • Bob Raborn – Piano

Delores Elaine Walker Larin
(October 23, 1932 – July 1, 2008)

Dolores Elaine Walker Larin died July 1st, 2008, at age 75. She is survived by brother and sister-in-law, Dannie E. Walker, Jr. and Iris Walker, brother Wade Walker, nieces Shannon Walker Parker, Darlene Walker Brecher, Joy Walker Garbett, Jan Walker Bennett, Donna Morgan Varnado, Angie Walker Wilson, and a nephew Bryan Morgan. She is also survived by two great-nieces, five great-nephews and a great-great nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband Julius C. Larin, Jr., her parents Dannie E. Walker, Sr. and Myrtie McDaniel Walker, a sister and brother-in-law Nancy Juana Walker Morgan and Devon Morgan. Services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of the funeral at 11 :00 a.m. on July 3, 2008, with Father Peter Hammett and Rev. Ray Varnado officiating. Interment will be in the Walker Cemetery, Wilmer, Louisiana. Pallbearers are Lavell Parker, Ronald Brecher, Christian Garbett, Gary Bennett, Bryan Morgan, and Bart Wilson. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Family Catholic Church, 1318 Bickham Street, Franklinton, LA 70438 or Lakeshore Hospice, 2659 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA 70471.

I predict this devotional will bring a smile to your face. Then, it will bring some serious thought as you consider your actions.

DON’T SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED

 

Joe and Mike had not seen each other in many years. After meeting, they had a long talk trying to fill in the gap of those years by telling about their lives. Finally, Joe invited Mike to visit him in his new apartment.

“I’ve got a wife and three kids and I’d love to have you visit us.”

“Great. Where do you live?”

“Here’s the address. And there’s plenty of parking behind the apartment. Park and come around to the front door, kick it open with your foot, go to the elevator and press the button with your left elbow, then enter! When you reach the sixth floor, go down the hall until you see my name on the door. Then press the doorbell with your right elbow and I’ll let you in.”

“Good. But tell me… what is all this business of kicking the front door open, then pressing buttons with my right, then my left elbow?”

“Surely, you’re not coming empty-handed!”

As we approach God, surely we do not attempt to come to Him empty-handed. Listen to these instructions given to the Jews in the Law of Moses:

“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.” (Deut. 16:16-17)

God has blessed us richly in so many ways. He wants us — no, He expects us — to bring a gift when we come to Him. We should not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Are your hands full?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Happy Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Monday

“It shall come to pass that before they call,

I will answer;

and while they are still speaking,

I will hear.”

~Isaiah 65:24~

The grands returned from Glorieta today. They were tired but excited. My daughter-in-law Rhonda and her daughter Stacy returned to TX. Rhonda has been with me this past week and she was a great help.

Please pray for Riley as he adjusts to the VA home in Jennings and for me as I am now alone and adjust to the new medications and physical problems.

Thank you for always being there to pray.
Frann Smith Clark

Joseph M. Sitman Jr.
A native and resident of Greensburg, he died at 11:59 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2008, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was 88 and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in England and France. Upon his discharge from the Army, he joined his father and mother in running the family business, Joseph M. Sitman General Merchandise store. Later he, his brother, Alphy, and his brother-in-law, Holland Addison, took over the business when his father and mother retired. He was active in their business until a few years ago when he retired. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg, on Tuesday, July 1, from 11 a.m. until religious service at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Lamrylis Cotten. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery. Survived by his wife, Iris Tillery Sitman, Baton Rouge; daughter, Diane G. Sitman, Baton Rouge; sister, Evelyn S. Addison, Jackson, Miss.; niece, Kay Sitman Morgan, Amite; and two nephews, Richard “Dickie” Sitman, Greensburg, and Dr. H.M. “Mac” Addison Jr., Jackson, Miss. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M. Sr. and Betty Burton Sitman; brother, Alphy F. and wife Odette Easley Sitman; nephew, John Randall “Randy” Sitman; and brother-in-law, H. M. Addison. Pallbearers will be Richard “Dickie” Sitman, Dr. H.M. “Mac” Addison, Joe Morgan, Lee Morgan, Boone Sitman and Leslie Bryer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greensburg United Methodist Church or a charity of choice. Arrangements by McKneely Funeral Home of Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Danny Miller, 73, a resident of Magnolia and the Lewiston community near Kentwood, La., died June 27, 2008, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.

Arrangements are incomplete with Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home of McComb in charge.

MB Leaders Remember

Missions Champ Alma Hunt


IMB leadership warmly remembered missions champion Alma Hunt, 98, following her death June 14. The retired executive secretary of Woman’s Missionary Union had worked with the IMB as a full-time volunteer encouraging Baptist women’s ministries overseas, helping establish missions-support programs and encouraging missionaries. “She deeply loved missionaries,” said Gordon Fort, vice president for the IMB’s overseas operations. “There was nothing she wouldn’t do if she thought it would be helpful for our missionaries.”

That included standing in for Fort’s parents when he was appointed a missionary and they were unable to travel from Africa to be with him. “She had promised me years before that if I was ever appointed as a missionary that she would be there, and she kept that promise,” he said. “Miss Alma … had a global vision that inspired women around the world to take responsibility for leading Baptists in giving priority to missions,” said IMB President Jerry Rankin. In 1997 the IMB gave Hunt the title of “Honorary Emeritus Missionary” for her years of dedicated and selfless missions support.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE BUILDERS OF the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean…

Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy. Their lessons are ours as we discover how Christians leave the Lord (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31).

We examined how their pride and inattentive safety measures felled the great ship.

Third, they had a weak foundation. Experts who study the Titanic’s hull tell us that it was excessively brittle. It was very high in sulfur content, which means that today, the Titanic “would never get out of the yard.”

While the shipbuilders constructed the Titanic out of the best materials available to them, it was still insufficient for the impact of the iceberg. While they were not negligent in the utilization of the steel, the point remains that when it faced the dangers before them, it failed to protect them.

Christians often fail to establish a firm foundation so when the storms arise their defenses are inadequate. By their standards, their armor is sufficient. However, the spiritual condition of our lives invalidates our standards.

Paul discusses the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:11-17. However, he begins in the previous verse laying the foundation of what would follow. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). We “gird our waists with truth,” put on a “breastplate of righteousness” and the “helmet of salvation” and take up the “shield of faith” and the “sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:11-17).

Inadequately suited, we render useless the armor of God. When we go into battle with a lackluster faith, knowledge and Christian walk, we cannot expect our armor to protect us. Our own abilities will be insufficient to make up the difference. Therefore, we must be secure in the Lord’s armor or our best intentions or abilities will be futile. Rationalizations are useless to stop the “fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

Fourth, they ignored the warnings. The Titanic crew had received several transmitted warnings about icebergs in the North Atlantic. They failed to heed them.1

When we are weakening spiritually, we hear warnings from Scripture, sermons and other Christians, but we rationalize them away because we can handle it alone.

Fifth, small leaks sunk the Titanic. Six small slits that totaled less than twelve square feet sunk the mighty vessel.2

Likewise, no one leaves the Lord in one motion. Instead, we leave incrementally. The tears in our armor are small but Satan’s arrows still find their openings (Hebrews 3:12). Remember, small steps soon become miles.

Sixth, the pleas of the Titanic failed to bring help. The nearest ship had her radio off. Later, the Carpathia came after the ship had sunk.

When people are wasting away spiritually, we must be attentive to their needs. Their cries for help, often silent, are there for those who will listen and perceive (Philippians 2:4).

Seventh, the series of failures of the owners and crew of the Titanic led to the death of 1,523 people. When we apostatize, we lead others away from God. In truth, no one goes to heaven or hell alone. Our examples speak volumes to others following our steps (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:17-24).

Christians can leave God and be lost. Nothing sadder can occur in the life of a Christian. The loss is staggering. However, it never happens in a vacuum. We consciously cause the apostasy through neglect and sin. May we always remain attentive to prevent faith decay. (Richard Mansel)
_______
1/ http://www.titanic-titanic.com/warnings.shtml
2/ http://www.titanic-online.com/index.php4?page=334

“Above all, taking the shield of faith

with which you will be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

~Eph. 6:16~

Thank you for being there to pray each day. Please let me know how we can pray for you.

Anna Lee

Sunday

 

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified,

just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

On Mission in Kentwood had another rewarding day. Each person who participated was richly blessed. Several projects were completed for members of our church, but most were for people who are not members. What a fantastic outreach!

Pray for Mrs. Parmys Stegall as she continues to heal from a broken shoulder. She has a good attitude concerning her present limitations.

Pray for Mrs. Susie Wales as she continues to have tests checking for heart problems. She hasn’t let that slow her down and as her usual fun spirit.

Pray for Richard Dunn. He has a two week wait before more tests and treatment. As you pray for Richard, pray for Cathy and the other family members.

Coming soon: Baby shower for Colby Erwin on July 13th



Joy Ann Moore
(February 16, 1935 – June 28, 2008)

Died at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at her residence in Independence. She was a native of Grenada, MS. Age 73 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. She is survived by her 6 children, Ottress E. Moore, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, Nancy Mannino and her husband Angelo, Michael Moore and his wife, Betty, Linda Moore, Vickie Moore, and Cindy Moore, all of Independence, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, sister, Ann Delvisco, Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ottress E. Moore, Sr., parents, Godfrey and Katherine Smith, twin great- granddaughters, Lillian and Leah, 2 sisters, Shirley Giroir, and Jean Costanza. Pallbearers will be Bryan Mannino, Brandon Santangelo, Scottie Mannino, Tommy Brumfield, Buffa Moore, Cliff Moore and an honorary pallbearer, Brett Brumfield.

Decision Magazine Weekly E-mail Devotional
June 24, 2008


“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.

Do what it says. …

The man who looks intently

into the perfect law that gives freedom,

and continues to do this,

not forgetting what he has heard,

but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does”
(James 1:22,25, NIV).

 

A Word From Billy Graham »

Solomon had religion. He built the greatest temple the world has ever known. … But God warns through Isaiah the Prophet, “Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies–I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting” (Isaiah 1:13).

Some of you have religion, but you … do not know Christ for yourself. You have depended on your parents’ religion, or you have depended on a church relationship, or you have depended on a religious exercise that you went through. But somehow, deep in your heart, you know that you are a long way from God and that sin is in your heart. Religion without a personal encounter with Christ will not save your soul or bring the peace that your soul longs for.

… Solomon said, “Fear God and keep His commandments. — For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). … His experience and experiments led him back to God. He said, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). You need to find real pleasure, real joy, real satisfaction, in Jesus Christ.

I hope you have the real pleasure, real joy, and real satisfaction that is found in Jesus Christ.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void,

but it shall accomplish what I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent.”

~Isaiah 55:11~

I hope you are participating with On Mission in Kentwood. If you are not, please be in prayer for those who will be working this morning and those we will minister to.

AIDS. An article appeared in the Pietermaritzburg paper in South Africa, telling of yet another baby dumped in the bushes of a township. Many babies are born to very young girls and they do not want to keep them, so many are killed or dumped somewhere where, it is hoped, someone will find them. Tabitha Ministries has a “Moses box” in one area and does school presentations, telling girls to leave their babies in the box and the ministry will care for them. Currently the ministry has 30 orphans, most of whom are HIV-positive. Pray that as volunteers raise these children, God will provide for their needs. Pray for them to continue to receive anti-retroviral drugs so they may remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

FOCUS ON SOUTH ASIA: ENDS OF THE EARTH.Pray for the Baraigi people, numbering approximately 2 million in West Bengal, India, alone. They are also found in many other areas of India. In West Bengal they are known as Baishnab or Bostom and speak the Bengali language. Today they are usually found running small businesses, performing service-type jobs, or singing religious songs (seeking for alms). They follow the Hindu religion and have regional- as well as community-specific folksongs, folklore and folktales. The vast majority of them have never heard of Jesus. http://www.go2southasia.org/

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. The Republic of Dagestan in southern Russia is the home of the 650,000 Avar people. This area was world famous for its Muslim training centers until the Russians occupied the area in the mid-1800’s. Today Islam is enjoying a resurgence due to poor living conditions, rising minority nationalism, and corruption. In spite of this, many Avar are open to spiritual discussions with Christians, especially in the context of a trusted friendship. Pray for the Avar to have an opportunity to know believers, to hear their testimonies, and to hear/read the Word of God. Ask God to open their hearts to His truth. http://btw.imb.org/

Pray for the Hatchels as their already busy schedule becomes busier in about a week. They will have summer missionaries, new missionary family arriving for the first time, International World Changers, and Romanian/Roma missionaries arriving te same week. Your prayers for each group would be greatly appreciated.

DYING TO SELF

Note: The following piece came to me “author unknown.” It is not humorous, but is designed to cause us to reflect. I hope you appreciate the change of pace.

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don’t sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence, that is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility — and endure it as Jesus endured, that is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is dying to self.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Anna Lee

Friday

 

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

~Philippians 2:4 (NIV)~

Mrs. Lula Mae Will is out of intensive care and in a room. Pray for her as she continues to recover from her accident.

Chuck Pittman has completed his round of treatment. Pray for him as her waits three months before tests to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Waiting is harder than doing something for most of us. Pray for Chuck as he waits.

Pray for the eight new parish principals as they move into their schools and begin the transition process.

On Mission in Kentwood will be tomorrow. It’s not too late to sign up to work or for work to be done at your home. Either way, you will be blessed! You can contact me or the church office.

Albert Edward Buras, Jr.
(March 18, 1951 – June 25, 2008)

Died at 9:35PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, LA. He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 57 years. Mr. Buras was manager of Florida Parish Co-Op in Amite. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 5 p.m. on Monday until memorial services at 6 p.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Hegwood. Survived by spouse, Judie Anne Hunter Buras, Amite, son, Trey Buras and his fiancee’, Kassandra, New Mexico, brother, Larry Buras, Chalmette, grandson, Kaxton Buras, New Mexico, step-daughter Amber Hardy and her husband, Tommy, Loranger, step-son, Jason Cook and his fiancee’, Michelle, Hamilton Ontario, CA, close family friend, Mary Zaumbrecker, Simmsport. Preceded in death by son, Brandon “Binki” Buras, parents, Albert E. Buras, Sr. and Bertha Buras, and granddaughter, Bryntly Buras. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.

Vivian Womack
(November 20, 1908 – June 24, 2008)

Died at 9:00AM on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at her residence in Greensburg, LA. She was a native and lifelong resident of St. Helena Parish. Age 99 years. Mrs. Womack had 43 years of service with the St. Helena School System as a teacher and supervisor of teachers. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Baugh. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by nieces and nephews, Preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lee Womack, parents, N. Hayden and Lena Morgan Singleton, 4 sisters, Leota Singleton Hornsby, Estelle Singleton Bond, Lora Singleton Lindsey, and Ruth Singleton Highbaugh, 1 brother, Nelson M. Singleton, niece, Victoria Singleton, 5 nephews, James H. Bond, Nelson Lindsey, Douglas Hornsby, Charles “Butch” Hornsby, and Randy Singleton.

KOM pray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

 

June 27, 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

HER GIFT TO GOD

There are a lot of Chinese people living in Canada. I went to http://www.peoplegroups.info and found out that 568,453 people from China live in thirteen Canadian provinces. A province is kind of like a state here in the US.

One of those half a million Chinese is a young girl who told her mother that she wanted to give an offering at church. She’s a Christian. After adding up all her money, she had $2.24. The girl told her mom that she would give one half. How much is that? Half of $2 is $1; half of 24 cents is 12 cents-so she was going to give $1.24. Okay, enough math!

The very next week, the little girl told her mother she wanted to give another offering. Mom asked, “How much will you give this week?”

To her mother’s surprise, the girl responded, “I want to give it all!” Then she told her mom about a memory verse she had learned, “The wildflower doesn’t need to spend money and the birds-God gives them food.” Find Luke 12:22-28 in your Bible to read what Jesus said.

Chinese Christians in Canada are sometimes tempted by money and all the nice stuff they can buy. That’s just like you and me. We can be tempted to want the newest game or clothes. Pray for the Chinese Christians at Truth Baptist Church and Abundant Life Chinese Baptist Church that they will come to God with the faith of a child. Pray that all of us will be willing to “give it all” to God.


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS
Right now, people are very open. So, one of my prayer requests is that all the people in our city will hear before they stop being so open. There about 7 million people in our city. And also, pray that I would not be so embarrassed to tell people about God.
MICHELLE, age 10 ½ (East Asia)

Please pray that I will have courage to tell my best friend about Jesus.
ADRIANN, age 8 (East Asia)

Pray for my friend who lives right by me. She is 14, and I want to share the gospel with her, but I don’t know the story of Christ in Pulaar yet. I plan on getting a Pulaar Bible, so I can learn and eventually share with her.


Help me to know Jesus better. Pray for me to have a good friend in our town. Help me to learn Thai. DAWSON, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

Dear God,
Thank You for my family, my country, and my friends. I ask you to work deep in my brother’s heart. Please help my friend know what to do about dating. I pray that her boyfriend will love You too. In Jesus’ name, Amen. MARISSA, age 11 (South America)


DWELLING IN GOD’S HOUSE

I read recently about a lady who had just moved from an apartment to a house in the same small town. One day at the grocery store, she used the last of her personalized checks bearing her old address. The cashier examined the check and asked if all the information on it was correct. The shopper assured her that it was correct, and the cashier started to put the check in the cash drawer. But then she inquired again if everything was accurate.

“Why do you ask?” the shopper responded.

“Because,” she replied, “my husband and I moved to this apartment yesterday, and I don’t remember seeing you at breakfast.”

Busted! This woman could have gone to any other store in the town and told them that was still her address and no one would have suspected a thing. But there was no way to fool this cashier because she lived there herself.

It’s much the same way with our spiritual lives. It’s easy to fool a lot of folks. “How’s your prayer life?” Couldn’t be better! “How’s your walk in Christ?” It’s fine. No problems at all!

But I wonder if there are times when we’ve moved away from God without telling anyone. They don’t know we’ve moved. For all they know, everything’s fine. But we can’t fool God. “Things are great? That’s funny, because I don’t remember seeing you at breakfast.”

One of the most well-known of all scriptures is Psalm 23. You’ve heard it recited hundreds of times, as have I. But I wonder if all these years I’ve misunderstood the very last phrase. You see, I’ve always understood David to take assurance in the knowledge that there is an eternal home waiting for him. But could it be instead that David was making a promise of his commitment to stay close to God?

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6b)

Others may think we still dwell there. But has God seen us around lately? May God strengthen us in our resolve to dwell with Him all the days of our lives, so that we may dwell with Him for all eternity.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I have a similar story to that of the cashier. About thirty years ago David and I asked a man about where he attended church. He told us Roseland Baptist Church, not knowing that was our church. When asked again, he still said Roseland Baptist Church and added that he sang in the choir. I played the piano and David sang in the choir. He wasn’t at Roseland!

May we all be able to give honest answers when questioned about our faith and our church attendance. I have often thought about that man. He knew he should be in church and knew which one was closest to his house, but he didn’t attend there or anywhere else. I wish we could have helped to cause a change in his life, but I don’t think that happened.

Anna Lee