Category: Devotional

Saturday

“Go into all the world

and preach the Good News to everyone.”

~Mark 16:15 (NLT)~

 

Billy Ray Johnson

(July 17, 1930 – May 22, 2008)

The angels came and carried Billy Ray Johnson from the Hammond Nursing Home. A Loving wonderful husband and soulmate to Ruby Johnson for more than 35 years. A doting father to Tommy Ray Johnson, Greensburg, LA., Larry and Sybil Brenner, Laplace, LA., Granddaughter and Husband Rebecca Brenner Hicks & Ralph Lee Hicks Jr. of Abita Springs, Grandsons Lawrence Brenner Jr. and Wayne Daigrepont, Kenner. Sister and brother in Law, Mary Lou and Joe Cutrer, Greensburg along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was a retired truck driver and US Air Force veteran, who loved horses and old western movies. Preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Edith Carter Johnson. Services conducted by Rev. Elester Raines and Rev. Nita Jenkins @ McKneely Funeral Home at Amite, LA. On May 26, 2008 from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, in funeral chapel. Burial at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. To follow the chapel services. Family and friends invited for the services. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to family at PO Box 7, Amite, LA. 70422. He was a member of College Town Baptist Church, Hammond, LA.

Baptist Press
May 23, 2008

MEXICO–Mexico City barrios tug at their hearts. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28107

MEXICO–Kindling hope among Mexico City’s homeless. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28108

MEXICO–Unshackling Mexico City to meet Jesus. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28109

FLORIDA–At 48, he’s a new Navy chaplain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28112

THAILAND–Training manual to bolster Myanmar relief. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28113

ETHIOPIA–Wildfire heightens Ethiopia hunger crisis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28114

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Henry Blackaby): Remembering America’s fallen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28119


A CHANGE OF HEART

I’ve heard two stories lately with a common theme:

Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick tells a story from his own childhood days. His father had said to his mother, upon leaving the house one Saturday in the morning hours: “Tell Harry that he can cut the grass today, if he feels like it.” Then, halfway down the walk, his father turned once more to add: “And tell Harry that he had better feel like it.”

A similar story:

A new elementary school was raising the American flag for the first time. To make the day special, they had invited a Marine Corps color guard to come out and perform the duty for them. The day before the ceremony, the Marine in charge of the unit called to confirm directions to the school. After doing so, he was asked by the school secretary whether he was sending Marines who like children. There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before the man replied, “Ma’am, if I tell them to like children, they will like children.”

Both of those stories emphasize the point that there is a big difference between doing something and wanting (or liking) to do it. And, as much as a father or a Marine sergeant may command someone to enjoy what they’re doing, it’s just not that simple!

I wish that it was! I can make Christians attend worship, but what I really desire is for them to WANT to attend worship. I can make Christians give more, but what I really desire to for them to WANT to give more. I can make Christians serve in a variety of capacities, but what I really desire is for them to WANT to serve more. It’s so much harder to change what people want to do than it is to change what they do.

But it’s not just hard to change it in others — it’s hard to make that change in my own life as well. I often find myself thinking that I need to pray more, study more, visit more, when what I’d really, really like to find such joy in those things that I WANT to do them more.

When you peel away the outer layers of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and get to the core of what Jesus is saying, this is the principle you find. Jesus doesn’t just want followers who don’t murder; he wants his followers to WANT to live in love. He doesn’t just want followers who don’t commit adultery; he wants his followers to WANT to be people of commitment and integrity. He doesn’t want followers who merely DO the right thing; he wants followers who WANT to do the right thing. He doesn’t just want the actions; he wants the heart.

“Now the purpose of the comamndment

is love from a pure heart,

from a good conscience,

and from sincere faith.”

~I Timothy 1:5~

I continue to struggle with how to change people’s hearts. I continue to struggle with how to change my own heart. May we seek to submit ourselves to the only One who can shape and mold us into what we were made to be.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Show your love for people by helping with On Mission in Kentwood this morning.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!”

~Psalm 66:20~

Jan Yarborough called to ask us to pray for her sister and brother-in-law. Jan’s sister, Jackie McDaniel, is going to New Orleans today to have her pacemaker checked. Depending on what the doctors find out today, Jackie may have to have surgery. Jackie’s husband, Don McDaniel, is in Summit Hospital in Baton Rouge. He will be having by-pass surgery Monday to correct several blockages. Please be i prayer for this couple and their extended family as they deal with two patients in two cities. Your prayers will be appreciated.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, May 23, 2008

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases.”

~Psalm 103:2-3, ESV~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, interceding with you for people with AIDS.

As the thin, gaunt man lay on the mat on the floor, he could barely speak. The room he lay in was small and stifling hot. His right arm was drawn up toward his chest. A caregiver had cleaned him up and was now doing exercises to prevent his arm from staying in that position. No family members were around, and he apparently had no one left. This is the scene in many rural villages in South Africa. People are dying at an alarming rate from AIDS. Pray for the Spirit of God to move evangelical churches to care for and witness to those infected and dying from AIDS. Only Jesus can change a culture.

A 16-year-old boy in Swaziland is caring for his brothers and sisters because both parents died of AIDS. Neighbors try to help as much as they can, but so many are caring for extended family members as well. Pray that the many orphans in Swaziland will have someone to care for them.

In Malawi, K has fallen in love with the youth, and God has made provision for her to teach here for six weeks: English, AIDS education and “True Love Waits” (an abstinence program). She will shine the light of Christ into the lives of dozens of girls, teaching them that they, too, can have the strength and courage to live a life of purity. K can offer hope for forgiveness for those who desire a real heart change.

*Please pray for K and others like her as they encounter young people ready to hear the message of Jesus’ life of purity.

*Intercede for people, asking that they will take responsibility for protecting friends and family members.

*Plead with the Lord for healing from spiritual depravity that leads to this terrible disease.


Baptist Press

May 22, 2008

WASHINGTON–British Parliament backs human-animal hybrids. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28100

VIRGINIA–Church planters among 119 commissioned. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28101

VIRGINIA–Jeffery Ginn selected as SBCV’s exec. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28102

TENNESSEE–Wiley Drake to be SBC president nominee. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28103

FLORIDA–Fla. Baptists to pray for rain June 1. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28104

TENNESSEE–Steven Curtis Chapman’s daughter killed by car. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28105

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): Hope in the rubble. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28106

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

UNDOUBTEDLY, ONE COULD find more contrasts than comparisons between Christ’s birth and death…

Yet, a study of both reveals some interesting parallels. Both changed the world and have altered the impact of eternity. Consider the following:

1) At both, He was rejected of men (Luke 2:7; Mark 15:15).

2) At both, He was cast “outside” (Luke 2:7; Hebrews 13:12).

3) At both, Mary was there (Luke 2:7; John 19:26).

4) At both, myrrh was present for use upon Him (Matt. 2:11; John 19:39).

5) At both, there was darkness (Matthew 2:10,14; Matt. 27:45).

6) At both, His body was wrapped in clothing (Luke 2:7,12; Mark 15:46).

7) At both, a Herod becomes curiously involved (Matt. 2:7ff; Luke 23:7ff).

8) At both, there was worship-though the first was genuine and the second mocking (Matt. 2:11 and Luke 2:13-14; Mark 15:19).

9) At both, wise men recognized His deity (Matthew 2:1ff; Mark 15:39 and Luke 23:41)

10) At both, Jew and Gentile were there.

11) At both, He was hailed as King-though one was in earnest and the other in jest (Matt. 2:2; Mark 15:26,32).

12) At both, an “honorable” man named Joseph was present (Matt. 1:19 + Luke 2:16; Mark 15:43).

13) At both we find the chief priests and scribes involved (Matt. 2:4-6; 27:1ff). (Neal Pollard)

 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we beheld His glory,

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,

full of grace and truth.”

~John 1:14~

Thanks for praying. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!

As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

~John 20:21 (NIV)~

 

 

Deacon Hospital Ministry

  • Robert Wilson
  • Tom Brister

Nursery Volunteers for 5-25-08

  • Bobby Raborn
  • Wanda Miller
  • Susan Rimes
  • Paul Scott Schwartz

VBS Registration

  • June 1 & 8
  • Before worship service

On Mission in Kentwood

  • Saturday, 5-24 @ 8:00
  • Everyone can participate.

Graduate Sunday

  • May 25

VBS Needs

  • Pre-sweetened Kool-aid
  • Cookies

Annie Armstorng

  • Given – $12,505.30
  • Goal – $13,000.00

Baby Shower

  • Elisabeth H. Sanders
  • June 1
  • 2-4 P.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

THE WORTH OF A SERMON A couple of “preacher jokes” for you:

One Sunday morning, a preacher cut his face while shaving, and he placed a band-aid on the cut. After a longer-than-usual sermon, he explained, “In case you are wondering what happened to my face, while shaving I was concentrating on my sermon and I cut my face.” Afterwards, a woman said to him, “Next time, concentrate on your face and CUT THE SERMON.”

The minister selected a fifty-cent item at a convenience store, but discovered he didn’t have any money with him. “I could invite you to hear me preach in return,” he said jokingly to the owner, “but I’m afraid I don’t have any fifty-cent sermons.” “Perhaps,” suggested the owner, “I could attend twice.”

That raises an interesting question — how much are sermons worth? I can honestly say that some of mine have not been worth nearly as much as others. But if a sermon has effectively communicated the truth of God’s Word in such a way that we are led to understand better and to make application in our lives, then it is worth a great deal.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'” (Rom. 10:14-15)

Have you told your preacher lately what good-looking feet he has?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Count your blessings today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

And we know that God

causes everything to work together

for the good of those who love God

and are called according to his purpose

for them.

~Romans 8:28 (NLT)~

Melvin Leonard Varnado
Melvin Leonard Varnado, 78, was born May 20, 1929, and passed away Monday, May 19, 2008, at his home in Denham Springs. He was a native of Kentwood. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria “Jackie” Cowart Varnado; four children, his sons, Kenneth Varnado and wife Janet and Richard Varnado and wife Jean, all of Denham Springs, his daughters, Rhonda Varnado LeBlanc, of Denham Springs, and Susan Varnado Scardina and husband Bryan; honorary daughter and grand-daughter, Chong-Sun Ahn and Jean-Sun Ahn, of Seattle; brother, Carlton Varnado and wife Reona, of Baton Rouge; sisters, Norma Nell V. Fussell, Carlene “Toddy” V. Brumfield and Alta Mae V. Daniel and husband Bob, all of Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren, Scott and Kyle Varnado, and Matthew, Joshua and Riley Varnado, all of Denham Springs, Maverick and Benjamin LeBlanc, of Dutchtown, and Tyler and Rachel Scardina, of Denham Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents, T.C. and Irene Varnado, of Kentwood; brothers, Harold Thomas, Sheldon and Landon Varnado; and sisters, Viola “Poolie” Hill and Mildred Miscar. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Denham Springs for more than 50 years. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and retired from his own business, Leonard’s Plumbing, at age 65. He cherished being a husband, father and grandfather to his family and relished time spent fishing with friends. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Wednesday, May 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Denham Springs, on Thursday, May 22, from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. James Spillman. Burial in Evergreen Memorial Park, Denham Springs. Pallbearers will be his eight grandsons, Scott Varnado, Kyle Varnado, Matthew Varnado, Joshua Varnado, Maverick LeBlanc, Benjamin LeBlanc, Riley Varnado and Tyler Scardina. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Reid Sr., Reymond D’Armond, Sam Williams, A.J. Lavigne, C.J. Rushing, Gary Pertuis, Cart Varnado and Bob Daniel. The family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Please continue to pray for the Rhodus, Hart, and Varnodo families.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

“The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them” (Psalm 34:7, NKJV)

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, praying with you for our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution.

A house church meeting was interrupted by a crowd of Muslim men. The instigator of the mob spoke, “You should not be teaching these things! You cannot convert Muslims to Christianity!” He was angry because his 17-year-old son had recently accepted Jesus as Savior, and had been baptized. His son and a friend were sharing the truth they had learned with others in the community. The mob slapped and beat the church leader, and ultimately reported him to the police. The leader was baffled. “I was doing nothing wrong. I wasn’t forcing anyone. All of these men had already given their lives to Jesus. I was just teaching them.” The police breathed extortion, and in fear, too little faith, and a mistake in judgment, a bribe was paid.

For a Lozi school teacher named M, becoming a Christian has threatened his job. The headmaster at M’s school is a member of a cult that does not believe in Jesus as the only way to salvation. The headmaster is very upset that M has joined a Baptist church. Now the headmaster is spreading lies: He is accusing missionaries of coming to steal and kill the school children, and is telling others that the Baptist church members are really Satan worshippers. He makes M’s personal and professional life very difficult. Pray that M will continue to stand firm in his faith.

*Please pray that God will grant wisdom to those sharing Jesus in their oppressive communities and that they will not give in to extortion.

*Ask the Lord to send His angel to camp around these believers and to protect them from all physical, spiritual and emotional attacks.

*Intercede for the angry mob members and the headmaster that they will come face to face with the living God, bowing the knee in surrender to Jesus Christ.


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

I appreciate your prayers for various needs each day! I appreciate those who inform me of needs. I appreciate those who encourage me.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves.

Leave that to God.

For it is written,

“I will take vengeance;

I will repay those who deserve it,” says the Lord.

~Romans 12:19 (NLT)~

CHINA. Rescuers are racing against time to save tens of thousands of people still trapped under collapsed buildings following the massive May 13 earthquake in Sichuan province. Several cities surrounding Chengdu suffered tremendous loss of life and property when the quake struck. Fatalities are now expected to reach 50,000 and 4 million homes have been demolished. As aftershocks continue and rescuers face monumental challenges in extracting people from beneath tons of collapsed concrete, hopes are dimming for many trapped inside the buildings. Pray that even in the midst of tragedy, the God of miracles will work in ways that will bring great glory to Himself. Pray that all who seek to provide assistance will be aware of a much greater power at work, and will depend on Him. Pray that survivors, rescuers and observers will long for a relationship with the one and only true God who can comfort them in times of need, provide for them throughout life, and give them eternal life.

LAST FRONTIER. Those serving among a Last Frontier people group write: “We ask you to pray for our team of national believers and missionaries as we begin discipleship training for team members so that we will be ready to disciple new believers. Pray that any language barriers will not create confusion and that the Father will be honored during these times of training.”

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. As a result of a governmental treaty between the United States and France, missionaries Ron and Lisa Jones have recently learned that they must leave Reunion Island in September 2008 for a year. Please join Ron and Lisa in prayer as they seek the Lord’s will in where He would have them to go and serve during this time. In addition, pray that the Lord will give them peace as they leave the people they have come to love, and an extra measure of grace as they deal with the many adjustments they will encounter as they learn to serve in a different country and among a different people group. Most importantly, pray for the new work they have just started in the southern part of the island, asking that the Lord will call out someone to work in that area that has such a great need for an evangelical witness.

Baptist Press Articles

I urge you to read both of these articles. Your heart will be blessed.

FLORIDA–Thousands celebrate lives of Forrest, Preston Pollock. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28085

LOUISIANA–Extreme Makeover blesses Katrina-ravaged church. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28086

From Lifeway:

Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH


Jesus loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to get to heaven and have eternal life?

Here is how the Bible answers this question. It is answered in one word and the word is FAITH.

F Is for Forgiveness

*
Everyone has sinned and needs God’s forgiveness. Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
*
God’s forgiveness is in Jesus only. Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

A Is for Available

*
God’s forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16: “God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
*
God’s forgiveness is available but not automatic. Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I Is for Impossible

*
According to the Bible, it is impossible to get to heaven on our own. Ephesians 2:8-9: “By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.”
*
So how can a sinful person have eternal life and enter heaven?

T Is for Turn

*
If you were going down the road and someone asked you to turn, what would he or she be asking you to do? (Change direction) Turn means repent. Turn away from sin and self. Luke 13:3: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!”
*
Turn to Jesus alone as your Savior and Lord. John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
*
Here is the greatest news of all. Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.”

What happens if a person is willing to repent of their sins and confess Christ?

H Is for Heaven

* Heaven is a place where we will live with God forever. John 14:3: “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.”
* Eternal life begins now with Jesus. John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

H can also stand for how.

How can a person have God’s forgiveness, eternal life, and heaven? By trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You can do this right now by praying and asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and inviting Jesus into your heart.

Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:

* Follow Christ’s example in baptism.
* Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
* In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.
* Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.


F – Forgiveness

A – Available

I – Impossible

T – Turn

H – Heaven/How

Anna Lee

Monday

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins,

your Father will not forgive your sins.”

~Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)~

 

 


Susan Rimes asks for continued prayers for her sister, Lisa Davis of Arkansas, who has been fighting cancer.

Joan Hagan asks for prayer for her grandson, Ethan O’Brian of Greensburg, who will have tonsil, adenoid, and ear surgery.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Monday, May 19, 2008

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for those in Cambodia who are facing economic challenges.

In the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodians experience brown-outs lasting several hours each day in order to conserve electricity during these hottest months of the year. For this growing urban environment, there is not enough electricity to go around. (In the countryside, there is no electricity!) Although the lights go out often in the capital, the light of the gospel is still being spread.

“Gas is so expensive,” is the repeated refrain of every Khmer motorcycle-taxi driver in Cambodia. It is no longer a 15- or 25-cent ride to the market. In addition, the price of rice, cooking oil, and propane gas have all risen. The young women working at the local garment factories have turned to eating French bread instead of their staple, rice, because of the cheaper cost.

Several believers have been struggling in their walk with Christ to have integrity. With the rising costs of food and fuel, they have yielded to temptation and have begun selling things that were meant to be given to the poor.

*Please pray that God will convict them of sin, and show them His daily provision for their needs. Pray that they will be a light for Christ instead of aligning with those who want to take advantage of the desperate and poor.

*Pray that nothing will hinder God’s Word from entering the hearts and lives of Cambodians in Phnom Penh and around the country.

*Give thanks to the Lord that His Word is never too costly for the Khmer people. Pray that many will treasure the free gift of His Word to everyone.

While praying today, please do not forget those in Cambodia and China. Below is an update on those facing recovery from the earthquake.

CHINA. Rescuers are racing against time to save tens of thousands of people still trapped under collapsed buildings following the massive May 13 earthquake in Sichuan Province. Several cities surrounding Chengdu suffered tremendous loss of life and property when the quake struck. Fatalities are now expected to reach 50,000 and four million homes have been demolished. As aftershocks continue and rescuers face monumental challenges in extracting people from beneath tons of collapsed concrete, hopes are dimming for many trapped inside the buildings. Pray that even in the midst of tragedy, the God of miracles will work in ways that will bring great glory to Himself. Pray that all who seek to provide assistance will be aware of a much greater power at work, and will depend on Him. Pray that survivors, rescuers, and observers will long for a relationship with the One and Only True God who can comfort them in times of need, provide for them throughout life, and give them eternal life.

Unchanging Standards

 

Franklin Graham speaks about God’s permanent standards:

God’s standard is the same yesterday. It’s the same today. And it’s going to be the same standard a million years from now. And the Bible says that breaking God’s laws are a sin. You say, “What do you mean by that?” Well, murder is a sin. You say, “well, Franklin, we agree with you.” Well, you know what? There are probably people in this audience today who are guilty of murder. And it’s a sin against God, but I’m here to tell you that God will forgive you. If you’re guilty God will forgive you, and he’ll cleanse you if you’re willing to come to him tonight in faith and receive his Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart, into your life. You see, God loves you.

You will be forgiven, and made new, when you come to Jesus Christ by faith. If you’d like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call us at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 866-JESUS-CARES. Or click billygraham.org.

Have a great week.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“…Let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:13b, KJV~

 

Joan Hagan reports she has lost a little over thirty pounds since her surgery two weeks ago. Please continue to pray for her.

 

 

On Mission in Kentwood

  • Saturday, May 24
  • Donuts and organization at 8 A.M.
  • Sign up today!
  • Contact Lauree or me with any requests.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You do not know what will happen tomorrow.

For what is your life?

It is even a vapor that appears for a little time

and then vanishes away.”

~Jas. 4:14~

 

 

Make God first in your life this Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“O You who hear prayer,

to You all flesh will come.”

~Psalm 65:2~

CHINA. As massive relief efforts continue following the 7.9 earthquake in Sichuan province, conditions look dire for the 100,000 people who are still missing and the 19,000 who are known to be trapped under buildings. Although China has mobilized a massive relief effort, many roads are impassible, making the efforts extremely difficult. At present, 13,000 are reported to have died, but the figure is expected to rise considerably. Pray for all who are buried alive, asking our merciful God to lead rescuers to their aid. Pray for those who are involved in relief efforts, asking the God of wisdom and strength to supply their needs. Pray for all who have lost loved ones, asking that God will send messengers to share His saving love with them. Pray that as this tragedy continues to unfold in Chengdu and surrounding cities and mountain communities, many millions of Chinese people will reflect on the meaning of life and search for Truth.

AIDS. As the thin, gaunt man lay on the mat on the floor, he could barely speak. The room he lay in was small and stifling hot. His right arm was drawn up toward his chest. A caregiver had cleaned him up and was now doing exercises to prevent his arm from staying in that position. No family members were around, and he apparently had no one left. This is the scene in many rural villages in South Africa. People are dying in the village of Sweetwaters at an alarming rate from AIDS. Pray for the Spirit of God to move evangelical churches to care for and witness to those infected and dying from AIDS. Pray that the people will turn to Jesus and no longer follow their traditional ways. Only Jesus can change a culture. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries Jim and Lori Spikes will be taking their youngest daughter to the United States in a few months for college. Please pray for her during this transition time.


Braden Alford, our almost six year old grandson in Georgia, fell from the monkey bars a year ago and broke his upper right arm. He seems to have good use of the arm, but it is noticably crooked. He had a follow up visit with his doctor Tuesday. The doctor is sending Braden to a specialist in Chattanooga, Please pray for his family as they await this appointment.

Several people you know or may know of are in various stages of battling cancer. Please take time to pray for each one.

  • Mr. Henry Harris
  • Chuck Pittma
  • Randy Fairburn
  • Sammy Broyles
  • Linda Longoria (Wife for Rev. Lyndon Longoria)
  • Lisa Davis (Sister of Susan Rimes)
  • Grant Matherne (Great grandson of Mrs. Hazel Smith)
  • Aubrey Perry (Brother of Karen Miller)

Andrew Marius Smith III
Born in Perth Amboy, N.J., on Sept. 29, 1941, to parents Andrew Marius Smith Jr. and Audrey Bird Smith, he died in McComb, Miss., on Thursday, May 8, 2008. He graduated from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 in Korea. He was a publisher, author and illustrator of “Louisiana Proud,” a historical pictorial of the real Louisiana as it began and lives today through 375 original pen-and-ink illustrations. He also published, authored and illustrated three cookbooks and several children’s books. Survived by his wife, Cinda Parmelee; three sons, Jay Allen, of Los Angeles, Robby Allen, of Prairieville, and Marky Vetter, of Walker; and three grandchildren. Memorial service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at his home, 77112 N. River Road, Kentwood, LA 70444.

Deacon Hospital Ministry this Week

  • Smiley Conerly
  • Roy Turner

Nursery Volunteers for May 18

  • Justin and Wendy Fowler
  • Eleanor Morris
  • Gretchen Simpson
  • Lily Edwards

On Mission in Kentwood

  • One project at 3 P.M. today (Contact the church office if you can help)
  • May 24th at 8 A.M. (Several projects)

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

  • Goal: $13,000.00
  • Received: $12,235.30

VBS Music CDs

  • Available in the church office
  • $2.50

Nursing Home Visitation

  • Tuesday, May 20th
  • 10:00 A.M.

Share Group Meeting

  • Tonight at 6:30
  • Alford’s Cabin

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
YESTERDAY, SEVERAL GOOD friends and I were sitting in the office of a neurosurgeon…

We listened to him as he explained why he left a thriving practice in a large metropolis to come a much smaller hospital in our area of the country. He said it was all because of a letter he received.

You see, he had been so busy with his job, he told us that he literally had not seen his little girl in three weeks. Then one night when he came home from work, there was a letter by his bed from his 11 year-old daughter. It was a letter in which this little girl told her daddy that she missed him and wanted more of his time. She acknowledged to her daddy that he had an important job, but she said, “Daddy, doing the ‘right’ thing is sometimes the ‘hard’ thing to do.” It was at this point that this successful neurosurgeon decided he wanted to be a father first. So he left his practice and moved his family to South-Central Kentucky.

I couldn’t help but be touched by this doctor’s story. Before me was a man who knew that there are things in life that are more important than fame, ego, work, and money. It doesn’t take a “brain surgeon” be able to identify proper values and priorities in life. Sometimes, little 11 year-old girls who miss their daddy can discern those things. The question I have for you is have you discerned these same truths? Give it some thought. (Steve Higginbotham)

“Redeeming the time,

because the days are evil.”

~Eph. 5:16~

I pray each of you will have a good day. Please let me know if you have something I can pray about or something I can share on The Prayer Link so others can pray too.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Evening

From Kenny’s wife, Teri-

SLAVO BOGO! Praise the Lord! (for you non-russians)
We are so humbled and amazed by your love! Jesus is more than sufficient, HE IS GRACIOUS and He is blessing us beyond all measure! The physical therapist scratched Kenny’s right shin and he felt it, TWICE!!! He also felt pressure in his lower back when we moved his legs, both right and left! He is sitting up and is feeding himself!!!

Thank you for praying for Kenny and Teri!

Melinda

Thank you for praying! I just received word from the program director that I can be admitted on a provisional basis and take the GRE after I get back in July!Please continue to pray for the interview on Wednesday!

be blessed,
aura



TENNESSEE–Myanmar: Water purification leads Baptist effort. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28049



Pastor Forrest Pollock and Preston Pollock

SAVED FROM EMBARRASSMENT

The source (and veracity) of the following story is unknown:

It was July 4, 1954, I Corps Artillery, Korea. The armistice had been signed the summer before. The I Corps Commander, a three star general, had scheduled his baseball team to play the Corps Arty’s team.

It may seem strange, but Corps Arty is much larger than I Corps. I Corps is strictly a tactical headquarters unit, it has very few men assigned or attached to it. Corps Arty, on the other hand, is much larger. At the time, we had perhaps 18 battalions attached, each battalion consisting of from 600 to 800 men. The Corps Arty Commander, a two star general, took his baseball very seriously. He had a full-time team consisting mostly of professional players who were drafted by Uncle Sam.

I Corps was the visiting team. Three men up, three men out. Bottom of the first. Lots of hits and home runs. No outs. I Corps ran out of pitchers. Their catcher, a sergeant, tried his arm at pitching. Score 0-18, still bottom of the first, still no outs.

The sergeant left the mound and approached the Corps Arty Commanding General. He wiped the sweat from his face, stood at attention, saluted, and in a loud voice boomed, “Sir, request permission to call the game on account of snow.”

The general stood up, returned the salute, and in an equally loud voice, “Permission granted.”

I’ve been in similar situations, on the losing side of a terribly lop-sided game. It’s embarrassing and humiliating! What strikes me about this story is the willingness of the general to take an action that would alleviate as much embarrassment as possible to the pitiful losing team.

It seems to me that’s what love does. In the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), there is a distinct effort on the part of Jesus to draw attention away from the woman to relieve some of her embarrassment (though he still held her accountable for her actions).

That’s a difficult thing to do, but something that must strive for — to hold our friends accountable for their actions, while seeking to minimize their embarrassment. I’m thankful for friends in my life who have done that for me in the past.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ ” (I Peter 4:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


The bad weather and lack of electricity kept me from posting earlier. Thank you for being patient.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“And when you pray,

don’t be like those people who don’t know God.

They continue saying things that mean nothing,

thinking that God will hear them

because of their many words.”

~Matthew 6:7 (NCV)~

Update on Frann Clark

I will probably be going in the hospital in DeRidder for two days & one night to receive treatments for the myasthenia gravias. Please pray for me & for Riley while I am away.

Melinda’s update on M

Below is M’s letter regarding her beginning treatment. Thank you for
praying for her!
Melinda

I just got home from seeing Dr. Gillette who is a Radiation Oncologist at
Methodist Hospital. Tomorrow I go to have a special CT scan to have an
implant placed for radiation which will begin on Thursday. I will have
then have 25 daily radiation treatments. He is also going to do one to
two internal radiation treatments that I will have to go into the
hospital for but I do not know at this time when he is going to do those.
He went on to say that this tumor is so extremely rare that he has only
seen one on the cervix in his career. These types (neuroendocrine)
usually show up elsewhere in the body. So he is going to read up on the
most effective internal radiation treatment before he makes a decision on
which to use. Chemo starts next Monday(May 19). I will check into the
hospital every Monday afternoon for an overnight treatment and come home
sometime on Tuesday. I will be doing this for the next 5-6 weeks.

This is going to be a very aggressive treatment plan but that was what I
wanted. I am a little anxious, a little nervous, but I am ready to get
this done so that I can claim victory! Dr. Gillette did say that even
though this tumor was aggressive that it is CURABLE!!! So that is the
word of the day…the word of hope to cling to!!!

Please pray for me as I begin this journey…with so much love and prayer
I do not feel alone…you are all in this with me!

My God is able!
M

Melinda’s Update on Kenny P.

We received this morning this info on Kenny. Thank you for praying for him and his wife, Teri as he prepares to have surgery and as the Lord heals him.

Melinda

Late development Monday night-

1. They did not move him to Shepherd last night; stayed at NE GA in ICU; surgery scheduled Tuesday afternoon. Doctor said it was a serious spinal cord injury.

Talked to Teri (Monday morning):

1. He felt his right foot cold during the night. (Praise #1)

2. His pain level got up to 4, and this is only because he was sleeping and couldn’t push his button (Praise #2 he could sleep)

3. He was getting MRI this morning to provide more info for the surgery this afternoon.

4. No time yet for the surgery.

Braden, our grandson in Rome, GA, will be seeing a doctor today to check on his arm that was broken a year ago. Braden seems to have good use of the arm, but it is not straight.

Share Group

There’s been a change in the devotional leader for Thursday night. Bro. Bucky will not be leading because he is preparing to preach for the Sunday services.

Dottie Rambo Killed in Bus Accident
By Staff of Baptist Press


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Gospel music legend Dottie Rambo died early Sunday, May 11, when her tour bus veered from a Missouri highway and struck an embankment.

Seven others aboard the bus suffered severe or moderate injuries in the accident on Interstate 44 near Mount Vernon in southwest Missouri and were hospitalized in Springfield, the Associated Press reported.

Rambo’s entourage was en route to a Mother’s Day performance at a Dallas-Fort Worth-area church. The AP noted that officials were uncertain whether the crash was related to storms in the area.

Rambo, 74, published an estimated 2,500 songs, with entries in nearly every hymnbook. Included in the 1991 Baptist Hymnal, for example, are “We Shall Behold Him” and “Behold the Lamb.” The two songs and a third, “Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome,” are included in the 2008 hymnal to be released this summer by LifeWay Christian Resources.

Rambo, of Nashville, Tenn., won a Grammy for a 1968 solo album, “It’s the Soul of Me,” and Dove awards in 1999 for her song, “I Go to The Rock,” sung by Whitney Houston in the motion picture “The Preacher’s Wife,” and in 1982 for “We Shall Behold Him.”

She was a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Among the artists who have recorded her songs: Elvis Presley, George Beverly Shea, dcTalk, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither and Steve Greene.

Rambo was a native of Morganfield, Ky., who began writing songs at age 8 and as a teen was signed to a songwriting contact by Gov. Jimmie Davis of Louisiana.

Funeral arrangements had not been published at press time.

Compiled by Baptist Press editor Art Toalston.

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

FOR 3 MONTHS I had a ringside seat – or should I say a bird’s-eye view – of God’s amazing handiwork…

Ninety feet above the floor of Norfolk Botanical Garden, workers installed a webcam focused on the nest of a family of bald eagles, and online viewers were allowed to watch.

When the eggs hatched, Mama and Papa Eagle were attentive to their offspring, taking turns hunting for food and guarding the nest. But one day when the eaglets still looked like fuzzballs with beaks, both parents disappeared. I worried that harm had come to them.

My concern was unfounded. The webcam operator enlarged the camera angle, and there was Mama Eagle perched on a nearby branch.

As I pondered this “reframed” picture, I thought of times when I have feared that God had abandoned me. The view in the forest heights of Virginia reminded me that my vision is limited. I see only a small part of the entire scene.

Moses used eagle imagery to describe God. As eagles carry their young, God carries His people (Deut. 32:11-12). Despite how it may seem, the Lord “is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). This is true even when we feel abandoned. (Julie Ackerman Link)

“As an eagle stirs up its nest,

hovers over its young,

spreading out its wings, . . .

so the Lord alone led [Jacob].

~Deut. 32:11-12~

Yesterday was a difficult day for me. Today is a long, very full day. I’m going to work hard to make the best of it. I hope you do too!

Anna Lee