Category: Devotional

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon His name;

make known His deeds among the peoples!”

~Psalm 105:1~

Joan Hagan says she will be sore, be did not break anything in the fall yesterday. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

Jesse Dean is progressing. Therapy is very tiring for him, but he is slowing getting stronger. Please keep Jesse and Majel in your prayers.

IMB ANNUAL STAFF RETREAT. Thank you for praying for the staff of the International Mission Board, SBC, on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22 and 23. Our offices are closed for our Annual Staff Retreat, and we are excited to spend these days hearing from the Lord. Dr. David Platt from The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, is challenging us under the theme “Desperate,” and the Scripture, ‘Now show me Your glory…’ (Exodus 33:18).” Jeremy Welborn of Grove Avenue Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, is leading our music. Jerry Rankin will encourage us in a session we are calling, “Celebrating Who We Are.” Please ask the Lord to refresh the staff and build new bonds of friendship. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer.

I received the note below this morning in regards to my cousin’s wife M.
Thank you for praying for her.
Melinda

Thank you all so much for all the love and prayers and for passing me on to your prayer partners. I saw a wonderful doctor down at Harris Methodist Hospital here in Dallas with Texas Oncology. He came here in ’99 from MD Anderson in Houston and has been practicing Gynecological Oncology for more than 25 years. That being said, I feel very comfortable and confident in his expertise. He was not happy with the pathology report, according to him it was “sketchy” and did not identify the tumor
type with accuracy. So he is sending my biopsies to the group of
pathologists that he trusts and says have never let him down. He wants the cancer to be identified with 100% accuracy…so do I!!! I go to have a full body scan on Friday to make sure there are no other tumors growing anywhere else in my body and to make sure that the cancer has not spread.

On exam today…praise the Lord…he did not find any indication that the tumor had spread into the bladder or the colon!!! He said that surgery is not an option, tumors of this size are too big for surgery and that it is too hard to surgically remove all of the cancer cells. Also, the uterus is a great focal point for the radiation so we want to keep it there. So…we go for the scan on Friday, the new group of pathologists are reading the biopsies, we have our next appointment with the doctor on May
4th where we will review the results and hear the doctors “game plan” which will most likely begin with radiation.

On another note, as many of you knew we do not have health insurance. The clinic that I am going to works especially for the uninsured. We will be responsible for 30% of the cost which who knows how much this could run. Please be in prayer that God will work all of this out for us.

Thank you all again for the prayers…but don’t stop now, please!!!
Love you all,
M

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

IT’S WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1994…

You are a passenger aboard flight 2033 from Seoul, South Korea to the resort island of Cheju. You and 151 fellow-vacationers are looking forward to a much-needed rest.

The jetliner is only moments from touchdown. You glance out the thick, two-ply window. The plane is scarcely 30 feet off the ground, but it’s obviously moving far too fast. The runway is soaked from a local tropical storm and wind shear is making the landing all-the-more precarious. When the aircraft does reach the earth, it is more than 1,700 meters beyond the landing threshold. A harrowing, split second later the plane crashes through a guard post and then slams into the airport safety barricade. You are terror-stricken.

The two cockpit occupants escape out the nearest window. With the assistance of the six-member cabin crew, you and your seat-mates escape only moments before the plane is engulfed in flames.

A Transportation Ministry investigation reveals the incredible news. The flight was on final approach when a conflict arose between the Captain and co-pilot. That’s right, a conflict. The real reason for the crash wasn’t because of inclement weather, but because of a clash of wills.

Co-pilot, Chung Chan-kyu, asked Captain Barry Woods numerous times whether he wanted to “go around.” (Chan-kyu was convinced that there was not sufficient distance for the Airbus to land safely without crossing the end of Runway 6). When Woods said, “No,” Chan-kyu grabbed the throttles to take control. The two argued and scuffled as the plane hurtled toward the ground. Transcripts from the flight report that the Captain shouted, “No!” “No!” and “What are you doing?! Don’t… Wait, man… You’re gonna kill us!”

As I read the story, I found myself wondering aloud, “Who was in charge of the plane…?!” Only one of the pilots had the right to land the craft, but neither would relinquish his power.

“Who’s going to be first?” “Who’s going to land the plane?” That sounds a lot like the apostles to me. They fussed over the same fundamental issue. When Jesus announced that He would “be betrayed into the hands of men” (Luke 9:44), the twelve began a verbal “tussle” over who would take charge when he was gone. The text says, “Then an argument arose among them as to who should be greatest” (Luke 9:46, Phillips). (The King James version translates the word argument as “reasoning;” the term in the Greek is dialogismos and refers to a heated debate). As improbable as it may sound, the very men whom Jesus taught and trained often wrangled (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 9:34; Luke 22:24) for position and status over what they believed would be (Acts 1:6) the future kingdom.

I’ve come to the conclusion that “Who’s going to be first?” is THE underlying issue; it is THE core problem — in most arguments. Folks want power; they want to be first. In a manner of speaking, they want to “grab the throttles” and control the plane themselves. People are strange, aren’t they? They want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention. Chan-kyu and Woods did. The apostles did. We do. Think about it, and you will probably agree. Nobody wants to be second in command; nobody wants to play second fiddle. And that is why disagreements arise.

When church members have a “falling-out,” it is usually over power issues and who’s going to be in control. When married partners quarrel, it is often over who is going to be in charge of the checkbook and how money is to be spent. When siblings argue, it is typically over who’s going to be first. “Why is his piece of cake bigger than mine?!” “Why does he get to stay out past midnight, but I have to be in before 11:00?” When nations war and fight, it is typically over which country is going to dominate and rule. When presidential candidates vie for political office, it is always over “who’s going to fly the plane.” Both Democrats and Republicans want to “grab the throttles” and take the lead in our country.

When arguments do occur, I find it helpful to take a step backwards and ask, “What’s happening here?” “Why are people fussing?” You see, once we can determine the actual cause (i.e., pride) of the discord, we then can begin to work on a solution, just as Jesus did. He used a little child to illustrate the real way to “first place” and greatness. The Bible says, “Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great'” (Luke 9:46-48 NKJV).

What was Jesus’ point? Simply that if you want to be “high,” you must first — like a child — be “low” (i.e., humble, 1 Peter 5:6). You must manifest a serving nature (John 13:1ff) and lack the personal, selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3,4; Galatians 5:26; Romans 12:10) that is so prevalent among adults. You must imbibe the spirit of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) and “receive” (i.e., assist) others.

Have you been in argument lately? Are you ready to “grab the throttles?” (Don’t feel too bad, the apostles could relate). Look at a small child…and remember. (Mike Benson)
KneEmail: “And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many'” (Matt. 20:24-28).

I’ve witnessed many a power struggle. I’m sure you have too. Let’s pray we will be submissive to God as the authority.

Anna Lee

“O sing to the LORD a new song,

for He has done wonderful things….

He has revealed His righteousness

in the sight of the nations.”

~Psalm 98:1a-2, NASB~

Please pray for the senior adults, several of whom are homebound. They have falls, many appointments, long, lonesome days, etc. Pray God will lead you to “adopt” one or more so you can help minister to their needs.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE

INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Monday, April 21, 2008

“Now show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18, NIV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for the staff of the International Mission Board (IMB) as we meet for our Annual Staff Retreat.

Our offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22 and 23, as we join together for fellowship and learning. Dr. David Platt from The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Alabama, is challenging us under the theme “Desperate.” Jeremy Welborn of Grove Avenue Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia, is leading our music. Jerry Rankin will encourage us in a session called, “Celebrating Who We Are.” Please ask the Lord to refresh the staff and build new bonds of friendship.

The IMB has a large staff, supporting missionaries around the world. There are financial specialists, computer technologists, travel and freight agents, administrative assistants, mobilization consultants, mission personnel staff and trainers, and electronic- and print- media experts. We all work together towards the goal of reaching the lost for Christ but seldom have opportunity to sit in the same room. We thank God for these special days each year. Meetings, email and deadlines will be set aside as we spend time rekindling old friendships and making new ones. There will be laughter, singing, and perhaps a few tears.

* Please pray with us that our hearts will be challenged and refreshed for the ministry the Lord has laid out for the IMB.

* Ask God to lead us to be desperate for His presence, submitting any willful way to His glory. Pray for David Platt and Jeremy Welborn as they lead us in worship.

* Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and in the Lord’s missions mandate.

CONFESSING SIN

I heard a story about a husband who came home drunk late one night and snuck up the stairs quietly to avoid waking his wife. He looked in the bathroom mirror and bandaged the bumps and bruises he’d received in a fight earlier that night. He then proceeded to climb into bed, smiling at the thought that he’d pulled one over on his wife.

When morning came, he opened his eyes and there stood his wife. “You were drunk last night, weren’t you!”

“No, honey.”

“Well, if you weren’t, then who put all the band-aids on the bathroom mirror?”

Despite our many failed attempts, we continue to try to hide our sins from others around us. King Saul was commanded by God to kill all of the Amalekites and their animals (I Sam. 15:3). But Saul spared the Amalekite king and the best of the herds and flocks. There was no question he had disobeyed God. But notice the first thing he said to Samuel upon his return — “I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” (I Sam. 15:13).

Saul knew good and well he hadn’t done everything that God told him to do. So why did he tell Samuel he had kept the word of the Lord? Because one of our first reactions to sin is to pretend that everything’s OK. If we ignore the fact that we have sinned, maybe no one will notice.

And we’ve all done this before, haven’t we? Remember when you were a kid and your parents were out of the house and maybe you got to rough-housing with your brothers and sisters and in the process the lamp in the living room got knocked over and a piece broke off? You stuck it back together hoping no one would ever notice and then you went back to your room to get away from the scene of the crime.

But Mom comes home and it doesn’t her long at all to notice. She comes back to your room and says, “Did you break my lamp?” And you say, as innocently as you possibly can, “What lamp?” Because the hardest thing in the world is to admit that we have done something wrong.

The one thing that God desires most when it comes to our sins is the one thing we have the most trouble with — honesty and openness.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9).

May you be honest enough to be able to share with God what He already knows. Only then can the healing begin.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Have a good week!

Anna Lee

Note: I started this posting about three hours ago, but got sidetracked with a research paper, preparing fruit for a watermelon basket for the On Missions Celebration, etc. I have had a lot on my mind lately. At least I remembered to come back to it later.

“This is what the Lord Almighty says:

Judge fairly and honestly,

and show mercy and kindness to one another.

Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and poor people.

And do not make evil plans to harm each other.”

~Zechariah 7:9-10 (NLT)~

Dear Prayer Partners,

Just a note of follow-up on the meeting today with the mayor of Valeni. Ron returned very encouraged. God has heard our prayers for the people of Valeni and answered the water issue through the Mayor. Ron and the pastor found him to be open. He shared with them that he currently has the project written to take water to the people of Valeni, and it will be submitted the 20th of this month. He believes the project will be completed in 1 year or less.

The Turkish mayor was touched in that in his years as mayor, he has not had anyone come to him wanting to help the people of Valeni. He told Ron and the pastor about a project we could work together on to improve the current water supply until the big project is complete. We are currently researching the costs for this. Ron and the pastor were very encouraged by his response and openness.

Another praise from the trip today is that the husband of one of our persons of peace was home and agrees to meet with Ron and the pastor early next week. They found that the proclaimer ( a solar powered audio New Testament in Turkish) is already being used to hear the Word of God.

We give God the praise for the results of today’s visit! Please pray for the meeting with the men in the village next week. Please continue to pray that more opportunities will develop to touch people’s lives with the Word and love of Christ. As always, you have overwhelmed us with your response to pray, thank you. Until next time, we are……..

Kept by Him, Ron and Charlotte (Romania)

On Mission Celebration

FBC, Amite

This evening’s schedule:

• 4:30 – Meet missionaries and teate food from around the world
  
• 5:30 – Supper (no cost to you)
• 6:30 – Parade of flads,special music, and missionary speakers

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

George Bush (the senior), who was always known for his dry wit, said this of his relationship with President Ronald Reagan…

“It’s important for a Vice president not to upstage his boss, and you don’t know how hard it has been to keep my charisma in check.”

Sometimes I worry that as humans we try to “upstage” God in worship. Who, after all, have we come to honor? Are we presenting ourselves to the community as the church with the “best” worship service? Are we trying to enliven the singing in order to keep our young people interested? Should this enterprise be considered successful if we all leave with a woosy feeling in our tummies?

“Sometimes these days it is hard to distinguish praise from ‘schmooze,'” notes one writer. “Real praise happens when God becomes God again for us. ‘Be God for us,’ we will cry, ‘Speak your word so strongly that we can’t hear anything else.'”

(Marva Dawn, Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, page 89).

Of course God has always been God. He has always been great beyond our imagination. He has always been near to us. It’s just that we sometimes miss him because we are so busy trying to upstage the one who should be the focus and center of our worship.

Worship is conducted on his terms alone, or it is not worship. A service designed to honor anyone or anything less than God is not worship. It is flattery at best, and idolatry at worst, for nothing less than the God of all the earth warrants our worship.

After all, we came to honor God, not the church. This Sunday morning, don’t upstage the Boss. Allow his warmth and righteousness, his will and word be the lasting impression that is left on your heart. (Stan Mitchell)

Jesus said to him,

“Away from me, Satan,for it is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”

~Matthew 4:10~

Have a wonderful, blessed weekend!

Anna Lee