FBC – Page 151 – The Prayer Link

Thursday

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

and you will find Him

if you seek Him with all your heart

and with all your soul.”

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

Mrs. Faye Price continues to slowly improve. The doctors are now talking about being able to move her from ICU soon. Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray.

Jimmy Schwartz has been to the doctor this week and is doing better. Continue to pray for Jimmy.

Quinton West, the son of a KHS secretary, is hospitalized in New Orleans. Please pray for him and his famiy.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell continues to have problems that have sent her to the hospital again. Please continue your prayers for her and for Mr. Phillip.

Continue to pray for Mr. Tut Young and his family as he makes decisions about treatment.

Pray for Mrs. Parmys Stegall as she continues to recover from her fall and surgery. Pray for her caregivers too.

We have a request to pray for a mother and two young sons as the family goes through a divorce.

Gaza Pastor Gives Update from War Zone
By Staff

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–No Christians in Gaza have been injured despite living in hard-hit areas, a Baptist pastor there reported to Baptist Press late in the afternoon Jan. 6.

News staff at Christianity Today, meanwhile, were reporting three Christians have died since the hostilities began in Gaza Dec. 27 but Baptist Press has not yet independently confirmed the circumstances of those deaths. One death was attributed to a heart attack but no supporting information was provided about the deaths of the other two individuals named.

Lack of food, water and electricity is a major concern for the population, the Baptist pastor said.

The pastor (name withheld for security reasons) asked that Southern Baptists pray for a quick and peaceful resolution of the strife between Israeli and the Palestinian Hamas faction.

Israel tentatively welcomed a proposal Jan. 7 from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and French President Nicolas Sarkozy calling for a Gaza cease-fire to allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians, the Associated Press reported.

The temporary cease-fire took place in the “whole of the Gaza Strip” Jan. 7, Israeli Defense Ministry spokesman Peter Lerner told CNN. The truce is scheduled to take place every other day for a three-hour time span until a permanent resolution is formed.

Israel will continue its discussions with Egypt and France about how to achieve an extended cease-fire.

(Reported by the Richmond, Va., bureau of Baptist Press.)

FBC, Kentwood

* Deacons for the Week – Robert Wilson & Tom Brister

* “Miracle on Main Street” DVDs available for $5.00 in church office

* AWANA begins again Sunday at 4:45 P.M.

*WMU association meeting at FBC Monday, Jan. 19 at 10:00; Gloria Wheat Thompson – speaker; covered dish lunch

* Adult discipleship resumes Sunday @ 5 P.M. with “How to Pray for Your Family”.

*On Mission in Kentwood – Saturday at 8 P.M.

*Baby shower for Lauren H. Fowler @ 2 P.M. Jan. 18

*So far $14,220 has been given toward the $18,500 goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

After seeing “Fireproof” Sunday, this devotional may act as a reinforcement or reminder to you.

SEVEN AGES OF A MARRIED COLD

I first saw today’s bit of humor a number of years ago in Bulletin Digest, which relayed an article that first appeared in Saturday Evening Post a number of years before that. It reveals a sequence of actions where a husband reacted to his wife’s colds during seven years of marriage.

1st year cold: The husband said, “Sugar dumpling! I’m really worried about my baby girl! You’ve got a bad sniffle and there’s no telling about these things with all the strep going around. I’m putting you in the hospital this afternoon for a general check-up and a good rest. I know the food is lousy there, so I’ll be bringing you food from Tosini’s. I’ve already got it all arranged with the floor superintendent.”

2nd year cold: “Listen, darling! I don’t like the sound of that cough! I’ve called Dr. Miller to rush over here. Now you go to bed like a good little girl just for Poppa.”

3rd year cold: “Maybe you better lie down, Honey. Nothing like a little rest when you feel lousy. I’ll bring you something. Do you have any canned soup?”

4th year cold: “Now look dear, be sensible! After you’ve fed the kids, washed the dishes and finished vacuuming, you’d better lie down.”

5th year cold: “Why don’t you take a couple of aspirin?”

6th year cold: “If you’d just gargle or something, instead of sitting around barking like a seal!”

7th year cold: “For Pete’s sake, stop sneezing! Are you trying to give me pneumonia!?”

Things do change over the years, don’t they? But they don’t have to. May I encourage those of you who are married to do something special for your spouse today. Write a sweet note or buy a card. Pick up some flowers or a small gift (yes, I know, be prepared for a response like, “What did you do now, wreck the car?”). Just make a conscious effort not to take one another for granted.

Those of you who aren’t married, sorry, I have no words of wisdom for you today. But, print this out and save it. Who knows when it may come in handy! 🙂

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” (Ephesians 5:25)

“…admonish the young women to love their husbands….” (Titus 2:4)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank you for praying. You impact many lives! Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“We give thanks to You, O God,

we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works

declare that Your name is near.”

Psalm 75:1

Joshua and Paula Splane

Paula Splane asked that you put her nephew, Joshua Splane, age 22, on the prayer link. He is in ICU at Tulane. He has a shunt in his head and is having problems.

also, Paula fell last night a tore a tendon behind her knee and will be out of school this week and perhaps next week. Please put her on link also. Thanks,

Janet A. Hammons

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she continues to work to work to get pain relief. She is hopefully on the road to improvement.

Joshua Reece

Thank you so much for praying for Joshua. As you will read he is doing better but still has a ways to go in his recovery.

Melinda

Dear Prayer Partners,

God is answering your prayers for Joshua Reece, our grandson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Like firemen, you heard the plea for help, and you ran to the rescue. Our Heavenly Father is full of mercy and grace, which He delights to pour out on His children. I talked with our son-in-law David, and received this report. Joshua has taken a 5 ounce bottle of formula, and has eaten about an ounce of solid food—the first intake by mouth in days. His IV for fluids has been disconnected, but is still in place just in case it is needed. The oxygen tube on his nose is still in place but has been reduced to almost no flow at all, since he is breathing on his own. He is coughing more now, which hurts his chest, which he does not like, but this is a sign that the congestion is beginning to break up in his lungs. His father, David, was playing some “peek-a-boo” with him, and he was chuckling, a little, so that is a sign that he is feeling some better.

Heidi and David have been able to get some rest and wish to thank all for their prayers for Joshua and for them. The different specialists are already making plans for follow up visits so they can analyze his development issues—-underweight, never crawled yet, fluid on the brain, etc. Because of this, please pray for wisdom from on high, that God would lead them to know how to help his little body grow. We all are so grateful for the excellent care given to him at Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. We highly recommend their services.

I knew that God had led us to gather the best Prayer Partner Network available, and once again, I want to thank you. We could do nothing from here but pray, and to ask others to pray. God was very faithful to us and His grace was more than sufficient. Please, communicate with your prayer networks our gratitude. We would consider it a privilege if you would give us your prayer requests and allow us to hold you up in prayer, too. All praise and glory and honor goes to our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Bob Craig—missionary

Don Denton

Don Update:

Don came home from the hospital on Friday. We again find ourselves so grateful to God for his mercy upon us. It was a long exhausting very tireing week. I am so grateful to my brother Steve and his precious wife Lynn for flying in from Texas to help out. We are so blessed. Joshua justs continues to be blessed by his family. We are so grateful to them for their generosity to us. We could not have made it through the week without them and I am most grateful to them.

We need more prayer. Don has numerous doctor appointments this week. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of why he continues to be so sick. We will have a few new “eyes” looking to help us. We are thankful for a doctor from Mayo who called me this week, a Dr. Whineshakker. He believes we need to continue asking questions. We are so thankful for Dr. Trotman for his passion and tenacity in not letting go of this. He is one of the finest doctors we have encountered. We know we are in excellent hands. And we know more than ever that God’s hand is upon us and directing us in a way that we know we will get answers.

Please pray for wisdom and discernment for these doctors and for us as we continue to ask the important question that need to be asked.

Sorry for the delay in the update. I literally got maybe three hours a night of sleep this last week. This next week will be a good week.

I will post as soon as we get more information.

Blessings to you our family and friends.

Diane

From the IMB:

PALESTINIAN ARABS OF THE MIDDLE EAST. Once again war is ravaging Gaza. Palestinian believers tell workers that it has never been as bad as it is right now. Hundreds have already been killed. There has been no electricity for a week. Food and water are in short supply. No one can sleep because the bombs fall all night. Ordinary people are terrified. Please pray that the violence will stop and that no more people on either side will be injured. Pray for those on both sides of this conflict whose hearts are hardened by hate and fear. Pray especially for those who are followers of Jesus. Pray that they will experience God’s peace in the midst of turmoil. Pray that they will find opportunities to share His peace with others.

LAST FRONTIER. Workers focused on a Last Frontier people group are planning a training conference for national partners. Join them in asking the Father to lead them to the right people to be invited. Ask that the learners will understand the information shared and will then be able to use the information to share with many members of the people group. Whenever there is an opportunity like this, there is always the challenge of gathering safely. Ask our Father to protect all the participants as they study together.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. In early December, you were asked to intercede for J, who is carrying twins. She writes: “On Christmas Eve, we went in for a follow-up ultrasound and we could easily see two healthy babies with strong heartbeats! It’s been quite an emotional roller coaster after having lost a baby, then going for an ultrasound, expecting to see nothing, then seeing two instead! Most likely, the doctors think there were triplets and we lost one. The last couple of weeks we’ve been waiting and hoping that those two have been growing steadily and remaining healthy. Today’s ultrasound confirmed just that. We’re ecstatic that mother and babies seem perfectly healthy now and chances for another miscarriage continue to drop with each passing day. We’re scared to death of being the parents of five, but we also feel extremely blessed and fortunate. Thanks for your prayers!”

Larry Roberts
(August 27, 1944 – January 4, 2009)

I have fought the good fight and kept the faith. Mr. Roberts died at 9:55PM on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, LA. He was a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 64 years. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Joseph Warden. Interment Roberts Cemetery, Osyka, MS. Survived by uncle and aunt, Wiltz Roberts, Sr. and Joan Roberts, Osyka, MS, numerous cousins, friends, and church family. Preceded in death by mother, Golda Davis, uncles, Lawrence, Bilbo, Alton, and Clyde Roberts, aunts, Jessie Hilbun and Tina Rodriguez. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greenlaw Baptist Church, 14407 Greenlaw Baptist Church Road, Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press

January 5, 2009

TENNESSEE–Gaza Baptist Church damaged in air strike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29605

WASHINGTON–Survey: Large majority favors abortion limits. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29606

CALIFORNIA–Rose Parade outreach yields Kingdom results. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29607

TENNESSEE–Rural church is missions ‘greenhouse.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29608

TENNESSEE–CP giving 4.99% behind ’08 pace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29609

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Rebecca Powell) Spend more time around the table. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29610

FBC, Kentwood

– On Mission in Kentwood will work Saturday @ 8 A.M.

– AWANA will resume Sunday evening at 4:50.

Command

JUST BEFORE JESUS went to Calvary He said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35)…

Is it right for God to command us to love one another?

Imagine a young man on a college campus who sees and falls in love with a young lady. But she’s not the least bit interested in him. So, he goes up to her one day and says, “I command you to love me!” Can a man do that to a young lady? Of course not.

It’s important that we understand that Christian love is not an emotional feeling that we manufacture. But it means we treat each other the way God treats us. Christian love is not a matter of feeling, it’s a matter of willing. “For God so loved…that he gave” ( John 3:16). God’s love wasn’t a sentimental feeling, but it expressed itself in action.

How does God treat us? God forgives us, so we forgive one another. God is kind to us, so we are kind to one another. God receives us, so we receive one another. We may not have the same personalities, or we might not even have the same interests; but we willingly and deliberately treat each other the way God treats us. This helps us to understand what it means to love one another.

I’m going to have a difficult time washing your feet if I don’t love you. I’m going to have a difficult time forgiving you if I don’t love you. The interesting thing is this: the more we deliberately will to love one another, the more our feelings begin to change; and lo and behold, we even start to like one another. You may not want to spend a week’s vacation with some people, but you can still treat them the way God treats you. As we love one another more and more, we learn to like one another. We can get along with one another.

God commands us to love one another because He revealed to us His love. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down one’s life for his friends” ( John 15:13). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” ( Rom. 5:8, 10). Jesus gave us the perfect example of what it means to “love one another” by His life and by His death. His command to love one another shouldn’t be looked upon as a burdensome commandment ( 1 John 5:2, 3), but a joy. (Howell Ferguson)

KneEmail: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35).

Posted by Mike Benson at December 18, 2008 3:01 PM

Finally brothers, whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable—

if there is any moral excellence

and if there is any praise—

dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Anna Lee

Monday

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.”

Jane Duncan asks us to pray for Donald’s cousin, Shira Easley. Shira lives in Donald’s neighborhood and has cancer.

Joan Hagan asks for continued prayer for her cousin Kitty who has now developed a staph infection in addition to having the infection caused by the spider bite. Kitty is facing additional surgery.

Holly K. begins travels to West Africa today. Pray for her and her “new family” as they work together for the next two years.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. “Please remember the sister of a worker here in Southeast Asia. She just had a heart attack and will undergo heart catheterization on Wednesday morning. It is difficult enough going through the illness of a loved one when we are nearby, but when one has to be oceans away, there can be much concern. So when you pray for this dear sister and her heart, please also remember the heart of her sister here in Southeast Asia. Ask the Lord to give her peace and comfort while they are separated during this crucial time.”

Wilma Rimes Strickland
(June 20, 1915 – January 4, 2009)
Died at 7:05AM on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Age 93 years. She was a U. S. Army veteran of WWII and was a member of Stevendale Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Dr. Richard Wallace. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, June Ott, Denham Springs, Betty Gill, Amite, 1 sister, Wanza Burris, McComb, MS, 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Willie W. Strickland, and a daughter, Patsy Strickland. Special thanks to Flannery Oaks Guest House and Alysia and Dee with Hospice In His Care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 61361 Highway 1057, Kentwood, LA 70444 or Hospice In His Care, 11715 Bricksome Ave., Suite, B6, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

On Mission in Kentwood will be Saturday, January 10th. There’s many yards in the area that need “picking up” after the snow. If you are willing and able to help some people who cannot do this for themselves, please meet at the church at 8 A.M. You’ll make a difference to others. Mostly, you’ll be blessed as you minister to others.

I hope you were able to see the movie “Fireproof” last night. It’s doubtful there were many dry eyes! The lessons on marriage were very clear. FBC, Kentwood will show the movie again in February in connection with a Valentine meal. If you have not seen this movie, please make plans to see it somewhere.

Today is back-to-school day for teachers. Tomorrow, student will begin the second semester of this year. Pray for all as they return and get settled back into the routine.

WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

Here is a list of “Murphy’s Laws for Churches” (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on “Bring A Friend” Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you’ll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying “Let us pray” or singing “Just As I Am” causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher’s question right, nobody remembers; when you are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy’s Law (“Whatever can go wrong will go wrong”) manifests itself in a multitude of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, “Everything will turn out all right eventually”? We may be living in a dream world.

Do we react by saying, “How could God do this to me”? Our bitterness may cause us to turn away from God.

Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, “Now, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word….” (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying each day. You impact many lives!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

think about Him in all your ways,

and He will guide you on the right paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Below is an update on Bob and Margie Craig’s grandson, Joshua.
Thank you for praying for him.
Melinda

Subject: The latest news on Joshua Reece…..

Dear Faithful, Praying Friends,

We just got off the phone with our daughter in St. Louis, Missouri, calling from the hospital. Joshua is better! Thank you Heavenly Father! He is NOT well yet. He has a long way to go.

The mass in his brain that was seen by the CT Scan is now believed to be normal fluid that is within the normal acceptable range for his age—1 year old. However, he seems to be nutritionally underdeveloped. There is no understanding as to why he is, because he eats—but perhaps not enough of the correct things, OR he DOES eat enough of the correct things, but his body does not absorb the nutrition from the food he eats. Nevertheless, the nutritionist at the hospital is very involved in his care. His muscle development is poor.

He has been on oxygen since arriving, and they have been reducing the amount from time to time to get him to breath deeper on his own, but they have had to occasionally boast it back up for a time, especially after he eats and gets sleepy. The white count in his blood is not too high at all, so the ear infection was not severe. The viral pneumonia and the RSV are the big enemies right now, and the lack of nutrition has been a constant enemy for a few months, they think. He will most certainly be in the hospital until he breaths on his own and they analyze his eating processes.

Right now, he is not eating much at all, but is on IV fluids, and he hates the oxygen tube in his nose, so he keeps trying to pull that off. It keeps his Mom, Dad, and the nurses hopping. Heidi said his color is much better now!! Everyone has been so good and kind. The hospital is full to overflowing with RSV affected babies. It is highly contagious. If you have children, please do not attempt to visit anyone in the hospital right now. God has been pouring on His love and grace to us. We have been amazingly calm and assured that He has everything under control. Praise His holy Name!

Your grateful missionary friends, Bob and Margie Craig

Holly K.

Today is Holly’s last day at home before beginning her trip to West Africa. She’s done the practical things like packing her bags. Pray this last day at her church and at her home will be encouraging to her and her family. Pray for her mother as she goes back to teaching tomorrow and for her dad as he takes Holly to the airport and in the days ahead. Pray for safe travel and good experiences from the time she meets her MK’s in Atlanta for the remainder of the trip. Pray for a good support system for Holly and her family during the next two years.

Ethel B. Harvell Dunn
(January 24, 1911 – January 3, 2009)

Died at 9:05a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Grangeville, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 97 years. She was a retired School Teacher with St. Helena Parish Public Schools. Visitation at United Methodist Church, Greensburg, LA, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday and until religious services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Smith Cotton. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by daughter, Doris Higgins, Hattiesburg, MS, 3 sons, Leslie L. “Bubba” Dunn and his wife, Lois, Greensburg, Rev. Joe E. “Sandy” Dunn, Jr., and his wife, Estelle, Albany, Frank G. “Randy” Dunn and his wife, Janie, Greensburg, 9 grandchildren, Sherry Dunn Schivers, Brenda Dunn Miller, Colin Higgins, Samantha Higgins Williams, Joseph B. Dunn, Joseph W. “Jay” Dunn, Amy Dunn Harris, Kathryn Dunn Forrest, Christopher Dunn, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Joe E. Dunn, Sr., parents, Leslie Self Harvell and Clara Strickland Harvell, 1 great-granddaughter, Breanne Miller, 2 sisters, Edith Harvell Hartner, Doris Harvell, 1 brother, Lea Harvell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, 901 S. Vienna, Ruston, LA 71273 or contact online at LMCH.ORG. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

“Fireproof” will be shown at FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M. Admission is free. Come and enjoy a good movie and learn the importance of working to strengthen a marriage.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

THOUGH LESS THAN an inch in length, the bombardier beetle is noted for its unique defense system…

When threatened, the insect sprays boiling, foul-smelling liquid and steam from its posterior, warding off spiders, birds, and even frogs.

Consider: This beetle is equipped with “a pair of glands which open at the tip of [its] abdomen.” Each of these has a reservoir that stores an acidic compound and hydrogen peroxide as well as a reaction chamber filled with enzymes dissolved in water. To protect itself, the insect can squeeze the solution from the reservoirs into the reaction chamber to trigger a chemical reaction. The result? Noxious chemicals, water, and steam–at a temperature of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit–are sprayed onto an attacker. The chambers are less than sixteenth of an inch long, yet the beetle can change the speed, direction, and consistency of its toxic spray.

Researchers have studied the bombardier beetle to learn how to develop more effective and ecologically-sound mist systems. They have discovered that the beetle not only used one-way inlet valves to allow chemicals into the reaction chambers but also has a pressure-relief valve to expel them. Engineers hope to use spray technology based on the bombardier beetle in car engines and fire extinguishers, as well as in medial drug-delivery devices, such as inhalers. Professor Andy McIntosh of the University of Leeds, England, says: “Nobody had studied the beetle from a physics and engineering perspective as we did–and we didn’t appreciate how much we would learn from it.”

What do you think? Did the bombardier beetle’s complex system of valves, combustion, and explosion develop by chance? Or was it designed? (Awake)

“Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:24-25).

God’s plan for creation is so involved we will never be able to comprehend all that He did, much less do something of that magnitude ourselves. How can we not recognize that and serve Him daily?

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,

the power and the glory,

the victory and the majesty;

for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,

and You are exalted as head over all.”

1 Chronicles 29:11

Pray for Holly K. as she makes final preparations for traveling in West Africa where she will be a MK teacher for the next two years. Holly asks for your continued prayers as she makes this big change in her live. Pray that not only will she be an effective teacher for the four MKs, but she will have an impact on the nationals around her.

Jared Prescott continues to improve at home. His progress will take time. Pray for him and his family during this time.

David Gullota is now in University Hospital in New Orleans. He’s still in ICU where doctors are continuing to watch his liver. Surgery may still be necessary. If surgery is not done on the liver, doctors plant to set his leg Monday. Continue to remember David, his family, and the medical staff in your prayers.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to slowly improve. Continue to pray for her, her family, and the medical staff as they care for :Miss” Faye in ICU.

Tomorrow night, FBC, Kentwood will show the new movie “Fireproof”. It is the story of a firefighter who is allowing his marriage to fall apart for a while. The storyline is good, but the deeper meaning is that marriages are worth working on. Bro. Butch said the movie is appropriate for anyone who is married, anyone who interested in being married one day, and for anyone who knows someone who is married. I think that includes all of us. The movie will be shown at 6 P.M. and is free. Come and bring your famiy and friends.

FAILED RESOLUTIONS

At the beginning of a New Year, a high school principal decided to post his teachers’ New Year’s resolutions on the bulletin board. As the teachers gathered around the bulletin board, a great commotion started. One of the teachers was complaining. “Why weren’t my resolutions posted?” She was throwing such a temper tantrum that the principal hurried to his office to see if he had overlooked her resolutions. Sure enough, he had mislaid them on his desk.

As he read her resolutions he was astounded. This teacher’s first resolution was not to let little things upset her in the New Year.

It has been said that “nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Perhaps we should add one more thing to that list of certainties — the breaking of New Year’s resolutions! Looking back on 2008, you may be one of the fortunate ones who accomplished exactly what you hoped to accomplish during the year. But, if you’re like most of us, you didn’t read all the way through the Bible like you intended to, you quit smoking but only for a while then picked up the habit again, or you lost a few pounds only to put them back on again when your diet failed. After experiencing this failure year after year, a person tends to say to himself, “What’s the use? Why even bother to try to make these changes?”

As an old Chinese proverb puts it, though, “Failure is not falling down. Failure is not getting back up.” Or as the Japanese put it, “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” If there are areas of your life that you’ve tried to improve and failed, let this this be the month that you try again. And if you fail this month, get up and try again next month. Learn from your mistakes and become stronger. God does not turn his back on the Christian who fails (if you question that, you need only look at the story of Peter’s denial of Christ). However, He cannot help the Christian who refuses to try any longer.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hearts, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded….Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:7-8,10)

If you have made a resolution to develop a habit that will bring you closer to God or a resolution to get rid of a habit that is pulling you away from God, may God bless you with the strength to accomplish your goal. And, if you should stumble on your journey, may He pick you up and dust you off so that you can continue on the long journey of becoming like Christ.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a super Saturday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Or what man is there among you who,

if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:9-11

Mrs. Faye Price continues to show slow improvement. She was able to eat

a little ice cream, an indication she is better. Continue to pray for “Miss” Faye,

the medical staff, and the extended family. Laura told me how much it means

to her for people to tell her they are praying for her grandmother.

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (BOO-kuh-rest). 2009–a new year! When

the clock strikes midnight the morning of January 1 in Bucharest, fireworks

will light up the sky. For members of Team Bucharest, it is always an

interesting sight to see: fireworks being shot from windows and on the streets.

No, it’s not safe, but it’s amazing to see how Romanians spend a lot of money

for just a few minutes of excitement. As the new year begins, please pray for

Romanians to know the Lord who can give them true joy–not just a face on

an icon, but their Savior who loves them. http://www.imbromania.ro/

(I’ve tried to sleep through this, but it is impossible. I found this much more

than interesting. I was very afraid! Yes, they need to know the Lord and His

great joy! Anna Lee)

MANDARIN CHINESE IN CANADA. Distressed after being disciplined by

his parents, a 4-year-old boy asked to talk with his Sunday School teacher.

On the phone, Miss E listened as M shared his burden and then helped him

find peace. Finally she said, “Would you like to pray?” He answered, “Yes.”

She waited for M to start a prayer on the phone but, after a time of silence,

sensed no one was on the line. Finally M’s father picked up the phone to

explain: The little boy had set the phone down to kneel and fold his hands,

and he was praying. Ask God to give highly educated Chinese believers who

face many difficult challenges in daily living the faith and humility of a child.

Pray that they will grow spiritually, enduring hardship as discipline, allowing

God to use each distressing event to conform them to the image of Christ.

http://www.macregion.org/

ONESTORY: WEST AFRICA. Susan, a member of the OneStory Senufo

Syenara Team, shares: “The Syenara story set is complete. Please pray for

the Syenara people as they hear stories from God’s Word in their very own

language for the first time ever.”

FBC, Kentwood will have a service at 6:30 P.M. tonight that will focus on the

new year. You are invited to attend. The youth will have a special activity

tonight. Contact Bro. Bucky or the church office for information.

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Trust

IT’S IMPORTANT TO be careful where

you place your trust…

Some barbers say “trust me” as half of

your eyebrow falls into your lap.

Some dentists say “trust me” as they

drill down deeper than Exxon.

Some postal workers say “trust me,” stamp your package “Fragile,” and then

drop-kick it into the parcel bin.

Some manicurists say “trust me,” as they push your cuticles back to your elbow.

Some mechanics say “trust me,” then make your engine purr like a kitten…

with strep throat.

Some friends say “trust me” as they borrow your favorite shirt, accidentally

wash it in hot water, then hand you back a swatch.

A lot of people say “trust me,” but don’t quite earn your trust. They fall short

of their promises, and leave you wishing you hadn’t placed your faith in them

in the first place.

Aren’t you glad, though, that when God says “trust Me,” you can?

(Martha Bolton)

“He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” ( Prov. 30:5b

KJV).

Have a great day! Be safe!

Anna Lee

Posted by Mike Benson at December 30, 2008 1:08 PM

Sunday

Blessed are the peacemakers

for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

Dr. John W. (Bro. Chip) Sloan will be preaching at Roseland this morning at 11:00. The worship service will be followed by dinner on the grounds.

Holly K. will share tonight at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. She will be leaving in a week and a half for West Africa where she will be a MK teacher. Come hear her testimony, her experiences in Richmond, and her hopes for the future.

Thomas Francis Sessum
(July 12, 1931 – December 26, 2008)

Thomas Francis Sessum

U.S. Veteran Thomas Francis Sessum was born on July 12, 1931 and passed away at 6:45AM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. He was 77, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite. Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Mitchell & Frances Riviere Sessum. He was a US Air Force Veteran.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 18 years, Erline Wiggins Sessum, Amite; 3 daughters, Sandra Sessum Arsenaux, Metairie, Pepper Sessum Caruso, Old Jefferson, & Teree Lartique, Metairie; 2 step-sons, Timothy L. McGrath, Amite & Edward A. McGrath, Pensacola, FL; 2 sisters, Jean DeReyna, Atlanta, GA & Frances Post, Ft. Worth, TX; 9 grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, a son, Leonce Sessum, a grandson, Gavin Lee McGrath; a brother, Donald Calvin Sessum.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 after 2:00PM until Memorial Services at 3:00PM in the funeral home Chapel.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Debbie Woods

(Died December 26, 2008)

Debbie Woods passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at her residence near Kentwood, LA.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next Coggins-Gentry Ford.

TOLERATING MISTAKES

A building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was likely to stretch over several months. He approached the owner of the property and held up the check he’d been given. “This is two hundred dollars less than we agreed on,” he said.

“I know,” the owner said, “But last week I overpaid you two hundred dollars, and you never complained.”

The contractor said, “Well, I don’t mind an occasional mistake. But when it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention.”

Before chuckling too much, do you recall the last time a cashier charged you too little for an item? Were you as quick to point it out to him or her as you were when you were overcharged? Isn’t it funny how we are willing at times to tolerate mistakes by others as long as we benefit rather than suffer?

That’s why our standard of right and wrong must be determined by God’s word and not by our own feelings. As impartial as we may try to be, we are too easily swayed by that little voice inside that says, “If it doesn’t hurt me, then it must be OK.”

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day of Bible study and worship.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

Mrs. Faye Price’s schedule was busy yesterday, so she did not have a chance to sit up. Maybe today. “Miss” Faye looks better, but the doctor keeps telling her daughters to “get some rest”. They laughed saying their mother is looking better, but they must not be!

Keep praying for “Miss” Faye, the medical staff caring for her, and her extended family. Your prayers are appreciated very much!

Pray for Holly K. as she prepares to share at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow at 6 P.M. She will be using a video and a power point presentation. I’m looking forward to hearing her and supporting her as she goes to West Africa as a MK teacher.

Dr. John W. Sloan (Bro. Chip) will be preaching at Roseland tomorow morning at 11:00. You are invited to attend the service and worship with the members of that church.

As churches continue to collect money for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, you might be interested in this brief summary of her life.

Lottie’s life in brief

Birth
Born Charlotte Diggs Moon Dec. 12, 1840, in Albemarle County, Va.

Salvation
Lottie rebelled against Christianity until she was in college. In December 1858, she dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Charlottesville, Va.

Education
Lottie attended Albemarle Female Institute, female counterpart to the University of Virginia. In 1861, she was one of the first women in the South to receive a master’s degree.

Pre-missionary life
Lottie stayed close to home during the Civil War but eventually taught school in Kentucky, Georgia and Virginia.

Missionary appointment
Edmonia Moon, Lottie’s sister, was appointed to Tengchow, China, in 1872. The following year, Lottie was appointed and joined her sister there.

Missionary work
Lottie served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province. She taught in a girls’ school and often made trips into China’s interior to share the good news with women and girls.

Letters home
Lottie frequently wrote letters to the United States, detailing Chinese culture, missionary life and the great physical and spiritual needs of the Chinese people. Additionally, she challenged Southern Baptists to go to China or give so that others could go. By 1888, Southern Baptist women had organized and helped collect $3,315 to send workers needed in China.

Lottie’s death
Lottie died aboard a ship in the Japanese harbor of Köbe on Dec. 24, 1912. She was 72 years old.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®
In 1918, Woman’s Missionary Union named the annual Christmas offering for international missions after the woman who had urged them to start it.

Command

Is it right for God to command us to love one another?

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35).

(Posted by Mike Benson at December 18, 2008 3:01 PM)

Have a great day as you prepare for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Update on Emily Panter:

Posted 12/22/08

What a wonderful weekend we had! Friday Luke and I took the younger girls to run some errands and it was such a beautiful day. The older kids finished this semester. And I got to visit with my college sweet-mate. Saturday was Lily’s birthday. I can remember being in the hospital and thinking there was no way they would let me out in time for that. But I was here ( a little sore) and it was great! Sunday I went to church!! It was wonderful to see everyone and to once again be in a room with a body of believers all focusing on one thing…how great a God we serve. We then ate Christmas meal at church and the ladies had an ornament exchange. I am so thankful I was able to go. We rested during the afternoon and then took the kids to TaMolly’s and the food tasted right!! (I still only managed to eat one section of me quesadilla) but it was great. Then we took the kids to look at lights. It was a wonderful weekend.

Update on Don Denton:

Posted 12/25/08 M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S

As this day comes to an end for us I found myself throughout the day thinking of these past three months. Sitting on the sofa with Don and Josh and of course the dog right there with us, I could not help but find pure pleasure and joy in what it meant to be there with the ones I love most.

This has been a season of waiting for us. Waiting comes in many forms and in the waiting it can bring out the best and worst of us depending on the situation. For us a devastating illness. The memories that flooded my mind today where difficult and then really good memories.

And after sifting through my emotions today some were sad and most were joyous, I found myself giving thanks again to God our Father for the best Christmas present I have ever had. Just to be sitting right there on the sofa watching Joshua play with his toys and having Don right next to me. God is so good! As my brother gave me some wise advice this day. Seize the moment, don’t let it slip away.

Be “present” with who you are with. We are not promised tomorrow. We have today and even if it is a hard day, it still can be good, good in the sense that we have others to lean on when we can’t make it, we have God’s precious people to reach out to for help. That in and of itself is so good. It is a healing balm to the soul to be ministered to by others.

This Christmas day we give thanks to God for his son Jesus who makes it possible for life. I could not make this journey without him, nor could I make it without the precious people of God – you who have walked with us on the very hard path.

It is truly a good day in the Denton house today. We are home, Don continues to improve. We have a long road, but God is merciful to us. We have so much to be thankful for on this wonderful day!

Next week is another busy week of doctor appts. Please pray for Don, that he will continue to grow stronger and the dizziness, and double vision with continue to improve as well.

Merry Christmas to our family and friends. We love you!

Blessings

Diane

From Velta Morris’ blog:

. . . . December brings so many special moments! For starters, Bill and I got in the real Christmas spirit the first week! For four days we went to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child center in Charlotte, along with several from our church. There we worked with the shoeboxes! Thousands and thousands of them! Our jobs ranged from inspecting the contents of individual boxes, to removing contributions, to taping the boxes, to arranging them in large cartons according to boy/girl, age, etc., readying them for shipment to the various countries. They will all go by freight liner trucks, by planes, by boats, and finally by carts, burros, and various other means of transport, ultimately reaching those children who are waiting for what might be their only gift! I believe the center in Charlotte alone expected to ship 1.8 million boxes! The deliveries are coordinated with missions organizations throughout the world.

. . . Today – December 20 – brought a very unexpected but delightful telephone call! Barbara Bearden was on the line! Barbara is one of those rare people who come into our lives, leaves a permanent footprint, and we are never the same. Barbara’s life has touched countless individuals over these many years and this blog could never contain a fraction of her accomplishments nor describe our gratitude for our friendship. Her dear husband, Don, was our minister of music in Kentwood in the 1960s. That’s when our friendship began. Don was a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary when First Baptist Kentwood called him as our minister of music. Soon thereafter, Don and Barbara (a Florida girl!) were married, and together they ministered to the hearts of folks everywhere and anywhere they saw a need. Barbara was a registered nurse, and her sphere of influence certainly was not limited to this vocation. Don earned his doctorate at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and from Louisiana Don and Barbara moved to Mars Hill, NC, where Don was on staff at the college there; later on to Winston Salem where he once again was minister of music in a Baptist church there. Don’s life was cut short in a tragic accident, a result of the actions of a drunken driver. Few deaths have impacted our lives to the extent that Don’s has. Barbara now lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she enjoys living in the historic district, walking to many of her favorite places, and volunteering her time, still ministering to those who are hurting physically and emotionally. Thanks, Barbara, for getting in touch after so many years of our having lost contact with each other! What a wonderful Christmas gift! We are richer because of Don and Barbara Bearden. . . .

2008 Samaritan’s Purse Video Review of 2008

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/2008-Year-in-Pictures/

Holly K. will share at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M. Sunday. She will be departing for West Africa after the first of the year to teach MK’s. Be sure to be present to hear about her experiences in Virginia and expectations for West Africa.

I could have posted this before Christmas, but decided to wait so we could use it as a tool to evaluate our Christmas. Read the devotional and rate yourself. I hope you all score well!

TWO VERY DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS

I heard about a teacher who asked the children in her class about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. She thought it might be effective to inch toward its meaning by having them playfully correct some wrong ideas.

“Now let me think,” she began. “Thanksgiving. That’s the day when we think about all the stuff we have. And how we want more things than anybody else has. And how we don’t care about anybody but ourselves. And . . .”

“No!” the preschool kids were starting to chorus! “No-o-o!”

Then one little guy in the middle of the pack looked up and chirped, “That’s not Thanksgiving, Miss Michelle. That’s Christmas!”

As we begin the transition in this country from Thanksgiving to Christmas, there does indeed seem to be a world of difference in the way these two holidays are viewed. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays left which has not been ruined by commercialism. It is still a relatively “pure” time of giving thanks to God for our bountiful blessings. Christmas, on the other hand…….

What should be a time when we are able to take great joy in giving to others (for “it is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35) and a time to remember the great gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ, has (for many) turned instead to a stressful, hectic time when we are focused on ourselves and our wants

Allow me to make a suggestion based on an ancient Jewish practice. The Jews had a day set aside, like our day of Thanksgiving, to remember how God had blessed them as a nation and taken care of them in their darkest hour. Purim was a day of “gladness and feasting…and for sending presents to one another.” (Esther 9:19).

However, there was one major difference in their practice and ours (though there shouldn’t be). Their thanksgiving resulted in gift giving, but not just to friends and family. They had a practice of “sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22).

This past week, we all had opportunity to give thanks to God for how He has blessed us. We need to remember that with blessings come responsibilities — and we have a responsibility to use our blessings to God’s glory. In the weeks ahead, may you truly know the joy of using your blessings not merely to make your family happy, but to share with others around you who are in need.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I trust meeting needs (and wants) of others (not you family) was included in your holiday season. I hope it is a part of your life during the non-holiday times too.

Anna Lee

Anna Lee

Christmas Eve

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
—Isaiah 9:6

A Christmas thank-you
Multitudes of people around the world are celebrating Christmas this year because you prayed, partnered and gave to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas from Jerry and Bobbye Rankin and all of us at the IMB.

Staying home doesn’t mean missing out on church, missions
After almost 40 years as a pastor, Gerald Cole decided it was time to go home to Louisiana to retire. He and wife Rosie found themselves back at their first pastorate, Springhill Baptist Church near Marion. But they found a locked building and a challenge to start again, which they did. Things went well for a time, then the economy began slipping, as did Rosie’s health. Membership is down to two now, and mostly the services happen in the Coles’ living room. But they still tithe weekly, send money on through the Cooperative Program and this year mailed a $2,000 check to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. “We haven’t quit,” says Gerald. “We’re not through.”
Thank-God for people like the Coles who continue to serve and continue to give. May we use them as an example for our lives.

Mrs. Margaret Callihan is getting stronger. Pray for her as she continues to improve.

Mr. Bud Callihan is feeling fine since his hospital stay and heart procedure. Thank God for his good reports.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough said the temporary nerve treatment helped with her back pain. Pray the permanent treatment Monday is successful.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to be about the same. Please continue to pray for her, the medical staff of the ICU unit, and the family.

Pray for all the people who are traveling. Pray for safety and that they would have an opportunity to share their holiday joy and the reason for the holiday with others.

Frank William Meduna, Jr.
(June 30, 1929 – December 22, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Died at 10:40 PM on Monday, December 22, 2008 at his residence in Amite, LA. He was a native of New Orleans, LA. Age 79 years. He was a retired Staff Sargent, U.S.M.C., a Purple Heart recipient, and a member of Marine Corp League, Jans F. Hursey Det. 748, Slidell, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 1 p.m. Friday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. Survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Leah and Craig Mellin, St. Paul, MN, Sandra and Patric Darvie, Slidell, LA, grandson, Patric Darvie, III, Slidell, LA, numerous nieces and nephews, Preceded in death by, wife, Blanche Lawrence Meduna, parents, Frank William Meduna, Sr. and, Florence Barth Meduna, Special thanks to caregiver, Barbara Hoover.

Baptist Press

December 23, 2008

*** TENNESSEE–7-year-old’s Christmas cards boost missions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29570

*** GEORGIA–They opened their hearts -– 41 times. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29571

COLORADO–Girls go shopping in the Christmas spirit. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29572

*** FLORIDA–Tebow’s football awards anchored by faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29573

WASHINGTON–Bush signs enhanced anti-trafficking bill. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29574

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Roger S. Oldham): God’s Son, born of a virgin. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29575

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Kenneth S. Hemphill): The Advent of the King. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29576

How is Your Manger?

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. Proverbs 14:4.

During the time of Caesar Augustus, an issue was decreed that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph and Mary, subjects of the Roman government, left the town of Nazareth and went to their hometown of Bethlehem because Joseph belonged to the house of David. Mary and Joseph were engaged. She was expecting her first child, and while they were there, in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born. Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son, whom they named Jesus. “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”1

The baby Jesus, out Savior, was born in a crude building that reeked of animal dung and was placed in a cruel manger. His welcoming committee consisted of donkeys and oxen and dirt-poor shepherds. There was nothing delicate about the surroundings into which our Savior was born. No place more humble could have been found in which to lay the Savior of the universe. None of us can say that we had a less auspicious start in life, but Jesus proved during His sojourn among us that He works best in difficult and unpleasant circumstances.

Jesus came to bring the touch of God to humanity. Isaiah prophesied of our Savior, “Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.”2 Jesus was the sinless friend of sinners. He liked sinners; He enjoyed their company; He had compassion on them; He loved them. In one story of Jesus, “A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on His knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ He said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately, the leprosy left Him and He was cured.”3

“Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.” Do you know what a touch meant to someone with leprosy? Imagine. Suppose the man’s name was John. In his previous life, he had a wife and two young children. One day, John was at work and noticed a raised scab on his upper arm. He was somewhat concerned and so he went home to his wife. She told him to hurry to the priest; perhaps he could do something to help. But the priest assured John that there was nothing that could be done for him. He had received a plague, a judgment from God. There was no hope. He could not return to his family, not for one last hug or kiss – not even for one last touch.

The disease of leprosy was not particularly painful after the first few weeks, and although John may not have felt physical pain, he certainly did suffer. Almost all the pain that he felt came from the outside, the pain of rejection imposed upon him by his community. How the man came to Jesus, we do not know, but it is not too hard to imagine the indignation rippling through the crowd as John walked through them to meet Jesus while shouting “Unclean! Unclean!” When he reached Jesus, we are told that he fell down at His knees and begged, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” And Jesus, filled with compassion, reached out His hand and touched the man. The crowd must have gasped.

Imagine being touched after years or months of no contact with another human. What, do you suppose, was his response? A tear? A flinch? How many months or years had it been since he felt the warmth of a human touch? What would have been your response?4

The text in Proverbs says, “without the oxen, the manger is empty.” The greatest Lover in history appeared to us amidst the dirty oxen of a lowly stable. He appeared amidst the scandal of an expectant, yet unmarried couple. He knows what hurts us. Jesus reveals a God who is not indifferent to human agony, a God who reached out to touch us, a God who fully embraces the human condition, and plunges into the thick of our human struggle.5 He showed us that He is Emmanuel, God with us – God who touches us. There is nothing that Jesus does not understand about the heartache that hangs like a cloud over the history of our lives. God expects us to lay the difficult, unpleasant, and leprous parts of our life before Him. Unless He washes us, unless He touches our lives, we may have no part with Him6 without the oxen, the manger is empty. Jesus knows all about us, but He loves us anyway. He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”7

Luke says, “There was no room for them in the inn.” Do you have room for Jesus in your life? In our society today, we guard ourselves to make sure that no one discovers our weaknesses. We feel that we must carry around our failures and burdens in a brown paper bag whose contents are not visible to the rest of the world. Jesus commands us, “Lay that burden down. I am here to take care of it.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a Savior who knows all about us and yet still loves us the same as if we had never sinned? – if only we could let Him inn.

If you find yourself struggling under a burden of sin or depression or disappointment, Jesus is waiting to be born in your manger. Jesus came to this earth to deal with our “messy” problems. He loves to touch our lives. He knows our weaknesses, but Jesus works most powerfully through our shortcomings. God loves to work in the difficult and unpleasant situations of our lives. If we let Him live long enough in the manger of our life, amidst the oxen of our burdens, we will be changed. Slowly, the stench of our hurt and anger will be broken by the fragrance of our knowledge of Him. We will become the “aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”8

If you already have a relationship with Jesus, remember back to what you were like when He called you. Remember your first encounter with God. Remember the day you met Jesus. Remember how your heart quaked at the awareness of His presence. Remember how you trembled in the presence of His overwhelming love. Not many of us were brilliant by human standards; not many of us were influential; not many of us were of noble birth;9 some of us were arrogant; some of us were proud. Praise God! He chose us anyway!

God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.10 Do we, like Jesus, have love for the unlovable? Do we have love for the lepers in our lives? Are we willing to touch other’s lives? Jesus was a sinless friend of sinners. Are we friends of sinners or are we their worst enemies – our own worst enemies? How can we overcome? We ask God to help that what breaks His heart, will break our hearts as well.

Littered along the road from the Manger to the Cross will be the bitterness, anger, disappointment, pride, and arrogance that we once tightly held in the security of our brown paper bag. In its place, we will grasp the transparent vessel of the body of Christ. We will extend to our frightened world the love, hope, and touch of Jesus Christ regardless of race, religion, or culture. From the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

My prayer for you this holiday is that you may experience Jesus – that pearl of great price wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you this Christmas, and may you continue to find joy in your journey with Him. Christina.

I Luke 2:1-7. All texts are my paraphrase or are quoted from the NIV Bible. C. 1996 by AMG, International. 2 Isaiah 53:4 3 Mark 1:40-44. 4 See Philip Yancey, In The Jesus I Never Knew. Pages 171-173. 5 See Brennan Manning, In Lion and Lamb. Page 128. 6 John 13:8 7 2 Corinthians 12:9 8 2 Corinthians 2:14,15 9 1 Corinthians 1:18, 25-31 10 ibid.

————————————————————————– — This Christmas meditation is by Christina Harris who can be reached at . Feel free to contact her regarding your appreciation, testimonies, thoughts, comments, etc on this lovely devotional. I want to wish you a blessed and healthy holiday season and New Year full of God’s richest blessings.

Yours in Christ,

Fred Gibbs

FYI: FBC, Kentwood will not have any Christmas Eve or Christmas services.

Merry CHRISTmas!
Anna Lee