Category: FBC

Wednesday

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

~John 15:12, NIV~

We briefly visited with three generations of the Kliesch family. Holly Kliesch is preparing to go to the missionary learning center for orientation as she plans to serve as a MK teacher, probably in West Africa. She will be able to use the French she learned as a child when her parents were missionaries. Pray for her as she begins this special portion of her life. Whitney Kliesch is leaving in a couple days to return to the military. He will be heading to Iraq for his second tour. Pray for him and the other young men and women with him. Pray for the parents and the grandparents as they release two of their family members to serve overseas.

Joan Hagan’s daugher, Rachel O’Brian, requests prayer for two families:

  • Wayne Wales family of the Easleyville area
  • Bobby and Shirley Landers who both have health issues

Joan requests prayer for her aunt, Mrs. Elaine Bennett, as she faces surgery. You can pray for her as she has a 2:30 appointment today.

Joan also reported her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, got a good medical report yesterday. Thank God for her good news.

Continue to pray for Kathy Dyer. She’s still in ICU following Monday’s surgery.

Please remember Charlotte Craig (Team Romania) and her family in prayer. Her father, James Preston Cox, passed away today. Ron will be traveling to Tennessee tomorrow to be with her so remember him as he travels. Charlotte flew to Tennessee a little over a week ago to see her father and be with her family.

Blessings,

Donna

It’s time to begin to pray for those in the path of another hurricane, Gustav. My friend and former coworker, Amber Anthony of Tickfaw, is expecting a baby at any time. Her doctor will induce Wednesday if the baby is not born before them. This is a portion of her latest email.

We talked a lot today about the hurricane situation, and I have been praying for God to dissolve the storm completely…I don’t want to wish it on Texas or Mexico…I just want it to disappear! Thanks for your prayers and support!!

At this point, the hurricane’s projected paths include our area. Pray for people who might be in the path of Gustav to begin to make necessary preparations. Unless the storm dissolves or turns around and heads back to the Atlantic (ha ha), it will be making landfall somewhere in early next week.

On Mission in Kentwood will be this Saturday at 8 A.M. Meet at the church for donuts and an assignment. There’s a job for everyone. Come be blessed as God blesses others through you.

Baptist Press
August 26, 2008

WASHINGTON–Alternatives make embryonic stem cell research obsolete. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28777

COLORADO–Behind the scenes in Denver, Baptists aid first responders. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28776

TENNESSEE–Southern Baptists’ views of Scripture studied. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28778

FLORIDA–‘Fickle Fay’ displaces blind family. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28779

FLORIDA–After Fay’s drenching, volunteers mobilize. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28780

TENNESSEE–Union to open 14 student housing buildings. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28781

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Sharing Christ in the school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28782

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Ask of Me,

and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance,

and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

~Psalm 2:8~

AUKAN OF SURINAME AND FRENCH GUIANA (AW-kan). The Aukan Team praises God for His loving kindness to the Aukan people. A flood came two months ago and left more than 1,000 families homeless. The Christians responded to the flood by giving out food packets to the families. The Aukan people saw God’s love and are thankful to God’s people for their kindness. Please pray that the people will come to know Christ as their Savior.

BULGARIA. “We are so excited about the women who are coming from Texas and Illinois to do the quilting demonstration in September,” writes Team Bulgaria. “Please continue to lift them up as they prepare to come and use their love of quilting to share God’s love with women here. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of the women who attend to be drawn nearer to Him as they learn the art of American quilting. Praise our gracious Father for the supplies that He has already given us for this project, and ask Him to continue to lead us.” pray4bg@yahoo.com; http://www.teambulgaria.org/

PALESTINIAN ARABS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (pal-uh-STIN-ee-uhn). In the midst of a densely populated Muslim area, God has strategically positioned a Christian elementary school. The student body is predominantly Muslim. The Lord is illuminating the school as an island of peace amid a sea of turmoil. Despite persecution, the school is continuing to grow. Praise God! Several new classes will be added this year. Pray for God’s protection for students, staff and school property. Ask that many young families will open their hearts to the love of God through His Son.

Change of Schedule at FBC, Kentwood Tonight:

  • Evening Worship will resume at 6 P.M.
  • AWANA will resume at 4:45.


SECURING THE TOMB

 

 

A joke heard around the Pentagon goes like this:

One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don’t speak the same language.

For example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building,” they would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.

It seems to me that there was some misunderstanding regarding the “securing” of a location in Palestine in the first century as well.

“On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He has risen from the dead.” So the last deception will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.” (Matthew 27:62-66).

The Jewish and Roman leaders’ idea of “securing the tomb” meant putting a big rock in front of it. Unfortunately for them (but fortunately for us), Jesus’ idea was to secure the tomb’s place in history by rising from the dead. Mere rocks are unable to hold back the one who created the universe! What hope is ours because of what happened that glorious morning nearly 2,000 years ago! Praise God for the resurrection of His precious Son!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Tuesday

 

 

 

“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~

 

 

Bucky and Colbye Erwins baby daughter arrived sometime Sunday night. I won’t attempt to spell her name because it has been several weeks since Bucky and Colbye told me the name. Thank God this young lady has arrived. Thank God for the Christian home she will have.

Bro. Bucky is the minister for youth and children at FBC, Kentwood.

Earlo LaBauve, Sharon Martin’s dad, had a stent put in his heart yesterday and was doing well. If all continued to go well last night, he will be released today.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn and his family during some difficult days.

Jason Alford had a MRI yesterday on his injured knee. He will get results Wednesday.

James Rimes shares this yesterday evening:

Larry Watts had carotid artery surgery this evening at St. Tammany Hospital. He is out of surgery and doing well. Please pray for him and the family as he faces by-pass surgery later
in the week.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is scheduled to leave rehab in Hammond and return to Line Creek Thursday. Let’s pray for her as she completes her last days of rehab.

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


THE DISCIPLES WERE no different than we are…

Get a group of people together in any organization and there is a power struggle. Someone wants to be the big shot or the one most honored and respected or just the one who gets to tell everyone else what to do. There is the organizational appointed leader and then there is a leader unofficially chosen by the group that is to be led.

Sometimes these two leaders are on the same sheet of music and cooperate well and other times it is an adversarial relationship. The group leader always instigates the old “us versus them” controversy. You know, labor versus management, deacons versus preacher or whatever the division is in the particular group. Sometimes the adversity is hot and livid and other times it is more of a passive aggressive situation. You always get a “Yes, Sir or Yes Ma’am”, but there is always a problem getting a project accomplished on time or correctly. We have all worked in shops or served in churches like that.

So here we have the disciples debating which one is the second in command since Jesus was the Master. Peter was vocal and the first to declare Jesus as the Christ. John was closest to Him and was known by them as the one that Jesus loved. The others gave forth all their strengths and reasons why they should be the elder or leader among them. They may have gotten into a heated discussion over this. Peter was a firebrand so I am sure he lit a few fires in the discussions.

As in all our disputes and reasonings, Jesus saw the core problem and used a child to illustrate the true way to greatness in the Kingdom. The way up is down. Jesus came here for the little guy. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Son of God, the Mighty Counselor and the Prince of Peace who left glory to die for creatures that in comparison to Him were bacteria and bad bacteria at best. He came into the world as the son of a poor carpenter and was laid in a manger or cow trough. He was living as a poor, itinerant preacher and even had a fish provide tax money for Him and His followers. Yet, His followers were arguing about how great that they were when in their countrymen’s eyes they were only poor, illiterate fishermen. The sheer gall of it all is mind boggling until you realize that we do the same thing. (Ronald Shultz)

“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).

Monday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Judy Easley reports her new grandson, Tyler Easley, had a good first week at home. Pray for Tyler’s family as they continue to give him the special care he requires because of his premature birth. Thank God for the progress Tyler has made so far and for the way God has made His presence known to the family.

Mr. Bobby Raborn continues to do well as he continues to recover from double knee surgery.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve. Pray for him as he tries to be patient with the speed of the recovery process.

A request has been made for prayer for Mr. Robert “Bobby” Thompson. Mr. Bobby lives in Amite and is married to Mrs. Ruby Thompson.

Sharon Martin’s dad, Mr. Erlo LaBauve, will be having some heart tests at North Oaks today. Sharon’s uncle will also be in North Oaks undergoing other tests. Please pray for these folks.

Pray for Alice Bankston, a teacher at Sumner, as she deals with newly diagnosed cancer. She’s was able to start school with her students Friday.

Pray for Bucky and Colbye Erwin as the time quickly approaches for the birth of their first child. Colbye is staying with her family in Mississippi to be near her doctor and hospital.

Pray for Karen Miller as she adjusts to a new position – secretary at Roseland Elementary. She is receiving on-the-job training because she was not hired in time to get the training before school started.

Please continue to pray for teachers and students as school will be underway in all area schools today. Pray for a minimum of interruptions so the maximum learning can be accomplished. Pray teachers and other staff members will be able to influence young lives in ways other than just material in a textbook.

Pray for AWANA as it begins next Sunday at FBC, Kentwood. Pray for all involved. Pray for Scriptures to be learned and applied to young lives. Pray for missions to be instilled in these children.

Children’s Choir will begin next month. Plan to add choir to the Wednesday schedule for your children and grandchildren.

Pray for how God would have you involved in On Mission in Kentwood on the 30th. There is an assignment for anyone who wished to participate – young, older, male, or female. Come receive a blessing as you bless someone else.

Big 10 from TeamRomany August 2008

1. FARM students complete their ministry assignments and return home this month. Please pray for them to finish strong. Thank God for the way in which they were able to enhance existing ministry and begin new ministry points. Thank God also for their own spiritual growth as they saw God use them to share His Good News in many communities. Pray also for Katie Steele, an American student summer missionary, who is serving in the Czech Republic. Pray that God will continue to provide opportunities for her to minister in Romany communities.

2. Thank God for the ministry of International World Changers (IWC) teams who served with teamromany in both Romania and Czech Republic this in July. They were able to open doors for ministry in new areas. They provided a positive witness for Christ and shared the Gospel with many. Thank God with us for changed lives as a number of Roma prayed to receive Christ. Pray for teamromany members as they provide follow-up.

3. Please pray for the Silbys as they begin language study, continue to get settled in and adjust to the culture.

4. Daniel’s car was broken into last month and he suffered significant material loss. Please pray for him as he clears up all the details from this event. Pray for him as he is hosting several volunteer teams this month.

5. The Banks family is thankful for God’s goodness to them. They are grateful for their new apartment in Brailia, Romania. The apartment and location are a great match for their needs.

6. Pray for the Banks family as they visit the villages of Viziru and Valea Canepii to follow-up on outreach work started by the Hills and Insuratiei mission pastor. Pray for protection, favor, and boldness to share the Gospel in these villages. Pray for the new believers to open their homes for Bible study and discipleship.

7. Pray for Tamara and Jennie as they begin a new year of homeschooling. Tamara will be teaching Wesley and Coulter and Jennie will be teaching Mallory, Miles, Madison, and Mason. Pray for the Silby children (Ryan, Elizabeth, and Hannah) as they begin new schools in the Czech Republic.

8. Pray for Cornel Tuns as he marries Erica Bartsch this Saturday. This is an answer to Cornel’s prayers. He’s thankful for God’s goodness.

9. Thank God that the Hatchels received their residency visas which are valid for one year. Please pray for the Hills as they begin the visa renewal process in Romania. Pray that the process will go smoothly and swiftly.

10. Pray for the Hills as they take a team of Romany young people on a mission trip to Sighisoara, Romania. Pray for that God will change the lives of both the youth participating in the project and the people they will minister to.

Thank you for praying with us and for us.

Teamromany

Wes and Tamara Banks – Romania

Daniel Byrd – Romania

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel – Czech Republic

Bob and Gayle Hill – Romania

Joe and Julie Silby – Czech Republic

Deacon Hospital Visitation this Week

  • David Alford
  • Jesse Dean

Please contact these men if you know of any need.


Margarette Catha

Margarette Catha, 93, died at her home in Cleveland, Tenn., on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. She was born on Aug. 5, 1915, in Kentwood, to the family of William Thomas and Mary Ann Catha. She worked as a clerk/stenographer in the Baton Rouge area with Charity Hospital, Federal Emergency Relief Administration, Public Welfare Office, Louisiana State Department, War Manpower Commission, U.S. Recruiting Department and Department of Employment in Cleveland and Chattanooga. In 1949, she began her work in Cleveland, Tenn., as the executive secretary to the Church of God, where she worked for 31 years. She retired at the 1980 General Assembly. She was a longtime member of the North Cleveland Church of God, where she once taught a children’s Sunday school class, was in the Crusaders Choir, was on the board for Women’s Ministries and was a member of the Unity Sunday school class. Survivors include several nieces and nephews in Florida and Louisiana; her special friends, Beulah Mae Murphree and Grace Golden, of Cleveland; and her caregivers, Cathryne Blocker and Ramona Hyberger; along with personal assistants and support from Amedisys Hospice. She was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters, Leila Catha Langlois, Oris Catha Seefield, Loleat Catha Carlson, Grace Catha Gaines; and two brothers, Advil and Troy Catha. Celebration of Life service at Grissom Funeral Home, Cleveland, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Mitch Maloney. Visitation begins at noon. Interment at the Woodland Memorial Cemetery in her home town of Kentwood, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, Attn. Margarette Catha Scholarship for Needy Children, P.O. Box 439, Sevierville, TN 37864 or the North Cleveland Church of God, Attn. World Missions Fund or the Building Fund, Cleveland, TN 37311.

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

Today

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~


Thank God for the slow, steady rain we are receiving this morning. Have a great week!

 

Don’t forget the associational church council meeting tonight at FBC, Kentwood. It begins with supper at 6 P.M.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved–you and your household.’

Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him

along with everyone in his house.”

~Acts 16:31-32, HCSB~

The following thank-you note is for members of First Baptist Church, Kentwood from Boyd and Jennie Hatchel:

Thank you for the generous gift from Vacation Bible School this year. We are honored to be considered your missionaries. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support of our ministry among the Roma.

The funds you gave provided for a number of great new initiatives for our team. Some of your funds are helping summer missionaries from Romania and America minister to Romany people in Brno. Some of your funds are helping with block party supplies like face paints, jump ropes, snacks, and sports equipment. Some of your funds are helping with follow-up visits in Ostrava from the work of International World Changers last month. Some of your funds are helping with the costs of a conference next month with our team members.

Prayers, encouragement, gift packages, and this gift are some of the many ways that you have shown your support and cooperation with our efforts. Thank you for your generosity, sacrifice, and service with our team. We are not your ambassadors – we are on the same team!

Blessings from Brno,

The Hatchel Family

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

 

Attention

 

GOD WAS ANGRY with their careless, shoddy methods of worship…

The animals they brought for sacrifice were not acceptable to Him because they were not the best of the herds and flocks. Instead, they offered stolen, lame, and sick animals.

While we may not be showing this degree of contempt toward God, sometimes we are too casual in our worship. A friend of mine made this observation about herself: “When I shop for simple things like soap or butter, I hardly think about it. But when I’m looking for a blouse to match a skirt, I shop very carefully. I go from store to store until I find exactly what I’m looking for.” Then she added thoughtfully, “I should pay that same attention when I am worshiping God. But sometimes I approach Him as casually as if I were shopping for a box of Kleenex.”

During our worship assemblies, we may fail to give God our full attention. We rush in late. Our thoughts wander. We need to discipline our minds so that we are not focusing on yesterday’s cares or tomorrow’s responsibilities. When we worship the Lord with all our heart, He will be pleased with us. (Dave Egner)

“You bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick. …

Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord.”

~Mal. 1:13~

Saturday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

I forgot to mention Joan Hagan’s doctor’s visit Monday. He said she is progressing as expected. Please continue to keep Joan in your prayers.

Pray for Randy Simpson as he continues to have difficulty with speaking and hoarseness.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn, Chuck Pittman, and others who are undergoing cancer treatment.

There will be no evening worship services at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow. The regular worship services which have been cancelled for the summer will resume August 17th,

The associational church council meeting will be at 6 P.M. Monday at FBC, Kentwood.

Children’s Choir will begin on Wednesday nights beginning Sept. 3rd. AWANA will begin with a party this week and regular meeting next week.

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY

I heard recently about a man who filled his car with gas at a self-service gas station. After he had paid and driven away, he realized that he had left the gas cap on top of his car. He stopped and looked and, sure enough, it was lost.

He thought for a second and realized that other people must have done the same thing, and that it was worth going back to look by the side of the road since even if he couldn’t find his own gas cap, he might be able to find another one that fit.

Sure enough, after only a short time of searching, he found a gas cap. He carefully wiped it off and slipped it into place with a satisfying click.

He told his wife as he climbed back into the car, “I may have lost my gas cap, but I found another one that fits and it’s even a better cap than the one I had – it locks…”

Oops! A locking gas cap is a great idea — but only if you have the key that opens it! Understanding the Bible is much the same way. Remember when Jesus first began speaking in parables — his apostles came to him for an explanation. They wanted the “key”, and Jesus gave it to them. Jesus said, “”To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God.” (Mark 4:11).

The book of Revelation is a difficult (some would say impossible) book for people to understand, but it becomes a much easier task when you have the “key” explaining the symbolism of the numbers, colors and images found in the book.

Sometimes the ministry of Jesus is referred to as a “mystery”. Paul wrote often about the “mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19), the “mystery of Christ” (Col. 4:3), or simply “the mystery” (Eph. 3:9). The word “mystery” means that it was something that was “hidden” for a while. All through the Old Testament, God was preparing for Jesus Christ to come to this earth, but no one fully understood what that would mean. The prophets foretold his coming, but they didn’t fully understand (I Peter 1:10-12). Even the angels didn’t know what God had in mind. But we do. We understand the significance of the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Give thanks to God for “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

 

 

I have an unspoken request from Tricia Wall McCain. Please pray as she requested.

Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson is home and progressing nicely. Please continue to pray for her as she heals.

Continue to pray for Kyle and Beth Brabham as they see his doctor this afternoon at 2 P.M.

Jeff Tolar was discharged yesterday. His surgery went well. Please continue to pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

Aubrey Perry is home and will be beginning a new treatment.

Please continue to pray for Mr. I.W. Simmons as he battles cancer.

Mr. Raymond Anthony had hip surgery Tuesday. Pray that after the recovery process he will be able to get around much better.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan as she continues to recover from her surgery.

Please continue to pray for Robert Wilson as he battles shingles. Pray for the pain to ease quickly.

Glenda Schilling said her mother, Mrs. Ona Schilling, has had some problems lately, but is basically okay. Please continue to pray for Mrs. Schilling and for Glenda.

Bro. Brady Haynes sent this report of his mission trip taking International World Changers to work with the Roma (Gypsies):

. . . . The Czech trip was amazing. Our main objective was to engage the Roma people through sports and spiritual conversations for the purpose of finding believers in the area who would be willing to start house churches. Boyd said that several key individuals were located in the areas where we worked and assured us that he objective was reached. One of the sights in particular had about 26 conversions (children and adults) and our site had 3-4. It is always cool for me to see the lives of students changed when they go on an international mission trip. The Roma are outcasts…the focus of prejudice and hatred…and God called us to minister to them. Our students have already been discussing ways to do local ministry to the outcasts and forgotten. Please pray for our group and those Roma that were confronted with the Gospel. Also, please pray for Honza and Lenka our translators who are not believers. Several of us have connected with them over Facebook so that we can continue the relationship over the web for the purpose of sharing the Truth of Christ.


Thanks for your prayers!

Brady and “the Bunch”

(Jennie reported the team from Alabama was well trained and did an excellent job with each task assigned to them.)

 

 

A Message to Teens about Profanity

By Phil Boatwright

Baptist Press


KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP)–Name me a PG-13 film that doesn’t employ profanity (that is, language misusing God’s name). Shoot, even most PG films nowadays contain such language. And when you hear “Jesus” in a movie nowadays, it’s generally not spoken with regard for His Messiah-ship. Christ’s name is used more like an expletive. But let’s face it, by now, we’re pretty used to hearing the irreverent utterances in the movies. So, is the use of profanity that big of a deal?

I’d like to aim this piece at the dominant movie-going demographic: teenagers. My reasoning? I’ve already presented my thesis to oldsters many a time. But you — high schoolers — are who Hollywood aims to please — and teach.

Alas, I’m not one of you. I haven’t been a teenager since before you were born. And because of that age difference, we probably like different movies, different music, different clothes and different slang. But before you dismiss me as simply being a — what’s today’s euphemism for old fogey? — keep the following in mind. No matter the time on earth we call our generation, some things remain the same. Revering and respecting God should be something we have in common. It’s something we’re told to do in the Bible.

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7). Honoring God is a command — from God. If it weren’t important to Him, wouldn’t it not be on the list at all?

While we keep hearing that there’s too much violence and sexuality in movies, those are only symptoms of what ails our entertainment mediums. Consider for a moment: If you go to a surgeon and detail the symptoms you are suffering, the doctor doesn’t just treat the symptoms. If he does, the malady will re-manifest itself. Well, when it comes to spiritual matters, defying God is the malady. For it is only when we honor God that we begin to truly care for our fellow man. You with me?

Those who profane God’s name are breaking one of God’s laws. And although we Christians have been turning a deaf ear to the media’s usage of blasphemy for quite some time, should we continue to do so? That also begs the question: If modern-day man wrote their own Ten Commandments, would the misuse of God’s name make the list? Probably not.

There’s no indication in Exodus 20 that a movie storyteller is exempt from following the same commands as the rest of us, yet nearly every actor of this era misuses His name in the movies. Why are they so free with profanity?

I’m not sure if that disobedience of biblical teaching is done out of ignorance, disbelief or just defiance. But I do know from a lifetime of studying Scripture that the Ten Commandments are not just suggestions. They are guidelines for honoring our Heavenly Father and for caring about our fellow man.

Some people may ask: If misusing God’s name is such a big deal, then why aren’t people being smote all over the place? Our God is merciful and patient (2 Peter 3:9), but the Bible indicates that there is a price to be paid for disobedience or mockery. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Read Psalm 73 and you’ll see that a time of justice will befall the unrighteous and those who live outside of God’s commands and refuse to make Jesus Lord of their life. Read the whole Bible and you’ll see what Hollywood often doesn’t.

You may not change the media. Just don’t let the media change you. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

(Phil Boatwright reviews films for previewonline.org and is a regular columnist for Baptist Press.)

I’m thankful for Phil Boatwright’s stance on movies. Pray he will be able to influence people of all ages in making decisions about movies.

Deacon Hospital Ministry this week:

  • Tom Tolar
  • Raymond Cutrer

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday:

  • Gail Brister
  • Sharon Martin
  • Walter & Kathy Dykes

There will be no evening worship services again this week at FBC, Kentwood.

If you have a request for On Mission in Kentwood, please contact the church office or me. Begin praying now asking God if He would want you to minister in Kentwood in His name. There is a task for everone! Sign up to be blessed!

 

 

I CAN DO ALL THINGS?

A 6-year-old girl once asked her father, “What do you have to do to become a doctor?”

Her father said, “You have to do extremely well in school, take a lot of math and science, get into an excellent college, make the highest grades possible, and then go to med school, and follow that with an internship. Then you can start your own practice. Honey, as smart as you are, you can be anything you want to be.”

The little girl thought about that and then asked, “What do you have to do to be queen?”

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but I want to let you know that there’s a verse in the Bible that you may have mis-interpreted for many years. I know that I have. You see, many of us have heard lessons which promote positive thinking. We’ve been told, “If you can see it, you can achieve it.” So, if you’re a golfer, visualize getting through the golf course at 4 under par. If you need to lose weight, visualize what your life will be like when you’re 60 pounds thinner. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, visualize yourself with the position and the salary you desire.

And the verse we have often used to give us the strength to achieve these things is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” There are, no doubt, some Christian athletes headed to Beijing this week to compete in the Olympics who anticipate bringing home a gold medal because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Now I don’t dispute that there is great value in having a vision of where we want to be and what we want to accomplish. And I don’t dispute that God will bless us with strength in all endeavors that glorify Him. But I believe it is wrong to teach that anyone can accomplish anything because God will give you the strength. Not every little boy with a dream of playing in the NFL or the NBA is going to achieve that. Not every athlete that quotes Philippians 4:13 this week will bring home a gold medal from Beijing. And you can dream about being king or queen all you want to — dreaming it won’t make it happen.

The truth is that for many of us, young or old, life is not always going to turn out exactly like we thought it would. And when people are made to think that if you believe something with all your heart, it will come to pass, then when it doesn’t happen that way, they get discouraged, depressed, feel like failures, get angry, or they give up. Christians may even begin to lose their faith in God. “God, how could you let this happen to me? This is not what I wanted! You promised I could do all things!”

When you look at the context of Philippians 4:13, though, it contains a more powerful message than we ever imagined. In the previous verse, Paul writes, “I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil. 4:12).

What is it that Paul can do through Christ? He can be content no matter what the situation — whether he has plenty or he has nothing, whether he comes in first place with a gold medal or he comes in last place, whether he makes the team or he doesn’t make the team. Whatever the circumstance, whatever he may have or not have, Paul learned to be content, to be joyful. Why? Because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

May this verse serve as an encouragement to you, not to achieve great victories in life, but to find joy even in the midst of defeat.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I pray you will take time to think and rethink on the devotional above until the message becomes part of your way of thinking.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro

throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong

on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a~

 

 

Mrs. Theople Hurst was given a good report and released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. Thank God for her good report.

 

 

I’ve been missing hearing from Frann Clark. I wrote her and had to wait to hear back. Now I know why . . . .

I fell July 11 & was in the hospital for eight days. Then I was transferred to a rehab hospital for two weeks. I came home this afternoon and will receive outpatient therapy three days a week. Please pray for strength.to do daily activities.

Riley is adjusting very well to the War Veterans Home in Jennings, LA. Kerry and the girls have visited home several times and he hasn’t asked to come home with them. Please pray that he will be happy there.


. . .


God Bless You
Frann

 

 

Dr. Chip Sloan is a former pastor at Roseland Baptist Church. He just returned from another mission trip to Romania.

Greetings! Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We worked in cooperation with the Romania Chapel Project to build a church building in Insureti, about 45 minutes from Braila. Our ladies provided children ministry and women ministry, in addition to helping with the construction. Incredibly, we completed construction and dedicated the building Friday, July 25.

It was an eventful trip. As we loaded the bus to take the team of 17 to the airport, I twisted my knee. It swelled up and hurt like crazy but it didn’t keep me from fulfilling my role. Then the scaffolding collapsed dropping four of our men about ten feet onto the concrete floor. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured, though two of them were badly scrapped and bruised. Then on Friday, Martha suffered a kidney attack (stone or severe infection). She was in excrutiating pain. Bob and Gail Hill came to our assistance and got us to a clinic in Braila provided by Prestonwood Baptist Church. The story is too long to tell by email, but God provided. She is doing well.

While the trip was eventful, it was also insightful. We learned afresh the incredible commitment of our missionaries. They are subjected to inadequate medical care and willing to run the risk only because they love and trust the Lord. We also learned how God places each of us in the body, His Church, as He determines. It was special seeing how some of our team members blossomed in ministry to the Romany.

Thanks for your prayers. We needed them. God provided. We were blessed and I believe were a blessing.

. . .

His and Yours,

Bro. Chip

 

 

 

FBC Nursery Workers for August 3rd

  • Fay Shoemaker
  • J.C. Miller
  • Scott Miller
  • Katie Miller

 

 

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE

 

Here are some tips on the subject of aviation:

* Takeoffs are optional. Landings are mandatory.

* If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull thestick back they get smaller. (unless you keep pulling the stick back– then they get bigger again)

* Flying is not dangerous; crashing is dangerous.

* The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep the pilot cool. Want proof? Make it stop; then watch the pilot break out into a sweat.

* It’s best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.

* Every one already knows the definition of a “good landing” is one from which you can walk away. But very few know the definition of a “great landing.” It’s one after which you can use the airplane another time.

* The probability of survival is equal to the angle of arrival.

* A helicopter is a collection of rotating parts going round and round and reciprocating parts going up and down — all of them trying to become random in motion. Helicopters can’t really fly — they’re just so ugly that the earth immediately repels them.

* Trust your captain . . . . but keep your seat belt securely fastened.

* There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing:
Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

* Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of your takeoffs.

* Gravity never loses! The best you can hope for is a draw.

* It’s better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up there wishing you were down here.

Several of these tips lend themselves to spiritual application, but the one that jumped out at me was that last one. How much better it is to be on this earth with a mind set on “things above”, than to be anywhere with a mind set on “things below”!

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Because we are surrounded by a world which we can see, it is easy to keep our eyes focused solely on that world. We will never grow as Christians, though, until we set our sights higher. Wherever your mind has been this morning, may this serve as a gentle reminder to set it on “things above”.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

 

 

Tribute to an Old Breed of Hero

By Paul Chitwood


MOUNT WASHINGTON, Ky. (BP)–“Don’t make us go, Daddy!”

After a week of doing whatever they wanted — whenever they wanted — my 11-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter were less than enthusiastic about the way this second week of our summer travels was beginning.

They spent the first week swimming and fishing on the beaches of South Carolina. They would spend the second week in Richmond, Va., where I would oversee my first meeting as chairman of trustees for the International Mission Board.

We had barely unpacked our suitcases in the hotel room when the battle of wills began.

“We have to go,” I said. “Daddy has to be there and I want you to be there. Tonight we meet our heroes.”

For my son, that statement must have brought to mind some of his favorite movie superheroes. When he found out we weren’t going anywhere near a theater, the faint trace of excitement on his face quickly faded. Further protests were met with: “We’re going, no more complaining!”

They slouched in their chairs for the first half of the service — even when their father was speaking. I had to think: my oratory skills seem least appreciated by those who hear me speak most often.

When IMB President Jerry Rankin failed to get a reaction from my two preacher’s kids, I began to question my effectiveness as a spiritual leader in my own home. By the time Dr. Rankin and I were replaced on the stage by 55 retiring Southern Baptist missionaries, my children hardly seemed to notice and I began to inwardly acknowledge that I had failed as a father.

Then, one by one those emeritus missionaries began to tell their stories. Not the whole story, just tidbits and highlights — victories and sacrifices of those who had lived their lives on the mission fields of the world, some for more than 40 years.

Suddenly the two lifeless bodies beside me resurrected. Eyes once glazed began dancing with wonder. Whispered questions began to fire back and forth.

“Where is her husband now?” one asked. “Why did they kill him?”

“What did they say happened to his wife?”

“Why didn’t they bring their little boy back to America to bury him?”

“Why is he in a wheelchair?”

The questions continued on the van ride back to the hotel. Then I asked two questions of my own: “Who is glad we went to the service?”

“I am, Daddy.”

“Me, too!”

“Who wishes they had stayed at the hotel and watched cartoons?” I said.

“Not me, Daddy!”

“Me either!”

I am grateful my children found some heroes — an old breed of hero. Plenty of flying, but always on a plane. A few stopped bullets, but bullets that did their damage. Thousands upon thousands of perilous rescues — not from blazing buildings — but from the fires of hell.

I am glad their heroes are men and women, boys and girls, who accepted the costs associated with reaching lost people. I am glad their heroes are — in the words of the old Methodist catechism — those who chose to “spend and be spent” saving souls.

Paul Chitwood is pastor of First Baptist Church in Mt. Washington, Ky., and chairman of the board of trustees for the International Mission Board.

Have you got any heroes? Who are they?

Anna Lee

Friday

 

 

Every word of God is flawless;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5

The Beth Moore simulcast is tonight and tomorrow morning. If you do not have a ticket yet, please call FBC, Kentwood (985-229-8111). If you have not already begun to pray for those attending, please do so. There will be thousands of ladies watch this at the same time at different locations. Pray may hearts will be touched and lives changed because of this experience.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

August 1, 2008

“Let the little children come to Me,

and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God

belongs to such as these,”

Luke 18:16b

 

PANCAKES WITH WHAT?

Pancakes are one of my favorite foods for breakfast. Now and then I even eat them for dinner-I use butter and syrup, sometimes strawberries, chocolate chips or nuts. Whatever you like, you can put it on a pancake!

One day, some Christian workers in the Himalayas (really high mountains in South Asia) went out to give Christian tracts and verses from the Bible to the people in their town. They did not expect the kind of topping they got for their pancakes-chili sauce!

It was a special day, and the Tibetan women served pancakes and tea for free. It is part of their religion. They just wanted to make their god happy. The more food they gave away, the more they thought their god would love them.

The Tibetan Buddhists did “prostration.” It looks like exercise but it is another way they offer worship to their god-they start standing up straight. Next they bend their knees then kneel on the ground. They touch their foreheads all the way down to the ground, and start all over again.

The Christians walked all over town and gave the Buddhist people the Christian tracts and the Bible verses. They drank tea and ate a lot of pancakes WITH chili sauce too. Please pray the Tibetan people will read God’s Word. Ask God to show them that He loves them and teach them that Jesus is their true Bread of Life.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My brother is going to college. Please pray for him.

CN, age 10 (East Asia)

Please pray for my friend Noah. He broke his femur bone. Please pray for my school that boys and girls there will know God. KENDALL, age 7, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I need prayer for me. I have dengue fever. RACHELLE, age 10 (South Asia)

Please pray for me as I prepare for college. Pray that I get a good roommate, keep growing spiritually, and do well academically. I would like to thank the Lord that Liberty University is close to family in the states and that it gives a good scholarship to IMB MKs. CHARLES, age 17 (Pacific Rim)

Me and my sister are trying to skip a grade, because the school we go to has two six grades. If they don’t put my sister in 7th, we might have to move. We have to make a decision soon. We live in Nepal. There the language is Nepali. Nepalis are poor. There are a lot of riots and “bundhs” (strikes). They burn bikes & tires sometimes. Most are not Christians. GISELLE, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray that the nation of South Africa will come to know Jesus more, JARED, age 17 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My best friend is moving before we get back to Brazil from America and it will be hard for him to move. When you pray, please pray for him. KENNETH, age 11 (South America)

Pray for me. Pray for an overwhelming passion to flow from my heart for these people. I’m really dry spiritually. I need God to open doors and pave a way for me to reach these people. Many of them are Muslims. They live in a barren desert that is hard to live in. Pray for their hearts to be opened. Pray for dreams and visions in their lives that will lead them to understand more about Jesus. Pray that God can use me to make a difference. Thanks so much. STRATTON, age 17, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for our ministry here. Pray for my parents and the other team members as they work to tell others about Jesus.

Please pray for people I know here in Senegal that do not know Jesus. The man who guards our house at night is not a Christian, the lady that washes our clothes, the neighborhood guards, and my mom’s best friend-please pray that they will all come to believe in Jesus. DILLON, age 15 (West Africa)

May you be blessed in all you do today and realize it!

Anna Lee

Thursday

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend

who sticks closer than a brother.

~Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)~

Please continue to remember Mr. Frankie Gehringer as he slowly recovers from his heart issues.

Karen Miller’s brother, Aubrey Perry, had his surgery delayed until yesterday. The family did not have a report from the doctor yet following surgery. Please continue to pray for the Perry family.

Glen Magee, Jr. had a heart procedure yesterday. It seems to have been successful. Please continue to pray for Glen.

My good friend at work, Sara Badon, has a little boy who will be having heart surgery on September 16, to repair a hole in his heart he’s had since birth. Please put him on the prayer list. Also, remember his parents, Donnie and Sara, who need prayers of peace as they are very concerned about this open heart surgery. He’s a very smart and special little boy. He will be going into the 3rd grade. Thanks.

Pam Sellers

Continue to pray for little Tyler Easley and his family. His grandmother is Judy Easley. His parents are Joffrey and Moira.

Pray for Mr. I.W. Simmons. He has been diagnosed with cancer.

It’s not too late to get tickets for the Beth Moore Simulcast which will be Friday evening and Saturday. Call the church office (985-229-8111). A large number of ladies is expected.

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

Study

YOU’RE LAZILY FLIPPING through the channels on your new flat screen TV…

Despite the vast array of viewing options, there’s nothing worth watching, at least for the moment. Your thumb stops on a random station. It’s a half-hour long commercial for “Feed the Children.”
The broadcast depicts a hungry African child. His arms and legs exhibit no muscle at all. He’s a veritable skeleton with dark brown skin stretched over the bones. Green bottle flies encircle his eyes and ears. His belly is unnaturally distended and swollen. He’s weak, pale, sickly, and frail. He’s had one “meal” in the past seven days. A small cup of rice.

A phone number flashes at the bottom of the television. You’re being asked to donate. Just the change out of your pocket. For the price of a cheap cup of coffee you could support this poor, starving child. You could put food in his growling belly. Your heart and emotions are aroused by this under-nourished youth. “How in the world does he make it?” you ask yourself. “He can’t live on one meal a week.” Determined to help, you pick up the phone and punch in the 800 number.

Stay with me for just a moment.

We all recognize that to be healthy, we must maintain a steady, balanced diet. We can’t skip meals for days on end. We certainly can’t live off of a single meal once a week. And yet, isn’t that exactly what we’re doing when our only source of spiritual nourishment comes from the Sunday morning sermon? When we habitually skip Sunday morning Bible class, aren’t we saying that we can be healthy and strong by eating just one meal a week? When we miss the Sunday evening and Wednesday night assemblies at church, and the only time we take in real, biblical sustenance is the 11 o’clock Lord’s Day message, aren’t we saying — at least by our actions — that a child of God only has to eat one meal every seven days? When we fail to open our Bibles at home and pour through the sacred Word each day, but then manage to “squeak in” at the last minute for that one hour worship assembly on the first day of the week, aren’t we communicating that a Christian requires little food for the soul? A small cup of rice, indeed. What we acknowledge in the physical realm, we tend to forget in the spiritual. Some of us are starving ourselves to death ( Hosea 4:6) and we don’t even realize it!

When we go to the New Testament book of Acts, we find a group of folks who understood the correlation between regular Scripture “meals” and a strong, maturing faith. The text says, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” ( Acts 17:11 NIV). Did you catch that? The Bereans were more nobly disposed than the Thessalonians because 1) they received the spoken Word with great eagerness (A. T. Robertson says “eagerness” carries the idea of rushing forward/1), and because 2) they “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Watch it! The Berean Jews were commended because they personally investigated the Old Testament prophecies to which Paul appealed on a DAILY basis. You might say the Thessalonians had a cup of rice once a week, while the Bereans ate “three squares” a day.

Dear Christian, if the Word is food ( Matthew 4:4; cf. Psalm 19:9,10; Jeremiah 15:16; John 6:26,63), and it is, shouldn’t we “pull up to the table” and fill our plates every day? If we can make time for television, sports, shopping at the mall, going to the movies, and a myriad of other fleshly pursuits, we certainly can make time to read and study God’s Word.

When would be the best time for you to delve into your Bible? At the breakfast table? During break at work? Before you go to bed after the kids are asleep? Pick a time that’s best for you and then enjoy the meal! (Mike Benson)

_______
1/ Word Pictures in the New Testament, p. 274.

“These were more fair-minded

than those in Thessalonica,

in that they received the word with all readiness,

and searched the Scriptures daily

to find out whether these things were so.”

~ Acts 17:11~

Please feel free to contact me to share praises, requests, and updates. We would love to pray with you.

Anna Lee