Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Wednesday

There are three things that will endure –

faith, hope, and love –

and the greatest of these is love.

~1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)~

Pray for families who have lost loved ones through death recently.

  • Benefield family
  • Williams family
  • Dunn family
  • etc.

Pray for the lost family members that they may find salvation through Jesus.

  • Supply you personal family list.

Pray for many who have been housebound or requiring medical care lately.

  • Charley and Katherine Kuss
  • Nat McKinney
  • Hannah Shockley
  • Susie Wales
  • Annie Bell Harrell
  • etc.

Benefield, Jerry Nell McGeehe

East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, at 10:30 a.m.

Baptist Press

September 23, 2008

TENNESSEE–Hunt calls for a ‘Great Commission resurgence.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28973

TENNESSEE–Excellent progress at home & abroad, Chapman says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28974

CALIFORNIA–Calif. Southern Baptist board endorses marriage amend. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28975

TEXAS–Ike recovery heads into long-term phase. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28976

LOUISIANA–ADVISORY: Hurricane deductibles threaten church budgets. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28977

GEORGIA–Despairing refugees find hope in feeding ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28978

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (James A. Smith Sr.): Saudi textbooks, religious freedom and why it matters. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28979

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – September 24, 2008

SHAN DAI OF CHINA, THAILAND AND LAOS (shawn-DIE). Most of the local workers are back from traveling to test the translation made of the Scriptures and to encourage other believers. Praise the Lord for answering your prayers for their safety and success in travel. In one area, the worker discovered 100 new Shan Dai believers! This is an awesome discovery. The local church in that area has really been evangelistic, and more Dai are believing than ever before. They are hungry for discipleship and the Word in their language. There are some issues that make it difficult to minister to these brothers and sisters. Please pray that there will be good relationships with the local government, and that these people will be strong in their newfound faith.

ASHENINKA OF PERU (ah-SHIN-uh-kah). The Asheninka Strategy Group writes: “Changes in our team makeup due to a loss of national workers has led to a decrease in our activity in the vast Ucayali River area where there are many Asheninka communities in need of a witness. Pray for the Lord to send help either through national or IMB workers to renew and sustain the work of church planting in this challenging region of central Peru’s jungle.”

BIBLE SCHOOLS OF TANZANIA. You are a father of five. In the middle of the night, your family was forced to run or be killed by rebels. You all walked for days and miles, wearing only the clothes on your backs. You had no food and worried every day that your children would die. One day you arrived at a refugee camp. You had a place to live, food to eat, and medical care. There were even schools and churches. It was not home, but it was safe and there were others there like you. You became a Christian and were growing in your faith. There was even a Baptist Bible school for you to attend when God called you to be a pastor. Now they have decided to close the refugee camp. You and your family are homeless–again. You wonder, “What will we do? Where will we go? We are afraid to return to our homeland because it is still not safe. What is God thinking?” This is the plight facing the pastors of the Mishamo Baptist Bible School. Pray for these pastors, their families, and other believers who are being displaced again. Pray that they will trust in God and that they will know that He will protect them and provide for them. Pray that their faith will be strong and that they will have opportunities to witness boldly to others who have lost all hope.

  • Have you ever had to run from your home at night to save your life?
  • Have you ever had just the clothing on your back?
  • Have you ever had no food and no way to prepare food if you had some?
  • Has your church home ever had to close down?
  • Be thankful if you can answer “No” to these questions.
  • Pray for those who can answer “Yes” to all of the questions.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Anna Lee

Monday

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

and He inclined to me,

and heard my cry.”

~Psalm 40:1~

 

 

 

Thank God for the great Lord’s Day He provided for us.

 

 

Several people continue to have tests, physical therapy, and other medical procedures. Please pray for them as they. Thank God for the progress some of them have made lately.

 

 

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Craig and Julie Kendrick, who serve in France, learned that they would not be able to be established in the French Social Security System; consequently, they had return to the United States on Aug. 14. Because of serious health and educational concerns regarding their 4-year-old son, they will not be able to return to France. Ask God to shower this family with peace, joy and strength as they proceed through this very difficult time of transition. Please pray for the relationships on the field that God opened up to them, asking that these contacts will continue to develop their relationship with God through other IMB personnel in Paris. Pray for God’s direction for the Kendricks’ future as they make decisions regarding their ministry and family. Pray that their children will make new friends quickly, that they will find good schools that they enjoy, that their transition into their new culture will be smooth, and that their classmates will be excited to know the Lord as they hear the stories of the girls’ recent life in France.

 

 

Darnell Strickland’s mother passed away. I’ll post the obituary when it becomes available. In the meantime, begin to pray for and minister to this family.

 

 

Sunday

“For in that day

every man will cast away his silver idols

and his gold idols,

which your sinful hands

have made for you as a sin.”

~Isaiah 31:7, NASB~

(This verse, that was in an emai,l seems to fit my Sunday School lesson from I Samuel 7 perfectly.)

 

 

 

Georgia Barnette Offering for State Missions

 

“God has provided the resources for us to minister to the critical needs of many people in our parish. At the same time, the lives of our volunteers have been blessed and enriched in a wonderful way,” reflects Brenda.


Day 8- Brenda Winburn

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “God has provided the resources for us to minister to the critical needs of many people in our parish. At the same time, the lives of our volunteers have been blessed and enriched in a wonderful way,” reflects Brenda.

Brenda Winburn is the director of the Care and Share Ministry in Rayville. “We provide food and clothing, help people with emergency needs, hand out Bibles, pray with people, give out tracts with the food and seek to present a verbal witness of the gospel. We are the only ministry of this type in Richland Parish. This ministry was very instrumental in beginning the Rayville Baptist Christian Fellowship Church whose congregation is mostly African American,” says Brenda.

This care and share ministry is bringing joy to the lives of many people in the Rayville area. “A junior high school student came to his teacher who happened to be a member of First Baptist Church in Rayville and asked her, ‘How do you like my new jacket? Do you want to feel it?’ She said yes and touched the jacket. The student then unzipped it and showed her the inside and with great pride said, ‘This came from Care & Share,'” recalls Brenda.

Please pray that this ministry will be able to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people who come to Care & Share. Pray that they will be able to offer a weekly Bible study. Finally, ask God to give wisdom in the utilization of the new building and the possible expansion of this ministry to meet additional needs.

Saturday Evening

Charlie Banks update:

Praise God that he has been taken off of antibiotics.
Pray that his body will be cleansed of any foreign germs.

Praise God he is sitting up and changing positions in the bed.
Pray for Dad to be patient as he makes “small steps” towards recovery.

Praise God he took a couple of steps with a walker.
Pray for God to strengthen his muscles and harden his bones.

Praise God that there has been no infection or blood clots to this point.
The doctor said that day 8-day 20 are the most crucial days for blood clots and infection.
Pray for healthy blood and constant circulation.

Dad’s doctor said today that he may be able to fly home on November 1.
He may be released as early as Monday, but he will stay in Bucuresti.
The home we lived in last year is vacant, so he will stay there.
The doctor and physical therapist will visit him in the home for the next three-five weeks.

Praise God for a church family, friends and relatives in Georgia who are taking care of many details for Dad.
Pray that Dad’s mind can rest at ease full of God’s peace, as others handle his business and affairs.

Praise God for His prayer partners that are here, there and everywhere!
We have been amazed to receive emails from people we do not know who are located all over this world.

Thank you for loving our family and praying for us all.
Don’t forget to pray for the Gypsies (Rroma)!!

Loving Rroma in Romania, Tamara for the Banks family
http://www.teamromany.com

Alvie Leonard, Jr.
(August 20, 1941 – September 20, 2008)

Mr. Alvie Leonard, born August 20, 1941, passed away on September 20, 2008 at 11:55AM at the Tangi Pines Nursing Home, Amite. He was 67 and a resident of Amite. Mr. Alvie is survived by special friends, Bobby Joe & Annette Chadwick.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be finalized Monday, September 22, 2008.

Saturday Additions

Mrs. Ginger Francois, former KHS principal, is in a room at North Oaks. Please pray for Mrs. Francois, her family, and the medical staff caring for her.

I forgot to include the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering feature story for today.

“Our church is known in the community as a church that meets the needs of anyone who needs assistance. We also give generously to the Southern Baptist Convention programs and teach our RA, GA, and youth programs to give and serve as well,” reflects Matt. “Our theme is ‘Reaching the World for Christ through our Community’ – we believe in doing our part in reaching the world for Christ.”

Day 7- Matt Coussan

…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10.

“Our church is known in the community as a church that meets the needs of anyone who needs assistance. We also give generously to the Southern Baptist Convention programs and teach our RA, GA, and youth programs to give and serve as well,” reflects Matt.

Matt Coussan is the pastor of Duson Baptist Church in Duson. One unique attribute of Duson is that it rotates church leadership positions quarterly in order to develop leadership and identify spiritual gifts. “Every church member fully understands we exist to reach those outside of church. Our theme is ‘Reaching the World for Christ through our Community’ – we believe in doing our part in reaching the world for Christ. We also do several community outreach projects such as an adult literacy program, “Round Up” riding horses, and hay rides through the community. Duson also takes mission trips to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe,” states Matt.

Duson Baptist is sharing the transforming power of God’s love to its surrounding community. “Our current music minister has come from leading karaoke in bars and night clubs to leading worship on Sunday mornings,” says Matt. “Due to the church’s discipleship mentality he was able to get involved and use his talents for the Lord. He is now discipling and influencing others.”

Please pray for new families to move into the area. Pray that Duson Baptist is able to pay off their building note. Ask God for a smooth transition as Duson Baptist goes through a change in music leadership.

Saturday

FRANKLIN GRAHAM VIDEO REPORT:
Urgent Appeal for Hurricane Victims

 

As we work in three locations in Texas to help victims of Hurricane Ike, Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham calls for prayer, volunteers, and financial help.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

 

 

 

 

 

“Unless you are faithful in small matters,

you won’t be faithful in large ones.”

Luke 16:10a (NLT)


Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do,

servants “do it with all their heart”

(Colossians 3:23 NIV).

“If you think you are too important

to help someone in need,

you are only fooling yourself.

You are really a nobody”

(Galatians 6:3 NLT).

These are some of the verses that come to me via email this morning. I think it no coincidence they arrived on our day of prayer walking at church. Not only did we have people (9) who went to church to prayer walk, but we also had another group (6) who went to the church to do upkeep/repair. Those who did the prayer walking and those who were doing upkeep/repair, with the exception of one, been involved in OnMission in Kentwood (which will formally happen next week and informally happen all week).

Menial tasks were not below Jesus!

Major tasks were not too big for Jesus!

This is the attitude needed by people in all churches where members reach out to bring others “into the fold”. I thank God for each of those who prayed and worked this morning. I think God for the insight He provided and for the burdens and projects He laid on hearts of His people.

If He has been speaking to your heart and you have not yet responded, it’s not too late. You’ll be richly blessed as you take on the menial and the major tasks He gives His people to do. Remember, it’s never too late to get involved.

Have a satisfying Saturday!

Anna Lee


Friday Afternoon

Update on Charlie Banks

Hello,

Wow! We can’t believe it has been a week already. It seems like about 3 or 4!!! Everything is good. Dad sat up on the edge of the bed with his leg out on a stool. He has not had anymore fever and he is stronger today. Dad has also not had anything for pain today. Amen! The physical therapist will come tomorrow to help day strengthen muscles and eventually try standing with a walker. One of the doctors came by today. He said they will evaluate Dad on Monday to see when he could be released from the Euroclinic. They will only release him to Bucharest for now. He must stay in Bucharest, near the hospital. The house where we are now will be fine, if it’s available. We asked the doctor about flying Dad home and he said probably not for 6 weeks. We are praying that it will not be that long, but we want the best for Dad. The first 3 weeks are the most critical, because of the risks of infection, thrombosis (blood clots reaching the lungs), etc. The doctor explained that the high altitude of flying would magnify the risks soon after surgery. The Lord will continue to be with us no matter how long he has to stay here. We trust the Lord! Our prayers continue for no infection, strong recovery and safe travel home.
I’m staying with Dad tonight and Mimi will stay with Tam and the boys.

Thank you again and again for your prayers, calls, emails, love and financial help!!! It has been a blessing to our family!

In Christ’s love,
The Banks’ Family

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)~

Kathy Dyer continues to have health concerns. She is now home recovering from surgery. Everyone’s prayers have been greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for her and our family during this time. Matthew 18:19-20.

Jennifer Dyer

Hello,

I was reading on your site one day about vbs at first bap church,all of a sudden I thought about ritz crackers and grape koolaid and how lovely the teachers were back well over 30 years ago.then I caught myself daydreaming and woke up to say those were the great days that have passed.soooo to all you folks that have a part in vacation Bible School,at kentwood First Baptist Church,just remember a child holds fond those sweet memories that will last a liftime….hats off to all of you and GOD BLESS….Lisa Westmoreland

 

 

Don’t forget to participate in the Prayer Walking opportunity tomorrow morning at 7:30. Meet at the church. As you walk and pray, you will “sow as you go”!

 

 

 

Baptist Press

September 18, 2008

TEXAS–Families, churches pick up pieces after Ike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28943

TEXAS–HBU adjusts to Ike’s damage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28944

WASHINGTON–Death penalty for apostasy likely in Iran. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28945

ALABAMA–WMU launches Korean-English resources. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28946

NORTH CAROLINA–Build relationships, campus ministers exhorted. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28947

CALIFORNIA–EDUCATION BRIEFS: Speaker series launched at Golden Gate. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28948

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Art Toalston): Hurricanes, economic upheaval & crisis. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28949

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (David Burton): God’s Plan for Sharing: Jesus calls us to sow as we go. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28950

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer Requests

“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

KIDS MAKE GREAT MISSIONARIES

You know, missionaries go to other countries to serve God. Many missionaries are married and have children, so their kids go live in the other country too. Well, did you know that in some places, there are more missionary kids than grown-up missionaries? Wow! The missionaries tell us that the children are very important in their work. For one thing, kids keep them smiling! The babies also get a lot of attention. The local people come up to talk and give the missionaries all kinds of ideas about how to be good parents.

Younger children play with the other children in the neighborhood. That gives missionary parents a chance to get to know their neighbors. How do older children help? They have coaches and teachers at school. Mom and dad missionaries meet the coaches and teachers and tell them about Jesus-if the older children haven’t told them first!

Missionary children know that many of their friends don’t know about Jesus. They are always praying about witnessing to their friends and teachers. Please pray for the neighbors of missionary kids, for their teachers and coaches, and for their good friends. Pray that they will hear the story of Jesus and want Him to be their Savior.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray that my family would continue to do well in Gaborone, Botswana. We recently moved there from Zambia. Please pray for school. MEREDITH, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for my sisters to become believers. I like being a MK (missionary kid) because I get to go to a lot of countrys. COLBY, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray for my neighbor because she is very sick-maybe cancer. DANIELLE, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

I really want to get into Grace (an international school). I also want to make lots of friends. Please pray for me. HOPE, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

I want you to pray for my family because we have to move and don’t know where we will go. Pray that my friends, Sana, Shafar and Nabila, will become believers. Thank you. SAMANTHA, age 10 (South Asia)

Please pray for people in my school that they will stop saying bad words. Also please pray for the Malagasy people. They believe in ghosts and spirits and that their dead ancestors live still. CALEB, age 11, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I live in a city with 6 million people. I have just moved here so I really need your prayer right now so pray for me to get accustomed to such a big city. Pray also for me because the city I live in has a really high crime rate. Thank you for all your prayers and for supporting me, thanks again. NATHAN, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Week of Prayer for the

Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering

“I feel a special calling to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” says Kelly. “Because of the great pain endured by so many, a great harvest is ready to be picked for the Kingdom of God.”

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “Because our ministry is in a city which experienced such devastation, it would seem that the scripture listed above would take on greater meaning, yet I believe the scriptures speak to a greater purpose of the Church as a whole. As with the scripture we believe and desire to join God in His plan for the nations and follow the role He desires for our particular body of believers,” reflects Kelly.

Kelly O’Connor is the pastor of Carver Baptist Mission Church in New Orleans. This church is housed on the campus of the Carver Baptist Center. “I feel a special calling to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” says Kelly. “Because of the great pain endured by so many, a great harvest is ready to be picked for the Kingdom of God.”

While Carver Baptist Mission Church is still in its infant stage, this ministry has witnessed a number of individuals receive Christ as Savior. “As a result of the salvations, we have begun to disciple many who have given their lives to Christ. One individual has really shown consistent growth in his personal character and witness. An example of his personal growth can best be described by his disposition, hunger for God’s Word, and witness to our community. He is now leading others to a relationship with the Lord,” recalls Kelly.

Please pray that lives are genuinely changed in the community surrounding Carver Baptist Mission Church. Pray for leaders who live and value integrity. Also, pray that souls will be saved and that the new believers will be receptive to discipleship.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Latest Update on Charlie Banks:

Hello,

Dad is doing good today. He ran a low grade fever last night and was tired this morning, but he has not run another fever today. He is getting stronger everyday. Dad’s been sitting up in bed today (until he gets dizzy), and they have removed all the tubes and monitors, except for one IV. Tomorrow, the doctors are planning to get him into a chair for a short time. We are so proud of him. Thank you for all your prayers. It has been evident the the Lord is with us!!! God has overcome so many obstacles and impossibilities. We trust Him to take care of everything. As you continue to pray, please pray Psalm 20 over our family. This passage has been a comfort and blessing to us during this time.


1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!

Dad sends out a special “thank you” for all the prayers and financial support. He is overwhelmed by the outpouring of the saints. (as we are too) Mom is still doing good. She was not injured in the accident (except for a bruise on the head), but they have provided her a hospital bed to be with Dad. They have also provided her with all the meals. The Lord is mighty!!! It is hospital food, but she likes it. Dad, on the other hand, says it’s not cornbread and peas.

We are continuing the focus on the provision of no fever, a strong recovery and safe travel home!
In Christ,
The Banks’ Family

—
Blessings,
Jennie

Thursday

“God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:8~

Hannah Shockley is home, but will be having additional tests. Please continue to pray for her and her family during this time.

Susan Rimes’ sister, Lisa Davis, has been having some more difficult days lately. Please pray for Lisa and her family to experience God’s presence as He walks through the days with them.

A number of people are undergoing tests for various concerns. Pray for each need.

Opportunities:

  • Share group meeting 2 6:30 tonight at the Alford cabin
  • Prayerwalking in Kentwood @ 7:30 A.M. Saturday
  • OnMission in Kentwood @ 8:00 A.M. Saturday, September 27
  • Cottage prayer meetings for revival the week of September 29
  • Fall Revival at FBC, Kentwood October 5-8; Pray for those who will be in attendance.
  • AWANA is back! 4:50 P.M. Sundays

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Praise the Lord for His wonderful provision! In answer to prayer, God has provided the R family with a place to live during their stateside assignment. (They had to change their dates, and mission housing is usually booked years in advance and can be difficult to find.) He even gave them a home that is near their son’s college! Praise the Lord that nothing is too difficult for Him.

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. The 12 countries of North Africa and the 288 million people who live in them are overwhelmingly Muslim; however, there are Christians living in each of the countries. Pray for these believers to live sanctified lives that honor Christ and demonstrate His love and holiness to their Muslim family, friends and neighbors. Pray for God to use radio and television broadcasts to introduce His Word and His ways to the Muslims of North Africa. Ask God to raise up an ever-increasing group of visionary, passionate and effective witnesses and church planters to build His kingdom in North Africa. Finally, pray for North Africans to place their faith in Jesus Christ. http://btw.imb.org/

Week of Prayer for

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions

“My life as it was, is no more. My life is now in service to God’s message of the Gospel,” reflects Randy. “…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday,” Isaiah 58:10. “My life as it was, is no more. My life is now in service to God’s message of the Gospel,” reflects Randy.

Randy Smith is the church planter for Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Robert. He preaches God’s Word in a western atmosphere. “This ministry is built around horses, roping, and bucking bulls,” says Randy.

Cross Brand Cowboy Church is reaching many unchurched individuals because of the cowboy activities that it offers. “Larry, who was unchurched, started coming to Cowboy Church because he liked to rope steers. He came to know Jesus as Lord and is now at church every Sunday,” recalls Randy.

Please pray for a permanent building site for Cross Brand Cowboy Church. Also, pray for the lost people in the western culture. Ask God for guidance as the leadership plants this church for God!

Baptist Press

September 17, 2008

TENNESSEE–Media takes note of Baptist disaster relief. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28936

TEXAS–Ike keeps Baptists in the kitchen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28937

TEXAS–ANALYSIS: Market drop not a time for panic. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28942

COLORADO–ELECTION 08: Colo. ‘personhood’ amendment would answer question Roe posed. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28938

TEXAS–Engineers examine HBU complex; ETBU hunkered down for Ike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28939

TENNESSEE–He introduces Jesus into the conversation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28940

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON: Using ‘GPS’ to engage others for Christ. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28941

TEXAS–Baptists gear up to 500,000 meals a day. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28935

KNOWING, DOING, BECOMING

I heard about a story about a man whose wife wanted to buy a pet monkey. The husband protested strongly. He said, “Where will the monkey eat?” She said, “He’ll eat at the table with us.” He said, “But what will he eat?” And she said, “He’ll eat the same thing we do.” He said, “But where will the monkey sleep?” She said, “He’ll sleep in bed with us.” He said, “But what about the smell?” She said, “I got used to you, I reckon he will, too.”

So often when we think about the need for change, we are quick to think of ways that somebody else needs to change. We are much more hesitant to recognize that there are problems in our own life that need to be dealt with. But Christianity is a growing process, a process by which we are constantly looking for those things that need to be changed and improved, and then taking steps to do just that.

In the next several TFTD messages, I want to share with you some things that relate to changes that may need to come about in your individual lives. They are certainly changes that I’d like to see in my own life. In regard to our Christian lives, I think there are three areas that we need to focus on — we need to KNOW the will of God better, we need to DO more of the work of Christ, and we need to BECOME more like Christ.

Knowing, doing and becoming — I really think those are the three pillars of the Christian life. I believe that’s what Christianity is all about.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Do you see the ideas of knowing, doing and becoming in Paul’s prayer for the Colossians? In my next message, I’ll begin a closer look at each of these points.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

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

Anna Lee