Sunday

Thought For The Day: What He’s Got Up There
“Perhaps my best ‘Bible class story’ was once when I was teaching five year old the story of Solomon’s wisdom. I told the children to think about what they might ask God to give them if they could ask for whatever they wanted. One little girl’s eyes just went into a trance as she excitedly pondered the question. Then she looked at me with a little bewilderment in those eyes and said, ‘But I don’t even know what all He’s got up there.'” (taken ffrom “A Sunday Afternoon With the Preachers’ Wives”)

How much truth is contained in the wisdom of a child! As I think about it, I realize that sometimes I’m hesitant to ask God for anything specific for the same reason. I am aware that God can do so much more than I ask or think (Eph. 3:20). How do I even begin to know what to ask for?

My biggest concern is that I’m asking for something inferior when God has something much greater that He wants to give me. I’m asking for health; God is offering His strength. I’m asking for financial assistance; God is offering His riches. I’m asking for loved ones to live a few days longer; God is offering eternal life. I’m asking for physical well-being, peace and comfort; God is offering His very presence.

So much of what I ask for seems so petty compared all that God has at His disposal. I don’t even know what all He’s got up there!

Listen to these words as the apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians: “I pray that the glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know Christ better. Then you will have deeper insight. You will know the confidence that he calls you to have and the glorious wealth that God’s people will inherit. You will also know the unlimited greatness of his power as it works with might and strength for us, the believers.” (Ephesians 1:17-19, GOD’S WORD)

–Alan Smith

Saturday

“Who can say but that God has brought you into the palace

for just such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14 (TLB)

Find God’s calling for your life.  Then, follow it!

Please take some time to read some, if not all, of the Baptist Press articles from Friday.  I know your heart will be touched.  You will find God’s calling in lives of the people.  I pray something you read here will inspire you.

Baptist Press Stories for Oct. 29, 2010
—————————————
  • Down syndrome aside, he’s ‘just a typical student’
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33967
  • ELECTION ’10: Online tools help voters make informed decision
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33968
  • Iranian pastor faces death sentence
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33969
  • WEEK OF PRAYER: ‘God’s time for Cuba’: churches multiplying
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33970
  • CULTURE DIGEST: Churches urged to deter bullying against homosexual students …
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33971
  • Teen’s parents agree not to force abortion
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33972
  • FIRST-PERSON: Confused about pot’s popularity
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33973
Thank God for this wonderful weather.  Get out and enjoy it.  Have a great day of preparation, both physically and mentally, for the Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Friday Evening

Petey Harper

Petey’s sister is still with him in SC.  Petey was hospitalized in SC on Tuesday with acute pain.  Two additional tumors have been found.  He started his first radiation treatment today in SC because he was unable to go to Duke in NC. Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for him as he battles this dreadful disease.

Jerry K. Glass
(December 30, 1947 – October 29, 2010)

Jerry Kenneth Glass was born on December 30, 1947 and passed away at 8:32 a.m., Friday, October 29, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 62, a native of Quitman, MS and a resident of Osyka, MS.

Jerry s survived by his wife, Gloria P. Glass, Osyka, MS; 2 sons, Jeff Glass and wife, Dee Dee, Kentwood and Jamie Glass, Osyka, MS; 2 brothers, Paul Glass, Hammond and Timmy Glass and wife, Gaye, Greensburg; a sister, Sara Jo Stevens and husband, Buck, Greensburg; 8 grandchildren, Jarrett Glass and Taylor Sharkey, Justin Glass, Julianne Glass, Jude Glass, Jocelyn Glass, Jordan Glass, Haylea Glass & Jace Glass. also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by parents, Joe & Jewel Tew Glass; 2 sisters-in-law, Lisa Easley Glass and Joanne Watkins Glass; nephew, David Stevens.

Visitation at The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. at the The Lord’s Church with Rev. Don Meadows officiating: Interment at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood.

Family request memorial donations be made to The Lord’s Church Building Fund, 1936 Highway 440 Kentwood, LA 70444, Nail Benders Mission of Magnolia, MS or Hospice Compassus, 140 North 5th, St., McComb, MS 39648

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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

Friday

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

~Psalm 4:1~

Rip Rohner

Rip Roner had open heart surgery Tuesday, and the last I heard, he was responding well. He was operated on at St Tam. hospital. We have been praying for him, and thank God that He has seen Rip through this. Thank you for your time and for your prayers. Keep praying, and thanking God for loveing us as He does………….vs

Jadon’s Story

I know I haven’t updated in a long time. We have been super busy with all the fall activities. We have actually just been enjoying me having less seizures. I’m having about 40-60 a day. Even though I’m still having this many I’m doing lots of new things. I’m clapping, I said ma ma, and I’m holding my bottle and cup. Just imagine what I could do if we could get them down to 20. I saw my neurologist today. She is looking into trying to increase my banzel if possible. She said since it has decreased my seizures so much she would like to increase it if possible. Other than that she said I look fantastic. We are still scheduled to start the ketogenic diet November 8. She is hoping that between the diet and the banzel that will we get these under control. Please continue to pray for me. Your prayers are helping me more than you know!!!! I’m leaving you a picture of my brother and I playing this morning. He loves me so much. Mommy doesn’t have to tell him to tell me bye in the mornings. He always gives me a kiss before he goes to school. So sweet :)I know I haven’t updated in a long time. We have been super busy with all the fall activities. We have actually just been enjoying me having less seizures. I’m having about 40-60 a day. Even though I’m still having this many I’m doing lots of new things. I’m clapping, I said ma ma, and I’m holding my bottle and cup. Just imagine what I could do if we could get them down to 20. I saw my neurologist today. She is looking into trying to increase my banzel if possible. She said since it has decreased my seizures so much she would like to increase it if possible. Other than that she said I look fantastic. We are still scheduled to start the ketogenic diet November 8. She is hoping that between the diet and the banzel that will we get these under control. Please continue to pray for me. Your prayers are helping me more than you know!!!! I’m leaving you a picture of my brother and I playing this morning. He loves me so much. Mommy doesn’t have to tell him to tell me bye in the mornings. He always gives me a kiss before he goes to school. So sweet 🙂


SUING GOD

Did you hear in the news about the prisoner in a Romanian jail who is suing God?

“God received different material valuables from me, as well as prayers in exchange for promises of a better life.  In reality, this did not happen – I found myself in the devil’s hands,” the plaintiff said.

The convict is serving 20 years in the west Romanian city of Timisoara.  He apparently blames God for the troubles in his life and wants God brought to account for failing to fulfill the commitments He undertook and for taking bribes.

The plaintiff said that when he had been baptized in childhood, he concluded a contract with God that had legal effect – God was supposed to protect him from evil.

The plaintiff said the Romanian Orthodox Church, which, according to him, directly represents God, should compensate him for the alleged God-inflicted damage.

I promise – I’m not making this up!  Does it surprise you?  It shouldn’t.  The truth, there are a lot of people who feel the same way.
And while they may not take the absurd step of filing a lawsuit against God, they do feel that God has let them down and hasn’t fulfilled his part of the “bargain.”

Often, when people become Christians, they expect that God will take away all their problems and life will be easy (and many of them expect that because that’s what a preacher told them).  I suspect that we’ve all had the thought at some point in our lives, “How could God let that happen to me after all that I’ve done to serve Him?”

But, living the Christian life does involve difficulties.  In fact, it may even be more difficult than life before Christ!  Financial problems don’t magically disappear, there are still health concerns, people still let you down, and on top of everything else, there are people in this world who don’t like Christ who will make your life miserable at times.

But there’s no way to accuse God of breach of contract.  Jesus was very clear about things up front – “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33).  The problems don’t disappear, but we are promised God’s presence and His strength.  And what God gives us far more than outweighs what we have given Him.  Let’s just hope that God doesn’t sue us for our breach of contract!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank God for the many blessing He has given you, including this beautiful fall day!

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Wayne Criswell

Wayne is having out-patient gall bladder urgery Friday morning at North Oaks. Please add him to the prayer link.
Thank You

Mrs. Elaine Bennett has been diagnosed with cancer.  The family believes in the power of prayer and will be appreciative of your prayers.

Caring Bridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Thank-you for praying today.  Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Thursday

“I cried to the Lord with my voice,

and He heard me from His holy hill.”

~Psalm 3:4~

Isn’t it great to know He hears us?   We should go to Him in prayer more often, but it seems like many times our prayers are in our difficult times.  How often do we remember to thank Him for answering our prayers?

Randy Relan is better now even though he has been very sick.

Brenda Bryant came through yesterday’s surgery very well.

Several people who have been seriously sick have been able to return to church lately.

Etc.

Think of your recent petitions to the Lord and take time to thank Him for the way He chose to answer.

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ‘ This is the Receiving Section.’ Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, “This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.” I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. “This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.” How is it that there is no work going on here? ‘ I asked.

“So sad,” the angel sighed. “After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments”

“How does one acknowledge God’s blessings? ” I asked..

“Simple,” the angel answered. Just say, “Thank you, Lord. ”

“What blessings should they acknowledge?” I asked.

“If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world ‘ s wealthy. ”

“And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.”

“If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. ”

“If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation . You are ahead of 700 million people in the world..”

“If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.”

“If your parents are still alive and still married …you are very rare.”

“If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you’re unique to all those in doubt and despair…….”

Your are special!  He loves you!

Count your many blessings and thank God for each one.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“With men this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.”

~Matthew 19:26~

Thank God for the rain and for the cooler temperatures we should have soon.

Brenda D. Bryant’s doctor determined she needs to have by-pass surgery, not just an additional stent.  Surgery was scheduled for Friday, but has been moved up to today.  Please be in prayer for Brenda, the medical staff, and the family.

Pray for Jason Dean as he continues to seek relief for his back pain.

Stacey Scarle was scheduled for chemo this week, but that has been put on hold for now because Stacey is sick.  Pray for her to feel better so her last chemo before surgery can be scheduled.

FIRST-PERSON: Eyes on the prize
Lisa Huddleston

Baptist Press

My husband, who is a federal employee, didn’t have to go to work on Columbus Day, which sort of made Tuesday into Monday, if you get my drift.

To complicate matters further, Chuck works at two different offices — one in Nashville and the other in Murfreesboro — so he is constantly having to remember where he is going when he leaves the house every morning.

This confusion (and the fact that we are both growing older) caused him to worry that he might head off in the wrong direction that Tuesday morning. Therefore, my parting words to him were, “Remember where you’re going.”

After he left, those words kept playing through my mind. They were a great reminder for me as well as for Chuck, even though I wasn’t physically going anywhere. As I pondered this thought over the following days, I saw more and more application for their truth.

We all need to have a destination in sight. We all need to remember where we’re going.

But that seems to be a problem for many of us. We seem to travel through life without direction. Is it any wonder that we take so many turns that lead us down dead ends and unpaved rabbit trails? Every pothole can seem like the end of the road. Every flat tire points to an impossible failure. We can’t see beyond the moment because we have our eyes fixed on our latest discouragement or catastrophe. We are nearsighted drivers without a map to direct our journey.

As I considered the importance of keeping my eyes on the prize, two very opposite examples were playing out on the nation’s television screens.

The first scenario was the terrible tragedy of the young college student who took his life after being humiliated. Two other college students filmed him in a sexual encounter with another young man and posted the whole thing on the Internet. As you might expect, he was devastated. But the real tragedy was that he couldn’t see beyond that moment. He didn’t know there was more to come and that he wouldn’t be stuck in that terrible spot forever. He couldn’t see that there was still a future that could carry him past his pain, so he chose to end his journey.

The second story was a much happier one — the rescue of the miners in Chile. Trapped for more than two months in the tomb-like prison of their collapsed mine, they were able to keep their thoughts on the future. They sent notes to their families; they dreamed of breathing the fresh air of freedom; and they kept hope alive. I imagine it would have been very easy to give up especially in the first days when no help appeared to be coming.

Yet they survived, and their joyful faces proved to be shining examples of what it looks like to reach your destination — the joy of hope fulfilled.

What a contrast! What a difference hope makes. But that’s what faith does for us. It’s the light at the end of the dark tunnel, the promise of things to come. “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen,” Hebrews 11:1 tells us.

As believers in Christ, our faith is sure, as real in our present troubles as it will be in the future. We can trust that the finish line is there and we can keep our eyes fixed upon it, even in our most desperate situations.

Did you watch as one of the miners fell to his knees as he exited the pod and thanked God for his rescue? I don’t know about you, but I want to keep that image in my mental photo album for the next time I feel hopeless. It will help me fix my eyes on the prize — Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of my race. I hope He is yours. If so, remember where you’re going. The destination makes every moment of your journey worth the trip.

(Lisa Huddleston is a writer who lives with her husband Chuck, their three kids, two dogs and two cats on a farm near Lebanon, Tenn.)

Saturday, FBC Kentwood will have On Mission in Kentwood.  If you, or someone you know, needs some help in your house or yard, please contact the church at 229-8111.  If you would like to help serve others in our community, be at the church for 8 A.M.  Working together to help others will make your day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things.

Come and share your master’s happiness.

~Matthew 25:21 (NIV)~


Stacey Scarle

Well its that time again. Stacey has lab tomorrow, chemo on Wed. and oncology on Thurs. This will be number 7 with only one more to go. She has had a tough week and we have learned that the week before chemo is the worse at least with the Taxotere. She is very tired and had the sore mouth and trouble eating. If things stay on track she should have the last chemo in mid Nov. That would make the surgery sometimes in Dec. Thanks again for all your thoughts, calls and prayers. They are very much appreciated. She has had a tough time but we are learning to take one day at a time.

Willis W. Neal
(May 19, 1928 – October 25, 2010)

Mr. Willis Wesley Neal was born May 19, 1928 and passed away at 10:18 a.m., Monday October 25, 2010 at Tangi Pines Nursing Home, Amite. He was 82, a native of Goldonna, LA and a resident of Roseland.

Mr. Willis served our country during the Korean Conflict in the US Army.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Lessie Marie Arnone and husband, Anthony, Sr., Independence, Laura N. Garner and husband, Melvin, Spring, TX, and Debra Lynn Neal, Roseland; a son, David Neal and wife, Tammy, Magnolia, MS; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by wife, Christa Jane Allen Neal; parents, Albert and Lessie Mae Milam Neal; son, Willis Wayne “Bo” Neal and sister, Lucille Neal Rymes.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Mike Agnello officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.

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

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy.#16 West (Exit #46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Carwash and Holiday Inn Express.

Thought for the Day

Making a Difference


The following story comes from John Shay, Sr.:

A group of dinner guests were sitting around a table discussing life. A CEO decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?” He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.”

To stress his point, he said to another guest, “You’re a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?”

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ student feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

“You want to know what I make? I make kids wonder. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English. I make them understand that, if you have the brains and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn’t learn.”

Susan paused and then continued. “You want to know what I make? I make a difference. What do you make?”

It was James who wrote, “Brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers.” (James 3:1, GOD’S WORD). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely. He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way. It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.

But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way. Those of you who are teachers — who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms? You may not see the results of your efforts for years. In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.

Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character. Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.

So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because I know exactly what you make. You make a difference!

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach.” (Romans 12:6-7)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee