The Prayer Link

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
(Luke 12.27 NRSV)

A pastor tells about a woman in his congregation. She is one of those over-committed types, always frantically busy, never stopping to catch her breath. “I’m too busy” is her constant cry. The pastor finally asked the woman, “How do you ever expect God to get hold of you if you never stand still?” It’s a good question.If I had my life to live over, I’d pick more daisies.
I’d try to make more mistakes next time.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would relax, I would limber up.
I know very few things I would take seriously.
I would take more trips, travel lighter.
I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.
I would take more chances.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets.
I would eat more ice cream and less beets.
I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who live practically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I have had my mad moments, And if I had it to do over again,
I’d have more of them.
Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many minutes ahead.
I have been one of those people who never go anywhere
Without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and road map.
If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefooted earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds, and swing more.
I would do more water and sun-fun things.
I’d turn more somersaults, and roll in the grass, and go barefoot all over.
If I had my life to live over.
I’d spend more time at fun places.
I’d try to be more in touch with God and those I love.
I’d pray aloud more and not care what people think or expect of me.
I’d give more to me, and take more of you.
I’d just be me more and more….
Yes, I’d pick more daisies next time.

Dear God, help me to slow down and watch and share your daisies. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Thanks for praying each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Finally, brothers, rejoice.

Be restored,

be encouraged,

be of the same mind,

be at peace,

and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

~2 Corinthians 13:11, HCSB~

The Fraziers ask that you pray for Pat Tymes.

Wayne Criswell

We got home(Blake’s house) around noon today.
We will see the Dr. this Thursday. Hopefully we will be able to return to LA sometime during the following week. (Mary)

Devotional

http://www.oneplace.com/devotionals/awordwithyou/default.aspx

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building others up

according to their needs,

that it may benefit those who listen.”

~Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)~

Wayne Criswell

Wayne Criswell is doing great after surgery. The doctors feel confident that they removed all of the diseased portion from his right lung and he is cancer free. The remaining lobe of his right lung is already starting to expand to fill the area of the removed portion. Due to the higher altitude in Denver, he will continue to use oxygen in his recovery when he goes to Blake’s home Tuesday.

Rev. Butch Reviere

Bro. Butch is also cancer-free at this time. He is recovering well from surgery.

KneEmail

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

FIVE FARMERS BOUGHT a big sack of seed and agreed to plant their respective fields with the seed that came from that one bag…

The seed was supposed to have been pure and unmixed.

After some weeks had passed, the famers met together over breakfast and reported their yield.

The first man was said, “Fellas, the seed that I took from that bag produced some of the finest sweet corn I have ever seen.”

The fourth farmer chimed in, “My seed yielded yellow onions.”

Finally, the fifth man reported, “The seed that I took from that bag produced little, yellow tomatoes.”

We have the same predicament in the religious world today. Different men claim to be reading from the same word of God. They plant “seed” into the fertile heart-soil of men, but it is obvious that DIFFERENT seed is being sown, because DIFFERENT crops (e.g., Christians, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, etc.) are springing up! Seed produces after its own kind (Genesis 1:11-12; cf., Galatians 6:7). Corn seed doesn’t produce squash, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Roy Lanier once observed, “The seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11) will produce the kingdom; it will not produce anything different from the kingdom… It has nver been known to produce anything other than the kingdom of God, the church of the Lord. The Word of God preached in this community always produced exactly what it produced in another community when preached there. But we have several hundred different religious denominations in the world today, different from each other in name, doctrine, and practice.

Why are all of these different bodies in existence? They have been produced by the sowing of seed, the preaching of religious doctrines. Just as sure as there are bodies differing from each other, seeds differing from each other have been sown. If the same kind of seed had been sown in every community, the same results would have been produced… So the gospel preached in Jerusalem which produced the kingdom of God, the church of Christ, will not when preached in America produce a hundred different denominations. The fact that the many denominations are in existence is positive proof that something different from the Gospel, the Word of God, has been preached.” Mike Benson

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Chile Update

Southern Baptists assessing needs in wake of 8.8 Chile quake

By IMB staff

Southern Baptists are moving quickly to assess relief needs in the aftermath of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile at 3:34 a.m. Saturday, killing at least 82 people, collapsing buildings and setting off a tsunami.

Disaster relief specialists from South Carolina and California are on standby to respond, said Jim Brown, director of the U.S. office for the International Mission Board’s primary partner in disaster relief, Baptist Global Response. A decision about what initial response is needed will be made within the next 12 hours.

The epicenter was located just 70 miles from Concepcion, a city of more than 200,000 people, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A tsunami wave struck the Robinson Crusoe Islands, 410 miles off the Chilean coast and tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Chile’s president, Michele Bachelet, declared a “state of catastrophe” in three central regions of the country. Several hospitals were evacuated and communications with Concepcion were knocked out.

In the capital city of Santiago, which is about 200 miles from the earthquake, IMB field personnel reported in a 5:00 a.m. e-mail that they had experienced “very scary shaking” and that electrical, telephone and water services were cut off.

IMB and BGR leadership began consulting immediately during the early morning hours after the earthquake, said Scott Holste, associate vice president for the IMB’s Office of Global Strategy.

“We are evaluating damage reports as they come in and preparing initial response plans, if it is determined that a significant response is needed,” Holste said. “Southern Baptists have ministry partners in Chile who will be able to help respond immediately with basic necessities.”

“We know that immediate needs usually include things like food, water, shelter and medical needs,” Brown said. “We have emergency response funds available to help with the crisis response. Southern Baptists always respond quickly when a disaster like this strikes. They pray and give from the heart. We’re glad to know so many people who care are ready to spring into action to help people in need.”

Word has been received from IMB leaders in Chile that all field personnel have been accounted for and are safe; information about the impact on the Chilean Baptist community is being sought. IMB will be monitoring developments and will issue further announcements about needs and response as more information becomes available.

Saturday Afternoon

CHILE. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. (Philippians 4:6) Early Saturday morning, February 27, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Chile near the city of Concepcion. Please pray for the country of Chile and IMB personnel who are living near the affected areas. We give praise to God that all missionaries in Chile are okay. Continue to pray that God will give them peace during the aftershocks. Also lift up those who will be assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. Pray also for wisdom as they minister to those around them and that God will be glorified and His name lifted up. Please visit imb.org for additional information and prayer requests.

—
International Mission Board
3806 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230

Saturday

“An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship.”

~Proverbs 24:26 (GNT)~

Pray for the people of Chile as they deal with the aftershocks of the 8.8 earthquake they received a few hours ago. Pray for those affected by the quake, the aftershocks, and the tsunami.

Be thankful the snow that is falling in Kentwood is not sticking and should not be a problem.

CaringBridge

Emilie Faye Gelain McKenzie

Just letting everyone know that we were home and doing well, thanks everyone for the prayers.

Thank You,

Leslie, Stephanie, Erica & Emilie
McKenzie

Ernest “Cete” and Ruby Dillon

“Miss” Ruby is progressing well now. Thank-you for praying for her. Mr. “Cete” has been having an eye problem since the fall and has had procedures done to correct the problem. He will have another surgery in the near future. Continue to pray for him.

Wayne Criswell

Wayne should be able to leave the hospital in Denver and go to Blake’s home until he is able to fly back this way. Pray for him and his family as he makes the big move following Tuesday’s surgery. Brent has already come home.

Sim Bankston, Chuck Baham, & Jason Duhe

Sim: He came home from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. He is feeling a good bit better. He is now taking antibiotics by mouth and will be followed closely by the doctor. Once the infection in his colon is cleared, he will have surgery. Keep him in your prayers that his infection responds to this antibiotic so he can receive the necessary medical attention that he needs.
Chuck: Chuck went into a regular room on Thursday afternoon. He is undergoing some physical therapy. They got him up 3 times today. The doctor that did the colon surgery wants him to get up as often as possible. Lessie will be checking with the orthopedist tomorrow to see if the leg should be moved that much at this time. She feels that it may be a bit much on chuck because it hurts him so to move his foot and leg. If the bone doc okays the moving around, then she will feel better about all of it herself. Chuck is jaundiced. The doctor said that it could be because the liver was so badly bruised in the wreck, or it could be because of the trauma of the surgery he has had. Either way, we need to pray that the liver heals itself and causes him no more problems. Lessie said she counted his staples on his stomach today. He has 43. 43 people – that seems like a lot to me…lol. this afternoon they told chuck that he can begin eating most everything that he wants. he is happy about that, but he is nervous about eating. He was so sick for so long, when he ate, that he is scared that he will become nauseated.
Jacob Duhe: fairly good news on him. he may get to leave the hospital tomorrow. pray for him because he is so upset over causing the accident that he can’t seem to move on…everytime larry or i go to check on him, he asks us to please tell chuck that he is sorry….it makes me so sad to see him beating himself up for what was truly an accident. He is still facing a long recovery. time

Marsha Bankston

Good News Club (Texas)

Thanks for your prayers. Things went well today despite the fact that one child threw up just before the Bible lesson, the custodian ran the cleaning machine pretty much the entire time I was speaking , and two of our leaders received parking tickets. The sacrifices we make to share the Gospel! Ha! I do so appreciate your prayers. This is so fun!

Love,

Tricia

Three More Christians Killed in Northern Iraq

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32377

Michael Perez
(September 16, 1918 – February 25, 2010)

A resident of Amite, died at 11:33 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond. He was born September 16, 1918 in Tickfaw and was 91 years of age. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon Saturday conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. He is survived by his sister, Josephine Currier, Amite and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Emanuela Perez; 3 sisters, Angelina D’Antoni, Mary Misita and Lena Bravata; 5 brothers, Sam Buccere, Frank Buccere, Henry Perez, Dominick Perez and Anthony Perez.

Pray for the Ricks family as they have services for Maurice today.

KneEmail

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

A LADY WOKE one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head…

“Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did, and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my in the middle today.” So she did, and she had a great day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll wear my hair in a ponytail.” So she did, and she had a grand day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Yea,” she exclaimed. “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Attitude is everything! www.housetohouse.com

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–

meditate on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

Have a great preparation day for Sunday!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly

above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works in us,

to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus

to all generations,

forever and ever.”

~Ephesians 3:20-21~

Three More Christians Killed in Northern Iraq:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32377

Picture and obituary for Maurice Ricks:

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=540585&fh_id=11426&s_id=646E1B9B8E779782AE5F07FFF65A890D

WATCH OUT FOR LUCILLE

I heard about someone who works in the customer service call center of a national pager company. He deals with the usual complaints regarding poor pager operation, as well as the occasional crank caller demanding to be paged less often, more often, or by more interesting people.

His favorite call came from a man who repeatedly complained that he keeps being paged by “Lucille.” He was instructed that he would have to call her and tell her to stop paging him.

“She don’t never leave no number, so I can’t call her back,” he said.

After three such calls, someone thought to ask how he knew it was Lucille if she didn’t leave a number.

“She leaves her name” was the reply.

After establishing that the customer had a numeric-only pager, the light bulb came on. “How does she spell her name?” the service rep asked.

“L-O-W C-E-L-L”

When things start to bother us, the problem may simply be that we need to get “re-charged”. Keeping our schedules overbooked, staying busy “doing things”, going here and there — it takes a toll after a while. Before we get stressed out and burned out, we need to learn to take some time to unwind and recharge. Turn off the radio and the television. Oh, and the computer, too! Unplug the telephone if you need to, or better yet, get away from the house (without the cell phone). Spend some quiet time with God in prayer and reflection on His Word.

Notice what Jesus did as he was surrounded by a crowd of people, all demanding a piece of his time:

“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” (Matthew 14:22-23)

Watch out for Lucille! Don’t forget to recharge.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Several times this week, I said my life was “busy, but good”. I know this devotional was meant for me. Was it meant for you too?

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Wayne Criswell

Wayne is progressing well after his surgery. He will probably be released Saturday to come to Blake’s house until his post-op appointment with his surgeon in a week to ten days. He will have a pet scan to be sure all the air is cleard around the area between his lung and the chest cavity. Once that is clear he will be able to fly home. He has set his goal to return home by March 15th. Thank s to everyone for the prayers and calls. Keep up the good thoughts.
Mary

Darbi Tolar and Emilie McKenzie will both be at home in Kentwood tonight.

Mattie Henderson
(December 17, 1948 – February 24, 2010)

Died at 10:20PM on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at her residence near Independence, LA. She was born December 17, 1948 in Independence, LA and is 61 years of age. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Carl Rushing. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Cynthia Simmons, Natalbany, Marsha Fairburn, Spring Creek, mother, Flora Russell Henderson, Independence, 5 grandchildren, Ashley Megge, Samantha Simmons, Marcy Brumfield, Michael Cuccia, Jr., Dillon Fairburn, 6 great-grandchildren, Zackary Underwood, Kaylee Hale, Hunter Underwood, Darrel Underwood, Tara Brumfield, Sarah Cuccia. Preceded in death by father, Nicholas Scariana, adopted father, W. T. Henderson, granddaughter, Michelle Cuccia. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements

Thursday

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,

for You will answer me.”

Psalm 86:7

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family. Include prayers for Leslie and Stephanie as they adjust to being a family of four.

CaringBridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris/journal

Holly K. says it is extremely hot where she lives. Poor electrical service means no fans! Pray for Holly and others who live where the weather is very warm now.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 24, 2010

—————————————

Remaining 2 Baptist volunteers in Haiti to be freed

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32359

GCR Task Force process discussed

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32361

WRAP-UP: EC actions include 1-year seminary reallocation to aid NOBTS

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32362

Baptist youth injured in school shooting

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32363

Volunteers carry compassion to Haiti, but have ‘no bottled answers’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32364

Volunteers from 16 states in Haiti so far

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32365

ERLC: Obama plan has abortion funding

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32366

OLYMPICS: Olympian says there’s ‘no atheist at the top of a bobsled run’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32367

OLYMPICS: Pac, Meyers in 2nd after 2 heats

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32368

FIRST-PERSON: Changing how we view Terri Schiavo

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32369

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

LARRY AND JANE HUDSON are dear friends from the Main Street church in Calhoun, Kentucky…

A few years ago invited me to Sunday dinner following the AM worship assembly. This special couple was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and so they asked me to go along and commemorate the happy occasion.

Our destination…? Owensboro, Kentucky and Moonlite Bar-B-Q.

Everybody in that neck of the woods knows about Moonlite. Think “casual dining.” Think “family feel.” Think “all-you-can-eat” BBQ buffet. Underline the word “all.” Hungry guests stand in line with a plate and then help themselves to a smorgasbord of tasty, home-style dishes.

Buffet. Choose what you want. Skip what you don’t want. Go back as many times as you wish. This is gastronomical heaven. I loaded my plate with country favorites — mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and green beans, but then skiped the macaroni and cheese, gravy and rolls.

I left the restaurant full as the proverbial tick. Okay, maybe not full — I stopped just one bite shy of gluttony.

The meal was great. The Christian company was even better.

It occurs to me that many preachers treat the Word like a trip to Moonlite. They fill their theological dinner-ware with perennial favorites. They “eat” what their doctrinal belly desires (Philippians 3:19), but then pass over those food items which their denomination deems unpalatable. For instance, some heap their plate with faith, but then consciously omit what the Scriptures teach about baptism. They select SOME of God’s word but not the SUM of God’s word. They claim to be “Bible-believing,” but then do a “Moonlite” on those passages which teach the necessity of immersion.

Does the New Testament require baptism? No? Look again. According to Matthew 28:19-20 baptism is involved in my becoming a disciple of Christ. According to Mark 16:15-16 baptism is something I must engage if I want to be saved. According to Acts 2:37-38 baptism is something I must undergo in order to be forgiven of my sins. According to Acts 8:12-13, 38 baptism is something I must submit to, even if it means changing my religion. According to Acts 10:48 baptism is something I must obey because it has been commanded. According to Acts 16:14-15, baptism is something I will yield to — immediately — in order to be faithful to the Lord. According to Acts 22:16 baptism is something I must do if I desire my past sins to be taken away (cf. Acts 9:6). According to Romans 6:3-7 baptism is that which makes a difference (slave of sin vs. slave of righteousness) in my life. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13 baptism is the means by which I enter the body or church (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23). According to Galatians 3:26-27 baptism is the way that I become a child of God. According to 1 Peter 3:21 baptism saves.

Got your Bible handy? Read through Jeremiah 36. Jeremiah prophesied during the closing days of the Southern kingdom of Judah. On one occasion, the prophet received a divine message from God and then had the words written on a scroll (vv. 1-3). This inspired document was later read to king Jehoiakim by Jehudi (vv. 21). When Jehudi read that the kingdom-nation would be overthrown by the Babylonian empire, Jehoiakim decided he couldn’t “stomach” anymore. The arrogant ruler took a scribe’s penknife, cut up the scroll, and then cast it into the fire until it was consumed (vv. 22-24).

Jehoiakim would have liked Moonlite. Eat what you want. Skip what you don’t want. Mashed potatoes “yes,” dinner rolls “no.” Authoritarian rule “yes,” servile bondage “no.” Faith “yes,” baptism “no.”

Dear reader, the Bible is not a self-serve restaurant. We can’t pick out the parts that we like and then reject or cut out the portions that don’t strike our fancy. We must declare and consume (Jer. 15:16) the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4), including those passages which teach the necessity of baptism.

Is your preacher offering some of God’s Word, or the sum of God’s Word? Mike Benson

“The sum of your word is truth,

and every one of your righteous rules endures forever”

~Psm. 119:160~

Count your blessing, not your problems! Remember, today is Terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Bennie Maurice Ricks
(February 24, 1936 – February 23, 2010)

Bennie Maurice Ricks was born February 24, 1936 and passed away at 10:31 p.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. He was 73 (1 day short of his 74th Birthday), a native of New Orleans and a resident of Roseland.

Bennie Maurice is survived by 2 daughters, Nicole Rene’ Ricks, Orlando, FL and Holly Noel Kitzmiller and husband, Paul, Manchester, PA; son, Kevin Maurice Ricks, Manchester, PA; 6 sisters, Mary Louise Russell and husband Kirk, Roseland, Mithilda R. Mize, Arcola, Thelma R. Simmons and husband, John Hillary, Kentwood, Carrol Ann R. Corona and husband, Thomas, Denham Springs, Ruby Ricks, Roseland and Jewel R. Hudspeth and husband, Charlie, Bolivar; 2 brothers, Alfred Ricks, Greenwood, FL and Robert Ricks and wife Pat, Roseland.

Preceded in death by parents, Bennie W. and Pearl Bond Ricks.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday February 27, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.