Sunday

How great is the love

the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

The reason the world does not know us

is that it did not know him.”

~1 John 3:1, NIV~

Judy Easley said her new grandson, Tyler Easley, will probably get to go home today or tomorrow. He is a month old. Pray for Tyler’s family as they care for him. Pray for big sister, Audrey, as she finally gets to have her new brother home.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to do well. Thank God for her progress and his watchcare over her as she begins to get back into her routine.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to have setbacks on his road to recovery from receiving his pacemaker. Pray for him as he continues to battle these problems and for his family as they watch over him.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson as she prepares for surgery Tuesday. Pray for Mr. James Lee Hutchinson too.

Joan Hagan will see her surgeon Monday. Pray for her as she makes the long-awaited appointment.

TOO MANY ROCKS?

This list is circulating among Forest Service employees. These are actual comments left on Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:

  • “A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
  • “Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”
  • “Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.”
  • “Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”
  • “Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.”
  • “Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.”
  • “Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.”
  • “Need more signs to keep area pristine.”
  • “The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”
  • “Too many rocks in the mountains.”

Too many rocks in the mountains? I suppose the sky is too blue, there are too many leaves on the trees and too much water in the ocean as well! It’s hard to imagine anyone complaining about God’s creation. I stand in awe every day of His handiwork, from the mountains to the deserts to the beaches and everything in between!

“Praise the LORD!….Praise Him, sun and moon;

Praise Him, all you stars of light!

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,

and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for He commanded and they were created….

Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind,

fulfilling His word;

mountains and all hills;

fruitful trees and all cedars;

beasts and all cattle;

creeping things and flying fowl….

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for His name alone is exalted;

His glory is above the earth and heaven.”

~Psalm 48:1a,3-5,7-10,13~

Next chance you get, walk outside, take a look around, and offer your praise to God who created it all.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

“Count Your Blessings” this Lord’s Day!

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 Afternoon

Richard Dunn has been hospitalized again this week, but should be home this weekend. Please continue to pray for Richard and his family.

Miss Emily Bridges is back at Kentwood Manor. Please continue to pray she will feel satisfied to be there.

Seeing “Miss” Carol Bridges today reminded me I never did post this obituary.

Alton D. “Bob” Alford
Alton D. “Bob” Alford passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at the age of 76. Beloved husband of 56 years to Joyce Givens Alford, father of Marylyn Haislip, Beverly and Jay Youngs and Debbie and Marc Mistretta, proud grandfather of Kristi H. Churchill, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason and Sandra Haislip, Jonathan Youngs, Stephanie M. and Derek Anderson, and Marc Alan Mistretta Jr., and seven great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister, Carol Bridges, of Kentwood; brothers, Wendell Alford, of Long Beach, Calif., and Ronald Alford, of Denham Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. After serving two years in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant, Bob, then a brick mason, moved to Mandeville in 1959, when he began his 40-year career in law enforcement. After serving 20 years with the State Police as staff sergeant, he retired to accept the position of chief of police in Mandeville for three years. Continuing his passion for public service, he retired again with 12 years with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. With law enforcement still in his blood, he became chief of security for Lakeview Hospital. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Mandeville, where he gladly served on numerous organizations and committees. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at First Baptist Church of Mandeville, 1895 U.S. 190, Mandeville, with visitation at church beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Senior Saints, c/o First Baptist Church of Mandeville. Arrangements by E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington. Please sign the online guest book at http://www.ejfieldingfh.com.

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 Afternoon

Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson requests prayer as she prepares for surgery at North Oaks Tuesday morning.

Kaleigh Lynn Guy
(February 19, 1986 – July 30, 2008)

Kaleigh Lynn Guy
Kaleigh Lynn Guy born February 19, 1986 and went to be with her Lord on July 30, 2008 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge, after a brief illness. Kaleigh was 22, a native of Baton Rouge and a resident of Greensburg. Kaleigh was a Senior at Louisiana State University majoring in Political Science with concentration in Pre-Law. She was an honor student and a member of several honor societies. She was employed by Tiger Talk at the LSU Foundation. Kaleigh was a 2004 Honor Graduate of Oak Forest Academy where she was a cheerleader. She was also a member of Day’s United Methodist Church Survived by her Parents; Michael “Mike” and Jennifer “Jenny” Hooker Guy, Greensburg. Twin Sister; Christina “Chris” Lee Guy, Hammond and Sister; Allison Irene Guy, Greensburg; Grandfather; Herbert G. Hooker, Grand Isle. 3 Aunts; Penny H.Ellis and her husband, Carl, Central, Letitia H. Beraud, Denham Springs and Sharon Guy Hornsby, Greensburg. 2 Uncles; Sidney Mascarella, Hitchcock, TX and Robin T. Hooker, Pensacola, FL. numerous cousins, Friends, extended family, and her loving dog “Tweeter”. Preceded in death by: Paternal Grandparents; Lavern & Irene Guy. Maternal Grandparents; Milton & Juanita Simmons. Aunt; Stephanie Hooker Mascarella and Uncle; George “Butch” Beraud Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, August 1, 2008 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM and at Day’s United Methodist Church, Easleyville, on Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM at Day’s United Methodist Church with services conducted by Rev. Larry D. Robertson. Interment will be in Day’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Ricks, Trey Coxen, Marcus Smith, Curt Bridges, Bradley Davis, Sutton Travis, Bud Alford, and Zack Pray. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Jerry Isaac Hyde
(May 5, 1934 – July 30, 2008)

Died at 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in Independence as a result of an automobile accident. He was a native of Chesbrough and a resident of Amite. Age 74 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Woodard. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Anne Hyde Stewart, Amite and Robin Allen, Hammond; 3 sons, Jerry Wayne Hyde, Atlanta, GA, Don Allen, Loranger and Steve Allen, Amite; sister, Lillian Brumfield, Chesbrough; 2 brothers, Nathan Hyde, Duscon and Ernie Hyde, Amite; 4 grandchildren, Logan Hyde, Atlanta, GA, Samantha Stewart, Amite, Hayley Allen, Loranger and Summer Allen, Loranger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Isaac Hyde; mother, Lillian Spears Hyde Davidson; 3 brothers, Joe Hyde, Fernie Hyde and Marvin Hyde.

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

Wednesday Afternoon

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28570

Please check this website to read about the young missionary who passed away Monday in Russia. (Jennie told me Monday, but the IMB didn’t release any information until today.) Please pray for the family, friends, co-workers, and those to whom she and her family ministered. Teri Tarleton and her family were appointed missionaries when Boyd and Jennie were appointed journeymen to Romania and Brazil. They all have been serving in the same region in Central and Eastern Europe.

Wednesday

 

 

“Or what man is there among you who,

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

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

If you then, being evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

~Matthew 7:9-11~

 

 

 

Ms. Emily Bridges fell at home recently. She’s in the nursing home for extra care.

 

 

It’s back to school time! Schools are filled with activity as preparations for the new school year are going strong. Pray for students and school employees as a new year begins.

 

 

Don’t forget the Beth Moore Simulcast Friday evening and Saturday morning. If you don’t have a ticket yet, call the church office at 985-229-8111.

 

 

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

Cost

SINGER, SONGWRITER FIONA Apple writes piercing words about relationships…

While I do not endorse all she writes/does, her song, “Paper Bag,” carries a profound lesson.

In her song, she discusses a man who holds a powerful attraction for her. At the outset, she is exhilarated because she thinks the dove of hope is about to alight upon her. Then, she realizes it was only a paper bag and the jarring image awakens her from her stupor.

She carries the image into her analysis of the doomed relationship. Her lover was a man who had failed to grow up and was not ready for an adult relationship. She knew she had to leave before she was in too far.

Fiona writes, “Hunger hurts, but starving works, when it costs too much to love.” These words are stunning when we carefully meditate upon their implications.

Millions are in toxic dating relationships that are almost certainly doomed to fail. Sadly, in many cases, they will marry and complete the nightmare that will end in tragedy, spiritually and emotionally. Millions more have already wed and their misery is very real. Their pain and heartaches take too many years from their lives. The price is too high.

Emotions often blind the human heart and we fail to see our situation for what it is. We must step out of our emotions and listen to the rational. We must be fearless as we see the bigger picture.

Loved ones try to open our eyes to the dangers we face but our emotions close our ears. We refuse to listen and we lash out at our loved ones until we hit bottom and see what we had refused to see.

In our Christian walks, these words are equally profound.

We place our pleasure ahead of our souls and turn against God. We satisfy our hunger for sin when we would be better off starving. Solomon writes, “Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 17:1, NKJV) We must see the bigger picture and say no to our appetites when they place us at odds with God.

Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), places lies strategically ahead of us where we are most vulnerable (1 John 2:15-16). We pick them up, place them in our pockets, they creep into our hearts and lead us away from Christ (Luke 15:11-32).

Sin is too dangerous. The price is too steep. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).There is too much at stake.

An eternity in hell is never worth the momentary pleasure of Satan’s lies. Yet, we persevere each day, paying Satan’s impossible price. We accept sin’s call while the voice of God’s Word speaks rationally and clearly through Scripture.

God calls us to a higher calling (Romans 12:1-2). Our sinful appetites yearn to be satisfied. However, Satan’s food is poison (1 Peter 5:8). We may hunger for it but starving is better. The food of the Lord is far more satisfying (John 6:26-35).

Jesus says, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10) “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). The challenges are serious but the consequences are eternal. Now, we have to choose. Be wise. (Richard Mansel at: http://www.forthright.net/square_one/counting_the_costs.html)


“For which of you,

intending to build a tower,

does not sit down first and count the cost,

whether he has enough to finish it.”

~Luke 14:28~

 

 

 

 

Thank-you for your availability for prayer each day. You mean so much to so many people.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

 

 

We know that we have passed from death to life,

because we love our brothers.

Anyone who does not love remains in death.

~1 John 3:14 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Both Bro. Joey and Karen told me Karen’s brother, Aubrey Perry, will have his surgery today in Alabama. The time is not know, so just begin praying now.

 

 

Another Marvelous Monday! We have had good worship services during July. These fantastic services will be greatly missed. Seeing former staff people and updates our mental records of their families was wonderful! The music was varied and brought out such wonder talent of our musicians and choir. The messages clearly spoke to our hearts. Thanks to all of those who led in these services and to all others who took a part in working behind the scenes to prepare food for the suppers or the fellowships.

 

Deacons for the week:

  • Smiley Conerly
  • Roy Turner

KneEmail

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

BILL GATES AND Bill Michael Bloomberg are men who need little introduction…

Gates, founder of the Microsoft empire, and Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, are both rich beyond imagination. On Wednesday of this week, they declared their intention to pool some of their resources for a worthy cause.

The focus of their efforts is an attempt to curb smoking in developing nations. Most in the United States now know that smoking cigarettes poses serious threats to one’s health. People in other countries, like China and India, have not been adequately warned, believe Bloomberg and Gates. Together they have pledged half a billion dollars to fight “a global tobacco epidemic.”

We applaud the efforts of these billionaires. Their actions qualify as an example of philanthropy. Perhaps others will be motivated by their examples to be more generous on behalf of others.

The word “philanthropy” comes from the Greek, the language of the New Testament. “Phil” refers to “love” and “anthropos” is the word for “man”. The word is found in the Bible, most notably in Titus 3:4-5: “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared … he saved us …” (NKJV). “Love” in that verse is translated from “philanthropia,” and is a concept upon which our salvation depends. Had God not felt this love toward man, we would have been abandoned in a hopeless struggle with sin.

If God’s love for mankind shows itself in clear and powerful ways, should God’s people not also seek to show their love for others? Can we be described as philanthropic?

Helping people attain healthier lifestyles is a noble aim, but it falls far short of helping them reach salvation. On this point, Paul’s questions continue to demand an answer: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14,15).

Imagine the eternal good that could be accomplished with half a billion dollars! Missionaries could be placed in distant locations; radio broadcasts could preach God’s word where congregations do not yet exist; food, clothing and shelter could prepare the way for the gospel in areas ravaged by natural disaster. People will only be able to call upon the Lord when they know about him. Tragically, millions in our world have still not heard of Jesus.

We can’t wait for a Bill Gates or a Michael Bloomberg to fund the spread of the gospel. But thousands of Christians can step forward with smaller amounts, and this “seed” will go far in reaching the lost (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). While individual giving to charitable institutions declines, disciples who trust the promises of God must demonstrate their superior philanthropy. (Tim Hall at: http://www.forthright.net/heavenly_connections/true_philanthropy.html)

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5; cf. Acts 28:2).
Let’s do our part to help the people of the world be saved!

Anna Lee