November 15, 2009
Bell Gardens Baptist Church
November 15, 2009
Photographic Memory
The Spanish and Engligh congregations witnessed five baptisms November 15, 2009. What church can claim "we baptized Jesus and Mary?" Jesús and Maria included in their testimony they were saved "because He chose me." What a blessing!
"Consider well of the office, the bloodshed, and the holy life of Christ—His office is to expiate sin, and to destroy it. His blood was shed for it: his life condemned it. Love Christ, and thou wilt hate that which caused his death. Love him, and thou will be made more like him." —Richard Baxter
Remembering His Grace, Begging His Mercy
Thank You, Lord, for teaching us through Your Word about Hezekiah that You do hear and answer our prayers; and that You really do know what is best for us when our hearts yearn for blessings that might not be in our best interests. Thank You, Lord, that the truth of our resurrection is important to us in this life, everyday, not just after our physical death. You are good to us, always!
We give praise to the Lord for those who are being water baptized today which is an outward sign of the inward work already accomplished by Jesus Christ in saving these individuals. Please pray as these grow in holiness.
Donna Banks asks prayer for her friend, Robert, who was admitted to the hospital for testing then moved to CVIC because he had a blood clot in his leg break off and go into his brain causing a mild stroke. He is only 49 years old.
Teri Lopez's surgery was postponed until Friday, November 20 with both ankles being repaired. Please continue to pray that her fears will be calmed.
Here is a wonderful answer to prayer: Jeannie Leonard has moved "home." Her new address is 6850 E. Florence Ave. #314/ Bell Gardens, CA 90201.
Armon Siemsen got a good report from his doctor following the surgery. Armon is still restricted from work and driving. Last week he also had a cold.
Woody Blalock is under the care of a new doctor who believes more can be done to help. A new routine of antibiotics will begin through a PICC line.
Curtis and Naoko Rigsby both have the flu and are to fly to Japan in a week for a philosopher's conference. Looking ahead, there is a possible long-term position at another school. Would you join in praying that God's will be done, in giving health, guiding in leadership, and providing the right place for ministry?
Lillian Draggoo was hospitalized last but is better now. With a daily care-giver she is able to remain at home. Pray for a return of health and strength.
After a week's delay, Stella Rogers' grandson, Dale, had surgery. A new doctor believes he can be of further assistance if Dale can pay for the hospitalization.
A major decision was made by the government to prosecute those accused of the 9-11 (2001) attacks in a federal court rather than a military court. Here is a reminder that our hope is not in our judicial system but only in Jesus Christ and his righteousness. Please pray that the families and friends who have been waiting for justice (maybe even vengeance?) will know and trust in the only lasting Source of Comfort available for their souls.
- Marvin Funkhouser—deployed to Iraq for 18 months
- Coleen—a friend of Woody and Barbara Blalock
- Tony Loving—flying troops in and out of various areas
- Bryan Miller—in Guam, will be in Iraq soon
- Sam Im
- Jorge Avalos
- Ryan Bareng
- Jeremy Peters—currently in Iraq
- Jeremy Thomas—currently in Afghanistan
- Jason Kiser—currently in the Gulf
- John Kiser—currently in Iraq
Hearing and Reading the Word
Isaiah 39. What does God "need" to accomplish His will? Hezekiah thought God needed the Temple and its wealth. When confronted by Isaiah, Hezekiah understood his sin and took responsibility.
1 Corinthians 15:35-42. What kind of change does the resurrection of believers bring about? Listen to recent sermons.
The Bible reading for November includes all of the New Testament epistles (except 1, 2, 3 John). Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, 1 and 2 Peter, James, and Jude. Here are three suggestions to pace your reading this month. One letter each weekday and you've got the reading covered. Or, six chapters each weekday and you are on track. Or, four chapters every day will also get you to the end.
The suggested 2009 Bible reading guide (1 page) can be downloaded here.
"God is always trying to give us good things, but our hands are too full to receive them."
Letters
Richard and Ellen Hayes, Village Missions, Spokane
The Lord continues to bless our ministry here in the Foothills of Spokane in so many ways. Read the entire letter. Send an email.
Steve and Eida Irwin, New Tribes Mission
What is good about the "cua'aj a"? "Cua'aj a"* means "sweathouse" or "steam bath" in the Triqui language. The Triqui people are an ethnic tribe from Oaxaca in southern Mexico. But… Read the entire letter. Send an email.
Pete and Joy Palmer. New Tribes Mission
We thought we'd send a few prayer requests to explain more of what we do here. Specifically we've been asked to connect with the current staff here at NTM HQ and training college. Read the entire letter. Send an email.
Arvalee Palmer, New Tribes Mission
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18). Do you find it hard to give thanks to God in trying circumstances? I did; at the beginning of last week, when I received word that… Read the entire letter. Send an email.
"Faith is realizing that I am useful to God not in spite of my scars but because of them."
Why should I believe you?
After filling my tank with gas (and for some reason still unknown to me), I walked around to the passenger side. There on the ground was a ten dollar bill and no one around that could have dropped it. "Thank you, Lord, for this unexpected blessing."
That afternoon a stranger told an incredible story of his troubles. As my ears heard, my mind wondered why I should believe him. Near the end he asked a favor, like I didn't know this was coming. "I have so many needs and problems, would you pray for me?" I must admit, I wasn't expecting prayer to be his request. As he was leaving, I reached in my pocket for my keys and felt paper. I'd forgotten about that money and told him, "God must have intended this for you."
Nearly two months later my stranger appeared again (which is unusual), this time driving a van (a little bizarre considering the details of our first encounter). He related how every issue we had prayed about had been resolved except finding a job. "Thank you for praying. God answered our prayers!"
As fanciful as my stranger's story might appear, I found one in the Bible that tops it. John tells us what Jesus' brothers thought about his claim to be God. "For even His brothers did not believe in Him" (John 7:5). Jesus' brothers wanted him to "show…to the world" the truth about himself. We need only read the next few verses (10-13) in this chapter to see that there was a great deal of confusion among the people about the true identity of Jesus. They were wondering the same about Jesus that I was thinking about my stranger, "Why should I believe you?" How could they who knew him best, grow-up together, and live in the same house not believe what Jesus said?
In John 7:6-9, Jesus answered his brothers' question. He was not angry for their apparent attack on his character. He did not argue or belittle them. He did not attempt to lay guilt on his brothers to persuade them to believe. Instead, he responded to them the same way he responds to our unbelief, with grace. Motivated by his love for his brothers, Jesus spoke the truth.
It is a sad commentary that we have become such schizophrenic skeptics of everything we hear and see. While we want to believe we are being told the truth, we must be discerning and discover the accuracy of what we are told, otherwise we will be like "sheep being led to the slaughter." John's comment is saddest of all. Having heard the truth, conveyed with grace and motivated by love, Jesus' brothers did not believe him. Just as their being close to Jesus did not guarantee they would believe in him, neither does the relationship of one with Jesus guarantee saving faith for others in our families and churches.
But why should you believe me? Check it out for yourselves.
Send an email to Jim Covington.
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