The Vineyard- September 27, 2015

The Vineyard- September 27, 2015

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Genesis 42:1-38

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          God’s Will is Sovereign

o   Joseph’s brothers tried to fight against God’s will, to the extent that they sold their brother into slavery.  Have you ever tried to fight against God’s will for your life? 

o   What happens when we stop fighting God’s will for our life, and learn to embrace that will instead?

-          Blinded by Guilt

o   When society speaks of God, if often paints a picture of a God with a lightning bolt in one hand, waiting to zap the next person who messes up.  The world is fixated on a God of judgment.  How does our guilt cause us to see God mainly as a God who judges us?

o   How does the way we see God impact the way we perceive things?  If we only see a God of judgment, do we begin to see everything as God’s judgment?

o   Can guilt prevent us from seeing God’s desire to redeem us?

-          Paralyzed by Grief

o   Grief can overwhelm us to the extent that we are paralyzed emotionally and spiritually.  Jacob, having lost Joseph already, is afraid to do anything that might lead to the loss of Benjamin as well. 

o   How does our knowledge of Christ and his power over death console us in our grief, and encourage us when we are fearful?

o   How does the perfect love of Christ cast out fear?

Pray that God’s will for your life will be evident, and that you will have the courage and faith to embrace it. 

Ask God to relieve you of any guilt that may be blinded you to the Father’s love. 

Pray for those who grieve, that they will not be overwhelmed and fearful, but that the perfect love of Christ will reign in their hearts. 

Prayer Requests- September 27, 2015

Prayer Requests

Praise:   Nathan Snyder had successful back surgery, and was able to come home.  Neiko Bradford has successful surgery to remove his spleen.  Whitney Melder is doing better.  Geneva Norsworthy was able to come home from the hospital.  Horace Greene is back from deployment.      

Recent Requests:  The Cains, Robbie Bruner, Robert Melder, Felix Melder, Walter Beard, Paula Fontenot, Pam Myrick, Jessica Myrick, Bruce Drummond, Edward & Kassie Walton, Ben Johnson, Arnaud family, Deborah Ryder, Jaime Roberts, Juanita Ray, Linda Foster, Dennis LeDoux, Neiko Bradford, Logan Blair, Wayne Cook, Toun Vilaysack, Chris Markle, Violet Butter, Loretta Boone, Keisha Anderson, the Stokes family, Alex Wilson, Betty Melder, Melody Fuglaar, Cooper Marler, Eunice Graves

Pray for the persecuted Christians, and your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Pray for our elected and appointed leaders, as well as world leaders. 

Pray for our students, faculty, staff, and administration at the school. 

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson; Dale Anderson, IV; Emma Armour; Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Conner Bouchie, Bernice Campbell, Carl Chellette, Haley Chisholm, Ronnie Chisholm, Claire Cotton, Sampson Doyle III, James Otis Dunn, Kimmy Fix, Robert Gough, Mamie Grantham, Carolyn Gray, Dan Gray, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Darlene Holt, Mike Irwin, Aline Johnson, Patricia Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Andrew Juneau, Mascel Keith, Anita Kurtz, Drake Martin, Iris Lee Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Mike Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Luther Paul, Dewanna Polk, Clint Powell, Estelle Simmons, Eric Sipco, Halyn Smith, Nathan Snyder, Betty St. Andrie, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Lacy Storey, C.W. Strother, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Randy Tucker, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston; Taylor Denegal, Matthew Droddy, Kelvin Griffin, Jacob Hicks, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Heather Ashworth, Ruth Barbe, Ronnie Bedgood Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Dixie Brooks, Hedy Butler, Shirley Cameron, Kay Carruth, Mark Cary, Gleeta Chamberlain, James Clark, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Kitty Dauzat, Bill Davidson, Tyese Davis, Bryan Delacerda, Peppy Doughy, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Murray Ganson, Ronald Golmon, Sr., Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Cheresa Hudson, James Johnson (Alexandria), Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Vivian Kirby, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, Joy Mancil, Haydn McCoy, Roy McDonald, Dylan McElduff, Peggy Middleton, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Myra Page, Brenda Pringle, Angie Roberts, Evelyn Sandell, Joan Schneider,  Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Connor Smith, Donna Spears, Walter Stagg, Varnell Stanley, Carol Stewart, Stephen Taylor, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Edward Webb, Sr.; Dalton Welch, Greg Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Carol Willis, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Eloise Babb; Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Bessy LeDoux, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Philip Orr; Darwin & Mary Jones; Carl & Lydia Holloway

Deaths: The families of Nova Erwin, Gladys Paul, Donna Stapleton, Clifton Droddy, Marshall Shipp, Carol Pfile, Janice Ramsey

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- September 20, 2015

The Vineyard- September 20, 2015

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Genesis 41:37-57

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Qualified by God

o   One of the reasons Joseph was qualified was that he saw not only problems, but solutions as well.  Are you someone who dwells on the problem, or do you also work to think of a solution?

o   The main reason Joseph was the man for the God was that he relied on the power of God, and did so openly.  Do you depend more on your own talents, or on God’s guidance and blessing as you live your life for him?

-          From Tribulation to Triumph

o   Joseph’s path to triumph and high office in Egypt began with his brothers selling him into slavery.  What difficulties or suffering has God used in your life?

o   Joseph changes social station and physical location, all through God’s providence.  Do we trust that God can redeem our lives and make something good out of them, even after we have messed them up?

o   When Joseph becomes a father, the names he gives his children indicate that he is finally able to put his sufferings behind him.  Do we recognize God’s blessings for their ability to release from us the burden of the past?  Do we dwell more on what we have faced in the past, or how God is using us and blessing us in the present?

Consider how God has gifted you, and seek to use those talents and gifts to serve those around you, addressing the challenges faced by your community. 

Thank God for bringing you through the tribulations of life, and look forward to the triumph that we will enjoy in Christ. 

Prayer Requests- September 20, 2015

Prayer Requests

Praise:   Whitney Melder is doing better.  The Midkiffs made it home safely.  Saigan West, Carol Jean Fuller, and Robbie Bruner are doing better.  Dylan McElduff had successful surgery for cancer, and doctors are optimistic concerning his prognosis.  Geneva Norsworthy was able to come home from the hospital.    

Recent Requests:  Robert Melder, Felix Melder, Walter Beard, Paula Fontenot, Clifton Droddy, Whitney Melder, Pam Myrick, Jessica Myrick, Bruce Drummond, Edward & Kassie Walton, Ben Johnson, Arnaud family, Deborah Ryder, Jaime Roberts, Juanita Ray, Linda Foster, Dennis LeDoux, Neiko Bradford, Nathan Snyder, Logan Blair, Wayne Cook, Toun Vilaysack, Chris Markle, Violet Butter, Loretta Boone, Keisha Anderson, the Stokes family, Alex Wilson, Betty Melder, Melody Fuglaar, Cooper Marler, Eunice Graves

Pray for the persecuted Christians, and your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Pray for our elected and appointed leaders, as well as world leaders. 

Pray for our students, faculty, staff, and administration at the school. 

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson; Dale Anderson, IV; Emma Armour; Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Conner Bouchie, Bernice Campbell, Carl Chellette, Haley Chisholm, Ronnie Chisholm, Claire Cotton, Sampson Doyle III, James Otis Dunn, Kimmy Fix, Robert Gough, Mamie Grantham, Carolyn Gray, Dan Gray, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Darlene Holt, Mike Irwin, Aline Johnson, Patricia Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Andrew Juneau, Mascel Keith, Anita Kurtz, Drake Martin, Iris Lee Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Mike Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Luther Paul, Dewanna Polk, Clint Powell, Estelle Simmons, Eric Sipco, Halyn Smith, Betty St. Andrie, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Lacy Storey, C.W. Strother, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Randy Tucker, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston; Taylor Denegal, Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, Kelvin Griffin, Jacob Hicks, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Heather Ashworth, Ruth Barbe, Ronnie Bedgood Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Dixie Brooks, Hedy Butler, Shirley Cameron, Kay Carruth, Mark Cary, Gleeta Chamberlain, James Clark, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Kitty Dauzat, Bill Davidson, Bryan Delacerda, Peppy Doughy, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Murray Ganson, Ronald Golmon, Sr., Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Cheresa Hudson, James Johnson (Alexandria), Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Vivian Kirby, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, Joy Mancil, Haydn McCoy, Roy McDonald, Dylan McElduff, Peggy Middleton, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Myra Page, Brenda Pringle, Angie Roberts, Evelyn Sandell, Joan Schneider,  Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Connor Smith, Donna Spears, Walter Stagg, Varnell Stanley, Carol Stewart, Stephen Taylor, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Edward Webb, Sr.; Dalton Welch, Greg Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Carol Willis, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Eloise Babb; Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Bessy LeDoux, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Philip Orr; Darwin & Mary Jones

Deaths: The families of Marshall Shipp, Carol Pfile, Janice Ramsey, Gary Monroe, Blaine Town

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- September 13, 2015

The Vineyard- September 13, 2015

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Genesis 41:1-36

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          The Powerlessness of Pharaoh

o   It was fairly common in the ancient world for leaders like kings and emperors to be viewed as gods.  Pharaoh is seen as a god by the Egyptian, just as Caesar was seen as a god in Jesus’ day.  And yet, Pharaoh can’t even interpret his own dream, and when he learns the interpretation, he is powerless to stop the famine from happening. 

o   Hopefully we don’t see our elected leaders as gods, but we are guilty of placing too much trust in them.  What problems in our communities, in our nation, and in our world, are we trusting “princes” or presidents to solve? 

-          The Power of God

o   God determines the future, and often reveals it to us.  We know that one day we will face judgment, that all the forces of sin and death will be completely and finally destroyed. 

o   Have you entrusted your future to the only one with the power to secure it?

o   How has God brought you through the “famines” in life?

-          When Grace and Works Meet

o   God showed grace to Pharaoh and Egypt by revealing what would happen in a dream.  And yet, knowing what would happen was not enough.  If Pharaoh hadn’t acted on this knowledge, then his entire nation would never have benefited from God’s grace. 

o   How has God’s grace toward you required you to act, respond, or change?

o   How does this story demonstrate that grace and works are not mutually exclusive?

Pray that our leaders will recognize their powerlessness, and turn to God for wisdom and strength in dealing with the challenges our world faces. 

Pray for the coming of God’s future, when the forces of sin and death will be defeated for eternity. 

Pray that we might discern how to respond to God’s grace, and align our plans with his so that he might be glorified. 

Prayer Requests- September 13, 2015

Prayer Requests

Praise:   Carol Jean Fuller, Robbie Bruner, and Lee Taylor are doing better.  Justin, Melissa, and Nathan made it back from New Orleans safely.  Dylan McElduff had successful surgery for cancer, and doctors are optimistic concerning his prognosis. 

Recent Requests:  Clifton Droddy, Whitney Melder, Geneva Norsworthy, Aline Johnson, Pam Myrick, Jessica Myrick, Bruce Drummond, Edward & Kassie Walton, Ben Johnson, Arnaud family, Deborah Ryder, Jaime Roberts, Juanita Ray, Linda Foster, Dennis LeDoux, Neiko Bradford, Nathan Snyder, Logan Blair, Wayne Cook, Toun Vilaysack, Chris Markle, Violet Butter, Saigan West, Claire Cotton, Loretta Boone, Mike Irwin, Keisha Anderson, the Stokes family, Alex Wilson, Betty Melder, Melody Fuglaar, Cooper Marler, Eunice Graves

Pray for the persecuted Christians, and your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Pray for our elected and appointed leaders, as well as world leaders. 

Pray for our students, faculty, staff, and administration at the school. 

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson; Dale Anderson, IV; Emma Armour; Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Conner Bouchie, Bernice Campbell, Carl Chellette, Haley Chisholm, Ronnie Chisholm, Sampson Doyle III, James Otis Dunn, Kimmy Fix, Robert Gough, Mamie Grantham, Carolyn Gray, Dan Gray, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Darlene Holt, Patricia Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Andrew Juneau, Mascel Keith, Anita Kurtz, Drake Martin, Iris Lee Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Mike Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Luther Paul, Dewanna Polk, Clint Powell, Estelle Simmons, Eric Sipco, Halyn Smith, Betty St. Andrie, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Lacy Storey, C.W. Strother, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Randy Tucker, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston; Taylor Denegal, Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, Kelvin Griffin, Jacob Hicks, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Heather Ashworth, Ruth Barbe, Ronnie Bedgood Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Dixie Brooks, Hedy Butler, Shirley Cameron, Kay Carruth, Mark Cary, Gleeta Chamberlain, James Clark, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Kitty Dauzat, Bill Davidson, Bryan Delacerda, Peppy Doughy, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Murray Ganson, Ronald Golmon, Sr., Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Cheresa Hudson, James Johnson (Alexandria), Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Vivian Kirby, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, Joy Mancil, Haydn McCoy, Roy McDonald, Dylan McElduff, Peggy Middleton, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Myra Page, Brenda Pringle, Angie Roberts, Evelyn Sandell, Joan Schneider,  Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Connor Smith, Donna Spears, Walter Stagg, Varnell Stanley, Carol Stewart, Stephen Taylor, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Edward Webb, Sr.; Dalton Welch, Greg Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Carol Willis, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Eloise Babb; Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Bessy LeDoux, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Philip Orr; Darwin & Mary Jones; the Midkiffs  

Deaths: The families of Marshall Shipp, Carol Pfile, Janice Ramsey, Gary Monroe, Blaine Town

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- September 6, 2015

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Genesis 40:1-23

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Things Aren’t Always as They Seem

o   To a casual observer, Joseph might appear to be just another common criminal.  And yet, Joseph was imprisoned for doing the right thing!  We must be careful about judging others and assuming we know exactly what they are like, what they have done, and what they believe.  Can you think of situations where perhaps we rush to judgment?  Are there times when perhaps we condemn or judge others who are actually in the right?

-          The God of Dreams

o   God often uses dreams to allow humans to glimpse into a future reality.  Our only way of perceiving the world to come, is if God reveals it to us.  God is master over the future, and he reveals glimpses of it to whomever he chooses.  Joseph could only interpret dreams because God allowed him to.  What gifts or talents has God given you?  Do you see those as your own, or things God has blessed you with the ability to do?

-          No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

o   Joseph had landed in prison for doing the right thing.  While there, he helps someone who has the ability to repay his kindness, but instead he is forgotten.  Have you ever gone through a period in life where it felt as if you were constantly being punished for doing the right thing?  God, in his time, remember Joseph.  He will remember you as well!

Pray that we will have the wisdom to refrain from judging when we don’t know the full story. 

Pray that we will see our talents as coming from God, and give him the glory as the source of those gifts. 

Pray that we will find comfort in knowing that God will remember us, even when the world forgets us.  

Prayer Requests- September 6, 2015

Prayer Requests

Praise:   Hallee Jean Melder was born on Thursday to Cody and Whitney, and both are doing well.  Lee Taylor is doing better.  Colton Rodriguez is cancer free and off to college!  Barrett Lovell’s cancer is also in remission!      

Recent Requests:  Whitney Melder, Geneva Norsworthy, Aline Johnson, Carol Jean Fuller, Robbie Bruner, Pam Myrick, Jessica Myrick, Bruce Drummond, Edward & Kassie Walton, Ben Johnson, Arnaud family, Deborah Ryder, Jaime Roberts, Juanita Ray, Linda Foster, Dennis LeDoux, Neiko Bradford, Nathan Snyder, Logan Blair, Wayne Cook, Toun Vilaysack, Chris Markle, Violet Butter, Saigan West, Claire Cotton, Loretta Boone, Mike Irwin, Keisha Anderson, the Stokes family, Alex Wilson, Betty Melder, Melody Fuglaar, Cooper Marler, Eunice Graves

Pray for the persecuted Christians, and your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Pray for our elected and appointed leaders, as well as world leaders. 

Pray for our students, faculty, staff, and administration at the school. 

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson; Dale Anderson, IV; Emma Armour; Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Conner Bouchie, Bernice Campbell, Carl Chellette, Haley Chisholm, Ronnie Chisholm, Sampson Doyle III, James Otis Dunn, Kimmy Fix, Robert Gough, Mamie Grantham, Carolyn Gray, Dan Gray, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Darlene Holt, Patricia Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Andrew Juneau, Mascel Keith, Anita Kurtz, Drake Martin, Iris Lee Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Mike Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Luther Paul, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Clint Powell, Estelle Simmons, Eric Sipco, Halyn Smith, Betty St. Andrie, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Lacy Storey, C.W. Strother, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Randy Tucker, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston; Taylor Denegal, Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, Kelvin Griffin, Jacob Hicks, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Heather Ashworth, Ruth Barbe, Ronnie Bedgood Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Dixie Brooks, Hedy Butler, Shirley Cameron, Kay Carruth, Mark Cary, Gleeta Chamberlain, James Clark, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Kitty Dauzat, Bill Davidson, Bryan Delacerda, Peppy Doughy, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Murray Ganson, Ronald Golmon, Sr., Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Cheresa Hudson, James Johnson (Alexandria), Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Vivian Kirby, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, Joy Mancil, Haydn McCoy, Roy McDonald, Dylan McElduff, Peggy Middleton, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Myra Page, Brenda Pringle, Angie Roberts, Evelyn Sandell, Joan Schneider, Marshall Shipp, Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Connor Smith, Donna Spears, Walter Stagg, Varnell Stanley, Carol Stewart, Stephen Taylor, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Edward Webb, Sr.; Dalton Welch, Greg Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Carol Willis, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Eloise Babb; Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Bessy LeDoux, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Philip Orr; Justin, Melissa, and Nathan

Deaths: The families of Janice Ramsey, Gary Monroe, Blaine Town, Opal Ware Vidrine, John Roy, Trooper Steven Vincent

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- August 30, 2015

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Genesis 39:1-23

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          When God’s Blessings From Through Us, Not to Us

o   It would be hard to imagine someone whom God was with in a more tangible way than Joseph.  And yet, when it came to material possessions, God’s blessing flowed through Joseph to those he worked for.  When we think of God’s blessings, to we limit our consideration of how God blesses us to what we receive, or do we think of how God might be blessing others through us?  Is it possible that sometimes we hold on to some the blessings that God intended to flow through us and on to others?

-          Flight or Fight?

o   When we think about not sinning, do we resort to our own will-power (fight), or do we think about removing ourselves from a situation where we will be tempted (flight).  There is no shame in removing yourself from a situation where you know you will face temptation.  God always gives us a way out (I Corinthians 10:13), but often that way is simply to remove ourselves from the situation.  If we don’t want to remove ourselves from a situation that is likely to cause us to sin, could it be because we have a stronger desire for that sin than for God?

-          Doing Right Doesn’t Mean You’ll Be Treated Right

o   Joseph lands in prison when all he did was flee temptation.  He did everything right, and it lands him in jail.  Have you ever faced a situation where despite doing the right thing, you were punished?  While it isn’t easy being mistreated by the world, God had seen Joseph’s faithfulness and character, and would continue to bless him and be with him.  Even if the world does recognize that you did the right thing, trust that God has taken notice, and will continue to be with you!

Pray that we will be less self-centered when it comes to God’s blessings, and how God’s blessings might flow through us to bless others. 

Pray that we will have the courage to run from sin and temptation.    

Pray that we will find comfort in the approval of God for doing the right thing, when the approval of the world is not forth-coming.  

Prayer Requests- August 30, 2015

Prayer Requests

Praise:   Josh Baden is doing better.  David & Doris Morgan made it back to Maryland safely.  Colton Rodriguez is cancer free and off to college!      

Recent Requests:  Bruce Drummond, Edward & Kassie Walton, Ben Johnson, Arnaud family, Deborah Ryder, Jaime Roberts, Juanita Ray, Linda Foster, Dennis LeDoux, Neiko Bradford, Nathan Snyder, Logan Blair, Wayne Cook, Toun Vilaysack, Chris Markle, Violet Butter, Saigan West, Claire Cotton, Loretta Boone, Mike Irwin, Keisha Anderson, the Stokes family, Alex Wilson, Lee Taylor, Betty Melder, Melody Fuglaar, Cooper Marler, Eunice Graves, Robbie Bedgood

Pray for the persecuted Christians, and your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Pray for our elected and appointed leaders, as well as world leaders. 

Pray for our students, faculty, staff, and administration at the school. 

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson; Dale Anderson, IV; Emma Armour; Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Conner Bouchie, Bernice Campbell, Carl Chellette, Haley Chisholm, Ronnie Chisholm, Sampson Doyle III, James Otis Dunn, Kimmy Fix, Robert Gough, Mamie Grantham, Carolyn Gray, Dan Gray, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Darlene Holt, Patricia Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Andrew Juneau, Mascel Keith, Anita Kurtz, Drake Martin, Iris Lee Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Mike Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Luther Paul, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Clint Powell, Estelle Simmons, Eric Sipco, Halyn Smith, Betty St. Andrie, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Lacy Storey, C.W. Strother, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Randy Tucker, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston; Taylor Denegal, Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, Kelvin Griffin, Jacob Hicks, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Heather Ashworth, Ruth Barbe, Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Dixie Brooks, Hedy Butler, Shirley Cameron, Kay Carruth, Mark Cary, Gleeta Chamberlain, James Clark, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Kitty Dauzat, Bill Davidson, Bryan Delacerda, Peppy Doughy, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Murray Ganson, Ronald Golmon, Sr., Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Cheresa Hudson, James Johnson (Alexandria), Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Vivian Kirby, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Barrett Lovell, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, Joy Mancil, Haydn McCoy, Roy McDonald, Peggy Middleton, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Myra Page, Brenda Pringle, Janice Ramsey, Angie Roberts, Evelyn Sandell, Joan Schneider, Marshall Shipp, Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Connor Smith, Donna Spears, Walter Stagg, Varnell Stanley, Carol Stewart, Stephen Taylor, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Edward Webb, Sr.; Dalton Welch, Greg Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Carol Willis, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Eloise Babb; Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Bessy LeDoux, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Philip Orr

Deaths: The families of Blaine Town, Opal Ware Vidrine, John Roy, Trooper Steven Vincent, Kenneth Williams, and Chuck Hare

Unspoken Requests

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