The Vineyard- September 14, 2014

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

Colossians 3:18-4:18

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

-          The Implications of Faith

o   Our faith should touch every aspect of our life.  What are some ways you need to allow your faith to express itself more in the various roles you play?

-          A Task for us All

o   Sometimes we might think there isn’t much we can do to spread the message about Jesus.  We learn in this passage that one think all of us can do is to pray for open doors and open hearts toward the gospel of Christ.  How often do you pray for the work of the gospel?

-          “Salty” Language

o   We often associate “salty” language with cursing or crudeness, but Paul says that true salty speech is that which tells the exciting story of how God is at work in our world.  Our speaking about the gospel should have a pleasant flavor!

Pray that we will discover how to follow Christ in the various roles we play in life. 

Commit to seriously praying for the spread of the gospel, and the opening of hearts toward Christ. 

Pray that we will develop such a passion for telling the story of Jesus that people find our words savoring.  

Prayer Requests- September 14, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:   Logan Jones had two successful eyes surgeries.  Linda Sipco is cancer free!  Chris Griffin, Dennis Fuller, and Mark Smith are doing better. 

Recent Requests:  Whitney Melder, Huey Clark, Toun Vilaysack, Luckett Shockley, Lillian Watson, the workers at the Valero plant in Chalmette, Georgie Carpenter, Ruby Stanley, Margaret Lacaze, Nathan Snyder, Josh Baden, Mary Smith, Vicki Sanchez, Shawn Bullock, Paul Gillory, Carl Verrette, Dee Dauzat, Felix Melder, Iris Lee Martin, Roger Flurry, Chum Riengxay, Roxanne Baden, Ray Sharpe, Savannah King, Reecie Young, C.W. Strother, Anita Kurtz, Myrtle Pharis, Kirby Guy, Doris Polk, Halyn Smith, Andrew Juneau, Eric Sipco

Pray for persecuted Christians, the situation in Israel, and the Ebola epidemic.  Pray for the upcoming elections.  Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson, Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Aunt Charlene Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Carl Chellette, Payton Conway,  Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Kimmy Fix, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Robert Gough, Ed & Mamie Grantham, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Carl Holloway, Clyde Holloway, Darlene Holt, George Johnson, James Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Logan Jones, Mascel Keith, Ruby Lott, Drake Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Billy Joe Monroe, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, James Chandler; Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Ruth Barbe, Bobby Barron, Frank Bejsovec, Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Bill Davidson, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Dr. Ganta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, James Johnson (Alexandria) Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Angela Kingry, Danielle Lachney, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Linda Sipco

Deaths: The families of Darrel Johnson, Mike Jones, Bob Butler, and Layla Guidry

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- September 7, 2014

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

Colossians 3:5-17

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

-          Off with the Old

o   Paul gives an extensive list of things that are associated with the old way of living, with the sinful way of living.  As you examine the list, do you notice anything on there that you continue to struggle with?

-          On with the New

o   There is also a list of things that should characterize our new life, our new way of living.  Is there anything on this list that you find difficult?  Is there anything on here that you know you have gotten better at as a Christian?

-          The Ultimate Test

o   When in doubt about whether something is right, ask yourself this simple question, “is Christ glorified by this action?”  If not, don’t do it! 

Pray that we will receive the strength we need from God to put off our old way of living. 

Pray that we will receive the Spirit we need from God to empower our new way of living.      

Pray that we will devote ourselves to glorifying Christ in everything that we do.  

Prayer Requests- September 7, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Isaac Prosper Morrison was born to Thomas and Jennifer Morrison.  Nancy Writebol, Molly Dousay, Wynde Dauzat, Whitney Melder, Angie Ganson, and Ruby Johnston are doing better.  Royce Norsworthy and Allan Babb got to come home from the hospital.  The Jones family, Brad Troll, Kyron Paul, and Luther Paul made it home safely. 

Recent Requests: The workers at the Valero plant in Chalmette, Logan Jones, Georgie Carpenter, Ruby Stanley, Margaret Lacaze, Nathan Snyder, Josh Baden, Mary Smith, Vicki Sanchez, Shawn Bullock, Chris Griffin, Paul Gillory, Carl Verrette, Dennis Fuller, Dee Dauzat, Felix Melder, Iris Lee Martin, Roger Flurry, Chum Riengxay, Roxanne Baden, Ray Sharpe, Savannah King, Reecie Young, C.W. Strother, Anita Kurtz, Myrtle Pharis, Kirby Guy, Doris Polk, Halyn Smith, Andrew Juneau, Eric Sipco

Pray for persecuted Christians, the situation in Israel, and the Ebola epidemic.  Pray for the upcoming elections.  Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson, Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Aunt Charlene Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Carl Chellette, Payton Conway,  Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Kimmy Fix, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Robert Gough, Ed & Mamie Grantham, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Carl Holloway, Clyde Holloway, Darlene Holt, George Johnson, James Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Mascel Keith, Ruby Lott, Drake Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Billy Joe Monroe, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, James Chandler; Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Ruth Barbe, Bobby Barron, Frank Bejsovec, Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Bill Davidson, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Dr. Ganta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Darrel Johnson, James Johnson (Alexandria) Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Angela Kingry, Danielle Lachney, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Mark Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Linda Sipco

Deaths: The families of Mike Jones, Bob Butler, Layla Guidry, and Mary Lee Hines Folse

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- August 31, 2014

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

Colossians 2:16-3:4

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

-          Our Source of Justification

o   It is often easy to try to quantify our justification, to start getting the idea that the things we do justify us rather than the things God has done through Christ.  Paul says not to allow others to judge us based on a works righteousness instituted by man. 

-          If you’re with Christ…

o   If we have identified with Christ, then our entire outlook on life should change.  The key is, do we identify with Christ?

-          Aim High

o   How often do you contemplate on heavenly things, Christ, and eternity?  We spend most of our time trying not to sin and think about bad things.  Paul tells us to place our mind on things above, so that our life becomes hidden in that of Christ.  

Pray that we will acknowledge Christ as our source of justification. 

Pray that we will identify with Christ, so that we will die to ourselves and live with Him.    

Pray that we will devote more of our thoughts to thinking about things “above”, rather than the things here “below”.  

Prayer Requests- August 31, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Thelma McFarland and Kerry Page are doing better.  Tammy Thomas and Charles Seal both got good reports from the doctor.  Mamie Grantham had successful eye surgery. 

Recent Requests: Wynde Dauzat, Ruby Johnston, Shawn Bullock, Whitney Melder, Chris Griffin, Paul Gillory, Carl Verrette, Royce Norsworthy, Dennis Fuller, Nancy Writebol, Dee Dauzat, Angie Ganson, Felix Melder, Iris Lee Martin, Roger Flurry, Chum Riengxay, Roxanne Baden, Molly Dousay, Ray Sharpe, Savannah King, Reecie Young, C.W. Strother, Anita Kurtz, Myrtle Pharis, Kirby Guy, Doris Polk, Halyn Smith, Andrew Juneau, Eric Sipco

Pray for persecuted Christians, the situation in Israel, and the Ebola epidemic.

Pray for the upcoming elections. 

Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Brent Anderson, Kowyn Austin, Allan Babb, Aunt Charlene Babb, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Carl Chellette, Payton Conway,  Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Kimmy Fix, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Robert Gough, Ed & Mamie Grantham, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Carl Holloway, Clyde Holloway, Darlene Holt, George Johnson, James Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, Darwin Jones, Mascel Keith, Ruby Lott, Drake Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Billy Joe Monroe, Sue Moore, Jim Owens, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Estelle Simmons, Nathan Snyder, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Anna Thibadoux, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, James Chandler; Matthew Droddy, Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Ruth Barbe, Bobby Barron, Frank Bejsovec, Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, Bill Davidson, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Sherry Fontenot, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Dr. Ganta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Darrel Johnson, Leah Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Angela Kingry, Danielle Lachney, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Braeden Lyberski, Neda Lyberski, David Monroe, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows,  Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Mark Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Cliff Thornton, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling:  Kyron Paul; Luther Paul; Brad Troll; Linda Sipco; the Jones family; the Peters family  

Deaths: The families of Mike Jones, Bob Butler, Layla Guidry, Mary Lee Hines Folse, Bill Goree, and M. T. Branham

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- August 24, 2014

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

Colossians 2:6-15

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

-          Setting Down Roots

o   Paul encourages the Colossians to set down roots, to build a foundation on Christ.  When we are rooted deep in Christ, we are far less susceptible to the winds of public opinion.  Have you made an effort to root your life in Christ, so that you can stand firm in Him?

-          Identifying with Christ

o   Our baptism is a symbol of our identity in Christ.  It reminds us that God has accomplished our redemption through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.  Do you seek to identify with Christ, and pattern your life after His?

-          The Final Nail in the Coffin

o   God took the indictment against us, the sins that robbed us of our relationship with Him, and he nailed them to the cross of Christ.  Do you believe in God’s triumph over sin and death through the power of the cross? 

Pray that we will set down roots in Christ, anchoring ourselves in the will of God. 

Pray that we will seek to identify ourselves with Christ, and that our baptism will be a reminder of the life we have in Him. 

Pray that we will have faith in the triumph of God over sin and death.