A Blow Out

"In these parts," we sometimes call a party a "blow out." However, last night I literally had a "blow-out" and it wasn't that fun.

As I was returning from preaching at Heritage Baptist Church near Lucedale, my tire exploded about 10 miles south of Leakesville on State Highway 63. The shoulder on the road was minimal and I was in a dangerous spot near a curve.

The tire was almost completely off of the rim. I was afraid to try to change the tire where I was stopped, due the speed most cars was shooting past and my car was not completely off of the road. After calling 911, a Greene County Sheriff's Deputy came to my aid and with his flashing lights, I felt a lot safer moving the vehicle. Then, he helped change the tire.

This was a dangerous situation, before I received help. Praise God for our Law Enforcement Personnel who do much more than folks give them credit.

Family Night Supper Tonight

Don't forget to bring a covered dish (with something edible in it) for our Family Night Supper at 7:00 PM. This is always a great time of fellowship.

"Back to School" Quotes

In Phillips' Treasury of Humorous Quotations, I found these statements.

"He was so learned he could name a horse in nine languages; so ignorant that he bought a cow to ride on."--Benjamin Franklin

"If you think education is expensivse, try ignorance."--Derek Bok

"Of what use is a college education to high school graduates who already know everything?"--Unknown

"Another way to get an education is to drive a school bus."--Unknown

Great Services

I've been preaching through Paul's Letter to the Romans for several weeks. Yesterday, my sermons were from Romans, Chapter 14.

The Law of Liberty

Romans 14:1-13

I. Be Accepting of Young Christians (1-4)

II. Be Accommodating of Differing Preferences (5-6)

III. Be Aware of Coming Judgement (7-10)

IV. Be Accountable to Almighty God (11-12)

V. Be Affirming of Fellow Believers (13)

The Law of Love

Romans 14:14-23

I. Love Practices Sensitivity (14-15)

II. Love Pleases God and Men (16-18)

III. Love Pursues Peace (19-20)

IV. Love Promotes Restraint (21-23)

Paul pulls no punches in this chapter. All of us are influencing someone. Paul stated "For none of us lives to himself,...." This reminds me that I do not live in a vacuum. I am not "an Island." People are watching me.

A Big Praise the Lord!!

One of the boys who made a Profession of Faith at Central Hills last week, made his decision public this morning. I was/am so excited for him and his family.

Last Week at Central Hills

Monday, July 21, we left on the FBC Van headed to Central Hills Royal Ambassador Camp. Seven boys from our church, my oldest daughter and son, and the son of Pastor Mark King from West Salem Baptist were on board.

At CHBR, I served as Camp Pastor for the week. The first worship experience was by the lake Monday Evening. After I spoke, a cross was illuminated. This has been done for several years and it is still impressive to me.

Central Hills is special to my brother and me. The first Summer the camp was open was 1979. My brother worked there that Summer. He literally cleared some of the trials by ax with other staffers. I worked there the next Summer and would complete a total of 6 different Summers. To see the camp doing so well and the facilities in such good shape is fulfilling to me.

The boys are a lot of fun. The staff is a great group of mostly college age guys and gals. They do a great job of making spiritual application during activities; such as, archery, canoes, swimming, and crafts.

Thursday Night we held the Camp Fire Service, which is always special to me, since I surrendered to the ministry at a Camp Fire Service, 25 years ago. After the message, 29 boys made Professions of Faith, including two boys from our group. Also, 23 boys made "Rededications" of their lives and one boy surrendered to the vocational ministry. Praise the Lord!

The ride home was long, but never boring. The boys saw to that--4 bathroom breaks. I traveled through Forrest, MS and bought gas for $3.64. Wow!!!

Still Alive

Yes, I am still alive. My schedule has been incredibly hectic.

Since my last post...

Cortisone Shot

My hand and wrist have been bothering me for several weeks. So, I was referred to a specialist in Hattiesburg. They diagnosed me with Tendinitis. The wrist was injected with Cortisone on July 17. The pain in the wrist has been relieved, but my foreman has more intense pain now. My follow-up appointment is in the middle of August. I'll probably get another shot. Weird pains like this are signs of growing older.

Upward Basketball Camp

My six year old son, Jared, attended Upward Basketball Camp at First Baptist Magee, MS, July 16-18. I think he had a good time. He attended along with my sister's son Drew. My sister, Gail, lives near Birmingham.

Water Park

On Saturday, July 19, I carried Jared, Drew, and Abbey to Grand Paradise Water Park . It was really hot and crowded. This is really not a bad water park. They don't have a lot of slides, but their "kiddie" area is superb. When we first arrived around 10:15 AM, the lines weren't that long, but by 1 PM the waits were not reasonable. So, we left and went to Sonic. A week day is probably not so busy.

Wednesday Night at Agricola Baptist

Tonight was a great encouragement to me. I was able to spend some time with Tommy Mitchell, the pastor of Agricola Baptist, and his wife, Andrea. They treated us to a super meal at Hokie's Barbecue in Lucedale, MS. Also, Terri was able to go with me. Unfortunately, Terri is not able to go with me to a lot of engagements, since she has responsibilities at FBC Leakesville. Our youngest daughter, Charlee, was able to go with us as well.

Later, I preached at their Wednesday Night Service. Neil Wigley, the Minister of Music at Agricola Baptist, led the congregation in some inspiring praise choruses. A few months ago I worked with Neil in a series of Revival Services here in Greene County. He always does a splendid job in leading worship.

For me, I felt God really spoke to us through Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Many folks were gracious to us after the service. Praise God for encouraging people.

Missionary Dies in Brazil

Tony and Karen Gray shared this sad news via email:

Please be in prayer for this IMB family. Elaine went into the ICU Monday morning around 5:30 with lung and kidney problems. They were colleagues of ours when we were with the IMB and Katie knew their older kids. We are just shocked with her death.

Tony and Karen

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

When we arrived in Campinas today we received this sad news from Belem. With heavy hearts we share with you that Elaine Lambach, missionary serving in Belem , Brazil , died Monday evening, July 14th after a brief illness. Please be in prayer for her husband, Paul, and their 5 children: sons Joseph (serving in the military), Jonathan (at Union University in TN), David, (who graduated from high school this year), and two young daughters, Rachel (age 12) and Hannah (age 9). Pray for God's peace and grace to permeate the lives of this family during this difficult and
unexpected time.

Erma Highfill
Co-Prayer Advocate for Brazil

Email from the Grays

The following is an email we received on Saturday from Karen Gray:

Dear Bro. Philip and Terri,

We hope this finds you enjoying the summer activities and that all is well in Leakesville. Please let us know about the missions trips that the church is involved in and how the Prices are doing.

We finished our 4th project last week with a church from Cantonment, FL. The little city didn't even have a hotel big enough for our team of 19!! We had to stay at a farm house on a dirt road. We got to share in the church plant's first baptisms (5 people) at a river and had the Lord's supper there too. It was great. We ministered in 2 other small cities that have no Baptist work either. God really moved and it was a
blessing to be included in His working.

We are back in Rio and taking a few days of R&R before we build two chapels next week with teams from TN, OK and FL. Tony will be in one town and I will be responsible for another chapel about 5 hours away from him. Please reinforce your prayers for us during this time (July 18-26).

We miss everybody there and continue to pray for the moving of the Spirit in Greene County!!

Bençãos,

Karen

Mission Trip Celebration

Last night, we heard reports from the 4 Mission Trips members of our church have completed this Summer. Four members of our church traveled to Brazil to assist Missionaries Tony and Karen Gray (also, members) in assisting a church approximately 100 miles from Sao Pablo. We had one man participated in a Church Construction Trip to North Dakota. Six individuals from our church, including Boo White (Student Minister), completed another trip to North Dakota, which occurred on an Indian Reservation. Last week, Fifteen folks affiliated with our church, ministered in Baltimore.

So, collectively, twenty-six believers from FBC Leakesville were engaged in short-term missions this Summer. This really gets me excited.

All of the reports were exciting and informative. At times, I love services in which I say very few words. While I love to preach, it is good for people to know you can have a worship time without a "professional" moderating. After preaching on the importance of every member of the body in the morning service, I felt we had a visible illustration of that last night.

The students in "No Regrets" shared a song they wrote while they were serving in North Dakota. The words and music were as good as any song you'll hear. I was/am so proud of them.

Sunday Morning Summary

For our family, this was a challenging day. Terri continues to not feel well. Our little Charlee awoke with horrible congestion in her chest. She had a terrible cough and fever. So, Terri stayed home with her this morning and I taught her Sunday School Class.

The attendance today was stronger than the last few Sundays. Mike Smith sang "Your Grace Still Amazes Me." I love that song and the words of the song were a perfect musical introduction to my sermon.

My scripture text was Romans 12:1-8. My sermon title was an oxymoron, Living Sacrifices. An oxymoron is created when two terms that generally contradict each other are paired together.

Examples of Oxymorons- Jumbo Shrimp, Genuine Imitation, Liquid Paper, Liquid Nails, Male Intellect, Abortion Doctor.

If we are to be a living sacrifice, we will have to follow 5 mandates in these verses.

I. Be Surrendered (v.1)

II. Be Sanctified (v.2)

Matthew Henry stated, "Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is perfected in glory."

III. Be Sober (v.3)

According to Robertson “to think soberly” refers to being in the right mind. Self-conceit is here treated as a species of insanity.

IV. Be Supportive (vv.4-5)

V. Be Satisfied (vv.6-8)

Final Day: Trip Home Uneventful

We left our hotel at 7:00 AM (EST). Everyone was on time. This team has been great with which to work.

We were concerned that security would be tougher at the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport, since there was a bomb threat earlier in the week connected to a flight from BWI. However, security really didn't seem any tougher than this time in comparison to other trips.

We were home by 2:00 PM.

Sunday Night we will have a Mission Trip Celebration, which will include reports from the 4 Mission Trips members from our church have been participants. This is going to be a great night.

Day 4: Challenging, Yet Fulfilling

Today, we left the hotel around 8:45 AM. Boo gave the morning devotion and prayer. He did a great job.

We arrived at the Police Athletic League (PAL) Center and no kids were present. However, the team played and three boys came. We were able to give them Bibles and T-Shirts.

Next, we had to cut short our next Baseball Clinic, but the team was intense for the time we were at Curtis Bay Recreation Center. I have been impressed with how the team has so quickly connected with the kids. Saying a child's name goes a long ways toward making them feel special. Members of the team have practiced this consistently throughout the trip. In a short time, team members are yelling words of encouragement and the names of children. This makes an impression upon the directors of the centers.

Tonight, Scott Bray and I had dinner with Pastor Lyn O'Berry and his wife, Toni. He has a great desire for us to return next year and focus on a site for 3 to 4 days. We are praying about what God would have us do.

Later, our team, and a team from Indiana, worshipped together at the church. The music was fabulous and worshipful. Dawson Hull is the Minister of Music at the church. He is an amazing pianist. He brought a great message tonight based on 4 chairs that represent the spiritual condition of various people. This unique worship service will not be forgotten.

We will leave the hotel at 6:45 (EST) in the morning. We should be home by 3:30 PM (CST).

Day 3: Another Recreation Center

Our morning began with a devotion by Mike Chatham. We arrived at another Recreation Center this morning around 9:00 AM. We had 36 kids. They were a lot of fun and very receptive to our ministry. The director was pleased and, later, told Pastor O'Berry that she was so impressed with the manner in which we interacted with the kids that anything he wanted to do in their building she would be willing to allow.

Abbey endeared herself to a girl with a hearing impairment. Abbey is very familiar with sign language. So, the girl was thrilled to be able to communicate with someone.

We returned to the church around Noon and some of the guys cut the grass in front of the South Baltimore Recreation Center. The grass was very deep and filled with debris. The center depends on the city to cut the grass. Lawn Mowers are very rare in the city. So, the mower we bought the church will be put to good use.

Abbey and I were walking to the front of the rec center and met the head of the Parent Teacher Organization for the school behind the church. She was wondering who cut the grass. I informed her that we had purchased a mower that the church would be glad to allow the school to use, if needed.

Around 7:00 PM, we gathered for Prayer Meeting at a conference room here in the hotel. David Chatham led us in singing and Ricky Dickson gave an encouraging devotion. The team has been very focused and united. Tonight was a special time of worship.

Day 2: Yesterday in Baltimore

Yesterday, we arrived a the Church on Warren Avenue (Lee Street Memorial Baptist) at 8:30 AM. We decided to purchase a lawn mower, which allowed us to cut the grass at the South Baltimore Recreation Center on their ball field. The city cuts the grass infrequently. The center director seemed amazed that we would do such a thing. We decided to leave the mower with the Church on Warren Avenue.

The kids had a blast playing with us. There were at least 55 kids and staff. Mike Chatham gave a devotion to the group and he explained the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At the end of the camp, we passed out t-shirts and Bibles. The kids seemed so appreciative.

After we loaded all our supplies on the vans, a few staff members walked to the vans in order to get a Bible. They were not in the room when we distributed the scriptures.

In the afternoon, we traveled to Washington, DC. We were able to view the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. We also gave members in the group an opportunity to view the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. We concluded the day by going to the new Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium for a game between the Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

We had a long, but productive day.

Day 1: To Baltimore

Well, everyone arrived on time this morning for our 5:30 AM departure for Jackson. We made it to Jackson International at 8:10 AM. So, it was great to have a large block of time before our plane departed at 9:30 AM. The plane was “filled to the rim.” However, I was able to sit next to my daughter, Abbey.

This was Abbey's first flight. She sat next to the window. She was so excited. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to go on a mission trip together. I am proud of her.

A mission team from Indiana is also at the church.

Pastor Lyn O'Berry gave us an orientation. The church has taken a huge step of faith in trying to revive their congregation. They have used a lot of creativity. Pastor O'Berry ate dinner with us.

We will conduct our first camp tomorrow from 9 to 12.

The nineteen youth and adults on our trip have been great to work with.

Happy Birthday, America

Rev. Bill Barton

Rev. Bill Barton died this morning.

For several years, I served with Bro. Bill at Wade Baptist. He was a humble man. He invested his life in helping others. He taught me so much regarding servant leadership. On the Gulf Coast, Bro. Bill was a legend. He founded the Home of Grace.

On June 16, 2008, I visited Bro. Barton and his wife, Jean, in their home. As always, he was a great encouragement to me. He needed a ride to meet Mark Taylor and his family at Wade Baptist. He was going to speak at a Ladies Home in Mobile. So, as I had done several times, I drove him to the church and he talked. I'll miss talking to him. He told me so many stories that have shaped my ministry.

He spoke at a Family Banquet here at FBC in April. I am so glad First Baptist Leakesville was able to hear him speak. This morning and some this afternoon, I have shed a lot of tears. I will miss Bill Barton.

The following statement was on the Home of Grace website.

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine that we could dare call anyone a legend. But that’s exactly what Brother Bill Barton was. Although his height was just over 5’, his stature reached taller than any man that I’ve known.

I can’t think of anyone who Brother Bill didn’t try to help, he was a long time friend. His life was dedicated to serving others. Known as a pastor, counselor and friend, Brother Bill is probably known best as the founder of the Home of Grace.

Forty three years later, the Home continues to be a light in the community. Reaching those struggling with addiction, he provided a place for men and women to come and get help.

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength"
(Neh 8:10).

One of the overriding evidences that someone has a genuine relationship with our living Savior is their consistent attitude of joy and outlook on life. Bill Barton exemplified that joy.

Visitation will be Saturday July 5, 2008 from 11:00am until 3:00pm with the funeral following at Wade Baptist Church; 20623 Highway 63, Moss Point MS 39562.

The family has requested that donations be made to the Home of Grace in lieu of flowers.

Read the Press Release.

Prayer Leads to Action

Satan is not afraid of busy churches. Satan is not afraid of large churches. However, he is afraid of praying churches.

Prayer is Responsive. If I pray, I will be led to make a change. I will be led to do something to build and enlarge the kingdom of God. If I pray, I will be challenged to share the gospel with someone. I will want to make a difference for Christ.

Jesus said, Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest (Matthew 9:38). If we pray, we will respond by wanting to be part of the harvest.

If we pray, we will respond in love to those around us. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”(Matthew 5:44)." If we pray in earnest, we will have an attitude adjustment.

Ezra 10:11 Now therefore, make confession to the LORD God of your fathers, and do His will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the pagan wives.

Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

In Isaiah 6, the prophets records a moving encounter with God. After he God radically intersected his life, Isaiah responded, "Here Am I. Send me."

Application

Are you praying prayers that God has already answered?

Do you already know a task or ministry you need to perform, but your response is delayed because you really haven't completely surrendered to God?

Do you say to God "Have your will in me," but your actions say, "I'm going to have my will?"

Pray this prayer today, "Here I Am. Send me."

The Church on Warren Ave., Baltimore, Maryland

In the last few weeks, the Church on Warren Ave. has launched a website: http://www.churchonwarrenave.com/. Also, they have a blog, http://www.churchonwarrenave.blogspot.com/. The blog chronicles some of the mission teams who have worked with the church in the last few weeks.

While browsing the church's website, I found the poster they have printed to publicize our Baseball Clinics. The posters look great. I am really getting exciting about the opportunities we have next week.

John McCarty from Home Run Baseball Camps is allowing us to use his equipment for our clinics. Check out his website here.

Prayer is Effective

Many motivational speakers are touring the country. Many talk show hosts seek to motivate people to change: Oprah, Dr. Phil, Montel. But, while motivation is good, God is the only one that can really change your life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a must if you are to have spiritual victory. Through prayer, God helps us change our perspective and strengthens the inner person.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, when Jesus drove the money changers and other swindlers out of the Temple, he stated, “My house should be a house of prayer.” James gives us some insight into the function of prayer in the church.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
—James 5:13-18

(v. 14) Anointing with Oil—In the Bible, oil was used as a medicine (Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37)- and a symbol of the Spirit of God (Anointing of Kings- I Samuel 16:1-13). Oil can be effective in the physical and spiritual realms of life. We should never separate the physical from the spiritual. For Christians, Christ is Lord over the Spirit and the Body.

(v. 15) The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the LORD will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.—The Life Application Bible Commentary states “The prayer must be from the heart, sincere, with trust in obedience to God, and with no doubting (see James 1:5-8). The believing is the role of the elders who are praying, not the sick person’s (nothing is said about his or her faith). It is possible that the sick person’s faith is exercised in calling the elders….The process insures dependence of believers on each other.

(v15) The Lord will raise him up.—God does the healing, not the elders.

(v.16) confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another—Christians are not to suffer alone. Christians should expect their fellow Christians to pray for them. Also, Christians should allow others to pray for them. Make your needs known to the body of Christ.

In Bible Study Groups, “Prayer Request Time” should be much shorter than the actual length of the prayers offered. The scripture says “Pray for one another” not talk about one another. Many times a prayer request can be an attempt to religiously launder gossip. Current health care Laws (HIPPA) requires that all health care information remain confidential and secure. So, in church we must respect the privacy of each other. However, if someone gives us permission to share the information with the church, we should as soon as possible.

When someone requests that you pray for them, do it immediately. I have practiced praying with any individual that requests prayer at the time of the request.


(v. 16) And the prayer of faith will save the sick—God heals and responds to the faith of our praying.

Prayer is not a last resort. Prayer is the first step in any activity we engage.

Effective Prayer…

1) Changes us.


My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.—I John 3:18-23

2) Changes others.

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
—Matthew 9: 37-38

Yearning for God

Prayer for the Christian is Yearning. To yearn means to “long for or to want something.” I would say to yearn is to desire desperately to be with someone. In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Maturing Christians are desperate to hear from God. The only way to develop a hunger for the things of God is to communicate with Him in prayer.

Spiritual hunger is the opposite of physical hunger. Physically, the more I eat, the less I will want to eat. Believe it or not, I will eventually lose my appetite if I continue to eat. Seafood Restaurants know this. They have all you can eat specials. They bring out all the “fixins” first—coleslaw, hushpuppies, beans. Then, they bring the catfish or shrimp. By the time you’ve eaten all the preliminaries, you’re almost full. So, you don’t eat as much catfish or shrimp as you expected. There’s a limit to everyone’s appetite.

However, in our spiritual lives, the more we partake of the things of God the more we will desire. The more we pray, the more we will desire to pray. That’s why we don’t need to wait until we “feel like” praying. We will not have a desire to pray until we have faithfully pressed on in prayer. The more I pray, the hungrier I will be for time with God. If I’m not yearning to pray, I haven’t been praying enough.