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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Put a smile on your face

By Joe McKeever “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God” - Psalm 42:11 A smile is outward evidence that everything inside is in good shape. A smile is visible evidence of the joy of the Lord. Anyone can smile. And everyone should. But those who put faith and trust in the Lord Jesus have more right to smile than anyone. They can number a hundred blessings in their lives as a result of the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ: They’ve been forgiven, cleansed by the blood, and born into the family of God. They are indwelt by the Spirit, overshadowed and undergirded by Him, and surrounded by like-minded disciples. They have the Word of God, the love of God, and the power of God. And so forth. The unsmiling Christian is a contradiction. Why aren’t you smiling? The Lord God is the “Help of your countenance,” according to Psalm 42:11. Whatever else that means–some translations say He is the health of my countenance; others say the salvation of it–it surely means He will make you prettier than you would be otherwise. It’s no stretch to say that sin uglies you. Given enough time, the face will … [Read more...]

Hemphill challenges students to allow God to use them to advance His kingdom at LC Chapel

By Message Staff PINEVILLE (LBM) -- Southern Baptist Convention presidential candidate Ken Hemphill challenged students attending the Louisiana College weekly chapel service Tuesday, March 27, to be available as an instrument to advance His kingdom. “When you pray, say ‘today Father on campus, let me see what you are about, what you are doing,’” Hemphill said. Drawing from John 5, Hemphill said to help accomplish this, students can ask God to help them see people as Jesus saw them, to help them respond to the need as He would and to show them where He is working. “When you ask Him to show you what He’s doing, He will,” Hemphill said. Hemphill ended his message with a challenge to the students and faculty. “God is looking for a campus, God is looking for a young man and woman, looking for a faculty person, who will dare to say I will embody your name, I will embrace your mission, and I will obey your will,” Hemphill said. Hemphill’s appearance at LC is one of three appearances he is making in the state today (March 27) and tomorrow (March 28). He meets with Louisiana Baptists at McClendon Baptist Church in West Monroe this evening at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, he will be the featured speaker at a noon luncheon and … [Read more...]