Several days before I am due to go on a trip, I begin to plan and prepare for it. My executive assistant briefs me on what my responsibilities will be. My travel assistant goes over flight and hotel arrangements, as well as alerting me to departure and arrival times. I decide the messages I will give and the clothes I will wear. I make arrangements for my pets to be cared for and my home to be secure in my absence. And to make sure nothing is forgotten or overlooked, I make a checklist that I continually reference. Preparing to leave takes time, thought and energy. The Bible teaches that all followers of Jesus are to plan and prepare for a “trip.” The trip is not only undertaken when we move to Heaven following death, but it is also a very unique one that will take place at the end of human history as we have known it. We are told that believers in the last generation will not experience physical death, but will be caught up in what is called the “rapture”… the “snatching away”… to meet Jesus in the air and be reunited with loved ones who have died in Christ and have gone before us. It will be the trip of a lifetime—a trip that is out of this world. Are you ready? Read John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2017
Prayer takes center stage in state, nation May 4
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Prayer will take center stage May 4 at not only churches, but businesses, courthouse steps, city parks and other locations in the state and U.S. On that day, Louisiana Baptists will join millions of other Christians as they ask God to forgive and heal the nation as part of the annual National Day of Prayer. Created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S Truman, this annual observance in May invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation. This year’s theme verse is Daniel 9:19, which says “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God.” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has already signed a proclamation for this year’s Day of Prayer. Jay Johnston, state coordinator for the Louisiana National Day of Prayer Task Force and associate pastor at First Baptist Covington, stressed the importance of a day of corporate prayer across the country. “The National Day of Prayer provides us an intentional time to gather with people in our community to pray for Government Leaders, families, military, churches, education, media and business,” he said. “This day was signed into law during the presidency … [Read more...]
Louisiana College names new athletics director, head football coach
By Message Staff PINEVILLE – Louisiana College has chosen to stay inside the family in its selection for its next athletics director and head football coach. During a press conference April 27, school officials named men’s basketball coach Reni Mason as athletics director and promoted defensive coordinator Justin Charles to the head coaching position. “God takes men of integrity, conscious, character and conviction and He raises them to levels of influence,” said LC President Rick Brewer. “Without a doubt, it’s a new day. There are new opportunities for us to grow and get better.” Mason will continue in his current role as head men’s basketball coach, a position he has held since coming to the school May 30, 2015. Before that, Mason had a 154-53 record at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport. There, his teams earned three district championships. He was named district coach of the year in 2010, 2011 and 2015. Mason is a graduate of the University of New Orleans with a B.S. in General Studies. Besides his time at UNO, he also played at Louisiana Tech. In addition to experience on the collegiate level, Mason also brings expertise on the professional level. He was general manager and assistant coach of the … [Read more...]
‘Shattered!’ reveals collusion at DNC convention to help Clinton, hurt Sanders
835 pounds! Lafayette teen battles giant bluefin tuna for once-in-a-lifetime catch off Louisiana coast
Illegal immigrants from Mexico make up plurality, but not half of all illegal population in U.S.
All extreme weather (droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes) declining or near record lows
Illegal marijuana use & addiction climb in states where medical marijuana is legal
Illegal immigrant sexually assaults, stabs to death Louisiana woman
Texas lawmakers ready to ban ‘sanctuary cities’ with jail penalties
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