Once again, we are headed to some freezing temperatures. Let’s be prepared and help others too.
Read the Bible
We read the New Testament first and are now approaching the end of the Old Testament. Let’s keep going. We’ll complete the reading this month.
December 13th
Ezekiel 43-45
I haven’t chosen a plan for reading the Bible in 2026, but am considering using the same plan again next year. One of the best features of this plan is that you read complete chapters almost every day and only from one book of the Bible. What do you think? I’m open to suggestions….
Death
Mrs. Penny Doss passed away late yesterday afternoon. The family has not had time to make arrangements yet. I’ll post them when they become available.
Lottie Moon Offering for the World
It is the Lottie Moon offering that supports thousands of Southern Baptist missionaries so they can focus on their calling and not on paying bills. We can help many missionaries around the world when we give to this offering each year. The more you know about the offering, the more you will want to give so many can continue to serve where God has called them. Be sure to designate your gift “Lottie Moon”.
Have you studied your Sunday School lesson for tomorrow? I have heard comments about people enjoying the study of Matthew again.
Focus on Good Things and Find the God of Peace’
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me — everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Oh, what a wonderful day God has planned for us today!
Let’s not interfere with God’s great plans for today.
Obituary
Duane David “Bull” Lanier
May 1, 1962 – November 28, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was born May 1, 1962, in Baton Rouge, LA, to the late David Lanier and Audrey Carrier Lanier; he was 63 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 3 years, Shirley Haralson Lanier; children, Hannah Lanier Fowler (Todd), Christy Davis McCullough (Herb), Bradley Davis (Amber), and Carley Price Gunnell (Will); grandchildren, Leslie Norris (Michael Chase), Chelie Moak, Brooklyn McCullough, Rayleigh McCullough, Ryker Davis, Havyn Davis, Alley Ray Gunnell; great-grandchild, Drew Parker Norris; mother, Audrey C. Lanier; brothers and sisters, Dona Grace Matherne (Steve), Mona Louise Lanier, Elizabeth Ann Rick (Danny), Andrew Dean Lanier (Cecilia), Jody Maris Lanier, and Eric Randal Lanier (Toni); and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father, David Dean Lanier; sister-in-law, Marcine Lanier; nephew, Benjamin Robert Simpson.
Bull possessed an unwavering spirit and remarkable generosity, always placing the well-being of those around him above his own challenges. His selflessness was evident in every interaction, creating lasting impressions on everyone he met. His unique storytelling ability of true-life childhood stories captured the listeners’ attention and always provided lots of laughter.
Duane was a simple man who valued faith, family, and country life. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman with a passion for deer hunting and kayaking. He enjoyed sitting around a fire pit, barbequing, and visiting with the people he loved. He was widely respected for his strong work ethic and expertise in aggregate mining, as well as his ability to share that knowledge with anyone eager and willing to learn. During his time off, he frequently volunteered to help neighbors with chores on the farm, especially those involving the use of farm equipment.
Bull was a vigilant and dependable individual, attentive to the needs of others. Even while undergoing cancer treatment himself, he consistently assisted other cancer patients with their mobility or comfort needs while often neglecting his own. His magnetic personality and mischievous smile enabled him to connect easily with others, blessing them with kindness and good humor.
He met the love of his life on July 3, 2019, and they were married exactly three years later on July 3, 2022, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He lovingly called her “Miss Shirley” and would introduce her as “The woman I love”. He adored all of his children, grandchildren, great grandchild, and cherished being referred to as Pawpaw Bull. At the time of his passing, he was excitedly awaiting the arrival of one more grandchild and one more great-grandchild.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00 PM until Memorial Services at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Scott Russell. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Trail, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629. Click here for Berean Children’s Home Website.
Prayer List
Use your updated prayer list to guide your prayers. Be sure to update it daily.
Read the Bible Today
“Unstoppable”
‘An Officer and a Gentleman’
1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.
2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.
3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.
What do you think the life of a missionary is like? A lot depends on the area of the world where they are working and the purpose the IMB has assigned to you. Spend some time today watching come IMB videos of ways the money given through Lottie Moon is put to use.
Pray asking God to reveal new information to you so you will be both informed and encouraged to provide funds for 2026.
Sunday School Lesson
If you have not already started working on the lesson for this week, today is a good day to do so.
Be an encourager today. May your greeting be an encouragement to others you see today.
Happy Thursday Morning. I hope you have a good day scheduled for today. I want to start the day with a list of people who need our prayers today. Our task is to pray for:
Mike Moss
Creig Conrad
Dona Williams
J.C. Miller
Andy and Betty Taylor
Tom and Gail Brister
Clint Smith – Lea Smith’s son in Ochsner
Trey Harrison – learning about treatment plan
Keith Allen – St. Helena Hospital
Ferrie Gene Blackmon
and others on your personal prayer list.
Lottie Moon Offering
The national goal for this year is $210 million dollars. What will you. your family, and your church contribute? Remember, unsaved people around the world are counting on us to give, tell, and go this year.
Tonight – Military Christmas Program at 7 P.M. at the Amite High School Auditorium. There is no charge. It’s always fantastic!
LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE
FBC, Amite
2:30 and 6:00 P.M. Sunday
Tickets required, but free. If you don’t have some by now, it is probably too late to get them. Pray for the choir and others working to make the program a success that will touch many lives.
Prayer Focus – Others at Christmas
Include people with material needs, who are alone, and those with health issues. those who don’t know Jesus, etc.
Yesterday’s Senior Adult Christmas Lunch
Well-attended
Wonderful food
Decorated well
Many Christian friends
Lots of love
Special Offerings
Lottie Moon – International Missions
Operation Christmas Child
No New Obituaries Listed Today
Sunday School – What a great place to be!
Addition Scripture Reading
‘God’s People Have Hope and a Great Future’
8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have.
9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.
10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 1
1 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:8-11, NIV
Jesus did so much for us. Most of us are busy at this time of the year. What will we do for others during this holiday season?
IMB missionary couple devotes retirement years to kingdom work (IMB)
Walter and Mary Norvell, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August, never imagined retirement would see them embarking on a new adventure in Africa to reach university students with the gospel. In fact, until a few years ago, they had never been on a mission trip outside the United States.
Even so, the International Mission Board missionary couple brings decades of experience to their new endeavor. Walter, a retired professor from Williams Baptist University in Arkansas, and Mary, a former college advisor at the same school, have spent almost 50 years working with students.
IMB missionaries Walter and Mary Norvell serve in Lesotho as part of the Masters program, a 2-3 year, fully funded missions opportunity for those who are 55 and older. “We realized maybe God’s not finished with us,” Walter said. IMB Photo
“I always thought of myself as being on mission because I was crossing a generational barrier,” Walter said.
International missions, though, came later.
In 2017, Walter invited a former student serving as an IMB missionary in Lesotho to come speak to his students. He had no idea how that invitation would shape the next season of his life.
When the class ended, the missionary and his wife approached Walter and Mary.
“As soon as the students left the room, they started putting the screws on us to come,” Walter chuckled. “And so, we decided we would go.”
Their first mission trip to Lesotho was for two weeks in 2018, and they were hooked. Although Walter’s former student was no longer there, they served alongside missionary partners sent out from a church in Texas and became fast friends.
Walter recalled a defining moment during that first trip. In one of the villages they visited, no one showed up for Bible study. Instead, they spent time prayer walking. Walter made his way alone up a hill where he stood looking out across a vast lake.
“There were six or eight villages I could see,” he remembered. “I could turn away in the other direction and look up at the mountains and there were still more villages. And I just began to weep. I was overwhelmed by the amount of lostness there.”
“I knew then that God was going to keep us connected to Lesotho. I just didn’t know how.”
COVID postponed plans to return in 2020, but they went for six weeks in 2022 and another two weeks in 2023. In 2024, they celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on their fourth trip to Africa.
As their involvement deepened, they prayed continuously for the Lord to call someone to go and work full time among the university students in Lesotho.
Then last year, the Norvells’ missionary friends from Texas asked them an unexpected question.
“You’ve been praying for years for someone to go, but have you considered you might be the ones that need to go?”
IMB missionaries Walter and Mary Norvell take part in a commissioning service after completing seven weeks of field personnel orientation. IMB Photo
Within a couple weeks, the Norvells knew. God was leading them to continue their life’s work with college students, this time across the world. They would be the answer to many years of their own prayers.
But, as they began the process of serving overseas with the IMB, they were met with discouragement. Walter discovered he was in the early stages of cancer. Their journey was delayed by several months while they worked out plans for treatment.
Around the same time he was diagnosed with cancer, Walter came across a book title that resonated deeply with him.
“The title was something about a gun lap, or a bell lap,” Walter explained. “On the final lap of a race, they ring the bell so everybody knows when to kick it up and finish as strong as they can.
“That really began to speak to me,” he continued. “I don’t know if I’m in my bell lap yet or not, but I want to kick it up. What am I saving my energy and my resources for if I can’t use them for the kingdom?”
In October, the Norvells moved to Lesotho to begin their work reaching university students with the gospel.
Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions!
Obituary
Joseph Dominic Lala
May 17, 1961 – December 8, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Kentwood, LA. He was born May 17, 1961 in New Orleans, LA and was 64 years of age. He is survived by his brother, Michael Anthony and wife, Bonita; sisters, Deborah White and Becky McGehee and husband, Gary; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph John Lala; mother, Constance L. Lala; brothers, Daniel Anthony and Ricky Lala; twin sister, Joell Lala Miller; and nephew, Tracey Doucet. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Saturday. Services conducted by Bro. Daryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
If any of those are your first answer, you need to find the real answer – Jesus!
‘Don’t Fear: Believe that Jesus is Preparing a Place for You’
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ” John 14:1-2 NIV
Check your calendar closely. It probably is as full as mine. Make sure you have the most important events on your schedule. Enjoy this holidays in all the important ways.
Today, let’s pray that those around us and throughout the world would know and celebrate Jesus this Christmas season. May many lives be focuseed this season on Jesus.
Obituary
Julius “Burlin” Gill
August 1, 1932 – December 6, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at his home. He was born August 1, 1932 in Amite, LA and was 93 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Audrey Gill; son, Bennie Gill; sister, Marie Childress; brother, Jerry Gill; grandchildren, Jennifer Laneri, Lacey Kararick, Kristi Clardy (Travis), Brady Gill (Victoria), Richie Marcum, and Alex Marcum; great-grandchildren, Olivia Kararick, Isabella Kararick, Gabriel Laneri, Cygnus Rutledge, Bryton Clardy, Brantley Clardy, Rowan Gill, and August Gill. Preceded in death by his father, Jack Gill, Sr.; mother, Nora Gill; brother, Jimmie Gill; brother, Jack Gill, Jr.; sister, Evelyn Sue Gill. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Interment Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Holiday Music
The arts council of Amite presents a yearly Christmas program. It will be Thursday night at 7:00 at the Amite High auditorium. Veterans will also be recognized.
David and I have attended for several years and have always enjoyed it. This year the music is by a Marine band. Come see for yourself. There is no entrance fee.
More Christmas Programs
This week several churches will present their Christmas program. Be sure to attend at your church and/or another church, whatever you can work into your schedule. We plan on an afternoon program at another church and an evening program presented by the children of our church.
Christmas Cards for Prisoners
David and I delivered the box of Christmas cards to the Tangipahoa Parish jail yesterday. If all goes well, the cards should be written and mailed to family members soon, surely in time for Christmas. Another lady will deliver to the Sr. Helena jail.
Thank-you to all who paid for cards and stamps and them took time to prepare them for delivery. I think you have made a difference this seasson in some lives.
Today, I challenge you to read three articles listed here.
I also challenge you to put on and big smile and to have a happy heart as you get “out-and-about” in the next couple weeks. May people be able to look at you and “see” Jesus in your heart. Take the joy of Jesus with you every day!
We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not
from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth.
I John 4:6
The Week of Prayer for International Missions ended yesterday, but I thought this story was worthy of sharing, even if late. The offering can be given at any time, even though the focus week has ended.
WEEK OF PRAYER: Brazilian families find Christ-centered care
Their choice is unimaginable. Infanticide or rejection by their tribe.
Many Indigenous families in Brazil experience rejection by their tribes because the families refuse to practice infanticide. This cruel tradition, which involves the killing of babies born with birth defects, incurable diseases, or in cases of twins and unwanted pregnancies, is still observed by some tribes in Brazil.
There are some wonderful articles to read this morning. I hope you will take the time to read some that appeal to you.
A House Fire Saturday
The Welch family lost their home. Contact the church office to get information about the needs and how to best help this family at this time.
‘Paul’s Boldness, Agrippa’s Refusal’
But Paul replied [to Festus’ charge that he had lost his mind because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus], “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do — “
Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
Acts 26:25-28 NLT
Thank You …
To the WMU ladies who attended a Saturday meeting.
To those who contributed stamped cards for the local jails to give to inmates to send a written Christmas to their families during this holiday.
To Spring Creek for planning and carrying out the program Saturday. T
To FBC, Kentwood for the adult Christmas program.
To those who beautifully decorated FBC, Kentwood
To those who have worked with the children of my church to present to all of us.
Thank you to those who decorated for the children’s performance.
To those who have prepared meals for some of our church members and others in the community.
To Sunday School teachers who lead many classes each week.
To men who step up and move the tables and chairs the fellowship hall for another event.
To men who have been sharing hams as a class project.
To the workers who work in the nursery any time we have a service.
To volunteers who help in the nursery each week.
To the church staff for all they do.
To you for keeping a pray list and using it daily.
ETC! (The list varies each week, but is always long. What can you add?
Have a wonderful week serving God, studying His Word, helping those with a need, visiting those who are homebound most or all of the time, etc.
Always take time to be an encourager to others of all ages.
You can impact many people with your positive words and actions! Today, let’s spend some time in saying “Thank-you”!
(This is the brochure you should have received a week ago in a baptist church. If you missed any of the missionary stories, you can read them here. Today is day eight.)
Families who will not be together for the Christmas holidays
Church Christmas programs as they are presented
Our military
Those who live alone
Those experiencing health issues.
Salvation as the old, old story is told again and again
Today’s Bible Reading
December 8
Ezekiel 28-30
Thanks to Spring Creek Baptist Church
They hosted the quarterly WMU/Women on Mission meeting yesterday.
Christmas Cards for Prisoners
The stamped Christmas cards for the prisoners to use to contact family members were collected yesterday and will be give to jail administrators to distribute this week. The only exception to the deadline will be at FBC, Kentwood where the cards will be received through TODAY.
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries listed this morning.
Addition Bible Verses
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
The holidays can be lonely and/or difficult for some people. Take time to visit, say, and /or do something that will be an encouragement.
This is also the season when Sunday School classes meet and have some “visiting” time, planning time, and remembering time.
Churches will also have Christmas programs. They can be a real blessing and help people get the right focus for the holidays. Try to attend several programs this year.
Christmas is about Jesus and what his birth, life, and death mean to our eternal future!
Randal Lyn Ward, age 63, was born on September 24, 1962, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and passed away in Baton Rouge. He spent most of his life in Monticello, Baton Rouge, and Amite where he graduated from Amite High School. Randal was the son of Tommy Kyle Ward and Gladys Joyce Stanley. Randy as everyone called him, faced many challenges throughout his life, and his story was uniquely his own. His family and friends who knew him well will have many stories to remember him by.
He is survived by his children, Westley Aaron Ward and his wife Courtney Taylor Marx of West Palm Beach, Florida, Randi Lynn Nieves and her husband Leonardo Nieves of Sacramento, California, and Jackie Robert Ward of Monticello, Mississippi. His grandchildren include Dominick Brown and Kylee Annette Ward. Randy is also survived by his siblings, Terry Wayne Ward and his wife Sandra Whittington Ward, Tanya Hendry Warren and her husband Kyle Warren, and Lisa Ward Hennesy, wife of the late Jeff Hennesy. Nieces and nephews include Stephanie Flood, Shannon Ward, Aibhlinn Hennesy, and Alec Sparks. Step-mother, Cathy Ward.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Joyce Hendry; his father, Tommy Kyle Ward; and his stepfather, Marion H. Hendry Jr. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, John App Ward, Geneva Dixon, Chester Stanley, Mabel Allen Stanley, and and brother-in-law, Jeff Hennesy.
If you would like to make a donation in Randy Ward’s name, please send it to the Baton Rouge Salvation Army or The First United Methodist Church of Amite. Arrangements will be handled privately by the family. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
WMU/Women on Mission
Meet this morning at Spring Creek Baptist Church
9:00 Leadership Meeting
10:00 Regular meeting
Focus – Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Bring a friend
Refreshments provided
Thanks to Spring Creek for hosting this meeting
Quote by William Temple
(He was an English priest who served in the 1920’s)
“To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
Holidays
Our days seem to get busier at this time of the year. We have more opportunities to celebrate. Let’s enjoy our faith, our friends, and our family. As you do that, remember, that the priority is to celebrate Jesus!
It is not too early to or too late to volunteer to help with OCC in your church. Talk to your local leadership to get involved in shoeboxes for 2026.
December is a busy month. Set some priorities and schedule your time in what you think is important for you.
Obituaries – No new ones listed this morning.
Prayer Focus
At this time of the year there are many opportunities for us. Let’s choose those that are beneficial to us as individuals and families that point out the one true meaning of the season. Make some small signs and post in you home that say “Jesus is the reason for the season”.
Updates
Some of those we have been praying for are better and can be removed from our personal prayer lists. Others need to be listed again or for the first time. Updating is needed periodically.
If you have not been reading your Bible daily or according to a special plan, now is a good time to look around and choose one that will work for you. You are always welcome to read the passages I list each day. Feel free to join us in Ezekiel now.
Additional Scripture Reading
‘Sowing Faith, Hope, Love’
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—
5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel
Colossians 1:3-5 NIV
Christmas at FBC, Kentwood
I don’t know when all the Christmas activities/programs will be in my church and certainly not in the whole community, but as opportunities arise, take advantage of them.
One opportunity I would suggest is next week, on December 11th at 7 P.M. A US Marine jazz band concert will be at the Amite High Theater. The program varies each year, but has been good each year we have attended. There is no charge to attend. Maybe you will want to attend and see for yourself.
FBC, Amite is presenting a living Christmas Tree on the 14th with two performances. I don’t know if they have any more seats, but I know it was filling up quickly. The tickets are free, just a way to keep the size of the crowd within safe numbers.
FBC, Kentwood will have a program presented by the adults and another one presented by the children. I cannot give you dates or times, but you can call the church office for that information. The programs are on Sundays and within our usual church schedule.
Last night, I was very surprised when Trey Harrison walked into Prayer Meeting. He told me he had been in church Sunday, which was a surprise to me. God certainly continues to answer prayers. Thank-you for your continued prayers for him.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
The weather sounds bad periodically. Get ready for three days of rain.
The Prayer Link 
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