Category: Baptist Press

Wednesday

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

 

Connor Corkern

Conner has been doing better, but yesterday the “seizure monster” returned with Connor having ten big seizures.  Please pray the doctors can get them under control and quickly.

Drew Williams

Drew will be having jaw surgery this morning in Jackson, MS.  His family returned yesterday and will be in that area until early May.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Not All Empty”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “The Miracle of Love”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-miracle-of-love-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “One More Day”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12334&LanguageID=1709

“Hope Found after ALS Diagnosis” – Please take time to read this inspiring story”.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41684

Baptist Press 

BPNews.net

Help someone understand that Jesus is the Only Reason for the Season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

~2 Corinthians 9:15, HCSB~

 

Penny Dees McDowell

Penny’s surgery went well.  The doctor was very pleased with the results.  Penny should be much better soon.

National Guard

The 205th Engineering Battalion based in Hammond and Bogalusa will arrive HOME today!  Those who went are excited to be coming home.  Family members are elated to have their loved ones back at home and in time for Christmas.  Thank God for their safety while traveling and while in the Middle East.

Third Thursday

We will have our regular meeting this week.  Join us at the cabin at 6:30 for food, fellowship, and a devotional/music time.

Christmas Programs

Area churches have had numerous programs.  I managed to attend three in the last four days.  They were all very different in style, size of the choir (20-50), music (canned, praise band, orchestra), set differences, use of technology, with and without dinner, involvement of adults only vs. involvement of people of all ages, etc.   The unifying cord was the theme –  the birth and purpose of Jesus!

Baptist Press

 BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Love and Support”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “Angel Rescued Sick Girl – True Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/angel-rescued-sick-girl-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “We Three Kings”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/t/we3kings.htm

The program tonight had shepherds, wise men, etc.  As I looked at the nice costumes and gifts being delivered to the “young boy” version of Jesus, I thought of this song.  I have great memories of a number of men who were special to me playing the part of the wise men.  I also have seen teens play the part.  I marvel at their wisdom that led the wise men to worship a young child so many years ago.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

At the end of our tea Sunday, a young girl gave me a small handful of change and requested I put it in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  I told her she could take the money to her church and give it there, but she insisted I put it in the offering at Kentwood.  Sunday, when we have the missions march, I will give her envelope of change as well as my own offering.  I felt so blessed by the sweet heart of a child that is already at her young age so touched by the need for missions.

If you attend FBC, Kentwood, you may know how we are lighting up the words to “Joy to the World” as we collect money to help us reach our goal.  I’m happy to report to all you Kentwood people that enough money was given Sunday to light up six more notes of our song.  I’m looking forward to the next week and more progress toward our goal.

Thanks for taking time to check this site and to prayer.  You are so important.  I have a reminder for you: Jesus is the reason for the season (and your pardon from an eternity in hell).

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive,

have a son,

and name him Immanuel.”

~Isaiah 7:14, HCSB~

 

Dr. Earl Council

Dr. Council is doing much better now.  He no longer has pain in his legs or his back.  “Miss” Nadine, speaking for the family, thanks you for praying.

East Fork Baptist Church (from Dana Hendry)

Join us at East Fork tomorrow morning (today) as all choirs take part in our Christmas Celebration! Bible Study will begin at 10:00 AM and the Morning Worship at 11:00.
Our Deacons/Wives annual Christmas meal will be at Mr. Whiskers following morning worship!
Plan now to be at East Fork tomorrow!

7th Annual Two Rivers Associational Lottie Moon Tea

2:00 P.M.  today!

FBC, Kentwood

FBC, Kentwood’s Christmas Program tomorrow at 6P.M.

I keep hearing reports of choir members who have been sick the past few days.  The old devil is working to hinder the Christmas program tonight, but I fully expect him to lose out and God to be glorified.

Third Thursday Meeting 

We will be meeting this week at the Alford cabin.

6:30 P.M. Thursday

We promise great food, fellowship, and a sweet devotional/worship time!

Renew some friendships; make some new friends who honor and serve the Lord.

Albert Joseph Ashmore
(June 24, 1945 – December 14, 2013)

A resident of Greensburg, LA, he died at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet. He was born June 24, 1945 in Plaquemine and was 68 years of age. He was a retired Major with the Louisiana Department of Correction. He is survived by his wife, Janie M. Ashmore; daughter, Laura R. Ashmore; grandson, Michael Joseph Cardy; 5 sisters, Lillie Bovard, Linda d’Monye’, Faye Dunlap, Jan LaBorde and Dale Rochel; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Albert F. Ashmore and Delta M. Richardson; 2 sisters, Virgie Ann Beach and Birdie Ashmore; brother, David Aucoin. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley and Rev. Leroy McElveen. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Tom McNabb, Jimmy Harrell, Jeff Dunlap, Ralph Cardy, Aubrey McMillan and Gary Halvin. Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Frazier, Lance LaBorde and Buddy Bovard. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

We sat behind him at NZBC Sunday night.  We never know!

Baptist Press

 BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Canceled Christmas”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Story – “Christmas Miracle – A Real Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/christmas-miracle-real-story/

What did “Santa” do?  He prayed at Sarah’s side at the hospital.

Hymn of the Day – “What Child is This?”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Lottie’s Life in Brief

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/aboutlottiemoon.asp?PageNavID=110

Without Christmas, there would be no Easter!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.”

~Isaiah 60:3, HCSB~

 

Choir Members

Pray for the choir members at FBC, Kentwood and other churches who have practiced and practiced for the Christmas programs they will be presenting.  It seems like all the practicing, the weather, and the devil all work against those who will be sharing with us again this year.

Ray Davis

We have a request from Ms. Fay Shoemaker to pray for Ray Davis of Texas who is having major surgery today.  Be sure to honor her request.

Ms. Martha Traylor

Ms. Martha is still hospitalized at Hood Memorial in room 4 with bronchitis and fluid around her heart.  The family would appreciate your prayers and your words of encouragement for her.

Linda Phillips

Linda has been released from North Oaks.  Thanks for praying for her.

Jerry Doughty

Jerry has also been released from North Oaks.  Thank for praying for him too.

Special Christmas Prayers

Pray for families celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one and for those who will not be celebrating with their families this year.  Pray for those who will be working while their families are gathering, for those traveling, for those who are not together because of other responsibilities.

Our Daily Bread – “Lasting Rewards “

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “The Real Pearl Necklace”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-real-pearl-necklace/

Hymn of the Day – “O Holy Night”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/h/oholynit.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “What are the Global Needs?”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/details.asp?StoryID=11939&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – Wonderful stories as usual!

BPNews.net

Enjoy your Christmas activities, but be sure to focus on the reason for the holiday.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

~James 1:17, NKJV~

 

Two special ladies

Pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher and Mrs. Yvonne Birch.  They had lingering health issues.

Local National Guard Unit

They have landed stateside after serving in the Middle East.  When you see one of these young men or women,  take time to thank them for their service and for spending this time away from their family to help make us safe back at home.

Pray for the McMichael family.

Louise Nystedt McMichael
(July 24, 1919 – December 5, 2013)

Louise Ann Nystedt McMichael left her earthly house for her eternal home on December 5, 2013, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born July 24, 1919, in St. Charles, Illinois and lived an amazing and blessed 94 years. A child during the depression, she graduated from Oak Park Illinois School of Nursing and went to San Francisco to receive post graduate orthopedic training at Shriner’s Hospital. While there she joined the US Navy as a nurse and was stationed during WWII in San Diego, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. There she met Navy Supply Officer, G. P. McMichael, Jr. whom she married in San Diego on December 31, 1945, at the conclusion of the war. Louise and Philip made their home on his family farm just south of Amite. She eventually returned to nursing at Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, LA retiring in 1995 after working in general patient care, the emergency room and the outpatient clinic. Louise, an active member of her church and her community, was a charter member of the Stem and Stamen Garden Club, PTA president, Cub Scout as well as Girl Scout leader, and a volunteer at God’s Storehouse. As a member of the First United Methodist Church for 67 years, she attended not only Sunday School and church services but circle meetings and Bible studies. Ladies’ groups DMA (Don’t Mention Age) and Brown Bag were part of her social life after retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, her mother, Nina Tebell Nystedt, and her father, John Nystedt, a brother, Warren ”Bud” Nystedt and a sister, Ruth Nystedt Hamper as well as a brother-in –law, Robert McMichael, and sister-in-laws, Mary McMichael and Ora Belle Compton. Louise is survived by three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with another one due in March. Her children are Susan Jenkins (Russell) of Amite, G.P. (Joy) of Pensacola, FL, and John (Rebecca) of Knoxville, TN. Her grandchildren are Rusty Jenkins (Mary), Robyn Jenkins-King (Mark), Phil McMichael (Rachel), Jessica Kastner (Mik), Chris McMichael (Manda), and Ryan McMichael (Richele). Her great-grand children are Russ and Jillian Jenkins, Avery, Sydney, Lydia and Emma McMichael. Also surviving her is her younger sister Norma McMichael, her sister-in-laws, Sarah Lou Wilson and Frieda Nystedt and eleven nieces and nephews, their children, and grandchildren. Visitation will be held Monday, December 9, 2013, from 9-11:30 A.M. at Amite First United Methodist Church, 800 N. Duncan Ave. Services conducted at 11:30 AM by Rev. David Melville. Burial in the Mulberry Street Cemetery. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Building Fund at Amite First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. A special thank you to the staff of Live Oak Village, the staff of Hood Hospital and the care givers from Wilkinson’s Care Giving as well as Louisiana Hospice.McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 6

“His Hands and His Feet”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=11775&LanguageID=1709 

Daily Devotional –  Our Daily Bread – “Christmas Lights”

http://odb.org/ 

Moral Stories – “Don’t Hope, …Decide”

http://academictips.org/blogs/dont-hopedecide/

Hymn of the day – “The First Noel”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/frstnoel.htm

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Ten Ways to Show Gratitude the Rest of the Year

http://thomrainer.com/2013/12/03/10-ways-to-show-gratitude-the-rest-of-the-year/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thomrainer%2Frss+%28thomrainer.com%29

Opportunities

During the month of December, we are collecting blankets, jewelry, and toys for Re-Store in Amite.  You can leave your items by the main entrance or the office entrance of FBC. Kentwood.

Line Creek Baptist Church Christmas Program – “An Out-of-the-Box Christmas”

SUNDAY DEC 8TH @ 10:00 AM
Christmas Play

Jesus is the REASON for the season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“All humanity will come to You,

the One who hears prayer.”

~Psalm 65:2~

“Behold what manner of love

the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!”

~1 John 3:1~

Susan Rimes

Continue to pray for Susan as she battles kidney stones.

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner

FBC Senior Adults

The annual Christmas lunch will be Wednesday at 11:00 in the fellowship hall.  Wear something a big smile and something red or green.  This is optional, but it will help you be in the holiday spirit.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “One Stretch”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “The Story of a Woodpecker”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-story-of-a-woodcutter/

Be sure to read the “reflection” at the end and apply it to your life if necessary.

Hymn of the Day – “It Came upon a Midnight Clear”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Day Three – Karachi, Pakistan

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10100149689548107

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

I don’t think Rev. Franklin Graham will mind me passing this invitation on to you.

Here’s a wonderful Thanksgiving Day opportunity you won’t want to miss! FOX News Channel has just announced that they will re-air “The Cross”with Billy Graham on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. EST

You can simply invite those who are with you—believers and nonbelievers—to sit down and watch this special program together, and don’t forget to pass the word about this broadcast to others via email, Facebook, and Twitter.

This is a way all of us can be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission. We were told to “Go therefore and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19, ESV). Each of us can use our living room—or wherever we happen to be—to share the truth of the Gospel this Thanksgiving.

More than 2.5 million households watched “The Cross” on FOX News Channel when it was first broadcast three weeks ago, and many more showed the program to friends on video. We have heard from tens of thousands of people who responded to the Gospel in the last three weeks as a result of this broadcast. I trust you will make the most of this special opportunity.

Franklin Graham

President, Samaritan’s Purse

Baptist Press – It looks like there are some good articles here today.

BPNews.net

Craig A. Corkern 

(June 7, 1977 – November 27, 2013)

A resident of Amite, died at 9:35 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born June 7, 1977 in Baton Rouge and was 36 years of age. Survived by 5 children, Brianna Lynn Corkern, Thomas Samuel Corkern, Dakota Lane Corkern, Leighann Grace Corkern and Brooke Marie Castella; fiancé, Patricia Cox; mother, Sandra Perez and husband, Sal; father, Thomas Corkern and wife, Dana; 2 sisters, Richelle Lynn Hoover and husband, Michael, and Jennifer Elissa Jones and husband, Burl; paternal grandparents, J.Q. Corkern and wife, Carol and Barbara Lewis Touchstone; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, James and Twila Champlin and sister, Donna Lynn Perez. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2013. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lucky Fin Project, 1320 N. Vermont Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48067 in honor of his nephew, John Hoover or Epilepsy Warriors, P.O. Box 7286, Ft. Myers, FL 33919 in honor of his cousin, Connor Corkern.

Tuesday

“Let the peoples praise you, God;

Let all the peoples praise you.”

~Psalm 67:5~

 

Jimmy Schwartz has been doing very well.  Today, he goes for a blood count.  Pray it continues to be good.  Jimmy will also see a dermatologist.  Pray for good results there.

Larry Hendry had done amazingly well.  He got off the vent yesterday evening and was eating ice.  His family thinks he is being spoiled by all the attention in the hospital.  I assume that says he is getting plenty of attention.  Keep him in your prayers.

Infant John Varnado (from Lawana Carter)

This is the last I have heard about Little John Varnado. His Maw Maw
posted this on Nov. 23. Little John is just now tonight getting
feeding tube to strength him up for a few days. Then they will stop it
for a few days, before they tried to stop the ventilater.

Macy Gueldner – Focus some of your prayer time on Macy and her family.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal

Holly Kliesch continues to be carefully watched.  Her unborn baby is about three weeks from his due date.  Pray for the baby, Holly, RC, and those anxious grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.  God is richly blessing this baby by placing him in this special family.

Thankfulness – Day 26 – Babies

Today, I’m thankful for babies.  No, we don’t have a new baby in our family or one on the way, but I enjoy all the news and photos of babies here on the computer and in person, especially at church.  Each baby represents a new life (new personalities, new dreams, new smiles and giggles, new relationships, a blessed family, etc.)  We can all enjoy the new life of each child.  Thank God for each and every one of them.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Real Love”

http://odb.org/

This devotional really touches my heart as it describes the new relationship between my aunt and my cousin in Texas.  Please pray for them.

Moral Stories – “Lean from Mistakes”

http://academictips.org/blogs/learn-from-mistakes/

Unless you are not human, you have and continue to make mistakes.  Unlike Edison’s mistakes here, we often need to repent and to ask forgiveness.  Then, we need to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.

Hymn of the Day – “A New Name in Glory”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/e/newnamei.htm

“Where Camera Lights Don’t Shine”
This story is about IMB help that has been arriving in the Philippines since the typhoon.  You can help make more work like this continue.
“Faith Stirs Isaiah to Persevere toward Turnaround Season”

This true story is inspiring.  I hope you will take time to read it in its entirety.  As you look at the pictures, you will see that Isaiah’s great personality shines through his facial expressions.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41554

This morning at 11:00, we will be celebrating the “Young” Ladies’ birthdays.   Join us at Nyla’s for a special time.

Anna Lee

Saturday Addition

Larry Hendry‘s heart surgery will be Monday in Hammond.

John F. Kennedy, Billy Graham: irrecoverable moments in 1963

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=41541

Midwest tornado victims grateful for SBDR

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=41545

2nd VIEW: Relief team seeks remote Filipino villages in need

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=41516

FIRST-PERSON: Thanksgiving — a religious holiday

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=41548

CALL TO PRAYER: Giving thanks in all things

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=41549

Friday

   “Bless the LORD, O my soul;

and all that is within me,

bless His holy name!  

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from destruction,

who crowns you with lovingkindness

and tender mercies,

who satisfies your mouth with good things.”

~Psalm 103:1-5a~

 

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal

Susan Rimes had an appointment with her new doctor today.  She has an infection and a number of stones.  Pray for procedures that will be fully effective and timely.

Wanda Smith has had treatment on one foot that doesn’t seem to have helped yet.  In the meantime, she has developed problems with the other foot.  Pray for her as she continues therapy and doctor’s care.

Yvonne Birch and Smiley Conerly are slowly improving, but not at the rate they had hoped for.  Pray for them as they continue their recoveries from surgery.

Pray for Larry Carruth,  Randy Taylor,  and Jessica Garner and their families.  Pray for caregivers also.

Wanda Bridges and her good friend, Dana Reid, are both hospitalized in Baton Rouge.  Wanda has has a procedure done and should be home soon.  Dana had a heart attack.  I’m not sure what will be done for her or how long she will be hospitalized.

Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch shared that Holly Kliesch Fronn’s baby boy may arrive a little early due to pregnancy problems.  Pray for Holly and her baby, as well as R.C., the proud daddy. The due date had been December 15th.

Continue to pray for Clint Smith.  Thank God that he got a quick diagnosis and surgery today.  Pray his recovery will be complete when he recovers from the surgery.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier, Mrs. Evelyn Bridges, M/M Joe Williams, and M/M Phillip Harrell need our continued prayers as they face their health issues daily.

Ruby Schwartz’s sister, Linda Boudreaux, had back surgery today and is already home.  Pray for Linda and Paul and their family.

Jimmy Schwartz shared tonight that he is doing surprisingly well.  He body is now producing blood rather than destroying it.  Thank God for Jimmy’s good report.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Overshadowed”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – “Face Difficulties Positively”

http://academictips.org/blogs/face-difficulties-positively/

Hymn of the Day – “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thankfulness –  Day 22 – Transportation

Having a vehicle or other means of transportation gives us numerous opportunities. People who live in cities can often get around well without their own transportation, but for those of us who live in small towns or rural areas, a vehicle is usually necessary. Think of all the opportunities to worship, ministry, etc. we have access to because of owning a vehicle.  Be sure to use you transportation to help/serve/encourage/minister to other.

We had another great night at our Third Thursday meeting.  What a blessing it is to me!  We took some time to “count our blessings”.  They are many!

Tomorrow morning at 10:00, we will begin the “Mayberry” Bible Study.  This will be a four-week study and will be completed before Christmas.  We will skip the day after Thanksgiving.  We meet in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Everyone is welcome to join us.

Have a great day!  If you haven’t packed your shoebox(es) for Operation Christmas Child, the deadline is upon us.  Sunday will be the last day to turn in boxes this year at FBC, K.

Anna Lee