Category: Baptist Press

Friday

“Leave the children alone,

and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me,

because the kingdom of heaven

is made up of people like this.”

~Matthew 19:14, HCSB~

 

Christy Hayne’s dad has had more heart problems which were hopefully corrected with surgery.  He is better and able to be back at home as of yesterday.  Christy is thankful God has more plans for her dad here on earth.  He lives in Florida.

Johnnie “Lil Man” Santangelo has had some new issues and is beginning a new treatment, IV chemo, for brain inflammation and swelling and to restore vision, strength, and tolerance.

Macy Gueldner (Written by her mother)

I’ll be on my way to Baton Rouge after Cate’s soccer practice. I’m switching places with Jeremy tonight, and I’m very happy about it!

Macy is doing fine. All I know about the bacteria is that it’s a bacteria that is usually found in the intestines. I don’t think they’ve identified a specific antibiotic to use, so she’s still on a broad spectrum. They’re in no hurry to release her, so we’ll be a few more days, at least.

Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everyone’s concern, and it helps to know that we’re surrounded by so much love

Third Annual “He is Risen” March

The 3rd Annual He is Risen Walk will take place on April 4, 2015 starting at 9:00 am at Smoke House BBQ Hwy 38 east of Kentwood and will end at Greater Temple Church on Hwy 38 in Kentwood. T shirts are available for purchase. I am taking orders for Spring Creek Baptist Church. If any other churches would like to purchase shirts you can contact Margie Womack at 985-229-2623. There will be transportation to Smoke House BBQ available for anyone who wants to park at Greater Temple Church in Kentwood. If you need transportation, please arrive at Greater Temple no later than 8:45 am. We encourage all to participate to show our community that we worship s Living Savior!! If you are unable to walk, but would like to participate, please give us advance notice and we will do our best to provide transportation. If you have any questions, please contact myself, Lou Miller Guerra‎, or Michael Bracy!! Hope to see you there!!!

Two special monthly events I attended this week:

  • Young at Heart at New Zion was especially meaningful to us as two ladies who are missionary moms attended with one of them speaking.  We formed a special bond in that short time together.
  • We were also blessed by the gathering at the cabin last night.  The group of people and each word spoken/sung seemed to be “just what we needed”.  Two special observations: Our group last night included seven retired teachers.  We heard “Happy Birthday” on the harmonica, a first for most of us!

Next week – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

  • Tuesday at 11:00 A.M
  • The Cafe in Kentwood
  • Honors ladies of FBC who have March birthdays

The Hope Center is doing well.

  •  Thank-you for your donations of money and items.
  • If you wish to set up a time to volunteer, please let me know.

Operation Christmas Child 

  • Check the bulletin board and table across from the kitchen in the fellowship hall of FBC if you wish to give items for the shoeboxes.  All items will be stored until the fall when we will pack the shoeboxes.
  • Individuals, classes, and groups are encouraged to get involved early this year.

Women of the Bible

  • Friday mornings at 10 A.M
  • This morning, we are studying Anna.

Ladies’ Night Planning Meeting

  • Sunday at 3 P.M.
  • Planning April meeting
  • If you are interested in helping, please come.

Read the Bible in 2015

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scriptures, Quote, and a Song

  • “A Gift of Hope” – http://odb.org/
  • He shall begin to deliver Israel                                                                                                                 out of the hand of the Philistines.                                                                                                                                                  ~Judges 13:5~                                                                                                   Praise the Lord, O my soul.                                                                                                                                                 ~ Psalm 146:1~
  • “Jesus is the hope that calms life’s storms.”                                                                                                                                  ~Our Daily Bread~
  •  “It is Well with My Soul” – http://nethymnal.org/htm/i/t/i/itiswell.htm?em_x=22  

      *****If you do not know the circumstances under which this great hymn was written,                         be sure to read the explanation on this site.

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions 

http://www.namb.net/nambblog1.aspx?id=12884955218&blogid=8589939695

Be a blessing to others today.  

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I have no greater joy than to hear

that my children are walking in the truth.

~3 John 1:4~

 

Pray today for Sherry Day as she prepares to learn more about a brain tumor tomorrow.

Pray for Joe Easley.  He will have shoulder surgery now.  Pray for the family who has dealt with so many issues over the past few years.
Please pray for the many grieving families in our area.  We’ve had so many deaths since the first of the year.
Oma Bridges Zachary
Ryan Lee Cutrer

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015

 Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Dangerous Shortcuts” – http://odb.org/

  • [Jesus said,] “Man shall not live by bread alone,                                                                         but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”                                                                                                                                               ~Matthew 4:4~
  • “My Hope is Built” – http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh368.sht

Annie Armstrong Mission Offering for North America

  • Washington D. C. new church plants – http://www.namb.net/dc/map/
  • Help support new churches in this area!  They are needed to spread God’s Word in our own country.

Coming Soon:

  • Third Thursday at the Cabin – Tomorrow at 6:30 at our house
  • Friday Morning Bible Study – “Anna”
  • Planning Meeting for Ladies Night – Sunday afternoon
  • “Young” Ladies Birthday Party at the Cafe on Tuesday, March 24th @ 11 A.M. 
  • Frozen Food for Families – April 5th
  • Ladies Night at 6:15 on April 23rd

Thank-you for reading and praying each day.  Your prayers help many people.

Anna Lee

 

Saturday


” ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you;  

the LORD make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you; 

the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace.” ‘

~Numbers 6:24-26~

 

Anne Newton Ellzey of Roseland moved to her heavenly home to join her husband, Jerry, and other family and friends.  Pray for her children, grandchildren, friends, and many former students in the Amite area.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Mark 1-2 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1-2&version=NIV

  • If you are following this, you have now read five books of the Bible and parts of six others.  Aren’t you thankful you have done this?
  •  If you haven’t started reading, the year is not lost, begin today.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions – http://www.sbhla.org/bio_anniearmstrong.htm

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “The Go-Between” – http://odb.org
  • The people stood afar off,                                                                                                                             but Moses drew near . . .                                                                                                                         where God was.                                                                                                                                       ~Exodus 20:21~
  • “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” 

This is your day to make some preparations for the Lord’s Day.  Doing some today will make tomorrow a better day.

I trust you have had a great week, despite the weather, the job, some of the problems  in your life, etc.  It is the week God gave you.  He had a purpose.  Did you handle it the way He wanted you to?

Anna Lee

Thursday

 But for you who revere my name,

the sun of righteousness will rise

with healing in its wings.

And you will go out

and leap like calves released from the stall.

~Malachi 4:2~

 

Please pray for Cynthia Smith of the East Fork community.  She is in North Oaks.

Pray for Anne Ellzey of Roseland.  She is also in North Oaks and not doing well.

Mrs. Oma Zachary of the Hillsdale area is also in need of our prayers.  Of course, as you pray for these ladies, pray for their families.

Eddie Muse has been admitted to North Oaks.  Pray for his family, Eddie, and the medical staff caring for him.

Philip Morgan had a spinal surgery that is now requiring another procedure.  Pray this is successful.

Skip Caraway’s surgery went well.  Please continue to pray for him during the recovery period as he waits for the pathology report.

Pray for Kentwood senior adults who have been on our prayer list a number of times lately.  For example, Mr. Bobby Lawson, Joe Easley, Mrs. Catherine Yarborough, Mrs. Hellen Morris, Mrs. Cecile Alford, Mrs. Mildred Birch, and others.

Mr. Edward Garner

http://webapp2.meaningfulfunerals.net/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/3001825

Baptist Press  – bpnews.net 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Hand Me The Binoculars!”  –  http://odb.org

  • The heavens declare the glory of God;                                                                                            and the firmament shows His handiwork.                                                                                ~Psalm 19:1~                                                                                                                                                     

Read the Bible in 2015 – Job 21 – 22

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions 

http://anniearmstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2015-AAEO-NAMB-Funding-Chart.pdf

The BCM lunch at SLU went well yesterday.  There was plenty of help and all the food people/classes was delivered to the church on time.  Also, the helpers who went did a good job.  Let’s prepare to do it again next year….

Take in the beauty of the world God created.  Choose something like the clouds, a tree, a rainbow, a leaf, a bird, or a horse to admire.  Think what a a mess you would have made if you had tried to create anything.  Thank God for His creation.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro

throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong

on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a, NKJV~

 

Koltyn Gafford (Written by his dad)

Sorry for not doing updates as much trying too get things in order again.. Koltyn is doing well in therapy, still have a long road but he is working hard, he is adjusting being at home, I think he knows he is at home cause he knows between his bed and his mama and daddy’s bed which he loves to sleep in every night and we don’t mind that at all! Brother and sister are very happy that we are all home together! I want to thank everyone who has been bringing us food every night! Thank you so very much!! Continue to keep praying for Koltyn as he still works very hard on the road to recovery!!!

Please say special prayers for Anne N. Ellzey of Roseland and her family.

Sherry Day received a “less than the best” medical reports yesterday.  Pray for strength and encouragement for her and her family,

Pray for future missionaries as they leave for a big city for “hands on” training.

Annie Armstrong Missions Offering – More about Annie

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Unexpected Encounter” –  http://odb.org
  • The Lord repay your work,                                                                                                                  and a full reward be given you                                                                                                            by the Lord God of Israel.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ~Ruth 2:12~
  • “Be Ye Doers of the Word”  

Thom Rainer –  http://thomrainer.com

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015

Be  thankful today.  Do the things God leads you to do.  Be a Ruth!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Do not be quick with your mouth,

do not be hasty in your heart

to utter anything before God.

God is in heaven and you are on earth,

so let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Baptist Press – bpnews. net

  • WEEK OF PRAYER: An immigrant mindset in Toronto
  • Netanyahu: Iran poses world’s ‘greatest danger’
  • CP 4.81 percent ahead of projection
  • CP ‘a tool to obey the Great Commission’
  • ‘I would hug him,’ says florist of gay accuser
  • Bill to slash slavery gains quickly in Senate
  • Tennessee Temple to close, merge with Piedmont
  • FROM THE STATES: S.C., Fla., Texas evangelism/missions news; ‘We need to share Jesus every day where we live’
  • First-Person – FIRST-PERSON: Nurturing new churches
  • MOVIES: Redeeming the art

 

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American mission work

http://anniearmstrong.com/lashey/

 

Read the Bible in 2015 – Psalm 24 – 26

 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Pray for all those struggling to survive in these weather conditions.  Thank God for the blessing and comforts you have.

Pray for all those whose lives and way of life are threatened around the world.  Thank God for His peace and love.

Pray for all those who have heartaches in our community.  The last three months have had more families with heartaches than I can remember.

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

 but in humility  

consider others better than yourselves.

~Philippians 2:3~

Marie Skaggs Raymond

Born: May 27, 1916
Died: March 01, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2991193&fh_id=10545

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions

Jonathan and Shelby Land – http://anniearmstrong.com/land/

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

  • SBC presidents send open letter to Obama
  • WEEK OF PRAYER: A heart for Mormon-heavy Utah
  • NRB attendance up 15% at wide-ranging convention
  • 365 DAYS: Prayer warriors stand on knees in Ukraine
  • War in E. Ukraine aids church planting in west
  • Christian media oppose FCC Internet ruling

Read the Bible in 2015 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Hope Center

Volunteers at Hope Center will be removing winter clothing and replacing it with summer clothing beginning this morning.  In a couple days, put you coat on and come check out the spring/summer items!

Time Change

  • Sunday
  • Move your clocks ahead an hour.
  • Forget, and arrive late for Sunday School Sunday!

Lunch for BCM students at SLU

  • March 4th – WMU of Two Rivers Baptist Association
  • March 11th – FBC, Kentwood
    • If you are providing food on the 11th, food needs to be in the church kitchen by 9 A.M.
    • If you are working, meet at the church at 10:00 unless you are involved in cooking the jambalaya.
    • Thanks to Jason Dean and James Rimes for continuing in Marty Simpson’s place in preparing the jambalaya.

From the hymn for today, “May God Depend on You?”.

May the Lord depend on you?
Loyalty is but His due;
Say, O spirit brave and true,
That He may depend on you!

Anna Lee

Saturday

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,

joy,

peace,

patience,

kindness,

goodness,

faithfulness,

gentleness and

self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

~Galatians 5:22-23~

 

Please pray for the family of Mrs. Avis Sullivan and get ready to hear her sing again in heaven one day.  Margie said she didn’t know yet what the arrangements will be.

Koltyn Gafford

Yesterday made 1 week since we brought Koltyn home from the hospital. Things surely are a quite bit different.
Sleeping habits are extremely different for him than before. He now goes to sleep between 3 & 5 every afternoon and sleeps til 3 or 4 in the morning. Most everyone that knows me, knows I am not a morning person but, I have managed to do quite well with the new bedtime schedule.
We’ve already made three trips to Baton Rouge, Monday we had evaluations for Occupational, & Physical Therapy & Wednesday an evaluation for Speech Therapy. Yesterday we had a follow-up appointment with his regular Pediatrician, also in Baton Rouge. He will have therapy twice a week, 45 mins sessions of each therapy on Monday & Wednesday’s for at least a year. Next week they are going to mold his feet for his AFO’s (ankle foot orthosis – A strong and lightweight solution for children & adults with mild to moderate drop foot.)
His Speech Therapist is already talking about working on trying to get his mouth and throat ready for liquids by mouth. He has already made progress making different sounds. We can now tell the difference between a hurt cry, a wet/dirty diaper cry, or just a simple whin which means he just wants to be held and loved on! My favorite of them all!!
He also knows the difference between Mommy & Daddy’s bed (which he used to sleep in every night) and his bed. Brad laid down with him in our bed one night while mommy took a shower, then put him in his bed when we were ready to go to sleep and abt 30 mins. later he started to fuss and we laid him in bed with us and he went sound to sleep. Definitely is a good sign that he remembers that was his normal place to sleep. Brad & I both are loving all the snuggles at bedtime. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers. We still have a long recovery ahead of us! Keep the Prayers coming. We love you all

Brad Gafford & Kristin Russell Gafford

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015 – Matthew 23-25

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

  • “Catching Up with Us” – http://odb.org/
  • When I kept silent,                                                                                                                                    my bones grew old through my groaning.                                                                                                                                                  ~Psalm 32:3~                                                                                             Though your sins are like scarlet,                                                                                                            they shall be white as snow.                                                                                                                                                                   ~Isaiah 1:18~
  • “Jesus Paid it All” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/p/jpaidall.htm  –  (Be sure to read the story that goes with this hymn.)

Have a wonderful day.  Spend some time reading God’s Word and singing His praises.

Anna Lee 

 

Friday

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 and teaching them to obey everything

I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age.”

~Matthew 28:19-20~

 

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/54efd3714db921bd1cdf641c

Ladies’ Night: Love Letters

We had a good time last night with ladies from at least seven different churches. Thanks to all who prepared food, decorated, participated in the program, etc.  Join us for our spring meeting on April 23rd at 6:15.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “A Consistent Life” – http://odb.org/
  • He knelt down on his knees . . .                                                                                                             and prayed and gave thanks before his God,                                                                                   as was his custom since early days.                                                                                                                                                                        ~Daniel 6:10~                                                                                   

In Him we live and move and have our being.                                                                                                                                                               ~ Acts 17:28~

Read the Bible in 2015 – Isaiah 45-50

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Let’s live to Jesus today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.

~1 Chronicles 16:11~

 

Andy and Betty Taylor ask for prayer for Rickie Mapes.  He has cut his right hand and could not be stitched together.  This is his “working” hand.  Pray it can heal quickly and with no complications.  (She told me Sunday, but I forgot.)

Mansell Stinson‘s doctors have found a way to increase his circulation!  Pray that it is enough to prevent surgery.

Renee Deck Terrell is having some health issues that make walking difficult.  Pray for the best for her.

Smiley’s sister, Frances McKenzie, and her family are in need of extra prayers.

Continue to pray for Joe and Jean Easley.  She will be having surgery at 6 this morning at Tulane.  He is in rehab in Hammond.  Thankfully, they have family and friends who have stuck by them through all their difficulties.  They are lovely people who have had a very difficult time over the past few years.

Mrs. Nadine Council called yesterday.  Dr. Earl Council is continuing to improve.

Mrs. Nadine Bridges was taken to North Oaks over the weekend.  I do not have an update, but I’m sure prayers are always appreciated.

Frances Strickland has a new short-term roommate.  This is working our well for both of them.  Pray for her as she continues to make needed adjustments.

Mr. Bobby Lawson continues to have hospice care at home.  Pray for him and his family during these unpredictable days.

Rev. Tim Jones had a change of medication that seems to be helping.  Pray for him as he faces additional testing.

Pray for Mrs. Cecile Alford and her family.

Koltyn Gafford is doing pretty well.  The family is making the necessary adjustments to being at home, but have certainly found and enjoyed the advantages of being back in Amite.

Pray for one of my neighbors who is having some problems.  We can best help by praying for her.

Pray for Mrs. Hellen Morris and her family.  She’s in rehab in McComb.

Terri Easley thanks everyone for praying for her.  She will be fine soon.

Alan Douglas Graham lost his battle to cancer yesterday.  Pray for his family in the coming days.

Noma Ann Dreher Newell

Born: October 18, 1947
Died: February 24, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2982699&fh_id=10545

Samaritan’s Purse

  • “Samaritan’s Purse is 45 years old today! We are humbled and honored to be part of God’s work these last 4 decades. …Join us in praising God for all he has done.”
  • “Malnutrition after Rebels Attack”

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/malnutrition-after-rebel-attacks/?&utm_source=SPFacebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=m_Y000-SOCM_SocialMedia&utm_content=2-24DRCBlog

  • “Responding to the Ice Storm”

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/responding-to-ice-storm/

Women’s Life Ministries Pregnancy Center (in Amite, west of the post office)is in need of volunteers. You can choose your free hours. A great place to gain a sense of giving back to our community through helping young women throughout their pregnancy. There are many areas that your experience can be of help. Please call Mrs. Teresa Ragusa for more information at 985-747-0602 .

Hope Center (Roseland) will be transforming from selling winter clothing to summer clothing next week.  If you are an volunteer, call me to set up some extra hours to help.  If you are a customer, begin to think spring, even if it is cold outside.

February 26th is here!  Ladies’ Night (for ladies from 3 to 103) will begin at 6:15 with desserts!  Can you think of any better way to celebrate?  Program participants will include members of Kentwood, New Zion, Kedron, and Roseland.  It may be cold outside, but it will be warn in the fellowship hall and in our hearts.  Bring a friend.

Tomorrow’s Ladies’ Bible Study will be on Esther.  We will meet at 10:00 A.M. in the fellowship hall.  Our Scripture will focus of Esther 2,4,7, & 9.  Studying her courage may help us have courage for a trying situation.

Baptist Press has a number of very interesting articles waiting for you at bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Changed Perspective” – http://odb.org/                                                                                               We certainly need a change of perspective periodically.
  • Now while Paul waited for them at Athens,                                                                                     his spirit was provoked within him                                                                                                     when he saw that the city was given over to idols.                                                                                                                                                     ~Acts 17:16~
  • “Change My Heart, O Lord”

Read the Bible in 2015 – Job 17-18

Thanks for “tuning in and praying” today!  May our prayers be blessed.

Anna Lee