Category: Baptist Press

Monday

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)~

 

Thank God for the progress Cindy Carmadelle has made.  Her leg is much better.  Doctors are still keeping a careful watch.  She’s had such a beautiful attitude despite her injuries.

Kathy Jo Thompson had another brain surgery last week.  There were some complications, but this is what she has to say about her present situation, “God has his hands on everything!”  She is such an inspiring young lady.

Mrs. Mildred Birth got a good report from Dr. Liner yesterday.  The area they have been considering a mass seems to be scar tissue from three previous surgeries.  Thank-you, God for giving this friend a good report and making lots of family and friends have a happier holidays because of it.

Nancy Carruth continues to deal with kidney stones.  Pray for her to get past this problem so she can continue to pass on her happy attitude that overflows from her all the time.

There have been so many difficult situations lately, I thought we needed to focus on the good reports today!  I hope this gets your day started off “on the right foot” so that you can have a positive attitude all day long!

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

See if you can locate the following statements.

“While still working on his master of divinity degree, Rice was called to serve as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Greensburg, La. He served the church for three years.”

Devotional, Scriptures, Quotes, and a Song

  • “A Ukrainian Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/16/a-ukrainian-christmas/
  • Glory to God in the highest,                                                                                     and on earth peace,                                                                                             goodwill toward men!                                                                                                                              ~Luke 2:14~                                                                                        For there is born to you this day in the city of David                                     a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”                                                                                                                                                            ~Luke 2:11~
  • “Christ is born!”                                                                                                                                                     “Let us glorify Him!”                                                                                                                                                                            ~Our Daily Bread  (12-16-14)~

Lottie Moon – http://scottsvillemuseum.com/portraits/homeRS15acdRS04.html

Read this short article to gain more insight into the heart of someone whose greatest desire was for others to have Jesus in their hearts.  The more we understand her heart, the more our heart will be touched to share Jesus in the ways He has called us to share.

Mrs. Yvonne Curtis has a sweet, easy singing voice.  She will be singing Christmas music today at New Zion Baptist Church at 10:30.  Come get some Christmas joy today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.  

~Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)~

 

Ora Lee Wilson said her sister and both nephews who were so sick last week are all home and hopefully continuing to improve.  She and her family are thankful of your prayers.  Please continue to pray for them.

Bobby Lawson was able to come home from North Oaks midday yesterday.  The family thanks you for praying.  Please continue to do so.

Martha Traylor seems to have had a reaction to medication and an infection.  More tests are being done.  Please pray for her and her family.

Porgie Scarle has completed the 4th round of chemo.  He’s weak, but hanging in there thanks.  His family is very supportive.  Please pray for Porgie and his family as they endure these difficult days.

Billy Hawkins

Born: December 22, 1934
Died: December 12, 2014                                                                 http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2859953

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helps to support the Lane family and many others around the world.  After watching the video and reading the story, consider supporting their missionary endeavor in Sudan.  You can do this through any Southern Baptist Church. 

http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/videos/view/its-risky-business-for-missionaries-serving-in-africa

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,                                       that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.                                                                                                                                                         ~John 3:16~

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Another Hero of Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/13/another-hero-of-christmas/
  • Joseph her husband,                                                                                                   being a just man,                                                                                                       and not wanting to make her a public example,                                               was minded to put her away secretly.                                                                                                                                  ~Matthew 1:19~
  • “Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine” – http://www.oldielyrics.com/christmas/joseph_dearest_joseph_mine.html

I do not know the Christmas carol, but found it this morning after reading the devotional for today.  As you look and listen to it, notice the many stanzas, quite different from the current style of writing.  Joseph was surely a special man to have been chose to be the earthy father of Jesus.

Looking ahead to tomorrow.

  • Line Creek will have their Christmas musical tomorrow morning.
  • FBC, Kentwood will have their musical, “Joy, Joy, Joy”, at 6:00 P.M. tomorrow.
  • New Zion Baptist Church will do their musical tomorrow morning.
  • I’m sure there are others, but I don’t know of then.  Let me know this morning and I’ll post them later today.

May God by richly blessed by all the church musicals this year, especially those involving children because they teach the “only reason for the season” which children often miss or consider secondary to the jolly man in the red suit.

Anna Lee

Friday

“The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all they had seen and heard,

just as they had been told.”

~Luke 2:20, HCSB~

Mrs. Martha Traylor has been taken to Southwest Hospital.  Please pray for her and her family.

Continue to pray for Randy Taylor and his family.

Christopher Joseph Binder

Born: October 05, 1984
Died: December 10, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2859003&fh_id=10545

Woodrow “Woody” Henry Ford, Jr.

Born: January 26, 1954
Died: December 09, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2859033

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Snug as a Bug in a Rug” –  http://odb.org/2009/12/03/finding-jesus/
  • He who did not spare His own Son,                                                                       but delivered Him up for us all,                                                                             how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?                                                                                                                ~Romans 8:32~
  • “Blessed Assurance” – http://www.hymnary.org/text/blessed_assurance_jesus_is_mine

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Who’s Lottie?

Lottie Moon – the namesake of the international missions offering – has become something of a legend to us. But in her time Lottie was anything but an untouchable hero. In fact, she was like today’s missionaries. She was a hard-working, deep-loving Southern Baptist who labored tirelessly so her people group could know Jesus.

Why was the offering named for this early missionary?

Throughout her career, Lottie Moon wrote numerous letters home, urging Southern Baptists to greater missions involvement and support. One of those letters triggered Southern Baptists’ first Christmas offering for international missions – enough to send three new missionaries to China.

There’s many events scheduled in the next few weeks.  Don’t let the business of the season take your focus from the reason we are celebrating.

Anna Lee

Thursday

The true light that gives light to every man

was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him.

~John 1:9-10 (NIV)~

Mr. Bobby Lawson is in North Oaks again.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker is in rehab and doing well.  Keep her in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Frankie Gehringer.  His medication is being adjusted to help him feel better.

Sherman Cutrer seems to go from one issue to another.  He is at Kentwood Rehab.  Pray for him to have some better days soon.

Please continue to pray for Randy Taylor.  He’s been fighting a long, hard battle.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Third Thursday at the Cabin –  We will meet one week from tonight.  I’m already looking forward to our sweet time together.

First Baptist Church, Kentwood will present the Christmas musical “Joy, Joy, Joy” Sunday evening at 6:00.  Bro. Jonathan Statham will be directing the choir and orchestra this year.  You are invited to attend.  Pray for all those participating in the musical.

This week, the Friday morning Bible Study will focus on Mary, mother of Jesus.  Our Scripture passages are Luke 1-2 and John 2:1-11.  Please feel free to join us at 10:00 in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Contact me if you have questions.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Christingle”  –   http://odb.org/2013/12/25/christingle/
  • That was the true Light which gives light                                                  to every man coming into the world.                                                                                                                                      ~John 1:9~                                                            The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world….                                                                                                                     ~John 1:29~
  • “This Little Light of Mine” – http://www.negrospirituals.com/news-song/this_little_light_of_mine.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – It takes $139/day to support a mission family and their work.  If we meet our goal at FBC,K. we will be able to support a missionary unit for five months.  I know it is early in the month, but it is interesting to know we have already collected money to cover 15 days.  I’ve never considered our goal that way before.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering from the Perspective of the past of FBC, Lafayette –http://stevehorn.org/2014_12_08/a-new-perspective-on-the-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-for-global-missions/

I think you will find this very interesting.

I like that word “shatter” that was used.  Let’s pray and give again this year with the purpose of supporting missionaries (and to “shatter” that goal to do so).

Anna Lee

Wednesday

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:

His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph,

but before they came together,

she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man

and did not want to expose her to public disgrace,

he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  

But after he had considered this,

an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,

because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.”  

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel” –which means, “God with us.”  

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.  

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.

And he gave him the name Jesus.  

~Matthew 1:18-25~

Martha Pevey Drago had her first chemo yesterday and let her granddaughter take one link off the chain of steps in her treatment.  She thanks you for praying, but also asks for continued prayers.

Theresa Flores reports that Claire is doing well following her kidney transplant.  She is staying at Brent House at Ochsner so she can be close to the lab for frequent tests.  Theresa has been able to return to work some.  Thanks for your prayers for Claire and her family.

Friday Morning Bible Study 

  • FBC, Kentwood
  • 10:00 A.M. Fridays
  • Studying women of the Bible
  • This week – Mary, Mother of Jesus
  • Join us any Friday you are available.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  • Every penny of the Lottie Moon offering supports nearly 4,900 missionaries.
  • Meeting the $175 million goal would send more missionaries to the field.
  • More than half the world’s people groups are still unreached and people are dying every day without ever having heard the Gospel.
  • This requires sacrificial giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – gifts that truly honor the Lord.
Jesus is the ONLY reason for this holiday season!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,

Mary, you have found favor with God.

You will be with child and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great a

nd will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne

of his father David,

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel,

“since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

~Luke 1:30-35~

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6, NKJV~

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions –  Because of your giving, missionaries and their national partners recently reported:

  • Nearly 1,700,000 heard a Gospel witness
  • More than 235,000 became new believers
  • 141 new people groups were engaged

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

I saw Rita Tate last night.  She is doing very well following her knee surgery.  Thank God for that and for physical therapists who help in so many ways.

Martha Pevey Dagro will begin chemotherapy tomorrow.  Let’s give her good prayer support as she goes through this time.

Sherman Cutrer is at Kentwood Rehab for a couple of weeks.  Then, he will need one more surgery.  Please continue to support this family with your prayers.

Marty Simpson’s celebration of life service was surely one of the most fitting and most stirring funerals I have ever attended.  There were numerous firefightera and police officers from different departments as well as at least ten ministers, church member, family members, and friends.  Marty was deserving of all the special comments that were made.  I was blessed to be there yesterday, but much more blessed to have know Marty!  Continue to support the family with your prayers and your actions.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Our Life is a Primer” –  http://odb.org/
  • You shall teach them diligently to your children . . .                                      when you walk by the way,                                                                            when you lie down,                                                                                              and when you rise up.                                                                                                                                                               ~Deuteronomy 6:7~
  • “Living for Jesus” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/i/livingfj.htm

 

Jesus is the only reason for this wonderful season of the year!
Anna Lee

Saturday

 

“Even Elizabeth your relative

is going to have a child in her old age,

and she who was said to be barren

is in her sixth month.

For nothing is impossible with God.”

~Luke 1:36-37~

 

Pray for Karen Miller’s family as they lay her mother to rest today and for Gretchen Simpson’s family as they prepare for Marty’s services later.

Randy “Duke” Ficklin

Born: October 14, 1957
Died: December 04, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2850115&fh_id=10545

Charles Cole Hayes

Born: October 23, 1994
Died: December 03, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2850186&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 7

“Scripture Planting is Key” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13047&LanguageID=1709

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Better than Before” – http://odb.org/2014/12/06/better-than-before/
  • [Naaman’s] flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child.                                                                                                                ~2 Kings 5:14~                                                                                                                                                                  “Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.”                                                                                                   ~ 1 Chronicles 16:10~              
  • “More about Jesus” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/o/morabout.htm

Stop by Hope Center between 9 and 1 today.  We would love to see you.  See our new truck back-up drive.  Yesterday was a great day of giving food to many families.

Pray for your church members as they prepare for Christmas programs of various natures.  May each one be used as a special message to someone who is searching for the real meaning of Christmas.  May they learn the “Jesus is the ONLY reason for the season!”.

Anna Lee

 

Friday

     “You know that you were ransomed

from the futile ways inherited from your fathers,

not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

but with the precious blood of Christ,

like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

~I Peter 1:18-19~

 

Theresa Flores says her daughter is doing well following the transplant surgery.  Claire’s cousin, the donor, is also doing well.  Please continue to pray.

Mrs. Hazel Smith will have three appointment next month for more cardiac tests and a final report.  She’s already doing much better after a change of medication.  Pray for this lady who is very faithful to God, her family, and her church.

Rita Tate is doing well in recovering from surgery.  Pray for continued good results.

Sherman Cutrer is now in OLOL with pneumonia and other issues.  Please pray for him and his family.

Richard Navarra has passed away.  Please be in prayer for his family.

Bobby “Marty” Martinez Simpson

Born: November 23, 1970
Died: December 02, 2014

A resident of Kentwood died at 10:42 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at his home. He was born November 23, 1970 in McComb, MS and was 44 years of age. He was a graduate of Sumner High School and later attended Southwest Junior College and Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a Department of Public Safety Officer for the Louisiana State Police and a volunteer fireman with the Kentwood Fire Department for 25 years. He was also a deacon at First Baptist Church of Kentwood. He is survived by wife, Gretchen Varnado Simpson, Kentwood; 2 children, Micah and Sarabeth Simpson, both of Kentwood; father and step mother, Bobby R. and Betty Simpson, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Melissa Johnson, Kentwood and Kay Simpson, Gonzales; 2 nieces, Brooke Speed and husband, Dan, and their children, John and Lily, Chatawa, MS and Kayla Johnson and her fiancé, Tim Evans, New Orleans and father in law and mother in law, Gary and Mary Varnado, Amite. Preceded in death by his mother, Sara Martinez Simpson; 2 nephews, Dustin and Josh Johnson and his grandparents, Oliver and Bertha Simpson and Eloy and Sara Martinez. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 PM until 9 PM on Sunday and at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 AM until Religious Services at 11 AM on Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Nyra Perry “Nell” Rigby

NORTHPORT | Nyra “Nell” Perry Rigby, age 80, of Northport, died December 3, 2014, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel with Rev. Greg Strickland and Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Friday, December 5, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Idella Carter and Thomas Edmonds; husband, Rev. Wallace A. Perry; son, Wallace Aubrey Perry, Jr.; second husband, Rev. Carey Rigby; and sisters, Elizabeth King and Joyce Jones.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Perry Miller (Joey); daughter-in-law, Jan Perry; sister, Mildred White; brother, Thomas Edmonds (Arlene); grandchildren, Chris Smalley (Rebecca), Chad Smalley (Allison), Chaplin Smalley (Leah Ann), Carson Smalley, Christy Mink (John), and Candace Melson; great –grandchildren, Morgan, Madison, Christian, Layla, Chandler, Nate, and Vayda; great-great-grandchild, Carsyn; step grandchildren, Scott Miller (Katie), Sally Ann Shaver (Cory), and Chase Miller; and step great-grandchildren, Brady, Peyton, Eden, and Kodi Grace.
Nell was born on April 24, 1934. She was a retired nurse having worked at Druid City Hospital, Gulf States Paper, Bryce Hospital and Alabama Dermatology. She attended church at Northport Church of God.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tuscaloosa/obituary.aspx?n=nyra-perry-rigby-nell&pid=173366933&#sthash.gW4szlN6.Yl6iqFrh.dpuf

Bible Study 

  • This morning at FBC, K at 10:00
  • Naomi
  • Bring your Bible and join us.  Each lesson is independent of all the others.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

I watched Vestal Goodman sing this song on television last night and decided to use it for my “Song of the Day”.  God provided the devotional I needed to go with it.

  http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-tribute-to-howard-vestal-goodman-mw0000206792

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEuDzUa4nyI

The Goodmans are/were some of my favorite gospel singers!

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 6

“Music Makes Relationships” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13046&LanguageID=1709

Isn’t God so good?  He took the song I heard last night, arranged for today’s devotional, and provided a LMCO music missionary for us to pray for today – all connected!

Anna Lee

Thursday

”Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

 

Theresa Flores’ daughter, Chaire, received a kidney form a cousin yesterday.  The latest report I received was that both were doing well.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker had shoulder replacement surgery yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery/rehabilitation time for her.

Mrs. Mildred Birth saw Dr. Liner yesterday.  He will not be doing surgery right away.  More tests are scheduled, but hopefully the most she will need a to “blast” some kidney stones.  Please keep praying.

Mr. Bud Callihan is now at the Old Dixon Hospital.  Please pray for him and his family.

Andy Taylor’s sister, Cindy Juban, received a good report.  Please continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Hellen Morris is in Southwest at McComb.  Her great-granddaughter, Riley Titus, is in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.  Please pray for both of these people and for the family as they care for two hospitalized relatives.

Mr. Bobby Lawson is doing a little better.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Remember Wayne Criswell and Ray Blackwell who are both receiving hospice services.

Karen Miller’s mom. Nyra Rigby, passed away yesterday afternoon about 4:15. Arrangements will be made today.  Please pray for Karen and her family.

Marty Simpson‘s arrangements have not been made yet.  I’ll post them when they are available.

The choir of FBC, K will be presenting “Joy, Joy, Joy” at 6 P.M. of Sunday December 14th.  They will be accompanied by an orchestra.  You are invited to attend.

Pancakes & Sausage with Santa!

  • Saturday, December 6th
  • 8:00 am – 10:00 am
  • First Baptist Church, Amite
  • **Bring your camera**

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer, Day 5: “A New Wave of Church Planters” –

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13045&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

“Record-Setting Football Coach Credits Faith”

http://www.bpnews.net/43842/recordsetting-football-coach-credits-faith

“‘Hard to Argue with’ CP Success”

http://www.bpnews.net/43850/hard-to-argue-with-cp-success-pastor-says

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Called by Name” – http://odb.org/
  • [Jesus] looked up and saw him, and said to him,                                     “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,                                                          for today I must stay at your house.”                                                                                                                                          ~Luke 19:5~
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow” –

http://johntroutman.com/lyrics/hiseyeisonthesparrow.html

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsTVF-uc1u4 (Ethel Waters)

Even with a high temperature of 77 degrees on December 4th, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

 “If a brother or sister is naked

and destitute of daily food,

and one of you says to them,

‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’

but you do not give them the things

which are needed for the body,

what does it profit?” 

~James 2:15-16~

 

Please pray for Sherman and Jewel Cutrer.  He’s back in a Baton Rouge hospital for more surgery.

Pray for the family of Marty Simpson who passed away suddenly last night at the age of 44. He’ll be missed, but I KNOW he’s in heaven.

Chaplain’s Flight to Ferguson Fueled by Divine Appointment

http://billygraham.org/story/chaplains-flight-to-ferguson-fueled-by-divine-appointment/?utm_source=RRT+Newsletter+email&utm_medium=bgemail&utm_campaign=bgemailnewsletter&utm_content=Ferguson

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Ferguson Tensions Prompt First Baptist to Action

http://www.bpnews.net/43834/ferguson-tensions-prompt-first-baptist-to-action

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Whose Side are You On?” – http://odb.org/2014/12/03/whose-side-are-you-on/
  • It is good for me to draw near to God.                                                                                                                ~Psalm 73:28~
         He gathers the lambs in His arms                                                                                    and carries them close to His heart.                                                                                                                             ~Isaiah 40:11~

The Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon at First Baptist Church, Kentwood will be at 11:00 this morning.

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer

Day Four – “A Risk Worth Taking” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13044&LanguageID=1709

Despite the loss of Marty, I want to remind you that Jesus is still the reason for the season!

Anna Lee