But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24~

Baby Hudson Hobgood continues to improve. Please continue to pray for him and those caring for him.

Pray for Emilie McKenzie as she has surgery on her arm again today.

Smiley Conerly will be having surgery a week from today. Please begin to pray for him if you have not already done so.

Scripture Writing – December 2 – Isaiah 9: 6-7

Lottie Moon – Day 2 of Week of Prayer – A Season of Change –https://www.imb.org/day-2/

Luke 2 – Easy English Bible

Jesus is born

1 At that time, Caesar Augustus was ruling the whole Roman world. He made a law and told his men, ‘Count everyone who lives in the Roman world.’ 2 This was the first time that the Romans had made a list of everyone’s names. Quirinius was the Roman ruler of Syria when it happened.

3 Everyone went to his own home town for the Romans to count them. 4 So Joseph went to his home town, Bethlehem. He was living in the town called Nazareth, in Galilee. Bethlehem was in Judea. King David had been born there, so Bethlehem was called the town of David. Joseph belonged to the family of David. That is why he went to Bethlehem.

5 Joseph took Mary with him so that the Romans could count them. She went because she had promised to marry him. She was going to have a baby.

6 While they were in Bethlehem, after some time, her baby was born. 7 This was her first baby, and it was a boy. She put cloths round him. Then she put him in an animal’s feeding box. She did this because the rooms for visitors were full of people.

Some shepherds leave their sheep to go and see Jesus

8 That night some shepherds were living out in the fields near Bethlehem. They were keeping their sheep safe. 9 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to them. A bright light from God shone all round them. That frightened them very much. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen! I bring you good news. This news will make everyone very happy. 11 Something happened today in the town of David. Someone special was born. He is the one who will save you. He is the Messiah. He is the Lord. 12 I will tell you how you will know this baby. You will find him with cloths round him. He is lying in an animal’s feeding box.’

13 Just then many more angels appeared in a great crowd. They were praising God. They said:

14 ‘God is great! He lives in the highest place.

He will be good to the people on earth that make him happy.

They will have peace in their minds.’

15 After that, the angels went away and returned to heaven. Then the shepherds said to each other, ‘We should leave the sheep and go to Bethlehem immediately! The Lord God has sent his angels to tell us what has happened. We want to see this baby.’

16 So they went in a hurry to Bethlehem. When they got there, they found Mary and Joseph with the baby. The baby really was lying in a feeding box. 17 After they had seen the baby, they told everybody about him. They told them what the angel had said to them about him. 18 Many people heard what the shepherds said. They were very surprised. 19 Mary remembered everything that the shepherds had said. She thought about it all for a long time. 20 The shepherds then went back to their sheep. As they went they praised God. ‘How great you are!’ they said to him. ‘How good you are! Everything that the angel told us was true! We have heard good news. We have seen very special things!’

Mary and Joseph take Jesus to God’s Great House

21 When the baby was eight days old, it was time for the priest to circumcise him. His parents gave him the name Jesus. The angel had told Mary that they must give him that name. He told her that before she had the baby inside her.

22 Long ago, God gave Moses rules for his people to obey. One rule told people how to become clean after a baby was born. The time came for Mary and Joseph to do this. So, they took the baby Jesus to God’s Great House in Jerusalem to show him to the Lord.

23 This is the rule which Lord gave to his people: ‘The first male baby born to a woman belongs to me. So you must bring him to me. 24 When you do this, also bring two special birds for the priest to kill.’ So that is what Mary and Joseph did.

25 At this time, a man called Simeon was living in Jerusalem. He was a good man and he obeyed God. He had waited a long time to see the special person who would save Israel’s people. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit had told him, ‘You will not die yet. You know that the Lord God has promised to send his Messiah. You will see him before you die.’ 27 Now the day had come. The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he should go to God’s Great House. Mary and Joseph were bringing the baby Jesus to do what God’s rule said. 28 Simeon went to them. He took Jesus and he held him in his arms. Then he thanked God. He said:

29 ‘Master, I am your servant.

You have done what you promised to me.

Now I can die with no trouble in my mind.

30 I really have seen the person that you have sent to save your people.

31 You have sent him to the world and people everywhere will know about him.

32 He will bring light to people so that they can know you.

He will show you to those people who are not Jews.

He will also show that your people of Israel are very special.’

33 That is what Simeon said about Jesus. His message surprised Mary and Joseph very much.

34 Then Simeon asked God to be good and kind to Mary and to Joseph. After that, he spoke to Mary, the mother of Jesus. He said to her, ‘God has chosen this baby. Many people in Israel will become worse because of him. And many of them will become better again because of him. He will be like a sign that points to God. But many people will speak against him. 35 This will show their secret thoughts about God. This will make you very sad, too. It will seem like a sharp knife is cutting into you. That is how sad you will be’.

36 A very old lady called Anna was also there in God’s Great House. She spoke messages that the Holy Spirit gave to her. She was the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the family of Asher. She had lived with her husband for seven years and then he had died.

37 After that, she had lived alone until she was 84 years old. Now she never left God’s Great House. She stayed there day and night to pray to God. Often she went without food so that she could pray better.

38 At that moment, Anna came to where Mary and Joseph were standing in God’s Great House. When she saw the baby, she thanked God for him. Then she began to speak about him to other people there. Many people were waiting for God to make Jerusalem free. These were the people that she spoke to about the child, Jesus.

39 When Mary and Joseph had finished everything that God’s rules said, they returned home. That was in the town called Nazareth in Galilee. 40 There the child grew up. God was good and kind to him and he became strong. He learned many things and he could understand them well.

Jesus visits God’s Great House as a young boy

41 Every year, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

42 When Jesus was 12 years old, his parents took him with them to Jerusalem. They went as usual for the festival. 43 When the week finished, Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem to return home. But Jesus stayed behind and his parents did not know this. 44 They thought that he was with their group on the way home. They travelled for a whole day. Then they began to look for him among their family and friends.

45 They could not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem. They looked for him there. 46 After three days, they found him in God’s Great House. He was sitting there among the teachers. He was listening to what they were saying. He was also asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard Jesus was very surprised. He understood so many things and he could answer difficult questions. 48 When his parents saw him there, they were also very surprised. His mother said to him, ‘My son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have looked everywhere for you. We have had a lot of troubles in our mind.’

49 Jesus answered them, ‘You should not really have had to look for me. I must be doing what my Father wants me to do. Really, you should have known that.’ 50 But they did not really understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then Jesus returned to Nazareth with them. He did what they wanted. His mother, Mary, was careful to remember all the special things that had happened. She thought about them a lot. 52 Jesus grew up into a man. He became strong and he could understand more and more things. People thought he was a good man. God also thought well of him.

I know many of you have read and studied these verses, but do yourself a favor and take some time each daily to find a quiet spot and read them again. Let them put you in the real Christmas spirit. Go back to Luke I and read 1 and 2 today if you missed yesterday.

Find that quiet spot.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods.

Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

~2 Kings 17:38-39~

Please continue to pray for Emilie McKenzie. She will have another surgery on her arm Monday. She’s looking forward to not wearing a cast soon. Pray for Emilie and those involved in her surgery.

Wesley C. Ryals

July 18, 1958 – November 15, 2019

Wesley C. Ryals, a resident of Kentwood, LA died peacefully in his sleep, November 15, 2019. He was born July 18, 1958 on an Airforce base in Cambridgeshire, England. Wesley was a quiet soul except for his huge, wonderful laugh. He enjoyed a simple life with friends and family. He is survived by brother and sisters: Brenda Prudhomme and husband Michael, Jerome Ryals and wife Irena of Adelaide, Australia, Gina Carver, and Michelle Brisbois; nieces and nephews: Kellie Prudhomme, Wendy Baron, Marta Sproles, Jaime Ryals, Emily Ryals, Hannah Carver and Joshua Ryals. Preceded in death by father Jerry Ryals, mother Charlene McKenzie Brisbois, grandparents; W.O. and Minnie Ryals, Price and Maude McKenzie, infant sister Deborah Ann Ryals, and infant brother Jerry Jay Ryals. A graveside military ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at New Zion Cemetery, 2 New Zion Road, Tylertown, Mississippi at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest next to his daddy. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture for today – Luke 1 (East English Bible) – One chapter each day until Christmas!

Luke 1

Luke writes the facts about Jesus

1 Many people have written about the things that have happened in our country. 2 Some people were present when these things started to happen. They saw everything that happened and they told us about it. They are the people who wrote down the Good News for us. 3 I have checked the facts about what really happened. So now, I know about all the things that happened from the beginning. I am writing to make the facts clear to you, my important friend Theophilus. 4 People have already taught you about these things. Now you can be sure that they are true.

What happened before John the Baptist was born

5 There was a man whose name was Zechariah. He lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zechariah was a priest and he belonged to a group of priests from the family of Abijah. He had a wife called Elizabeth. She also was from the family of the priest called Aaron.

6 Zechariah and Elizabeth obeyed God all the time. They obeyed God’s rules and they did not do wrong things. They lived in a way that pleased God. 7 But they had no children. Elizabeth could not have a baby and they were both getting old.

8 One day, Zechariah’s group was working at God’s Great House. He had a special job to do there. 9 The priests chose one of their group to go into a special room inside God’s Great House. This time they chose Zechariah. His job was to burn incense there.

10 While Zechariah was burning incense in the special room, many men were outside in the yard. They were praying to God.

11 The incense was burning on a special altar, when one of God’s angels appeared to Zechariah. The angel was standing at the right hand side of the altar.

12 When Zechariah saw the angel, he was very surprised and very afraid. 13 The angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid. God has heard what you prayed. He will give you what you asked for. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a baby boy. You will call him John. 14-15 He will be very important to the Lord God. So, he will make you very happy. Many other people will also be very happy because he has been born. He must never drink anything with alcohol in it. From the time that he is born, the Holy Spirit will live inside him.

16 He will teach many people in Israel. Then they will turn their lives back to the Lord their God and they will obey God again. 17 John will prepare the people for the Lord to come to them. The Holy Spirit will lead John as he led Elijah. John will do powerful things as Elijah did. He will help fathers to love their children. He will teach people who do not obey God. Then they will know what things are right. And they will do them. Then they will be ready when the Lord comes.’

18 Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure about this? You know that I am an old man. My wife is also old.’

19 The angel answered, ‘I am called Gabriel. My place is to stand in front of God. I am always ready to work for God. He has sent me to speak to you. He told me that I should tell you this good news. 20 Now listen to me. Because you did not believe my message, you will not be able to speak. You will not speak again until the time that your son is born. My message will really become true at the right time.’

21 While this was happening, the people outside were waiting for Zechariah. They were thinking, ‘Why has Zechariah stayed for such a long time in the special room? Why has he not come out yet?’ 22 When he did come out, he tried to talk to them. But he could not speak. So they knew that God had showed him something special in the room. He was moving his head and his hands about, to tell them what had happened. But still he could not speak.

23 When Zechariah had finished his work in God’s Great House, he returned home. 24 Soon, a baby was growing inside his wife Elizabeth. She stayed in her house for five months. 25 ‘The Lord has now given me a baby,’ she said. ‘He has been kind to me. Because of this, other people cannot say bad things about me now.’

What happened before Jesus was born

26 When Elizabeth’s baby had grown inside her for nearly six months, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth. Nazareth is a town in Galilee. 27 Gabriel went there to visit a young woman. Her name was Mary. She had never had sex with anyone. She had promised to marry a man called Joseph. He belonged to the family of King David.

28 Gabriel went to Mary and said, ‘Hello, Mary. The Lord God loves you very much. He is very near to you.’

29 Mary had a lot of problems in her mind about what Gabriel said. She did not understand why he said it. 30 ‘Do not be afraid, Mary,’ Gabriel went on to say. ‘God has been kind to you. 31 Listen! A baby boy will grow inside you. When he is born, you will call him Jesus. 32 He will be great. People will call him the Son of the powerful God who is over all. The Lord God will make him king. He will rule as his ancestor King David ruled. 33 He will rule over the family of Jacob for all time. He will be king for all time, without end.’

34 Mary asked, ‘How can this happen? I have never had sex with anyone.’ 35 Gabriel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of God who is over all will cover you like a shadow. So, your child will be special to God. He will be completely good. He will be called God’s Son. 36 Another thing! Your cousin, Elizabeth, is very old. People said that she could not have a baby. Listen! She also will have a son. The baby has grown inside her now for nearly six months. 37 There is nothing that God cannot do.’

38 Mary answered, ‘I am the servant of the Lord. I have heard what you have said. I want it to happen to me just like that.’ Then the angel left her.

Mary visits Elizabeth

39 After that, Mary prepared herself to travel. She hurried to a town in the hills of Judea. 40 When she arrived at the home of Zechariah, she said, ‘Hello’ to Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary speak, she felt her baby move quickly inside her. The Holy Spirit filled her. 42 She spoke to Mary in a loud voice, ‘God has made you very happy. He has been good and kind to you more than to other women. He has also been good and kind to your baby. 43 You are the mother of my Lord and I am not an important person. So it is very good that you have visited me. 44 Listen! When I heard you say, “Hello” to me, my baby moved quickly inside me. He was very happy. 45 The Lord has told you what will happen. And you believed what he told you. Because of that, God has made you a happy person.’

Mary’s song

46 Then Mary said,

‘All of me wants to praise God and say,

“Lord, how good and great you are!”

47 I thank God because he is the one who saves me.

48 I know that I am not an important person.

God knows this, and he has been kind to me.

Listen! From now on, all people will say that God has made me happy.

49 Yes, God has done great things for me.

He is very powerful and strong. He is good in every way.

50 He is kind to people who respect him.

He will always be kind to people like that.

51 He has shown how strong he is to do great things.

Some people think that they are very important.

But he has sent them away in different directions.

52 Some people were ruling countries.

But he has taken their power away from them.

He has given power to people who do not feel important.

53 He has fed hungry people with good things to eat.

But he has sent rich people away with nothing.

54 He promised that he would be kind to his people, Israel.

Now he has come and helped them.

55 He made a promise to Abraham and to our other ancestors.

Now he has done what he promised.’

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. Then she returned to her home.

John the Baptist is born

57 The time arrived for Elizabeth to have her baby. She had a son. 58 Her family and the people who lived near her heard about her baby. They knew that the Lord had been very kind to her. They saw that she was happy. So they were happy too. 59 When the child was eight days old, people came to circumcise the child. They wanted to call the child Zechariah. This was the same name that his father had.

60 Elizabeth said, ‘No. His name will be John.’

61 They replied, ‘But you do not have anybody in your family called John. That cannot be right.’ 62 So they used signs and asked his father. They wanted to know the boy’s name.

63 Zechariah asked for something to write on. He wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Everyone was very surprised at what he wrote. 64 Immediately, Zechariah could speak again. He could speak without difficulty. He began to thank God loudly.

65 The people who lived near Zechariah and Elizabeth were very surprised. They saw how great God was. Many people who lived in the hills of Judea also talked about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard about these things thought about them. They asked each other, ‘When this child becomes a man, what will he be?’ They could see that God really was with him.

Zechariah’s song

67 The Holy Spirit filled John’s father, Zechariah, so that he spoke God’s message:

68 ‘The Lord God of Israel is a great God.

He has come to save his people. He has come to make them free.

69 He has sent a very strong person who will save us.

This person comes from the family of his servant, King David.

70 Long ago, God promised that he would do this.

He gave his own prophets this message to speak.

71 God will save us from our enemies.

He will save us from everyone that hates us.

72 He has promised to be kind to our ancestors.

He will remember to do the things that he promised.

73 Yes, he will remember the strong promises that he spoke to Abraham.

74 God said, “I will keep you safe from your enemies.

Then you can serve me and not be afraid.

75 You can live in a way that is good and right.

You can do this all your lives.” ’

76 Zechariah then spoke to John:

‘You, my child, will be called a prophet of the powerful God who is over all.

You will go in front of the Lord to prepare a way for him.

77 You will tell God’s people how God can save them.

They have done wrong things but God will forgive them.

78 Our God will forgive us because he is very kind.

He will send someone from the highest place.

When this person comes, it will be like the sunrise for us.

79 He will bring light to people who are living without God.

It is like those people are living in the dark. They are afraid to die.

But he will shine on them.

He will show us how to live so that we will not be afraid.’

80 Zechariah’s child grew. God made him strong in his mind. He went into the wilderness and he lived there for many years. Later, God sent him to Israel’s people, to teach them.

Someone whose “shoeboxes” were packed in Dallas said her boxes went to Equador. That’s a good indication some, if not all. of our boxes went there too. I’ll check with the church secretary Monday to see what our tracking shows.

Thankfulness, one more time. – I thought I was finished writing my “thankfulness” thoughts since I only planned to do it for the month of November, but God had other plans for me. Yesterday, David and I were at an ATM and drove toward the street. The next person in line behind us started blowing and blowing his horn. Yes, the card was still in the machine. I’m thankful the right person was behind us in line and there right as we finished! God was watching out for us, another “God wink”! He wants us to be aware of all He does for us, even if November is now history!

There is a new list for Scripture writing. You can get a copy at FBC, Kentwood. If not, stay tuned. I’ll post each day.

Scripture Writing for December 1 – Isaiah 7: 14 – 17.

Today, we begin the week of prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for international missions.

Day 1 – “Here to Serve” – https://www.imb.org/day-1/

God has a plan for our service and a location for us to serve. Are you serving others for Him or just trying to be served by others?

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us.

By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”

~Ephesians 3:20 GW~

Kendal Pike Batuyong and her family live close to the area of the big gas explosion in Texas. Even though they had to evacuate, they are so thankful God protected them and so many others in such a crisis. They are now back at home.

Hugh Edward McGehee, Jr.

November 14, 1924 – November 28, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 14, 1924 in East Fork, LA and was 95 years of age. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Kentwood and was a Mason at Kentwood Lodge #248. He served in World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific areas in the Merchant Marines. In his early years, he was a brick layer with his father and grandfather. In his later years, he worked as a service manager at auto dealerships. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jeanette Singleton McGehee, Kentwood; son, Allan McGehee and wife, Rhonda, Denham Springs; 4 grandchildren, Greta Swarts and husband, Skeeter, Denham Springs, Wade McGehee, Kentwood, Erica Sepulveda and husband, Todd, Spring, TX, and Derek McGehee and wife, Jen, Denham Springs; 8 great-grandchildren, Randi Swarts Smith and husband, Daniel, Toni Swarts, Jacob McGehee, Justyn McGehee, Kaitlin Sepulveda Gandy and husband, Robert, Kyle Sepulveda, Nicholas Sepulveda, and Landry McGehee; 4 great-great-grandchildren, Deacon and Zadok Smith and Easton and Braiyah Swarts. Preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Edward McGehee, Sr. and Lena Day McGehee; son, Jerald Ray McGehee; daughter, Janet Kay McGehee. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, December 2, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lillie Louise Bell Graham

February 08, 1945 – November 26, 2019

Lillie Louise Bell Graham, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at her home. She was born February 8, 1945 in Augusta, AR and was 74 years of age .She loved the outdoors where she enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. She is survived by 5 children, Cathy Graham Moran and husband, Sam, Troy Graham, Jr., Linda Graham Dantin and husband, Mark, Earnest Graham and Brenda Graham Gill; grandchildren, Sean Moran, George Graham, Bobby Graham, Jimmy Graham, Jennifer Graham. Luke Dantin, Cody Graham, Kyle Graham, Stephanie Graham, Steven Williams and Brittany Templeton; numerous great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father, Levy Thomas Bell; mother, Gladys Clayton Bell Boyd; grandson, Chance Moran; brother, George Bell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, December 2, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Tommy Smith. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing for November 30th – Choose and write your Scripture for today.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has been supporting international missionaries since 1888!

3,678

missionaries

*updated October 31, 2019

4.5 BILLION UNREACHED

847 people groups engaged

through the work of IMB in just the last year

I’ve already made my first purchases for Operation Christmas Child 2020. I hope you have too. Donations of items or funds can be turned in all year long.

Anna Lee

Friday

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

~Colossians 3:17~

Please add Carl Wayne Stevens and Nora to your prayer list. Carl Wayne is hospitalized and very ill. Pray also for the Stevens children and grandchildren.

Baby Hudson Hobgood recently had heart surgery. He was well enough to move out of ICU into a regular room yesterday. Keep praying for this precious gift from God.

Scripture Writing for 11-29: James 1: 16-18

Thankfulness Day 29: Today, I am thankful that we have awesome merchants who give great deals the day after Thanksgiving and for people to have a choice to shop with them or not. I am home because I choose to be here. God made us to be different. One is not wrong and one right. That’s the way it is with life. We get to make many choices: spouse, home, city, foods, clothing, reading material, vehicles. etc. Choices we make help to determine who we are. I chose Jesus. I hope you chose Him too! That’s the greatest choice in life! I’m thankful to have many choices, but especially the free choice to follow Jesus.

Tomorrow begins the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for international missions. The most important thing I can say is that . 100% of the money given goes to support mission projects all around the world. Americans have a hard time realizing there are people who have never heard the name of “JESUS”. This offering helps more people to do so this coming year. I cannot thing of anything with a greater impact on so many lives. I hope you will learn more about this offering and contribute to it this year and in all future years.

Anna Lee

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

~Psalm 100:4~

Scripture Writing for November 28 – Psalm 118: 225-29

Thankfulness: Day 28 – Today, I am thankful for all those who are working today/this weekend so that others can celebrate Thanksgiving with family members. In some professions, everyone cannot be off at the same time. Let’s give credit to those who work during the holidays.

Today, let’s pray for those with spiritual needs. Do you remember the hymn, “The Ninety and Nine”? I remember my mother explaining the message of the song to me when I was young. I’m thankful for hearing the hymn and having someone to help me understand just how much God loves me. He loves you enough to seek you out and give you the opportunity to choose to live for Him! It’s your choice!

The Ninety And Nine (Live)

Guy Penrod

There were ninety and nine that safely
lay
In the shelter of the fold;
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare;
Away from the tender Shepherd’s
care.
“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and
nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: “This
of Mine
Has wandered away from Me.
And although the road be rough and
steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.”
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord
passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry;
‘Twas sick and helpless and ready to
die.
“Lord, whence are those blood-drops
all the way,
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who had
gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him
back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent
and torn?”
“They’re pierced tonight by many a
thorn.”
And all through the mountains,
thunder-riv’n,
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of
heav’n,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the
throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His
own!”

Anna Lee

Wednesday

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

~Isaiah 12:4~

Jesse Dean requests prayers for his sister, “Miss” Theresa Cutrer, who is hospitalized.

Joy Ann Branton Walker

June 12, 1930 – November 26, 2019

Joy Ann Branton Walker was born on June 12, 1930 in Haynesville, LA and passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 89 years of age. Joy Ann was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Charles. She loved talking to her family and friends and catching up on everyone’s lives. She is famous for her Mam Maw’s Chocolate Cake. Joy Ann was a faithful member of Viking Drive Church of Christ.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Charl Ann McKneely and husband Tommy of Amite, LA, Kathy Sells and husband Harry of Sandy Run, SC, and Judy Moore and husband Howard of Haughton, LA; grandchildren, Jeff McKneely and wife Tammy, Greg McKneely and wife Danielle, Jennifer Pray and husband Gabe, Ray Moore and wife Katie, Haley Moore Patrick, and Kyle Moore; thirteen great-grandchildren, Jordan McKneely Vickers and husband, John, Olivia McKneely Tull and husband, Brandon, Alyse McKneely, AnaClaire McKneely, Gavin McKneely, Dylan Charles McKneely, Gabrielle Pray, Steven Pray, Andrew Walker Pray, Kaitlyn Nunnery, Hallie Rae Moore, Pressley Joy Patrick and Sammy Patrick; three great-great-grandchildren, Maverick and Eleanor Tull and Elizabeth Vickers; brother, Henry Branton; and numerous well- loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward “Charlie” Walker; parents, H.H. “Hamp” Branton and Rosie Ethel Davis Branton; granddaughter, Kimberly McKneely; 3 brothers, Orion, L.F., and Twyman Branton; and a sister, Lester Cleo Branton Matthews Phillips.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until funeral services at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, December, 1, 2019 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 US Highway 80 East, Haughton, LA 71037, officiated by Mr. Frank Himmel, preacher at Viking Drive Church of Christ and assisted by her grandson, Pastor Jeff McKneely of House on the Rock in Amite, LA. Interment will follow at Old Town Cemetery, Haynesville, LA. Pallbearers will be are Jeff McKneely, Greg McKneely, Ray Moore, Gabe Pray, David Gray, Bruce Williams, and Ben Dance.

Operation Christmas Child – Thanks to the members of FBC, Kentwood for helping pack and ship 416 “shoeboxes” this year, the most we have ever shipped. Thanks also to the 18 volunteers who put in over a hundred hours during the collection week. As you can see, this collection week required a lot of helpers. I am thankful for each person and each hour of time donated in 2019.

Thankfulness, Day 27 – Today, I am thankful for telephones. My daddy worked for the telephone company for more than 36 years as an installer/repairman. He was proud of his work and the company he worked for, Maw Bell. Today, I am still thankful for telephones, but in a new and more modern way. Yesterday, one of our granddaughters received her first phone, an i-phone. Guess who she called. Her granddaddy! I’m so glad she did! The telephone company has greatly changed, but it still is helpful in connecting families. What a blessing!

Scripture Writing for November 27th – Psalm 119: 15-21

Have a great day if you are preparing for Thanksgiving. Part of our family had an early Thanksgiving yesterday. I’m surely thankful for the time we had together. Please pray for them as they travel home today. Pray for others who will be traveling the rest of the week. They are some of the busiest travel days.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”

~Titus 3:4-5 NLT~

Please pray for Josiah Huckaby this morning as he has a heart cath. Pray for his mom and dad who chose this child to be their very own. That reminds me of Jesus who chose us despite of our shortcomings.

Operation Christmas Child: Yesterday, FBC Kentwood completed eight days of serving as a location for shoeboxes from our area to be brought to one location and delivered to Hammond, their next location. The boxes are already on their way to Dallas now. I’m thankful to say about 1.500 of those boxes came through Kentwood area people and churches. In Hammond, they were added to others from SE Louisiana and totaled about 13,000. That’s a lot of children who will be blessed with gifts and an opportunity to meet and choose Jesus. Good job, folks!

Thankfulness, Day 26 – Today, I am thankful for the planes, boats, ships, cars, vans, wagons, donkeys, sleds, etc. that will carry the “shoeboxes” to the children. The vision is to do whatever it takes to get the boxes to the hand of boys and girls. The shoeboxes will probably be the biggest blessing so far in each young life. The many packers will be greatly blessed in knowing many of the children will soon have Jesus in their hearts and they were able to play a small part in that.

Scripture Writing – Psalm 18: 8-14

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, whether you are part of a big celebration or quietly eat alone. We all have so much to be thankful for every year of our lives!

Anna Lee

Monday

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;

I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

~Psalm 7:17~

Operation Christmas Child collection at more than 5,000 sites ends today. FBC, Kentwood will be open 8:00-10:00 and then transfer the boxes to the area collection site in Hammond. Just to make you smile, I’ll share that we collected 295 shoeboxes yesterday for a running total of 1.489 boxes this year. That is the most we ever collected in Kentwood and we still have one more day!

Peter Michael Chehardy

October 13, 1956 – November 23, 2019

Peter Mike, went to his eternal resting place on November 23, 2019 with his loving family around him. Mike a lifelong resident of Amite, was born on October 13, 1956 to George and Virginia Chehardy( both deceased.) He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Valerie Baxter Chehardy for 33 years. In addition to his loving wife, Mike is survived by a sister, George Ann Smith, who along with her husband, Ray Smith(deceased), raised him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by a brother Johnny Chehardy and a sister, Philomene Lacara. After attending Amite Elementary and Oak Forest Academy Jr. High, Mike attended the Vocational Unit of the Hammond State School. After graduating, he lived in Baton Rouge where he worked at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on Government St. After a couple of years, Mike came back to Amite to be close to his family. He worked for the Town of Amite for ten years and for Smitty’s Supply for 20 years. He retired in 2016. Mike had a very high work ethic. He was punctual, dependable, and loved by his coworkers. Mike had many favorite activities. He looked forward to the first week in October every year when he and Val took their annual trip to Cruising the Coast. He loved sports and was an avid fan of LSU ,the Saints, and the Amite Warriors. Unbeknown to many people, Mike was an amateur stargazer. He kept up with special events in the sky and could be seen in his front yard with his telescope. But His favorite pastime was talking to his friends. He kept his OFA annual in his truck always looking for someone to share memories. Elvis was his favorite performer and he and Val enjoyed a trip to Graceland. He and Val also enjoyed trips to Disney World and New York City. The family would like to thank the many friends for their concern and prayers for Mike and for all the ways they made him feel special and loved. Special thanks to Dr. Derris Ray and his staff, St Joseph Hospice, especially Lisa King, and Bud and Ray and the staff of Thrift Town Pharmacy. Also thanks go to McKneely Funeral Home for their excellent care. But most of all we want to thank God for the many graces and blessings Mike has had all of his life. Family and friends are invited to join the visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Tuesday, November 26 from 9:00 until 11:30 A.M. The funeral Mass, conducted by Father Mark Beard, will be held at noon at the church. Interment will be at the Amite Memorial Gardens. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

David and I saw Peter Mike and Valerie at Master Chef. They always had many friends stop at their table to speak and were always very helpful to each other. I know Peter Mike will be missed in the Amite area.

Scripture Writing – November 25 – Psalm 118: 1-7

Pray for the youth and adults chaperones from our area churches as they finish up at the Youth Evangelism Conference and travel back to their churches today.

Thankfulness – Day 25: Today, I am thankful for the love in our family that makes us want to spend time together. We don’t usually get to be together as often as we would like, but we can enjoy the time we have together. I hope you will have an opportunity to spend some time with family this week. May your time together build the bond of love stronger.

This is a busy week for traveling. Pray for good times and safe traveling during this holiday season. Start making a list of people and things you are thankful for.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”

~Hebrews 11:1 NCV~

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”

~Proverbs 3:5 HCSB~

Scripture Writing for Nov. 24 – James 1: 17-18

Operation Christmas Child: Monday ends the time to take your boxes to a collection site in 2019. FBC, Kentwood will be receiving “shoeboxes” today from 4-6 P.M. and tomorrow from 8-10 A.M. I can’t explain to you how excited I am that boys and girls get “shoeboxes”, a chance to learn about Jesus, and an opportunity to take Jesus into their heart. I appreciate how much love many of you have put into packing your shoeboxes.

This morning Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast. There is no charge for the breakfast, but donations are taken to help a family with a need. This is a great ministry of the ladies of Pine Ridge. They have been helping families for many years this way.

The Two Rivers Associational Annual Lottie Moon Tea will be Saturday, December 7th at two o’clock at Spring Creek Baptist Church. Ladies and girls, plan to attend. You don’t want to miss this special event.

Thankfulness – Day 24 – Family gatherings! Yesterday, David’s family had a family gathering. It was a time to enjoy watching the children play, introducing some new family members into the family, to show respect to those who have now become the older generation, and to lovingly think back sweet memories of those who are no longer with us. Of course, there were lots of hugs and too much good food, but that’s the way families treat each other. Today, I am especially thankful for the sweet spirit of yesterday’s gathering and all the other ones I can remember.

Smiley Conerly has been searching for answers to his medical questions. He has learned a little more and will be having surgery on December 9th. Please add Smiley and his family to your prayer list if they are not already there.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Remember, it’s not all about food and family! What else do you have to thank God for this year?

Anna Lee

Saturday, Posted Early

“Let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:1 TLB~

The youth from our church will attend the yearly YEC, Youth Evangelism Conference, Sunday – Monday. Pray for them as they travel. Also, pray the conference touches many hearts and changes lives.

Smiley Conerly will be having surgery December 9th. Please pray for him and his family.

Operation Christmas Child continues. FBC, Kentwood collected 103 shoeboxes late yesterday. Saturday, the hours are 10-12, Noon. Sunday’s hours are 4-6 P.M. If you have boxes to turn in, please do so Saturday or Sunday, rather than waiting for Monday. Pray for the children who will receive a shoebox. Thank God for the many lives that will be changed. Thank God for each person who was involved in the shoeboxes in any way, the money invested in packing the shoeboxes, and the time that was spent creating or purchasing items for the shoeboxes. Use every opportunity God gives you to share about the shoeboxes. It is one of the ways we are missionaries. Remember, Matthew 28: 19-20 tells us to do to things, GO and TELL.

Scripture Writing – November 11-23 – Lamentations 3: 22-27.

Thankfulness, Day 23 – Today, I’m thankful for time. I get 24 hours each day to spend as I desire. My time also has responsibilities. I’m thankful for the time I have to live and pray I have pleased/continue to please God with the way I spent this precious time He gave/gives me. Some people refer to our lives as the dash between the year of our birth and the year of our death. It’s up to us to make “our dash” count for Him. It’s the most important engraving on our headstones!

Anna Lee