Category: Bible Study

Christmas Eve Eve

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

~Luke 1:68~

 

I’ll post the obituary for Mr. Burnell Simpson when it becomes available.  I know we are all reliving such precious memories of him as we think about our loss.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 2:8-12

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Looking ahead:

  • This morning – Friday Morning Bible Study at 10 A.M.
  • Tomorrow evening – Christmas Eve service at 5 P.M.
  • Christmas – There’s no better place to spend Jesus’ birthday than church!
  • Tuesday – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe at 10 A.M.
  • Wednesday – Children’s Missions at 6:00 in the L-Wing

 

The Wise Men Visit Jesus

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem.                  ~Matthew 2:1~

“We Three Kings”

 

Bible Reading Plan for 2017 – Copies of a plan I chose are available at FBC.  Check the sanctuary or the church office.  I like to get a new copy of God’s Word for my daily readings. David bought me the one I chose for this year.

 

Help someone’s celebration of Christmas!  Think outside your family.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

He will be great

and 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 Jacob’s descendants forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

 

Kenneth Birch went back to the doctor to have his many staples removed yesterday.  He is feeling better than he was pre-op.  Thank God for his improvement and for continuing improvement in the coming days.

JoEllen Carruth was able to come home late yesterday.  Pray she continues to do well following her second knee replacement.

Pray for safety of all the people who are traveling for the holidays, those who are alone for Christmas, families celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one, and for families that do not meet together any longer.  Holidays can be difficult for many people!

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 2:4-7

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • 10 A.M.
  • John 13
  • Everyone is welcome!

 

“The Faith of Joseph of Nazareth” – http://waylonbailey.com/2016/12/21/the-faith-of-joseph-of-nazareth/

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.

~ Luke 2:8-11 (NIV) ~

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”

 

Pray for families to include Jesus in His birthday celebration!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

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

you have found favor with God.

 You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you are to call him Jesus.

~Luke 1:30-31~

 

Ivy Beryl Forrest Blades

June 20, 1932 – December 19, 2016

        http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4043741

Stephen R. Meyer (Mrs. Shirley Frazier’s son-in-law)

http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=stephen-r-meyer&pid=183164649&fhid=17420

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:51-56

 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.                                                                 ~Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)~

“Away in a Manger”

 

Christmas Caroling – Tonight at 5 P.M. starting and ending at FBC (children, youth, and adults – No missions class tonight.)

Friday Morning Bible Study – 9 A.M./John 13

 

Christmas Eve Services will be held in some area churches.  I know of two.

  1. Pine Ridge United Methodist Church @ 5 P.M.
  2. FBC, Kentwood at 5 P.M.

Most Churches WILL have services Christmas Day, but sometimes on a special schedule. The only area church that I know of that is not having church Christmas is FBC, Kentwood.

 

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions – Starting in 1888, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® was established to empower the international missions efforts for Southern Baptists. After more than a century, the annual offering continues its steady growth. The National Goal this year is $155 Million. Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God.

 

Summer Opportunities to serve with the IMB – https://www.imb.org/opportunities-for-summer/ (This is good for families, teachers, or students.)

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Jesus is the reason for the season.  Don’t leave Him out of his birthday celebration.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Shout for joy, you heavens;

rejoice, you earth;

burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people

and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

 

 

JoEllen Frohn Carruth of Greensburg had her second knee surgery yesterday.  The doctor reported that all went well.  Pray for JoEllen as she go through the recovery time.

Mrs. Velta Morris received a good report on her lymphoma yesterday.  They are so thankful!

Gail Smith will soon begin treatment for lung cancer.  Mr. Bill Morris asks for prayers for her.  She is a believer and has a strong faith.  Her home in now in the Memphis area.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:46-50

Baptist Press – bpnews.com

La. Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Christmas Caroling – Tomorrow at 5 P.M. at FBC (children, youth, and adults)

Friday Morning Bible Study – John 13 – This is the New International Readers’ Version (NivR) that I discovered last Wednesday and hope to purchase today.

 

[The Birth of Jesus] In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.                                                                          ~Luke 2:1, 4-5 (NIV)~

 

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

 

Do you want to read the Bible in 2017?  The particular plan I have chosen this year reads in chronological order and has videos periodically to help us understand more.  There is a one page guide available at FBC. Kentwood.  You can call and make arrangements to get one from the office of just get one in the sanctuary.  You could also print your own form from www.jointhebibleproject.com.  I’m going to be reading from NirV.  You might want to select an easy-to-read version, but that is your choice.

 

Summer Mission Projects:  If you will be a college student during the coming year, you might want to considerer one of these summer opportunities.

https://www.imb.org/opportunities-for-summer/

 

I don’t make resolutions to a new year, but I do believe in thinking ahead and planning.  I think we can make plans for our times of service to God at any time.  I hope you do some planning ahead too.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;

we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9~

 

I’ll start out with two good updates.  Thank you for your continued prayers for these two.

Susie Sharkey is improving.  Her family is sticking close during this time.

Kenneth Birch had his first day without so much pain.  His daughter, visiting for a few days, was probably an encouragement to both her parents.

I’ll remind you to pray for Bob Holmes and his family.  Bob has been missing in Livingston parish.  His wife is a member of the Howell family.

Please pray for Phillip Strickland who has recently been found to have cancer and will be starting treatment soon.  Pray for members of the family as they travel this journey with him.

 

Frank “Billy” Leroy Denham, Jr.

February 28, 1943 – December 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4042062&fh_id=10545

 

The Christmas program at FBC,Kentwood last night was good.  Once again, the children “stole the show”!  The music by the adult choir was beautiful.  The church is blessed by so many talented people!

Adults, youth, and children will be caroling Wednesday beginning at 5 P.M.  Children who plan to participate need a signed permission slip.  If they did not receive one in the mail, their parents should contact/visit the church office to sign the form.

Christmas Eve Service at FBC, Kentwood – 5 P.M.

 

Friday morning Bible study will meet as usual at 10:00.  We will begin John 13.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:46-50

 

Opportunities for groups to do short-term work in missions – https://www.imb.org/opportunities-groups/

 

Learn something new about Lottie Moon and her ministry.  Share this with your children and grandchildren.

http://www.baptistheritage.org/storiesforkids/thestoryoflottiemoon/tabid/259/default.aspx

 

 

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.

~Luke 1:76-78 (NIV)~

 

“There’s a Song in the Air”

 

I hope you are singing this and other Christmas carols today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

[Mary’s Song] And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me

— holy is his name.

~Luke 1:46-47, 49 (NIV)~

 

Susie Sharkey’s surgery went well, but she is having trouble with pain.  Pray she gets relief today.

 

We had a great time at the cabin last night that included three new families and guests from seven different churches.  David and I are so blessed by your presence each month. The Christmas carols were a real blessing to my heart.  Mark all the third Thursdays on your 2017 calendars. 

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:7-12

Mission Opportunities for Students – “One House, One Well” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=028f0699-555e-4196-bc87-1438375d12f4&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

Friday Morning Bible Study – 10 A.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood

 

I’m making copies of a Scripture Reading Plan for 2017 today.  This one will take us through the whole Bible in book-by-book order.  See me if you would like to have one.  Now is the time to make your plans and choose your Bible reading system for the coming year.  I hope you will follow some plan, even if not the one I have chosen, to read God’s Word daily and from cover to cover.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net.

 

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” – I was able to share with the children at church Wednesday night how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem rather than Nazareth, the place where He grew up.  If you had a child in class Wednesday, ask them to read Luke 2:1-7 to you.

 

Look back to the previous post to read of events/services you might want to attend.

  • Some churches will add a special Christmas Eve service.  Check around and find one that suits you and your family.  I’m sure any church you select will welcome you with open arms.
  • Although some churches will not be having services Christmas day, most area churches will, even if the schedule is different on the 25th.  If you find yourself in such a situation, check the other churches and find one that meets your need.  They will be glad to have you in their services.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

My internet was down last night through this morning.  I apologize for the late start.

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

you have found favor with God.

You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you are to call him Jesus.

He will be great

and 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 Jacob’s descendants forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

~ Luke 1:30-33 (NIV) ~

 

Please pray for Bob Holmes (72) of Holden to be found soon.  He has not been seen since the end of last week.  Bob’s wife, Bonnie, is a member of the Howell family from the Amite/Roseland area.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as  she has a complete shoulder replacement today.  Pray her recovery will be complete and timely.

Pray for Kenneth Birch as he continues to recover from the last back surgery.  Pray the pain he is experiencing is aftereffects of the surgery, not something that will stay will him.  Pray for his caregivers too.

Pray for Bobbie Magee as she makes plans for wrist surgery.

Pray for John Miller.  He lost his home in a fire last week.

Buddy Waller received another good report from the doctor yesterday.  Let’s thank God for this.

Pray for Jon Carl Hammons as he faces a health concern.

Please continue to pray for George Eddie Lee, J.D. Smith, Mrs. Margaret Callihan, and Mrs. Anne Hurst who have recently had hospital stays.

Pray for the members of our community who are homebound, facing recent deaths, or without other family members during the holiday season.

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:1-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-6&version=NIV

 

Baptist Press

  • “Billy Graham Statue Finds New Home at Ridgecrest”
  • “Study: Most Churches Open for Christmas”
  • “First Person: Keep the “mas” is Christmas”
  • “Missionary Reaps Harvest as a Refuge in a Foreign Land”
  • “Teen Overcomes Fear to Spread the Gospel in S. Africa”
  • More….

 

Missions – “University Trail-Blazer” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=01cccab7-76a4-4052-9184-b7128e1b2703&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

 

Important Dates at FBC, Kentwood

  • TONIGHT – Third Thursday at the Cabin – We’re expecting music from a guitar trio tonight.
  • Friday Morning Bible Study at 10 A.M. every week
  • Christmas Cantata Sunday Night at 6 P.M. (Adults and Children)
  • Christmas Caroling Wednesday night at 5 P.M. (Adults, Youth, and Children)
  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 0n the 27th at 11 A.M.

 

“The First Nowell”

 

I trust you can live this holiday season with this joyful hymn in your hearts.  If not, seek someone who has that true joy and who can guide you.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

The true light that gives light to everyone

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~

Kathy Dale Forrest – (I know many of you are waiting for this.)

February 12, 1953 – December 10, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4036453&fh_id=10545

 

Scripture Writing – Malachi 3:1-3

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainerp.com

 

 

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.                                                                                                                                                  ~Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)~

“What Child is This”

 

Children on Mission 

  • Birthday Party for Jesus
  • Wednesday at 6 P.M.
  • You don’t have to bring anything.

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin

  • This week
  • 6:30
  • Let’s sing some Christmas carols!

 

Friday Morning Bible Study 

  • John 13
  • 10 A.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

 

Share the holiday news with others.  It’s Jesus!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

“The King will reply,

‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.

~Matthew 25:40~

 

This season is about giving in many ways, not receiving.

I’ll try to do some catching up….

Ora Lee Wilson had outpatient surgery and is home recovering.  She won’t be down any longer than necessary.

Andy Taylor is staying in during this colder weather and getting better following the procedure he had Tuesday of last week.  He and the doctor both think he is getting stronger.

Kenneth Birch‘s had surgery at Our Lady of the Lake yesterday.  He’s still in ICU, but will hopefully be able to be moved to a room soon.  The medical staff plans to get him up tomorrow.

George Eddie Lee got home late this afternoon.  I’m sure he was glad to see his own chair after being in the hospital for over a week.

Coach Elton Shaw is getting his strength back after his brief hospital stay last week.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss is more homebound than before.  Pray for her as she adjusts to not getting out as much.

Hazel Allen will be in rehab in Hammond for a while.  Pray for her and for her family.

Mr. Earl and  “Miss” Nadine Council are in good general health although both of them have/are facing some minor issues.  They send their greeting to all their Kentwood friends.

Scripture Writing – I’m trying to be sure you didn’t/don’t miss any days.

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer

 

FBC hosted the Associational Lottie Moon Tea Sunday.  Despite the bad weather there were 70 ladies in attendance.  The young ladies sang and blessed our hearts.

FBC held their holiday meal for senior adults Wednesday.  The food was delicious!  The attendance was good.

Children in Action boys and girls are collecting money in their mission banks for Lottie Moon.  They will have a birthday party for Jesus next Wednesday and go caroling with the adults and youth the next Wednesday.

There will be NO Friday morning Bible Study tomorrow, but we will begin John 13 the following week.   Join us if you can.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”                                                                                                   ~John 14:6 (NIV)~

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

 

Area churches will be sharing their Christmas programs.  Check the schedules so you don’t miss ones you plan to attend.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

The internet has been restored!  Yeah!

 

“I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—

and I lay down my life for the sheep. —

~John 10:14-15 (NIV)~

 

Today’s big prayer request if for Carl Wayne Stevens, who formerly lived in this area and worked for the postal service, but now lives in northern Mississippi.  He will be seeing a surgeon Monday for a heart problem. The family requested and will appreciate your prayers.

Sunday, I was so surprised to see Linda K. Graves at the Lottie Moon Tea.  Please pray for her as she returns to her sister’s home where she will be much closer to the hospital.

 

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 3 – “The Gospel Among Jews” – https://www.imb.org/2016/12/06/week-prayer-day-3/

 

Scripture Writing – Day 6 – Isaiah 52: 7-10

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

There will be no Bible Study Friday morning.

 

Children’s Missions Groups will meet Wednesday at 6 P.M.

 

“5 Reasons a Christmas Eve Service Reaches the Unchurched” – https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/158cf4d439accc4d –  I know of several churches that will be having a service Christmas Eve as well as several who will be having Christmas services.  David and I attended the one at Pine Ridge for the last several years.  The service was meaningful to me.  This year we will be able to attend their Christmas morning service.  I look forward to both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in God’s House.

 

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths,

and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

                                                                                                                     ~Luke 2:7, NASB~

“Away in a Manger”

 

Be a giver during this Christmas season.  Be blessed!

Anna Lee