Category: Devotional

Thursday

“Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights.

No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”

~Job 2:13 (NLT)~

 

Sometimes, the greatest comfort is simply sitting with a person.  No words are necessary!

 

 

 

Please pray for Beverly Estevan. This is a prayer request I received:

     Urgent prayer request from Greg for Beverly. He said she is very low, still in             ICU, family is there

 

 

 

Jan Hammons’ dad:

Harold Joseph Ard

  • May 7, 1930 – September 27, 2020
  • Loranger, Louisiana
Harold Joseph Ard

Harold Joseph Ard, age 90 of Loranger, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Oak Park Village in Hammond. He was born on May 7, 1930, and lived a very active life until about four months ago when illness set in. He was a farmer and a truck driver who loved horses and loved being outdoors. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Independence. He loved reading his Bible and talking about the Lord.

He is survived by his children, Jonathan (Susan) Ard of Chico, California, Janet A. Hammons of Chesbrough, Randolph Ard of Loranger, Johanna A. Austin of Oakvale, Mississippi, and Jared Ard of Loranger. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Delores A. and Emmett Smith of Baton Rouge; his companion of 20 years, Shirley Hingle of Franklinton; his grandchildren, Amanda, Sarah, Patrick, David, Randy, Christina, Caitlin, Jacob, Jared, Troy, and Zack – as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby P. Ard; parents, Ivy and Iva Ard; brother, Alfred Ard; sister, Oneida Ard; sons-in-law, Pete Hammons and Kenny Austin; and niece and great nephew, Carolyn and Corey Saragusa.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 3, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Independence, 548 W 5th St, Independence, Louisiana 70443 from 10:30 am until 1:00 pm with services immediately following.

The Funeral Service will be conducted by Brother Mitch Williams. Immediately following the service, the family requests that everyone join them in the fellowship hall of the church for a Celebration of Life which will include a meal and time to honor Harold’s 90 years.

Burial will follow at Loranger Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Randy Ard II, Zack Fiscus-Ard, David Hammons, Jacob Austin, Brad Smith, Jim Kennedy, Delton Ard, Clayton Garza, and Dennis Schilling. The family would like to thank the attendants at Oak Park Village for their kind care during their dad’s illness.

Face masks are now mandatory to attend any visitation or service.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 1

Isaiah 62:6-65:25
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Psalm 73:1-28
Proverbs 24:13-14

The link to the recorded version is: https://oneyearbibleonline.com/nltaudio/?nltdt=1001

 

 

 

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

 

 

 

The prayer meeting service for FBC, Kentwood will be posted on FB and YouTube this morning. Last night, the live service was of the See You at the Pole youth service. The group seemed to be composed of youth and youth leaders from Spring Creek, Amite, and Kentwood. I enjoyed the message presented by Eric Latham of Spring Creek. If you missed it check our the page for Kentwood First Baptist Church.

 

 

It’s not too late to contribute to the offering for mission work in Louisiana, the Georgia Barnette Offering. Contact the church office to participate.

 

 

 

Today, our prayer focus for Operation Christmas child is on those who will travel overseas and personally hand out boxes to pastors and churches around the world. Pray for each person who goes and for each “shoebox” that is sent.

Anna Lee

Friday

 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,

”and “every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him”;

and all peoples on earth

“will mourn because of him.”

So shall it be! Amen.

 

 

Bro. Rusty Durand did a great job preaching the first night of revival last night.  The message was about how God can use one person, each of us.  If you missed it, you can find it on FB or YouTube.  Tonight, Bro. Joe King will be presenting God’s Word to us.  Join us at 6 P.M. in person or online.

 

 

 

Bobby Landry of Amite has a lengthy heart procedure yesterday.  All went well.  Pray for a good recovery for him and for the family.

 

 

 

Another day and more friends with Covid – 19!  Please pray for the people of our area that seems to be especially hard hit at this time.  Pray for a preventive measure and better treatment for this disease.

 

 

 

Mr. Johnny McNabb passed away.  This was shared by his sister. Ann Huff.

As most of you have heard God called our dear oldest brother Johnny to heaven today to join his beloved wife, Monnie who preceded him to Heaven by 7 weeks and 2 days! He had COVID 19 but was recuperating from the virus but had a massive stroke from afib 2 days ago and could not overcome that.

 

 

 

Calvin Julius “Jukie” Stevens

March 27, 1943 – August 27, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA as a result of the Coronavirus. He was born March 27, 1943 in Folsom, LA and was 77 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hayden Stevens; son, Terry Wayne Stevens; daughter-in-law, Reena Stevens; grandchildren, Cody Stevens, Kyle Rosalies and wife, Kelsey, Hunter Rosalies and Haley Rosalies; great-granddaughter on the way, Beretta Rosalies; 2 sisters, Shirley Maus and Dorothy Cranham; 2 brother-in-laws, Richard Hayden and Tim and wife, Donice Hayden. Preceded in death by his son, Gregory Stevens; parents, Everett and Geneva Stevens; granddaughter, Megan Stevens; mother-in-law, Frances Winborn Hayden Lambert; father-in-law, Victor Hayden. Visitation at Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

This is the father of Greg Stevens who passed away last week and the family I requested prayer for last Thursday.   Please continue to pray for the family.  Losing two members so closely in time is extra hard.

 

 

 

God sent Hurricane Laura on a path that lessened the problems for our area and increased them for the people west of us.  Pray for the people who were in the path of the storm.  Pray for people to serve in ways to minister to the many needs.  Thank Him for those who “step-up” and do all they can to help in such situations.  May each of us find a way to participate in some way.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – August 28

  • Job 28:1-30:31
  • 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
  • Psalm 42:1-11
  • Proverbs 22:7

 

 

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

 

 

 

Louisiana Baptist Message –  https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Thanks to two ladies from the church who asked about a need for our “shoeboxes” and who have already taken steps to meet that need.  At this point, I’m not sure what “packing the shoeboxes” will look like.  I will let you know soon.

 

 

 

Coming Soon

  • September 13-20 – Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer for mission work in Louisiana
  • September 21 – Pick-up day for our grocery collection for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home – The annual Fall Food Roundup

 

 

What do you have to thank God for today?

  • Protection?
  • Health?
  • Family Blessings?
  • Job Situation?
  • Salvation for a loved one?
  • ____________________
  • ____________________
  • ____________________

Don’t forget to thank Him today.

“Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”

Give Thanks

Don Moen
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
Give thanks with a grateful heart (with a grateful heart)
Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One)
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart (with a grateful heart)
Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One)
Give…

 

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;

then we shall see face to face.

Now I know in part;

then I shall know fully,

even as I am fully known.

 

 

 

When Dr. John Sullivan was a pastor in Texas, my uncle served as his music minister in two churches.  The Sullivans and Tollesons were close and have remained friends for many years.  My relatives moved to a church on the Texas coast just before a hurricane moved in.  Much of their church was destroyed.  That’s where my relatives and some other members of the church were.  After the storm passed, my uncle got his family further north before returning to the coast.  Momma and I drove to Texas to pick up four Tollesons to stay here until living conditions were better where they lived.  I have fond memories of eating and sleeping there before the return trip. She cooked a wonderful “Sunday” lunch for us with the best roast, rice, and gravy I have ever eaten.  She  had potatoes, carrots, onions, etc. with her roast.  It was simple delicious!  She and Bro. John were so kind.  Four of the five members of my Texas family are now in heaven to greet her.

Nancy Sullivan, Encourager, Mentor, Who Dearly Loved Ministers’ Wives, Dies

JACKSONVILLE—Nancy Hinson Sullivan, wife of John Sullivan, retired executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, died Aug. 12, 2020 at the Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. The 83-year-old had suffered a heart attack in June and then a stroke a week prior to her death.

Nancy Sullivan was born with a twin sister Aug. 21, 1936 in Jonesboro, Ark. She met John Travis Sullivan in Washington, D.C. while they both worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When they were dating, Nancy Sullivan took him to her Southern Baptist church and assumed he was a Christian. But her father discerned he was not and told her so.

They were married on June 24, 1955. Three months later, Nancy Sullivan presented the plan of salvation to her newlywed husband and led him to the Lord Aug. 13, 1955. He was baptized in Congress Heights Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the gospel ministry on Dec. 1, 1957, by First Baptist Church, Cupertino, California.

After serving alongside her husband in churches for 32 years, she became Florida Baptists’ first lady when John Sullivan was elected to lead the state convention in 1989. Until he retired in 2015, Nancy Sullivan crisscrossed the state, traveling to churches alongside her husband.

According to close friend Susan Owens, of St. Augustine, “It was like they were one person. She traveled every mile he traveled. She has always been right there with him, encouraging him.”

“She was special. I will hold onto many memories. She was my mentor, friend, I loved her dearly,” Owens said.

Nancy Sullivan always defined her role as “John’s wife” ready to stand behind him. She had a burden for “hurting pastors’ wives” she would often say, “As a pastor’s wife for 32 years, I want to say that it can be great. We have great memories of every church we have ever served.”

“Other than her family, Nancy loved ministers’ wives more than anything,” John Sullivan said.

In 1992, Nancy Sullivan served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ministers’ Wives Conference, a job that included planning and hosting the annual luncheon held during the SBC, as well as raising funds to underwrite the luncheon costs.

She was dismayed that many pastors’ wives could not afford to attend the luncheon and established the Ministers’ Wives Endowment Fund, approaching friends, acquaintances, churches, state conventions and SBC agencies for contributions. Recently the name of the fund was renamed “The Nancy Sullivan Endowment Fund” for the SBC Ministers’ Wives Luncheon in honor of her efforts.

“There was no one like Nancy Sullivan. Her heart was extraordinary,” said Susie Hawkins, wife of the GuideStone Financial Resources President O.S. Hawkins. “Her encouragement and vision with ministers’ wives was the driving force to establish an endowment fund to lower prices so that every wife could enjoy the luncheon. She worked tirelessly for years,” she added.

“No one is indispensable to the Kingdom of God, but some are irreplaceable and that was Nancy Sullivan,” Hawkins said.

Rhonda Kelley, wife of New Orleans Theological Seminary Emeritus President and adjunct professor of women’s ministries, said Nancy Sullivan was a “long time dear friend. I will always be grateful for her personally investing in my life as a young minister’s wife.”

“One of her great contributions to the Kingdom of God and Southern Baptists was her commitment to ministers’ wives. We will ever be grateful for the endowment she established to secure funds for the ministers’ wives luncheon,” Kelley said.

“May we all live godly and faithful lives as she did.”

Nancy Sullivan was awarded numerous honors in her life, including “The Mrs. J.M. Dawson Award for Outstanding Services”, presented by the Southern Baptist Convention Ministers Wives, June, 1999; and “The Clyde Merrill Maguire Award for Ministers’ Wives,” presented by the Florida Baptist Convention’s Ministers’ Wives, November, 1998.

She is survived by her husband, and their three grown children: son John Michael Sullivan of Stuttgart, Ark., and his wife, Jennifer; and daughters Cheryl Ann Anderson Allen and her husband, William, “Sonny” of Nashville, Tenn. and Jeanie Wendt and her husband, Sam, of Fayetteville, Ark. She had five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville where he serves as senior adults pastor.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Notes and cards can be sent to John Sullivan at 4451 Charter Point Blvd., Jacksonville, Fla. 32277. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting gifts be made to The Nancy Sullivan Endowment Fund for the SBC Ministers’ Wives Luncheon, which can be sent to their home; or on-line at the Southern Baptist Foundation.

The Covid-19 virus continues to be a problem for a number of families in our area.  Please pray for those who are sick, their families, and medical staff caring for them.  Also pray for those who are working to prevent the spread of the virus.
Waylon Bailey: “People are Struggling”
Read the Bible in 2020 – August 17
  • Nehemiah 12:27-13:31
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1-16
  • Psalm 35:1-16
  • Proverbs 21:17-18

 

 

 

Baptist Press –  https://www.baptistpress.com/

 

 

May God bless each of you.

Anna Lee

 

 

Monday

 “And, apart from other things,

there is the daily pressure upon me

of my anxiety for all the churches.“

~2 Corinthians 11:28~

 

 

 

I read this article from Dr. Waylon Bailey and used his Scripture reference for our verse today.  My church was one of many that had to close again because of members testing positive for the virus.

“I am concerned and I am encouraged.” – http://waylonbailey.com/2020/08/06/i-am-concerned-and-i-am-encouraged/

 

 

 

Revival is still scheduled for later this month at FBC, Kentwood.  The date presently selected to return to live services is August 23.  This is open to change dependent on the number of members of our church who are sick.  In the meantime, online services are available on Facebook and Youtube.  Sunday services are at 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.  Wednesday services are at 6 P.M.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – August 10

  • Ezra 10:1-44
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1-20
  • Psalm 31:9-18
  • Proverbs 21:3

 

 

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

 

 

Pray for our church as you think of revival.  The last two Sunday night services are good guides for praying for our church.  Next Sunday’s night service will be about praying for those who do not have Jesus in their hearts.  Join us for that service too.

 

 

 

How can you influence someone to become a Christian?

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain,

or command the locusts to devour the land,

or send pestilence among My people,

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,

and pray and seek My face,

and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin and heal their land” .

2 Chronicles 7:13–14 (NKJV)

 

Turn To Jesus: Calling Women to Pray

led byAnne Graham Lotz

DATE: Pentecost Sunday
May 31st, 2020

TIME: For the same one hour:

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM | PT
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | MT
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | CT
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM | ET

Please join us as we pray through these Prayer Points:

1. We Are Compelled to Cry Out:

…By our problems:

  • The collapsing world around us
  • The devastating virus
  • The disastrous economy

…By God’s promises:

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing…Joel 2:12-14

2. We Are Confident as We Cry Out:

3. We Are Contrite as We Cry Out:

  • We live like practical atheists, no longer acknowledging the one, true, living God.
  • We have worshipped gods of pleasure, wealth, technology, pornography, drugs, alcohol, entertainment, sex and sports.
  • We have put our hope in ourselves, trusting in our own knowledge, strength and ability.

4. We Are Clear in Our Requests:

  • O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your Name’s sake. (Daniel 9:19)
  • Forgive us. Protect us. Defend us. Comfort us. Deliver us. Heal us.
  • Shine the light of Your glory into the darkness that is covering our land. (Isaiah 60:1-2)
  • Pour out Your Spirit on all of us. (Acts 2:17)
  • Make us bold to rise up, to live for You, and to share the hope of the Gospel. (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

 

 

 

I saw a sign about VBS at FBC, Kentwood in a member’s yard.  I’m waiting for details on VBS.  I’ll share them later.  In the meantime, please pray for Vacation Bible School, 2020 in our various churches.  

 

 

 

I would like to remind you to check with the various area churches sites about their livestream services.  One especially good thing is that we can view services at a convenient time from home and can view multiple services, not all at the same time.  For those still on lockdown, this is a great opportunity.  It is also a good opportunity for those who have time for multiple Bible studies during the week – all from the comfort of home.

 

 

 

Please pray for Mrs. Mickey Cade.  She was able to return home yesterday.  Be thankful for the progress she has made since her fall.   Also, please pray for those helping with her care.

 

 

 

The Covid-19 virus has not gone away.  It is still extremely important for older people and/or those with a compromised health situation to be on guard.  Our nursing homes, which are designed to care for our older folks who require special help, seem to be the place where most of the cases, and deaths, occurred.  Please spend some time in special prayer for the patients and the staff of each facility.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 28th

  • 2 Samuel 13:1-39
  • John 17:1-26
  • Psalm 119:81-96
  • Proverbs 16:6-7

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Continue to pray for the children of our area.  It’s time for summer vacation break to begin!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Mother’s Day

“I am determined to obey you until I die.”

~Psalm 119:112 (TLB)~

 

Roscoe Allen Goynes

August 16, 1933 – May 08, 2020

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at his home. He was born August 16, 1933 in Pine Grove, LA and was 86 years of age. He was a Mason and a Shriner. He is survived by son, Randy Noland and wife Debbie; 4 grandchildren, Terry Noland and wife Sara, Geoffrey Noland, Christopher Noland and wife Manetta and Daniel Harrison; 11 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Leona S. Goynes; daughter, Tanya Harrison; 1 grandchild, Phillip Harrison. Graveside Services will be held privately. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Bible Project to use at home when your church is not open or any time you choose.

https://bibleproject.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=quarantinemail&utm_content=wote

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 10

  • 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
  • John 6:22-42
  • Psalm 106:32-48
  • Proverbs 14:34-35

 

 

 

Today, you can watch some church services online.  Check out your favorite churches, previous pastors, relative’s pastors, etc.  Churches will soon be announcing when services in their sanctuary will be available.  Many churches will continue to live-stream their services.  Stay alert to changes in the current way of worshipping.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

“God does speak—

sometimes one way and sometimes another—

even though people may not understand it.”

~Job 33:14 (NCV)~

 
David and I have completed two weeks of quarantine.  It’s not totally different from our regular routine.  The road certainly does seem empty out here!  It’s a lot quieter than just our normal “peaceful”.  Join with me in praying for others to remain in quarantine and slow down the spread of Coronavirus.

 

 

 

I’m so thankful churches have stepped up and are posting sermons or services online.  I already have a list of Wednesday night services I want to watch.  You can’t do that when you have to attend in person.  Let’s continue to look for the “silver linings”.  The Methodist church is requesting all members stop at noon today and say the Lord’s Prayer.  I’m sure they won’t mind if some non-Methodists join in with them.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 25

  • Deuteronomy 4:1-49
  • Luke 6:39-7:10
  • Psalm 68:1-18
  • Proverbs 11:28

 

 

 

 

Baptist Press –  http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

Continuing my song list today . . .

  • “The Doxology” 
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”

  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gua-NE8y8lE

This was done in 1952.  It seems so appropriate today!  Maybe, today is a                               good day to teach this song to some of our younger generation.

I trust parents are building strong children with strong faith during this                                 time.

 

 

 

During this time when patients cannot have family members with them in hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, nursing homes, etc. it is very hard on the patients and the family.  It’s also hard on families when there is a death and the services are so limited.

 

 

Encourage someone today!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Happy Lord’s Day!

[The Armor of God]

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

~Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 22

  • Numbers 33:40-35:34
  • Luke 5:12-28
  • Psalm 65:1-13
  • Proverbs 11:23

 

 

Bro. Stan Statham posted a video for us to watch about a prayer line.

 

 

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2020 & Josiah Huckaby

Not how we planned to spend it. We didn’t get to wear our cute shirts or crazy socks but we did have fun. Although we sure are missing daddy! I’m just glad technology allows us the opportunity to see each other during hospital stays.

Josiah has definitely been making improvements on his oxygen. They did quite a bit of weaning today. Hopefully he will continue to do well on the new oxygen settings tonight.

To God be the glory! 💙💛💙💛💙

 

 

Joey “Buck” Cutrer

November 03, 1957 – March 20, 2020

A resident of Livingston, LA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at his home. He was born November 3, 1957 in Clinton, LA and was 62 years of age. He was a loving father and grandfather that would do anything for anyone. He was a kind hearted soul that is now at peace. He is survived by 2 sons, Joey Cutrer and Drew Alan Cutrer and wife, Lauren; granddaughter, Ava Cutrer; brother, Ric Cutrer and wife, Donna; sister, MaryJo Cutrer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carly Lou Cutrer; and parents, Joe and Mary Lou Cutrer. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the funeral and viewing will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Saint Elmo Saxon, Jr.

February 22, 1943 – March 20, 2020

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born February 22, 1943 in Foxworth, MS and was 77 years of age. He was a husband, father, brother and friend who was better known as Daddy, Honey, Elmo or simply “Saint.” He was a man of many talents, loved the outdoors and was an American patriot having served in the U. S. Army. His world was his family showing his love every day with his abounding love. He traveled throughout the world, many times alone, sometimes with his love and family,  bringing back many stories and souvenirs from the trips. Being a man that loved to work, he taught his work ethic to anyone who would loan him a hand, follow him around, learning with every step. If you were lucky enough to attend a Saxon gathering where family and friends were, you caught him in his glory. He is survived by his wife, Kay Crawford Saxon; 3 daughters, Milissa Pirnar, Tissie Gorman, and  Angela Saxon; son, Chris Saxon and his wife, Brigitte Saxon; grandchildren, Brugge Gorman, Dillon Gorman, Skylar Pirnar, Noah Steptore, Domonique Pierce, Anna Barber, Stone Saxon, and River Saxon; great-grandchildren, Abygayle, Anslee and Aniston Rae Barber; 2 sisters, Linda Russell and Mary Johnson; brother, John Wayne Saxon. Preceded in death by parents, Saint Elmo Saxon, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Forbes Saxon; son, Brian O’Neal Saxon; daughter, Tina Marie Saxon; and brother, Linnie Saxon. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the funeral and viewing will be private. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Most of us will be at home today and watching our church service via live-streaming video.  Many will not have the opportunity to attend a Sunday School class.  There are several option:

  • Each person prepares their lesson and discusses it.
  • One person teaches the family each week.
  • Watch a video and discuss it as a family group.

Bible project will be giving us a video to watch as a family each week.  Then, discussion can follow.  The lesson for today is “Generosity”.

https://bibleproject.com/videos/generosity/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=quarantinemail&utm_content=generosity

  • I suggest doing your Sunday School during your church’s regular Sunday School time.

 

 

Churches present the worship service online.

  • Most churches will present the worship service online, many of them doing so for the first time today.
  • If your church is not live-streaming this morning or if you choose to watch multiple services as we did last week. you will have plenty of opportunities.  On Facebook, join Kentwood First Baptist Church at 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M. today, and 6 P.M. Wednesday.  I think following the normal schedule will keep us from feeling like we are missing out as much.

 

 

 

Now that hospitals are not allowing any visitors like the special living facilities, we need to pray extra hard for both the patients/residents and the family members.  What a change this is!

 

 

David and I haven’t been out in days.  He makes a lot of calls to check on people.  If you have a name for me to add to The Prayer Link, please send me a  message like Danielle Thornton did yesterday.  I will be glad to add your prayer concerns.

 

 

 

Here’s my song list for today.  I hope you sing along.

 

 

Make this “Lord’s Day” special and one you and your family will remember for a long time.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Thursday

“Surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age.” 

~Matthew 28:20~

 

 

 

Some of you may appreciate this devotional about being in the midst of this Coronavirus.

https://www.stonesoupforfive.com/2020/03/biblical-meditation-in-midst-of-covid-19.html

 

 

I know many of you now doodle in your Bibles.  These doodles can be used to illustrate Scripture in your Bible of notebook.  They are shared from https://stonesoupforfive.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9b56c4f9c8c241c6af2ccd7c0&id=a08dab942f&e=9524ca64dc

Some of you may appreciate these doodles.  https://www.stonesoupforfive.com/p/doodles.html?utm_source=Stone+Soup+for+Five&utm_campaign=2a695a44b2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_18_06_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_82c479185c-2a695a44b2-301584865&mc_cid=2a695a44b2&mc_eid=9524ca64dc

         They even may come in handy with all of the new “homeschooled” students.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 19

  • Numbers 28;16-29:40
  • Luke 3:23-38
  • Psalm 62:1-12
  • Proverbs 11:18-19

 

 

 

The youth of FBC, Kentwood will have a special schedule during this time.  Contact Bro. Wendell for a copy of his video if he missed sending it to you.

 

 
Our friends have successfully complete their period of confinement because of the virus.  I thank God they are ready to move back to their regular home and life.

 

 

 

The Robertsons have returned home from Ochsner in NO where Laura Lee Robertson had surgery.  Thank God for her improvement.  Pray for her as she continues her recovery at home.

 

 

 

Felicia McKee Taylor

August 13, 1940 – March 17, 2020

Mrs. Felicia McKee Taylor, 79, of Hammond, LA, passed from this life on March 17, 2020 at her home in Hammond, surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law and caregiver.

Mrs. Felicia was born August 13, 1940 in Progress, MS to the late Russell M and Jesse S. McKee. She was the baby of nine children. She was a graduate of Progress High School where she excelled in basketball. After graduation, she moved to “the city” of McComb to attend Beauty School. While working to help put herself through school, she met and married Pete. She made a career of being a Beautician for 55 years and proudly let you know that she loved what she did and that her customers were like her family.

She enjoyed her church family also. She was an active member of North McComb Baptist Church for many years until her health declined and she moved to Hammond to live with her children. She enjoyed gospel singing, yard selling, bingo, playing cards, swapping recipes, cooking and was an outstanding baker. She was known for her pound cake and desserts. She loved doing for others, helping people without question because she strongly believed that was what Christians do. She never wanted praise for her act of kindness.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, Wilton E. “Pete” Taylor; two brothers, Russell Jr. and Bobby McKee; five sisters, Beatrice Vermillion, Daisy LeGlue, Doris Stinson, Annie Margaret McKee and Helen Ray McKee and one son-in-law, Gregory B. Harris.

She is survived by her daughter, Angie Blades and husband, Mike of Hammond, LA, whom she had lived with the past 3 years; one sister, Dorothy Bates of McComb, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends and two special four legged babies, Pebbles and BamBam.

Pallbearers will be Lionel Estay, Gabriel Estay, Gavin Estay and Henry LeGlue.

Felicia chose these special honorary pallbearers, Barry Boyd, Johnny Graves, Sandy Buie, Derrick Anderson and Philip Holmes. She had a special bond with each of them.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 10:30AM until time of service at 12PM at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS with Dr. David Millican officiating. Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sherry Jones for her time, love and support in the past few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials be sent to the North McComb Baptist Church. 504 Laurel St. McComb, MS 39648 or The Southern Plainsmen Ministries. Att. Marcelle Slaughter. 7841 Plainview Rd. Hornbeck, LA 71439.

Due to the Coronavirus recommendations by the CDC, we ask that you exercise good judgement when in contact with others at our funeral home. If you are ill, please respect the health of others. The family certainly understands if you are not able to attend.

I also learned of Joe Liuzza’s death, but no obituary is available yet.
Prayers are important.  We can all focus on praying more.
Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas, 2019

Luke 2:10-12

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger, but of a life that was lived here on Earth to teach us how to live and about a home for eternity!
This is the Christmas Eve service from FBC, Kentwood.  I hope you enjoy the video.  I’m thankful David and I got to enjoy/experience it in person.

Scripture Writing  for December 25th – Luke 2: 17-20
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – If God is calling you to missions, you might want to check out this link.
It’s not about the gifts under the tree.  It’s about who made the tree!  It’s about you and me and His plans for us here on Earth and for eternity!  Have a richly blessed Christmas!
Anna Lee