Category: Devotional

Sunday

“Learn the truth and never reject it.

Get wisdom, self control, and understanding.”

~Proverbs 23:23 NCV~

 

The ice is finally gone!  It was pretty one day, but the people in our area simple don’t know how to continue normal life with ice outside.  I’m thankful power outages in our area were not nearly as bad as expected.  I’m also thankful the power companies prepared for the worse while hoping for the best.  People got tired of being stuck inside, but otherwise seem to have made it through the week in good shape.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Guidance Needed”

http://odb.org/

Inspiring Story – “A Message from Above”

http://academictips.org/blogs/a-message-from-above/

This story could be the very one that changes your perspective on life today.

Hymn of the Day – “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/i/jisnikno.htm

I’m so thankful I know the name of Jesus and all He represents to His children. The Sunday School lesson for tomorrow, based on Romans 1:16-25 is a good reminder that His name means eternity to us.  Let’s work hard to make sure every person gets to hear His name.

Romans 1:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

 

Have a great Lord’s Day.  Don’t try to make it your day!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“We grow up like flowers and then dry up and die.  

We are like a passing shadow that does not last.”

~Job 14:2, NCV~

Susan Rimes

Susan got a good report, “Come back in six months”.  Thank God she is so much better and not in the constant pain that bothered her so long.

Ferrie Gene Blackmon

“Miss” Ferrie Gene’s surgery was a success, but that doesn’t mean her first night following surgery was without pain.  Pray for her to show steady improvement until she is better than she was before surgery.

Savana Allen

Savana got a good report from the doctor today.  Thank God with Savana and her family.

Gretchen Simpson

Gretchen has a small fracture in her elbow and will not be able to use that arm for a couple of weeks.  Join Gretchen and her family in thanking God that her break was not a major problem.

Numerous deaths, wakes, and funerals

I don’t think I have ever known of a greater number of deaths than we have had in our area in the last few weeks.

Ernie “Allen” Hyde 

(January 29, 1968 – January 24, 2014)

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2396637&fh_id=10545

Mona Jean Nunnery McCandlish
(August 22, 1943 – January 30, 2014)

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2396669&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press 

 BPNews.net

I’ve already picked out a few of these stories to read after I get this posted.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Heard by God”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “That Little Girl”

http://academictips.org/blogs/that-little-girl/

I enjoyed the story and can see how it can inspire others, but I would hope the write realized she was “blessed”, no simply “lucky”.

Hymn of the Day – “Trusting Jesus”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/r/trusting.htm

We have had many deaths in our community and some in my family.  When our days are difficult, it is wonderful to be able to trust Jesus and let Him handle everything.  Enjoy the simple words and sweet melody of this song.

Reminder – The “Young” Ladies Birthday Party for January had to be postponed.  We will meet at Nyla’s Tuesday at 11:00 to celebrate the January birthdays.

We have a date!  Jennie and her family will “cross the pond” July 11th.  It will be so good to have them stateside, even if not in our state, for a whole year.  I’m marking my calendar and counting the days!

I hope you have a blessed day today and that you are a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

Friday (might feel like Monday!)

“My flesh and my heart fails;

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion forever.”

~ Psalm 73:26 ~

 

Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackwell

“Miss” Ferrie Gene’s shoulder surgery was going well according to the last report I had.  Please pray for her as she goes through recovery and rehab in the coming days.

Macy Guelder

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal

More Deaths

Claude Hyde, Jr.
(July 19, 1955 – January 28, 2014)

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2395834&fh_id=10545

Lois Dykes
(January 18, 1923 – January 28, 2014)

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2395981&fh_id=10545

Andrew J. Sceroler Jr.
October 15, 1934 – January 30, 2014

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Andrew-Sceroler&lc=2672&pid=169408119&mid=5836950

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Buyer’s Remorse”

http://odb.org/

“Tips for a Beautiful Life” 

http://academictips.org/blogs/tips-for-a-beautiful-life/

I could add a few more times about serving and honoring God.  I’m sure you could too.

Hymn of the Day – “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

Baptist Press

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/143e56f266d1c03f

Announcements

  • Dick Van Dyke Bible Study
    • 10:00 this morning
    • Taco soup lunch to follow
  • “Young” Ladies Birthday Party
    • Tuesday at 11:00
    • Nyla’s in Osyka
  • Mission project for February – Collecting linens for Restore
  • BCM Lunch
    • Southeaster
    • Last Wednesday of February

I think we can all say we are thankful to have seen the white sleet because it was so beautiful, but also thankful it is disappearing.  Be careful as you walk around and drive.  I know several people who have fallen and one family that is fine following a terrible accident on the black ice.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

 

Chris Primes

Chris has continued to recover from his recent surgery.  He says he is doing a little better with the pain and looks forward to many more painless days ahead.  Keep him in your prayers.

Weather Improving

We haven’t been on the road in several days, but I certainly am looking forward to getting out to continue my life’s activities.

Bible Study

I’m planning to resume the Dick Van Dyke Bible Study tomorrow morning in the Heritage room at 10:00 A.M.   We will also have out monthly meal.  We’re eating taco soup.  Please pass the word along.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

The current plans are to make up the missed missed party Tuesday, February 4th at 11:00 A.M. at Nyla’s.  We will celebrate the January birthdays.

Obituaries Completed

Harry Goynes

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Penny Dees McDowell

Visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, on Friday, January 31, 2014.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Angola Inmate Health Kits

Thanks to those who participated in this mission project.  If you missed this opportunity, stay alert, there’s always something else to do.  It’s not too late to contribute linens for Restore.  Put your items inside the office entrance or main entrance to FBC, Kentwood.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Precious in God’s Eyes”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Thought – “A Father, a Daughter, and a Dog”

http://academictips.org/blogs/a-father-a-daughter-and-a-dog/

Hymn of the Day – “Precious Memories”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/e/premomen.htm

It’s 14 degrees this morning.  Be safe.  Stay warm.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Call on me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you,

and you will honor me.”

~Psalm 50:15 NIV~

 

Jadon’s Story

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Weather conditions will not improve much today.  It will only be above freezing for a few hours this afternoon and then back to freezing.  Take care.

Pray for those who are home by themselves during this time.  Give them a call, but stay home until the roads are pronounced safe for general travel.

Pray for those in places like the greater Atlanta area where people traveled for hours and still did not make it home.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Great Expectations”

http://odb.org/

“13 Rules You Did Not Learn in School”

http://academictips.org/blogs/13-rules-you-did-not-learn-in-school/

Hymn of the Day – “Count Your Blessings”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/countyou.htm

Today, many will be tired of the weather situation and tired of being stuck at home.  They may be discouraged because of other problems, such as a death, that have added to their discouragement.  Let’s look to Jesus and all He has done for us!

Be safe!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“And my God will supply all your needs

according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians4:19, HCSB~

 

Suzie Daniel Dickerson, formerly of Amite

Please add Suzie Daniel Dickerson, who grew up in Amite, to your prayer list.  She had surgery, but is not yet well enough to begin the urgently needed chemotherapy.  Pray for her family as they pray for her.

Fluker Dees Family

The Earl Dees family of Fluker lost their oldest daughter Penny about 2:00 this morning.  Penny  has fought a hard fight.  Her family, especially Trudy, has been so faithful to help her during her struggles.  Pray for the family, especially Mr. Earl and “Miss” Marilyn.

Sharla Tolleson Hodges

Services for my cousin, Sharla, will be tomorrow in Texas.  Her cousins in this area will be unable to attend due to the weather.  Traveling today is simple not a good idea.  Pray for God to watch over this family as they will not have a service for a family member in less than a month.  I will be thinking of the great reunion of Sharla with her parents and grandparents.  I know they are celebrating.  I cannot be sad for them, only for the siblings, nieces, and nephews who are left behind.

Weather – Winter Storm

Our area is expecting most unusual weather for southeast Louisiana today and tomorrow.  Stay safe and warm!

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Better than Planned”

http://odb.org/

I think this is a wonderful day to be reminded of God’s plan to handle the adversities in life.

Life Lessons 

http://academictips.org/blogs/life-lessons/

Hymn of the Day – “We’ll Understand it Better By and By”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/welunder.htm

Often, when troubles strike us over and over or strike others all around us, we have thoughts of asking God “Why?”.  For now, we have to be satisfied knowing we do not see “the big picture” as God does.  I know God wants the best for us even when we do not see it that way.  I also know, we will “understand it better by and by”.  For now, I thank God for walking with us each day and providing for us as only He can.

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

“Young” Ladies Birthday Party

Postponed

Stay home and warm.  Pray for those who must be out in the weather conditions.  Thank those, electrical workers, medical workers, law enforcement, etc., who are out so they can protect or come to the rescue of the rest of us.  Say special prayers for them throughout the day.

Anna Lee

Monday

“All the nations You have made

will come and bow down before You, Lord,

and will honor Your name. “

~Psalm 86:9~

 

Tina Bond Gilbert

Debbie Crawford reports that her cousin is doing well.  Keep praying as she continues in rehab.

Sharla Tolleson Hodges

Please continue to pray for my Texas cousins.  Sharla, my youngest cousin, passed away 26 days after her mother’s death.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Wonder of the Cross”

http://odb.org/

“Miracles Happen – The Brian Boyle Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/miracles-happen-brian-boyle-true-story/

Hymn of the Day – “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” (“At the Cross”)

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/a/alasand.htm

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

The weather forecast looks like it will be unwise to travel to Nyla’s in the morning for our monthly meeting.  Unless the weather forecast changes, we will NOT meet Tuesday morning.

Angola Health Kits

Thanks to all who packed a ziplock bag with “goodies” for the inmates at Angola.  May each inmate who receives a bag feel the love of God through the items you contributed.

Once again, pay attention to the weather this week.  Be prepared and be safe!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“[God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly

above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works in us.”

~Ephesians 3:20~

 

There are many sick folks with colds, flu, and other seasonal problems.  I’ll not try to list them, but you can pray specifically for those you know of and in general.

Lois Ann Bryant Eldridge
(January 15, 1944 – January 25, 2014)

A resident of Amite, she died at 6:08 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born January 15, 1944 in Kayford, WV and was 70 years of age. For many years, she and her husband owned and operated Home Lumber and Hardware Company. She was an active member and choir member at First United Methodist Church in Amite and was active in the Amite Art Club. She is survived by her husband, Charles R. Eldridge, Jr., Amite; 3 children, Christina Ann Eldridge Calmes, and husband, Terry, Amite, Charles R. Eldridge, III and wife, Wendolyn, Hammond and Dana Lynn Eldridge Robin and husband, Josh, Baton Rouge; 6 grandchildren, Sean Eldridge, Tori Lyn Eldridge, Anthony Brit Calmes, Holly Christina Storey, Andrew Bradley Calmes and Robert Lake Storey; great granddaughter, Savannah Rose Ciccio; brother, Donald Bryant and wife, Brenda, Lafayette. Preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Dan Bryant and Mildred Crum Bryant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mamie C. Eldridge Fund at First United Methodist Church, 800 N. Duncan Ave., Amite, LA 70422.

Angola Health Packets are due to FBC, Kentwood this morning.  Let help minister to those 6.200 inmates.

Pine Ridge Methodist Church will have their monthly breakfast this morning.  Donation will be used to help a family with current needs.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “An Ordinary Day”

http://odb.org/

This could be that day!

Motivational Stories – “Did You Build a Bridge or a Fence?”

http://academictips.org/blogs/do-you-build-bridge-or-fence/

There is a big lesson for us here!

Hymn of the Day – “Make Me a Blessing”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/a/makemeac.htm

Oh, that I could like my life with this sweet song in my heart every day.

“Young” Ladies Birthday Party

This is scheduled for Tuesday, but it seems like the weather will rule the day Tuesday, actually Tuesday through Friday.  Check here or call the church office to learn if we will need to postpone this event.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,

always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,

because of your partnership in the gospel

from the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

 

From the mission field:

* Give thanks to God that the only Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift in Dhaka,   Bangladesh, that contained a small pair of plastic sandals reached the person who needed them the most: a little girl undergoing surgery on her feet!

* Please pray for visas to be granted so that pastors from other countries who can speak their language can come to Canada and tell South Asian immigrants about Jesus.

* Praise the Lord that during the Christmas season, several thousand families in Vietnam heard the Gospel and a New Testament, a Gospel tract, and an evangelistic movie were placed in their hands.

* Please pray for a national couple who are part-time church planters in southern Thailand,  as the evil one is using every advantage to keep them from the Lord’s work.

Sharla Tolleson Hodges

Please add my first cousin, Sharla, to your prayer list.  She has Huntington’s Disease and has regressed since her mother, my aunt Naomi, passed away less than a month ago.  She is in her early 50’s.

Nora Ramer Gilmore
(November 1, 1933 – January 24, 2014)

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2390909&fh_id=10545

Wallace S. “Duppy” Forshag, Jr.
(January 7, 1941 – January 23, 2014)

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2390913&fh_id=10545

Monroe Earl (Paw Paw) Tillman
(October 19, 1941 – January 23, 2014) 

http://mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2391118&fh_id=10545

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “An Ordinary Day”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Life – “Two Castle Builders”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-castle-builders/

Hymn of the Day – “Life’s Railway to Heaven”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/r/lrailway.htm

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Angola Project

If you are packing a zip-lock bag of healthcare supplies for an Angola inmate, please remember to turn them in Sunday morning at FBC,Kentwood.

Weather 

I’m sure yesterday was a long day for many people who stayed in all day, but it was the best way to avoid the traveling problems.  Even though my thermometer says it is 26 degrees now, I know the forecast is for much warmer temperatures later today.  I thank God I was able to “stay put” yesterday.  Please pay attention to the forecast for more cold weather early next week.

Use the next couple of days to prepare for more cold weather.  Help someone else to be better prepared this time.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,

for You will answer me.”

~Psalm 85:7~

 

Wanda Smith

Wanda’s foot surgery went well.  Pray for her on her first full day after surgery.

Mrs. Velma Kliesch (Paula Splane’s mother)

Paula’s mother is in ICU at North Oaks.  Please pray for her.

Savana Allen

This young daughter of David and Fannie has been hospitalized to undergo testing.  Pray for her and her family as they endure the testing phase.

Jadon’s Story

Jadon and his mother are home from Detroit despite a flight delay.  Thank God for their safe flight despite cold temperatures and ice.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Load Line”

http://odb.org/

Moral Stories – Poems – “If a Dog was your Teacher”

http://academictips.org/blogs/if-a-dog-was-your-teacher/

Hymn of the Day – “Leave it There” (If the World from You Withhold”)

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/e/leaveitt.htm

Reminders

  • Bible Study @ 10:00 in Fellowship Hall of FBC; You are invited to attend with us.  Bring a sandwich tomorrow to eat with the group after the study.
  • Angola Inmate Health Kits are due at the office or main entrance of FBC Sunday morning.  Thanks to all who have filled a bag(s).
  • Household linens (towels, sheets, comforters, etc.) are being collected for Restore.  You can drop them off at the office or main entrance of FBC, K.  Thanks to all who have contributed to our Restore collections.

While Bro. Michael and Brandy were at church last night, their house was burglarized.  Pray for them and for the person(s) who did this.  Thank God they are safe.

Anna Lee