Category: Devotional

Saturday

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

Mrs. Martha Traylor

Mrs. Martha Traylor was a little better Friday and able to eat all three meals.  Thank God for her progress and for her family members who are at her side.

Anne Ellzey

Anne ate a little yesterday.  The family thanks you for your prayers, but please continue to pray.

Mr. Patrick Hoosier

Mr. Patrick Hoosier is resting comfortably with his family at his side.  Pray for comfort for them in the difficult days ahead.

Naomi Orr

My aunt, Naomi Draughon Tolleson Orr,  is also resting comfortably.  Pray for her family also.

Sunday Worship at FBC

John Blackwell, grandson of Mr. John Alan Blackwell and the late Mrs. Mary Alice Blackwell, will be sharing his musical talent with FBC, Kentwood Sunday at 10:30.  You are welcome to worship with us.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Presentation”

http://odb.org/

Hymn of the Day – “In the Sweet By and By”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/t/intsbab.htm

Don’t miss reading the history of this hymn.  Some things were meant to be.  I believe this hymn is one of them.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Heart for Glasgow”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12177&LanguageID=1709

Pray for all the lost to find Jesus.  Pray there will be sufficient funds to continue the work done around the world to enable missionaries to reach the lost for Jesus.

Jesus’ birth and death give us a reason to celebrate today and every day of the year!
Anna Lee

Friday

“In everything

commending ourselves as servants of God,

in much endurance …

in purity …

in the power of God.” 

~2 Corinthians 6:4-7, NASB~

 

Continue to pray for my aunt’s family in Texas.  I’ll post when I have an update.

Pray for the Hossier family.  Mr. Pat had a difficult day yesterday.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Challenge of Confinement”

http://odb.org/

Hymn of the Day – “To God be the Glory”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/o/togodbe.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Two Mission Fields”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12197&LanguageID=1709

Thanking God for some good days, memories made, and many memories already treasured up in my heart.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

out of the miry clay,

and set my feet upon a rock,

and established my steps.  

He has put a new song in my mouth —

praise to our God;

many will see it and fear,

and will trust in the LORD.

 Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust…”

~Psalm 42:1-3~

 

Anne Ellzey  

Anne seemed a little better yesterday.  Please pray for continued improvement and strength, endurance, and faith for the family.

Families not together

Pray for families not together for Christmas.  For some, this was a new and difficult experience.  For others, it’s not new, but still not easy.

Christmas with sickness and death

Sickness and death make their appearance during the holidays, just like any other day of the year.  Pray for families who experienced this in 2013 and for families who celebrated the first Christmas with a friend or loved one in heaven for the first time this Christmas.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Signs of the Gospel”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12366&LanguageID=1709

Hymn of the Day – “Grace Greater than our Sins”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/g/ggreater.htm

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Be Present”

http://odb.org/

Be careful if you are traveling today.  Many others will be on the roads also.

Anna Lee

Christmas

Merry CHRISTmas!

Please take time to read to your family from the second chapter of Luke this morning.  

Luke 2

King James Version (KJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

Macy Gueldner

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

Today is also a good time to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Christingle”

http://odb.org/

Linda Phillips

Linda is still trying to overcome her bronchitis.  Please continue to pray for her.

Happy birthday, baby Jesus!  Thank-you for coming to earth to die for my sins and provide me an opportunity to go to heaven for eternity!

Anna Lee

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child

and shall bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel,”

which translated means,

‘God with us.’”

~Matthew 1:23, NASB~

 

Anne Ellzey

Anne is still critical, but seems to be better.  Please keep praying for her. Thanks!

Carol Jean Bridges 

(March 29, 1945 – December 22, 2013)

A resident of Amite, died on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at her home. She was born March 29, 1945 in Wilmer and was 68 years of age. Survived by son, Richard Bridges and wife, Candace; step-daughter, Rene’ McDaniel and husband, Rodney; 2 grandchildren, Iley McDaniel and Madeline Bridges; 2 great-grandchildren, Austin L. McDaniel and Jonathan C. McDaniel; brother, Ronald Alford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Edward Bridges; parents, Albert “Son” Alford and May Bennett Alford; 3 brothers, Alton “Bob” Alford, Carl Alford and Wendell Alford. Visitation at Bethel Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Clay Spinks and Rev. Jerry Kennedy. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, P. O. Box 428, Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Nan Duncan Strickland
(January 20, 1941 – December 22, 2013)

A former resident of Roseland, LA, died at 7:41AM on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at her daughter’s home near Summit, MS. She was born January 20, 1941 in New Orleans and was 72 years of age. She is survived by her 4 children, Kathy Passman Loper and husband, Curtis, Summit, MS, Donnie Passman and wife, Vanessa, Manvel, TX, Marie Passman Bennett and husband, Joseph, Amite, and Jerry Passman, Sr. and wife, Cheryl, Watertown, TN; 11 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; brother, Oliver Duncan and wife, Priscilla, Prairieville; and other beloved friends and relatives. Preceded in death by father, James Duncan; mother, Jessie Helton Bennett; beloved step father, Marcus L. Bennett; grandson, Christopher Ryan Passman and 3 infant brothers. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Roseland, from 9:00AM until religious services at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Byron Humphrey. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, Roseland, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “One Silent Night”

http://odb.org/

I’m sure you can figure out what my hymn/carol of the day is without me putting it in writing.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Anna Lee

Monday

“I press toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call

of God in Christ Jesus.” 

~Philippians 3:14~

 

Mrs. Martha Traylor

“Miss” Martha continues to be in Hood Memorial.  Pray for her and for her family.

Anne Ellzey 

Anne is in North Oaks.  Doctors have not given the family any prognosis yet.  Pray for Anne’s children as they wait by her side.

Austin Rose

I talked with Ann LaBarbara, Austin’s grandmother, today.  She said Austin is hospitalized for his final treatment.  Then, he will be considered cancer free after six stressful months.  Pray for Austin and his family as they celebrate a wonderful Christmas thanking God for his watch-care over the family during the past months.

Patrick Hoosier

Pat had a difficult day Sunday.  Pray he will get some relief from his pain.  Pray for Pat and his family  as they celebrate the Christmas holidays.

Macy Gueldner

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

Thank God the family is headed home for the holidays.  Pray for continued strong faith and unity of this family.

Drew Williams

Drew is more uncomfortable than he expected to be.  Eating through a tube is not fun either.  Pray he will be better tomorrow.  Also, pray for his parents, Matt and Shea, as they both are staying busy with his care.

Linda Phillips and Jerry Doughty

Linda and Jerry both spent some time in the North Oaks’ ER yesterday, buy thankfully were not admitted.  Pray for them this Christmas week.  Pray for Kim as once again she has both parents sick at the same time.

Juanita M. Langston 

(December 23, 1929 – December 22, 2013) 

A resident of Greensburg, LA, died at 5:40 AM on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was born December 23, 1929 in St. Helena Parish and was 83 years of age. She was a lifelong member of Killian Chapel Baptist Church. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Woodard. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. Survived by, 2 daughters, Carolyn Athey, and Katherine Thomas; 2 sons, Carl B. and Donald E. Langston; 4 brothers, Wiley, Wilton, Milton, and Clifford McDaniel; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. preceded in death by, husband, Carl A. Langston; parents, Riley and Maude McDaniel; 2 sons, David R. and William C. Langston; 2 sisters, Christine Seely and Laura Whitehead; 2 brothers, Riley and Eugene McDaniel. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 I taught her now deceased son, Will.  All those years teaching gave me the opportunity to meet lots of people.  I have been richly blessed.

 Devotional – Our Daily Bread

http://odb.org/ 

Inspiring Stories – “The Hotel Clerk”

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-hotel-clerk/

Does this story remind you of a young family looking for a place to stay as the lady gives birth to Jesus, the most special person who has ever lived?

Hymns of the Day – “Away in a Manger” and What Child is This?”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Signs of the Gospel”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm

This is a very important time of the year.  As you enjoy some time with family and/or others who are extra special in your life, remember it is not about gifts, but the greatest gift that was ever given, Jesus!

Anna Lee

Sunday

 

“He sent the message to the Israelites,

proclaiming the good news of peace

through Jesus Christ–

He is Lord of all.”

~Acts 10:36, HCSB~

 

Mrs. Anne Hurst

“Miss” Anne is doing well at North Oaks and is expected to come home Monday.  Please continue to pray for her.

Macy Gueldner

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

Dan Turner

Dan was in Kentwood yesterday and enjoying some outdoor time with family members.  Dan continues to improve.  The family is most appreciative of your prayers for him during the past year.  Please continue to pray.

Drew Williams

Drew is home now and enjoying his food through straws because of his jaw surgery. Please continue to pray for him during the coming weeks.

Austin Rose

Austin is progressing with his cancer treatment.  His family is standing with him and strongly supporting each step he makes.  They appreciate your prayers.

Daily Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Christmas Wonder” 

http://odb.org/

I remember real events like this happening in my extended family.  I repeat these stories periodically.  They are always good to hear and to tell.

“Two Traveling Angels”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-traveling-angels/

Christmas Carol of the Day – “Angels We Have Heard on High”

http://academictips.org/blogs/two-traveling-angels/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Staying in South America”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12178&LanguageID=1709

With this warm weather, it doesn’t seem like Christmas, but it really is that time.  What a special time it is because it was the foundation that build a plan for my salvation and yours!  Always remember, it was because of the manger there was a cross.  Without the manger, there would have been no cross and no pathway for my salvation (and yours)!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.

We observed His glory,

the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,

full of grace and truth.”

~John 1:14, HCSB~

 

Clint Smith, son of Lea Smith

Pray for Clint and his family as he sees the doctor again.  Clint has lost 20 pounds.  Pray things soon look better for him and his family.

Mrs. Anne Hurst

Mrs. Anne Hurst is in North Oaks now.  She was taken to Hammond because of the possible need for surgery, but it seems to not be necessary.  Pray her doctors will soon have here much better.

Chris Primes

Chris Primes asks for prayer as he prepares to have his leg amputated above the knee.  He has fought this battle for a long time and has endured numerous surgeries.  His surgery will be in January.

Macy Gueldner

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

Baptist Press – I see lots of articles I plan to read later this morning.

http://www.bpnews.net/

Young Ladies’ December Birthday Party

Our normal meeting day is the last Tuesday of the month.  We will continue that practice this month.  Our December meeting will be on the 31st at Nyla’s at 11:00.

Ladies’ Bible Study 

We complete our Mayberry study yesterday.  Our next meeting will be January 3rd when we will begin a Dick van Dyke study.  If you have not been attending, this would be a wonderful day to join us.

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Light and Shadow”

http://odb.org/

Inspiring Stories – The Grass Cutting Days

http://academictips.org/blogs/the-grass-cutting-days/

Hymn of the Day – “Give of Your Best to the Master”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/i/giveofyb.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering  – “Unique Tools”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12188&LanguageID=1709

Jesus’ birth and death give us reason to celebrate our two greatest holidays of the year!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Suddenly there was a multitude

of the heavenly host with the angel,

praising God and saying:

Glory to God in the highest heaven, a

nd peace on earth to people He favors!”

~Luke 2:13-14, HCSB~

 

Austin Rose

Austin is doing well and will begin the next round of treatment.  Keep thanking God for each step along the road to his treatment.

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

Churches are beginning to learn where their boxes were delivered.  East Fork Baptist Church has learned their boxes went to South Africa.  Tickfaw Baptist Church has learned their boxes went to Honduras.  Think of how those little children’s faces will be smiling when they receive their own boxes.

John Q. “Clabber” Corkern
(April 29, 1928 – December 18, 2013) 

A resident of Hammond, died at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born April 29, 1928 in Amite, and was 85 years of age. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. He loved farming, animals and flowers. He was a 32 degree Mason and Past Master of Spring Creek Masonic Lodge #184, a member of the Acacia Shrine Temple , Baton Rouge Scottish Rite. and a Past Patron of Camellia Chapter #142 Order of Eastern Star. Survived by wife, Carol Gainey Morgan Corkern, Hammond; 3 sons, Thomas L. Corkern, Independence, Kenny W. Corkern, Hammond and Keith D. Corkern, Baton Rouge; step children, Tim Morgan, Hammond, Patty Robinson, Mandeville, Sharon Morgan, Hammond and Ron Morgan, Mandeville; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild; 7 brothers and sisters, Vernell Seal, Amite, Margaret Ann Seal, Franklinton, Shirley Holden, Amite, Vickie Loomis, Ferriday, Sue Robertson, Kentwood, Barbara Rae Cox, Amite, and Alfred Corkern, Ferriday. Preceded in death by parents, John J. & Viola Corkern; son, John W. Corkern; 1 infant son; 2 infant daughters; step son, Jeffrey P. Morgan and grandson, Craig Corkern. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until Masonic and Religious services at 11AM Saturday, December 21, 2013. Services conducted by Elder Mason Miley and Elder Mark Harrison. Interment Friendship Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press 

http://www.bpnews.net/

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “Taking Refuge”

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Story – “Things are Not always as They Appear”

http://academictips.org/blogs/things-are-not-always-as-they-appear/

Hymn of the Day – “Angels from the Realms of Glory”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/f/afrglory.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “The Long Haul”

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12640&LanguageID=1709

Thanks to those who came to the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin.  We were so blessed to have all of you in our home.  

Anna Lee

Thursday

“The wisdom from above is first pure,

then peace-loving,

gentle,

compliant,

full of mercy and good fruits,

without favoritism and hypocrisy.”

~James 3:17, HCSB~

 

Drew Williams

Drew Williams’ surgery was long, as expected, but finished with the desired outcome.  Pray for him as he lives on smoothies for the next few weeks.

Connor Corkern

Connor has a restful seizuer-free day Wednesday after all the seizures he has had recently.  Pray for another good day today.

The 205th Engineering Battalion

These brave and self-less men and women returned to the United States yesterday.  They enjoyed some sweet reunions and look forward to a special Christmas back on U.S. soil.  Thanks to all of you for your service.

Baptist Press – Please take time to read some of today’s inspiring stories.

BPNews.net

Devotional – Our Daily Bread – “The Son is Given “

http://odb.org/

Inspirational Stories – “LimBitLess – The Rachel Handler Story”

http://academictips.org/blogs/limbitless-the-rachel-handler-story/

Hymn of the Day – “Hark!  the Herald Angels Sing”

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/a/hhangels.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Creative Mission Tools

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/lmcoatworkview.asp?PageNavID=111&StoryID=12370&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – Please take time to read some of today’s wonderful stories.

BPNews.net

Third Thursday – Today is the third Thursday of the month.

Join us at the cabin for a sweet meeting consisting of visiting, eating, singing, devotional, and prayer.  We meet at 6:30.  Call or send a computer message if you need more information.

This time of great joy is always difficult for some people.  Help them recover the joy of Christmas.

Anna Lee