Category: Devotional

Monday

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours,

and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain;

and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

And he prayed again,

and the heaven gave rain,

and the earth produced its fruit.”

~James 5:17-18~

Isn’t it wonderful to be able to pray and then wait to see how God chooses to answer?

Peggy Alford is home and learning more and more each day how to use that new knee.  Knowing Peggy, she’s making progress faster than most people.

Mrs. Nadine Council requests prayer for her sister-in-law.

Sandy Birch’s mother was admitted to North Oaks yesterday.  She was better in a few hours.  Pray for Mrs. Cooper and her family.

Connor Corkern is home again.  I know his family is thankful to all be in the same house again.

Jimmy Schwartz was at Sunday School and the 2nd worship service yesterday.  I didn’t see him, but am thankful he was able to celebrate Easter with his church family and his family.

Looking for a Lost Son

 

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/looking-for-a-lost-son/

90 Day Bible Reading – Last Day!

Revelation 18:1 – Revelation 22:21

When you complete today’s passages, please let me know.  I’m curious to know who has been reading along with me.

I will once again say this has been my favorite way to read the Bible.  Let me know if you didn’t read this time, but would like to read in the future, either now or some time later.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

 

Easter

Though he was God,

did not demand and cling to his rights as God,

but laid aside his mighty power and glory,

taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.”

~Philippians 2:6-7 LB~

Lara’s Gowns for Smiles – Susan finished 231 gowns today to give her a total of 21 for girls today and already had 22 gowns for boys.  These will be delivered to St. Jude’s. Baskets for donations of fabric or sewing notions will be at the church today – 2 by the northwest stairs and 2 by the mail entry.

Zach Morgan has been sorting through his caps and hats for children in the Baton Rouge area.  There will also be baskets for donations to Zach’s Lidz for Kidz.  Remember, this drive will end at the end of April.

90 Day Bible Reading – Next to last day!

Jude 1 – Revelation 17:18

My Hope America by Billy Graham

 

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/myhope/

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

We had great news this morning.  Our Hatchel kids have been in a warm and sunny place all week, but are home now where it is snowing.  I’m thanking God for them having a good week with colleagues and for their return home.

 

Saturday

“Jesus said to her,

‘I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.’”

~John 11:25-26a, NKJV~

He is Risen Walk

  • This morning!
  • Catch the church van at FBC, Kentwood at 9:00 for transport to beginning of walk
  • No parking at the store
  • Walk from Crossroads Store to FBC, Kentwood
  • Water and bathroom break at  Smokehouse Barbecue
  • Okay to park at Smokehouse to pray, watch, and cheer on walkers
  • Walk along highway 38 with police escort
  • Van for those who cannot complete the walk
  • Carry a cross is you choose
  • Prayer time

90-Day (Really only 88 days) Bible Reading – Day 86 

James 3:13 – 3 John 14

Samaritan’s Purse collected over a million shoeboxes to distribute around the world last Christmas season!  Thank God for all the support.  Plan to help if you/your church have not done so before.  Pray about the boxes you will pack next year.  Thank God for a million children who heard the Christmas message in their own language and received a box of gifts!

William J. “Red” Feltman
(February 21, 1927 – March 27, 2013)

A long-time resident of Kentwood, he died at 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Kentwood Rehabilitation Hospital. He was born February 21, 1927 in Iuka, MS and was 86 years of age. He spent more than 60 years hard at work in the sawmill and timber industry, and everyone knew him as “Mr. Red.” He was well known for his ability to find the humor in almost any situation, and for his deep love of country music. He is survived by immediate family, brother, Gail and Connie Feltman and family, of Houma, LA; children, James Michael and Shelly “Shell” Feltman and family of Hammond, LA; Kathy Feltman, of Denham Springs, LA; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; niece, Becky and Malone Williams and family, of Kentwood, LA and a host of extended family and friends, including: Gail, Jason and Wesley Smith, Pat and Nick Lee and family, and long time good friend, Richard Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Nellie Mae Feltman; sister, Betty Fay Smith; wife, Betty Ann McDaniel Feltman; two children, William David McDaniel and Kenneth Russell McDaniel, and longtime companion, Katherine Hernandez. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Spring Creek Baptist Church, beginning at 5 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 7 p.m. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Kentwood Rehab Hospital and to Pastor Danny Smith of Spring Creek Baptist Church for their care and compassion during this difficult time. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunrise Easter Service at Inspiration Part at 7:00 A.M.  You are invited.

Remember to include Jesus in your Easter celebration this year!

Anna Lee

Friday Addition

It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.

It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.

And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.

~Copied from a post by  Susan Rogers Taylor~

Friday

     “As far as the east is from the west,

so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

~Psa. 103:12~

Betty Slocum’s grandson, Travis Tackett, was in an accident Wednesday night.  He is at UMC where he has had surgery for a broken him.  He is doing well and is in a regular room, but will require a lot of recovery time.  Pray for this family and for the others involved in the accident.

Ladd Turner’s update on his brother, Dan

He has been recommended for a “final” stage of therapy that is really designed to try to get him back to work. He still has a long road ahead of him as brain injuries don’t heal quickly. He is still working on regaining 100% use of his left arm and leg. He’s already come a long way with both. He knows it takes time but his personality is such that he does not like being held back by anything. Pray that he continues to keep his hard working attitude as he continues to heal, please.

Thanks, Ladd.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell got sick Wednesday night and was taken to Greensburg and then Covington.  Her problem was NOT her heart as first expected.  She will have a follow-up appointment and tests with a specialist.  She returned home late last night.  Continue to pray for Mr. Philip and “Miss” Annie Bell as well as their family.

Seth Houeye, grandson of Frances Gay and Bea Houeye, had a baseball injury involving his head and a bat.  He has been tested and determined he will be okay.  Thank God this injury was not any worse.  Pray for Seth and his family during this time.

Connor Corkern and his family have hopes of being home this weekend. Pray Connor’s fever and rash completely leave his little body.

Sammy "Sambo" Relan

Sammy “Sambo” Relan

Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home

Sammy W. “Sambo” Relan, 72 years old of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at his residence.

He was born on Friday, January 3, 1941, in Independence, son of the late Charles and Josephine Cascio Relan.

Surviving are his daughters & sons-in-law, Sandra and David Harper, Sammi and John Dorsa, son & daughter-in-law, Randy and KellyRelan, son, Charles M. Relan, 8 grandchildren, Betsy Collard, David Harper II, Joy Forshag, Margaret Aikman, McKenzie Aikman, Joshua Aikman, Zachary Dorsa, Samuel Dorsa, great-granddaughter, Miah Grace Collard, brothers, Frank Relan, and Charles Relan Jr.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Bennie and Joe Joe Relan.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond.

Services will be held in the funeral home chapel in Hammond on Monday, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Steve Farmer officiating.

Interment will follow in the Amite Memorial Gardens Amite, Louisiana.

Baptist Press – BPNews.net  – My favorite “newspaper”!

Hebrews 1:1 – James 3:12

DISASTER RELIEF CHAPLAINCY/CRISIS INTERVENTION (SBC) –  One of the options available for working with disaster relief and part of the NAMB funded through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

 

http://www.namb.net/chaplaincy-crisis-intervention/

 

From Brandy Potts

We will be have a “HE IS RISEN” walk saturday. Park at FBC in kentwood at 9:00 and be shuttled to Spring Creek Crossroads for 9:30 where we will start walking. If u get tired and can not walk anymore there will be a van following us for u to get in and ride the rest of the way. We will also have a resting point at the top of the hill where there will be water for u. Please come out and join us on this walk.

Jesus is the reason for the season! (A gentle reminder!)

Anna Lee

Thursday

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

~James 5:16b~

Connor Corkern is back in the hospital.  He was admitted because of fever and a rash.  The doctor is eliminating some medication.  Let’s pray the solution is this easy.

Mrs. Sook Stevens of Amite is home, but discouraged.  Pray for her and her caregivers.

Mansell Stinson will be facing additional surgery soon.  Pray for him as he deals with his diabetes.

Donnie Travis of Arcola is also facing additional surgery.  His body is rejecting an implant he received in his last surgery.

Pray for Naomi Tolar’s sister, Debbi Olive, as she has open-heart surgery next Monday in Maryland.

Continue to pray for Peggy Alford as she does physical therapy for her new knee and for Mrs. Susie Wales as she does physical therapy with her new hip.

Pray for Jimmy Schwartz and for his family.  As far as I know, he is at home and glad to be there.

If you would like to view the celebration service for Malley Jane McMullen go to YouTube and search under her name.

Marty Simpson highly recommends a YouTube video by Louie Giglio.  It is entitles “Nature Singing to God” and is 12 minutes long.

90 Day Bible Reading – Day 84

1 Thessalonians 1:1 –  Philemon 25

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Samiratan’s Purse – 5 Wells in 5 Days

We’re Overflowing with Gratitude

We are thanking and praising God for the way you responded to the “5 Wells in 5 Days” campaign. We asked for $50,000 in one short week. But you went above and beyond. We met the entire goal on the first day. Before noon on the second day, the total had doubled. By the end of the week, God used your prayers and support to bring in an astounding $242,327, which will help transform entire communities in South Sudan.

We surpassed our goal for this particular campaign, yet the need in South Sudan remains great. And donations to provide fresh water around the world are always needed.

Thanking God for the money given for new wells and all the people who will be able to have clean water.  I’m praying they will soon learn of the Living Water.

Anna Lee 

Wednesday

“And this I pray,

that your love may abound still more and more

in knowledge and all discernment.”

~Philippians 1:9~

Shelton Day is home and doing well.  He said he feels better than he has in five years!  Thank God for his family members who got him to the hospital in time.

90 Day Bible Reading – Day 83

Galations 3:26 – Colossians 4:18

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief

 http://www.namb.net/dr/

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Have a great day of being God’s ambassador here on earth.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you:

Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him.

This is the true worship that you should offer.”

~Romans 12:1 TEV~

Mrs. Susie Wales is available for phone calls after 4 P.M.

Jadon’s Story – http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

90 Day Bible Reading – Day 82

1 Corinthians 15:1 -Galatians 3:25

Missions – ‘Love for every Muslim’ should be heart of all Christians

http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=11581&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press – BPNews.net

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

11:00 A.M. this morning at Nyla’s

Sunrise Service at Inspiration Park

7 A.M. Easter Sunday

Thanks to all who “tune in” every day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Give yourselves to God …

surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.”

~Romans 6:13b TEV~

 

Pray for Peggy Alford has knee replacement surgery today in Baton Rouge.  Pray for her caregivers in the coming weeks.

Pray for Mrs. Susie Wales as she works at rehab for the next week.

90 Day Bible Reading

Romans 15:1 – 1 Corinthians 14:40

Mission Offering – Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Mission Projects at FBC, Kentwood

  • Pew Blankets for FBC, Kentwood (until we have one per pew)
  • Zach’s Lidz for Kidz (through April)
  • Lara’s Gowns for Smiles – Indefinately

Malley Jane McMullen

(March 2, 2013 – March 22, 2013)

Services for Malley Jane McMullen will be held Tuesday March 26, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Roy Dabbs officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Baby Malley Jane of Meridian was born March 2, 2013 and died Friday March 22, 2013 at Blair Baston Children’s Hospital in Jackson.

Survivors include her parents, Monty and Janie Dickerson McMullen of Meridian; grandparents, Dr. Albert and Janell McMullen of Meridian, and Wayne and Elynn Dickerson of Demopolis, Al; great –grandmother, Eva Dickerson of Goodman, MS; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Chad Turner, Mark Davis, Reggie Richardson and Wayne Rainer. Honorary pallbearers will be Marty McMullen, Robert Mayben, and Joshua Dickerson.

Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.

Wanzie Lee Jenkins Graham
(December 25, 1925 – March 23, 2013)

On December 25, 1925, Wanzie Lee Jenkins Graham was born to Claibe and Dolly Jenkins, cotton farmers in the Lawrence Creek Community of Washington Parish. At the age of 17, she met A. C. Graham, the man she would be married to for 64 years. Fourteen children, dairy farmers, and a trucking business gave her a full life. Wanzie left this life on March 23, 2013. She is survived by her 5 sons, Charles Ray Graham, Baltimore, MD, A.C. Graham, Jr., Amite, Rocky Graham, Amite, Barney Joe Graham, Kentwood and William Dennis Graham, Amite; 7 daughters, Genelle Rick, Amite, Georgette Fontenot, Slidell, Carol Sue Schexnayder, Slidell, Debbie Marie Smith, Picayune, MS, Brenda Kaye Graham, New Iberia, Tammy Lynn Bennett, Amite and Candice San Crowe, Amite; 34 grandchildren, Connie, Chuck, Charlene, Cindy, BoBo, Rosie, Chance, Mandy, Michelle, Michael, Casey, Kelly, April, Cole, Nick, BJ, Rocky, Jr.,Brandon, Krystal, Rusty, Kirsten, Ricky, Brian, Melissa, Jason, Wanda, Dewayne, Alan, Jessica, Justin, Kaitlan, Courtney, Cassie, and Heather; 35 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by, her husband, A.C. Graham; parents, Claibe and Dolly Jenkins Graham;11 brothers and sisters; son, Michael L. Graham; daughter, Shirley Ann Dykes; 2 grandchildren, Chris Graham and Clay Hyde; great-granddaughter, Jennifer Renee DiMiceli; great-great-granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Rodrigues. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Religious Services will be held at Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Randy Casanova

(January 22, 1956 – March 23, 2013)

A resident of McComb, MS, died on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at his residence in McComb. He was born January 22, 1956 in Amite and was 57 years of age. Survived by 3 sons, Chad, Brad and Randy Casanova; 4 daughters, Tashia Glynn, Brittany Mullins and husband, Henry, Nikki Hunt and Tammy Casanova; 13 grandchildren; and mother, Harriet Carlton. Preceded in death by father, Felder Casanova; and 2 sisters, Lisa Evans and Rita Holden. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. Services conducted by Bro. Joe Jackson. Interment Arcola-Roseland, Roseland. The family would like to thank Ochsner Foundation for their excellent care during the years. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday

“Let the little children come to Me,

and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

~Luke 18:16b~

Connor Corkern did get to come home.  Pray all goes well for them so they can enjoy some family time at home for a while.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell has been having some difficult days, but continues to do her best.  Mr. Phillip looks good.  Together, they make a good team as they care for each other.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier continues to endure pain and looks forward to finding the right doctor who can help her.

Reesa Birch DeLee is a little better.  Her mother said she has braved driving short distances.  She continues to benefit from our prayers for her. Be sure to include her family in your prayers.

Daily Bible Reading – Day 80 (only 8 more)

Acts 28:17 – Romans 14:23

Grief-stricken Syrian father struggles to keep going

http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=11590&LanguageID=1709

Pray for lives to be changed this Easter season at many local churches.

Anna Lee