Category: Devotional

Thursday

“Do not be afraid;

keep on speaking, do not be silent.”

~Acts 18:9b NIV~

Susan  Rimes is doing better.  Katie says she can see the end of all the kidney stone problems her mother has been having.

Greg  Tanner’s memorial service was well attended.  The Scripture used was from I Corinthians 15.  Greg had lots of friends who all know Greg has been welcomed into Heaven.  Pastor Jeff McKneely said something to the effect of “Greg was a father to those who needed a father, a friend to those who needed a friend, and a husband to, no offense, Susan, to the widows who needed a husband”.

Pray for trouble at/in out embassies.  Pray for wisdom to those who have the power to stop the process.

There will be a WMU meeting tonight at 6 P.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC.  All ladies are welcomed.

The Georgia Barnette Offering for missions in our state will begin a week of prayer Sunday.  Pray for God to open your eyes to spiritual needs here in Louisiana.

Devotional – “After Surrender, then What?”

http://utmost.org/

“Ture surrender in death means being united with Jesus.”

May God richly bless you this very day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’

Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.”

~Mark 10:52 NASB~

Dee Newcomb is now home.  Thank God for his continued progress.
Today, the associational Sr. Adult Revival is at Kedron, which is west of Amite.  Go, prepared to be blessed.
Baptist Press
Devotional by Holley Gerth: When You Need Peace of Mind
My you find peace in the world today.
Anna Lee

Monday

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1~

Nikki Newell‘s medication was changed again causing a big improvement in her seizures.  Pray for this family as they try to get her correctly medicated for her newly diagnosed epilepsy problem.

Jimmy Schwartz was a little better yesterday.  Pray he will be a little better today too.

Pray for the Tanner family as they face Greg’s surgery to removed part of his pancreas, which is not going to be an easy surgery.

Taylor Buckley is out of state working with his dad and experiencing problems with kidney stones.  Pray for Taylor to get better and for his mother as she is not with him during this time.

The Two Rivers Associational Senior Adult Revival beging this morning.  Monday, they will meet at FBC, Kentwood, Tuesday at Kedron, and  Wednesday at New Sharon.  Breakfast begins at  9:00 with fellowship, followed by choir practice, worship service, and lunch.  It should be a great time to see friends from other churches.

Floal “Aunt To”, “To-To” Bridges Simmons
(February 15, 1927 – September 7, 2012)

Passed away peacefully to join her loved ones and dear friends on September 7, 2012. She was born in Tangipahoa and was a longtime resident and grocery store owner for many years in Tangipahoa. After closing and retiring from her business, she worked at Tangipahoa General Merchandise. She also worked for Kellwood in Independence. She then moved to Independence where she resided for the past 16 years. There she made new friends and “family” whom she loved and was loved dearly. She showed her kindness by delivering her homemade desserts, plants, etc to her dear friends and family. She had a green thumb like no other. Also, she enjoyed quilting and crafting with her friends in her earlier years. Although she had no children of her own, she was a loving and devoted “Aunt To” starting with her nieces and nephews and a loving and wonderful “To-To” to ALL of her great nieces and nephews. She had enormous love and never a harsh word for them. She also had much joy and happiness in her life during the last seven years by “having a job” everyday babysitting her beloved “BA-BA” Haleigh and “Brother Boy” Hunter…They were the light of her life and kept her moving everyday and SHE granted their every wish. They sincerely loved her and she “loved them more”. Everyone will truly miss her loving care, desserts, pimento cheese and witty humor. Mrs. Simmons was a member of Tangipahoa Methodist Church, a charter member of Tangipahoa Cemetery Committee, and a former member of Tangipahoa Civic Club. She is survived by her 2 sisters, Ruby “Pete” Crain and husband, Oscar and Shelby Bland; 2 special sisters-in-law, Mary Stewart and husband, George and Stella Williamson and husband, Pete; 4 nieces, Tara Morgan and husband, James, Linda Scharwath and husband, Keith, Cindy Crayton and husband, Luke and Stacie Miranda and husband, Mike; 6 nephews, Granville McCoy and wife, Linda, Johnny McCoy and wife, Jeannie, Kenny Bland, Gerald Bland and wife, Cindy, Michael Bland, Michael Stewart and wife, Melanie; 5 great nieces, Denise LaBorde and husband, Rick, Kaci Puglia and husband, Anthony, Hayley Bland, Jessica Halford and husband, Michael and Tisha White and husband, Jamie, 5 great nephews, Brett Morgan, Keith Scharwath, Jr., Kevin Scharwath, John McCoy and wife, Debi and Jeremy McCoy; 6 great great nieces, Katie Miranda, Emma Miranda, Abby White, Olivia White, Gabi McCoy and Claire Halford; 7 great great nephews, Dylan McCoy, Jaxson McCoy, Grant McCoy, Tristan Stewart, Matthew Stewart, Mark Stewart and Sean Halford; great-great “Grand” nephew, Hunter “Brother Boy” Puglia; great great “Grand” niece, Haleigh “BA-BA” Puglia; very special and devoted friends, Faye Pike and Claudia Morgan. Preceded in death by her husband, Julian Simmons; mother, Ruby Bridges; father, Harry Bridges; sister, Evelyn McCoy; brothers, Harry “Man” Bridges and Gerald “Sugarman” Bridges; brothers-in-law, Emmett Tate, G.K. McCoy and Kenny Bland. Pallbearers will be Keith Scharwath, Jr., Kevin Scharwath, Anthony Puglia, Jr., Rick LaBorde, Brett Morgan, and Seth Banks. Honorary pallbearer will be Hunter Puglia. Visitation at Tangipahoa Methodist Church, Tangipahoa, LA from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Services conducted by Pastor L.C. Lord and Pastor Kevin Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Devotional by Holley Gerth: The Day I Said “O Yeah”

http://holleygerth.com/the-day-i-said-oh-yeah/#comments

Find your “O Yeah” of the day today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep,

so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,

even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”

~1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, NASB~

Greg Tanner is possibly facing removal of part of his pancreas.  The family requests prayers because this will be a difficult surgery for him.  Greg is in Ochsner Hospital.

Susan Rimes was released from the hospital, but is facing another long journey to remove her kidney stones.  Please be in prayer for her in the coming days.

My former student, Cindy, said her mother, Sue Knight of Amite, has been cleared of one problem, but the doctors have not determined what her health issue is.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Mrs. Knight is in North Oaks.

Continue to pray for Jimmy Schwartz who continues to need out prayers.  Jimmy is in North Oaks.

Pray for the Anthony family as they prepare for the wake and funeral for Mr. Raymond at McKneely’s in Kentwood.

The Associational Senior Adult Revival will be Monday through Wednesday of next week.  Plan to attend and be blessed.

FBC, Kentwood will have a potluck supper Sunday night followed by family night.  Come and be a part of this special time.

Devotional by Holley Gerth -“Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream”

http://holleygerth.com/your-favorite-flavor-of-ice-cream/

 Take some times to pray for these requests and some time to complete your preparation for Sunday School tomorrow.  Have a blessed day!
Anna Lee

Friday

“Jesus said, ‘No procrastination.

No backward looks.

You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow.

Seize the day.’”

~Luke 9:62 MSG~

Jadon Pailet had a check-up yesterday.  Since his surgery in January he has gained 10 pounds and 4 inches.  He is such a different child now.  Thank God for all his progress!

People who can do mud out are encouraged to contact Bro. Stan.  Many homes were flooded in Washington Parish.  Mud out is one of the early steps in getting the homes ready for use again.  Call 985-839-3827 if you can volunteer in any way.

Susan Rimes will be re-evaluated this morning to determine what they need to do for her today.  Pray for the correct decision to be made.

Greg Tanner is still at Ochsner and has a number of issues that need to be addressed.  Jimmy Schwartz is at North Oaks and also has a number of issues.  Please pray for these two men.  Ask God to be with them and each member of their families today.

Camp Living Waters – You Have a Hand in All We Do

Greetings!

We just wanted to drop everyone a note to say “thank you” for your help, prayers and support of Camp Living Waters this summer. Our summer season is always a very busy time with lots of opportunities to share the Love of Jesus. If you support Camp Living Waters either directly, through you local church, through your association, in your service and with your prayers, You had a hand in 154 professions of faith reported to us at camps May-August. To God be the Glory! Great things He has done. We really had a great summer and God’s presence and watch-care prevailed.

Also, many of you have inquired about the  camp and the recent Hurricane Isaac. The camp did not suffer any major damage. Just a few trees, lots of limbs and debris, and more than enough water. We went 3 days without power as a total of approximately 21″ of rain fell over 2 days.  Our lower campus had almost 7 feet of water as the Tangipahoa River came out of its banks recording the highest levels in 30 years. But everything is almost back to normal with cleanup operations moving forward.
We are still operational and look forward to those of you scheduled this month to come on out.
Now that September is here, we are ready to start up again on our building and expansion projects. Lots of opportunities for you an your folks to come and lend a hand. Even if you are heading close by to help with storm recovery and we can help you as you help others, let us know.
Its all about us reaching out and lending hands of love to further the Kingdom of God.
Look for more to come soon.
Bro Keith
Devotional – Holley Gerth – “When You Want More Joy, Purpose and Growth”

http://holleygerth.com/?s=when+you+want+more

Baptist Press

After Isaac, Worshipers were Undeterred

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38658

Mother of Two Emerges with Faith Despite Question after Question

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38657

Let me remind you that many people are touched by your prayers.  You are an important part of their lives!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians 1:6 NIV~

Jimmy Schwartz is still at North Oaks.  Pray they can do something to prevent Jimmy’s spells of passing out.

Mr. Raymond Anthony is being given medicine so he won’t be in pain.  Pray for his family as they stick by his side.

Continue to pray for Greg Tanner while he is in Ochsner to find answers to his problems.

Thank God for the ladies from our church who worked preparing food with the disaster relief team at Houma.

Continue to pray for the people and their problems in the aftermath of Isaac.  Pray the storm forming below Alabama (Isaac remants) will not hit here again.  More rain and wind are not needed or wanted here now!

Baptist Press

http://www.bpnews.net/

Devotional by Holley Gerth – “Why You Can’t ‘Get Over It’ Right Away”

http://holleygerth.com/why-you-cant-get-over-it-right-away/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dayspring%2FaSfH+%28Heart+to+Heart+with+Holley%29

Have a great day.  Spend part of it with someone you love and/or someone who needs you.  Make a difference in some lives today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“God gives us many kinds of special abilities,

but it is the same Spirit who is the source of them all.

There are different kinds of service to God,

but it is the same Lord we are serving.

There are many ways in which God works in our lives,

but it is the same God who works in and through all of us.”

~1 Corinthians 12:4-6 LB~

Dee Newcomb continues to improve.  Thank God for his progress.

The two year old we are praying for got to go home for four hours yesterday.  Thank God for that time with the family, especially for the siblings.

Celebrating 75 Years of “Open Windows”

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Open-Windows-Devotions/139938599363469

Don ‘t forget to bring your items to the church so they can be delivered to those who were flooded out in Washington Parish.  May God bless you for your concern for others.

I pray your world is returning to “normal” now that Isaac is gone.  Pray for and physically help those who need a helping hand.

Anna Lee

Thursday

I’m still singing “God Will Take Care of You” this morning.  I think I may alter the words some to say “God Did Take Care of Me”!

“O my strength, I will sing praises to You;

For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.”

~Psalm 59:17, NASB~

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.”

~Psalm 18:6~

Isaac was certainly a bad hurricane, but thankfully it is finally heading out of here.  I’m confident he brought many people who had not prayed lately or very seriously to some real prayer sessions!

I think we can all count our blessings this morning.  I have many!

Today’s big task will be to continue checking on others and doing what needs to be done for them.  Show God how thankful you are by helping others.

2 rigs with roofing materials en route for Gulf hurricane victims

www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38604

Isaac, 7 years post-Katrina, mobilizes volunteers

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38605

Devotional

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/devotions/davenport_thanksgiving.aspx

Looking for a little sunshine today.  Be the sunshine in someone’s world today!

Anna Lee

Friday

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

~Philippians 4:13 NIV~

Changes!  Lots of people are going through changes.  I just finished reading about a young mother putting her two children in school after moving to a new state.  Lots of people are facing school changes, empty nests, sickness, loss of loved ones, etc.  These times can seem so difficult!  This verse is a good one to cling to as changes invade our world.  Hold one!  God can/will help you though new seasons of your life.

Football season has begun/is beginning in our local schools.  Pray for safety of the players and those that are traveling many miles to follow their team.  Pray for good sportsmanship to rule over selfish feelings.  Pray for Christian love and attitudes to shine as an example for others.  Go, teams!

Lloyd Albert Vice, 86 years old of Ponchatoula, passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at his residence.
He was born on Wednesday, September 9, 1925, in Jeanerette, Louisiania.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.
Mr. Vice was a member of First Baptist Church in Independence.
He was a member of the Red Cross Constantine, Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge #458 and #466, Knights Templer, and Scottish Rite and York Rite. Mr. Vice was a Shriner and a 32nd Degree Mason and a 50+ year Mason.
Surviving are his daughter & son-in-law, Judy Ann Vice and Harold Berner; half brother, James “Jimmy” R. Vice; loving pets, Coco and Sadie; sister-in-law, Willie Scheibe; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Viola O’Brien Vice; and parents, Lloyd JosephVice and Gladys Ganucheau Vice O’Connor.
Friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Friday, August 24, 2012, from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday, from 8:00 am until the funeral service at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Mitch Williams officiating.
Interment will follow in the Wetmore Cemetery in Ponchatoula.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Independence or Masonic Lodge #458 in Independence.

Baptist Press
Devotional
Have a wonderful Friday.  Do something special to top off your week.
Anna Lee