Category: Devotional

Friday

                       Above all, love each other deeply,       

              because love covers over a multitude of sins.

~I Peter 4:8~

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 61
  • Psalm 117
  • 2 Peter 2

 

 

 

This morning I found a new video about the Georgia Barnett Offering.  You may want to see it.  Try my Facebook page.

 

 

 

Songs I Love

 

 

 

Grace Joiner Chadwick

November 27, 1921 – September 26, 2018

Grace Joiner Chadwick, a resident of Roseland passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born November 27, 1921 in Tickfaw and was 96 years of age. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Roseland for 78 years. She is survived by her daughter, Fay Todd and husband, James; son, Bobby Joe Chadwick and wife, Annette; grandchildren, Leticia Brister, Jeffrey Brister, Justin Brister, Robert “Robby” Chadwick, Christina Dupuy and husband, Michael, and Jennifer Bel and husband, John; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Betty Pal, Robert, LA and Gladys Stevens, Burgettstown, PA; 1 brother, Redrick J. Joiner, Loranger; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, William A. “Shorty” Chadwick; parents, Redrick J. Joiner and Nell Kyzar Joiner; grandson, Elmer Brister, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Amelia Grace; 8 sisters and 3 brothers. Pallbearers will be Justin Brister, Andrew Brister, Waco Bickham, Peyton Bickham, Joel Dupuy, Boddy Chadwick, Colby Chadwick, and Omar Banos. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Services conducted by John Bel and Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Martha Quinn Traylor

October 21, 1932 – September 26, 2018

Martha Q. Traylor, a resident of Amite, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. She was born October 21, 1932 in Oscar, KY and was 85 years of age. She is survived by 4 sons, Edward Dykes, Mt. Hermon, Jackie Dykes and Vicky Wall, Osyka, MS, Jerry Dykes and wife, Kathy, Mt. Hermon, Peyton Travis and wife, Jane, Kentwood; 4 daughters, Shirley Cooper, Paducah, KY, Faye Carney, Bolivar, Ruthie Dykes, Bolivar, and Lila Watson and husband, David, Sr., Wilmer; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Thomas James Traylor; 6 sons, Eugene Travis, William Dykes, Carl Ray Dykes, Tommy Lane Dykes, Jimmy W. Dykes, Sr. and Phillip “Philcole” Dykes; parents, Henry and Eunice Cooper; and numerous brothers and sisters. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, October 1, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Carmardelle, Rev. E. J. Didone, and Rev. Melvin Rushing. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Quote that I ran across yesterday –

Love the people

God gave you

Because He will

Need them back

One day.

I have a long list of people I have loved who no longer walk the face of this earth.  Some were family member, but others were special friends.  Once they are gone from this earth, I can only plan to see them in heaven one day, but when I get there it will be wonderful to again see all of these people who touched my life.  We have to invest our lives in others to realize how important they are to us.

 

 

Oh, what precious memories I cherish!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Monday

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;  

it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

~Lamentations 3:25-26~

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Broom Hayden has had her foot removed.  She’s got spunk and has already begun to plan on how she will be walking again soon.  Keep praying for her and watching for her return to church.

 

 

Wednesday is the day students are encouraged to “Bring your Bible to School”.  Let’s keep Christ in our schools!

 

 

We live in a troubled world.  Our Christians values are not seen in “the world”, but we should cling to them tightly.  We each need to cling to what we know to be right and the one who paid it all for us.

“In Times Like These”

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Reflect on God’s Kindness
  • Catch up on any reading you may have missed this week.

 

 

May this Monday be the beginning of a good week for you.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

~Matthew 2:11-12~

Today, I ask for continued prayers for the Strickland family.  The flu situation is better, thankfully.  Phillip is home and recovering from his surgery.  Phillip’s dad, Mike, fell and broke some bones in his neck.  He’s hospitalized in Jackson, MS now.  Sometimes, like can present some difficult times.  Please pray the Stricklands through this one, please.

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving to Atlanta.  A going-away reception for her will be Tuesday, January 2 at 3 P.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Everyone is invited to attend.

 

Read the Bible – You choose the passage(s) today.

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

Waylon Bailey’s “Finishing the Story” – http://waylonbailey.com/2017/12/28/finishing-the-story/

 

If you are not prepared for cold weather, get prepared today.  If you are prepared. check on others that may need your help.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Friday

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

~1 Timothy 2:1-2~

 

I have a special request for a family that I choose not to name at this time.  Pray for a family that we have known for a long time.

Mrs. Anne Hurst is back at home.  Please keep praying for her.

 

Read the Bible – Act 17-18 and Psalm 127

 

I’ve followed Alan Smith’s posts for many years.  He has inspired me with the way he shared God’s Word.  I’ve only known his through his posts, but I feel we share many aspects of our faith. This is the one he posted for today.

Personal note:  It is with a great deal of sadness that I announce that this is the last TFTD message that I will be sending out.  For the past 20 years or so, I have been sending out TFTD, sometimes as often as five times a week.  During those 20 years, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to establish a relationship with thousands of people around the world, from the United States to Nigeria, from Scotland to Australia, from China to Antarctica (yes, really!).  Your words of encouragement through the years have been a tremendous blessing to me.  Many of you helped me get through a really tough time in my life, and for that I will be eternally grateful.  But it is time for TFTD to come to an end.  I believe that God has other plans for me, and my attention needs to be focused in other directions.  From time to time, I will still post a blog on our church website (www.cruciformcoc.com), and you are welcome to keep an eye on that (and make comments!).  For all that you have done for me, and for all the ways that you have blessed my life, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I am truly blessed with wonderful friends.  May God richly pour out His blessings on you all.

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)

=====  Thursday’s Thought For The Day (Oct. 12, 2017)  =====

GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR FRIENDS

I heard about a farmer who was detained for questioning about an election scandal.   The attorney asked him, “Did you sell your vote?”

The farmer said, “No sir, not me.  I voted for that there fella ’cause I liked him.”

The attorney said, “Come, now, I have evidence that he gave you fifty dollars for a vote.”

The farmer said, “Well, now, it’s plain common sense that when a fella gives you fifty dollars you like him.”

I suppose that’s one way to define a friend.  In fact, Solomon said, “Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.” (Proverbs 19:6).

But, a true friend involves a depth of relationship.  It’s someone you enjoy doing things with, someone you enjoy talking with, someone you wouldn’t hesitate to turn to in times of need.  I like how I once heard someone describe a friend as someone you could call at 2:00 a.m. if you needed something.  Solomon lets us know how important friends are in the difficult times of life:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.  Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Give thanks to God for the friends who are a blessing in your life.  And let those friends know how special they are to you!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Cruciform Church of Christ
Spring Lake, North Carolina
www.cruciformcoc.com

You are such a blessing in my life.  I look forward to sharing with you each day.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Wednesday

“A Game-changing Attitude”

Dr. Waylon Bailey

http://waylonbailey.com/2017/08/29/a-game-changing-attitude/“

“And for this I rejoice.

And I shall rejoice.”

~Philippians 1:18b~

 

Hurricane Harvey is still a big prayer concern.  As we have watched the new, we see places we where a week and a half ago as we returned from Baylor.  This is hard to imagine and surely extremely difficult to live through.  Let’s keep praying for the areas of Texas where Harvey has invaded.  Today, we can add areas of Louisiana to the list. There are numerous ways to help the people.  I’ve been updating my Facebook page with helpful information so you can participate in helping those affected by this storm.  Over and over. I hear requests for prayer.

Some, if not all, of the area schools are closing for the day because the storm is moving more to the east as it enters Louisiana.  Check the website of specific schools if you need more information.

Even though it has been raining here for some time, the newest forecast shows the arrival of the rain and wind in our area to be around 8 A. M. today.  

May God calm the fears and concerns about the storm.

 

 

KK Huckaby shared this post about Josiah yesterday.

 Day 175: Wow…did I really just put 175??? Crazy! Josiah is doing well. He’s kind of plateaued the last couple of weeks with his oxygen requirements so they are going to increase his dosage of steroids to see if this will help wean him off of the oxygen because he’s still on the bubble CPAP. We are still waiting to hear what the plan is for his right kidney. There has been some back & forth about whether he can handle a major surgery without it causing more harm than good. So the alternative to reconstruction for the obstruction is to put in a nephrostomy tube/catheter to bypass the obstruction & save the function of his kidney. Hopefully we will have a plan in place tomorrow. As far as his “milestones”, he started laughing 2 weeks ago and it is the sweetest thing. He has no sound to his laugh but his face is so expressive! He started taking his pacifier some this week. He’s been working hard on holding items in his hands and on holding his head up. He doesn’t like to sleep when he knows there is stuff going…he’s just so social & doesn’t want to miss a thing! 💙💙💙

 

Pray for Koltyn Gafford and his mom as they travel to New Orleans today for a check-up.

 

 

Read the Bible – Matthew 15-16 & Psalm 89

Children’s mission class will meet tonight at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. Youth and adults will also be meeting.   Everyone goes to the sanctuary to begin.  The nursery is available.

Items being collected at FBC, Kentwood

  • Operation Christmas Child – Hairbrushes & Combs
  • LA Baptist Children’s Home – Salad Dressings, Mayonnaise, Napkins, Freezer Bags, Cooking Oil, Canned Fruit, Hand Soap/Sanitizer, Body Wash, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
  • Disaster Relief – Square Shovels, Gallons of Bleach, Work Gloves, Pry Bars, etc.

 

 

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

~Psalm 118:24 NKJV~

 

“This is the Day the Lord Hath Made”

 

 

God created this day.  Let’s give back to Him a portion of our day.

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,

“I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.”

~John 8:12~

 

Don Clemons seems to have good reports following his surgery.  Let’s join the family in thanking God for this.

Jimmy Alford, David brother. called yesterday to say his doctors see his cancer growing.  He’s waiting for additional information.

Bobby Forbes is expected to be able to return home today.  Let’s pray this happens.  Janie, his wife is a former nurse who will be giving him extra good care at home.

Tom Brister is undergoing tests.  Please pray for him.

 

Marsha Mistoler Reid

April 23, 1950 – August 19, 2017

http://www.mckneelys.com/obituary/marsha-reid

 

 

Read the Bible – II Chronicles 35-36 & Psalm 80

 

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – This morning at 11:00 at The Cafe

Honoring: Lois Pittman, Fay Raborn, Molly Carter, Frances Gay, Fay Shoemaker, Eva Watts, Carol Jean Conerly, Evelyn Bridges, Ferrie Gene Blackmon, Sue Connelly

 

 

Operation Christmas Child 

David and I shopped yesterday and made many good purchases.  I’m so anxious to open all the bags and look at the items all at the same time.  We found calculators for $.94 at Walmart in McComb (and bought them all), colored pens, jump ropes, small cars, plastic animals, soap, etc.  We experienced excitement and joy as we thought about the children who will receive the shoe boxes in a few months.

Items we didn’t purchase yesterday, but still need – small flashlights and extra batteries, washcloths, and bandanas.

 

 

The SON shines every day!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Friday

“Enter through the narrow gate.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,

and many enter through it.  

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,

and only a few find it.

~Matthew 7:13-14~

 

 

Mr. J.D. Smith was released from Hood Memorial yesterday afternoon.  He’s recovery from shoulder surgery is progressing nicely.  Keep on praying.

 

Mr. Harlon Toney is continuing to see doctors about his health problem.  Let’s continue to pray for this man of joy because of our Lord.

 

Mrs.  Bessie Hayden shared that her sister’s 19 year old grandson went to get his physical for college last Friday and has learned he has cancer.  He’s already had his first chemotherapy.  Pray for Gage Parker of the Jackson, MS area.

 

 

Read the Bible – Ezekiel 34-36 & Psalm 41

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

Operation Christmas Child – “Nadia and a Doll” – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoeboxstories-nadia-and-a-doll/

 

 

“Count Your Many Blessings”

 

 

On your darkest days, you still have many blessings to count!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Monday

 I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

~Psalm 119:45~

 

What a great night at church!  Four youth were baptizes, three as a result of Go Tell camp they attended last week.  Bro. Wendell baptized them in the very same baptistry where he was baptized!  Isn’t that special?  The youth gave testimonies and share the highlights of their week.  It was a great night.  I’m so thankful they had this opportunity!

 

 

 

Read the Bible – Lamentations 4-5 and Psalm 30  (If you have not done so, look at the video on Lamentations which is found at http://jointhebibleproject.com)

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – Song from last night’s service

 

 

I trust you have made that decision.  If not, today would be a wonderful day to do so.

Anna Lee

 

Thursday

“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”

~2 Timothy 4:17a NIV~

 

Today, let’s add Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch to our prayer list.  She has spent some time at North Oaks, but may come home today.  I know she will be appreciative of your prayers.

James Wesley Lee, Jr.

November 11, 1959 – June 07, 2017

http://www.mckneelys.com/obituary/james-lee-jr

 

There will be no Friday Morning Bible Study this week of next week.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Bible Reading for Today – Proverbs 22-24 & Psalm 5

 

I’m looking forward to the VBS Friday night program at FBC, Kentwood.

 

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights.

For the director of music.

On my stringed instruments.

 ~Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)~

Devotional  Thought – “What Would You Do with $524160.00?  – http://waylonbailey.com/2017/06/07/what-would-you-do-with-524160-00/

Dr. Bailey shares very interesting thoughts on his daily blog.  You may choose to receive them, as I do.

May God Depend on You?

 

Pray for Bro. Wendell as she shares the plan of salvation with the older children at VBS today.

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

LORD, you establish peace for us;

all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

~Isaiah 26:12~

 

Read the Bible – Joel, Psalm 125, and the “Joel” video found on jointhebibleproject.com

 

 

“Dear friends,

God the Father chose you long ago

and knew you would become his children.”

~1 Peter 1:2a TLB~

“Jesus, My Lord, Will Love Me Forever”/”Now I Belong to Jesus”

Romans 8:35-39

New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)

35 Who can separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or hard times or harm or hunger? Can nakedness or danger or war? 36 It is written,

“Because of you, we face death all day long.
    We are considered as sheep to be killed.” (Psalm 44:22)

37 No! In all these things we are more than winners! We owe it all to Christ, who has loved us. 38 I am absolutely sure that not even death or life can separate us from God’s love. Not even angels or demons, the present or the future, or any powers can separate us. 39 Not even the highest places or the lowest, or anything else in all creation can separate us. Nothing at all can ever separate us from God’s love. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done.

This morning I read a tribute from a former student for her mother and aunt.  I won’t share it, but I will say the twin sisters who died a day apart were strong in their faith and close to each other.  My former student is also strong in her faith and shared one of the greatest testimonies I have ever read.  These verses and this song fit their situation so perfectly.  I wish everyone facing death or the loss of a loved one could have such a testimony because of a faith that death cannot shake.

Anna Lee