Category: Devotional

Monday

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro

throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong

on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a, NKJV~

 

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “Sow What?” –   http://odb.org/2014/09/08/sow-what/
  • He who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.                                                                                                        ~Proverbs 11:18~
“He who goes out weeping,                                                                              carrying seed to sow,                                                                                              will return with songs of joy,                                                                            carrying sheaves with him.”                                                                                                                     ~Psalm 126:6~

I was given information about some area churches yesterday.  I trust you will be thankful for these reports.

  • “We fed over 200 folks today at homecoming. They got a spiritual meal, courtesy of Gregg Potts and a down home southern meal too. It was nice to see so many and enjoy our newly remodeled fellowship hall and our new kitchen. Thanks to all who attended EFBC homecoming today. And for everyone who worked so hard on it. And a big thanks to Bro mike for all the hours he has put in at the church on the remodel.”
  • New Zion Baptist Church had five (5) decisions yesterday morning!
  • Roseland had a live band from their membership yesterday and looks forward to hearing more from them.
  • Spring Creek Baptist Church began a new Sunday School class yesterday “that will meet in the Grand Foyer of the new building.  The goal of this class is to dig a little deeper than what is usually possible in a normal class and to begin their journey they are beginning with the study Experiencing God Knowing And Doing The Will Of God.”
  • Bro. Jonathan and Ashley Statham were honored at a pounding yesterday at Kentwood.

Operation Christmas Child Quotes

  • “My neighborhood church collected items during vacation bible school. I pick stuff up all year round and have a bin full to fill shoebox. This year I took my 5 year old nephew to the store to pick up some toys he thought other children might like. He was so excited to take his bag of toys, school supplies, and hygiene items and donate them!” – Melanie S.
  • “My daughter Arianna was crowned National American Miss Georgia Princess Queen and has chosen to use her title to collect donations and pack boxes for Operation Christmas. Arianna is only six years old, but has a huge heart for other kids. When she heard there were kids who don’t get gifts she wanted to send all her gifts to them.” – Gina B.
  • “I thank God for the shoe box I received full of things I needed, but the most important gift was that I got to know Jesus and accepted Him as my Lord in my life. It was the first time I attended Church. Then, I was invited to study the class The Greatest Journey and I was very excited to have my own book to work on. It helped me grow and know Jesus’ life. I realized I had to change my behavior because of Jesus’ love. At home we have a lot of problems, but after I started to talk the Word of God to my parents, something started to happen because they started to come with me to church.” Maria Jose
  • “My daughter’s church is very involved in this ministry. She and her daughters, 10 and 11, look for things all year. I think they get as much, or more, from this ministry as those receiving the boxes!” – Jo Anne G.

The Senior Adult Revival for Two Rivers Association will be Monday – Wednesday.

  • 9:15 – Fellowship
  • 9:30 – Choir Practice
  • 10:00 – Service followed by lunch.
  • Different churches are providing the meal each day, so you do not have to cook for a pot luck lunch each day.

Hope Center Volunteers

I know of volunteers working at the center Monday and Tuesday afternoons and Thursday.  Feel free to join them.  “Do Something” is the theme of the Georgia Barnett Offering this year.  We can all contribute to missions in our area by volunteering.

Frozen Food to a Family

The delivery was made and the food was so greatly appreciated.  You sent food and love in those quart size bags yesterday.  Start filling bags for the first Sunday of next month.

 May God bless each one who makes the effort to help in any of these efforts.  

Anna Lee

Sunday

“You rejoice in this, though now for a short time

you have had to struggle in various trials

so that the genuineness of your faith—

more valuable than gold,

which perishes though refined by fire—

may result in praise, glory, and honor

at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

~1 Peter 1:6-7, HCSB~

 

Ron and Alana Ichter Greenwich, missionaries to Santa Catarina, Brazil have retired after 30 years and are returning home to Louisiana this weekend.  Her dad was my music minister/children’s choir director when I was a child.  Later, when Jennie served as a journeyman in Brazil, she taught the children of the Greenwich and Blackwell families, both from LA.  Sweet memories!  Her parents are also retired Brazilian ministers to Brazil.  They live in Minden, LA and are so excited to have Alana home.  Bro. Bill still serves on the church staff working with senior adults.  I might add that some of the third generation of the Ichter family are currently serving as missionaries.  What an legacy!  How they have blessed and been blessed!  I wonder how many souls will be in heaven because of the Ichter Clan.  Please pray for Ron and Alana as they make this big change in their lives.

You may remember praying for a little boy named Eli.  This is an update.

Today one year ago we came home from the hospital after the chemotherapy was over for good ! We claimed it and u claimed it with me…I remember how all of you came in agreement with me and for me that it was not over for him. I clearly remember the walk down the hallway to go home..it was awesome. I’m lucky to have a healthy boy and it teaches you to not take a day for granted and that you tell each other you love each other as much as possible. He’s a blessing… He’s smart ..he could teach lots of people to not sweat the small stuff in life and everyday battles. Money isn’t everything…materials aren’t everything.. Its who is in your life and the laughter as and the memory making a and the love as and hugs….don’t waste your day being upset over things we have no control of… My dad was that way to and I saw so much of him in Eli…. Each day is a gift..invest I n people.. This world is too full of people in it for themselves… Invest..smile.. Laugh ..love …its what got us thru each day in the battle and still today.

Boyce Otis Simmons

Born: January 31, 1932
Died: September 06, 2014

     http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2666858

Dorothy Rodriguez Burnthorn
Born: December 10, 1928
Died: September 05, 2014

    http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2666878

Norton “Bo” Varnado 
Born: March 17, 1960
Died: September 04, 2014

    http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2665713

Edward Ridgedell
Born: November 20, 1943
Died: September 05, 2014

    http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2666742   

Today is the day for frozen food for a family.  Bring your bags to my classroom this morning.  Food will be delivered today.

Saturday is the first craft day for Operation Christmas Child.  Plan to spend your afternoon with us doing something that will be shared with children during the Christmas season.  You can bring some crafts to lead others to making or just show up and help out.  Either way will be appreciated.

The Senior Adult Revival is Monday through Wednesday at 10:00 with lunch following that.

  • Monday – New Zion Baptist Church
  • Tuesday – Kedron Baptist Church
  • Wednesday – Greensburg

The Kentwood church van will be leaving at 9:15 Tuesday and Wednesday for members who choose to ride with them.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “More of Him, Less of Me” –  http://odb.org/2014/09/07/more-of-him-less-of-me/
  • I also count all things loss                                                                                         or the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.                                                                                                           ~Philippians 3:8~                     
         God and our Father: To Whom be glory for ever.”                                                                                                                                           ~Galatians 1:4-5~

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!  Make him the center of this day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“What man among you,

if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you then, you who are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

~Matthew 7:9-11, HCSB~

 

Macy Gueldner

 http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/540a1734a689b40c1eb7033a

Peggy Simmons

Please pray for Peggy Simmons and her family.

Yvonne Birch

Yvonne is still having some issues with pain related to previous problems.  Pray for the medication to give relief.

Barbara Hutchinson

Barbara is having some nerve issues.  Pray for her as she continues to seek the best path for relief.

Norton “Bo” Varnado

Born: March 17, 1960
Died: September 04, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2665713&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and Songs

  • “Let Me be Singing” –  http://odb.org/?tz=-07
  • Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.                                                                                                           ~Psalm 150:6~
  • “When We All Get to Heaven” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/w/wwag2hvn.htm                                                                                                                                                                                                 “Wonderful Words of Life” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/o/wondword.htm

The Friday morning Bible study is so rewarding to me.  Our number is growing.  Discussions are so interesting.  We are all seeking for a better understanding of the “woman of the week” as we compare her life to our lives.  Next Friday, we will study Gomer.  You can prepare for the lesson by studying Hosea 1-3.

Ladies, please don’t forget your quart-sized bags of home prepared foods for a family tomorrow.  I can tell you now that these foods will be greatly appreciated.  A family member told me how blessed the family was to have Christian friends.  Let’s be sure to live up to that great name. “Christian”, in this effort and in all we do.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

~Psalm 51:10~

Continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor as he has medicine adjusted, injections in Betty’s eyes (only one yesterday), and other aches and pains.  They seem to have had more than their share in the last few years.

Susan Rimes is doing better and plans to attend Bible study this morning.  Let’s pray she continues to feel well.

Please continue to pray for Debbie Bales and her family.  Debbie’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law are all sick at the same time.  Pray she does well dealing with all these situations plus the normal stresses of life.

Williard Jefferson Ard

Born: May 26, 1926 Died: September 03, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2665077&fh_id=10545

Hope Center

The training yesterday morning went very well.  More volunteers than expected attended the meeting.  What a great response!  More volunteers will be needed though to keep the ministry open daily.  If interested, I’m confident you will get a good report from those who got information and a tour yesterday morning.  If you are able to help, please do so.  You will be blessed!  I’ll help anyone who wants to get connected.  Rest assured, that the message of Jesus will be shared at Hope Center.  It will be a place to find something greater than food and clothing.

Sunday is the first Sunday of the month.  That means it is the day to take frozen food in quart sized bags.  I’ll have ice chests in my Sunday School room ready for you to deposit your items.  I have spoken with the family.  They feel so blessed just to know we love them and want to help them in this way.

Baptist Press –  BPNews.net

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “With Him Forever” – http://odb.org/2014/09/05/with-him-forever/
  • For what is your life?                                                                                             It is even a vapor that appears for a little time                                     and then vanishes away.                                                                                                                                                                ~James 4:14~                                 “In my Father’s house are many rooms…                                                   I am going there to prepare a place for you.”                                                                                                                       ~John 14:2~
  • ‘When We All Get to Heaven” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/w/wwag2hvn.htm

I don’t like to ask for prayer for our world and our country every day, but events in our world and here in America are a daily reminder of how far our world is from Heaven is so many ways.  Take some time away from current events and focus on heaven today.  Pray people will be ready to face eternity because, one way or another, we will all do that one day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Yours, LORD,

is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the splendor

and the majesty,

for everything in the heavens and on earth

belongs to You.

Yours, LORD, is the kingdom,

and You are exalted as head over all.”

~1 Chronicles 29:11, HCSB~

 

Ray and Beverly Blackwell are both in medical need now.  He had another treatment yesterday.  She was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer problem and given two units of blood.  Please pray for both of them and their family.

Mrs. Hellen Morris will soon be returning to Kentwood.  Keep her and her family in your prayers.

Hope Center training at the church in Roseland at 10 A.M.  Lots of volunteers will be needed, so please come get in on the ground floor.

The Women of the Bible Study in the morning will be on Abigail.  If you cannot remember a lot about her, read I Samuel 25: 2-42 and come hear the discussion.

Baptist Press –  BPNews.net

Devotional, Scripture, Quote, and Songs

  • “The Barking Lion” –  http://odb.org/2014/09/04/the-barking-lion/
  • “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.”                                                                                                                ~Proverbs 22:1~
  • “The purest treasure mortal times afford is a spotless reputation.”                                                                                                                                                      ~Shakespeare~
  • “More Like Jesus Would I Be” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/o/morelikj.htm           “More Like the Master” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/o/morelikj.htm

“Do Something” today to impact someone for Jesus!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Everyone who asks receives,

and the one who searches finds,

and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

~Matthew 7:8, HCSB~

 

Sunday is the day to bring quart-sized frozen good to church.  It will be delivered to a family Sunday afternoon.  Thanks for supporting this project the first Sunday of each month.  You can drop the food off in my Sunday School room before Sunday School.

Hope Center in Roseland plans to open on the 16th.  There will be a training session TOMORROW at 10:00 at the building on highway 51 at 10:00 followed by a lunch.

Tomorrow night, at prayer meeting at FBC, K, a new ministry based on Sunday School classes will begin.  Prayer meeting begins at 6:00.  Try to be there to work with your class in the Touch Ministry.

September 13 and 27th will be craft days to make items for Operation Christmas Child.  Children, youth, and adults are encouraged to attend.

There are a few more “ornaments” on the Christmas tree at church.  Please pray about checking these out so you might be able to make purchases for the “shoeboxes”.

Baptist Press –   BPNews.net

Leslie Eugene Newman, Sr. –   

Born: August 05, 1946
Died: September 01, 2014

         http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2661607

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

I’m thankful for the rain last night, but also thankful it is not raining this morning.  

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Tell to the generation to come

the praises of the LORD,

and His strength

and His wondrous works that He has done.”

~Psalm 78:4b~

 

In mentioning the upcoming events, I forgot to mention the Fall Food Round-up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.  You have almost two weeks to bring items to the stairwell by the office door.  Pickup will be early on September 15th, so you should get your goods there on the 14th, which is a Sunday.  Suggested items would be toilet tissue, paper towels, cleaning supplies, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, and pasta.  You can also give money to help them in making bulk purchases.

Alton “Junebug” E. Brewer, Jr.
Born: October 06, 1960
Died: August 31, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2660967&fh_id=10545

Donald Ray Holden
Born: January 04, 1948
Died: August 31, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2660796

Devotional, Scriptures, Quote, and a Song

  • “Not Even a Nod” –   http://odb.org/2014/09/02/not-even-a-nod/
  • One of them,                                                                                                               when he saw that he was healed,                                                                   returned,                                                                                                                       and with a loud voice glorified God.                                                                                                                 ~Luke 17:15~                                                       Let your light so shine before men,                                                         that they may . . . glorify your Father in heaven.                                                                                                      ~Matthew 5:16~
  • “Help us to remember that we are not owed any
    recognition or thanks but that we owe You a lifetime
    of gratitude for the salvation You offer through Jesus.”
  • “God is So Good” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/i/gissgood.htm

“Do Something” today to share your love and/or God’s love!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.

You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”

~Matthew 16:24 MSG~

 

Continue to pray for Joe and Jean Easley.  They are sharing a room at the Greensburg Nursing Home where she is helping to take care of Joe right now.

Pray for Andy Taylor as he continues to adjust to some new medication.

Pray for Boyd’s family as they receive results of  Mr. Steve’s MRI tomorrow.

Roger Lamar Lea, Sr. –

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2660091

Born: August 24, 1948
Died: August 30, 2014

Loni “Bear” Eugene Thompson  –http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2660031

Born: December 06, 1954
Died: August 29, 2014

Hope Center in Roseland

  • Training day Thursday at 10:00.  Please be there to learn more about the center and specifically how you will fit in.  Remember, it is up to us to make sure it is a success.
  • Week of Prayer for State Missions (Georgia Barnett) – Sept. 14 – 21, 2014
  • Sylvester Humphrey will be sharing at FBC,K at 10:00 on September 15.
  • September 16th – Planned opening for center

Operation Christmas Child

  • Many of you have brought in your purchases for the shoeboxes.
  • If you are participating with you class, you are encouraged to participate as a family or individual too.
  • Sept. 13th – First Craft Day for OCC – Ladies of all ages are welcome to participate either in presenting a craft or in working on crafts others are presenting.  See me for more information.

 

Senior Adult Revival for Two Rivers Association

  • Monday @ New Zion
  • Tuesday @ Kedron
  • Wednesday @ Greensburg
  • More information later….

 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “I Am Not Forgotten” –  http://odb.org/2014/09/01/i-am-not-forgotten/
  • “Our soul waits for the Lord;                                                                                      He is our help and our shield.”                                                                                                                 ~Psalm 33:20~
  • “Trusting Jesus” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/r/trusting.htm

 

Please excuse the delay in posting this morning.  I guess it can be blamed on a “senior moment”!!!!!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“All scripture is inspired by God

and is useful to teach us what is true

and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

It corrects us when we are wrong

and teaches us to do what is right.”

~2 Timothy 3:16 NLT~

 

Alan Ray Blackwell was able to more a little better yesterday and walked with a walker.  Keep praying for him and his family.

Roger Lamar Lea, Sr.

Born: August 24, 1948
Died: August 30, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2660091

Loni Eugene Thompson

Born: December 06, 1954
Died: August 29, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2660031

Hope Center in Roseland – Sponsored by churches of Two Rivers Association

  • Volunteers needed
  • Training Thursday at 10:00 in Roseland
  • Hear from the volunteer coordinator – Sept. 15 at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood
  • Planned opening date – Sept. 16th

Operation Christmas Child

  • At a distribution in Trinidad and Tobago, there was a little girl who wanted to be a doctor one day. She had always wanted a First Aid Kit and was amazed to find one in her shoebox gift. She praised God for His special attention to her!
  • There was a nine year old boy in Guatemala who always carried his books to school in a plastic bag. The other children would laugh at him and tease him about using the bag. The little boy thanks God and OCC for the beautiful knapsack he received in his shoebox and for transforming the other children’s taunting into admiration.
  • “The kids at our church sent letters with their shoebox gifts last year and so far we have received 2 letters back. This is one of them. It’s from Malawi.” – Melissa H.
  • It’s time to answer another frequently asked question! Many of you want to know what age/gender we receive the most/fewest boxes for?
    In general, we receive more boxes for girls than boys. Overall, we receive the most shoebox gifts for girls 5-9. We receive the fewest number of boxes for boys 2-4 and 10-14.
  • Changing the lives of children around the world, one shoebox gift at a time ~www.samaritanspurse.org/occ ~ 1-800-353-5949 ~ OCCinfo@samaritan.org

Bible Study

  • Women of the Bible
  • Friday, Sept. 5th at 10 A.M.
  • “Abigail”
  • Read I Samual 25:2-42
  • Always room for one more!

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “The Ultimate Sacrifice” –   http://odb.org/2014/08/31/the-ultimate-sacrifice/
  • By this we know love,                                                                                                                               because [Jesus] laid down His life for us.                                                                                                                                                              ~1 John 3:16~                                                                                               Though your sins are like scarlet,                                                                                                          they shall be white as snow.                                                                                                                                                                                        ~Isaiah 1:18~

Fifth Sunday Singing

  • New Zion Baptist Church
  • 6:30 P.M.
  • Tonight
  • Come and be blessed!

Ladies’ Birthday Party and Ladies’ Night: Ice Cream Party

  • Both gathering went well.  Both were well attended, but there’s always more for one more.  One honored some local Christian ladies.  The other honored God, missions, missions projects, and was also fun.  That doesn’t even tell you about the five different flavors of homemade ice cream!
  • Next birthday party – 4th Tuesday of September @ the Cafe @ 10: A.M.
  • Next ladies night, a coffee break – 4th Thursday of October @ FBC, Kentwood @ 6:15 P.M.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“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~

 

Joe and Jean Easley are both in the nursing home at Greensburg.  Keep them and their family in your prayers.

Chantel Newman was doing well and working toward going home today.  Thank God her allergic condition was identified.

Macy Gueldner –

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/5400dc47a689b4ea4c8c015d

Eugenia “Punkin” Bates Conti

Born: March 25, 1926
Died: August 28, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2659269&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press –  BPNews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Step Up” –  http://odb.org/2014/08/30/step-up/
  • [Asa] took courage,                                                                                                        and removed the abominable idols from all the land . . . ;                           and he restored the altar of the Lord.                                                                                                                                                  ~2 Chronicles 15:8~
  • “Trust and Obey” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/r/trstobey.htm

Both the Ladies’ Night and the first Bible study of Women of the Bible went well. Thanks to God!

Anna Lee