You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.

But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

~Galatians 5:13~

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 5

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17
Acts 23:11-35
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 18:14-15

VBS begins at 8:30 in the morning at FBC, Kentwood. I don’t have any details about how it will be done this year, but I’m sure some changes from the normal schedule will be made. Check into the details so you can make a good decision about sending your children and/or grandchildren.

Operation Christmas Child items can be left in the boxes in the fellowship hall or under the stairs to the balcony. Thanks for your help in packing lots of shoeboxes for boys and girls this year. Each shoebox is an opportunity for children and families to learn about Jesus. It is a fantastic mission opportunity!

Show your love and concern for others today. Be an encourager!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Dear brothers and sisters,

when troubles come your way,

consider it an opportunity for great joy.”

~James 1:2 (NLT)~

“I will praise the LORD at all times;

his praise is always on my lips.”

~Psalm 34:1 (NCV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 2

2 Kings 20:1-22:2
Acts 21:18-36
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 18:9-10

If you are using a hard copy of this list, you will find July & August reading on the back side of the May/June readings. Copies are available at FBC office and sanctuary.

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

Please add these two names to your prayer list:

Andy and Betty Taylor’s daughter, Melissa, who is having knee surgery today
Bessie Hayden who is hospitalized due to an infection

Please pray for my family as services are held today for my cousin, Scott Tolleson. David and I will not be able to be there.

Thank-you for reading and praying.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

~Colossians 3:13 (NLT)~

Did you thank God for waking you up this morning?

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 29

2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-41
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 18:4-5

Operation Christmas Child

For those of you who are asking about what to purchase and when, now is the best time to buy school supplies such as markers, crayons, large erasers, one-subject notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, school scissors, pencil boxes, etc. Happy shopping!

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

Vacation Bible School at FBC, Kentwood begins a week from today. If you have a child or grandchildren attending, please contact the church office at 229-8111 to be sure your child is registered and and paperwork in order.

We all know churches were closed for a while. Some people have been watching online. Others have found different things to do. Pray they find they way back to church services in person or online,

Anna Lee

Sunday

“When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

~James 1:2–4 NLT~

Smiley Conerly is still in Hattisburg. Please continue to pray for Smiley and his family.

Buddy Morris has completed his chemo. He is scheduled for a scan Thursday.

Lori and Keith Rhodes

Quick update for our Facebook family.

After seeking wisdom from friends and professionals, we have decided to begin the process of moving Lori to hospice care. She is in a transition program now that will aid in moving her from home health to hospice.

Continue to keep her in your prayers. She still has her great sense of humor and loves to laugh. She has so many friends and family that check in on her regularly. Thank you guys for loving on my bride. As she said today, “I’m still praying for a miracle.”

Note: Moving her to hospice doesn’t mean that she’s at death’s door. That’s a common misconception about hospice and many people wait too late to make this move. We plan on her being around for a long time!!

Please continue to pray for Lori, Keith, and the family!

Andy and Betty Taylor are doing well quarantined at home.

Susan Rimes is looking forward to her next step – occupational therapy.

David Scott Tolleson, Sr.

Bossier City, Louisiana – A funeral service celebrating the life of David Scott Tolleson, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Rose-Neath funeral home. Visitation will be prior to service from 10:00 am until service starts. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clarke Road, Keithville, Louisiana. Pastor Nick Sorrell will be officiating and will be assisted by Pastor Bob Gray, Jr.

David Scott Tolleson, Sr. was born August 14, 1956 in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He was born to Charles and Naomi Tolleson. He passed away peacefully in his home on June 25, 2020.

Scott was a man with a caring servant’s heart. With great pride he served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was always the one that made everyone feel like they were at home. He never met a stranger. He loved his children, adored his grandchildren, and set the precedent on how a husband should love his wife. Scott always had a warm smile on his face and loved to talk to people. To know him, was to love him.

Scott is preceded in death by his Mother, Naomi Tolleson Orr; Father, Charles Jackson Tolleson; Sister, Sharla Hodges; Brother-in-Law, Bill Hodges; Grandson, Logan Dewayne Pace; and In-Laws, Carl and Peggy Schuler.

Scott is survived by his Wife of 40 years, Brenda Tolleson; children, Jacob Tolleson and wife, Shannon, Rachel Pace and husband, Joey, Rebekah Fancher and husband, Chris, Holly Abigail Tolleson, Micah Tolleson, David Tolleson and girlfriend, Jessica Mitchell; grandchildren, Jaelyn, Kierstyn, Lauryn and Gavin Tolleson, Calista, Layton and Lyla Fancher, Jackson and Derek Pace, Addysen and Brayson Tolleson; step father, John Orr; sister, Suzan Grabowski and husband, Rich, and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 28

2 Kings 13:1-14:29
Acts 18:23-19:12
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 18:2-3

Several local churches will host Vacation Bible School in a week. Most are in the evening. FBC’s VBS will be in the mornings. You may want to check with the churches to learn of Covid-19 accommodations. I’m sure all of them will welcome you children/grandchildren.

Many of the area churches are providing regular worship services and on-line streaming opportunities. Choose what works best for you.

May this day be a blessing to you!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another.”

~John 13:35~

Susan Rimes fell and broke her wrist. She will be having surgery tomorrow in Covington. Pray for her today as she waits, tomorrow as she has surgery, and in the days to follow when use of her wrist will continue to be limited. Susan will appreciate your prayers.

Smiley Conerly is hospitalized in Hattisburg. Smiley also fell at home. He was dehydrated and had other issues with are being addressed. Please keep Smiley and Carol Jean in your prayers.

Lloyd Hayden’s arrangements were posted yesterday. If you missed it, you can look back to Wednesday. Services will be at FBC, Kentwood Saturday beginning at 10 A.M. with visitation followed by the funeral at noon.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 25

2 Kings 8:1-9:13
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26

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

Thanks to those who turned in items for Operation Christmas Child. These items included highlighters. pens, glue sticks, sewing kits, brushes, crayons, and erasers. Thank-you so much.

The list for July is below:

Nursery and Preschool . . . . . Pens
Grades 1-3 . . . . . Erasers
Grades 4-5 . . . . . School scissors
Youth . . . . . Filler paper
College & Career and Gateway . . . . . One subject notebooks
Joy, Friendship Circle, and Bank . . . . . One-subject notebooks
New Creations and Renewal . . . . . Markers
Rebekah . . . . . Large erasers
Seekers and City Hall . . . . . Crayons
Faithful . . . . . Fishing Kits
Staff . . . . . Colored Pencils

Thanks for your help in providing the items for the “shoeboxes”.

Anna Lee

Monday

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

~Joshua 1:9~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 22

2 Kings 3:1-4:17
Acts 14:8-28
Psalm 140:1-13
Proverbs 17:22

A list for Bible readings for May-August is available at FBC, Kentwood.

Operation Christmas Child will be packing boxes at FBC. Kentwood. It is always a good time to watch for sales of items children want/need that will fit with other items in a shoebox. Items can be turned in at church any time. Also, a list of suggested items is available at church. A list for July will be available Sunday. Your help with this wonderful mission project is greatly appreciated.

VBS at FBC, Kentwood will begin in two weeks. I know dates and times and not much more because David and I are not getting out unless necessary. Thankfully, the church services come to my computer and other people help me stay updated. If you want to send you child to VBS call the church office at 229-8111 for more information and to pre-register your children.

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

This Monday is a great day to be alive and serving God!

Anna Lee

Thursday

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.

~Matthew 6:21~

Donald Duncan is hospitalized to identification and treatment of a health problem. Please keep him in your prayers.

Buddy Morris was able to resume chemo. Please continue to pray for Buddy and Eleanor.

Brian Tate is at MD Anderson with plans to not travel there for a while. Thank God for his good report.

The corona -19 virus is still a problem. Please pray for those who are dealing with it now and those whose health is compromised causing them to fight real hard to stay healthy.

Please be in pray for our country in crisis again. A few can cause major issues for many. Pray for the few to get their hearts and actions in the right places.

Please pray for local churches that are planning to have VBS in the next month. July will be a busier month then usual because of the delay caused by the virus.

I understand stores are now selling school supplies. Please remember to make some purchases for Operation Christmas Child if you are able to shop.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 18th

1 Kings 19:1-21
Acts 12:1-23
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 17:14-15

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

Have a blessed day. Try to be a blessing to at least one person today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Man shall not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

~Matthew 4:4 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 17

1 Kings 18:1-46
Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13

Wallace Deloy Smith, Jr.

February 24, 1945 – June 13, 2020

Deloy, age 75, passed away on June 6, 2020, at North Oaks Hospital. He was a native of Kentwood and longtime resident of Kentwood; La. Deloy was a highly successful rancher and farmer who loved horses and cows. He was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church.

Deloy lived his life in full throttle. He worked hard and played hard. Smith was a champion at many things, starting in high school as the lead scorer for his basketball team, a rodeo bull rider, and calf roper. He was an expert marksman, winning many competitions, and was a world-class champion cutting horse competitor. Deloy was a Vietnam veteran who proudly served and loved his country.

Deloy is survived by one son Wade Dustin (Dusty) Smith; and three sisters, Frances Varnado Griffin, Celia Ann Smith and Rachel Smith Coggins. He is preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Strickland; parents, Deloy and Neva Smith; aunt and uncle, James and Willie Mae Sumrall; and grandmother, Eula Simmons Smith.

Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Thursday, June 18, 2020, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM with a service at 11:00 AM conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood.

Prayer Meeting/Bible Study

Tonight
6 P.M.
Facebook (Kentwood First Baptist Church).

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“God gives us even more grace, as the Scripture says,

‘God is against the proud,

but he gives grace to the humble.’”

~James 4:6 (NCV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 16

1 Kings 15:25-17:24
Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11

Barrett Travis is home. I know the family will appreciates your prayers, cards, and caring actions.

Pray for the families of those involved in a tragic accident.

Today, I want to thank two very special ladies who gave money for the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes that will be packed at FBC, Kentwood. Thank-you for helping to bless the children with simple gifts and the invitation to learn about Jesus. This is always a group effort. May everyone who helps be blessed in knowing they make an eternal difference in the lives of children.

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Vacation Bible Schools will be starting in a few weeks. Pray for all the workers who are preparing now. Pray for the children who will participate. Pray for families who entrust their children to the care and training provided.

Anna Lee

Monday

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

~Psalm 77:11~

Barrett Travis is still at North Oaks waiting for the last test results. In the meantime, he has had a change of medications. Keep praying for Barrett.

FBC, Kentwood, today, please pray for two special ladies: Mildred Birch and Anne Hurst. Please pray for these four men: Smiley Conerly, Buddy Morris, Brian Tate, and David Alford. Pray for this couple: “Cete” and Ruby Dillon.

Please pray for our America. I know we are all unhappy with the current state of events. I know God is too!

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 15

1 Kings 14:1-15:24
Acts 10:1-23
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 17:7-8

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

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Let’s make sure we say and do some positive things today!

Anna Lee