Thursday

“The King will reply,

‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.

~Matthew 25:40~

 

This season is about giving in many ways, not receiving.

I’ll try to do some catching up….

Ora Lee Wilson had outpatient surgery and is home recovering.  She won’t be down any longer than necessary.

Andy Taylor is staying in during this colder weather and getting better following the procedure he had Tuesday of last week.  He and the doctor both think he is getting stronger.

Kenneth Birch‘s had surgery at Our Lady of the Lake yesterday.  He’s still in ICU, but will hopefully be able to be moved to a room soon.  The medical staff plans to get him up tomorrow.

George Eddie Lee got home late this afternoon.  I’m sure he was glad to see his own chair after being in the hospital for over a week.

Coach Elton Shaw is getting his strength back after his brief hospital stay last week.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss is more homebound than before.  Pray for her as she adjusts to not getting out as much.

Hazel Allen will be in rehab in Hammond for a while.  Pray for her and for her family.

Mr. Earl and  “Miss” Nadine Council are in good general health although both of them have/are facing some minor issues.  They send their greeting to all their Kentwood friends.

Scripture Writing – I’m trying to be sure you didn’t/don’t miss any days.

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer

 

FBC hosted the Associational Lottie Moon Tea Sunday.  Despite the bad weather there were 70 ladies in attendance.  The young ladies sang and blessed our hearts.

FBC held their holiday meal for senior adults Wednesday.  The food was delicious!  The attendance was good.

Children in Action boys and girls are collecting money in their mission banks for Lottie Moon.  They will have a birthday party for Jesus next Wednesday and go caroling with the adults and youth the next Wednesday.

There will be NO Friday morning Bible Study tomorrow, but we will begin John 13 the following week.   Join us if you can.

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Messagebaptistmessage.com

 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”                                                                                                   ~John 14:6 (NIV)~

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

 

Area churches will be sharing their Christmas programs.  Check the schedules so you don’t miss ones you plan to attend.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

The internet has been restored!  Yeah!

 

“I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—

and I lay down my life for the sheep. —

~John 10:14-15 (NIV)~

 

Today’s big prayer request if for Carl Wayne Stevens, who formerly lived in this area and worked for the postal service, but now lives in northern Mississippi.  He will be seeing a surgeon Monday for a heart problem. The family requested and will appreciate your prayers.

Sunday, I was so surprised to see Linda K. Graves at the Lottie Moon Tea.  Please pray for her as she returns to her sister’s home where she will be much closer to the hospital.

 

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 3 – “The Gospel Among Jews” – https://www.imb.org/2016/12/06/week-prayer-day-3/

 

Scripture Writing – Day 6 – Isaiah 52: 7-10

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

There will be no Bible Study Friday morning.

 

Children’s Missions Groups will meet Wednesday at 6 P.M.

 

5 Reasons a Christmas Eve Service Reaches the Unchurched”https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/158cf4d439accc4d –  I know of several churches that will be having a service Christmas Eve as well as several who will be having Christmas services.  David and I attended the one at Pine Ridge for the last several years.  The service was meaningful to me.  This year we will be able to attend their Christmas morning service.  I look forward to both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in God’s House.

 

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths,

and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

                                                                                                                     ~Luke 2:7, NASB~

“Away in a Manger”

 

Be a giver during this Christmas season.  Be blessed!

Anna Lee

 

Monday – Again!

Therefore Jesus said again,

“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.

I am the gate;

whoever enters through me will be saved.

They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.

~ John 10:7, 9-10 (NIV)~

 

Please pray for Kenneth Birch as he has more back surgery later this week in Baton Rouge.

Pray for Debi Bales and her siblings.  Their mother is sick.

Frances Strickland is back at Landmark Nursing Home.  She had an infection.

 

I think I may have confused my day and given you the wrong Scripture to write.  Here’s the correct Scriptures.

  • 1st – Isaiah 7:14-17
  • 2nd – Isaiah 9:6-7
  • 3rd – Isaiah 11:1-5
  • 4th – Isaiah 11:6-10
  • 5th – Isaiah 40:1-5

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

Thanks to all who attended the Lottie Moon Tea yesterday.  Special thanks to all who provided food, dishes, or time.  I think when we think of all the smiling faces, we will be so thankful God allowed us to be a part of such an important event.  Special thanks to the girls who sang Christmas songs for us.  You certainly blessed our hearts.

 

There will be no Friday morning Bible study this week.  We will meet the remaining Fridays of the month as usual.

The mission classes for children will meet at Kentwood every Wednesday at the regular time.  This is a special season of missions for us!

 

Week of Prayer for International Missions, Day 2 – https://www.imb.org/2016/12/05/week-of-prayer-day-2/

 

“Go Light Your World” – This song was sung by Wendy Fowler and the girls of FBC yesterday at the tea.  It was beautiful.  As we watched the girls, we all had smiles on our faces.

I think this is God’s assignment for each of us no matter where we live!

 

This is a good day to light of candle of God’s love in our community.

Anna Lee

 

 

Sunday

Let us acknowledge the LORD;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.”

 

Today marks the first day of the Week of Prayer for International Mission, commonly call the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer.  Lottie was a faithful, dedicated missionary to Chine who saw the needs of additional funds for additional missionaries . She wrote many letters back to the states encouraging those who couldn’t serve international to give so that other could.  The first week of December each year is our Lottie Moon Week of Prayer.  I hope you will follow me as we remember those who are serving internationally and pray about what God would have us to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Day 1 – The Harrell Family in Mozambique – https://www.imb.org/day-1/ and https://www.imb.org/2016/12/04/week-of-prayer-day-1/

The Two Rivers Associational WMU will celebrate with a Lottie Moon Tea today at 2 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.  All ladies from 3 to 103 are invited to come celebrate with us.  You do not have to be a member of WMU to attend or even Baptist.  Come learn a little about missions and enjoy our “tea room” setting.  I want to say a special thanks to all those who helped prepare in any way for this wonderful event.

Scripture Writing – Isaiah 40:1-5 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A1-5&version=NIV

Dr. Waylon Bailey  of Covingtonwaylonbailey.com

Dr. David Crosby of New Orleans – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7RiTklhjkg

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Ponder Anew – https://www.facebook.com/ponderanewworship/

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 (NIV)

“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

 

As we move from a season to thanksgiving to the Christmas season, please find time to focus on and share the origin of this holiday, the day Jesus came to earth as an infant knowing He would give His life for out sins so we might live eternally with Him in heaven if we make that life-changing decision.  I hope you already have.  If not, today would be a perfect day to do so.

Anna Lee

Saturday

But be sure to fear the LORD

and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24~

 

New Baby! – Tanner Cayle Miller, son of Josh and Nikki, was born at 9:45 yesterday morning.  He weighed 6 lb. 13 oz. and is 20 in. long.  His big brother is excited!

 

Coach Elton Shaw came home last night. Please pray for him as he continues to improve.

Mrs. Anne Hurst also came home.  Ten days was a long stay for her.  Pray for her continued health.

David received another good report yesterday!  We are so thankful!  The doctor was as excited for David as we were.  God was given all the credit.

Jean Gunnells Trout

August 22, 1944 – December 02, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4028443&fh_id=10545

 

Spring Creek Baptist Church will present “Meeting at the Manger” tomorrow morning at 11 A.M.  You are invited to attend.  It’s always a blessing to see children in a Christmas program.

Two Rivers WMU will have their annual Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood Sunday afternoon at 2 P.M. for all ladies from 3 to 103.  You are invited to come begin the Week of Prayer for International Missions with us.

 

Scripture Writing – Isaiah 11:1-5 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11%3A1-5&version=NIV

 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35 (NIV)

“Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

 

Do something today that will impact a life forever.

Anna Lee

 

Friday

You, LORD, reign forever;

your throne endures from generation to generation

 

It was good to be with David yesterday and get to visit Jimmy Schwartz.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Pray for Andy and Betty Taylor as Andy regains his strength and gets some more resting time.

 

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A+6-7&version=NIV

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers”

                                 ~Ephesians 6:18b NLT, 2nd ed.~

“Angels from the Realms of Glory”

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Tea!  

  • Ladies, we’re still in the getting ready stage, but the fellowship hall is taking on a special spirit.  I hope you will know you are invited to participate.  We especially want girls in your families to be able to attend with you.  We think this will be a special occasion you will want to share with more than one generation of your family.  The girls will be our entertainment.  It will be fun and encouraging to hear their voices.
  • It’s also encouraging to see the ladies and girls from our neighboring churches.  It helps build unity of spirit even though we attend different churches.
  • What a great way to being the Week of Prayer for International Missions!
  • FBC, Kentwood has 427 stamped Christmas cards for the parish prisoners to send to family members.  Ladies from our association are welcome to bring their cards to the tea Sunday.  I can deliver them to the jail Monday for you when I deliver our cards.

 

We will have Bible study this morning at 10.  I’ll give you your next lessons today.

 

Share some of the sweet Christmas spirit with others today!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

He said in a loud voice,

“Fear God and give him glory,

because the hour of his judgment has come.

Worship him who made the heavens,

the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

~Revelation 14:7~

 

I know you may be interested in checking of some people today via visits, calls, or cards.  This information may be helpful to you.

North Oaks

Elton Shaw – may be coming home today

Frances Strickland

Hazel Allen

Greensburg

Anne Hurst

Shira Easley

Kentwood Manor

Catherine Yarborough

Home

Andy Taylor

Margaret Callihan

Jimmy Schwartz

 

Opportunities

Lottie Moon Tea – Sunday at 2 P.M. (Don’t let a little rain keep you away from this wonderful opportunity.) . I’m looking forward to the girls of our church and other churches serving and singing.  I especially  look forward to the excitement of the girls who will have wonderful memories of this day and who will learn so much from this day.  I quote one little girl, “I’m going to a tea party, Mimi!  I’m going to a tea party.”  I look forward to all the little girls from all the churches as the ladies of our association give their girls this awesome opportunity!   I’m thankful that party will be at church! 

Bible Study – 10 A.M. Friday morning – John 12

 

Mission Offerings

Georgia Barnett – We exceeded out goal for Louisiana Missions

Lottie Moon – Our efforts for International missions begin Sunday with the Week of Prayer and the Lottie Moon Tea Sunday.

 

Scripture Writing – December, Day 1 – Isaiah 7:14-17

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

The Word Became Flesh] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.                                           ~ John 1:1-2, 14 (NIV)~

“There’s a Song in the Air”

Lyrics – http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh249.sht

Story – http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-theres-a-song-in-the-air

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaE1ce7JY-Q

I hope that song and the spirit of the song follow you throughout this day.

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the LORD,

proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done,

and proclaim that his name is exalted.

~Isaiah 12:4~

 

Mr. Buddy Waller will NOT be having surgery, but will continue his present treatment.  Thank-you for praying for him.

Mr. J.D. Smith is home and feeling much better.  Thank-you for your prayers for him.

Mr. Burnell Simpson is enjoying good caregivers and good company.  He’s at home if you would like to stop by.

 

Homebound Video Ministry – I’ve been gather information about those who would like to watch videos of the services of FBC, Kentwood.  Everyone has been thrilled to know these will be available next soon.  If you, or someone you know, would like to have the services on DVD delivered to you each month, please let me know today or in the next few days.

 

Scripture WritingPsalm 118:25-29

 

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.                                                             ~ Colossians 3:16 (NIV)~

“Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”

 

This is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Thanksgiving

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

~Psalm 107:1 (ESV)~

 

And whatever you do, in word or deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

~Colossians 3:17 RSV~

 

Mrs. Hazel Allen is now hospitalized.  As you pray for her, please pray for her family.

David Bryant

Today & everyday I’m thankful for my family and friends who have Prayed, messaged , called and visited me at the hospital and rehabs. It’s been a long and very emotional 5months but it’s getting better every day. If anyone has to say they almost died twice in 2 months I can be the one. God spared my life twice and kept me around for a reason. Thank you all and it not over yet but I’m getting there. My parents house is being remodeled due to the flood and it been very emotional for them also.

Thankfulness, Day 24 – Today I am thankful for memories of holiday traditions.  It is easy to ponder my family traditions, both when I was a child and when my children were growing up.  David and I have enjoyed large family gatherings and wonderful food.  It doesn’t matter what the traditions have been, it’s okay to make new ones.  I’m thankful that my family overseas can have a traditional holiday with other Americans and my Georgia family never wants for company, family or otherwise.

 

Scripture WritingJames 1:17-18

Baptist Press bpnews.net

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • 10 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall
  • John 12

 

Please give me a call if you have any names for the Homebound Video Services from FBC, K.  I need two things,

  1. Name with phone number
  2. Are they presently set up to watch videos and able to use their equipment?

 

 

Have a wonderful holiday, no matter how or where you celebrate.  It’s not about food or family.  It’s about God!

Anna Lee

 

 

Monday

But I, with shouts of grateful praise,

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

 

David Brabham told us that Stan Willians did okay with his first two treatments.  He’ll be at MD Anderson this week for round three.  Please continue to pray all goes well.

Pray for Buddy Waller as he sees his surgeon tomorrow.

 

Scripture WritingPsalm 107:28-32

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

OCC Drop-Off ends this morning.  If you have any “shoeboxes” to send this week, please turn them in at 9:00 or shortly after that.  Boxes will be closed up and sent off to their next stop.  Boxes at FBC, Kentwood will be picked up at 10:00 this morning.  Thank-you to all the individuals, groups, and churches who packed a box.

 

The Community Thanksgiving Service at the Kentwood United Methodist Church last night was wonderful.  Thanks to all who attended and all who participated.  The full house was great to see.

 

Children in Action WILL meet Wednesday night from 6:00 – 7:00.

 

Thankfulness, Day 21 – Today, I am thankful for my computer and for my computer expert, Jason.  Without them, I wouldn’t be typing ThePrayerLink.com this morning.

 

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

For in him you have been enriched in every way—

with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—

                                                                                                   ~1 Corinthians 1:4-5 (NIV)~

 

“Count Your Blessings”

 

Thanks to all those who turned in stamps for Christmas cards.  I put stamps on about 200 envelopes last night.  Today, I will be purchasing more stamps for more cards.  I know the cards will make a difference in some lives by giving prisoners the opportunity to communicate with family members during this special time of year.

Anna Lee