Friday

For everything that was written in the past

was written to teach us,

so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures

and the encouragement

they provide we might have hope.

~Romans 15:4~

Angie Nielsen is requesting pray for her mother, Tay Cotton, who has been admitted to a hospital in Baton Rouge because of weakness and fatigue. Angie is especially concerned about the Covid-19 virus in a hospital setting.

Speaking of Covid-19, the number of cases locally seems to be increasing daily. Please be careful!

Keith and Lori Rhodes

Last Friday we made the decision to move Lori Lantz Rhodes to hospice care. It’s been a challenging week all the way around. I’ve watched my beautiful bride continue to decline as this terrible disease attacks her body. We’ve shed many tears these last few days.

As I put Lori in bed for the night, she looks at me and says, “We made it another day.”

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Read thee Bible in 2020 – July 17

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11
Romans 4:1-12
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 19:15-16

I’m still up-to-date with reading. I hope you are too!

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

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Includes Louisiana Covid-19 charts

Operation Christmas Child items can be dropped off at the church office Monday – Friday.

Friday

As we grow weary of staying home and/or missing our normal routine, let’s refer to the Scripture from Jeremiah and the words of a wise pastor.

“‘I know what I am planning for you,’ says the LORD.

‘I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.

I will give you a hope and a good future.

Then you will call my name.

You will come to me and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.’”

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NCV)

“Trust in the Father in the midst of the storm.

When the storm hits, go to the Father.”

Pastor Jarred

West Rome Baptist Church

Rome, Georgia

March, 2020

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 10

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14
Acts 27:21-44
Psalm 8:1-9
Proverbs 18:23-24

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

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Be an encourager today!

Anna Lee

Friday

“But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free.

God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.”

~James 1:25 (CEV)~

I have asked you to pray for a friend’s husband several times. He has had cancer in one eye and goes periodically for check-ups. Mike Moore lives in West Monroe. His latest check-up showed no tumor in his eye and no sign of cancer in his lungs or liver. Thank-you, God!

Pray for our country this weekend. Pray for the political and health conditions to be what God wants for us.

Remember Smiley Conerly’s services today. If you will not be able to attend, please pray for the family today.

Carlton E. Smith, Sr.

July 21, 1935 – July 01, 2020

A resident of Magnolia, MS, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 in Kentwood, LA. He was born July 21, 1935 in Lewiston, LA and was 84 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sons, Terry Wayne Smith, Mitchell Smith and Carlton Smith, Jr. and wife, Desiree’; daughter, Sharon Smith Austin; step-son, William Edenfield; step-daughter, Dorothy Edenfield; 10 grandchildren, Jason Edenfield, Cody Smith, Brent Smith, Courtney Smith, Allie Smith, Jessica Smith, Cassie Wheaton, Cole Tallia Mark Burgess and Haley North; 7 great-grandchildren, Riley Marie Businelle, Presley Grace Businelle, Kimberly Wheaton, Kenzie Wheaton, Hadlee Renee Tallia, Ethyn Isaac Oliver, and Elyh James Smith. Preceded in death by wife, Susan Irene Smith; parents, Jewel Jeremiah Smith, Sr. and Thelma Gaines Smith; daughter, Sharon Austin Smith; great-grandchild, Layden Chance Mathis; sister, Barbara Smith Peters; brothers, Jewel Jeremiah Smith, Jr. and Donald Ray Smith. Graveside Services will be held at Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 11:00AM on Friday, July 3, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Melvin Rushing. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 3

2 Kings 22:3-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 18:11-12

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

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Be safe and healthy this weekend.

Anna Lee

Friday

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you,

then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,

whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household,

we will serve the LORD.”

~Joshua 24:15~

Please be in prayer for Susan Rimes today. She will be in Covington at 6 A.M. this morning for wrist surgery to repair broken bones in her wrist. She should be home before noon. Susan will be thankful when the surgery takes away her pain. She looks forward to occupational therapy beginning next week to her her return to being able to use her hand. Please pray for Susan as she goes through surgery and therapy to regain use of her right hand.

Scott Tolleson, my cousin who has lived in Shreveport the past few years, passed away yesterday at the age of 64. He has suffered for many years with Huntington’s Disease. Today, he is rejoicing in heaven with family members, some of whom are like Scott and now healed of HD. Scott was the greatest soul winner I have ever known! He loved God and family with all his heart!

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

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 26

2 Kings 9:14-10:31
Acts 17:1-34
Psalm 144:1-15
Proverbs 17:27-28

Remember, it is never too late to start reading the Bible. If you haven’t been reading since January 1, just jump in today. You’ll be blessed!

Use good judgment and stay healthy!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“You see that his faith and his actions were working together,

and his faith was made complete by what he did.”

~James 2:22 (NIV)~

Josiah Huckaby is one blessed child. His mom and dad, KK and Job, are blessed too. Josiah has now been living at home for two years. Josiah has made so much progress since his parents met him. Thank God for moms and dads who are willing to lovingly give so much of themselves.

Pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch as she awaits her appointment with her surgeon on June 29th.

Buddy Morris complete round two of chemo and is scheduled for a PET scan during the first week of July. Please pray for Buddy and his family as they wait for the test and then, results.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 20

1 Kings 22:1-53
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 138:1-8
Proverbs 17:17-18

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

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

I have had some questions about Operation Christmas Child. Your donations of items can be left at the FBC, Kentwood during office hours Monday – Friday and when the church is open for services on Sundays and Wednesdays. Let’s not let Covid-19 stop the shoeboxes from being full in the fall.

Have a wonderful day today. Do something special. Make a sweet memory for yourself and someone else. Staying home does not keep you from impacting other lives. Be the person who finds a way during these stay-at-home times. If you are not staying at home, remember to wear a mask and to follow social distancing and hand washing rules.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life—they don’t know God.”

~1 Timothy 6:21 (TLB)~

Someone asked for Keith and Lori Rhodes’ address again yesterday. I took the opportunity to send a card/letter to them. You might want to encourage them too.

Keith and Lori Rhodes

214 Sherwood Lane

Haughton, LA 71037

Peggy Alford is coming home from caring for her daughter, Robin Alford, who broke an ankle three months ago. Wendy Alford Fowler will take a shift as a caregiver. Robin is recovering from two surgeries following a fall and is just now able to begin to put some weight on her ankle. Please pray for Robin’s continued progress. This has been a long, difficult progress, but did get Robin some company and lots of attention.

Please add Mr. Bob Pezant if he is not already there.

Louisiana seems to be the target for a hurricane this weekend. Get informed and prepared.

The covid-19 virus is not over. Please be aware and careful.

Pray for the people in big cities that have protests/riots.

Many people have unspoken prayer requests. Please include these, even on days when I do not specify them.

Louisiana Baptist are called to prayer today. https://baptistmessage.com/horn-calls-louisiana-baptists-to-focused-prayer-on-thursday/

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://www.bpnews.net/

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 4

2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
Acts 2:1-47
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20

Doing/praying for others blesses the person who prays and the person who is the focus of the prayers.

Anna Lee

Friday

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

~Colossians 3:17~

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 22

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
John 12:20-50
Psalm 118:19-29
Proverbs 15:27-28

James Milton Blades

December 27, 1946 – May 20, 2020

A resident of Walker, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at his home. He was born December 27, 1946 in Kentwood, LA and was 73 years of age. He was a U. S. Marine Corps Veteran of Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts. He was a retired welder from Exxon Refinery after 37 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Swain Blades; son, Jamie Glynn Blades and wife, Mary Ann; grandsons, Ashton Blades and Justin Cutrer; great-grandson, Ariat Cutrer; step-son, Shane Talbot; step-granddaughter, Angell Talbot; step-great-grandchildren, Emily and Bryson Roberie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, George Milton and Vergie Needham; paternal grandparents, James Otto and Mattie Blades; parents, James B. and Katie Needham Blades; brother, Cade R. Blades. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Needham Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Kelly Blades, Sheldon Blades, Bill Birch, Shannon Travis, Brandon Carter, and Forrest Sibley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I hope you are anxious to get back to Operation Christmas Child. List of items needed in shoeboxes will be posted at church and available at the church. I’ll include a list here. Maybe some will be shopping in the next few days. If you have been making items at home, you can leave them at the church. We’ll try to get going “full speed ahead” soon.

Operation Christmas Child

April, May, & June 2020

Updated 5-21-2020

	April	May	June
Nursery & Preschoolers	Jump Ropes	Hairbrushes	Pens (Red, Blue and Bk)
Grades 1-5	Marbles	Dominoes	Drawing Books
Youth	Jump Ropes	Play Dough*	Highlighters
College & Career	Dominoes	Play Dough*	Small Notebooks**
Gateway	Socks for Boys	Play Dough*	Small Notebooks**
Joy Friendship Circle	$1.00 Scissors	Clothesline	Hair Accessories
Bank	Boys’ Underwear	Nails & Sm. Hammers	Key Holders
New Creations Renewal	Hair Brushes	Clothespins	2/$1.00 Sm. Scissors
Rebekah	Sewing Kits	Highlighters	Flat Marbles
Seekers City Hall Faithful	Lip Balm	$1.00 Calculators	Glue Sticks
Staff	Highlighters	Fishing Kits	Nails & Sm. Hammers

* = 8/Pkg. ** – About 3” X 5 “

Usually 3 or 4 for $1.00

If you are not in a Sunday School class, choose some things from this list to contribute. T

I’ll remind you of the age groups again. We pack shoeboxes for both boys and girls.

2-4 Years
5-9 Years
10-14 Years

Thanks to everyone who contributes money or buys items.

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message –https://baptistmessage.com/

Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Do not be misled:

‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

~1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)~

Mrs. Mildred Birch fell at home two nights ago. Thankfully, she didn’t break anything. Please pray for her and for others. Falling happens quickly and ofter makes for big changes in a person’s life.

Died: Joyce Lin, Missionary Pilot Transporting Coronavirus Supplies –

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/missionary-pilot-joyce-lin-died-papua-crash.html?fbclid=IwAR3V8LhYHjFWZjdQS7FWTDOD1pV-r1G8pSuBMOLU4_vHRVuGgeo88iUe-cA

TRUSTEES: IMB approves 59 missionaries, addresses budget concerns

http://www.bpnews.net/54811/trustees-imb-approves-59-missionaries-addresses-budget-concerns?fbclid=IwAR0ypABJfNBy6Upw-L9SrcFvH49rbTq1gYvoYZ8br-UQDUkhvv4JqvlDDVY

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 16th

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
John 8:31-59
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 15:12-14

If you need a hard copy of the Scriptures for the next four months, they are available at the church office – 229-8111.

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

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

You may want to check out these Bible Project Videos, especially if your church does not offer Sunday School. I think they might also be a good addition to your summer plans/. The video for this week is number nine – “Hope”.

https://bibleproject.com/explore/

No matter how you plan to participate in worship tomorrow, the key word is “participate”!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Rejoice always,

pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

~‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18~

If you are discouraged and tired of the present circumstances, take some time to focus on and pray about believing the verse above. This verse may help you get through some difficult days. Then, take action and do some things that will help you and others.

Make some phone calls to others who might need encouragement.
Send some “just because” cards or even text messages or emails.
Pick some flowers or share a plant with a gardener.
Cook and share a meal or a treat.
Volunteer with a church or organization that is helping others.
Teach someone how to use FB or You–Tube to locate church services to view.
Cut grass, weed-eat, or mulch for someone who appreciates their yard, but is unable to do so for themselves.
Prepare a flower arrangement for someone in the cemetery.
Pick up basic groceries for someone who is unable to shop for themselves.
Take a bag of light bulbs with you and volunteer to change those that are out at the homes of older people.
Share a plant or a single flower.
Offer to read the Bible or pray fort someone over the phone.
Make your own prayer list. Pray. Adjust the list daily. Pray.
The list is endless. Think about needs and take action! What you can do for others will be a help to them and to you!

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 9

1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
John 6:1-21
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 14:32-33

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

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Annie Armstrong Offering – https://www.anniearmstrong.com/about/the-mission/

Give thanks in all circumstances. Remember, God is in control.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“So be very careful how you live.

Do not live like those who are not wise.

Live wisely.

I mean that you should use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.

So do not be foolish with your lives.

But learn what the Lord wants you to do.”

~Ephesians 5:15-17 (ICB)~

Today, I’m going to let you make your own prayer list. Take your time and fill in the answers. That’s your prayer guide.

Homebound
Hospitalized
Nursing home patients
People who live alone
People who haven’t received a personal phone call lately
People who haven’t received a “Just Because” card or letter lately
Families of those hospitalized
Families of nursing home patients
Families who are at great distances from older members
Families without any relatives close by
Families with recent deaths
Families where someone has lost a job
Families where food is in short supply
Families where students have to do school work without any supervision
Families without church connections and support
Churches that are unable to get their messages out to their flock
Churches that are making decision about reopening
Churches that are not financially strong
Hospitals that have important decisions to make about treatment
Businesses that have been closed
Families unable to pay bills
People who don’t read their Bible and pray
People who are seeking God
Law enforcement personnel
People who have worked many extra hours for the last couple months
Decisions that are more difficult during this pandemic
Etc.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 2

Judges 15:1-16:31
John 2:1-25
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 14:17-19

If you are at this point in reading, you have read 33% of the Bible already. Keep going. You’re doing very well.

If you are not up-to-date, read a little extra each day until you catch up. Another option is to read the assignments, but finish a little later. I’m ahead want to stay there. The main point is just to read and learn something new each day. Let God guide your reading.

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Have a wonderful day as you pray for others.

Anna Lee