Saturday

“The LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”

~2 Chronicles 19:7 (NLT)~

Today, let’s pray for our once great nation. May people unite and turn to God.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 13

1 Kings 11:1-12:19
Acts 9:1-25
Psalm 131:1-3
Proverbs 17:4-5

Let’s pray for the churches that will be having VBS this summer. May they all find ways to teach the children in a manner that is safe for everyone.

Pray for churches unable to hold VBS. May they fine alternative ways to reach children and their families this summer.

Most of the church camps for children and youth have been cancelled this summer. May the churches and youth ministers be creative in finding ways to minister to them this summer.

Pray for those, both young and old, who are dealing with the corona virus situation this summer. It was been a big “game changer” in many aspects of our lives. May families and professionals find ways to make adjustments so the virus has only minimal impact on individuals, families, churches, and school.

Pray for churches as they slowly readjust schedules to resume more and more activities.

Pray for schools as they make plans and adjustments for the fall and especially for the activities normally scheduled for the summer.

Continue to pray for health professionals as they treat those who are sick and make accommodations for those who are healthy.

Liesa Smith Gillis

July 15, 1955 – June 11, 2020

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 15, 1955 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 64 years of age. She was a retired educator and guidance counselor with the Livingston Parish School System. She had a love for life and cherished her family, her friends, and her fellow educators and students. She is survived by her husband, Kirk Gillis, Greensburg; two children, Amber Graff and Dr. Eugene R. Graff, Jr., daughter Molly, Hammond; and Cassie Gillis, daughter Marissa, Lakewood, CO; sister, Lyn and Richard Easley, nephew, Richard C. Easley, and niece, Jennifer Davis, aunt, Elois Smith McNabb, Greensburg; and uncle, Harold Ray Smith. She was preceded in death by parents, Albert and Toffie Smith. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Donald Lum and Dr. Kenneth Reed. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Memorial donations may be made to Greensburg United Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thank you for praying today.

Anna Lee

Friday

Remember the former things, those of long ago;

I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me.

~Isaiah 46:9~

Today, Brian Tate‘s family is celebrating his good reports at M.D. Anderson. Thank God for his good news.

What are you celebrating today?

Being alive?
Something that doesn’t hurt today?
A neighbor who likes to cook and share?
Air conditioning?
Another birthday?
A day with no appointments?
Seeing your grandchildren today?
Watching children at play?
A good grade?
A baby discovering his feet?
Blowing bubbles?
Good water?
A roof that didn’t leak this week?
A car that got you to the doctor again?
Being able to afford your medication?
A woodpecker in your tree?
A notebook to collect your memories?
A book for writing prayer requests?
A Bible that belonged to a loved one?
Seeing a turtle cross the road?
A phone call from a friend?
Eating a good home-grown tomato?
The sound of a light rain on the roof?
The smell of freshly cut grass?
A hot piece of cornbread?
Rocking and looking at nature?
A snapshot of a loved one?
A special program on TV?
The feel of freshly laundered sheets?
A special cup for your coffee?
A quiet time for reading your Bible?
Receiving a thank-you note with a special comment?
The garbage man who picks up what you don’t want?
A plant shared by a friend?
Holding a book of family pictures?
A stocked pantry?
A full tank of gas?
Baby birds?
The gift of fresh eggs?
Going to bed on your schedule?
Comfortable shoes?
A compliment?
The smell of a new bar of soap?
A big grin grin from someone who just ate a cookie?
Memories of former classmates?
Remembering where people usually sit in church?
Inside water?
The smell of magnolias?
A freshly washed car?
A glass of iced tea?
A new face mask?
A warm brownie?
Swinging?
A washer and dryer?
A doctor or nurse when needed?
New tires?
Hibiscus blooms?
Cloud formations?
A special hymn?
A new toothbrush?
A marching band?
Operation Christmas Child opportunities?
Patriotic music?
Sporting events?
Hearing someone whistle while they worked?
A new book of magazine?
Watching a butterfly?

Thank God for all the large and small celebrations of our daily lives! My mother-in-law set a great example of appreciating the little things in life – a new pot holder, a pretty flower, watching nature, etc. Let’s not forget them. Thank God for them too!

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

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 11th

1 Kings 8:1-66
Acts 7:51-8:13
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 17:1

Reread the long list I shared. Make a list of your own. Have some happy celebrations today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

~1 Chronicles 16:12~

Deanna “Bug” Reynolds asks you to pray for her dad, Morris Reynolds, who will have his pacemaker replaced tomorrow (Friday).

Smiley Conerly told David Monday’s scam was clear. His next appointment is scheduled in six months. Join Smiley and Carol Jean in a prayer of thankfulness.

Mrs. Anne Hurst requests prayer.

Mrs. Margaret “Cis” Oliver has a broken bone in her foot. Please pray for her as she heals. I sure, no matter how quickly that happens, it will not be soon enough for this busy lady.

Mrs. Mickey Cade has been dealing with infection in her ankle. Let’s pray it clears soon and completely.

The news reports show increases in the number of cases of Covid-19 cases. This could be an indication we need to staryhome and wear masks when we get out. Most of our outings are medical, so we see, and wear, masks. They are required in hospitals and clinics, our most common destination.

Covid-19 had caused many changes. Some of them affect others in a big way.

Examples:

Hospital patients who cannot have visitors
Delayed medical procedures
Families spending time together
Scarcity of some food produces (and increase in pricing)
Workers who have lost jobs
Workers who have chosen not to work
Businesses that are no longer able to operate
Three months of lost education for many students

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 11

1 Kings 8:1-66
Acts 7:51-8:13
Psalm 129:1-8
Proverbs 17:1

I’m up-to-date. I hope you are too. If you haven’t been reading, jump in where we are today and read with us. You won’t regret it.

I’m thankful we can watch the church services from FBC, Kentwood and appreciative of those who make it possible for us three times a week.

Anna Lee

Monday

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

~1 John 3:16~

Thank God today for sparing our area despite the eye of the storm passing right over us!

Pray for those who had damage in other areas.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 8

1 Kings 3:3-4:34
Acts 6:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 16:26-27

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

Do you believe in prayer? Do you believe in prayer more during a time of crisis? When do you pray more?

Thought provoking questions!

Spend some time praying today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Jesus answered,

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me

~John 14:6~

Let’s pray for our cities, both large and small.

Please add law enforcement to your prayer list if it is not already there.

Pray for criminals today to know Jesus and with Him, a reason to change their lives.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 6

1 Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24

Mr. Lester Zachary is progressing with his treatment for Covid-19. Be thankful with and for his daughter, Lisa. Pray for others who are fighting the same problem.

Pray for Buddy Morris as he begins another round of treatment next week. Pray for others who are also fighting cancer.

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

Pray for churches as they plan alternative worship services because of the virus. Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools in each community and for any summer church camps that haven’t been cancelled.

We don’t get out a lot, but when we do we still wear our masks. I hope you do too.

Anna Lee

Friday

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

~2 Corinthians 4:17~

Today is a good day to take care of basic hurricane preparations. We are being told to expect rain and moderate winds. The power companies are getting ready for possible problems. Hurricane season has arrived. Help those who might need some assistance.

Summer is an important break for the school system. It will be extra busy/difficult this year because of the pandemic making decision making even more difficult. Pray for those who are making decisions about school situations for the fall. Also, pray for colleges and students who await information about the fall semester.

Pray for businesses that have been closed during the pandemic to be able to hold on until they are allowed to reopen.

Pray for people, older ones especially, who have been limited to being at home for a long time. Many of them have only left home for doctor appointments.

Pray for those who have lost their jobs. Pray their income will meet the basic needs to get families through until work can resume.

Also, pray for families with someone in the hospital. Both the patient and the family members struggle with not being able to be together. Understanding the need for new rules and being the one that the new rules apply to are two totally different things!

Continue to pray for medical professionals who have been asked to work through this difficult time with limitations forced upon them.

Pray for police and others in law enforcement. I think you can understand the need there.

Pray for churches as they seek new ways to minister to members and to do outreach in this time with limited contact. Be thankful for technology that has allowed most churches to remain in contact with fellowship. May people seek God during this time.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 5

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 16:21-23

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

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

There’s much to pray about today.

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

Wednesday

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

~Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 3

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 121:1-8
Proverbs 16:18

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

Families have needs. In the last few days, three families have asked for prayer. Today, I hope we will pray for struggling families. I’m thankful they recognize their need and know that prayer can help them meet any need. I’m not even sure what all these needs are, but I know my God does.

Our friend, Buddy Waller, needs out prayers. I’m so thankful we got to know him. He has such a sweet, gentle spirit.

Others. like Smiley Conerly, Buddy Morris, and Bryan Tate, have had a series of ups and downs. Pray for these three men and others in a similar situation.

I know doctors and other medical professionals don’t often get to tell their patients they are going backwards, but it happened to David Monday. He was told he was getting better and better, the unexpected in the world of oncology. David’s blood level was 11.4 Monday, the best it has been in five years, a while before we knew about his big health problems. We give God, and the many who have prayed for David, all the credit. We are thankful for each day and try to make the best of each one.

Pray for churches as decisions are being made about “regathering” of area churches.

Let’s continue to pray for our country. We need peace, love, understanding, love, caring, calm, concern for others, etc. All of these are available through Jesus.

I hope you pray daily. It can be so much more than a good habit. May we all learn to turn to God more often.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 2

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
John 21:1-25
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17

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

This morning I ran across “Sammy Tippit” Ministries. This started back when I was a teenager. He wasn’t much older than me and was from Louisiana. I remember seeing/hearing him several times. I’m so thankful for those who set good examples and serve their lifetime continuing to do so. https://www.facebook.com/watch/sammytippitministries/. I plan to spend some time today learning more about his current ministry of hope. https://sammytippit.org/

Pray for our students, teachers, bus drivers, janitors, etc. who are officially beginning their real summer vacation.

Pray for our churches and staff to be leaders and examples of “light” in a time of darkness.

Pray for Christians to set/follow good examples of how to live in a country in turmoil.

Pray for parents and grandparents to set good examples for their younger generations.

Pray for our young adults, teens, and children to be good decision makers in the world they face daily.

Please continue to pray for those who are:

America, as a whole
Police officers
Firemen
National guard
Regular military
Political officials
Public citizens
Medical workers
Religious leaders
Political leaders
News people
Common everyday folks
Peaceful protesters (happened in Hammond yesterday)
Rioters to “see the light” and protest peacefully
Etc.

Zilpha Lea Varnado Smith

February 18, 1925 – May 27, 2020

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, of natural causes. She was 95 years old. Zilpha Lea was a devout Baptist who loved people, gardening, traveling, playing games, and spending time with her family and friends. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her loving daughters, Connie Oubre and husband, Bootsie, Cathy LeJeune and husband, Brian, Richelle Latham and husband, Bert; 4 grandchildren, Bruce LeJeune and wife, Jennifer, Kimberly Cleveland and husband, Darryl, Zachary Oubre and wife, Becky, Alisha Lee and husband, Dustin; 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ashford and Mae Varnado; her husband of 51 years, Dick Smith; brother, Donald Varnado; sister, Myrthe Erwin; and granddaughter, Monica Latham. The family would like to thank Golden Age Healthcare of Denham Springs for their loving care. Visitation will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood on Saturday, May 30, 2020, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM with a service at 12:00PM conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood. Serving as pallbearers will be Bruce LeJeune, Tyler Genre, Andrew Genre, Don Gates, Mark Varnado, and Dustin Lee. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Albert Wendell Blackwell

June 15, 1939 – May 29, 2020

Albert Wendell “Wimp” Blackwell, 80, of Amite, LA passed away at home surrounded by family on May 29, 2020. Wendell loved sports, especially football, and was a high school All American player, playing college ball at Delta State University and Mississippi State University and later drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs before a career ending injury. He was also a member of the state championship track team at Cleveland High School. Later in life he coached high school football teams at Bayou Academy, winning a state championship, Oak Forest Academy, earning district awards and Silliman Institute, also winning a state championship. Wendell’s other love was animals, especially horses. He was a horse trainer for many years and was well known for owning and standing the quarter horse stallion The Promoter. Wendell is survived by his sons, Clay “Rawhide” Blackwell (Sally) of Loranger, LA and Thad Blackwell of Amite, LA, sister Louise Tidmore (A.C.) of Merigold, MS, brother Phillip Blackwell (Linda) of Peachtree, GA, brother Gerald Blackwell (Ann) of Cheyenne, WY, granddaughters Samantha Lynne Perkins (Daniel) of Centreville, MS, Kasey Rae Blackwell of Pine Grove, LA, Macy Blackwell of Loranger, LA, Cher Blackwell of Loranger, LA, grandsons Ben Davis (Carie) of Westlake, LA and Trey Hill of Cullman, AL, great-granddaughters Jenifer and Lena Davis and great-grandsons Ayden Varnado and Stetsan Hill and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Cordell Blackwell of Cleveland, MS, his brother Harold Blackwell of Lafayette, LA and his son Wendell “Skeeter” Blackwell of Montpelier, LA. Memorial services for Wendell Blackwell will be held at Montpelier Baptist Church with visitation on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 10:00 A.M., and memorial service at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude for Wendell Blackwell I.D. # 12033429. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lester Kirby Bennett

September 11, 1941 – May 30, 2020

Lester Kirby Bennett a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born September 11, 1941 in Amite, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Belinda Sylvester, Velvet Crowe and Vanessa Johnson; 1 son, Kirby Bennett; 12 grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Jones Hinze Bennett and Emma Bennett; brothers and sisters, Lawrence Bennett, Calvin Bennett, Leche Bennett, Dewitt Bennett, Bernice Bennett, Bobbie Jean Poirrier, Myrtle Lee Newland and Alma Bennett. Graveside Services will be held at Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11:00AM Friday, June 5, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thanks for reading my words today. May we all grow in the Lord today!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)~

For two morning, I asked for prayers for our country. Today, I continue to ask for prayers for the USA. Many people today are disappointed. Our ancestors would be disappointed. God is surely disappointed. Please pray for the riots to end.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 1

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10
John 20:1-31
Psalm 119:153-176
Proverbs 16:14-15

This morning I read that several other churches in our area are planning VBS this summer. It seems July will be a busy month.

As far as I know, the Hope Center continues to be open only Tuesday through Friday. Check them out this week at their new location.

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

Please continue to pray for those who have been on our prayer list lately.

Anna Lee