Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Thursday

The true light that gives light to every man

was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him.

~John 1:9-10 (NIV)~

Mr. Bobby Lawson is in North Oaks again.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker is in rehab and doing well.  Keep her in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Frankie Gehringer.  His medication is being adjusted to help him feel better.

Sherman Cutrer seems to go from one issue to another.  He is at Kentwood Rehab.  Pray for him to have some better days soon.

Please continue to pray for Randy Taylor.  He’s been fighting a long, hard battle.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Third Thursday at the Cabin –  We will meet one week from tonight.  I’m already looking forward to our sweet time together.

First Baptist Church, Kentwood will present the Christmas musical “Joy, Joy, Joy” Sunday evening at 6:00.  Bro. Jonathan Statham will be directing the choir and orchestra this year.  You are invited to attend.  Pray for all those participating in the musical.

This week, the Friday morning Bible Study will focus on Mary, mother of Jesus.  Our Scripture passages are Luke 1-2 and John 2:1-11.  Please feel free to join us at 10:00 in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Contact me if you have questions.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Christingle”  –   http://odb.org/2013/12/25/christingle/
  • That was the true Light which gives light                                                  to every man coming into the world.                                                                                                                                      ~John 1:9~                                                            The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world….                                                                                                                     ~John 1:29~
  • “This Little Light of Mine” – http://www.negrospirituals.com/news-song/this_little_light_of_mine.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – It takes $139/day to support a mission family and their work.  If we meet our goal at FBC,K. we will be able to support a missionary unit for five months.  I know it is early in the month, but it is interesting to know we have already collected money to cover 15 days.  I’ve never considered our goal that way before.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering from the Perspective of the past of FBC, Lafayette –http://stevehorn.org/2014_12_08/a-new-perspective-on-the-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-for-global-missions/

I think you will find this very interesting.

I like that word “shatter” that was used.  Let’s pray and give again this year with the purpose of supporting missionaries (and to “shatter” that goal to do so).

Anna Lee

Wednesday

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:

His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph,

but before they came together,

she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man

and did not want to expose her to public disgrace,

he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  

But after he had considered this,

an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,

because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.”  

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel” –which means, “God with us.”  

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.  

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.

And he gave him the name Jesus.  

~Matthew 1:18-25~

Martha Pevey Drago had her first chemo yesterday and let her granddaughter take one link off the chain of steps in her treatment.  She thanks you for praying, but also asks for continued prayers.

Theresa Flores reports that Claire is doing well following her kidney transplant.  She is staying at Brent House at Ochsner so she can be close to the lab for frequent tests.  Theresa has been able to return to work some.  Thanks for your prayers for Claire and her family.

Friday Morning Bible Study 

  • FBC, Kentwood
  • 10:00 A.M. Fridays
  • Studying women of the Bible
  • This week – Mary, Mother of Jesus
  • Join us any Friday you are available.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  • Every penny of the Lottie Moon offering supports nearly 4,900 missionaries.
  • Meeting the $175 million goal would send more missionaries to the field.
  • More than half the world’s people groups are still unreached and people are dying every day without ever having heard the Gospel.
  • This requires sacrificial giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – gifts that truly honor the Lord.
Jesus is the ONLY reason for this holiday season!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,

Mary, you have found favor with God.

You will be with child and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great a

nd will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne

of his father David,

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel,

“since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

~Luke 1:30-35~

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6, NKJV~

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions –  Because of your giving, missionaries and their national partners recently reported:

  • Nearly 1,700,000 heard a Gospel witness
  • More than 235,000 became new believers
  • 141 new people groups were engaged

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

I saw Rita Tate last night.  She is doing very well following her knee surgery.  Thank God for that and for physical therapists who help in so many ways.

Martha Pevey Dagro will begin chemotherapy tomorrow.  Let’s give her good prayer support as she goes through this time.

Sherman Cutrer is at Kentwood Rehab for a couple of weeks.  Then, he will need one more surgery.  Please continue to support this family with your prayers.

Marty Simpson’s celebration of life service was surely one of the most fitting and most stirring funerals I have ever attended.  There were numerous firefightera and police officers from different departments as well as at least ten ministers, church member, family members, and friends.  Marty was deserving of all the special comments that were made.  I was blessed to be there yesterday, but much more blessed to have know Marty!  Continue to support the family with your prayers and your actions.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Our Life is a Primer” –  http://odb.org/
  • You shall teach them diligently to your children . . .                                      when you walk by the way,                                                                            when you lie down,                                                                                              and when you rise up.                                                                                                                                                               ~Deuteronomy 6:7~
  • “Living for Jesus” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/i/livingfj.htm

 

Jesus is the only reason for this wonderful season of the year!
Anna Lee

Monday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.  

~Isaiah 7:14~

 

Miss Fay Shoemaker is doing well in rehab following her shoulder surgery.  Please continue to pray for her.

Robbie Lynn Kirby is recovering nicely from pneumonia.  She and her family appreciate your prayers.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss asks that we pray for her brother in Hammond, Henry Clay “Cush” Shaw. He is possibly facing some serious surgery.

Don and Judy Dickinson were in church yesterday.  They were blessed with God’s perfect timing to get him to the doctor and into surgery.

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “Stones Cry Out” –  http://odb.org/
  • I tell you that if these should keep silent,                                                           the stones would immediately cry out.                                                                                                                     ~Luke 19:40~                                                         “[He] took upon Him the form of a servant,                                                        and was made in the likeness of men.”                                                                                                                ~Philippians 2:7~
  • “Down from His Glory” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/d/f/h/dfhglory.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Southern Baptists send missionaries from their churches, through IMB, to go into the world making disciples in the name of Jesus. In that partnership, Southern Baptists provide the funding to send and support these missionaries and their ministries. The more resources they provide, the more missionaries can be sent.

Jesus is the ONLY reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Saturday Addition

Juanita Booty‘s problem has been diagnosed as a medicine issue.  She’s back at home.  Thank you for praying.

Landon Walker is having surgery this morning to remove fluid.  He’s not doing well.

Pray for Porgy Scarle.  He’s at home in Fluker.

Sherman Cutrer is a little better.  Thank you for your continued prayers for him.

Saturday

 

“Even Elizabeth your relative

is going to have a child in her old age,

and she who was said to be barren

is in her sixth month.

For nothing is impossible with God.”

~Luke 1:36-37~

 

Pray for Karen Miller’s family as they lay her mother to rest today and for Gretchen Simpson’s family as they prepare for Marty’s services later.

Randy “Duke” Ficklin

Born: October 14, 1957
Died: December 04, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2850115&fh_id=10545

Charles Cole Hayes

Born: October 23, 1994
Died: December 03, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2850186&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 7

“Scripture Planting is Key” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13047&LanguageID=1709

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Better than Before” – http://odb.org/2014/12/06/better-than-before/
  • [Naaman’s] flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child.                                                                                                                ~2 Kings 5:14~                                                                                                                                                                  “Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.”                                                                                                   ~ 1 Chronicles 16:10~              
  • “More about Jesus” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/o/morabout.htm

Stop by Hope Center between 9 and 1 today.  We would love to see you.  See our new truck back-up drive.  Yesterday was a great day of giving food to many families.

Pray for your church members as they prepare for Christmas programs of various natures.  May each one be used as a special message to someone who is searching for the real meaning of Christmas.  May they learn the “Jesus is the ONLY reason for the season!”.

Anna Lee

 

Friday

     “You know that you were ransomed

from the futile ways inherited from your fathers,

not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

but with the precious blood of Christ,

like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

~I Peter 1:18-19~

 

Theresa Flores says her daughter is doing well following the transplant surgery.  Claire’s cousin, the donor, is also doing well.  Please continue to pray.

Mrs. Hazel Smith will have three appointment next month for more cardiac tests and a final report.  She’s already doing much better after a change of medication.  Pray for this lady who is very faithful to God, her family, and her church.

Rita Tate is doing well in recovering from surgery.  Pray for continued good results.

Sherman Cutrer is now in OLOL with pneumonia and other issues.  Please pray for him and his family.

Richard Navarra has passed away.  Please be in prayer for his family.

Bobby “Marty” Martinez Simpson

Born: November 23, 1970
Died: December 02, 2014

A resident of Kentwood died at 10:42 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at his home. He was born November 23, 1970 in McComb, MS and was 44 years of age. He was a graduate of Sumner High School and later attended Southwest Junior College and Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a Department of Public Safety Officer for the Louisiana State Police and a volunteer fireman with the Kentwood Fire Department for 25 years. He was also a deacon at First Baptist Church of Kentwood. He is survived by wife, Gretchen Varnado Simpson, Kentwood; 2 children, Micah and Sarabeth Simpson, both of Kentwood; father and step mother, Bobby R. and Betty Simpson, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Melissa Johnson, Kentwood and Kay Simpson, Gonzales; 2 nieces, Brooke Speed and husband, Dan, and their children, John and Lily, Chatawa, MS and Kayla Johnson and her fiancé, Tim Evans, New Orleans and father in law and mother in law, Gary and Mary Varnado, Amite. Preceded in death by his mother, Sara Martinez Simpson; 2 nephews, Dustin and Josh Johnson and his grandparents, Oliver and Bertha Simpson and Eloy and Sara Martinez. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 PM until 9 PM on Sunday and at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 AM until Religious Services at 11 AM on Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Nyra Perry “Nell” Rigby

NORTHPORT | Nyra “Nell” Perry Rigby, age 80, of Northport, died December 3, 2014, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel with Rev. Greg Strickland and Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Friday, December 5, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Idella Carter and Thomas Edmonds; husband, Rev. Wallace A. Perry; son, Wallace Aubrey Perry, Jr.; second husband, Rev. Carey Rigby; and sisters, Elizabeth King and Joyce Jones.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Perry Miller (Joey); daughter-in-law, Jan Perry; sister, Mildred White; brother, Thomas Edmonds (Arlene); grandchildren, Chris Smalley (Rebecca), Chad Smalley (Allison), Chaplin Smalley (Leah Ann), Carson Smalley, Christy Mink (John), and Candace Melson; great –grandchildren, Morgan, Madison, Christian, Layla, Chandler, Nate, and Vayda; great-great-grandchild, Carsyn; step grandchildren, Scott Miller (Katie), Sally Ann Shaver (Cory), and Chase Miller; and step great-grandchildren, Brady, Peyton, Eden, and Kodi Grace.
Nell was born on April 24, 1934. She was a retired nurse having worked at Druid City Hospital, Gulf States Paper, Bryce Hospital and Alabama Dermatology. She attended church at Northport Church of God.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tuscaloosa/obituary.aspx?n=nyra-perry-rigby-nell&pid=173366933&#sthash.gW4szlN6.Yl6iqFrh.dpuf

Bible Study 

  • This morning at FBC, K at 10:00
  • Naomi
  • Bring your Bible and join us.  Each lesson is independent of all the others.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

I watched Vestal Goodman sing this song on television last night and decided to use it for my “Song of the Day”.  God provided the devotional I needed to go with it.

  http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-tribute-to-howard-vestal-goodman-mw0000206792

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEuDzUa4nyI

The Goodmans are/were some of my favorite gospel singers!

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 6

“Music Makes Relationships” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13046&LanguageID=1709

Isn’t God so good?  He took the song I heard last night, arranged for today’s devotional, and provided a LMCO music missionary for us to pray for today – all connected!

Anna Lee

Funeral Arrangements

I called to check on Mr. Bobby Simpson, who is doing well following his Tuesday’s procedure, and learned the funeral arrangements for Marty have been completed.  The wake will be Sunday evening from 5:00 – 9:00 at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood.  Monday, visitation will resume at First Baptist Church at 9:00 with an 11:00 funeral.  The family meal will be at the church later.

Thursday

”Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

 

Theresa Flores’ daughter, Chaire, received a kidney form a cousin yesterday.  The latest report I received was that both were doing well.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker had shoulder replacement surgery yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery/rehabilitation time for her.

Mrs. Mildred Birth saw Dr. Liner yesterday.  He will not be doing surgery right away.  More tests are scheduled, but hopefully the most she will need a to “blast” some kidney stones.  Please keep praying.

Mr. Bud Callihan is now at the Old Dixon Hospital.  Please pray for him and his family.

Andy Taylor’s sister, Cindy Juban, received a good report.  Please continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Hellen Morris is in Southwest at McComb.  Her great-granddaughter, Riley Titus, is in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.  Please pray for both of these people and for the family as they care for two hospitalized relatives.

Mr. Bobby Lawson is doing a little better.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Remember Wayne Criswell and Ray Blackwell who are both receiving hospice services.

Karen Miller’s mom. Nyra Rigby, passed away yesterday afternoon about 4:15. Arrangements will be made today.  Please pray for Karen and her family.

Marty Simpson‘s arrangements have not been made yet.  I’ll post them when they are available.

The choir of FBC, K will be presenting “Joy, Joy, Joy” at 6 P.M. of Sunday December 14th.  They will be accompanied by an orchestra.  You are invited to attend.

Pancakes & Sausage with Santa!

  • Saturday, December 6th
  • 8:00 am – 10:00 am
  • First Baptist Church, Amite
  • **Bring your camera**

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer, Day 5: “A New Wave of Church Planters” –

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13045&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

“Record-Setting Football Coach Credits Faith”

http://www.bpnews.net/43842/recordsetting-football-coach-credits-faith

“‘Hard to Argue with’ CP Success”

http://www.bpnews.net/43850/hard-to-argue-with-cp-success-pastor-says

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Called by Name” – http://odb.org/
  • [Jesus] looked up and saw him, and said to him,                                     “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,                                                          for today I must stay at your house.”                                                                                                                                          ~Luke 19:5~
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow” –

http://johntroutman.com/lyrics/hiseyeisonthesparrow.html

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsTVF-uc1u4 (Ethel Waters)

Even with a high temperature of 77 degrees on December 4th, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

 “If a brother or sister is naked

and destitute of daily food,

and one of you says to them,

‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’

but you do not give them the things

which are needed for the body,

what does it profit?” 

~James 2:15-16~

 

Please pray for Sherman and Jewel Cutrer.  He’s back in a Baton Rouge hospital for more surgery.

Pray for the family of Marty Simpson who passed away suddenly last night at the age of 44. He’ll be missed, but I KNOW he’s in heaven.

Chaplain’s Flight to Ferguson Fueled by Divine Appointment

http://billygraham.org/story/chaplains-flight-to-ferguson-fueled-by-divine-appointment/?utm_source=RRT+Newsletter+email&utm_medium=bgemail&utm_campaign=bgemailnewsletter&utm_content=Ferguson

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Ferguson Tensions Prompt First Baptist to Action

http://www.bpnews.net/43834/ferguson-tensions-prompt-first-baptist-to-action

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Whose Side are You On?” – http://odb.org/2014/12/03/whose-side-are-you-on/
  • It is good for me to draw near to God.                                                                                                                ~Psalm 73:28~
         He gathers the lambs in His arms                                                                                    and carries them close to His heart.                                                                                                                             ~Isaiah 40:11~

The Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon at First Baptist Church, Kentwood will be at 11:00 this morning.

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer

Day Four – “A Risk Worth Taking” – http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13044&LanguageID=1709

Despite the loss of Marty, I want to remind you that Jesus is still the reason for the season!

Anna Lee