In him and through faith in him

we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

~Ephesians 3:12~

Read the Bible in 2020 – 7-6-2020

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4
Acts 24:1-27
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 18:16-18

Today and tonight, several area churches will begin Vacation Bible School (VBS). Please spend some time praying for:

No virus or other health problems among students or workers
Children to learn about the God through Bible stories and songs
Children to come to know God and want to live for Him daily
Lots of fun!

Pray for Clint Smith, one of Lea Smith’s sons. He’s having a medical test today to determine if additional heart surgery is necessary. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Please pray for Virginia Carr, formerly of Roseland. She has completed a long surgery for hearing implants. Pray especially for July 20th when the implants will be activated and that Virginia will have improved hearing.

I contacted Shirley and Sylvester Humphrey today to check on them. Sylvester has overcome another round with cancer and is much improved. They are serving God at Kedron, where their son is the pastor. Hope Center exists because of Shirley and Sylvester’s identifying a need and working to address that need. Thank-you for all the time, prayer, and work you gave to help others is many ways. They have passed the responsibilities and dreams on to others. The new and larger Hope Center is now located in the big curve south of Roseland on highway 51.

I think you may profit from reading Dr. Waylon Bailey’s Sunday post.

http://waylonbailey.com/2020/07/05/a-critical-month/

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

Today marks one year since we celebrated David at his party at the church on July 6, 2019. Many of you were able to be there. David was struggling with his health at that time. Seeing his friends, classmates, family, co-workers, and church family that day was a big encouragement to him and to our family. Many of you have continued to pray for him since that day. David has surprised his family and the medical staff treating him with major improvement that was not expected. Thanks for being his friend through the years and especially on that day. David is better. The big turnaround started to happen in July, 2019. Several people, pinpoint the change as starting at the party. Each day is an unexpected gift from God. Thanks for the encouragement you gave him/us on July 6, 2019.

A quote from Jason’s church that could be seen when people left the service today:

“Go and make an impact this week!”

Anna Lee

Sunday

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

Saturday/4th of July

“Walk with the wise and become wise;

associate with fools and get in trouble.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NLT)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 4

2 Kings 23:31-25:30
Acts 22:17-23:10
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 18:13

North America Missions – Christmas in August –

http://wmu.com/?q=article/national-wmu/christmas-august&inf_contact_key=7341bff6a73ce07f421efe4061ed8229f651f238aa2edbb9c8b7cff03e0b16a0

Five lessons I learned from a COVID-19 spike at our church

http://www.bpnews.net/55034/firstperson-five-lessons-i-learned-from-a-covid19-spike-at-our-church

Highland Avenue engages next generation in missions

http://www.bpnews.net/55030/highland-avenue-engages-next-generation-in-missions

I hope you enjoy reading these articles and can ways to apply them in your place of service.

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

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

Wednesday

So if the Son sets you free,

you will be free indeed.

~John 8:36~

Andy and Betty Taylor ask you to please pray for their daughter, Penny, who is working in a Covid-19 unit in Phoenix.

The virus is alive and well in our area. Please be careful and pray for others to be careful too.

Read the Bible in 2020 – July 1

2 Kings 18:13-19:37
Acts 21:1-17
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 18:8

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

Need encouragement today? Read this article on Baptist Press. http://www.bpnews.net/55021/vice-president-speaks-during-first-baptist-dallas-annual-patriotic-celebrate-freedom-sunday-service

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

~Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)~

I have a few more ideas for those of you who are going shopping for Operation Christmas Child:

Markers
Crayons (24-count)
Marbles
Playdough (8 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree)

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 30

2 Kings 17:1-18:12
Acts 20:1-38
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 18:6-7

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

Update on David – I haven’t shared much about David lately, but today I will tell you he still has two terminal diseases, but the good news is that he is stronger than he has been in several years. He is here 18 months since he was told he had three months to live. He has gained weight and is able to do one of the things he loves most, work out in the yard. The golf cart helped him get around as he was getting better. Now, he is able to cut grass, weed-eat, clean out brush, water flowers, etc. Yesterday, he added something he hasn’t done in years. He cooked pork chops and sausage, our favorites, on a grill. It topped off a day that started off with a “bummer”.

When we checked in at oncology yesterday by phone, we were told to go home because he blood level was too high to receive a procrit shot. The report of the blood level was good, but driving to Baton Rouge for nothing was a bummer. After sitting in the car for a few minutes we decided to celebrate the good news, not focus on the unnecessary trip.

We stopped in Walker and visited Walmart. Remember, we buy all our groceries at Walmart pick-up. We went in and purchased a $20 grill and charcoal. After getting back to Kentwood, we went to Cutrer’s and bought sausage and pork chops. David cooked out on that grill for several hours. We ate and have two plates of leftovers, some to eat and some to freeze.

We had a wonderful day of “Making lemonade from the lemons”! We looked for the good and focused and celebrated that, rather than focusing on the negative. This weeks makes four months since Jennie told us to “Stay home”. She was thrilled we carefully broke the rules and celebrated good news!

Thanks to God, your many prayers, hard work, and determination we are “making lemonade” every day! Eighteen months and counting . . . .

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

Saturday

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.”

~Psalm 23:4 (ESV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 27

2 Kings 10:32-12:21
Acts 18:1-22
Psalm 145:1-21
Proverbs 18:1

There’s so much to pray about.

Unrest in our country
Pandemic
Damaging statues
Looting
Burning businesses
Unsaved people
Unborn babies
Hospital overflowing with patients
“Shoeboxes” that need to be filled
Families running short on food
Schools
Members of the military
Etc.

How has God provided/answered you prayers in 2020? Have you thanked Him?

Bills paid
Food to eat
Electricity came back on
Family member recovered from an illness
A good year for the garden
Peace in trying times
Friends
Family close by
Roof doesn’t leak
Graduated
Vehicles running well
Vacation
Etc.

Anna Lee