That completes the reading on Matthew. We will begin reading Mark tomorrow. See how quickly we moved to the second book of the Bible.
Obituary
Robin Annette Wheat
October 24, 1972 – January 6, 2025
A resident of Loranger, LA , passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 at her home. She was born October 24, 1972 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 52 years of age. She is survived by her sister, Renee White (Robert); brother, Ricky Wheat (Melissa Wheat); sister, Veronica Foley (Lee); nieces and nephews, Samantha Hoffman (Ray), Katie Perry (Jared), Kalyn Pisciotta (Sabastian), Madison Scardina, and Lainey Scardina;great- nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Rita Wheat; grandparents, Vernell and Lexie Easley; nephew, Dustin Hoffman. Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Pine Ridge Ladies
We have a great gathering and lunch yesterday. Out next meeting will be the second Wednesday of February.
Senior Adult Lunch
The senior adults of FBC, Kentwood will be eating lunch at Charlie’s in Springfield next week. You can ride the church van or drive your own vehicle. Contact Judy Fowler to get your name of the list so she can request enough room for everyone.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your Sunday School lesson.
Weather
I hope you have done well with the weather conditions this week. Hang in there. We are close to having warmer temperatures. Continue to take good care of your pipes, water, plants, etc. today.
Keep checking on friends, relations, and neighbors. Check with these people to see what they need in this COLD weather.
Leonard Owens McMichael, 93, of Roseland, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on January 5, 2025. Born on March 13, 1931, in Roseland to Phillip Spiller McMichael and Beulah McMichael, Leonard lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service. Leonard began preaching at the young age of 16 in 1947, answering a call to ministry that spanned over 70 years. He was a devoted pastor who never met a stranger, touching countless lives through his sermons, personal outreach, and genuine kindness. From running the church bus to bring children to services, preaching at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail, and hosting a weekly radio ministry, Leonard’s passion for spreading the Gospel knew no bounds.A proud veteran, Leonard served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1959, exemplifying the same dedication to his country as he did to his ministry.Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Spiller McMichael and Beulah McMichael; his brother, Sidney McMichael; an infant sister; his beloved wife, Betty McMichael; sons Kenneth McMichael and David McMichael; and grandson Steven McMichael.He is survived by his children Rebecca Russell (Bryant), Phillip McMichael (Rhonda), Benjamin McMichael (Rachel), and Mark McMichael Sr.; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who cherished him deeply.A celebration of Leonard’s life and ministry will be held at First Baptist Church of Roseland on January 9, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at McMichael Cemetery in Roseland.Pallbearers will be Mark McMichael Jr., Kenneth McMichael Jr., Aaron McMichael, Josh McMichael, Tyler Costanza, Dewey McMichael, Mason McMichael, and Chance McMichael, with Kevin McMichael and Kaleb Carpenter serving as honorary pallbearers.Leonard leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and love, a reminder to all who knew him of the power of a life lived in service to God and others.
(The visitation and funeral will be at the Baptist Church in Roseland.)
(I haven’t seen him in years, but what a blessing it was to have known him! As a school teacher, I taught his son, David, in my early years of teaching.)
Pine Ridge Ladies’ Bible Study Group
Meet at Pine Ridge at noon for lunch today.
Stay warm. Check on someone who lives alone or who might have special needs during this time of cold weather.
Good Morning! I’m glad you came to “visit” us this morning.
Today, let’s thank God for his faithful love. We can count on Him no matter who we are, where we are, or what our life situations are! He is faithful to be there for us because of His love for each of us! Consider Him your best friend.
Read the Bible With Us
Today, our reading is Matthew 22-23. Only two chapters so you have plenty of time to review where we have been and what you are learning.
Some people like to highlight the verses they have read. I like to pick out key words or names to write in the margins. I also underline key thoughts. Some people are content to read without a pen or highlighter in their hands. The focus is on reading and remembering, so choose the method that works for you.
Pine Ridge Bible Study Group
Our ladies will meet Wednesday at 12:00 for lunch and to “catch-up” on each other so we can pray for each other and for others. If you would like to be a part of the next Bible study, you might want to attend our lunch meetings to get to know everyone.
Prayer Focus
With the extremely cold weather here for the week, let’s pray about making the best of the time and conditions. Our homes, needs, and families are different, but it is COLD in every home here. When you pray, be sure to remember those who do not have sufficient heat, those who lose power, those whose pipes freeze, those who must work outside, etc. Say special prayer for older people who live alone causing them to be our in the cold weather taking care of their pipes, etc.
Neighboring Churches
I hope we all know that churches are not in competition with each other. They all work with the same purpose. Let’s pray for each other, both the routine schedule and in all the unique activities.
Pray for the pastor, leadership, teachers, nursery workers, etc. Pray for visitors to find the church that meets their needs. Pray for adults to attend where the classes continue to teach the truths they have studied and members continually invite and include others. Pray for young adults to find a place that has classes and opportunities for them and their children. Pray for teens to learn how important it is to attend regularly and begin to really learn the truths of the Bible. Pray for the children to be safe, have opportunities to learn and worship with others on their level. Pray for nursery workers to care for the children well and to love the children so they can learn to love attending church and hearing about Jesus and how He loves them.
You can choose a specific church to pray for or pray for all of them. The key in to pray for them as you pray for your own church. Remember, the Jesus we hear about in one church is the same Jesus that is taught in other churches.
Today, let’s pray for people in much of our country as they have very wintery conditions. Let’s pray for warmth and necessary provisions. Let’s also pray for people as they drive in these wintery conditions. Also, pray for those who will be called upon to get out in this weather to help with emergencies and other needs.
Let’s also pray for those who are listed in our personal prayer books. Each of us can pray for those we choose.
Another way you can use these daily Scriptures is to choose some and memorize them. You can even make a special notebook for Scriptures you are memorizing and have it to refresh your memory as needed or just as a reminder of the verses you have memorized or are currently working to memorize. You will also find many verses you have already learned because you heard them often. They can be listed in your notebook as you think of them. What a treasure of verses you will soon have in your memory and in your book. Another idea would be to categorize the verses such as salvation, love, service.
Read the Bible Plan for 2025
Today, we will read Matthew 21-24. It’s not too late to join in with reading with us. Read 5-6 chapters each day starting with Matthew 1 until you catch us with us. It won’t take long to be reading exactly what we are reading. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will catch up with us!
After you read some of these articles, pray for Christians as some countries make and carry our restrictions of worship and even the killing of Christian as they worshiped God. Thank God our country and many others allow freedom of worship.
Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
Lottie Moon worked very hard to keep Americans informed about the progress of mission efforts in China where she served. She also let people know of needs and how they could participate by giving to keep missionaries on the field and with funds for the projects in the various countries in their efforts to tell others about Jesus. This is why our international offering is named in her honor.
Today, we remember her life’s work there over a hundred years ago. We can learn of efforts and needs around the world. We can be “missionaries” by giving and praying without going. Look for a special “Lottie Moon envelope” or use a regular envelope marked Lottie Moon and give to any Southern Baptist Church. It is a great way to be a missionary. The Week of Prayer was a month ago, but it is never too late to give.
Use the following to help you with special efforts in our churches.
PRAY, GIVE, and GO
Many of those who read here are no longer of age to go for a four year tern, but there are ways to serve if God calls us to participate. Pray for those who choose to GO in our later years and the many God calls at a younger age. We can all participate by giving through the state (Georgia Barnette), national (Annie Armstrong), and international (Lottie Moon) offerings in our churches. Our churches have decided to have a different time of the year for each focus.
Remember PRAY GIVE and GO!
Today, I want to say a special thank-you for helping the family of Ben Miller with many needs during the difficult time after his sudden death at such a young age, 13. Your gifts have been greatly appreciated!
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was born December 5, 1946 in Clinton, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Rushing Foster; 2 daughters, Kimberly Shaffett (Frank) and Rhonda Miller (Pete); 1 son, James Foster (Amanda); 1 brother, Clovis Foster (Mattie); 5 grandchildren, Nick Foster, J.R. Foster, Danielle Foster, Trae Miller, and Matthew Miller. Preceded in death by his parents, Willie T. and Pearl Foster; brother, Willie T. Foster, Jr.; sister, Judy Foster Needham. Graveside Services will be held at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA at 11:00AM Friday, January 3, 2025. The family would like to thank Community Care Hospice for their excellent care. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
John Sherman Scarle, Jr.
April 3, 1951 – January 2, 2025
A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, John Sherman Scarle, Jr., passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born April 3, 1951, in New Orleans. He grew up in Ponchatoula, moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU and continued living there until his death.
As a student at LSU, he was member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, as well as Athletic Manager under the guidance of the late Coach Charlie McClendon, receiving the Outstanding Football Manager Award from the All-American Football Association in 2003. He was the Past President of the LSU “L” Club. John enjoyed a long and illustrious career in sales, receiving many awards.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Page Sauls Scarle, his three daughters, Florence Louise Scarle, Laura Cason Scarle, and Ann Elizabeth “AnnaBeth” Scarle Guillory and husband, Kevin Guillory; three grandchildren, Emmaline Grace Guillory, Ellie Kate Guillory and Matthews McPherson Scarle; two sisters, Scarlet Hebert (Tommy) and Marsha “Hoppy” Black (Gary); two stepdaughters, Carla Walker and Angela Magee, step grandchildren and great grandchildren, first wife and mother of his children, Ann K. Gregorie; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John S. Scarle, Sr. and Louise M. Scarle.
Services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with visitation from 10 A.M until service at 12 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. For online guest book, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
Read that verse two time and then pause for one minute before continuing. Then think about this: If you do not have God, is something missing from your life?
Prayer Focus for Today
Today let’s pray for salvation of those in our church services today. I also pray that you and yours are saved and have a heavenly home waiting for them when they no longer live on earth.
Prayer List
Pray for those on your prayer list.
Pray for the family of Ben Mixon.
Continue to pray for Jesse Dean and David Sellers.
Continue to pray for Andy Taylor (and Betty).
Remember Mrs. Mildred Birch who spent some days in the St. Helena Hospital last week.
Pray for teachers and students as they return to school in two days.
Pray for those in Sunday School classes and/or worship services to know Jesus .
Pray for visitors in all the churches to make decisions to be more faithful in attendance and more dedicated to the Lord.
Let’s pray for our government as we are preparing for a transition to a new president and the leadership chosen to work with him. As you pray for those transitioning into office, please also pray for those transitioning out of office.
Bible Readings for Today
Matthew 13-16
If you are reading the daily Scriptures from Matthew, please give me a comment to tell me what you like or dislike about this plan.
If you know of someone who might want to read along with us, please tell them today. It will be easy to catch up with us at this point.
I think of this as an individual endeavor, but it can also be used as a. family devotional, either at the same time as other members of the family or by reading together.
Sunday School Preparation
Spend time studying the Scripture we have been using from Exodus 16 and 17. If you have a study Bible, spend some time quietly studying those verses as well as your S.S. book. The verses can also be a topic for discussion this way.
Today’s Obituaries
Cynthia D. Beasley Franks
December 29, 1958 – December 31, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born December 29, 1958 in Birmingham, AL and was 66 years of age. She is survived by husband, Joel Franks; son, Tony Franks and wife, Kayla; daughter, Jamie White and husband, Shane; 7 grandchildren, Steven, Bailey, Tristan, Regan, Michael, Raelyn, and Alyssa; great-granddaughter, Aria Franks; 2 brothers, Tommy Beasley and Roy Beasley; sister, Pam Beasley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James C. Beasley, Jr. and Aileen Lovell Beasley Hudson; brother, Wadis Beasley; and sister, Gaynell Wood. A Memorial Service will be held at New Covenant Church of God at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Services conducted by Pastor Scottie Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
If you would like to send flowers, they may be delivered to New Covenant Church of God by 10:00AM the day of the service.
Frannette Darouse Bryant
February 2, 1942 – December 31, 2024
A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at her home. She was born May 2, 1942 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. She graduated in 1961 from Baton Rouge High School and retired from Bellsouth in 1997 with 37 years of service. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Wendy Ann Bryant; 2 brothers, John Darouse and wife, Mary Jan and Allan Darouse; niece, Marcie Lynn Stiegler; cat, Obama; and dog, Delilah. Preceded in death by her mother, Clara Battles Bennett; step-father, Chester Bennett; son, Michael Steven Bryant; sister, Ann Gayle Darouse; father, Francis Darouse; sister-in-law, Joyce Darouse; Donald Ray Bryant. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until Memorial Services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 11, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Glenda Malmberg McNabb
September 22, 1936 – January 2, 2025
A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at home. She was born September 22, 1936 in Fruita, CO and was 88 years of age. She is survived by 3 daughters, Cynthia M. Flora, Jennifer M. LaBorde, and Sandra McNabb; son, William M. McNabb; 6 grandchildren, Dale McNabb, Douglas McNabb, Alisha M. Hodge, Dustin Flora, Matthew LaBorde, and Kaye Kilshaw; 8 great-grandchildren, Abby McNabb, Garrett McNabb, Christian Flora, Brianna Flora, Zoe Flora, Adeline Flora, John McNabb, and Sophia McNabb. Preceded in death by husband, William G. McNabb; mother, Evelyn Malmberg; father, Harold Malmberg; grandson, Michael Flora; and brother, Larry Malmberg. A Religious Service will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, at 10:00AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Lance Bates. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ben Mixon will be remembered at FBC, Kentwood at 1:00 today.
As you pray for the family, please also remember Bro. Darryl, his school teachers and classmates. and his peers at church.
Weather Preparations
If you need to do anything special for the winter storm that is coming in a few days, don’t wait until too late.. Also, our area is expecting rain storms Sunday. Be prepared! Take this opportunity to help someone else to be prepared.
Thank-you for reading today.
I also hope you will make time for prayer and Bible study. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity to “meet with you” each day.
Let’s continue to pray for the families and friends of those killed in New Orleans and for the many individuals who were injured.
Bible Readings for Today
Matthew chapters 9-12
If you have a Sunday School book, study the lesson for tomorrow. If you do not have a book, please read the same Scriptures as yesterday, but a little slower this time.
I’m enjoying reading Matthew again. I trust you are too.
It’s not too late for you or others to begin reading with us. I suggest you go back for Matthew 1 and read until you catch up.
Lester Lavern Easley
September 16, 1941 – December 30, 2024
Lester Lavern Easley, beloved father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 30, 2024, at Francois Bend in Gonzales, LA. He was 83 years old. Lester was born on September 16, 1941, in Easleyville, LA. He attended Greensburg High School and Louisiana State University. He was a long-time employee of Ethyl/Albemarle Corporation in Baton Rouge, LA. Upon retiring, he moved back to Saint Helena Parish where he became actively involved in civic affairs. He served on the Board for the Louisiana Capital Area Economic Development Alliance (LaCAEDA) Film Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Saint Helena Parish Office of Economic Development. Lester had a lifelong love of history, but he was always happiest at his “place” in Greensburg, LA, tending to his cattle. He was a certified Louisiana Master Cattleman. Lester is survived by his daughters, Renee Talbot and Teri Gates; son, Craig Easley; 5 grandchildren, Chase Dragon and wife, Starr, Hunter Dupre, Alexandra Dupre Donaldson and husband, Jonathan, Tai Andrews, and Beau Talbot; brother, Willard Easley and wife, Dorothy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Jewell Easley; sister, Bessie Blanchard; brothers, James L. Easley and Elton L. Easley; and wife, Billie Jean Easley. A private family service will be conducted by Deacon Edward Renz. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Obituary for Benjamin Robert Mixon
AMITE NATIVE, BENJAMIN ROBERT MIXON was born May 4, 2011 and died December 27, 2024 at 1:21am due to injuries sustained in an accident. He lived with his parents in Roseland. However, he spent most of his time with his grandparents on their farm in Kentwood, when he wasn’t fishing or hunting. Ben was in the 8th grade at Roseland Montessori School. Ben is survived by his mother Edith Westmoreland and step father Kevin Ensign, half sister, Caitlyn Mixon, step brother K.C. and wife, Sara Ensign, grandparents Ray and Thelma Schenk and Roy and Judith Mixon, 2 nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ben is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Mixon, and his grandparents, Horace and Thersa Ensign. Services for Ben will be Saturday, at First Baptist Church of Kentwood. The church will open at 10am and funeral is at 1pm. Interment is at Amite Memorial Garden.
The Prayer Link 
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