This verse lets us know that God is always listening for us. Let’s be sure to talk with Him (pray) today. I think He is disappointed when we don’t.
As a child, I was familiar with a telephone. Praying was explained to me as being like calling Jesus at any time. I understood that, but had trouble understanding how He could talk to so many people at one time. That’s because He is God!
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, let’s focus on others that need a relationship with Jesus and pray for them. They might be young or old, family, friends, or strangers, residents of Kentwood or even someone who lives far away. Distance is not problem for God!
Bible Reading for Today
Day 2 – Matthew 5-8
Scripture for Sunday School
Provision Given
Exodus 16:11-19 and 17:1-6
Reread the Scriptures I gave you yesterday.
Pray about the attack in the French Quarters yesterday.
Those injured and receiving treatment
Those who were there and experienced the attack
Family members
C0-workers
Friends
Those involved in planning and helping with the attack
Law enforcement people
Those working to make today a safe day in New Orleans
Political leaders who will make changes so this doesn’t happen again
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries posted this morning.
Continue to pray for the family, friends, and classmates of Ben as well as his church family.
Praying Today
Pray for those who have been mentioned lately and others who are on your current prayeer list.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
We all have the continuing opportunity to give to this offering that supports missionaries who represent us all around the world as they introduce others to Jesus. This is a big focus of Baptists each year. You probably want to support them for speaking up for us while we stay at home and let them represent us.
These groups will meet later this month. Stay tuned for that time. If you would like to be a part of this focus, you are invited to meet with us. Mindy Ballard and Amy McDaniel are our leaders this year. Come support them.
Thank-You
Thank-you for checking in to find the Bible reading for today, for prayer concerns, and for other information that is helpful to us.
This thought comes up in conversation periodically. We need to remember it! 1/1/25 is a good time to start.
One of my granddaughters asked me how I was going to celebrate last night. I said sleeping. I even went to bed early and got plenty of good rest! That was probably not the kind of answer she expected.
The beginning of a year seems to be an opportunity for change, for improvements. It seems like a fresh start to many people. If you do make changes in your life, I hope you choose good ones and can follow through all year.
Prayer Focus
Today, if you made wise resolutions, I hope you will follow through all year. Some people have chosen to read the Bible daily, maybe for the first time. Pray that others have made or will make wise changes.
Obituary for Ben
This is not available yet, but will probably be available tomorrow. The funeral will be at 1:00 Saturday at FBC, Kentwood. The church is still accepting donations for Ben’s family.
This is the day we say good-bye to 2024 whether it was a good year for us or not. I hope you can remember many good events from 2024. If it represents difficult memories, work to eliminate them from your memory and prepare for 2025. Whether you celebrate or not, we will be living in 2025 when we wake up in the morning, God willing. Let’s do as Luke tells us in chapter 12, verse31 and seek God’s kingdom every day. When our live end here, we can live on in Heaven.
Prayer Focus for Today
Let’s pray we can live for Christ this last day of 2024 and all the remaining days of our lives.
Read the Bible Every Day
The current Read the Bible plan will end with the following Scriptures. I will begin listing a reading for the new year tomorrow.
December 31
Malachi 1:1-4:6
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 31:30-31
Revelation 22:1-2
The Scriptures I list are suggestions only. The key is to study your Bible every day.
I plan to read the Scriptures I will list here and to read my Sunday School Scriptures connected to them every day each week. Many of you have expressed a desire to read all year long too. Let’s have a wonderful year of learning and drawing closer to God.
Obituaries
Victor Anthony LePore
November 20, 1944 – December 22, 2024
A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jackson, LA. He was born November 20, 1944 in Charleston, WV and was 80 years of age. As to his military career, Victor was drafted and sent to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he was taught aircraft mechanics. In Viet Nam, at first he supervised young people who were digging ditches. Then, at Long Thanh Airbase, he, for example, replaced ailerons on OV-1 Mohawk reconnaissance airplanes. Next, in Germany, he taught American personnel about European road signs. He loved cats, dogs, science fiction, and Star Trek. The cat in the photo is available for adoption. He is survived by his brother, Timothy LePore. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary LePore. Graveside Services will be held at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 West Mt. Pleasant Rd., Zachary, LA 70791, at 1:00PM on Monday, December 30, 2024. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Patricia E. Moffett Van Hoose
April 25, 1946 – December 27, 2024
Patricia’s Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia E. Moffett Van Hoose, aged 78, who left this world peacefully on December 27, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Patricia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, and she touched the lives of many with her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, LCDR Ronald Van Hoose USN retired; parents, Willis “Bill” and Harriet Nee Kearney Moffett; her brother, Russell DeLancy; and her son, Raymond Diepenbrock. She is survived by her four sisters, Kaye Lyons, Donna Pursell, Sami Jacobi, and Mary Shanahan; her brother, Richard Moffett; her three children, Scott Diepenbrock, Tina Taylor, and Lance Diepenbrock; as well as six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy and pride.
Patricia was a woman of remarkable character—strong-willed, hard-working, and fiercely independent. She had a deep love for the outdoors, and it was often said that if she wasn’t reading a book, she could be found with a fishing pole in hand, soaking up the beauty of nature. Her adventurous spirit and zest for life were matched only by her warmth and compassion for others.
An avid reader and gifted writer, Patricia had a passion for crafting both intricate, multi-chapter books and heartfelt short stories. She was a lifelong learner and loved immersing herself in the worlds she created with her pen, often inspiring those around her with her creativity and storytelling.
Above all, Patricia was a devoted and loving member of her family, always putting those she loved first. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the people she cherished most, a testament to the bonds she nurtured throughout her life.
Her absence leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her memory will live on through the many lives she touched with her kindness, her wisdom, and her love for the simple joys in life.
A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at her family home at a later date, where loved ones can gather to remember and honor the legacy she leaves behind. A burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Rest in peace, Patricia. You will be greatly missed.
Jeannine Hennessey Burgess
July 24, 1938 – December 29, 2024
A resident of Harahan, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born July 24, 1938 in New Orleans, LA and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her 3 children, Steven Joseph Burgess, Sr. (Betty), Suzanne Burgess Lee (Tommy), and Cheryl Burgess Lirette; daughter-in-law, Janet Pritchard Burgess; grandchildren, Lindsay, Lauren, Steven , Jr., Angele, Heather, Jeffrey, Jeannine, Rebecca, Thomas, Jr., Bridget and Clinton; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Lennox, Brayden, Brynn, Zailey, Eli, Elizabeth, Blaine, Justin, Isabel, Dayle, Jr., David, Phoebe, Trae, and Lilee; brother, Richard Henness; sister, Robben Hennessey Karr; son-in-law, Craig Lirette; daughter-in-law, Angie Burgess. Preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Frank “Rock” Burgess, Sr.; son, Raymond Frank Burgess, Jr.; parents, Alcess Patrick Hennessey and Doris Winn Hennessey Babineaux; mother, Ouida Hennessey; son-in-law, Mitchell Fontenot; brothers, James Hernandez and Kenneth Hernandez. Visitation at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, 7100 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA 70123, from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Interment St. Patrick # 1, 5000 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
Ben Mixon
Ben’s Funeral will be Saturday. Visitation will be 10:00 A.M.-1::00 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. The funeral will begin at 1:00 P.M. The obituary will be published later.
The church is still receiving donations to help with the final expenses for Ben. Thanks to all who have allowed God use them to assist the family at this time.
I love to remember that Jimmy Carter continued to teach a Sunday School class while he served as president! I also greatly respect him and his wife for all they did to help build homes for those in need. Imagine a person being able to say for the rest of their life that the president of the United States helped to meet their need for a home! His wife worked on those projects too! That is quite a legacy!
Cold Weather
I am not a weather forecaster, but those who are say we have some days of very cold weather ahead. I hope you are well prepared at home and with the way you dress so you can be warm. If not, ask someone for help.
When David was so very sick, James Rimes came and cut our grass in the summer and wrapped out pipes for the winter. What a blessing he was! He saw our need and took care of it.
I have encouraged you to be prepared and to think of others. Imagine my surprise when a young man from church recently asked me about being prepared and able to live through cold temperatures. We are!
I love that the younger generation at my church wants to know what people need and are willing to do what is necessary to help others. That’s a key word for all of us – “OTHERS”!
Thanks-you to those who planned and carried out the fundraiser yesterday for the church family with special needs. Thank-you to the church members who supported the fund-raiser. What a blessing it will be when all the efforts are combined.
It is not too late to contribute to help meet these needs. You can still contribute through the church morning worship, online, or by seeing Janice in the church office to donate. I don’t think a date will be set to end the collection for this family.
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, let’s focus our prayers on the families involved in the bicycle accident. They all need out prayers today and in the coming days.
Read the Bible Every Day
December 30
Zechariah 11:1-14:21
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 31:28-29
Revelation 21:5-27
Bible Reading Format for 2025
I am anxious to begin the Bible readings for 2025. There will be two big differences that may encourage you to read the Bible in 2025. One major factor is that each day you will only be reading from one book of the Bible, which will eliminate turning back and forth in the Bible each day. The second is that we will begin with Matthew, not Genesis.
If you know someone who might like to read along with us in 2025, please let them know our plan of action for 2025. I feel like the new format will encourage more readers. Most people wouldn’t want to miss the first readings and then have to catch up, so if you know of anyone to encourage please tell them about our plan foe 2025 now. We can all read together in 2025.
Another thought, I like to set aside one particular Bible for reading and leave it out on a table for the entire year. I use my other Bibles for church attendance and other special readings. This is not part of the Bible reading plan, but a part of my plan that encourages me to read daily and to complete the entire reading process for the year.
Don’t forget to tell others. You don’t want them to hear next summer what they would have read, if they had only know….
Obituary
Malcolm “Coon” Willson
July 6, 1942 – December 26, 2024
A resident of Liberty, MS, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born July 6, 1942 in Gillsburg, MS and was 82 years of age. He was a dairy farmer all his life until retiring in 2007. He sold the dairy cows and then enjoyed raising beef cows for many years afterwards. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1983. He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Willson Dixon and husband, Justin; granddaughter, Leanne Fuqua Turnage and husband, Eli; great-granddaughter, Amelia Rose Turnage; sister, Tommie Stewart Richardson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, John Q. and Alma Lee Willson; wife, Kathy Penny Willson; son, Todd Willson; infant daughter, Dana Willson; sister, Velma Lee Willson Boyd; 4 brothers, John “Pete” Willson, James Howard Willson, Donald Ray Willson, and Frank “Joe” Willson. Visitation at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 4923 Mt. Vernon Rd., Liberty, MS 39645, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, December 30, 2024. Interment Stewart Wall Cemetery, Liberty, MS. Pallbearers will be Willson Stewart, Jarett Wilson, Mantle Austin, Joe Venable, Mackie McMillan, and John Dixon. Honorary Pallbearer will be Hugh Ray Hughes. In lieu of flowers, donate to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
No School Yet
As a teacher, I always enjoyed my holidays, but many of you are not teachers and will need to return to work this week. Make sure your children have some special activities this week. It is a good way to keep them from being bored and/or away from their classmates for too long.
Church Attendance
Some people slack off in church attendance during this holiday week. Last night our church was blessed to have a special, unannounced Lord’s Supper. Our pastor and music minister served, not deacons. What a unique service! They did an excellent job! If you weren’t there, you missed out. You can watch the online version if you missed it.
Prayer List
In addition to the new needs this week, please include those who have been hospitalized lately and those with recent deaths in the family. Your personal prayer list is much more meaningful to you than my list is. If you have not already done so, please add the Schenk family.
Sunday School
We were studying a familiar story form the Bible yesterday, Exodus 14. “Miss” Theople always reminds us that a successful class in one in which we learn something new. Remember that and set a goal for your class for next week and all the coming weeks.
Today’s “homework” is to tell at least one person about out new Bible reading plan for 2025.
It’s the Lord’s Day! Let’s be sure He gets time from us today!
Bad Weather Last Night
I don’t know how you fared, be we didn’t even lose power. I’m thankful. I’m thankful for those who do the constant upkeep of our power lines and for those who come out to restore power when it goes out or help in any other way needed.
God took good care of us in some very bad weather last night. If you are without power and we can do anything for you, please let me know.
God took care of many people in Louisiana and Mississippi last night. We came through the storm with no severe damage. Read the verse that is above again. I will praise the Lord!
Read the Bible Every Day
December 29
Zechariah 7:1-10:12
Psalm 148:7-14
Proverbs 31:26-27
Revelations 20:1-21:4
Only one more day of 2025. Then, we will start a new Bible-reading plan. I would like to tell you two special features of this plan. 1. We will start in Matthew. 2. The Scripture is limited to one book of the Bible each day. You pick up with your reading where you left off the day before. I have never read it this way before, but plan to do this way in 2025. If you know someone who might want to join us in reading this year, today is the day to tell them how to locate TPL on their device.
Lunch to Benefit Ben’s Family
FBC, Kenwood will have a jambalaya lunch to benefit the Mixon/Schenk family. The lunch will be available at 11:30 this morning. Pete Miller and the church crew will be cooking. Any donations will be accepted at that time. You can also give through the church office at any time.
I will post information about Ben’s service when it becomes available. Help the family as you can in the meantime. One very important thing you can do for them is to pray for them!
Prayer List
I think we can watch the news a few minutes and have multiple prayers of thanksgiving for lives that were spared. It amazes me to see pictures of homes that are totally destroyed and to learn a family walked out of the home with no injuries. God is so good!
Dr. Brock Birch who previously served in this area and now is pastor at Liberty Baptist Church gave this report. Many people and the church are without power. They will not have Sunday School, but WILL HAVE A WORSHIP SERVICE TODAY. I’m thankful they are safe, have a place to worship, and have a desire to worship God today! Many people will have similar stories today. Let’s thank God for ever person who is safe.
You’ll have a lot of add to your prayer list today!
Baptist Press
I didn’t remind you to read this lately, but today is a good day to read and catch up on some of what me have missed. You will get a summary of 2024 Baptist Headlines.
We begin at 9:15 and have many classes for adults to choose from. You can visit around a few weeks and them choose the class you would like to attend. There are age appropriate classes for children and lots of extra time dedicated to the children. Jus ask someone who has children here. They will tell you of all the opportunities for the children each week. We also have some very dedicated workers who focus their time on working with the children.
‘Called to Make Disciples,Everywhere!’ (Mt. 28:18-20)
“Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples . . . . “
Missions! – This is our calling to go and tell others about Jesus! That’s why we collect the Lottie Moon offering for international missions this time every year. That’s why we send missionaries to places around the world equipped to tell others how to be saved!
The Lottie Moon Offering equips us to pray, to give, and to go so they others will hear about Jesus and have the opportunity to have Him in their hearts.
Prayer Focus for Today
Today there are many hurting families because of an accident that occurred on a local highway the day after Christmas. Let’s spend some time praying for the family members of all those involved.
Read the Bible Today
December 28
Zacharia 2:1-6:15
Psalm 148:1-6
Proverbs 31:23-25
Revelations 19:1-21
Prayer List
Add the families of those involved in the accident on Highway 1061 this week.
Please continue to pray for David Sellers and Jesse Dean. They are both better, but still have medical issues to be resolved.
Pray for families in our community, or possibly even your family with babies on the way or new babies.
Sunday School Lesson Tomorrow – Exodus 14:19-31.
Obituary
Malcolm “Coon” Willson
July 6, 1942 – December 26, 2024
A resident of Liberty, MS, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born July 6, 1942 in Gillsburg, MS and was 82 years of age. He was a dairy farmer until retiring in 2007. He sold the dairy cows and then enjoyed raising beef cows for many years afterwards. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1983. He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Willson Dixon and husband, Justin; granddaughter, Leanne Fuqua Turnage and husband, Eli; great-granddaughter, Amelia Rose Turnage; sister, Tommie Stewart Richardson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, John Q. and Alma Lee Willson; wife, Kathy Penny Willson; son, Todd Willson; infant daughter, Dana Willson; sister, Velma Lee Willson Boyd; 4 brothers, John “Pete” Willson, James Howard Willson, Donald Ray Willson, and Frank “Joe” Willson. Visitation at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 4923 Mt. Vernon Rd., Liberty, MS 39645, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, December 30, 2024. Interment Stewart Wall Cemetery, Liberty, MS. Pallbearers will be Willson Stewart, Jarett Wilson, Mantle Austin, Joe Venable, Mackie McMillan, and John Dixon. Honorary Pallbearer will be Hugh Ray Hughes. In lieu of flowers, donate to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Do what is needed to prepare for the Lord’s Day. Spend some time praying today.
This has been a good Bible reading plan. I plan to use it another year.
Coming Soon – A Bible Reading Plan for 2025
Starts with New Testament on January 1st
Only one book to read from each day
Read the entire Bible in 2025
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s continue to pray for David Sellers and Jesse Dean who are both hospitalized.
Obituary
Charles Bradley “Brad” Jones
April 29, 1976 – November 4, 2024
Charles Bradley “Brad” Jones, 48, of Bogalusa, Louisiana went to be home with the Lord on Monday, November 4, 2024 at his residence.
Brad was born April 29, 1976 in Jackson, Mississippi and was a carpenter by trade.
Family members include his daughter Raynee Grace Jones; one brother, Timothy Wayne Jones, Jr.; his fiance, Aleisha Diaz; and a host of extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Timothy Wayne Jones, Sr. and Frieda Melton Jones.
A memorial service will be held at White Sand Baptist Church (2037 Highway 26 West, Poplarville, MS, 39470) on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm.
Today, let’s pray for opportunities to be a servant as God leads us and in a way that honors Him.
Read the Bible Every Day
December 26
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
Psalm 147:7-14
Proverbs 31:18-19
Revelation 17:9-18:8
Updates
Bill Sellers reported yesterday that his dad, David, was improving and would possibly be moved from ICU.
Majel Dean reported that even though Jesses was able to leave ICU, he still had more improvements and procedures to accomplish in the days ahead.
Pray for these two men and the many others whose names are listed on your prayer list.
Prayer List
My list continues as we move into a new calendar. Some people will begin a new list when the new year arrives. Either way is fine. The key is to have a prayer list and to pray for those listed there.
Obituary
Theresa “Tisa” Scheurer Cooper
March 24, 1949 – December 22, 2024
Theresa “Tisa” Scheurer Cooper, 75, of Amite entered eternal rest lovingly surrounded by her family on December 22, 2024. Tisa was born in New Orleans and was a resident of Metairie until her family moved to Amite in 1983 where Cooper’s Bakery found its new home. Here, she worked side by side every day with the love of her life, Johnny, for 41 years. Her fondest memories were found in a deer stand in the woods or on her boat, Tisa’s Toy, off the coast of Grand Isle hunting or fishing with those she loved most.
She is preceded in death by her parents William “Billy” and Lucille Scheurer and her brother Lenny Scheurer.
Tisa is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John “Johnny” Cooper; four children, Yvette (Dean) Barr, Troy (Becky) Cooper, Kevin (Shannon) Cooper, and Stacie (Tommy) Ball; Denise Peltier, her beloved sister-in-law; thirteen grandchildren, Austin Barr, Corinne Barr, Brittni Cooper, Carson Cooper, Braden Cooper, Kayla Cooper Foy, Brandi Cooper Hartley, Emily Cooper, Gabby Abril, Dre Abril, Sophie Abril, Sydney Ball, and Dylan Ball; and numerous great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please hold your loved ones close this holiday season and donate a prayer to our family and those in need.
(I taught some the these family members during my career.)
Ending 2024
As this year ends, are there things you had planned to accomplish this year? If they can be accomplished in a few days, you might want to work to accomplishe them in the coming week.
This is the Bible Reading plan I have chosen for 2025. I hope it appeals to you and you will be reading with me in 2025. If you have never read the Bible according to a one-year plan, I hope you will choose to do so this year. This plan will begin for us on January 1st.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at FBC, Kentwood
The service was good and well-attended. If you missed it last night, mark your calendar for next year.
Have a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus today.
Today let’s remind ourselves and others this day is a celebration of Jesus!
Celebration of Jesus
Tonight at 6:00, we will have a special service at FBC, Kentwood. It is a candlelight beautiful service! It is from 6:00-6:30. We would love to have you and your family. The service is for anyone who wishes to attend. If your church is not gathering tonight, fell free to join us. See you tonight!
Read the Bible Every Day
Christmas Eve
Nahum 1:1-3:19
Psalm 146:1-10
Proverbs 31:13-14
Revelations 15:1-16:11
Read Luke the Month
Today, we will read Luke 22.
Obituary
Mattie Purser Bishop
September 6, 1927 – December 20, 2024
A resident of Collinsville, AL and a former resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 in Collinsville, AL. She was born September 6, 1927 in Hazlehurst, MS and was 97 years of age. She retired from South Central Bell with 35 years and 4 months of service and a member of First United Methodist Church in Amite, LA. She is survived by daughter, Sally Bishop Sterling and husband Ken; 2 grandchildren, William Stanley Hand and John David Hand; 3 great-grandchildren, Mary Grace Hand, Anna Leigh Hand, and Elizabeth Claire Hand. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Bishop; parents, Will and Sally Purser; sister, Mary Purser Ragland; and brother, Woodrow Purser. Visitation at First United Methodist Church of Amite from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 27, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Barnes. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(This is the mother of my school years friend, Sally. Sally, her parents, and grandmother were always so sweet to me.!)
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