He will be great and 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 Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

Philip Strickland will probably get come come home today. Both Mindy and Lily are doing better. Thank you for your prayers. Philip’s dad is also doing better.

Read the Bible – Last two days

Friday – Rev. 19-20, Psalm 47, & video “Heaven and Earth”
Saturday – Rev. 21-22, Psalm 48, & video “Image of God”

I’m in the process of finalizing the plan we will be using in 2018. We have a break until Jan. 1, so read some of you favorite passages until Jan. 1st.

Searcy Prays Big, God Blesses Big

http://baptistmessage.com/searcy-prays-big-god-blesses-big/

David and I were blessed to have the Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin last night. Despite the many seasonal conflicts, people from five different churches were present. Mr. Harlon Toney guided the singing of numerous Christmas carols. Kim Toney Chadwick sang two beautiful songs about Mary. We will meet again on Thursday, Jan 18th.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow the regular morning schedule, 9: 15 for Sunday School and 10:30 for worship. Sunday evening there will be a candlelight service at 6 P.M. If you are available, come worship in Kentwood.

Check out the Lottie Moon poster on the wall by the piano.

Christmas if so much more than a birthday party for some more than 2000 years ago. It is also the day we celebrate God’s wonderful plan to forgive us of our sins and give us a home for eternity in heaven. Don’t miss this significance! Pass on the real meaning of our holiday.

Anna Lee

Thursday

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

~Luke 1:30-31~

Pray for Philip Strickland as he has a few more days at Ochsner. He is hopeful he will be home by Christmas. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden who had toe surgery this week.

Earl Warren, from Roseland, is hospitalized and very ill. Please pray for him.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy was scheduled to return home yesterday. Thank God for her good reports, but keep praying. She and her family will be very appreciative.

Becki Ricks Gabriel

July 29, 1950 – December 20, 2017

A resident of Amite passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at her home. She was born July 29, 1950 in Magnolia, MS and was 67 years of age. She was a graduate of Kentwood High School Class of 1968. She worked for First Guaranty Bank in Amite for 21 years and was a wife and mother of four children. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Parker C. “Chuck” Gabriel, Jr.; daughter, Tina G. Doughty and her husband, Jason; son, Parker C. “Charlie” Gabriel, III; 2 grandsons, Jason Todd Doughty and Parker Clayton Doughty; 2 sisters, Cathy Cutrer Raiford and husband, Stacy, and Deanie Brumfield; brother, George M. Ricks and wife, Martha. Preceded in death by daughter, Christian Rebecca Gabriel; son, Clay Milford Gabriel; parents, Milford George Ricks, Sr. and Betty Rebecca Miller Ricks; brother, Milford George Ricks, Jr. father-in-law and mother-in-law, Parker C. Gabriel, Sr. and Shirley A. Gabriel; brother-in-law, Claude H. Brumfield; 2 nieces, Carly Lou Cutrer and Mallory Claire Ricks. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – Revelations 17-18 & Psalm 46.

The Lottie Moon poster is beginning to take of several different colors of “lights”. It will continue to light up as contributions are given to the special offering for international missions.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Don’t forget to join us tonight at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday Gathering.

Spread the Good News of why Jesus came to earth as a baby and the eternal impact it can have on our lives.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I delayed posting and got caught by the rain again. That’s the nature of satelites and life in the country. Hopefully, better technology will get out here one day….

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is improving following her back surgery. Pray for her and her two caregiver sons, Chester and John.

Philip Strickland’s surgery went well at Ochsner (NO) yesterday. Pray for him to have a good recovery period.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, had a procedure at Ochsner (BR) that will hopefully lead to the next step in Jimmy’s treatment. There is a more hopeful attitude in his situation now.

Mays I. Morris, Sr.

April 08, 1932 – December 17, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He was born April 8, 1932 in Amite and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his son, Mays I. Morris, Jr.; son, Arthur D. Morris; daughter, Martha Ann Morris; step children, Sherry Allen Rowland, Gwendolyn Allen Watts, Timothy Brian Allen, Matthew Wayne Allen and Brenda Allen Creekmore; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jones Morris; son, Michael Morris; step son, Dennis Gatlin; brother, Andrew J. Morris, Jr., and sister, Imogene Barber Morris. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until religious services at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Reginald E. (Reggie) Goldsby, MD

August 09, 1943 – December 18, 2017

Long time Amite Mayor and beloved family physician, Reginald (Reggie) Goldsby, age 74, passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was born August 9, 1943 in Amite to Omar and Mamie Roberts Goldsby who preceded him in death as did his brother, Myles Goldsby. He is survived by his daughter, Laken Goldsby, and many Goldsby and Kennedy cousins whom he loved dearly and who loved him. He was a faithful charter member of the First Southern Methodist Church of Amite. As an honors student of LSU Medical School, he was exempt from a semester’s final exams. Later in his career, he became an LSU Clinical Professor. He was an avid LSU football fan and not only played football for Amite High School but remained a loyal fan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his personal attendants, Mike and Rachel Constant, for their loving care and devotion to Reggie during these difficult times. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I checked on the location of the shoeboxes sent out through our church as part of Operation Christmas Child. So far, I was able to track boxes to both Mexico and Ecuador. I’m excited the boxes are in their country of destination already. I hope you are still as excited as I am for the boxes and what an impact each box will make on the lives of children and their families.

Some of these shoeboxes will be delivered by our international missionaries. Our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions help keep them “on the field”. That means our shoebox gifts might be a part of the ministry we provide through the LMCO. We help get the boxes to the children by collecting items, packing boxes, paying postage, and supporting our missionaries. Thank-you for all your help.

Tomorrow night, we will gather at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday meeting. I can hardly wait to share this sweet time with others.

Read the Bible – Revelations 14-16 & Psalm 45.

There will be NO Bible study this Friday morning, but we will meet the following Friday.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow their regular schedule for the morning and have a candlelight service at 6 P.M. that night. I hope you will be in church somewhere!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Steven Sealey is doing well following surgery and will be home soon, possibly today. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon has been feeling better the last few days. Keep her in your prayers.

Phillip Strickland will be having surgery today at Ochsner, New Orleans. Pray all goes well for him. Pray for his family too. There are several sick relatives, including his dad, at this time.

Jimmy Alford’s surgery has been changed to 9:30 this morning at Ochsner on O’Neil in Baton Rouge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Reggie Goldsby of Amite passed away. Please be in prayer for his family.

Read the Bible – Revelations 12-13, Psalms 44, & video on Revelations 12-22

We received enough donations to add to our “lights” on the Lottie Moon poster. We now have ten “lights”. Thank-you to all who contributed to support international missions.

We’ll be looking for some of you to attend the Third Thursday meeting this Thursday at 6:30. See you then.

Today. at 11 A.M., the “Young” ladies will be celebrating December birthdays at The Cafe.

It’s great to live in our community – Christmas programs bringing out packed houses to see the children, Christmas caroling by various church groups, and Christmas baskets delivered by different organizations. It’s good to see how people think about others.

Anna Lee

Monday

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Micah 5:2

Mike Strickland is hospitalized with both flu and pneumonia. Please pray for him.

Several people, whom I will not name, have had surgeries or procedures in the last week. Pray for them as a group unless you know the individual situations.

Read the Bible – Revelations 10-11 & Psalm 43

The “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow at The Cafe.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – We will meet this week at 6:30. Come join us.

Contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are being accepted at all Southern Baptist Churches.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will not meet this week, but plans to meet the following week.

Christmas is a wonderful time to help meet needs.

Anna Lee

Sunday

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6~

This morning at 8 A.M., you can begin your day by attending the breakfast buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church. Better than the wonderful breakfast is knowing your donation goes to a worthy need in this general area. The ladies do a great job in providing the breakfast and in selecting the person/cause to give the funds to.

Many area churches will be having Christmas programs of some sort either this morning or this afternoon. FBC, Kentwood will be celebrating with the music of the children and the adults tonight at 6P.M.

“Three Ways Lottie Moon’a Calling was Centered in Christ” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/13/lottie-moons-calling-centered-christ/

“What is an IMB Missionary? – https://www.imb.org/2016/11/02/what-is-an-imb-missionary/

FBC, Kentwood will have their missions march for the Lottie Moon Offering this morning. This is an opportunity to give and to make a visual statement of your support for missions by walking with those who are giving. Of course, this is not your only opportunity to give to the offering. You can give at any time. I think it is great to know 100% of our money given goes directly to support missionaries and their work around the world.

Read the Bible – Revelations 7-9 & Psalm 42

I’ve been told that many people are having Christmas gathering/meals today. No matter when you gather, remember the reason is to celebrate the day long ago when Jesus was born on this earth as a little baby. My, the plans His Father had for Him!

Anna Lee

Saturday

For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

~John 3:16 HCSB~

Carol Bennett Sealey’s husband, Steve, had four bypasses and is doing very well. He may be able to leave the hospital today. Thank God for a good report.

Carl Wayne Stevens has been sick for a while, but earlier this week he was able to return home. Thank God for His watchcase.

Rusty Benoit is home and doing well. Thank-you for praying for Rusty and his family.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon. She’s at home.

Read the Bible – Rev. 4-6 & Psalm 41

The Missions March for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions will be during the worship hour at FBC tomorrow.

There will be a Christmas Cantata tomorrow night at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.

“A Legacy of Faith – Christmas Memories” – https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/1605a49fb07005c0

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Remember, this holiday is about the earthly birth of the Savior of the world.

Anna Lee

Friday

He sent the message to the Israelites,

proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ-

-He is Lord of all.

~Acts 10:36 HCSB~

Ashby Reeves had a procedure yesterday that resulted in very good news. Join Ashley and her family and friends in thanking God.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy has surgery yesterday. All went much better than expected. Her family is elated and gave God the praise and glory for the good news they received yesterday.

Michael Franklin Lane passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at the age of 73. He was born on Thursday, November 30, 1944 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late Martha Matilda Bombalaski and the late Herman Lane. He was a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Ann Carney Lane; daughter, Lana Lane Fletcher and her husband Bo; son, Michael Franklin Lane, Jr. and his wife Mishelle; step-children, Shannon Smith and her husband Matt, Terry Mixon and his wife Kristy, and Craig Mixon and his wife Tonya; grandchildren, Christopher Cantrell, Joseph Cantrell, Michael S. Lane, III, Olivia Lane, and Benjamin Lane; 8 step-grandchildren; and 6 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Lane; mother, Martha Matilda Bombalaski; and siblings, John, Bill, and Jerry Lane.

Services were private. (Harry McKneely Funeral Home)

This morning we will have the Friday Morning Bible Study at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood.

FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Christmas program Sunday evening at 6 P.M.

Read the Bible – Rev. 1-3, Psalm 40, and video on Rev. 1-11 at http://bibleproject.com

Annual Lottie Moon Missions March – Sunday morning at FBC, Kentwood. Prepare to show your support by giving and/or walking during morning worship time.

As you make your Christmas plans, please remember those who need encouragement or support at this time. It’s all about love!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”

~Titus 3:4-5 NLT~

Pray for people who let evil thoughts control what they do. Sometimes they do things that have the potential to hurt many people. One again, a terrorist tried to kill many people in NYC. I’m thankful that the bomb malfunctioned and did not hurt as many people as it could have. I pray that as the devil tries to disrupt our lives, we are aware of his evil plans and do not succumb to them.

Instead of following the devil, I choose to think of many people who go out of their way to be helpful to others. We all make choices every day. Let’s choose the better path.

Anthony Julien Durio

November 21, 1939 – December 11, 2017

A resident of Amite, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 58492 Frey Lane in Amite. He was born November 21, 1939 in Opelousas and was 78 years of age. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, a member of First Baptist Church of Amite, Past Master of Amite Masonic Lodge #175, member of Acacia Shriners where he was Potentate in 2003, a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32 degree KCCH, and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by wife, Frances Lupo Durio, Amite; son, Vincent Anthony Durio and wife, Pam, Hammond; grandson, Brandon Anthony Durio, Houston, TX; sister, Rose Marie Durio Savoie and husband, Leroy, Pearland, TX; brother, John Russell Durio and wife, Renee, Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Durio and Ada Marie Zeringue Durio. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible today – I John 3-4 and Psalm 37.

“Who was Lottie Moon?” – https://www.imb.org/who-was-lottie-moon

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Monday

Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

~Isaiah 60:3 HCSB~

There are many with cold, allergies, flu, bronchitis, etc. First, pray for those you are aware of. Second, do something to help them out.

There have been a number of deaths in our community lately. Please pray for the families who have lost their loved ones during the holiday season.

Sunday, December 17th, FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Lottie Moon Missions March. Come walk inside the walls of our sanctuary to say you support missions. It’s also a good time to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions.

“Why the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Collected at Christmas” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/06/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-collected-christmas/

Read the Bible – I John 1-2, Psalm 36, & video on I-III John

Baptist Press –http://bpnews.net

Ladies’ Bible Study – We missed class Friday due to the snow. We will put Friday at 10 A.M. back on our schedule for this week.

Next Week

Tuesday (19th) – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party celebration at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
Thursday (21st) – Third Thursday at the Cabin at 6:30 P.M.

I think the snow was pretty, but I’m glad it is melting away now. Let’s keep praying for those who still do not have electricity!

Anna Lee