Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

DEATH

Darrell Wall, formerly of Roseland, passed away last night. He had COPD.

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, we can be thankful for cooler weather. The current temperature is 71 with an expected high of 91 predicted. We can appreciate the lower August temperatures. Hopefully, we’ll have a few more cooler days soon.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• August 16
• Genesis 12: 10-20
• Genesis 26: 1-11
• “I confess that my greatest fear is . . . .”

Today is Wednesday. Prayer meeting is tonight at local churches. FBC, Kentwood also has special classes for the nursery, children, and youth. Prayer meeting begins at 6:00 P.M.

Have a safe day!

Anna Lee

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

RECOVERING from a FALL

Alice Faye Lee is doing okay after her fall. Please continue to pray.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Please continue to pray for people all around us as we all continue hot, August days in Louisiana.

Be careful not to burn anything in your yard. You don’t want to start a fire today!

READ the BIBLE TODAY

I Samuel 17

“The thought of being a Philistine giant with a slingshot makes me . . . .”

Anna Lee

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,  encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17~

HEALTH CONCERNS

Good news! Bro. Joe Baugh is walking better.

Pray for Ora Lee Wilson who continues to need prayers for her shoulder issue.

Continue to pray for Jeff Birch and his internal shingles. He’s improving.

Pray for Alice Faye Lee who had a fall yesterday as she was getting ready for church.

Pray for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has medical tests.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s say special prayers all the children who reside at the LA Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA. Thank God for their daily efforts to provide a Christian environment for children.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

8-14-23

Judges 7

“If I had seen that enemy, I would have . . . .”

TWO WEB SITES TO SHARE

• https://fbckentwood.org/
• ThePrayerLink.com

NEW MEMBER/POTENTIAL MEMBER SUPPER

All new members and potential members are invited to a supper Friday night in the Fellowship Hall. Sign the list or call the office at 229-8111 to sign up.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

• LA Baptist Children’s Home Fall Food Round-Up – Sept. 18 Pick-up
• Moving Mountains Ministry (Meeting needs of new foster children)
• Community Missions
• Georgia Barnette Offering for LA Missions – Begins in Sept.
• Operation Christmas Child – International “Shoebox” Ministry
• Lottie Moon International Offering
• Annie Armstrong North America Offering
• Etc.

Thanks for reading and praying as so many of you faithfully do.

Anna Lee

LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

~Isaiah 33:2~

Today’s obituary was posted separately.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

EMOTIONS that HURT

Week 31 = FEAR: Sounds in the Night

August 13 – Numbers 13:1 – 14:9

“This story of cowardice makes me . . . .”

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for those in churches pews who need to make decisions today,

but who have been hesitating to do so.

SUPPER for NEW CHURCH MEMBERS

There will be a supper Friday night at FBC, Kentwood for new members and prospective new members. Be sure to attend, if possible. You will learn about classes and other opportunities to serve.

Salvador “Sal”, “Sam”, John Agnello

https://www.mckneelys.com/obituary/salvador-agnello

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

~Habakkuk 3:17-18~

ILLNESSES

Please continue to pray for those who are homebound or hospitalized. Pray for their families and families and friends of those who have passed away.

READ the BIBLE

• August 12
• Isaiah 3:1 – Isaiah 4:11
• “It is hard for me to accept someone . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for those who have been encouraged to attend church tomorrow. May they do so with a sense of anticipation. May the congregation and staff be welcoming to them.

FALL FOOD ROUND-UP for the LOUISIANA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME

I’ve been telling you about the need for a couple of weeks. I hope if you are out today, you will take time to make some purchases of items they need the most. Your items can be left in the church office or under the stairs at the northwest entrance to the fellowship hall. An option, and a good one, is to write a check for them to purchase items there. They can buy fresh bread, meats, fruits, and vegetables at good prices as they are needed. Take your choice of how to help, but please help them as they help those who need a home, food, clothing, encouragement, an education, and guidance.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The topic of tomorrow’s lesson is “Trustworthy” and focuses on the passage Jeremiah 42: 7-22. It won’t hurt to read and pray about understanding of this passage whether you attend or not.

Thank you for action on what you have read here today.

Anna Lee

My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

~Psalm 119:28~

New Baby

Nathan and Deanna “Bug” Daniels are very happy to announce the arrival of Wrenlee Creat Daniels on July 24 at 3: 57 P.M. She weighed 6 lb. 12 oz. The family lives in Spring Creek. I’m sorry I failed to share this earlier.

Funeral Service

The funeral service for Father Mark Beard will be available online this morning. I’m not familiar with the link to St. Helena Catholic Church, but start looking a little early for the 11:00 A.M. service.

“Visitation for parishioners of St. Helena Church will be held at the St. Helena Parish Hall in Amite on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM with a Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Helena Church for family members and St. Helena Parishioners at 11:00 AM.“(McKneely’s web page.)

READ the BIBLE

• Friday, August 11
• John 4: 1-38
• “I would treat this woman . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

There is an awful fire burning in Hawaii this morning. Hearing about the fire reminds me there are many, many people worldwide facing disasters each day. We usually focus our prayers on those we know, but today let’s pray for people in Hawaii and hundreds of other places that are dealing with life-changing circumstances out of their control.

PERSONAL MISSION PROJECTS

We often think of group mission projects, but personal missional projects are also very important. Choose one you can focus on this weekend. There are many, but a few you might consider are:

• Visiting a family member you don’t often see.
• Visiting a neighbor whom you haven’t seen lately.
• Visiting a church member who had been “out of pocket” for a couple weeks.
• Cooking something for an elderly person who lives alone.
• Cooking something for a busy family.
• Cooking something for a family with someone in the hospital or with numerous medical appointments.
• Inviting three families to church.
• Offering a ride to someone with car problems.
• Etc.

Have a great day. Thank-you for taking time to read TPL and to pray.

Anna Lee

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

Lamentations 3:31-32

Today is a new day for everyone. Enjoy God’s unfailing love.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• Thursday’s reading
• John 8: 1-11
• “The person I need to bring to Jesus is . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

Think about love…unfailing love…God’s unfailing love. Isn’t it wonderful? Can you think of anything any greater than God’s unfailing love? I don’t think so! Even if we did/thought/said some think we should should not have, God’s love for us is just as great as it has always been! As you pray, thank God for His wonderful love that we don’t deserve, but is there for us anyway.

PERSONAL UPDATE

Due to illness (Norovirus) and a wedding in Dallas, I have missed church for weeks. Thankfully, my strength is much improved and I was able to attend prayer meeting in person, not just a live or recorded message on my phone. I was so thankful to get back to where I needed to be last night! The service did not need me, but I needed it.

Thanks for all the hugs and warm greetings. By attending in person, I received God’s message and the love of many of God’s people. I’m glad to be back. I’m looking forward to sitting in my Sunday School class, being in future services, and working to actually pack the “Shoeboxes” in the next month.

Anna Lee

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:11

(It is important to us to “Shake it off”, Forget it”, “Move on”, and “Focus on something else”. The Bible tells us so in Proverbs 19:11.)

HEALTH CONCERNS

Bro. Darryl Miller got a good report Monday. He’s back at work at the office and in the community. Thank God for Bro. Darryl’s good report. Keep praying for him as he is out and about in these HOT temperature days. He puts a lot of miles on his body each week.

Mrs. Velma Anthony is very sick and in the hospital at Covington. She needs our prayers. Please add her to your personal prayer list.

OBITUARY

Shelton Denral Stilley

November 22, 1953 – August 7, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born November 22, 1953 in Hammond, LA and was 69 years of age. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator and loved to hunt and fish. He is survived by his 3 children, James Earl Stilley (Ashley), Shad Denral Stilley (Jennifer) and Kayla Stilley (Jonathan); special nephew, Joey Edwards (Hallie); 3 grandchildren, Tabitha, Cherish, and Rhett Alan; 2 brothers, Jack Carrol Stilley and Lloyd Stilley. Preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Stilley; father, Denral Stilley; mother, Jeanette Stilley. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 11:00 AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Interment Twin Oaks Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• August 9, 2023
• Luke 19: 1-10
• Mark 5: 1-17
• Mark 14:3
• “The outcasts I could minister to are . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s think of the “outcasts” in our class, neighborhood, club, church, and community. Pray God leads us/you/me to include them in various ways.

MISSION OFFERINGS/PROJECTS

Thank God for individuals and classes who support our various mission projects during the year. As the church focus on missions changes each month, these individuals and classes support all the various projects. Your support is greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU to Jason who helped me again yesterday to get TPL out. I certainly could not do this without all his time, knowledge, and skills. If you know him, please send him a word of appreciation.

Anna Lee

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

Church is Hard

(Found on Facebook this morning.

Posted by Jennifer Chapman

CHURCH IS HARD

Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgement.

Church is hard for the pastor’s family, under the microscope of an entire body.

Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.

Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together, but doesn’t.

Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.

Church is hard for the single mom, surrounded by couples holding hands, and seemingly perfect families.

Church is hard for the widow and widower with no invitation to lunch after service.

Church is hard for the deacon with an estranged child.

Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the lyrics.

Church is hard for the man insecure in his role as a leader.

Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.

Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby to love.

Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.

Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.

Church is hard for the sinners.

Church is hard for me.

It’s hard because on the outside it all looks shiny and perfect. Sunday best in behavior and dress.

However, underneath those layers, you find a body of imperfect people, carnal souls, selfish motives.

But, here is the beauty of church—

Church isn’t a building, mentality, or expectation.

Church is a body.

Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship as saints.

Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by an eternal love.

Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.

Church is a refuge for broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.

Church is a converging of confrontation and invitation. Where sin is confronted and hearts are invited to seek restoration.

Church is a lesson in faith and trust.

Church is a bearer of burdens and a giver of hope.

Church is a family. A family coming together, setting aside differences, forgetting past mistakes, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.

Church, the body, and the circle of sinners-turned-saints, is where He resides, and if we ask, He is faithful to come.

So even on the hard days at church—

The days when I am at odds with a friend, when I’ve fought with my kids because we’re late once again. When I’ve walked in bearing burdens heavier than my heart can handle, yet masking the pain with a smile on my face. When I’ve worn a scarlet letter, under the microscope. When I’ve longed for a partner to hold, or fought tears as the lyrics were sung. When I’ve walked back in, afraid and broken, after walking away.

I’ll remember, He has never failed to meet me there.

Prayer Focus

Prayer for those who find church hard to attend, but attend anyway and have their needs met.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

Isaiah 6: 1-12

“To accomplish God’s mission for me, I . . . . “

MISSIONS

If the large family next door was working hard and struggling to raise children the way God would want them to be raised with a limited budget, what would we do . . . .?

That’s the way we should feel about the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home!

This is our one opportunity to help them with food in 2023! You can either bring some of the most needed items or give a check to help meet their needs. The deadline is September 17th.

Give as you would to the family next door! What does your heart say to you?

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

What does our heart tell us about our mission opportunities at the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and other mission opportunities we have?

Anna Lee