There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
Good morning. I hope to be able to publish today’s TPL.
Ronnie Hammons passed away yesterday afternoon. I’ll post an obituary when one becomes available.
Read the Bible Today
9-30-23
Nehemiah 12: 27-47
God’s people today can celebrate ….”
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for all the grass, trees, and shrubbery that has turned brown due to lack of rain. With rain not predicted for over a week, we are still not out of the drought concerns. Pray for ponds for all the farms too. They are the driest I have ever seen them.
This was celebrated last Wednesday. It is good to see how much it has grown over the years. For those who do not know, it is a student led gathering at school and is held around the flagpole.
OCC Packing Parties
FBC, Kentwood will have packing parties beginning two weeks from today. Please plan to come out at 9 A.M. ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the spiritual birth of many children around the world as they learn about and take Jesus into their hearts.
Georgia Barnette Offering
It never too late to contribute to this offering. The purpose is to be able to help people of Louisiana with needs, such as the aftermath of a hurricane, state park worship services, taking VBS to communities who would otherwise miss out on VBS, special projects such as Hope Center, etc.
Have a wonderful day. Be sure you are prepared for your Sunday School lesson in the morning.
A resident of Cheneyville, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Colfax Reunion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Colfax, LA. She was born December 28, 1975 in Pascagoula, MS and was 47 years of age. She is survived by her mother, Carolyn Havard; 3 brothers, Heath Havard and his wife, Abby, Dustin Bridges and Zane Bridges; uncle and aunt, Joe and Barbara Estes. Preceded in death by her father, Lesley Bridges; and adoptive parents, Nerlie “Gene’ Smith and Boncie Prine Smith; and grandparents, Carl Gaines, Sr. and Georgie Gaines Zachary. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, September 29, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Vince Estes. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Amy Nicole Bailey Sanford
November 05, 1981 – September 21, 2023
Letter From Heaven “I am writing this from heaven, Where I dwell with God above. Where there’s no more tears or sadness, There is just eternal love. The day I had to leave you, When my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me, And said “I welcome you”. Please don’t be unhappy, Just because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you, Every morning, noon and night. When you are walking down the street, And have me on your mind. I’m walking in your footsteps, Only half a step behind. And when you feel the gentle breeze, Or the wind upon your face. That’s me giving you a great big hug, Or just a soft embrace.”
A resident of Zachary, LA, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born November 5, 1981 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 41 years of age. Survived by her only child Sarah Ann Sanford; Father, Rodney Steven Bailey Sr; Brothers, Randy Todd Bailey and Rodney Steven Bailey Jr; Grandchild, Stella Ann Chemin; Nieces, Taylor Danielle Bailey, Lexie Renee Bailey, Loreal Renee Richardson, Hayden Paige Bailey, and Ashton Grace Bailey; Nephews, Steven Dale Gremillion and Jason Michael Bailey. She is preceded in death by her Mother Lois Ann Bailey. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00 Noon until religious services at 2:00PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Wayne Moak. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Hilda “Diane” Jenkins King
April 06, 1949 – September 26, 2023
A resident of St. Helena Parish, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at McComb Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in McComb, MS. She was born April 6, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Tanya Stevenson; grandchildren, Kayla, Dustin, and Chance Stevenson; great-grandchildren, Rylee Ray and Riece Ray; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Teresa Jenkins; nephews and niece and spouses, Ruston and Shea Jenkins, Kipp and Stacy Jenkins, and Johanna and Pat White; special friendships include Leonard and Robin Stevenson and Delores Gill. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert King; parents, Acy and Hilda Jenkins; daughter, Lenora Stevenson; sister-in-law, Connie Jenkins. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:30AM until 1:30PM followed by a graveside service at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. Services conducted by Bro. David Millican. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Kedron Cemetery Association. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus for Today
Let’s think about the coming elections. I don’t offer any suggestions, but I do hope you pray about the candidates and try to choose the best one.
Surgies
Diane Turner had a back surgery yesterday. She was doing well following surgery.
Beryl Billiot learned he has a brain tumor and will be having surgery today.
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Today, let’s focus on schools. May they be safe, equipped with wonderful teachers dedicated to helping students to reach students with knowledge, full of students eager to learn, and supported by parents and the community.
Bible Study of Woven by Angie Smith
This group of ladies will meet at PRMC at 1:00. The teacher, Kathy Wales, is doing a great job!
Busy Lifestyles
Pray for our community as times have changed and families and individuals are “on the road” almost as much as or more than they are home. May the adults in the families have a strong desire to impart good values to the children.
Coming Soon to FBC
American Heritage Girls
Fall Festival
Packing of Shoeboxes
Serving as drop-off site for Shoeboxes from other churches
Two-Rivers Yearly Associational Meeting
Children’s and adult Christmas programs. Practicing has begun.
Thank-you for reading and praying today.
Anna Lee
From the IMB
Urgent: Pray for Morocco earthquake victims
We grieve the thousands of people who entered eternity after a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake, Sept. 8, in Morocco. As we face this lostness and devastation, we won’t be silent.
Let’s cry out to God together for the people of Morocco.
As the death toll rises above 3,000, this is a time many will worry about their spiritual state. Join us in praying for the spiritual lostness and great needs that surround this area and peoples.
Moroccans follow Islam and are taught that a Muslim must be buried within 24 hours of death or Allah may not accept them. Many dead remained under the rubble for longer than 24 hours.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Today, let’s focus on the rain some people received and the 80% chance of rain for today. I do not remember a time when we have gone so long without rain or the need we have for water for the crops, flowers, shrubs, grass, etc. Let’s remember to thank God for the rain when He sends it. What a reminder of how much He does for us that we have absolutely no power over!
Read the Bible Today
Emotions that Heal
Week 37: Joy: Goose Pimples of the Heart
9-25-23
I Chronicles 16: 1-36
“I usually express my joy by ….”
Surgeries
I have several friends who are waiting for surgery to be scheduled. You may know some of these people too. If so, pray for them. You may know some other people, pray for them. Our support and encouragement may help them during the days they as they await surgery.
Following God
How does He lead us to minister to others? There are many needs in our community. Follow His leadership to help meet needs.
Revival
Last night, Pine Ridge Methodist Church started revival. It will continue today and tomorrow. Bro. Michael Townsend will be preaching and Mr. Chris Wales leading music. A covered dish supper will be held at 5:00 P.M. followed by the service at 6:00 P.M. You are invited to attend.
Prayers Please
I hope you are following through with your promised prayers for friends and family members. Our prayers are never unheard. God responds to them all in His way.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
Pray for friends as them make big medical decisions. In life, we often have people make decisions for us, but sometimes the decision is up to us. When it comes to medical decisions, please pray for wisdom as people are required to make decisions themselves. Pray for wisdom as such decisions are made. Pray, too, for peace once the decisions are made.
Make prayer part of your preparations for the Lord’s Day.
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
“…and now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love.” Barbara Birch McDaniel was called home on 9/12/2023. Born 4/13/1935 in Bluff Creek, Louisiana to Clifton and Rena Chaney Birch, Barbara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She came to know the Lord when she was 12 yrs old at New Zion Baptist Church and has been active in many different churches, presently a member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview, TX.
After graduating Greensburg High School in 1953, she attended La. Baptist College, receiving her Business degree in May of 1957. She then began working as Social Worker for the State of Louisiana.
Barbara married the love of her life, Riley E McDaniel, on 8/31/1957 and they made their home in Opelousas, La. until Riley finished college.
Due to the flooding in Baton Rouge on 8/14/2016 Barbara started living with her daughter and family in Allen, Texas, moving to Longview, TX in June of 2017.
Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, photography, and genealogy. She wrote a book of the Birch family, Chaney family and Lee family and helped with the McDaniel and Bennett books.
She is preceded in death by her parents Clifton and Rena Birch, husband, Riley McDaniel, brothers Jack, James, Donald Ray Burch and sister, Carolyn Easley.
She is survived by sisters Jane Duncan, Grace B. Williams, Cheryl B. Scott and Beverly Birch; daughter, Marcia M. Dupree and son-in-law Todd and their 2 sons, Grant and Connor Dupree; her son, Darrell McDaniel and daughter-in-law Michelle and their 2 sons, AJ and Christopher McDaniel and 2 daughters, Briley and Emma McDaniel.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Avenue G, Kentwood, LA on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Interment will follow at Killian Chapel Cemetery located at the intersection of Hwy 16 and Hwy 43 west of Amite, LA.
Prayer Focus Today
Today is a good day to focus some thoughts and actions on those who are homebound. Being homebound is lonely. You cannot imagine how lonely that is until you are there yourself!
Bring some hope and love into some homes with those who don’t get out much.
Ways to focus on those who are homebound:
Phone calls
Small, practical gifts
Visits
Magazines
Food
Music
etc.
How about starting with one home and gradually increasing the number?
Operation Christmas Child
Packing of our shoeboxes will be done in less than a month. We have already started to collect items we will pack next year. What a joy the shoeboxes are! How blessed we are to participate in international missions and know many lives will be won for Jesus because of the shoeboxes!
LA. Baptist Children’s Home
The truck picked up our donations Monday morning. Our people were very generous, as usual. The families will be benefiting all through the coming year because of the goods and checks that were turned in.
Thank-you for participating in your very generous ways!
Senior Adult Revival ’23 is over, but we certainly enjoyed it. We heard three pastors preach and Kay play the piano each day. The choirS looked like a choir of our youth and young adult years. We also saw many friends we haven’t seen lately. Thanks to the senior adult leadership for making the revival a part of our association again this year. Now, we’ll be looking forward to the Two Rivers Senior Adult Revival ’24. Yesterday, the eight pastors in attendance all lined up across the front to talk to people who came forward. Eight pastors! What an awesome sight! That always is special to me. What a blessing to the older folks THIS WEEK!
ILLNESSES
We have several friends who will be having surgery in the next couple of months. You probably do too! Let’s get them “prayed up” for their surgery.
READ the BIBLE
Thursday
Luke 9: 51-55
Romans 12: 17-21
I Thessalonians 5:15
“I can help others who are vindictive by . . . .”
Baptist Press
The cure for whatever ails a Baptist church is more baptisms.
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born January 7, 1933 and was 90 years of age. She is survived by her son, Charles Allen and wife, Rita; daughter, Rayann Cleveland and husband, Bob; 3 grandchildren, Bryan Allen and wife, Melissa, Brad Cleveland and wife, Louisa, and Chauntel Snoddy and husband, Nathan; great-grandchildren, Tayten Allen, Jaedyn Allen, Ashton Cleveland, Emilyann Cleveland, Julye Gros, and Mason Gros and wife, Kaylee; great-great-grandchild, Atlas Charles; sister, JoAnn Havard Achord. Preceded in death by her parents, J.D. and Juanita Redmond; husband, Ed Whitmire; second husband, Paul Ray Allen; sister, Virginia Redmond; and brothers, Edward Redmond and Eddie Louis Havard. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
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