“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves . . .

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.”

~Philippians 2:3, 5-6 (NLT)~

Please continue to pray for Ritchie Yarborough as he continues to recover from surgery.

Please pray for Bro. Gibbie McMillan who has been hospitalized at North Oaks for a week and a half with covid. He’s fighting a big battle. Use your prayer times to pray for him and his family, some of whom have had lighter cases of covid.

Many families in our community seem to have multiple family members sick with covid. Pray families will work hard to contain, not spread, the disease.

Hospitals are full. Staff are overworked and stressed. Several friends have shared that they are working extra long hours to help overcome the covid. The governor has reinstated the mask mandate. Be sure to do your part to prevent the spread of this airborne disease. I’ve heard numerous reports that those sick mainly are younger and not vaccinated.

Today is the day we were to have a OCC shoebox workday. Due to the new covid outbreak, we will postpone the workday.

I know of several others in our community who have other issues. Please pray for them too.

Wendy Fowler shared the Spring Creek school supply list.

Pray for families as they go through the usual stressful issues associated with the beginning of a new school year.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – July 24

ISAIAH 44:6-48:11

Prayer Focus for Today:

1. Covid situations
2. Beginning of a new school year
3. Professional and family caregivers

Anna Lee

“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.  

He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.

He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

~Daniel 6:26-27~

Tommy Bill Gibbs

Tommy Bill Gibbs, a resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at his home. He was born June 15, 1933 in Randolph County, Alabama and was 88 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Kay Henry Gibbs; daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Breaux and husband Kenneth; 3 sons, Rickelie D. Gibbs and wife Connie, Thomas Scott Gibbs and wife Barbara and Shane Gibbs and wife Susan; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his 3 grandchildren, Kimberly Kay Bartlette, Nick Steele and Luke Gibbs; sister, Nina C. Gibbs Nolen; parents, Bill and Jewell Craft Gibbs. Graveside Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Arcola Cemetery, Arcola, LA at 2:00PM Saturday, July 24, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 23

July 23rd Readings
ISAIAH 40:1-44:5

July 24th Readings
ISAIAH 44:6-48:11

July 25th Readings
ISAIAH 48:12-52:12

July 26th Readings
ISAIAH 52:13-57:21

Baptist Message

https://baptistmessage.com/

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC Workshop

The OCC workshop scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed due to the covid outbreak among members of our church. I’ll let you know when we reschedule.

Today’s Pray Focus

Today, let’s continue to pray for those with flu, covid, and pneumonia.

Anna Lee

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

~Psalm 27:1~

Bill Frazier’s nephew, Tommy Frazier is having surgery this morning. Please be in prayer.

Walter Bryan Tyrney

October 27, 1982 – July 11, 2021

Walter Bryan Tyrney, a resident of Mobile, AL, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021. He was born October 27, 1982 in Independence, LA and was 38 years of age. He worked for Marquette Transportation Company. He is survived by his mother, Tammy Rutland Hyde; children, Mystic Tyrney and Oakley Creel, Kylan and Kadyn Tyrney and Easton Tyrney; brother, Devin Hyde and wife Amanda; sister, Calyn Brabham and husband Garrett; nephews, Conner Hyde, Mason Brabham and Parker Hyde; niece, Paisley Hyde; maternal grandmother, Lynda Harper and husband James. Preceded in death by his father, Danny Tyrney; paternal grandparents, Walt and Ann Tyrney; maternal grandfather, Calvin Rutland. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 22

2 KINGS 20:1-11
ISAIAH 38:1-8
2 CHRONICLES 32:24-31
ISAIAH 38:9-22
2 KINGS 20:12-19
ISAIAH 39:1-8

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Prayer Focus Today

Please pray for those listed on your personal prayer list.

Anna Lee

Pray for a miracle that God will restore blood flow to Seavy’s toes so he won’t lose them. He’s back in the hospital on antibiotic IV’s to prevent infection. His foot was crushed and the micro vessels to his toes is not supplying enough blood. We are thankful for the good doctors treating him but they cannot heal his foot, it’s all in the Great Healer, Almighty God’s hands. Only the Lord can heal and we give Him all the power and glory for His greatness and compassion. Thank you for all the prayers in Seavy’s behalf

Mary Ann Clemons

“Look out for one another’s interests,

not just for your own.”

~Philippians 2:4 (GNT)~

Tommy Hood received very good reports from his cancer evaluations. Round one of chemo caused major improvements. Now, it’s the start of round two.

The whole Buckley family is proud to announce the arrival of a baby GIRL – Charliegh Jayde Buckley

8 pounds 6 ounces

19 inches long

Valerie Baxter Chehardy

April 23, 1960 – July 19, 2021

Mrs. Valerie Baxter Chehardy went to her eternal resting place after passing peacefully in her sleep on July 19, 2021 at the age of 61. Valerie was born April 23, 1960 to Robert J. & Phyllis Baxter of Bush, LA. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 33 years, Peter Michael Chehardy, until his death in November of 2019. Affectionately known as “Val”, she and her husband were well known members of the Amite community and could often be found at Master Chef visiting with friends during the lunch hour. She also looked forward to their annual trip to Biloxi for Cruising the Coast. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Mark Baxter, and a sister, Cheryl Casadaban. Valerie is survived by one brother, Robert Baxter and a sister, Lisa Baxter, and her sister-in-law, George Ann Chehardy Smith, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to join the visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 8:30 am until the funeral at 10:30 am with services held by Deacon Mike Agnello. Interment will be at Amite Memorial Gardens. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 21

2 KINGS 19:1-19
ISAIAH 37:1-20
2 CHRONICLES 32:9-19
2 KINGS 19:20-37
ISAIAH 37:21-38
2 CHRONICLES 32:20-23

The Operation Christmas Child Workday scheduled for Saturday has been postponed due to covid cases. I’ll inform you when we are able to meet as a group again.

Today’s Prayer Focus

Pray for families as they deal with covid based on individual members. The differences in families causes differences in the reactions. Pray for each family to make the best choices for their household.

Pray, also, for different communities, states, and countries as they react to Covid.

Anna Lee

Sharon Kay Green Courtney

• Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home
• Jul 20, 2021 

Sharon Kay Green Courtney, a lifelong resident of Holden, Louisiana, passed away in her home on July 16, 2021 surrounded by her family.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 47 years, Larry Courtney; her daughters Angela (David) Baronet, Krystal (Jacyn) Hughes and Kassie (Daniel) Binkley; grandchildren, Grant (Montori) Baronet, Kaylee (Luke) Patterson, Jaycee, Maggie and Harlie Hughes, Abby and Beau Binkley; brother Edward (Paula) Green and sister Patricia “Tricky” (Charles) Hayden; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Katherine “Kat” Green.

Sharon was born on January 3, 1956 in Hammond, Louisiana. She attended Holden School where she led her team to the school’s first state basketball championship. She was awarded MVP of the State of Louisiana. She later attended SLU where she answered the call from the Lord to become a teacher. She spent the next 29 years impacting the lives of many students and fellow teachers. She started numerous clubs and sports teams. She spent devoted hours of her time at the church teaching Sunday School coordinating events or participating in the Order of the Eastern Star Group 235 events.

In her free time, she enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in the outdoors with her family. She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel.

She was most well known for her love for her family. She was the most devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She loved with her whole heart. Her family and friends meant the world to her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at Holden Baptist Church, 30091 LA 441, Holden, LA on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6PM until 9PM and again Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 8:30AM until 9:30AM. The funeral service will begin at 9:30 AM. Interment, Larry Courtney Family Cemetery, Holden, LA.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7~

Request from Bill Frazier:

Please add my nephew Tommy Frazier to your prayer list. My brother, (Craig) & sister in law, found him on the floor unable to speak or move. Ambulance took him to Brookhaven where CT showed a clot in his neck and abnormalities on his brain. They transferred him to UNMC and they have confirmed he has had a stroke. He’s only around 50 years old.

Without being an alarmist, but being careful, I want to share that Covid is increasing in our area. At least three churches in our immediate area have cancelled all or part of their VBS. Youth groups have come home sick. Other trips have been cancelled. Staff members have been and are sick/hospitalized. Members of many of our churches have been hospitalized with Covid. Stay alert for instructions about services and special activities from your church. Make wise choices.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 20

MICAH 6:1-7:20
2 CHRONICLES 32:1-8
2 KINGS 18:13-18
ISAIAH 36:1-3
2 KINGS 18:19-37
ISAIAH 36:4-22

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child

Thanks to those who provided an assortment of items for the shoeboxes this week.

Prayer for Today – Decisionmaking

Pray for those in various leadership positions as they make decisions about how to react to the Covid-19. Pray each person/family will make the best decision for themselves/their families.

Anna Lee

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

~Psalm 1:6~

Timmy Schwartz is home with his family. He’s not completely well, but made enough progress to be released from the hospital. Thank God for this blessing.

Tommy Hood has not had a MRI or CT scan since the began treatment, but today is the day! They will learn if the treatment he has helped. You prayer are requested.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 19

ISAIAH 34:1-35:10
MICAH 2:1-5:15

Baptist Prayer

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s focus on families facing big battles. There may be relationships, jobs, school, financial, or spiritual needs.

Thank you for reading and praying today. You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Conner Brabham was diagnosed at St. Tammany, but is at home now.

By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire,

being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

~ 2 Peter 3:7 ~

Timmy Schwartz is in St. Tammany with Covid-19. This is a post he wrote on Facebook yesterday.

I’m doing a little better today. Lung doctor said I got one more treatment tomorrow and should be sent home with oxygen to recover. He said I got at least 2 more weeks before I may feel strong enough enough to do anything. Last week they only had 3 COVID-19 patient. There were 13 when I got here. Nurse there are 21 here now. All 24-42 years old. The nurse said I’m doing better than the others, but I refuse to lay in bed and I try walking as much as I can to make sure the pneumonia doesn’t set in more. I’ll update when I know more. God speed for recovery before I may feel strong enough enough to do anything. Last week they only had 3 COVID-19 patient. There were 13 when I got here. Nurse there are 21 here now. All 24-42 years old. The nurse said I’m doing better than the others, but I refuse to lay in bed and I try walking as much as I can to make sure the pneumonia doesn’t set in more. I’ll update when I know more. God speed for recovery

Please pray for Timmy and the others that have Covid.

Friday, Calyn Brabham learned that her brother, Bryan Hyde, had passed away in Alabama. Saturday, she learned that her older son, Conner, has Covid. Conner is a young teenager who is hospitalized at St. Tammany. Please pray for Calyn and her family as they go through double trials.

Matthew and Angel Newman’s family grew to five Friday. Emmitt Matthew Newman was born. Both mother and son are doing well. Grandparents and two big sisters are too.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 18

ISAIAH 30:1-33:24

Prayer Focus for Today

Pray for church attendance today, in. person or online.

Anna Lee