If any of you lacks wisdom,

you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.

~James 1:5~

I have some unspoken prayer requests today. As I pray for those on my unspoken list, you pray for those on your unspoken list.

Freddie Jacob Wood

July 24, 1944 – February 09, 2021

A life-long resident of Amite LA, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. He was 76 years of age.

Freddie was a professional rodeo announcer for over 40 years for the Tri-State, PCA, and CRA rodeo associations. He produced the first rodeo at the Tangipahoa Parish Fair and the Amite Oyster Festival. He served as president of the Tangipahoa Parish Fair Association for many years. Freddie had the honor of being Master of Ceremonies for over 40 years for the annual Old Farmer’s Day in Loranger, LA. He became a licensed and bonded auctioneer for the State of Louisiana and was auctioneer for the Southern University Livestock Show on a yearly basis. Freddie retired from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector after over 35 years of service. He was a life-long member of St. Helena Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Easley Wood; daughter, Julie Ann Wood; son Freddie Jacob Wood Jr. and wife Holly, grandchildren Breanna Prevost Smith (Zack), Catherine Rose Richard, Lindy Wood, Hadley Wood and Dally Reese Rushing, and great-granddaughter Davey Sutton Smith; nephews, Ed Wood (Kim) , Robert Wayne Wood Jr., (Tammie); niece, Robin Wood; great-nephews, Jase Wood, Robert Wayne Wood III; great-nieces, Haylie Wood and Cheyanne Wood, and sister-in-law Rebecca Wood. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Edna Singleton Wood; brother, Robert Wayne Wood Sr.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday, February 11, 2021 and Friday, February 12, 2021 8:00AM until 9:30AM, followed by a private Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 10:00AM. Services conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically Today – February 11

EXODUS 32:1-34:35

Baptist Press

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Today’s Prayer Focus – Your unspoken requests!

Anna Lee

 “A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you,

so you must love one another.

~John 13:34~

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 10

EXODUS 29:1-31:18

Freddie Wood of Amite passed away. I’ll post an obituary in the morning if one is available.

Baptist Press

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Today’s Prayer Focus – Louisiana and Stage Two Ruling

The governor has given the people of our state three more weeks of stage two rules to follow again. Pray our people will follow these guidelines and help to move our state to stage three. We all need a healthier environment.

FBC, Kentwood Prayer Meeting Tonight

Services available online

6:00 P.M. on Facebook and YouTube

Services available in person in the sanctuary too!

Rain Today

Be prepared for some rain today and in the next few days. If you need to get out safely, try to time your traveling between the rain bands. Pray for those who must travel and work in the rain.

Anna Lee

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 9

EXODUS 25:1-28:43

Baptist Press

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Dr. Stan Stathan’s Announcement

Obituary for Barbara Ratcliff Riley

BARBARA RATCLIFF RILEY, AGE 81

And a resident of Mount Hermon died Sunday evening February 7, 2021 at Good Samaritan Living Center with her children by her side. She was born on July 23 1939 and graduated from Franklinton High School in 1957. Barbara began a long career as a secretary and office manager, working for several automobile dealerships in the area including Miller Ford and Magee Motors. Barbara also worked at Patterson & Yearny Steel Company and her most recent service was to Habitat For Humanity in Franklinton. She enjoyed spending time with children, grandchildren and young great-grandchildren. Going out to eat at different places, shopping and attending the school activities of all of them was definitely her most favorite pastime. Barbara always loved to cook and have her family together for Sunday dinner. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.

Survived by:

2 Daughters and a Son in law: Kim Barber of Franklinton,
Karen and Dr. Eric Payne of Mt. Hermon

Son and Daughter in law: Mark and Sherron Riley of Kentwood

Grandchildren and Spouses: Ashton and Cody Newman of Kentwood,
Whitney and Jimmy Ray Jones of Wilmer,
Trevor and Jessica Barber of Nashville, TN,
Taylor Riley of Hammond,
Richard and Lacey Inkinbrant of Kentwood

Great-grandchildren: Kassidy, Jett, Jordyn, Avery, Grady, Gabby, Landon, Braydon, Adelyn, Elijah, Bella, and expected great-granddaughter Dallas Kade Barber

3 Sisters and a Brother in law: Myrna Goings of Franklinton,
Sharon and Dewitt Perry of Enon,
Delores Cornett of Greensburg

Brother and Sister in law: Bill and Evelyn Ratcliff of Franklinton

Sister in law: Carolyn Ratcliff of Picayune, MS

Also numerous nieces, nephews and other family members

She was preceded in death by the father of her children Donnie Riley, parents Fleet Ratcliff and Etta Gill Ratcliff, sisters Sheila Stafford, Mary Ratcliff, brother Talmadge Ratcliff, brothers in law Price Goings, Russell Cornett and a niece Janna Cornett.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Saturday February 13th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Saturday with Rev. Joe Baugh officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Good Samaritan Living Center for their loving care and support through the years and to Community Care Hospice.

Pallbearers: Eric Payne, Tracy Barber, Trevor Barber, Richard Inkinbrant, Cody Newman, Jimmy Ray Jones

Prayer Focus for Today

We all know it is not any fun to be sick. Today, I request you join me in praying for those who as sick and who live alone. Enough said.

Thank-you for praying today.

Anna Lee

“Confess your sins to each other

and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

~James 5:16 (NIV)~

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – Feb. 8

EXODUS 22:16-24:1

Baptist Press

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Today’s Prayer Focus – Families facing stress of various kinds (financial, emotional, spiritual, schooling, housing, sickness, deaths, etc.

Hymn of the Day – “God Will Take Care of You”

This is a reminder some of us need to hear today.

Be not dismayed whate’er betide
God will take care of you
Beneath His wings of love abide
God will take care of youGod will take care of you
Through every day, o’er all the way
He will take care of you
God will take care of youNo matter what may be the test
God will take care of you
Lean, weary one, upon His breast
God will take care of youGod will take care of you
Through every day, o’er all the way
He will take care of you
God will take care of youHe will take care of you
God will take care of you.

Have a wonderful day, remembering God is there for us each and every day.

Anna Lee

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37~

Mrs. Mildred Birch has been very sick and unable to eat for a few days. She got medical help and is better now. Keep her in your prayers.

I shared that my recently deceased cousin’s wife is sick and has Covid. I learned yesterday that her middle son, Micah, who lives with her, also has Covid. Please keep them in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for David’s sister, Bonnie. Hopefully, she is making improvement. Pray for her children as they help her in various ways.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 7

EXODUS 16:1-19:25

Today’s Prayer Focus

Leaders of our country, state, parish, and cities

Let’s pray for wisdom in decision-making and in deciding who to join with and follow in all the many decisions that they make.

FBC, Kentwood’s Online Services Today

10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.

Facebook and YouTube

May today’s gloomy weather not interfere with God’s love shining through you today!

Anna Lee

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:

that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

~1 John 5:14 (NIV)~

That doesn’t say we get everything just as we ask, it says He hears! He decides!

Koltyn Gafford is home and doing well. The family is thankful for all your prayers and concerns.

Bill Pope is now in Hood Memorial for physical therapy. Pray for his improvement.

Charles Warren had a good Day 61. Please continue to pray.

Samaritan’s Purse Update

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/2020-special-report/?utm_source=OCC21-Special-Report-Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=m_YOCC-21EB&utm_content=button

IMB – International Mission Board

https://www.kentuckytoday.com/stories/imb-trustees-appoint-30-new-missionaries,30450

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 6

EXODUS 16:1-19:25

Operation Christmas Child

Crafting is always a good addition to “shoeboxes”. I’ve been learning a few new things each year. They certainly make our shoeboxes extra special.

Prayer Focus Today – Shoebox shoppers, crafters, packers, etc.

Today, let’s pray for willing hands (and hearts) to give to their time and talents to create special pieces for “shoeboxes”. As you pray for those who create the shoeboxes, also pray for those who will receive the boxes. They impact families, not just a single child. The child in not the only one who can learn about Jesus through each “shoebox”!

Your prayers impact many people!

Anna Lee

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28~

Mrs. Dorothy White‘s surgery is considered a success. The medical staff is helping her with pain. She is expected to be in the hospital a few more days. Please, keep praying for her.

David and I enjoy working in the Operation Christmas Child room and around the table at home as we are in the early stages of preparing to pack the shoeboxes. Yesterday, we were working in the OCC room when we were blessed with two big boxes of items for our shoeboxes. Thank-you, Renewal Class, for the many wonderful items and your great choices in purchases. You blessed our hearts and will be a blessing to lots of little children.

Please continue to pray for all the folks who are more homebound than free to move around since Covid.

Baptist Message

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible in 2021 – February 5

EXODUS 13:1-15:27

If you didn’t start on January 1, you can begin now. Get a hardcopy of the plan from FBC, Kentwood. I think with a few extra minutes each day, you’ll catch up shortly.

Prayer focus today: families who have problems with too much togetherness

It seems we have more cold weather ahead. Be prepared!

Anna Lee

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

~Psalm 34:14~

Many of you may remember the Edwards family who lived in the block just west of FBC, Kentwood. One of the twins, Lily and her husband of Hammond, lost a baby at birth last year. She is expecting again and again having some issues. Please pray for B.J. and Lily Ory and their unborn child.

You may remember I had a cousin who recently passed away because of Huntington’s Disease. Now, his widow, Brenda Tolleson, had covid. Pray for happier, healthier days for her.

David and I received our second covid vaccination Tuesday morning. Thankfully, we have had no issues. We are looking forward to being able to get out a little more. I hope others of you are at this point too. Hopefully, soon, our world. will be freer from this pandemic.

Kent Muse, Sr.

August 31, 1945 – February 03, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, Kent passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson, LA. He was born August 31, 1945 in Magnolia, MS and was 75 years of age. He was a retired directional driller for Halliburton Oil Field Services of Egypt. The former owner of many businesses, including Skinney’s Restaurant, Kent was also a cattleman and a U. S. Army Veteran of Vietnam. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elloise Cheramie Muse; 2 sons, John Kent Muse, Jr. and wife, Marnie, and Brock Kennedy Muse and wife, Heather; daughters-in-law, Bridget Muse and Wendy Muse; grandchildren, Blythe Muse, Brice Muse, Blake Muse, Caleb Muse, Caitlyn Muse, Kent Muse III, and Brady Muse; 2 sisters, Parmys Weinberg and Abbie Hilburn. Preceded in death by son, Robert Cheramie Muse; infant daughter; parents, James Edward Muse Sr. and Vera Kennedy Muse; brother, James Edward Muse, Jr.; and sister, Helen Muse. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Friday, February 5, 2021. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Please pray for the Muse family.

Baptist Press

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Read the Bible in 2021 – February 4

EXODUS 10:1-12:51

Prayer Focus for Today – College and high school seniors

Pray for all the seniors as they complete one phase in their lives and make plans for the coming years. Jennie’s two daughters are completing high school and college and planning for where they will be going to school next year. Pray for all students facing this important decision.

Thank-you for praying today.

Anna Lee

“If you return to me,

I will restore you so you can continue to serve me.”

~Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT)~

There are many people sick during this wintry time of the year. Some have simple colds and sinus issues. Others have Covid. Many fall somewhere in the middle. Please pray for the sick folks you are aware of.

Charles Warren update: Listed as critically stable; showing small signs of improvement. Specifically, pray for his lungs.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 3

EXODUS 7:14-9:35

Prayer meeting from FBC, Kentwood will be posted at 6 P.M. tonight. If you have any trouble watching on Facebook, try YouTube.

Baptist Press

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Eva Juanita Graves Battles

May 22, 1934 – February 02, 2021

Eva Juanita Graves Battles went home to be with her Lord on February 2, 2021 at the age of 86. She was the eldest daughter of Carl Felix Graves, Sr. and Lila Bell Smith of Amite and was born on May 22,1934 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. She was a life-long resident of Amite until moving to Hammond in 2014 to be closer to her daughter. Juanita married her high school sweetheart, Jimmie Clayton Battles, and they lived happily together for 56 years in Amite until his passing in 2008. Juanita was a retired manager with South Central Bell and AT&T Operator Services in Hammond, and later Baton Rouge. After retirement Juanita and Jimmie enjoyed cross country trips, family gatherings, gardening, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Juanita enjoyed volunteering at First Baptist Church of Amite and the Amite Council on Aging where she loved meeting friends daily for lunch. She is survived by daughters Caroline Sue Battles, Alexandria, La., Kathi Hesselgrave and husband Ron, Kenosha, Wisconsin, Robin Gray and husband Mark, Hammond, La. and four grandsons, John Mark Gray, Michael Gray, Daniel Moreland, and Clint Sharp. Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie, her parents, Carl and Lila Bell Graves, two brothers, Carl F. Graves, Jr., and Alfred Ray Graves and an infant sister, Trudy. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the entire staff of Summerfield Assisted Living in Hammond for their help in the last four years. A private service will be held with interment in Battles/Bennett Cemetery, Highway 1046, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Today’s Prayer Focus – People living in nursing homes/extended care facilities & people who work in these facilities

We got our second Covid vaccination yesterday. Pray for those who are administering the vaccine as they now are giving the first dose to some people and the second to others. The workload surely increased.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

“[God] will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”

~Psalm 103:9-10, 13 (NLT)~

Bill Morris continues to improve. Velta Morris had another “clear” report on her cancer. Thank you for your continued prayers for these sweet friends.

Betty Simpson asked for prayers for her friend who is having surgery today.

Please pray for my friend, Dot White. Colon surgery scheduled for tomorrow…had a bout of Covid and is very weak…pray for strength and successful surgery. Thanks!

Koltyn Gafford is making some improvement and may get to go to a regular room today.

Charles Warren’s Monday was filled with lots of positive reports. Thank God for Charles’ improvement.

We are getting our covid vaccination number two today. Pray for everything to go smoothly with no headaches or body soreness. Thank-you!.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 2

EXODUS 4:18-7:13

Prayer Focus – Medical personal

Baptist Press

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Add your own prayer requests and pray! Thank-you!

Anna Lee

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