He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Lottie Moon Week of Prayer, Day 2 – “Music Fills the Airways”
Prayer Focus for Today – Warm Homes
The weather forecasters are predicting freezes tonight and tomorrow night. Today, I want to focus on those who do not have adequate heat in their homes to be comfortable during the winter months. Pray for others to recognize the need and to help them.
Operation Christmas Child
The cartons of shoeboxes are now at processing centers where they are being checked for items that are not allowed and for addition items to be added when there is more room in the boxes. Christian literature is also added in the appropriate language. Some boxes have already been shipped out to the country where they will be distributed. Pray for the volunteers at the processing centers, a good supply of fillers to help “fill” the boxes, and for the children who will receive the “shoeboxes”.
Today, I’m thankful for you. Some of you have read my “Thankfulness Thoughts” and started to consider what you are thankful for. Thanks for reading and then writing your own thoughts. We can never thank God too much! We can never pray too much! I think putting our thoughts into written words helps us to put our prayers into words too. God doesn’t need us, but He surely is pleased when we take time to appreciate what He has done for us. We should live in a spirit of thankfulness every day. Let’s share our thankful with others through words, cards, calls, and personal contacts. It will make a difference to us and to others. Live your thankfulness daily!
I want to include the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer Day one video and information about the IMB so you can pray for them.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Week of Prayer
Day 1 – Missions On and Off the Street
International Mission Board (IMB)
175 Days of Prayer – Since 1845
CELEBRATE 175 years of continuous ministry by joining us in 175 Days of Prayer. Each day will feature one request and can be sent to you as a push notification from the IMB Pray app, accessed at imb.org/pray or the Pray Daily newsletter, or seen through IMB social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram).
REJOICE over what God has done and continues to do as we INTERCEDE for missionaries and for the nations.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 2020WORLD175 Days of Prayer
Please pray for missionaries whose time on the field is cut short by unexpected events. Ask the Lord to comfort and direct them as they deal with issues which brought them back from the field: issues like long-term illness, aging parents, or a child’s development. Pray that the Lord directs them to a church community that will support and encourage them. Pray that they will have opportunities for service with their people group in the U.S. Ask God to supply their needs, whether this is a time of interruption or a complete change. Pray that God provides others to continue the ministry they left. Also lift up their children as they adjust to life in America.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 2020WORLD175 Days of Prayer
Kabyle Berbers are 10 million strong in their Algerian homeland, with another half a million in Europe. Pioneer efforts among this traditionally Muslim group began in the early twentieth century and continued until Algeria won its independence from France mid-century. These faithful pioneers saw little positive response. In the late twentieth century, these seeds of truth began to bear fruit. Kabyle believers in Europe started sharing through their heart language with Kabyles still living in Algeria. Those in the homeland began to respond positively to the good news via various media. Consequently, they are no strangers to persecution. Even so, conservative estimates point to approximately 40,000 believers in the homeland. Pray for God to help Kabyle brothers and sisters grasp the importance of being in community and under leadership. Pray for thousands of Kabyle believers to live and share among unreached cities and peoples. Ask the Lord to protect Kabyle believers from false teaching and give them the endurance to persevere and pass down their faith.
Daniel 6:1-28 2 Peter 3:1-18 Psalm 119:129-152 Proverbs 28:21-22
Most churches will be have regular and online services in our area this week. One unplanned advantage is the opportunity to participate in more than one service.
There have been many deaths in our area lately. We lost a few we knew this week. Please pray for families when they lose loved ones. Say extra prayers when the deaths happen during the holidays. Also, pray for those who are going through the holidays for the first time without their loved ones.
Thankfulness – Day 29 – Contentment
Today, I am thankful for the calm after the storm. We had a busy month and loved every minute of it, but today we are facing a routine Sunday and a less eventful month. David and I look forward to being together, enjoying the changing weather, cooking some cold weather foods, drinking hot coffee and chocolate, sharing with others, and staying in a little more than usual. I plan to spend some time playing catch-up with my Bible reading for 2020 so I can start a new plan in 2021. I’m thankful for a season of being more laid back and enjoying the contentment we have been blessed with. I hope you can find contentment in your world too. Contentment is a real blessing!
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
~Romans 14: 17-19~
Read the Bible in 2020 – Nov. 28
Daniel 5:1-31 2 Peter 2:1-22 Psalm 119:113-128 Proverbs 28:19-20
Roy Otis Benefield
August 29, 1938 – November 26, 2020
A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born August 29, 1938 in Osyka, MS and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his life long companion, Anita Speed; sister, Marie Bass; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Amelia Benefield; brothers, Walter Benefield, E.W. Benefield, Paul Benefield, and Frank Benefield. Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 11:00AM on Monday, November 30, 2020. Pallbearers will be Doug Benefield, Ben Guillory, Moose Tolbert, Cole Kent, Kyle Kent, Chad Strickland, Cody Guillory and Jeff Connelly. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thomas Lester Zachary
June 19, 1925 – November 22, 2020
Mr. Thomas Lester Zachary passed away November 22, 2020 at 6:15 pm in Amite, Louisiana. He was born June 19, 1925 at home on the Zachary farm in St. Helena Parish and lived there the rest of his life. For more than half a century he was a hard working dairy farmer shipping his Golden Guernsey milk to Kleinpeter Farms Dairy. At age 6 he received his first fox dog which sparked the beginning of his passionate hobby of fox hunting for more than 80 years. With his dry sense of humor and his kind, gentle, soul, he never met a stranger. He was know as the local oral historian on all things related to St. Helena. He loved to share this knowledge with his gift of gab. Lester was a devoted and lifelong member of his beloved Kedron Baptist Church that was founded and built by his great grandfather John Lewis Zachary and his grandfather, Jehu B. Zachary. He served as a song leader, Sunday school teacher, cemetery coordinator and most notably served as a deacon for more than 60 years. He is survived by his three children, Barbara Zachary Mena (Raul) California, Thomas Lester Zachary, Jr. Hillsdale, and Lisa Zachary Klemm (William) Missouri. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren Steven Zachary Mena Colorado, Lee Thomas Zachary (Jordan) Denham Springs, Jason Avery Zachary (Andrea Scott) Prairieville, and Elizabeth Lee Klemm Missouri, one great-grandchild, Ava Rayne Zachary, his loving sister, Ruby Loura Stevens and many caring nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Oma Bridges Zachary, his grandson, Brandon Lester Zachary, his parents, Dudley Erwin Zachary and Louella Robertson Zachary, one sister, Vera Zachary McGee and one brother, Erwin Prentice Zachary. We wish to extend the utmost appreciation for the care and love that “Paw Paw” received at Tangi Pines Nursing Center. A private graveside service was held at Kedron Baptist Cemetery on November 25, 2020, led by Brother Jake Williams. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Kedron Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Susie Sharkey, 70342 Kennedy Road, Kentwood, LA 70444 in his memory.
Melissa “Missy” Williams
05/19/1964 – 11/26/2020
A loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend went to her eternal home on Thursday, November 26, 2020. She was 56 years old. Missy loved watching the LSU Tigers and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Fullagar; son, Cody Williams and wife, Bailey; two grandchildren, Brayden and Cooper Williams; brother, James Goynes Jr.; sister, Beth Doucet (Jerry); brother-in-law, Ted Bacot and numerous nieces and nephews. Missy will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, and coworkers at the KOA campground. She never met a stranger and loved helping everyone around her, kindness was her gift. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, on Sunday November 29, 2020 from 1pm until Celebration of Life Service at 3pm, conducted by Rev. Herman Holland. She was preceded in death by her parents, J. M. and Teenie Goynes, and her sister Sue Bacot.
Prayer Focus Today – Families Who are Mourning
There have been a number of deaths in the last few weeks and months. Each death leaves behind a family and friends network that will face the holidays with uncertainly, because they have always had others in their lives who are no longer there. Pray for the remaining family members as they adjust the holiday traditions and make new traditions. It’s not always easy, but. with God, it is always possible.
Thankfulness – Day 28
Today, I am thankful for a daughter-in-law who is both fun and thoughtful, creative, yet full of tradition, and open to new activities, as well as willing to do for her family so everyone will have a good family experience. She is a perfect match for our son and a wonderful mother to two special grandchildren. She can be the life-of-the-party or the quiet, thinking ahead person. If you know her, you will agree. If you don’t know her, you have missed out.
God has great things planned for today. Don’t miss His blessings for you!
Marsha Prine is home, but Robert is now hospitalized. Pray for this family and the other families having covid issues. There continue to be several families struggling to return to better health.
MISSY GOYNES passed away. Please be in prayer for her family and many friends.
There have been a few other deaths this week. Let’s say special prayers for each family.
Read the Bible in 2020 – November 27
Daniel 4:1-37 2 Peter 1:1-21 Psalm 119:97-112 Proverbs 28:17-18
Each Thanksgiving, I think of the Thanksgiving many years ago when my cousin’t grandfather passed away. My aunt and uncle drove to our house from the hospital just in time to sit with us for our big family meal. The phone rang. My uncle’s dad had passed away. That is my first sad memory of a holiday. I have more I can add, but today let’s focus on the families who are having difficult holidays because of sickness or death. Pray for them. Let them know you care.
THANKFULNESS – HARD TIMES
Today, I want to thank God for the hard times in my life. They give me reasons to recognize and be thankful for the good times. We all know we cannot live with “mountain-top experiences” every day, but those experiences in the valleys make it clear that we learn and grow there. I have friends in the “valleys” today. Let’s lift them up in our prayers. Today, is one of my “mountain top” days. I’m thankful for it, but know it is not permanent. May we all learn to appreciate and thank God for each day! Each day is a gift!
In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Pray for all those who are hospitalized on today’s holiday. I hope that despite their health issues they can find many reasons to be thankful.
Pray for those who are back in the hospital for Covid-19 related issues. It seems that many people are testing negative, but still having some symptoms that are not completely leaving. Some who “recovered” recently and some who recovered months ago still seem to have lingering issues.
Missy Goynes, a former student, is in Ochsner following a massive heart attack. Her condition is very serious. Please join with her family, friends, and classmates to pray for her.
Daniel 2:24-3:30 1 Peter 4:7-5:14 Psalm 119:81-96 Proverbs 28:15-16
Thankfulness – Day 26
Today, I’m thankful for caring people who go out of their way to express concern. Concern can be expressed by words, actions, and prayers. Prayers are not old-fashioned and out-of-style. joining together to pray for a person or a situation touches my heart. I know God is pleased when a group of people have faith that is expressed through prayers.
On this special holiday, be sure to take time to express your thanks to God and to others.
Angie Nielson’s parents are doing better. Thankfully, many people who get Covid now are recovering. Hopefully, the new vaccine will make Covid-19 less stressful in our world.
Charles “Chuck” Brister
Amite, Louisiana
Sep 26, 1951 – Nov 23, 2020 (Age 69)
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 26, 1951 in Independence, LA and was 69 years of age. Chuck is the son of the late J. H. and Betty Brister of Roseland. He is a graduate of Amite High School and a member of First Baptist Church in Amite. Chuck started out in business in Nov. 1972 as Chuck’s Glass & Radiator Works in Roseland. In 1975 he moved their business to Amite and started Amite Glass & Radiator Works. In Jan. 1985 they sold Amite Glass Works and took over his dad’s manufacturing business of Go Karts, known as Brister’s Thunder Karts, bringing it to national recognition where he developed Utility Vehicles known as the Chuck Wagon. Chuck has been a board member of First Guaranty Bank and Smitty’s Supply. He served with great honor as the 2008 Oyster King. The real fun of his life was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and watching all of their activities. He loved boating, flying, car shows, traveling, and going out with his many friends. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ellen Brister; two daughters, Denise Brister Murphy and husband, Patrick and Amanda Brister Bales and husband, David; grandchildren, Kamryn Denise Murphy, Kaylyn Denise Murphy, Lexon Rae Bales and Maison Brister Bales; sister, Gail Brister Helms and husband, Don; and 1 niece, Melissa Tate. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Amite from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible in 2020 – November 25
Daniel 1:1-2:23 1 Peter 3:8-4:6 Psalm 119:65-80 Proverbs 28:14
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on those who are having a difficult day today, during the Thanksgiving season, without a loved one who was here to celebrate Thanksgiving, 2019. We can all name a number of people in this situation. Pray for them.
Thankfulness – Day 25
Today, I’m thankful for all the beautiful fall weather we have been having. God provides it every year about this time. Whether this time of year reminds you of raking leaves, warming fires inside or outside, family gathered together, holiday foods, fireworks, or anything else from your memory, I think we all find time to be thankful. What a great blessing to be able to thank God for all He has done for us!
If you have not already done so, find time to be thankful to God.
Today, we, FBC, Kentwood, completed our eight days of serving as a drop-off location. Here are some statistics you may be interested in.
14 volunteers gave of their time
123.25 hours were worked
8.8 hours – average time of service per volunteer
1601 shoeboxes were packed into 100 cartons and transported to the next location on their journey
200 shoeboxes = average number of shoeboxes per day
14 churches and groups participated in packing shoeboxes
9 individuals/families turned in shoeboxes
10 boxes of filler were shipped to be used as needed in Dallas
Keith Womack learned he has cancer and is waiting for treatment options. Please be in prayer for Keith and his family.
Patsy N. Raborn
June 27, 1939 – November 23, 2020
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born June 27, 1939 in Choudrant, LA and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Hollis E. Raborn, Jr.; 3 children, Richard Eugene Raborn and wife, Pam, Cheryl Raborn, and Brian Eric Raborn; 1 grandson, Joseph Raborn Lancaster, Sr. and wife, Trissy; 1 granddaughter, Kristen Raborn; 3 great-grandsons, Joseph Raborn Lancaster, Jr., Benjamin Raborn Smith, and Maddox Rineheart; 1 brother, James Robert “Bobby” Pilgreen. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Ken Reed and Rev. Shawn Ostoj. A private graveside service will be held in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Chuck Brister of Amite, formerly of Roseland, passed away. He has been fighting cancer for a couple of years. Mary Ellen, her daughters, and their families will greatly appreciate your prayers.
Thankfulness Day 24
Today, I am thankful for Samaritans Purse for providing us with the opportunity to pack shoeboxes which will impact children in poor countries around the world. Without them, my efforts to tell others about Jesus would be severely limited. Of course, Samaritans Purse is much more than shoeboxes, but they are on my heart as shoeboxes have left our communities and are being transported to their next destination. As excited as I am today, I must admit I have already begun the collection process for 2021. May the shoeboxes help many boys and girls learn about Jesus! Thanks to all of you who supported this worthy project this year. Thank God for all the hands and hearts that are involved in Operation Christmas Child.
Read the Bible in 2020 – November 24
Ezekiel 47:1-48:35 1 Peter 2:11-3:7 Psalm 119:49-64 Proverbs 28:12-13
Today, let’s focus our prayers on the Raborn and Brister families who lost a member of the family today.
I know some churches that have celebrated the good that has happened in the lives of their members in 2020. God is still at work and is bigger than the problems that arose in 2020! Let’s not forget that.
This morning, 8-10, ends the drop-off opportunities at FBC, Kentwood. It has been a wonderful eight days. Tomorrow, I will give you a total number of shoeboxes and cartons. Let me say the week has been a blessing to me. Many children will be blessed because of the love and caring spirit of people in our area.
Thankfulness – Day 23
Today, I am thankful for the many family gatherings I can remember in my life. Some were large, but some were smaller. Some included people from out-of-town, but some were all people from this general area. Some were for my family, some for David’s family, and some included both. Some were held at beautifully decorated tables, but some were in the backyard or at a park. Some involved great planning, but some were rather last minute affairs. Sometimes, there were lots of planned photos, but others were all candid shots. Some were for holidays, but some were for celebrations. There have been many family gathering, but each one is unique. I treasure all these memories and am thankful for them.
Today, Let’s focus our prayers on Holiday travelers, the people who will travel miles and miles to gather with others for Thanksgiving.
It’s good to hear of those who recovered from Covid-19 quickly and those who had few or no symptoms of the virus. They can consider themselves especially blessed in 2020.
The Prayer Link 
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