Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

Lamentations 3:22

Updates

*Mrs. Mildred Birch is home. Please continue to pray for her.

*Dan’l Johnson continues to work for improvements. He is getting lots of attention and good care.

*Both Ronnie and Elaine Cutrer are better. Please continue to pray for them.

New Concerns

*Linda Guy Phillips had a stroke yesterday and is now in Ochsner of New Orleans for care. Pray for her and for Kim and other family members.

Death

Judy Bridges Jones passed away. Please be in prayer for her three daughters and other family members.

Surgery

Jackie Babin will be having surgery Tuesday in Hammond. Please add her to your prayer list.

Read the Bible

(3 weeks remaining from last year)

• January 5, 2024
• Week 50: Second Coming of Christ
• Matthew 24:35-44
• Luke 12: 35-40
• “I can be ready for Christ’s return by . . . .”

Read the Bible in 2024

I hope you are keeping up each day. You’ll be so glad if you do!

Two suggestions: Get an accountability partner and leave your Bible in a prominent place.

• January 5, 2024
• Genesis 9:8 – 10-32
• Psalm 4: 1-8
• Proverbs 1: 10-14
• Matthew 4: 21 – 5:12

I’m your partner!

• I’m reading each day too.
• I’m also writing a small note with a thankfulness for the day or some other positive thought of the day, such as an answered prayer. My jar looks mostly empty now, but in a short period of time will be filling up. It’s not too late to begin either one of these tasks. If you do, you’ll be thankful.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the teachers and students who have already returned to school and those who will do so Monday. As a teacher, I found this to be a difficult day because students did not want to return to school and work, second only to the first day of each year.

Thank-you for reading and praying today. Thanks, too, for telling others about The Prayer Link.

Anna Lee

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.

Colossians 3:9

Hospital

Mrs. Mildred Birch, 93, who had a recurrence of her original problems, will probably not be going home today. Now it seems like it might possibly be tomorrow. She’s at the St. Helena Hospital.

Pray for those who get cold in this kind of weather. It takes a while to warm up again. Pray they don’t get sick from being cold for a long period of time.

Read the Bible (three more weeks)

• January 4, 2024
• II Corinthians 5: 1-8
• Phiippians 1: 20-25
• “I know Heaven is my reward because . . . .”

Daily Bible Readings for 2024

• January 4, 2024 – almost 3 pages
• Genesis 7:1 – 9:7
• Psalm 3: 1-8
• Proverbs 1: 8-9
• Matthew 4: 1-20
• I’m reading and enjoying this plan again.

Cold Weather

Please pray for people not to get unnecessarily cold, and then sick, in this weather. 

Update

I do not have updates on Ronnie and Elaine Cutrer.

Thank-you for reading and praying.

Anna Lee

Sing to him a new song;

play skillfully,

and shout for joy.

Psalms 33:3

Baby Boy

Brooks Austin Lee

Born 1-2-2024

4:54 A.M.

6 lb. 11 oz.

19 3/4 in long.

Parents – Austin and Tiffany Lee

Illness

Mr. Emmett Watson is ill. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Hospital

Mrs. Mildred Birch is in the Greensburg Hospital. Please add her to your prayer list.

Prayer Concern

Please pray for all the people, especially the elderly ones, who live in homes not well-equipped for cold weather. This includes heating, pipes, food supplies, etc.

Take a few minutes to pray for them or to “take needed actions” to help.

Read the Bible (continued from 2023)

• Luke 16: 19-31
• Proverbs 11: 7
• Proverbs 13:9
• Proverbs 24: 19-20
• “The person I need to prepare for death is . . . .”

Real the Bible 2024

• Genesis 5:1 – 6:22
• Psalm 2: 7-12
• Proverbs 1:7
• Matthew 3: 1-17
• I am reading the Bible with this plan in 2024. It’s not too late to go back to the beginning and read with me.

OCC

Please continue to pray for those who received our Shoeboxes in Ghana and “A Hard to Reach Area”. May they hear and receive the message of Jesus.

Death

Sudie Louise Palmer

November 19, 1945 – December 19, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at her home. She was born November 19, 1945 in Bogalusa, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her children, Phildon Keith Miller and Connie Sue Miller Harrison; grandchildren, Darryl Blaine Miller, wife, Ashley, Morgan Bryonna Blades, Daniel Blake Miller, Savanna Kaye Miller, and Tadd Miller; great-grandchildren, Taylar, Case, Clay, Adlai, and Lucas; brother, Bill Adams; sister, Dianne Parker; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Larry Byrd. Preceded in death by her father, William Adams; mother, Alma Corley Adams; 6 brothers, TC Adams, Willis Adams, Richard Adams, William Adams, Jr., Roy Adams, and Phildon Adams; 6 sisters, Ophelia Hodge, Ines Woodard, Liza Thomas, Elsie Adams, and 2 infant Adams; son, Darryl Thomas Miller; husband, Tilman Palmer; former spouse, Thomas Miller; grandchildren, Breanna Sue Miller and Keith Paul Harrison; daughter-in-law, LaBreeska Lewis. Visitation at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, December 22, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Have a blessed day! Be a blessing to others!

Anna Lee

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”

Isaiah 65:17

Read the Bible Today

• I Corinthians 15: 35-48
• “This reminds me that my physical body is . . . .”

Read the Bible in 2024

January 2, 2024

• Genesis 3:1 – 4:26
• Psalm 2: 1-6
• Proverbs 1: 5-6
• Matthew 2: 1-23

Prayer Focus

Pray for those who will be having medical appointments soon because they needed to wait for their insurance coverage for the new year. This will focus on some elective surgeries such as knee surgery.

Pray & Act

Pray for those facing these surgeries in the coming days. Think about what you can do to to make their time before or after surgery more comfortable.

World Situations

Pray for those affected by war, weather, earthquake, limited fuel, etc.

Local Churches

Pray for our local churches as they move into the plans they made for 2024. May each church see God’s plans for training all age groups and for growth in all age groups.

The Prayer Link

I often hear that a person reads and enjoys The Prayer Link. They even tell me who suggested they read The Prayer Link. Sometimes that person even finds TPL on the other (often older) person and sets the phone up so TPL shows up on the home page for them. If you have the desire to help and the skills to set TPL up that way you can truly be a blessing to others. 

The Bible teaches us to use our skills wisely. It has only been a few years that that included computer skills. While you are at it, set them up for FBC, Kentwood’s Facebook so they can see the online services. You can even set them up to hear other online pastors who preach God’s Word. What a blessing you have been!!!

Contact Me

Several people have asked this week ablout how they can sent me a prayer request. It’s not hard. Look for the CONTACT BUTTON on this page. When you click it, you can send me an email. Type in your message and SEND. I will read my messages before I type TPL the next morning.

Have a blessed day today. Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Revelation 21:5

A Plan for the New Year

I did this a few years ago and plan to do it again in 2024. I shared with my Sunday School class yesterday and one lady immediately said she was doing this. I call it the THANKFULNESS JAR. You need three things. Little pieces of (Colored) paper about 1/8 of a full page, a pen(s), and a big jar which can can decorate if you choose.. (You can even start with a smaller jar and increase the size as needed.).

Each day you write on a piece of paper what you are thankful for at that moment. Each day you add what you are thankful for that day. Fold the paper a couple of times and add it to the jar. You will be amazed with how you feel when you write your Thankfulness each day.

Be sure to keep the jar and the strips of paper in a prominent place so you won’t forget. I hope you have a great year of remembering your blessings!

Today’s Prayer

We need to remember and pray for those whose memory (and choices) are not good like they were in earlier years. I especially want to pray for Bryan Tate and his caregiver wife, Rita, as they daily face his health issues. Add other names that fit in this category.

Read the Bible (ending soon)

• January 1, 2024
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 49: 9-15
• Psalm 116: 15
• “The believer does not fear death because . . . .”
• This series will be over in a few weeks.

Everyday with Jesus in 2024

(This is three pages long in my Bible. Surely we can make time today to read that much!)

Genesis 1: 1-2:25

Psalm 1:1-6

Proverbs 1: 1-4

Matthew 1: 1-25

I’m counting on you to read the Bible with me in 2024. I try to read the Bible from cover to cover about every other year. Let’s read together.

Have a wonderful day as you write your thankfulness, and read God’s Word.

Happy, happy new year!

Anna Lee

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.

I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

~Ezekiel 34:12~

Prayers Needed

James Rimes shared these prayer needs.

Elaine Cutrer is in St Tammany Hospital possibly with pneumonia. Ronnie is sick at home waiting for the doctor to call and give him his diagnosis. (Upper respiratory).

Please pray for these two friends of many of us.

Obituary

Angie Nielsen’s mother passed away.

Ms. Clayton Tay A. Mercer Cotton

Moms funeral arrangements:

Saturday, January 6,2024

Greenoaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, Baton Rouge, LA

Visitation – 10am- 12 pm ; Service at 12:00pm

Burial service afterward

Read the Bible

• Week 49 – Death: Heading Home
• Genesis 27: 2
• I Samuel 20: 1-3
• Job 7
• “The very thought of dying makes me . . . .”

Encouragement

Holidays can be wonderful, but they can be very difficult for those who live alone. Be an encourager at the end of this holiday week.

Anna Lee

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalms 55:22

Prayer Focus

Today, I would like to mention some people to you, but you can also pray for those on your prayer list.

Dan’l Johnson continues to improve. Thankfully his family is on a long holiday vacation from school.

Roy and Diane Turner – at home

Andy and Betty Taylor – at home

Rondi Booty and Tiffany Lee who are both expecting babies in the next three weeks.

Dwayne Creel – Outpatient surgery yesterday, but home now.

Diane Buckley – Waiting for final diagnosis and treatment

Bro. Darryl – In a waiting period, but all is going well so far.

Older, Homebound Friends - Lots of people who would appreciate some of your time and concern.

Read the Bible Daily

• Afflictions: Roses and Thorns
• Psalm 107
• Revelation 7: 13-17
• “God delivered me from trouble when . . . .”

Health Focus

It seems many folks have bad colds, coughs, flu, Covid, etc. Pray for each one to recover well and quickly.

Sunday School

We will be studying about Cain and Abel and their families. Even though you have heard this story for years, there is always more to learn. Attend Sunday School and learn what God has in store for you this week. If you need help choosing and locating a class, David and I will help. Give us a call so we can meet you at your car. Also, Luther Terrell who is located just inside the front door of the fellowship hall is available. Usually, Bro. Darryll is on the sidewalk somewhere and would be glad to help you. Come and let us get you involved in a class.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

David and I can see/feel the need for us to give to this offering because of our family members who served so long as overseas missionaries. If we all do our part, many unsaved people can learn about Jesus and have the opportunity to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. The missionaries are in place. Let’s make sure adequate funding is too. One hundred percent of your gift will go to meet the needs of out missionaries as they serve around the world.

New Readers Praying with Us

Every week some of you pass the word about reading The Prayer Link to others, many of whom who attend other churches. God finds a way to use these thoughts to help them in their own churches.

If you attend FBC, Kentwood with me and know of some new members who could be introduced to TPL or older folks who would appreciate you setting their phones so they can read TPL easily, you would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you ahead of time for these ways we can be be encouraging and informative. 

Prayer is the key. We can all pray on our schedule, but hopefully this guide can be helpful.

Thanks,

Anna Lee

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Matthew 2:10

Read the Bible

• Job 5: 6-26
• Ephesians 3: 16-20
• “During struggles, I can have confidence . . . .”

Obituaries

Francis Smith Griffin

March 7, 1937 – December 26, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at her home. She was born March 7, 1937 in Magnolia, MS and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Barber and husband, Troy E. Barber; son, Mark Varnado and wife, Judy Varnado; 3 grandchildren, Clif Bryan and wife, Fern Bryan, Clay Bryan, and Emily Varnado; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Celia Ann Smith and Rachel Coggins and husband, Michael Coggins. Preceded in death by husbands, Donald Varnado and David Griffin; granddaughter, Raina Bryan; parents, W. Deloy Smith, Sr. and Neva Burch Smith; brother, W. Deloy Smith, Jr.; and sister, Diane Strickland. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:30AM on Friday, December 29, 2023. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Jack Vincent Liuzza

June 28, 1938 – December 22, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born June 28, 1938 in Amite, LA and raised in Amite, LA. He was 85 years of age. He graduated in 1956 from Amite High School and spent two years in the United States Army 503 Military Police Battalion. His rank was Corporal. While with the Military Police Unit, he was sent to provide security and protection on the campus of Ole Miss University in 1962. He retired as director for the Louisiana Federal Surplus Property Agency after 27 years of employment. He is survived by his brother, Steve Liuzza, Jr. Preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Fay Harling Liuzza; parents, Steve Liuzza, Sr. and Catherine Rispone Liuzza; brother, Joseph Anthony Liuzza. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 8:00AM until 10:15AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10:30AM on Friday, December 29, 2023. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for students who are enjoying a long holiday from school. Pray for good choices for their care when young and for them to make good choices in all they do as they get older.

Prayer Meeting

Tonight at 6:00 at FBC, Kentwood. It is never long, but always meaningful.

Reach Out. . .

. . . to someone who is lonely, sick, needy, etc. today. You will get a blessing.

Anna Lee

The Day After Christmas

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Luke 2:13

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and were a blessing to others.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Churches will continue to collect this offering for international missions. Remember these two facts.

• 100% of the money given goes directly to mission work.
• It is never too late to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering.

End of the Year Singing

• Spring Creek Baptist Church
• Lots of singing
• Refreshments
• Firework display
• Begins at 6:00 P.M.

Read the Bible Today

• I Corinthians 4: 9-13
• Romans 8: 17-37
• II Corinthians 6: 3-13
• “Even in poverty, victory is mine because . . . .”

Prayer Focus – Churches

As we end one calendar year and begin another one, let’s keep some prayer focus on our church and other churches in our area.

Baptist Press – New Jesus Film

‘Jesus’ film producers plan release of new animated version in 2025

https://theprayerlinksite.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=39960&action=edit

Operation Christmas Child

Plan for TODAY – Many stores have good discounts after Christmas. You are encouraged to SHOP TODAY and look for school supplies (calculators, erasers, pencils, coloring books, etc), hygiene items (toothbrushes, wash cloths, band aids, cotton balls, and Q-tips., clothing items - socks and underwear for boys and girls (Size 12)., and small toys for boys and girls, ages 9-14 (small dolls, marbles, small trucks, and hair ornaments. These are not all the items we will need, but a good start.

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

Adam, Eve, Cain, Able, and Seth

You are invited to come study with us at FBC, Kentwood. We have a class for everyone! About a month ago, I was asked to teach my class. Please come learn, or review, with us. Our class is named New Hope! I didn’t join the class for the name, but it certainly is a name that can draw you in. We would love to have you visit and decide for yourself.

Changing Gears

We will be leaving 2023 behind and moving into 2024 in every aspect of our personal and church lives. Be ready to move ahead.  Our schedule for next Sunday is the same as usual with the exception of the evening service being at Spring Creek.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee