I am thanking God for allowing me to have had a good week and to spend time with friends in times to sadness and joy, as well as involvement with some of you to work on projects for our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.
Today’s Scripture
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3 (WEB)
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for comfort during the summer months as the temperatures rise. Be sure to say special prayers for those who can not as easily survive as others. Help others as needed.
Obituaries
Dr. Ernest Morris Graham
July 7, 1964 – July 15, 2026
Obituary for Dr. Ernest Morris Graham
A memorial service for Dr. Ernest Morris Graham, age 62 of Lindale, Texas, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home Chapel in Lindale, Texas. Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Ernest passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Lindale. He was born on July 7, 1964, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Edsel Burlin and Mary Ann (Morris) Graham. Ernest had just recently moved to Lindale and was previously of Longview, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. After earning numerous degrees (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Louisiana College), he was currently working as an Adjunct Professor with LeTourneau University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Graham also served as a Minister of Education, Missionary, Pastor, and in Chaplain roles throughout his career. In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed watching sports, playing golf with his sons, reading to his grandchildren, and “chewing” on God’s Word with his wife. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chief of Police, Edsel Burlin and Mary Ann Graham, of Kentwood, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Samantha Graham of Lindale; children, William Graham and wife, Kasey of Long Island, New York; Clayton Graham and wife, Mollie of Fort Worth, Texas and their children, Soren and Judah Graham; Joseph Graham and wife, Julia of Longview, Texas; sisters, Becky Purvis and husband, Rusty, and Beth Lee and husband, Tim, both of Amite, Louisiana; niece and nephew Krista and Jeremy Purvis; and nieces Maryanna and Macy Lee. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dr. Graham’s memory by instilling a treasured habit of his into your lives – telling a loved one what or who you’re thankful for, praying and eating as a family at the dinner table, or choosing a name of God to meditate on for the coming year at Christmastime.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Ernest Morris Graham please visit our Sympathy Store.
The associational missions meeting at FBC, Greensburg will give you a good opportunity to learn about two missions, one in Baton Rouge and one internationally. You can come with a group or come on your own. Just come for 10:00 A.M. Finish the morning enjoying the pot-luck lunch.
This weekend is a good time to “Serve the Lord With Gladness”!
Finalize your plans and preparations for tomorrow, the Lord’s Day.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
PRAYER FOCUS
Again, we have a number of families to pray for due to deaths and other issues. Take your personal prayer list and go to your special place, if you have one, and get ready to have a heart-to-heart with Jesus.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 17
I Kings 12-14
Obituaries
Ann Gayle McNabb Huff
Oct 26, 1949 — Jul 14, 2026
Kentwood
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born October 26, 1949 in Magnolia, MS and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Huff; son, Keith Jarrell (Amber); step-children, Ruthann Thompson (Randy), Deborah Holliday (Jerry), Vikki Rutter, Bobby Huff, and Terry Huff; brother, Barry Keith McNabb; grandchildren, Christine Allen (Jack), Willie McGuff (Terra), Allison Roberson (Chris), Shane Church (Noah),Jeremy Anderson (Gabby), Jimmy Nettles, Kadon Anderson, Shannon Holliday (Joshua), Briar Anderson, Bayou Anderson, James Nettles (Crystal), Dakota Chisholm (Paisley), Conner Chisholm, Tristian Chisholm, Kinsley Jarrell, Kolt Jarrell, Timmy Huff, Ben Slaven, Phillip Fredenburg, Joseph Fredenburg (Misty),Tiffany Collums (Cliff), and Teresa Thompson; great-grandchildren, Stetson, Lisa, Jaxx, Colton, James, Matthew, Callie, Julee, Payton, Mason, Ashley, Brandon, Michael, Adalyn, Waylon, Remington, Hannah, Josephine, James, Jr., Haden, Skyler, Olivia, Brooke, Anglena, Austin, Sophia, Jayla, Ella, Grace, Brevick, and Wesson; great-great-grandchildren, Oakley, Kolt, and Aubree; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Nathan “Nat” Williams and Aubrey McMillan. Preceded in death by her spouse, Robert Linfield Huff; daughters, Julee Jarrell, Susan Adams, and Jaime Huff; son, Robert Jarrell; parents, Robert and Nannie Belle McNabb; brother, Johnny McNabb; niece, Lynette Woodard; special granddaughter, Megean Knippers. Pallbearers are Michael McNabb, Benny McNabb, Robert Glen McNabb, Kelly McNabb, Ronald Woodard, Christopher McNabb, and Landon McNabb. Honorary Pallbearers are Keith Jarrell, Willie McGuff, Jeremy Anderson, Jr., Shane Church, Conner Chisholm, Dakota Chisholm, Briar Anderson, James Nettles, and Jimmy Nettles. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Juan Blades Potts
Nov 15, 1944 — Jul 15, 2026
Kentwood
Juan Blades Potts, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born November 15, 1944, in Magnolia, Mississippi, to Charlie and Ruby Cutrer Blades.
Juan grew up in the Spring Creek Community and graduated from Spring Creek High. She was known as an excellent athlete and carried her love for sports into adulthood, always ready for a good ballgame. She married her high school sweetheart, W.A. Potts, and built a life with him and their three children in the East Fork Community of Kentwood for 57 years. She was a member of East Fork Baptist Church.
She worked alongside her husband in the dairy business and trucking business (Potts Trucking) while maintaining the household. She also worked at Spring Creek Milling for a time after her children were raised. She enjoyed the fellowship with customers and fellow employees.
She had a knack for decorating for all holidays; this was something she enjoyed doing along with cooking and especially making candy, something she passed along to the younger ladies in her family. She took pride in loving and raising her children. Her grandchildren were a constant in her home, and this gave her joy.
She is survived by her children: William Todd Potts (Cathy), Randall Kirk Potts (Renea), and Darla Potts Bridges (Khris); grandchildren: William Russton Potts (Julia), Amy Lynn Potts Brown (Cody), Chelsey Brooke Pellegrin (Garrin), Lana Michelle Ernest (Melanie), Haley Potts, and Dalton Blake Bridges; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy Blades Givens; brothers, Louis “Frog” Blades and Rex Blades (Mary). Preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ruby Blades; husband, William Albert “W.A.” Potts; granddaughter, Brandy Potts; great-grandson, Holland Pellegrin; twin sister, Janice Fay Blades; sister, Bernadette Blades Oliver; and brother, Charlie “Sonny” Blades.
Pallbearers are William Russton Potts, Scotty Oliver, Cody Brown, Dalton Bridges, Terry Oliver, and Eugene Tackett. Visitation will take place at East Fork Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Services will be conducted by Bro. Jay Avance. Burial will take place at East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.
The family would like to thank Aston Court of McComb, MS, and Compassus Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care.
Also Dr. Ernest Graham has moved to heaven to receive his many rewards in heaven. There is no obituary at this time, but you can see a special post from one of Ernest’s sons on Becky Purvis’ or Beth Lee’s facebook pages. I’ll post the obituary when it becomes available
Services for Eddie Keith Schwartz will be this evening at McKneely’s in Amite.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation…To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (KJV)
Reminder – Associational WMU Meeting
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.
FBC, Greensburg
Learn about many mission Opportunitiess
Potluck Lunch to follow
Think and do according to the needs of others!
New Baby
David and I have our first great grandchild!
Sylvie Lynn Alford was born last Friday in Rome, GA. (I waited for them to post first.)
Parents – Braden and Virginia Nash Alford
July 10, 2026
Rome Georgia
7 lb. 7 oz.
20 in. long
Both sets of grandparents also live in Rome.
Branden, Virginia, and Sylvie have been home a few days and all are doing well.
It’s the middle of another month. Time seems to move quicker now than it did in previous years. It must be a result of aging and a lack of a strict routine.
A Scripture for Today (Serving God)
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation…To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those we see frequently. Enjoying the company of others seems to make time go by quickly. Today, let’s thank God for those we see most ofter. It might be a relative, a neighbor, a friend, etc. Let’s thank God for them ask Him to bless those we see most often in the stage of life we are zooming through now.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 16
I Kings 10-11
Obituary
Charles Bradley Cleveland
Jun 28, 1972 — Jul 14, 2026
Brandon, MS
Passed away on July 14, 2026 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. He was born June 28, 1972 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. He was 54 years old. He resided in Rankin County Mississippi with a very special young lady and the love of his life, Stephanie Parks. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Rayanne Cleveland; his loving children, Ashton Lyle Cleveland and Emilyanne Mariam Cleveland; his uncle, Charles and Rita Allen and cousin Bryan Allen were very special to him. He will also be missed by a multitude of family members and friends. He was a very enthusiastic LSU fan and loved to play golf. He was a graduate of Runnels Academy in Baton Rouge and Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Visitation will be at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Two Mission Topics – Seaman’s Mission in Baton Rouge & Distributing Shoeboxes Internationally
Come see what’s happening in missions. Get encouraged.
Children’s Camp
The children of FBC, Kentwood will attend camp next week. Begin praying for them now.
Sunday School Lesson
Explore the Bible Series
Joshua 24:14-24
Closing Scripture
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” Isaiah 58:10
Thank you for taking time to read here. May God bless you richly today as you serve Him!
I predict you will find more than one news article you are interested in.
Sunday School Lesson
I know it is only Wednesday, but it is certainly a good day to begin studying for Sunday’s lesson.
July 19
“Vital Decisions”
Joshua 24:14-24
Scripture about Others
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40
Thank you for checking in here today. Now, pray and move into action.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me“ Revelation 3:20 KJV
Sorry, about the delay. The sky didn’t cooperate this morning. Enjoy some of this cool day outside if you have the opportunity.
Read the Bible in 2026.
July 14
I Kings 6-7
Obituaries
Ruth Stewart Cutrer
December 20, 1948 – July 10, 2026
A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026 at her home. She was born December 20, 1948 in Clinton, LA and was 77 years of age. She is survived by her husband, George D. Cutrer; sons, Kevin D. Cutrer and wife, Catherine and Eric S. Cutrer and wife, Shari; sister, Helen “Rose” Cook; brothers, Paul N. Stewart, Don E. Stewart, and Larry J. Stewart; grandchildren, Kade Cutrer, Landon “Grasshopper” Cutrer, Elliott McRae, Macey Cutrer, and Myles Cutrer. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert Odell Stewart and Lillian Kossow Stewart; brothers, Robert Allen Stewart and Arthur Leslie Stewart. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Eddie Keith Schwartz
September 22, 1952 – June 28, 2026
Eddie Keith Schwartz joined God on June 28, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1952 to John and Mary Alice Schwartz. Eddie Keith attended Kentwood High School and went on to pursue his education at Southwest Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University with a marketing and finance degree. He was a banker for 40 years and an avid golfer. Most importantly, he was a man of God and has belonged to First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA his entire life. Eddie Keith will be missed by many, but his daughter, Ashley, was his proudest accomplishment. He was a loved father and son. He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley Schwartz, 42, and a brother, Shelly Schwartz, along with special cousins, Charlie and Richard Schwartz. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until Memorial Services at 7:00PM on Friday, July 17, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller.
We will gather at FBC, Greensburg Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. to discuss mission opportunities, and conclude with a potluck meal. All ladies and girls are invited to attend. The speakers sound like they are going to be great. Come get some ideas about missions you as an individual or as a member of a group might want to participate in. If you have any questions, call Judy Noonan of Greensburg or me.
Another Scripture
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Coming Soon
Children’s Camp
Services Tomorrow Night
Enjoy the message, the fellowship, and praying for needs.
Enjoy some quiet time at least once today. God waits to hear from us.
Anna Lee
Addition
Patti Tyler sent a message that her husband did well in surgery yesterday. Thank you for praying for him. Now, let’s pray for good surgery results and the recovery process. Pray for Patti too!
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today, lets focus on OTHERS.
Thankfulness for salvation
Thankfulness for family and friends
Those who are between jobs
Those who are without a church home
Those who without an adequate paycheck or adequate insurance
Thankfulness because of health, a job, family, etc.
Those who are grieving
Thankfulness for precious memories of ancestors
Thankfulness for pastors and church families
Family members who are ill and hospitalized
Those who are ill and at home
Those waiting for an appointment
Those who do not have a diagnosis yet
Those with surgery or a procedure this week
Those who are traveling
Thankfulness for ability to travel
Boys and girls at a church or school camp
Parents of those at camp
Homebound because of illness
Those without adequate cooling
Those traveling to appointments
Those without a church home and family
Those away for most family members
Thankful for our great country
Needs within our leadership
Our military
Recent graduates seeking a job
This list can go on and on. THERE IS ALWAYS PLENTY TO PRAY ABOUT!
Read the Bible Today
July 13
I Kings 3-5
Obituaries
I’ve been waiting to share an obituary for Ruth Cutrer, a Greensburg native and longtime resident of Osyka. There was nothing to share until now. The official one is not available yet, but there is a beautifully written tribute by one of her sons and his wife. At Ruth’s request there will NO SERVICES, but George invites us to visit him at home and encourages us to bring a plant or bulb to add to the many things Ruth has planted in the yard. That is a unique request, but so very appropriate.
(Ruth and I taught next door to each other for many years. She was a great teacher and friend!)
Surgery Today
This is the day for Tim Tyler’s major surgery in Baton Rouge. Patti requests our prayers for today and the uncertainty of what he is facing in treatment.
“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 minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Thank you for praying today!
Anna Lee
ADDITION: James Rimes asks for prayers for the son-in-law of one of his retired law enforcement friends from Pike County. Paul Calcote was struck by a falling tree and is paralyzed from his neck down. It’s in God’s hands according to the surgeons. Paul is in a Jackson, MS hospital.
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!“
Matthew 25:40
Prayer Focus
It’s is the Lord’s Day. Let’s focus our prayers this morning on praying for those who will be in Sunday School and church today. Pray they will be good listeners and learn more about God today in whatever church they choose to attend.
Special Prayer Request
Pattie Tyler would appreciate prayers for her husband, Tim, as he has surgery Monday in Baton Rouge. Please also pray for the family and the medical staff at Our Lady of the Lake. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 12
I Kings 1-2
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries listed this morning for people from our area.
The Two River’s Baptist Association will host a meeting a Saturday morning at FBC, Greensburg at 10:00 A.M. featuring the Baton Rouge Seaman’s Mission and Delivery of OCC “Shoeboxes” internationally. You are invited to the meeting and to the potluck meal that will follow. Also, please bring a friend or two.
“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” Isaiah 58:10
If you have not already done so or if you want to read/review the lesson for tomorrow, turn to Joshua 14: 1-15 in a Bible.
A Help for Today
God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh longs for you, in a dry and weary land, where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 WEB
Prayer Focus
Pray for service in our local area, our state, our nation, and all through the world tomorrow.
Scripture to Claim Today
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Read the Bible Today
July 10
II Samuel 19-21
Prayer Focus
We seem to have had a number of deaths in our area this week. Let’s pray for the families we know and the families we don’t know.
Obituaries
Blake Bellue Stewart
November 8, 1974 – July 8, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 8, 1974 in McComb, MS and was 51 years of age.
Blake had a quiet way of making people feel loved. He had a tough exterior, but those who knew him best knew that beneath it was a gentle spirit and a heart full of compassion. His kindness, loyalty, and selflessness defined the way he lived and the way he loved.
Blake adored his wife, Denise. He never missed a chance to tell people how beautiful she was or how lucky he was to have her. More than anything, he loved being a dad. His daughters were his whole world, and he was endlessly proud of them. He spoiled them every chance he got and loved them with every part of his heart.
A devoted Ole Miss fan, Blake’s favorite place was Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by his girls, his family, and his friends. He also found great joy in grilling on his porch, watching football, and spending time with the people he loved, especially his two “buds,” Jordan Hawkins and Brody Tate.
The people in Blake’s life meant everything to him. He was loyal to the core, generous to a fault, and always there when someone needed him. He treasured his lifelong friendships with Misti Causey and Ricky Ivey, whose bond with him reflected the love and loyalty he gave so freely.
Blake showed those around him what it meant to love your family well, to be a faithful husband, a devoted father, and a true friend. He will be missed beyond words, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Dyer Stewart; 2 daughters, Aley Blake Stewart and Ashby Elizabeth Reeves; granddaughter, Ella; 1 brother, Michael Lewis Stewart, Jr.; 2 nieces, Sophie and Sarah Stewart; uncles, Lane Bellue and wife, Cindy and Ricky Stewart and wife, Sandra; cousin, Trey Bellue and family. Preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Jean Stewart; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Beverly Dyer.
Visitation at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Friday, July 10, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Sharkey Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Edith “Bay” Cutrer
March 22, 1927 – July 8, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 22, 1927 in Independence, LA and was 99 years of age. “Bay” loved her flowers, spending time with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She loved LSU Baseball and listening to The Dominos Band. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Joan Schnellenberger and husband Ralph and Belinda Edwards and husband Andrew; 3 grandchildren, Annie Schnellenberger, Shea Edwards and wife Bailie, Shanna Ott and husband Johnny; 1 great-granddaughter, Emersyn Mae Ott. Preceded in death by husband, Leslie J. Cutrer; parents, Alex and Amelia Clark; brother, Loyce Clark; 3 sisters, Lucille Demon, Bessie Clark, and Vera Mae Sullivan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 3:00PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you…You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (WEB)
Children’s Camp Coming Soon
Pray for the children who will attend and the adults who will be working with them.
A Closing Scripture
You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you…You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (WEB)
I will prayer for you as you go through this Friday and let your “life shine for Jesus”. May your witness be strong in faith today!
The Prayer Link 
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