A busy weekend, starting today, is on our schedule. I am so thankful for the friends who include us in their special family events. We are honored.
Scripture for Today
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for families of little ones who are going to school for the first time. Pray for parents as this time of separation begins for many families. I think it is as difficult, or even harder, for the parents as the children.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 14
II Chronicles 21-24
Obituaries
Sandra Gail Lessig Ferguson
Jul 24, 1946 — Aug 11, 2026
Sandra Gail Lessig Ferguson passed into the presence of her Lord and the waiting arms of the love of her life, husband H. B. Ferguson on Aug. 11, 2026 at the age of 80 yrs. Left behind to grieve her loss and cherish her memory are sister Colleen A. Scott of Tennessee, brother Terry V. Lessig of Independence, LA, nephew Ronald Lessig of Alabama and nephew Rick Lessig of Pennsylvania. Also many dear friends from the Independence Senior Center and her church, The River, in Tickfaw. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Tammy Howell Terrebonne
Dec 11, 1970 — Aug 12, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born December 11, 1970 in Independence, LA and was 55 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Brian Terrebonne; 3 sons, James Anthony Garza and wife, Alexandra, Shane Cameron Terrebonne, and Sean Caleb Terrebonne; 2 grandchildren, Haleigh Marie Garza and Wyatt James Garza; mother, Betty Howell; sisters, Carolyn H. Magee and husband, Hugh, Becky Jane Howell, Thelma Wallace and husband, Douglas, Betty Prescia and husband, Anthony, and JoAnn Lato and husband, Vincent;1 brother, Ricky Howell. Preceded in death by her father, James “Bud” Howell; sister, Sharon Waterbury. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today’s articles are greatly varied, but all so interesting.
Sunday School Lesson
Lesson for August 16
“Compromise”
Judges 16:16-31
Devotional Thought
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Purchase some extra groceries to share with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home without making a trip there. The Children’s Home will make pickups in various churches. You deliver your items purchased and deliver to one of the local churches. At FBC, Kentwood, we leave our items at the northwest corner of the fellowship hall building.
Contact some members of your Sunday School class who have not been attending lately.
Invite someone to Sunday School and church both from a list you create today and as you see people during the day.
Do a special deed for someone who cannot do everything by themselves. Examples: changing lighting bulbs, cleaning windows, sweeping a porch, picking up sticks and pine cones in a yard, moving a neighbor’s garbage can out and back in each week, picking up someone’s daily newspaper and placing it by the most used door, etc.
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Today, the midpoint of the first week of a new school year, let’s pray for the children of our family, neighborhood, and friends. Let’s. pray for a productive and successful year for each student, no matter their age, preschool through college. Each year will bring new challenges for the students. Let’s pray the students are prepared for what’s ahead of them this year and that they have a big desire to do well, their best, each day of the new school year.
Read the Bible in 2027
August 13
II Chronicles 13-17
Sunday School Scripture
August 16
“Compromise”
Judges 16:16-31
Obituaries
Annie Piscotta DiGiovanni
Jul 1, 1946 — Aug 11, 2026
Independence, LA
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Annie DiGiovanni, of Independence, Louisiana, who passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the age of 80. Annie was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and the love she gave so freely will forever remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony DiGiovanni; her father, Louis Piscotta; her mother, Josephine Baiamonte Piscotta; her stepmother, Laura Giardina Piscotta; and her brother, Tony Piscotta. Annie leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Louise (Frankie) and Phine Eleser; her grandchildren, Frank III, Kari (Joe), Amy, Charles (Meagan), and Toni (Dayne); and her great-grandchildren, Emily, Hailey, and Kayelynn. She is also survived by her brother, Vincent (Kathy), and her sister, Mary Jo Marcus, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Annie also deeply loved her church family. Her faith and the fellowship she shared with those at church were an important part of her life. She treasured the friendships, prayers, and love she received from her church family, and they held a very special place in her heart. Annie will always be remembered for the love she had for her family and the countless memories she created with those closest to her. Her presence touched the lives of so many, and her memory will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, church family, and everyone who was blessed to know her. Although our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for every moment, every laugh, every story, and every memory we shared with her. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, and faith that will continue for generations to come. Annie was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will never be forgotten. May she rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, August 14, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Luke Lindsey. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(Annie was an older student at AHS and usually stood near me, alphabetical order, in PE lineup. We were friends for a couple of years. I haven’t heard from her since her senior year, but quickly remembered her when I saw her name.)
Jerry Russell King
Jul 6, 1937 — Aug 11, 2026
Amite, LA
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 6, 1937 in Russelltown, LA and was 89 years of age. Survived by her children, Cynthia “Cindy” King Reeves and John R. King; stepdaughter, Belinda and Mike Goff; grandchildren, Jonathan Caleb Hart, Meghan Lier Brumfield, Lynn and John James, Allen and Kim Murray; great-grandchildren, Shaya Lynn Brumfield, Allen Michael Hart, Jonah Thomas Brumfield, Ty Douglas Brumfield, Jay Digel, and Ashlee Digel; sisters-in-law, Barbara Sue King, Dorothy King and Jerry Harrison. “Miss Jerry” has numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews—too many to name them all—but she loved them so very much. She also loved her church family and friends unconditionally. Preceded in death by her husband, Cecil R. King; parents, Clarence Lee and June Pevey Russell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cecil and Clara Mae King; stepson, Cecil Allen King; siblings and in-laws, Charles and Nettie Russell, Gerald and Lavilla Russell, Marie Russell Sanders and Earl “Bob” Sanders, Wallace and Betty Russell, Reginald P. Russell, Kenneth and Elaine Russell, Bonnie Mae Russell, Betty Russell Connell and Wade Connell, numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. The visitation will be at the church she loved so much, House on the Rock, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastors Jeff McKneely and Chip Fitz. Interment will follow in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Dennis Cothern, Malcolm Henry, Lyndon Earl Davis, Ed Smith, Dawson Primes, and Mark Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Raffray, Tommy Marcantel, Jimmy Perry and Carl Self. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(David and Jerry were Russell cousins.)
Another Scripture
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
We have made our purchases and prepared the boxes. At this time, we begin our focus on the shipping charges of $10.00 per box, which also include other things such as the cost of a new Bible in each child’s language and some literature which will introduce the child, and usually 9-10 family members, to Jesus.
Postage on each “Shoebox” is $10.00. Speaking as a parent with an child who was overseas for 20+ years, that is a fantastic price! Please do your part in helping to get the “shoeboxes” delivered. Best of all, helping people learn about Jesus!
One more thought. Each child who receives a shoebox will only receive one in their lifetime. That puts a lot of pressure on us to pack a wonderful assortment of items.
Donations can be made to your church by labeling them OCC. If your local church is not that far along, it is still not too early to donate to the shipping charges. Your gifts will be greatly appreciated!
If your church, school, business, family, etc. is not packing shoeboxes, I urge you to get involved with a group who does send boxes each year. You can also do them on your own. Read the information of the Samaritan’s Purse website or contact me. You can turn your boxes in to FBC, Kentwood during the collection week in mid-November.
Missions – Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home
Please refer to yesterday’s post to learn of needs and deadlines for our area. Doing for others brings great joy. Knowing a child or children who have been placed there due to difficult family situations is a big encouragement. Our speaker at church Sunday morning was one of the blessed children who got to grow up there after the death of his mother.
Have a great day. Remember, God placed you here to help others. Find ways to do that regularly.
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
1 Timothy 4:4-5
Prayer Focus
Begin praying with openness and pray as god leads you to pray.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 12
II Chronicles 9-12
Obituary
Thomas Parker Morgan, Sr.
A resident of Montpelier, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana.
He is survived by his two children, Thomas Parker Morgan, Jr. (Autleigh) and Brittany Morgan Faunce (Hunter); his two precious granddaughters, Livvy Parker Morgan and Millie Parker Faunce; his sister, Cynthia Morgan Blades (Bill); brother, Jonathan Morgan (Donna); half-sister, Gloria Mack Dykes; a niece, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews; and his long-time companion, Brooke Bishop.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. “Bobbie” and Marilyn Bond Morgan; sister, Bobbie Lynn Morgan; and nephew, Robert William Clemons, Jr.
Tom was born December 12, 1960, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was 65 years of age.
He was a member of the Ironworkers Local 623. There wasn’t a bridge or building that he worked on where he didn’t acknowledge that he was a part of or more proud of, especially the Natchez bridge. Hunting, fishing and being outdoors is what he lived for and what brought him the ultimate amount of happiness and satisfaction.
Visitation will be held at the Montpelier Methodist Church from 8:30 AM until religious services at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 14, 2026. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, Louisiana. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, are in charge of the arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
MISSIONS – Fall Food Roundup at the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
It’s better to do something when it is on your mind than to postpone it and forget it. The pick-up at FBC, Kentwood will be early on September 8 this year. The most needed items this year are:
Sugar – regular, brown, and powdered
Cooking oil
Canned meats – tuna, chicken, and Spam
Pantry staples – peanut butter, cereals , pasta, and rice
Baking and seasoning – Mixes and spices
It’s always better to meet needs when you give rather tan give items they already have an adquate supply of!
Pray for people around the world experiencing troubles we cannot imagine.
Sunday School Lesson
August 16
“Compromise”
Judges 16: 16-31
“And now we thank you, Our God, and praise your glorious name.”
1 Chronicles 29:13
Missions
We have several mission projects at church that are yearly. The Georgia Barnette Offering is a focus each fall on missions in Louisiana. I’m sure we all know those who live in the Kentwood area and even in our families who need to hear about and choose Jesus. Helpping in building new churches, outreach in campgrounds, disaster relief are all small parts of what is done here through Georgia Barnette. The people focused on by this area look like us and grew up in the same areas as we did. The difference is they do not KNOW Jesus.
Another Scripture
“That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:12
Coming Soon – Grief Support
The four Sundays of September from 4:00-5:00 P.M., lesson about grief support will be taught. Call the church office at 229-8111 or sign up in the church foyer.
In closing, …
Today, spend some time thinking of and praying for those we know around us, but who have not crossed our path recently.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
Thankfulness:
Bro. Darryl’s good report last week
George Bales was able to be at church yesterday.
Ora Lee Wilson’s surgery is scheduled for a week from today.
Ferrie Gene Blackmon is better.
Add some of your own thankfulness to the list.
Prayer Focus
Update your personal prayer list. Be sure to include the many boys and girls who will be beginning classes this week.
The lesson yesterday told about how unpredictable and effective God’s plans can be. God greatly reduced the number of men going into battle and gave some very unpredictable plans for overcoming the enemy! God’s plan worked!
Devotional Thought
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God,
that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Hebrew 13:15
Fall Food Round-up at the LA Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe
Currently Most Needed Food Items
Sugar: Regular, brown, and powdered sugar.
Cooking Oil: Standard vegetable or canola oils.
Canned Meats: Tuna, chicken, and spam.
Pantry Staples: Peanut butter, cereal, pasta, and rice.
Baking & Seasoning: Seasonings like taco or sloppy joe mixes, spices, and cake mixes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Most Needed Household & Non-Food Items
Paper Goods: Bathroom tissue and paper towels.
Cleaning Supplies: Clorox bleach wipes, kitchen and bathroom disinfectant sprays, and dishwasher detergent.
Storage: Gallon and two-gallon freezer bags. [1, 2]
The pick-up at First Baptist Church (FBC), Kentwood is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
With the list and the pickup date, you should be able to make purchases of the most needed items and be able to get them to church for the correct date. At FBC, you can leave your purchases at the north end of the front hallway of the Fellowhip Hall.
You are probably like me and know of several children who have been placed in the Children’s Home due to less than ideal family situations. The children age-out better able to provide for their needs and needs for the family.
Happy Sunday morning. I hope this is the start of another great Lord’s Day for you!
A Scripture for Us Today
You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16
Prayer Focus for Today
I pray that the you will be able to apply the Scriptures you study in Sunday School and church today today to your life.
Read the Bible in 2028
August 9
I Chronicles 28:-29 and II Chronicles 1
Obituary
Hollis Eugene Raborn, Jr.
Mar 14, 1936 — Aug 7, 2026
Hollis Eugene Raborn, Jr.
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Hammond Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. He was born March 14, 1936 in Greensburg, LA and was 90 years of age. He is survived by his 2 sons, Ricky Raborn and wife, Pam and Brian Raborn; 1 daughter, Cheryl and Joe Apostle; grandchildren, Joseph R. Lancaster, Sr. and Kristen Raborn; great-grandchildren, Joseph R. Lancaster, Jr., Benjamin Raborn Smith, Maddox Rineheart, and Henry Raborn Cothern. Preceded in death by his wife, Patsy N. Raborn; father, Hollis E. Raborn, Sr.; and mother, Lena Raborn. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(I taught two of his three children. I enjoyed knowing them.)
Additional Scripture for the Lord’s Day
“Let’s come before him with thanks! Let’s shout songs of joy to him! The Lord is a great God, the great king over all other gods.” Psalm 95:2-3
Find and read articles that are of interest to you.
Sunday School
I hope we will all enjoy and learn from today’s lesson. “Trust”.
Missions
I hope you will encourage and support at least one form of missions through your church today. Enable others to hear of and learn about Jesus. “Pass it On”!
COMING SOON
A special class for four week of study on “Grief”. You can sign up today at church.
Closing Scripture
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today let’s pray for people around the world who are struggling with sickness, housing problems, relationships, etc. May they turn in God to help with their problems.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 8
I Chronicles 25-27
Obituary
Lydia Grace McKnight
Aug 2, 1984 — Aug 11, 2026
Brandon, MS
Lydia Grace McKnight, 42, passed away on Tues. Aug. 4, 2026. Visitation will be held on Tues. Aug. 11, 2026, from 10am-11:15am at Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 11:30am on Tues. Aug. 11, 2026, at Crossgates Baptist Church with burial in the Alford Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS is handling arrangements.
Lydia was born on Aug. 2, 1984, in Baton Rouge, LA. She graduated from Nursing School in 2016 and served as a nurse for 10 years, in which she earned several Daisey Awards for her care and support. Lydia’s favorite color was green, she enjoyed Harry Potter movies, making jewelry, crocheting, singing and listing to music. Most of all she loved traveling to the mountains and spending time with her daughter. She was greatly loved by her family and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her daughter, MaKayla Moon; parents, Michael & Gina McKnight; sister, Sara McKnight (Seth Graham) and her nephews, Samuel Graham, Seth Michael Graham and Henry Graham.
George Bales is at home. Please continue to pray for him and his family.
Pray for Ora Lee Wilson as she awaits surgery.
Devotional
“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
Coming Soon – Pine Ridge Ladies Bible Study based on The Girl’s Still Got It by Lizz Curtis Higgs. September will be here soon.
Also coming in September – Study on Grief at FBC, Kentwood. The classes will be on Sunday afternoons. Contact the church office for additional information.
One More Scripture
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. Isaiah 29:13 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today, each of us can choose our own prayer focus according to what is on our hearts and written in our prayer journals..
Read the Bible in 2026
August 7
I Chronicles 22-24
No New Obituaries for our Area Today
Obituary for a Former Roseland Resident Many of You May Remember:
Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:8
Prayer Focus
George Bales had a better day yesterday. Only God know abouts the day any of us is facing today!
Use your prayer list and the list in the church’s Wednesday night bulletin to guide your prayers today. There are many in need of prayers on any given day.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 6
I Chronicles 18-21
Obituaries
There are no new local obituaries this posted this morning.
“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
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.'”
Hebrews 12:28-29
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Psalm 107:8-9
Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, we will have the blessing of the backpacts during the Children’s Moment. Parents, you are asked to allow your child to bring their backpack to church this Sunday for a very special prayer time for this this school year.
“These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me…And they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.”
Matthew 15:8-9
Prayer Focus
Pray for George Bales who is in ICU at North Oaks. As you pray for him, pray for his family and the medical staff.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 5
I Chronicles 15-17
No New Obituaries for Our Area this Morning
Baptist Press
Now that America is 250, how should Christians keep standing for their faith?
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Colossians 3:16
Scripture about Service
“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
Today, and any day, is always a good day to work on your personal prayer list and to pray.
The Prayer Link 
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