Today’s Scripture

I delight to do your will, my God.

Yes, your law is within my heart.  

Psalm 40:8 (WEB):

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for families as they strive to spend some quality time together traveling, visiting, etc.

Read the Bible in 2026

• July 7th
• II Samuel 8-12

Obituary

Linda Holden

January 18, 1949 – July 3, 2026

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026 at The Butterfly Wing in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born January 18, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 77 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Polezcek; son, Ronnie Polezcek (Sabrina); grandchildren, Jamie, Ronnie Jr., Kerri, Dakota, Sidney, and Virgil; great-grandchildren, Jazmyne, Sydnee, Alayna, Bowen, Lexie, K.W., Kayden, Lane, and Ryleigh; great-grandson, Jaxson; 3 brothers, Murphy Holden, Jr., Mark Shannon Holden, and Charles Wayne Passman; adopted sister, Mary Crain; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Murphy Holden, Sr. and Madeline Virgina Birch; 2 sons, Sidney Sanders Polezcek, III and Sidney Wayne Polezcek; sister, Melanie Holden; brothers, John Davis Birch, Jr. and Mike Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Linda Holden, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Two of today’s articles are listed here.

Pastor Ezra Jin safe in U.S. after China frees him in July 4 ‘goodwill gesture’

Colorado fire opens hearts to the Gospel

Choose these and/or other articles you are interested in.

Encouraging 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

Sunday School Lesson

I know it is not the weekend yet, but it is never too early to begin preparing for Sunday School.

• July 12th
• “Unwavering Determination”
• Joshua 14:1-15

Special Event Ahead

Soon the children will be attending summer church camp. Pray that God will work in the hearts of both the children and the parents. Pray for the volunteers who will be chaperones for children’s camp this summer.

Volunteers

Some of the missions in our churches depend on volunteers who give of their time, talents, and gifts. When we give, we are so blessed! Don’t miss some wonderful opportunities. If you are not already involved, find an opportunity and volunteer.

Hope Center

Many people work together and accomplish so much. Let’s be thankful for those who give of their time, treasures, and funds. Our recent donations of canned goods were needed. The opportunity to give and/or serve is always available to us. Thanks to all who have contributed cans of vegetables recently. It’s never too late or too often to bless them with our gifts.

Vacation Bible Schools have been completed in June in some of our churches, but not all churches have done so at this time. Pray for VBS as children are being trained in God’s Word.

Serving in our churches requires we step-up and both participate and lead. Where are you in this process?

Closing Scripture

…. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:10

Be a “doer”!

Anna Lee

I had difficulty posting yesterday. Maybe, the issue was weather…. Hopefully, all will go well this morning.

I hope all of you enjoyed the holiday and were able to watch the events from Washington D.C. Saturday night as well as attend church yesterday. We are so blessed to live in our nation!

A Scripture for Today

Serve the Lord with gladness:

come before his presence with singing.

Psalm 100:2 (KJV)

Prayer Focus

Let’s focus our prayers today on the many school-age boys and girls who are out of school for the summer. It’s good to keep a routine with daily responsibilities rather than have weeks and weeks of unscheduled time. Today, let’s pray for order and routine for all.

Read the Bible in 2026

• July 5 – II Samuel 1-3
• July 6 – II Samuel 4-7

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/arkansas-woman-spreads-gods-love-through-thousands-of-handwritten-letters

(I enjoy writing cards too. I think we all receiving them.)

‘Christian nationalism’ on stage as U.S. marks 250, but what does term mean?

BIBLE STUDY: Active faith brings others to Jesus

I hope you have time to read these and other articles this morning.

I hope you had a great weekend including church yesterday. I wonder what all God has planned for us today….

Today’s Obituary

Nelda Fay Allen

January 3, 1943 – July 3, 2026

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026 at her home. She was born January 3, 1943 in Kentwood, LA and was 83 years of age. Nelda is survived by her 3 children, William Lawson, Patricia Lawson Shehane, and Thomas Mark Lawson; 2 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Matthew Shehane. Preceded in death by her parents, Pierce William Allen and Edna Dillon Allen; sister, Maggie Allen Meyer; and a very special person in her life, Norman L. ”Pete” Swearingen. Visitation at Kentwood Methodist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Geof Davis. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Coming Soon

Children’s Camp

It’s not to0 early to begin praying for the children and the adults who will attend. Be sure to pray for those leading the camp this summer.

Be an Encourager

No matter who you are around today, try to be a positive encourager for a great day serving the Lord and encouraging others.

Anna Lee

Happy Fourth of July to You !

Happy 250th Birthday, America !

“But as for me and my household,

we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Prayer Focus – Let’s pray for America and all Americans on the 250th birthday of our nation. Spend some time today watching the celebration. Learn some American history and view scenes from all over our country just by watching.

Read the Bible in 2026

• July 4th
• I Samuel 28-31

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries listed locally.

Baptist Press

BIBLE STUDY: Active faith brings others to Jesus

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/bible-study-active-faith-brings-others-to-jesus

Sunday School Lesson

• July 3 – “Sin Revealed”
• Joshua 7:10-23

Opportunity – OCC Prayer Team

If you are interested in being a part of the OCC Prayer Team for our area of SE Louisiana, please call Beth Hiller at 985-687-5133 (Hammond).

Opportunity – Hear a lady speak about participating in OCC teams delivering Shoeboxes to children internationally.

July 18th at FBC Greensburg at 10 A.M.

Closing Scripture

“Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor,

serving the Lord.”

Romans 12:11

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends. Thank you for checking in this morning.

A Scripture to start the day:

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

II Peter 3:9

Today’s Prayer Focus

Entering a holiday weekend, many people will be traveling. Today and for the next few days, let’s pray for the gatherings that will be held and for all the travelling that willing be done to get with others, family or friends. Pray everyone follows rules for safety.

Read the Bible in 2026

• July 3
• I Samuel: 25-27

No New Obituaries this Morning

“Be a Dorcus!”

She is known only as the lady who helped, encouraged, and enabled others! She’s my favorite Biblical woman to try to mimic.

Here is the story of a “Dorcus”: Arkansas woman spreads God’s love through thousands of handwritten letters

She is a modern day Dorcus!

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Read the articles that draw your attention.

Today is a great day to study your Sunday School lesson if you have not done so already.

• Lesson for July 5
• “Sin Revealed”
• Joshua 7:10-23

Missions

“Missions” don’t have to be large scale. You can be a one-person mission team and have lots of mission projects!

COMING SOON

CHILDREN’S CAMP!

Enjoy your celebrations for our great nation as she observes her 250th birthday!

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:13-15

Thank you for reading, praying, and serving today.

Anna Lee

Today’s Scripture:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”

Acts 1:8

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who have recently had surgeries to heal quickly and without complications. We seem to have quite a few people from our area in this situation now.

Read the Bible in 2026

• July 2
• I Samuel 21-24

Obituaries

I did not locate any new obituaries today, but we certainly have had a number of grieving families lately. Please pray for some of them and be an encourager to those who are dealing with grief.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Choose the articles you wish to read today.

Choose how you wish to be “On Mission” today.

Children’s Camp

Pray for the older children who are planning to attend camp this year. Even more than that, pray for their parents who will be “sending their children off ” in a camp situation for the first time. Also pray for camp leaderst who have the responsibility for working with the children this year.

Hope Center

It is not too late to purchase some canned goods or bring some from you home supply to help with the current shortage and regular need at the Hope Center. You can leave your donation at FBC, Kentwood.

Additional Scriptures

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”

Psalm 23:1

 “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!”

Psalm 34:3 

Consider the opportunities God provides for you today and choose ways to follow Him and encourage others.

Anna Lee

“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me”

 John 17:18-21

These verse reminds me of what some of the youth and chaperones said Sunday about going out in various places around Rome and giving their time and efforts.  The verses apply to all of us all every day!

Prayer Focus

I pray that we all grow in “going out”. “doing”, and “saying”!

Read the Bible in 2026

• July 1
• I Samuel 18-20

John S. Brown

August 11, 1953 – June 28, 2026

It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of John Brown, who departed this world peacefully at his home on June 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung disease. John was born on August 11, 1953, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Clarence and Hilda Brown, who have predeceased him along with six of his siblings.

John’s life was a testament to the virtues of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. He is survived by his cherished wife of 41 years, Robin, with whom he shared a life filled with laughter, grace, and humility. Together, they raised their family and others with boundless patience and honor, creating a nurturing home that became a haven for all who entered.

A dedicated family man, John leaves behind his beloved sister, Alice Blalock, and her husband Richard; his dear children, Alida Ford, Marcie Brown, Wayne Cupit, and Daniel Brown, along with his wife Brooke. He also leaves behind a legacy in his grandchildren: Alexa Miller, John “Tater” Brown, Veronica Craig, Ashlee Brown, and Magnolia Brown, as well as his precious great-granddaughter. John’s heart was vast, and his love extended to numerous nephews, nieces, and a multitude of close friends and extended family members.

John’s career spanned many years in the construction industry, where he honed his skills as a carpenter before retiring as a respected crane operator. His work was more than just a job; it was a reflection of his dedication and craftsmanship, qualities that endeared him to colleagues and friends alike.

Beyond his professional achievements, John’s true passions lay in his hobbies and the time he spent with loved ones. He had an enduring love for horses and hunting, and he cherished every moment spent with family and friends. Those who knew John will forever remember his friendly smile, warm hugs, and how he made everyone feel as if they were the only person that existed in the room.

John had an uncanny ability to touch the lives of those around him. He was a beacon of positivity, a genuine soul who went out of his way to help others whenever he could. His kind heart and listening ear made him a role model to many, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on July 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, located at 501 Avenue G, Kentwood, Louisiana 70444 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Graveside services to follow at Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Mt. Hermon, Louisiana. Family and friends are invited to join in the reception after burial, held at the home of Daniel and Brooke Brown (121 Tullier Lane, Amite, Louisiana 70422), honoring the life of a remarkable man whose love and light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.

John’s departure leaves a void that can never be filled, yet his spirit will forever guide and inspire us. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His legacy is one of love, compassion, and boundless generosity, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Baptist Press – What a great news day for Christians!

https://www.baptistpress.com

As quake death toll rises, Send Relief assists Venezuelan Baptists

Lifeway’s FUGE Camps celebrate 2 millionth camper

FIRST-PERSON: Stewarding freedom beyond 250

Supreme Court decision upholds states’ rights for women in sports

World Cup watch party scores goal for church and community

Sunday School Lesson

• July 5
• “Sin Revealed”
• Joshua 7:10-23
• It’s never too early to begin studying a Sunday School lesson

Coming Soon – Children’s Camp

Reminder – Step Out and Speak Up

Anna Lee

These verses are called “The Great Commission”.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

We will be able to draw comfort from knowing and believing the last eleven words. We also learn part of what God expects of us .

PRAYER FOCUS

Let’s pray that we faithfully “Go” and “Tell”.

Another key word of our faith is “Do”.

READ THE BIBLE IN 2026

• July 30
• I Samuel 15 – 17

OBITUARY

Cindy Sue Allen

October 22, 1949 – June 27, 2026

On June 27, 2026 at 11:42AM my sweet, beautiful wife of 30 years, Cindy Sue Allen took her last breath here on Earth and her first breath in Heaven. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She was 76 years old, born on October 22, 1949. She was a lifetime resident in Arcola/Amite area. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Steve Allen; son, Wilson Dean Ellzey, III; daughter-in-law, Marisol Ellzey; granddaughter, Alexandria Ellzey Miller (Colby Miller); grandsons, Jon Jovi Orjuela and Isaac Brice Ellzey; great- granddaughters, Hadley Monroe Wall, Finley Harper Wall, Oakley Tatum Wall, and Everly Marie Wall; great-grandson, John Banks Miller. She is preceded in death by her father, Albert Wilbert Fletcher; mother, Dorothy Paige Carpenter; grandfather, Gus Carpenter; grandmother, Winnie Bennett Carpenter; daughter, Nicole Paige Ellzey. A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(Cindy grew up in Arcola and was a year behind me in school. Our paths crossed again a few years ago.)

Coming Soon – Two Rivers WMU Meeting

Our July meeting will be in Greensburg. I’ll get you more information soon.

Baptist Press

One of today’s articles caught my attention right away.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/slavic-presence-grows-in-sbc.

Great things are happening in our world!

Another verse:

“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

Do you want to help address a need?

This reminds me of a current need that you can help address. The Hope Center is currently low on canned goods needed in their ministry. You can help by delivering some canned goods to the church office at Kentwood Baptist Church. The church will deliver all donations to The Hope Center.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-9

Opportunity Tonight

Prayer meeting at FBC, Kentwood will begin at 6:00 tomorrow night. We would love to have you join us.

Anna Lee

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” Psalm 22:27

Good morning! God woke us up this morning. We need to thank Him and plan to use our day wisely, including honoring and sharing Him.

Prayer Focus

Families – Spend some time praying for the grieving, sick, elderly, and those seeking medical treatment for health issues. Also pray for families as they enjoy vacations and traveling on another holiday week/weekend.

Read the Bible in 2026

• June 29
• I Samuel 13-14

Obituaries

None are listed this morning.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Sunday School Lesson

I hope you got to enjoy the lesson yesterday and the full authority God used to lead Joshua as he approached Jerico. His men were trained for battle, but God told Joshua how to proceed. As strange as it seemed, the men did just as God said and the walls of Jericho fell – just as God planned. They were good followers, even when the plans were so unusual. God was teaching them obedience was vital!

Youth Camp Report

I greatly enjoyed hearing the reports of the youth camp, Mission Fuge, and pray the youth learned life-changing truths and actions for the remainder of their lives.

Construction Report

Bro. Darryl said the new fellowship hall will be completed in the fall as scheduled.

A Plan for Today

Let others know God loves them and has a plan for their lives.

“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

Share the “Good News” today!

Anna Lee

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” Isaiah 25:1

Prayer Focus: Let’s pray for area churches as they teach and preach God’s Word today.

Read the Bible Today

• June 28
• I Samuel 9-12

Obituaries – There are no new obituaries for our area listed at this time.

Baptist Press- Southern Baptists encourage prayer on June 29 Day of the Christian Martyr

Sunday School Lesson

I really enjoyed preparing the lesson for today. We need to always remember that God has a plan. His plan will always be good, but we have to do our part in following His plan. Today’s lesson teaches us about what happened when the people followed His plan at Jerico.

If you don’t have a Sunday School book, you can read the Scripture from the Bible. I suggest reading from more than one translation of the Bible. Refer to Saturday’s Prayer Link for the Scriptures.

Youth Camp Report

I always look forward to hearing from those who are back from Mission Fuge. I hope you can watch in person or online this morning. Let’s pray for local applications of what was learned at camp. Let’s pray for adults to hear and do missions too.

Children’s Camp

The children’s camp will be the latter part of July. It’s not too early to pray for parents who will be sending their children for the first camp experience.

Closing 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

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Welcome to a new weekend.

A Verse for Today

“Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

I Chronicles 16:24

Read the Bible in 2026

• June 27
• I Samuel 4-8

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray that we can all show God’s love through our words and actions and that people will see Him as He blesses them today.

Also, let’s pray for the Kentwood family who lost two young members in an accident last Sunday. Pray for the family, friends, and churches involved.

Obituaries

No new obituaries are listed for our area this morning.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Sunday School Lesson

If you have not already done so, dig into tomorrow’s lesson for Sunday School. Studying brings knowledge!

• Winnning Stragedy
• Judges 6:12-25
• Class discussion tomorrow will help bring better understanding.

A Verse to Ponder

“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

Blessed!

David has a medical appointment in Baton Rouge yesterday. Not only did he get a good report from the doctor, he was able to purchase the notebooks for our Shoeboxes! I thank God for His care and guidance. I also thank God for a donor who supplied the funds for many of the notebooks.

Thanks to a Sunday School class we also have most of our flashlights. These do not need any batteries. They are hand cranked!

What’s next for the Shoeboxes? Dolls for girls 10-14 years old! Hopefully by this time next year, some boys and girls will be blessed with a “Shoebox” packed with lots of our love and sharing the news about Jesus.

There is always news to watch on TV, but there is no news that is better than learning about God’s love! If you know that, share it with someone this weekend.

Youth from FBC, Kentwood will travel home today. Pray for safety as they travel and the love and knowledge they learned about this week. Pray for those who made this Mission Fuge experience to be able to share about Jesus because of what they learned at Rome, GA. Thank God for all who contributed to the funds needed and who prayed for them.

Anna Lee