“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!
For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
Galatians 5:13 (WEB):
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s thank God for those around us who have helped us get through the “bumps” in our lives. Let’s realize that “No man is an island”. Our lives impact others and others impact our live. Thank God for using others to help you when you have needs and thank Him when he allows us to help others.
Also, thank God for the many careers that function on the principle of helping make life better for others. We could never function if we didn’t have others to help us get through the “bumps” in our lives.
At any given time in our lives, we probable know one or more people going through a very difficult time. Let’s be sure to pray for them and minister to them as God leads us to do for others.
Read the Bible in 2026
July 9
II Samuel 16-18
Obituary
The obituary for Dr. Derrris Ray was posted yesterday afternoon. If you missed it, please read below today’s Prayer Link.
We cam spend some time studying your lesson for tomorrow even if we have already done so this week. We will surely “Pick up on something we missed” earlier.
Words and Acts of Encouragement
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this,
that you must support the weak.
And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Coming Soon
We always need to be aware of opportunities that are available for us. One will be the WMU meeting at FBC, Greensburg Saturday of next week at 10:00 A.M. followed by lunch. All ladies are encouraged to find a friend and meet us there.
Our focus will be on the Seaman’s ministry in Baton Rouge and a report from someone who delivered shoeboxes.
Derris Wayne Ray, MD, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at North Oaks Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74 years of age.
Dr. Ray was born January 1, 1952, in Stephenville, Texas. He graduated from Tallulah High School in 1970 and attended Louisiana State University, where he was a proud member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He went on to graduate from LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 1977 and completed his residency at Earl K. Long in Baton Rouge in 1980.
That same year, he established his family medical practice in Amite and became a beloved family physician who selflessly served the community and devoted 46 years of his life to Hood Memorial Hospital. As a physician, he truly embodied the highest ideals of the oath. He consistently went beyond medical duty to ensure each patient’s complete well-being, maintaining an unwavering commitment long after operational hours. To his patients, he was so much more than a doctor—he was a trusted friend, a constant lifeline, and a provider of true medical compassion and presence.
Derris was an incredible husband, the ultimate father, and the best “Papa” to his grandchildren. He lived a life defined by kindness, patience, and selflessness. A true farmer at heart, he found great joy in raising cattle, was happiest out on his tractor, and loved being surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was an avid history enthusiast with an impressive collection of war memorabilia, as well as a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood. His greatest legacy remains the endless love he gave his family.
He is survived by his wife, Kirsten Ray; his five children, Candace Bridges and her husband Richard, Ashton Ray and his wife Brandi, Brantley Ray and his wife Shanelle, Steven Warren, and Trenton Warren and his wife Megan; his six grandchildren, Eli Ray, Madeline Bridges, Cohen Ray, Camille Bridges, Oliver Ray, and Collins Warren; and a brother, Kolan Ray and his wife Zoe. He was preceded in death by his parents, A. C. Ray, Jr. and Codie Ray; and a sister, Merry Ray. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the countless devoted patients he served across the community.
Visitation will take place at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 10:00 AM until religious services begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Services will be conducted by Brother Darryl Miller. Burial will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Serving as pallbearers will be Ashton Ray, Brantley Ray, Richard Bridges, Steven Warren, Trenton Warren, Eli Ray, Brody Ray, and Derrick Graves. Honorary pallbearers will be Kolan Ray, Cohen Ray and Oliver Ray.
The Ray family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Hood Memorial Hospital and North Oaks Medical Center, with a special thank you to Laura Henderson, Karen Volkman, Casey Wallace, Ryan Seal, and Chad Simmons for their exceptional care and support.
Donations may be made in honor of his lifetime of service to Hood Memorial Hospital.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I see some articles I plan to turn back to and read in a few minutes. I think there is something for you here too!
Obituaries
Elizabeth Ann LeNoir
October 26, 1954 – July 2, 2026
Born on October 26, 1954, in Baumholder, Germany, Elizabeth Ann LeNoir was the cherished daughter of Dr. James Lawrence LeNoir III and Charlotte Perkins LeNoir.
She grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, where she attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Following graduation, she pursued her education at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine. She went on to forge a long and highly successful career in Human Resources with Martin Marietta.
Beyond her professional life, she was known for her beautiful singing voice. She considered her time singing with the Bass Hits at the First Baptist Church of New Orleans to be both a profound honor and a distinct privilege.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her loving parents and her favorite brother, James Lawrence LeNoir IV (Jimmy).
Her memory will be kept alive by her surviving family, including her favorite sister, Jamie LeNoir Bridger (John Henry); her niece, Lauren Ashley LeNoir; her nephew, Wesley Philip LeNoir; her uncle, Ray B. Perkins; and her cousins, Matt, Barbara, Mindy, Tracy, Beverly, Taylor (Travis), Jack (Ali), and Carey Perkins.
A graveside service will be held at Amite Memorial Gardens on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11:00AM.
Dr. Derris Ray
The obituary is not available at this time. Please continue to pray for his family, employees, patients, and friends.
Sunday School Lesson for the 12th
“Unwavering Determination”
Joshua 14:1-15
A Scripture about Serving
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” Luke 6:35
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Prayer Link 
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