Good morning. It’s good to have you back this morning. I appreciate you.

Scripture

 “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”  Philippians 1:3-5 NIV

Prayer Focus

Today, let focus some of our prayer time on each other and unspoken requests.

Obituaries

Vernon “Dale” Doyle

January 20, 1960 – April 20, 2026

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at his home. He was born January 20, 1960 in Clinton, LA and was 66 years of age. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the yard and cooking on the river. He is survived by his significant other, Gwen “Rusty” Goleman; son, Russell Doyle and spouse, Kayla; daughter, Kristine Doyle and spouse, Heather; step-daughter, Amber Dejean and husband, Ray; sister, Cynthia Denise Allen; brother, Jimmy Doyle; grandchildren, Hagan Doyle and Dylan Doyle; step-grandchildren, Parker Layton, and Emma Dejean. Preceded in death by his father, Charles Edward Doyle; mother, Sylvia Janette Pace; brothers, Charles Randolph Doyle and Michael Dennis Doyle; and half-brother, Boo Pace. Pallbearers are Russell Doyle, Hagan Doyle, Jimmy Doyle, Michael “Scott” Doyle, Stephen Doyle, and Ned Allen. Honorary Pallbearer, Gary Doyle. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 23
• Exodus 13-15

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Devotional By Rev. Waylon Bailey

Waylon Bailey

WAYLON BAILEY: Three ways not to pray

January 30, 2017

By Waylon Bailey

Prayer is central to our faith. In fact, prayer seems to be a common practice of all peoples.

Prayer is important because it’s essential to getting in touch with God. Even many atheists admit to praying in difficult times.

If prayer is so necessary and important, are there ways we harm our times of prayer? Are there ways we should not pray?

Let me give you three ways you should consider changing about how you pray.

First, don’t pray negatively.

In itself, prayer is a positive practice. It is a way of getting in touch with God and letting Him have control over our lives. This is, of course, a positive event.

How do we make it negative? We do so by emphasizing what we don’t want to do rather than what we want to do. For example, let’s suppose you need to be more patient.

You might pray, “Lord, help me not to be impatient and frustrated today.” That’s a negative prayer.

A positive prayer might be like this, “Lord, help me today as I struggle with the difficulties of life. Help me to show the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Let me live in patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control.”

A positive prayer emphasizes what we want to do rather than what we don’t want to do.

Second, don’t pray negatively toward other people.

We all have people we believe should change and live differently then they are living. It’s easy to get caught up in negative prayer, almost expressing anger toward the other person. Those negative prayers will not help change us or our issues.

Instead of praying negatively or angrily concerning others, ask God to change you and your attitude. Prayer is not to change God’s mind but to change our mind. Let God change you and you will experience the wonderful power of prayer.

Finally, don’t pray without meaning it. Don’t go through the motions, and don’t let your prayer be a time of drudgery. Pray earnestly. Pray passionately and with purpose. Pray to meet God and to draw close to Him.

We all have problems, many of those are in our prayer lives. Ask God to help you. He will. You can count on Him.

If you have problems focusing in prayer or even knowing what to say, tell God. He will help you learn Him and His ways.

I write a devotional that goes out around the country everyday. If you would like to be a part of this community, you can sign up at my website.

Waylon Bailey is pastor of First Baptist Church Covington and a past president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.

What’s in your plans for today?

I hope you are planning a day centered on other?

• Who missed church? Check. on them!
• Who had an important doctor’s appointment? Check on them!
• Who shared a concern with you? Check on them!
• Etc.

I appreciate each one of you and hope you all have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Yesterday, I shared a scripture about the fruits of the spirit. Today, I share a verse that tells you how to learn more about them.

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:4-5, NIV

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all the families with new babies and/or toddlers. FBC, Kentwood has many young families. We are so blessed to be able to minister to them as the families grow. God surely loves the little children. We do too!

New Baby

Jude and Kallie Fowler have a son, Bowen Cole, who was born Monday in Baton Rouge.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 22
• Exodus 10-12

Obituaries

I didn’t find any new obituaries this morning.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Coming Soon

We will soon have the opportunity to write in and highlight Scriptures in the Bibles that will be given to our graduating seniors this year. Be sure to participate.

Today

Today, our senior adults will eat lunch in Brookhaven and look at/purchase plants in a local nursery before heading home.

Tonight we have opportunities for all ages at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M. Feel free to join us.

Closing Scripture

 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5 ESV

Anna Lee

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

— Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

Be sure your life includes plenty of “GOOD FRUIT” today!

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 21
• Exodus 7-9

Prayer Focus

Today, I plan to continue praying for the solution to the problems in the Middle East including the peace talks.

Obituary

Brian Kelly Hudson

July 27, 1966 – April 7, 2026

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born July 27, 1966 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 59 years of age. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Marcie Hudson; children, George Brumfield (Amber), Celes May (Witt), Chandler Hudson (Sianna), and Nick Shelton (Jessica); and numerous grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, J.L. Hudson, Sr. and Edith Chaney Hudson; son, Allen Shelton. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Serving Others

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” 

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

I hope you have a desire to “do for others” and not just for yourself! It is so rewarding. You will never regret the unselfish acts you do for others or ever get to the point where “OTHERS” are not important in your daily life.

Coming Soon

Vacation Bible School will be held at FBC, Kentwood in just over a month. Be sure you save the date and help plan for the children in your family to attend. You might even plan to work in VBS this year. The rewards of working with the children and teaching them about Jesus are many. In addition, you can make some new “little friends”!

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Good morning. I will try to get this right today.

I had a great Lord’s Day and trust you did too!

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for decision making concerning the Middle East. The manmade deadline for decision making is tomorrow. Pray for God’s leadership.

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 20
• Exodus 4-6

Today’s Scriptures

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself”.

Mark 12:31

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”.

John 13:34-35

 “…through love serve one another”.

Galatians 5:13

No New Obituaries This Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

This site has not been updated yet this morning. Maybe. it will be ready when you read this.

Coming Soon – Graduations!

If you are a senior or know of a senior who will be graduating next month and who wants to be recognized at FBC, Kentwood, please contact Bro. Wendell.

Today’s Bible Reading

Matthew 6:24-34

Thought for the Day

No amount of riches compares to the treasure of our relationship with God.

Dear God, forgive us when we forget that you are our all in all. Help us to find satisfaction in you alone.

Anna Lee

I lost my post for TPL today and cannot find the draft. I will start from scratch and be brief. I’m sorry for the delay.

Welcome to the Lord’s Day! I’m so glad you are here!

Today’s Scripture

So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7 

 

Prayer Focus

Let’s focus on church services and activities.

Sunday Schedule at FBC, Kentwood

• 9:15 – Sunday School
• 10:30 – Morning Worship
• 6:00 P.M. – Evening Worship
• The nursery is provided at all services.
• Special activities are included for the children and the youth in other areas of the church.
• Visitors are always wercome!

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. —Hebrews 13:16 

Read the Bible in 2026

• Sunday, April 19
• Exodus 1-3

No New Obituaries Today

Scripture to Ponder

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.  1 Peter 5:6

Thank-you for your patience with me.

Anna Lee

It[s good to be able to say “Good morning!”

Today’s Scripture:

Who can say I have made my heart clean? I am pure from sin.

Proverbs 20:9

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for people as they make plans for Sunday. As a child, I can remember my family with an unofficial schedule each Saturday. It was something like this:

clothing selected and ironed, if needed?,

food planned and usually prepared?

guests?

set the dining room table,

clothing – choices, washed?,

ironed?

shoes polished?

lesson prepared?

book and Bible together with offering?

shoes polished?,

etc.).

Today, I don’t have such a rigid plan because we only have two people and each one can take care of most of their own preparation. Sunday lunch is also easier and less formal.

Back to Prayer

We can pray for our staff, teachers in all the classes, attendance, families who haven’t fully decided to attend, scheduling that conflicts with church, families, music, bulletins that inform, lead, and encourage, technology, attendance, decisions, etc.

Baptist Press Article About Prayer by Dr. Waylon Bailey

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-let-us-pray/

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 18
• Genesis 48-50

Obituary

Charles Lauvern Bennett

September 28, 1941 – April 16, 2026

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born September 28, 1941 in Independence, LA and was 84 years of age. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam and also served in Germany. Charles was a member of Taylor Creek Baptist Church.  He is survived by his 2 daughters, Robin Bennett Milton (Danny) and Cathy Bennett Slovensky (Greg); 1 son, Charles “Chucky” Bennett (Lisa); mother of his children, Clarette Bennett; sisters, Joyce Marie Forrest, Lettie Ann Goforth, and Mary Lou Hill (Wayne); and brother, Larry Bennett; grandchildren, Tasha Nettles (Sammy), Clayton Jarreau, Cody Slovensky (Cheyenne), Brandon Slovensky, Joseph Bennett, Jennifer Cowart, and Keith Cowart; great-grandchildren, Madilynn Gardner, Leila Nettles, Jordan Jarreau, Jaclynn Stogner, Lincoln Slovensky, Leah Slovensky, and Lottie Slovensky; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Isaac H. Bennett and Annie Blount Bennett; his sisters, Catherine Irene Bennett and Ruby Bennett Martinez; his brothers, Leslie Eugene Bennett, Isaac “Bill” Bennett, Ivey Alphonse Bennett, and Vincent Dewitt “Monkey” Bennett. Visitation at Taylor Creek Baptist Church, 1936 Hwy 440, Kentwood, LA from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, April 20, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Scripture to Ponder

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 

1 Peter 1:13

I pray for God’s blessings on you this weekend.

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends! Let’s thank God for allowing us to wake up this morning. What a blessing!

Verse for Today

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for young families who have preschool age children. We know these children need the most attention and can do the least for themselves. Let’s pray for the parents who deal with the needs of their children and all the other responsibilities of life too! May they make wise decisions and have lots of patience. Many of us are long past that stage, but we surely can remember those days. Let’s pray for those at this stage of life now.

Read the Bible in 2026.

• April 17
• Genesis 46-47

Another Scripture

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 16:13

It’s always a good to have a list of special Scriptures you can quickly refer to. Many people write them inside the cover of their bible. Others post them around their home so the will see them frequently or keep special notebooks with these Scriptures. This is also a good way to memorize Scriptures.

Obituaries

I didn’t find any for our area this morning.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Devotional by Dr. Waylon Bailey (FBC, Covington)

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-let-us-pray/

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

• April 19, 2026
• “Grace”
• Matthew 20: 1-16

Operation Christmas Child

Our current needs are for crayons and pencil colors. When we get enough of them, we can begin to pack the pencil bags with school supplies.

Annie Armstrong Offering

In Southern Baptist Churches we are currently collecting gifts for this offering which is for all our work in North America. Your church probably has some special envelopes in the pews or on a special table. If you see no special envelopees, just use whatever you have and label it “Annie Armstrong”. Thanks for showing your concern for people in our area of the world.

Don’t Forget

Please pray for families with young children.

Add anything else to you prayers today that God lays on your heart.

Thank-you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Today’s Scripture

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  —Romans 12:2

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on some of the older people in our churches. Some of the names that come to my mind are Theople Hurst, Ferrie Jean Blackmon, and Barbara Erwin. Start praying for these people and add some of your neighbors or relatives. There are many things we can learn from our senior adults. One is knowledge of God’s Word. Another is faithfulness in attendance at church. They add so much to our churches!

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 16
• Genesis 43-45

Obituaries

There are no new ones posted for our area this morning.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Scripture on Hope

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord isunfailing loveand with Him is full redemption.  PSALM 13o:7

2026 Graduates

We will soon be thinking of graduations and graduates. They will soon be considering what they will be doing in the coming months and years. There are many life-changing decisions. Pray for them to carefully decide what they will be doing in the fall and beyond. Pray also for those the seniors will turn to for assistance in decision-making.

Operation Christmas Child

At prayer meeting last night I was given some socks from a class. They were white sports socks with colorful decorations and had been purchased at a Super Dollar Store. When you are shopping, please check to see if there are some in a size for boys 10-14 years old. With some help from each if you, we could get the socks we need soon. Thank-you to the classes who have already helped us with purchases or funds for purchases.

Two of our current needs are boy’s socks and crayons.

“Manna” Ministry

The ladies who head up this ministry periodically could use some help with food preparation or delivery. If you are willing to help, talk to Haley, Toni, or Jackie. You wil be blessed as you bless others!

Thank-you for reading and praying today. Think what a difference you make!

Anna Lee

Special Scripture Describing Today

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. 

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Today’s Scripture

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 

1 Timothy 4:10 

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 15
• Genesis 41-42

Scripture about Hope

Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead

and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 

1 Peter 1:21 

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus some prayer time on praying for those we know who need to find their way to God which often starts by making a decision to attend a church service. May something in their life, a child, a death, a visit, etc. get them to thinking about their need for God.

Have you heard someone say “God doesn’t need you, you need Him”?

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Choose to read some or all of the articles posted today.

No New Obituaries Listed for Our Area This Morning

V.B.S.

It’s time to begin thinking about working this summer in your church. You can teach, play, cook, care for babies, etc. Check schedule and find where you will have children this year.

Operation Christmas Child

We are now collecting socks for boys 10-14 years old and crayons. If you can purchase some of these items, please turn them in to me at church this month.

I appreciate your faithfulness in reading TPL.

Anna Lee

Read the Bible in 2026

• April 14
• Genesis 38-40

Today’s Scripture – Hope

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:3

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the daily lives of our family members and friends. Many families have had to face death of a family member recently. Let’s pray for all these families.

Obituary

Mary Marie Wilkinson Tate

September 8, 1928 – April 12, 2026

.A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born September 8, 1928 in Liberty, MS and was 97 years of age. She was the oldest living member of East Fork Baptist Church where she was an active member since 1966. She is survived by her daughter, Dianne Frazier Easley; son, Roger Dale Tate and wife, Peggy; 3 grandchildren, Chris Edward Frazier and wife Lynn, Charles Dale “Chuck” Tate, and wife Jeanne, and Matthew Ross Tate and wife Chablis; 12 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Lamar Tate; parents, Franklin Leslie Wilkinson and Sarah Prentiss Jacobs Wilkinson; 6 brothers; and 2 sisters. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, April 17, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. Pallbearers will be Chris Frazier, Chuck Tate, Matthew Tate, Colton Frazier, Benjamin Tate, Joshua Tate, Sutton Tate, and Owen Brown. The family acknowledges with great appreciation the loving kindness she was shown for the last two and a half years that she resided at The Lodge at Tangi Pines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to East Fork Baptist Church or the charity of you choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC

We have most of the socks for girls that we need, so now we will begin collection of socks that fit boys 10-14 years of age. Please hand them to David or me at church.

Spring

Spring is my favorite season of the year. It bring me hope after winter, the season that brings death to many plants.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. —Proverbs 23:18

2 Corinthians 4:18

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Closing Scripture

Psalm 62:5-6 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 

Anna Lee