“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for our family, friends, and neighborhood. Think of how uniques each of our prayer lists will be. That’s why I urge you to keep a prayer list of your own.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Research on Ruth
I have been doing some research on Ruth for Sunday School and the ladies’ Bible Study. Even though I have read the verses numerous times, I have picked up on new thoughts. You can never learn everything, even about a short book like Ruth. Keep on studying!
Mission Projects
Choose to create your own mission projects and/or participate in those at your local church.
Some Mission Opportunities Possible at Local Churches
Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions
Encouragers/Prayer Groups
Outreach to elderly
Outreach to sick
Outreach to those with financial needs
Outreach to new members of the community
Outreach to those who don’t know Jesus
Outreach to those who do not have family support systems
Packing “Shoeboxes” that introduce children to Jesus
Etc.
Coming Soon – Classes on Grief
Beginning Sunday at 4:00 P.M. for four weeks. at FBC, Kentwood
Coming Soon – Women on Mission
FBC, Kentwood at 10 A.M. on Saturday, September 12
Focus on Georgia Barnette Offering
Potluck Lunch to Follow
Meet some inspiring Christian women
Reminders
Donations to La. Baptist Children’s Home Fall Food Roundd-up
Donations of canned goods to the Hope Center in Roseland
Etc.
Coming Soon – Completion of new fellowship hall at FBC, Kentwood and first potluck meal in mid-September.
Another week is flying by. Have we been self-centered or loving, doing, and sharing this week? Could we have done better? What will we do? Don’t put off what needs to be done and can be done today!
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.— Ephesians 2:10, NIV
Let’s be sure to use some ot the time God gave us to impact others in a positive way. That’s His plan for us!
Read the Bible in 2026
August 27
Nehemiah 10-11
Obituary
Frank Garnett “Randy” Dunn
Jul 22, 1952 — Aug 25, 2026
Grangeville, LA
Frank Garnett “Randy” Dunn died peacefully at the age of 74 in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in Amite, LA. He was born in Clinton, LA on July 22, 1952 and resided just north of Grangeville in St. Helena Parish for most of his life. Randy was a 1970 graduate of Greensburg High School. He worked as a steel fitter and fabricator, was a cattleman, and retired as an independent contract welder for Cal-Maine Foods in 2023. He was an active member of Wesley Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, road trips, home-cooked meals (especially home-made ice cream), M&Ms, lemonade, reading, westerns, and fishing. Randy is survived by his children Joseph Dunn (Leslie) and Kathryn Dunn Forrest (Kevin) who will never forget the love and generosity he showed them, their spouses, and their children. His grandchildren Hayden Dunn (Kristen) and Amelia Dunn; Trenton Forrest, Dalton Forrest & Elizabeth Forrest Lindsey (Brady); and Journey Stark will remember him as a loving and joking Paw Paw who gave great hugs and (mostly) good advice. He was immensely proud of them and grateful to see them begin their lives as adults. Randy is also survived by his sister Doris Dunn Higgins and countless other relatives and friends. He enjoyed a unique bond with each of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who often visited to enjoy his company, to take him fishing or out to eat. He was preceded in death by his adored wife Janie Phillips Dunn; his parents Joseph Emerson “Joe” Dunn, Sr. and Ethel Harvell Dunn; and his brothers Leslie Lyle “Bubba” Dunn and the Reverend Joseph Emerson “Sandy” Dunn, Jr. Randy’s family would like to thank the staff of The Lodge at Tangi Pines and Modern Hospice Care in Amite, as well as Dr. Michael Castine and the staff of the Hematology Oncology Clinic in Zachary for their patient and attentive care. A celebration of life will be conducted by Bro. Steven Miller at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, 5177 Hwy 448, Greensburg, LA on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Visitation begins at 10:30, service at 11:00, with a reception to follow on the church grounds. A private inurnment in the family columbarium will take place at a later date.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27, NIV
Sunday School Lesson for August 30th
“Redemption”
Ruth 3:8-12; 4:13-17
For the ladies who will be attending the Pine Ridge Bible Study, the lesson last Sunday and this next Sunday will “wet our appetites” to study the book of Ruth beginning September 9th.
This lesson will finish our current Sunday School books, but new books should be placed in our classrooms for next week. The religious magazines and Bible reading guides should also be available Sunday in the classrooms.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10, NIV
Missions Reminder
It’s time to help fill some of the needs for the LA Baptist Children’s Home. I remember doing this for many years. Some of those years, I personally knew some residents there. Most years, I only knew of the need and felt led to help them.
This year’s theme, “Fill Their Plates. Feed Their Future”!
Be sure your items are at at a church the day before the collection date for your church. Pick-up. begins early each morning.
Monday, September 14 – Collection Date for Our Area
New Zion Kentwood Spring Creek Chesbrough Mt. Hermon Clifton Franklinton Hillcrest Bethel They will gladly receive your check and make purchases locally for them and as needed.
If you have already contributed, you may even be able to make another contribution by Sept. 14th.
Women’s Mission Meeting
Saturday, September 12
First Baptist Church, Kentwood
Focus: Georgia Barnette Offering
9:00 – Leadership Meeting
10:00 – Meeting Begins
Potluck meal at conclusion of meeting
Women of all ages are invited to come learn with us.
Have a wonderful day. Make plans to help others as God leads you.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for those who are negatively influenced by the high temperatures we are having – the older folks, those with breathing problems, those who are unable to cool their homes sufficiently, etc.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13, NIV
Prayers Requested
Today, I request prayers for the shoeboxes that will soon be filled and send on their way to children around the world so they can “meet” Jesus. What a great opportunity – praying for empty boxes and the potential they have to tell children and their families about Jesus! It’s not of most importance who packed the boxes, who handed the boxes to children, who provided items for the shoeboxes, etc. The importance is praying for the children with the great opportunity to learn about Jesus and to pass that opportunity to others in their family unit and circle of friends. When you see a Bible in your home, remember all the Bibles that will soon be in homes where there is no Bible today. Place a Bible in a place in your home where the Bible will be a reminder to pray for the many children who will have the opportunity to receive a Bible in their own language. Pray for the child and the family to want to learn more and more about Jesus.
Reminder
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9, NIV
You can be a part of a prayer service in person or online guest of a service tonight. My church meets and broadcasts at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesdays as well as 10:30 and 6:00 on Sundays.
Have a wonderful day as you reach out to others.
Don’t forget to pray for the children who will receive the “Shoeboxes” all during the coming year!
Have you ever noticed the picture at the top of my post every day? It is a sunset photo of Swan Lake at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, the location of the Mission Fuge camp for our church youth this summer.It is a beautiful location day or night, any day of the year. If you know a youth or chaperone who attended, you might want to share this photo. with them.
Scripture for Today
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV
I hope you know and have friendship with HIM!
Prayer Focus
Join me in praying for those who are in new situations, high school, college, jobs. etc. Let’s pray they will search for situations that provide reliable friends that help them build a wonderful relationship to God.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 25
Nehemiah 7
Obituary for Mr. Billy Swindle
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Natchez Trace Funeral Home, Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory – Madison on Aug. 20, 2026.
Billy Leon Swindle of Madison, MS went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday August 19, 2026, at MS Baptist Medical Center after an abundant 89 years of life. He was born on December 11, 1936, in Carrollton, AL to Opal Williamson and Roy Lee Swindle. He grew up and graduated high school in West Point, MS in 1954. Shortly after, he met his beautiful bride Elizabeth Swindle, and the two were married on July 14th, 1956. They recently celebrated 70 beautiful years together as husband and wife. Billy later received his bachelor’s degree in education from Mississippi College in 1958, where he also was quarterback for their football team, and received his master’s degree in education in 1966.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Ray and Carlton Swindle. Billy is survived by his four children, Jay Swindle (Louisa), Mike Swindle, Mark Swindle (Jennifer), and Christy Brady (Brad). He was also lovingly known as “PawPaw” to nine grandchildren, Jenna Hutcheson (Grant), Hope Guillory (Rhein), Alyssa Swindle, Steven Swindle (Cady), Sydney Walters (Caleb), Kailee Phillips (Parker), Hannah Minter (Joshua), Avery Hunt (Ethan), and Parker Brady, along with eight great grandchildren- Laikyn, Caroline, Jack, Jace, Kynslee, Weston, Reese, Charli, and one great granddaughter on the way-Eden. He leaves behind a legacy of deep love and admiration for his family.
Billy was passionate about education and had an accomplished career in the school systems for fifty years. He served as both coach and teacher at Tunica High School (1958-1961), Canton High School (1961-1963), Durant High School (1963-1966), and Tylertown High School (1966-1968). He served as high school principal at Ripley High School (1968-1969) and Hazelhurst High School (1969-1970) and was the first headmaster at Woodland Hills Baptist Academy (1970-1975). He ended his prestigious career in education at Parklane Academy in McComb, MS- a school in which he was proud to serve as headmaster for 33 years (1975-2008). He also leaves behind a legacy of students and faculty who were touched by his care and leadership for those he coached, taught, and mentored.
Billy had many hobbies and interests over time, including playing golf, taking walks with his wife and dogs, exercising, watching sports, and spending time with his church friends and family members. He spent the latter of his life residing in Madison, MS since 2014 and was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Madison.
Out of all the many notable accomplishments Billy had throughout his life, the one that his family is the proudest of is his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and spent his private time reading his Bible and devotional books and publicly teaching God’s Word in his Sunday School class and to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He set an example for all those around him of what a godly man looks like-a loving husband, devoted father, hardworking educator, and overall faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Because of that personal decision Billy made many years ago to give his life to Jesus, we have great confidence that he is now in the joyous presence of his Savior. And all those who have put their faith in Christ look forward to seeing Billy again in glory. While we mourn his loss on earth, we rejoice that he is now in his eternal home with King Jesus and we will one day see him again. And what a glorious day that will be!
Polly Elizabeth Griffin Bridges September 10, 1947 – August 22, 2026
Kentwood, LA – I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms 121: 1-2
Born in Jackson, LA, married Charles A. Bridges where she became a longtime resident of St. Helena Parish. She passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026 at the age of 78, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Most of all she was a devoted Christian and served her church faithfully as a teacher and secretary for many years. Polly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, working with her plants and flowers in her yard, and being a member of the garden club and historical society where she enjoyed her “outings”. She is survived by her sons, Mitchel Adrian Bridges and wife, Donde, Joseph Wilson Bridges and wife, Jennifer; 11 grandchildren, William Bridges and wife, Robbi, Matthew Bridges and wife, Kayla, Rachael Graham and husband, Jake, Rebecca Bridges, Davin Booty and wife, Marlee, Ashton Bridges Allen and husband, Brennan, Sarah Byars and husband, Josh, Lauren Harrelson and husband, Denver, Kirkland Bridges and wife, Jazilyn, Eliza Bridges and Charley Bridges; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaylynn, Piper, Madelyn, Blakely, Annabelle, Kori Kate, Sadie Mae, Karsyn. Naomi, Hutson, Briggs, Adrienne, Hallie Rae, and Everleigh; brothers, Wade Griffin and wife Debby and Joseph Griffin, Jr. and wife Kathey. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bridges; parents, Joseph Griffin, Sr. and Ionia Griffin. Special thanks to Mrs. Joyce Ann Gilbert for all her service and care, along with several others that the family appreciates. Visitation at Taylor Creek Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, August 28, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
There are a number of good articles here, but I am sharing about one that caught my attention.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Reminders
Class on Grief at FBC to begin the first Sunday of September
Ladies’ Missions meeting at FBC on Saturday, September 12th for all ladies of all churches. The meeting begins at 10:00 and ends with a potluck lunch.
Final Scripture for Today
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. Mark 9:35, NIV
I know many people who fit this description. The ladies meeting on September 12th will give you some ideas of how we can do this locally. I hope you will come and participate.
Thanks for reading this morning. Have a wonderful Saturday!
I’ll give you one more opportunity to select your own Scripture to read.
Prayer Focus
Pray for students as they begin a new week of learning and adjusting to a new week of school.
Read the Bible in 2026
…..August 24
…..Nehemiah 4-6
Sunday School Lesson Yesterday
I trust you learned something new Sunday and are ready to prepare for the next lesson of more learning.
Mission Opportunities
…..Fall Food Round-up. I like to buy the items they need the most and/or send a check for them to use to do their own shopping. Remember to get regular household size canned goods, not gallon size. Also, remember you are asked to purchase cleaning supplies, paper goods, condiments, mixes, etc.
…..The Hope Center in Roseland periodically runs low on canned goods. If you will purchase some items for them to share, they will be delivered by the church.
…..School uniforms are always useful in meeting needs of some students, Get them to the church and they will be given to children who need them. You can also provide funds to purchase new uniforms.
…..The Georgia Barnette Offering is coming soon. It is described as the HOME MISSIONS offering because it is strictly for the state where the funds are collected.
…..Operation Christmas Child – We are asked to send $10.00 per packed shoeboxes which is used to cover shipping expenses, train Bible teachers, purchase a Bible in the language of each child, provide materials for special Bible classes, etc. Samaritan’s Purse does a great job in using the funds wisely.
Remember to pray for the family of Mr. Billy Swindle and all individuals he touched through many years of coaching, teaching, and being an administrator.
No one is going to force you to love and help others this week. You make the choices. Make a difference for others!
Good morning to all of you. I hope you will ènjoy this day. Our Scripture for today and tomorrow will be from the book of Ruth. It is also the Scripture for the Bible study beginning in a couple weeks at Pine Ridge.
Today’s verses will be Ruth 1:11-18. Read it from your preferred version of the Bible.
Prayed Focus: Faithfulness Naomi and Ruth remained faithful to God despite the many trials they faced. Let’s pray for each other to be faithful to God on the good and not so good days.
Read the Bible in 2026
Aug. 22
Ezra 8-10
Obituaries – No new obituaries
Baptist Press – Baptist press.com
Sunday School Lesson – “Faithfulness” – next to last lesson for this quarter.
Devotional of Your Choice
Suggestion: Choose one by Waylon Bailey to read.
Missions Meeting (WMUj
The next meeting will be at Kentwood in a few weeks. I hope you will be in attendance as we learn about missions in Louisiana, especially our own neighborhoods
REMINDER: Fall Food Round-up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:2 NIV
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for others and their health, heat, finances, jobs, schools, transportation, etc.
Read the Bible in 2026
Aug. 20
Ezra 1-3
Obituary
Mr. Billy Swindell, former administrator at Parklane Academy in McComb passed away. His service will be Monday. The Natchez Trace Funeral Home is charge of the funeral.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. …
Please continue to pray for people to be wise in the extremely hot days we are having.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 19
II Chronicles 35-36
Obituary
Donald Foster Gay, Jr.
Nov 10, 1946 — Aug 16, 2026
Amite, LA
Donald Foster Gay, Jr.
Devoted Father, Adored Son, beloved Brother, and Loving Husband Donald “Donnie” Gay, Jr. gained his heavenly wings Sunday evening on August 16, 2026 at home surrounded by close family and friends in Amite, LA. He was born November 10, 1946 in Long Beach, CA and was 79 years old.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon “Kay” Gay; 2 children, Toni Michelle Gay Rager and husband, Jason Matthew Rager, Scott Adam Gay and wife, Layla Sullivan Gay; 2 grandchildren, Jessica Maryn Gay, Korbin Scott Gay; brothers, Robert Lynn Gay and wife Darlene, Todd Gay (Michigan); sisters, Kathryn Ann Cavaretta and husband Roy Michael and Linda Jo Constantino; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia “Jennie” Ardillo Constantino and Donald Foster Gay Sr.
Donnie will always be remembered as a hardworking man with a gift for connecting with people. He used his talents and built a career in the automobile industry. To him, selling cars was never simply about making a sale; it was about people. He had a natural ability to strike up a conversation and make a stranger feel like an old friend, which earned the trust of generations of customers. While Donnie was a reliable, hardworking man, he also enjoyed filling his spare time playing golf, maintaining his yard and swimming pool, watching his grandkids play sports, and relaxing in his treasured recliner watching sports (in his flannel pajama pants, of course). He left some very big shoes to fill, and a very big hole in all our hearts and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00 am until religious services at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026. Services conducted by Brother Luke Lindsey of First Baptist Church of Arcola. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.
I see. some articles I want to read later today. I trust you will also find articles that interest you.
More Scripture
Isaiah 58:10-11, English Standard Version
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Prayer Report
The good news about Ora Lee Wilson is that she is not experiencing any pain now. The procedure seems to have been very successful.
Missions
Consider some of your personal and church mission opportunities today. Then pray, asking God to lead you to the ones He wants you to be involved in.
The Prayer Link 
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