Today, let’s say prayers of thanksgiving for the 20 freed, living hostages that are in Israel this morning. Our president has just been greatly welcomed into the Israeli parliament. I will keep one eye on the television during this wonderful historic event as I try to post TPL this morning! Let’s also thank God for all those who worked so hard to get us to this moment in history. Pray for the hostages as they adjust to living among the free again.
Scripture Focus
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the putrid things out of our lives and hearts, but if we do not actively pursue what is good, then a worse evil can rush into the void, and our second condition becomes worse than the first (Matthew 12:43-45). So, let’s be people who turn from evil, become eager to do what is good, and with a passion choose to “wage peace.”
No New Obituaries Listed this Morning
Read the Bible Today
October 13
Proberbs 4-6
Update
Margie Williams’ doctors have decided on a treatment for the immediate future for her. She is at North Oaks. We can all prayer for her.
Two Rivers Baptist Association
The yearly report night for our association was held at Spring Creek Baptist Church last night and concluded with a message from Bro. Rusty Durand . We are thankful we were able to participate.
Additional Scripture
‘Be Thankful, Prayerful, Vocal, and Glad in Him.
8 Thank the Lord!
Make his name famous!
Tell people in all the nations what he has done.
9 Sing songs and make music
to praise him!
Tell people about the miracles that he has done.
10 Boast about his holy name.
Everybody who wants to worship the Lord should be very happy!
11 Ask the Lord to help you!
Ask him to give you strength.
Always try to be near him
and worship him.
I Chronicles 16:8-11
Pine Ridge Bible Study
This week we will be studying about the courage and faith of Rahab.
OCC Drop Off Schedule for FBC, Kentwood
Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon
Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon
Nov. 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon
Nov. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 25 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Please plan to deliver your church or individually packed shoeboes to Kentwood during any of these time slots. We will be ready with volunteers and equipment to help make this step run smoothly.
Let’s do our best to make today a special day for our family and all the others around us. It’s the Lord’s Day!
Today’s Bible Verse
Today’s Bible Reading
October 12
Proverbs 1-3
We have completed Psalm and are beginning the next book of the Bible.
No New Local Obituaries Listed
Prayer Requests
Please pray for Margie Williams who fell from a ladder in her yard and is hospitalized at North Oaks waiting to learn the procedure/treatment to help her recover from her fractures. She had a hard fall. Please pray for her. Give her a call to let her know you have prayed.
Please continue to pray for Barbara Erwin who is getting rehabilitation services at North Oaks Rehab.
Also, please pray for Michael Anthony as he continues to improve at home.
Pray for those who are homebound in our communities.
Have you considered this quote by Martin Luther?
“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.”
I love to watch clouds as we ride along the highways. I see faces, animals, and various other objects in the sky. I also love to notice the many color combinations. The sunrise and the sunset are usually pretty every day. God “paints” pretty pictures for us regularly!
Join me in thanking God for a new day and a cooler morning. Let’s all accomplish some tasks that benefit others, not just ourselves, today. Include inviting others to Sunday School and church on that list.
Mrs. Barbara Erwin is doing well with rehabilitation which will continue until Tuesday when she will be re-evaluated.
Brock Bennett, a young man from Amite, is better. He is at home now and attended his team’s game last night. He didn’t “dress out”, but certainly did wear a big smile as he saw many friends last night who had prayed for him during his hospital stay. I don’t know the details of his future treatment, but please continue to pray for him as he heals. One more thing, when the “pressbox” acknowledged his improvement and presence last night, Brock pointed to God! My heart was touched when he gave credit to God!
Prayer Focus
Please pray for those I have listed and use your personal prayer guide to pray today. Pray for those on your list. If you do not have a personal prayer guide, please take time TODAY to begin one.
Additional Bible Reading
‘Stumbling over the Truth’
42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’?
43“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
44And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
Mt. 21:42-44, New King James Version
Final Thought
Today, let’s do some personal evaluation. Do we give God credit for our many blessings each day?
Good morning, Lord. Thank you for another day to share your Word and love for us. Good morning, friends. I’m glad you are checking in here today. I hope we will have a great day as we impact our world today.May we be dedicated to what God has called us to do.
Baptist Press
Here a an example for a role model we should admire.
Revolve in your mind that wondrous word, “faultless!” We are far off from it now; but as our Lord never stops short of perfection in his work of love, we shall reach it one day. The Saviour who will keep his people to the end, will also present them at last to himself, as “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but holy and without blemish.” All the jewels in the Saviour’s crown are of the first water and without a single flaw. All the maids of honour who attend the Lamb’s wife are pure virgins without spot or stain. But how will Jesus make us faultless? He will wash us from our sins in his own blood until we are white and fair as God’s purest angel; and we shall be clothed in his righteousness, that righteousness which makes the saint who wears it positively faultless; yea, perfect in the sight of God. We shall be unblameable and unreproveable even in his eyes. His law will not only have no charge against us, but it will be magnified in us. Moreover, the work of the Holy Spirit within us will be altogether complete. He will make us so perfectly holy, that we shall have no lingering tendency to sin. Judgment, memory, will-every power and passion shall be emancipated from the thraldom of evil. We shall be holy even as God is holy, and in his presence we shall dwell for ever. Saints will not be out of place in heaven, their beauty will be as great as that of the place prepared for them. Oh the rapture of that hour when the everlasting doors shall be lifted up, and we, being made meet for the inheritance, shall dwell with the saints in light. Sin gone, Satan shut out, temptation past for ever, and ourselves “faultless” before God, this will be heaven indeed! Let us be joyful now as we rehearse the song of eternal praise so soon to roll forth in full chorus from all the blood-washed host; let us copy David’s exultings before the ark as a prelude to our ecstasies before the throne.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s ask God to help us live a life today that is closer to what He desires of us.
Good morning, friends. Let’s be thankful for the rain we had yesterday. It was needed! Did you see red clay blowing last week as construction people worked and as vehicles traveled on unpathed roads or driveways? Did you see the dust flying as people cut grass or wind blew on unplanted fields? Let’s be thankful for rain this week!
Verse of the Day
Read the Bible Today
10-9-25
Psalm 133-139
Baptist Press
I learned something new this morning! There is a museum opening in Nashville to honor Gospel music.
From Fisk Jubilee Singers to megachurch hits, new museum celebrates Christian music.
Good morning. I trust all of you are thanking God for all he has done for us and looking forward to a good day ahead. Living many years allows us to have free time to be around and love more people we choose, not just follow a strict work schedule every day.
Bad Weather
We learned yesterday that Monday’s bad weather included three small tornadoes in south Tangipahoa Parish. Let’s thank God they were small and only minimal tornadoes.
Verse of the Day
Senior Adult Revival
We had a great meeting and a wonderful lunch at Line Creek yesterday. Today, the last day, the meeting will be at Friendship Baptist Church. Thanks to the committee who planned this special week for us.
Prayer Request
I have a special prayer request for Jimmy Harrell who had a tree limb fall on him after the rain Monday. According to the report we received yesterday, he has 16 stitches in his head and a broken shoulder. He was in North Oaks.
Obituaries
David Williams
October 20, 1949 – October 2, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, David Williams passed away on the morning of Thursday, October 2nd at his home at 75 years of age. He was born October 20th, 1949 in Townshend, Vermont. He is survived by his wife Rindy, his son Nathan, his brother Dennis Williams and wife Barbara, their children Ian, Taylor, and Jameson; sister-in-law Jane Williams and children Erin and Max, sister-in-law Patricia Williams and child Ryan, sister-in-law Cindy Landry and child Mikel Brown and her children Asia, Jayton and Stella.
The family has chosen to grieve privately, thus no formal services will be held. Those wishing to gather in David’s memory are welcome to do so. He would love to be the life of the party one last time. We wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of support that we have received.
David was born and raised with his 3 brothers, many cousins and friends living a rural life in southern Vermont. Drafted into the Army in 1969, he served 2 years in Vietnam where he earned his National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medals. David returned home in 1971, married Rindy in 1974, and they had their first and only child, Nathan, in 1978. Growing frustrated with a life of being snowed in every winter, David moved with his family from Vermont to Louisiana in 1985.
After becoming settled in Louisiana and adjusting to a new way of life, David became an avid horseback rider and participated in many organized and not-so-organized trail rides throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, often attending the annual week-long Dixie Trail Ride, rain or shine, with his best friend Jerry Bennett. Many of his weekends were spent with his wife Rindy and son Nathan on horseback, exploring the wooded property surrounding their house in Kentwood, always on the hunt for new trails.
David was well known and loved among his many friends, coworkers, and contractors and being the people person that he was, he loved everyone he met. He could be recognized from a mile away in his standard off-white “work” cowboy hat and his old blue and grey diesel pickup. An employee of the St. Helena Parish Hospital for over 30 years, he became a staple in the area and quickly began to develop many personal and professional relationships that stood the test of time. His expertise and innate knowledge in plumbing, electrical wiring, gas lines and machine repair, along with Master Plumber certification, guided him into his eventual position as head of maintenance, a demanding position that he was proud to hold until his retirement.
David was a two times cancer survivor, beating both colon and prostate cancer within 5 years. While there were the expected ups and downs, after many trips among Kentwood, Hammond and New Orleans, David completed all of his surgeries and treatments with absolute courage and never once complained or allowed his ailments to affect his outlook on life. He kept his head up and did what he felt needed to be done to ensure he could be here as long as he could to provide for his family and worked up until the day he couldn’t anymore.
Anyone who knew David could tell you that his smile and laugh could light up the room. David was a charismatic and kind man. He always had a joke or a funny story on hand; making people laugh was a gift that he always gave freely, and he never asked anything in return. David was highly intelligent and could often figure people out before they even opened their mouths. Although rarely expressed out loud, those that knew him well knew that David was devoted to making sure his family was taken care of.
The family wishes to thank everyone for your support and for being there for David throughout the years. He made many, many friends in his time at the St. Helena Parish Hospital and loved you all.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.Edwin C. Nicholson
There are two more obituaries, but are for another area.
Good morning. I’m thankful for yesterday’s rain. How about you?
Verse of the Day
Senior Adult Revival
Today is Day 2. We will meet at Line Creek.
Read the Bible in 2025
October 7
Psalm 119:89-176
Sunday’s Lesson
Oct. 12
God’s Plans
Numbers 22:22-35
New Baby
Rangle and Emma Pittman have a baby son who was born late Sunday night. I didn’t write down any information when Grandma Judy told us yesterday.
Obituary
Harold William Harter
September 22, 1934 – October 3, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harold William Harter, of Kentwood, Louisiana, on October 3, 2025. He was 91 years old.
Harold was born on September 22, 1934, in Winfield, Iowa. He was the son of the late Harold Franklin Harter and Helen Appel Bevil. Both his parents were born in Iowa.
A proud veteran, Harold served in the U.S. Air Force. He later dedicated 25 years of his life to a career with the U.S. Government Immigration as a Border Patrol Agent. He received a Commission of Immigration Certificate of Appreciation, and he served in the NLL Sector of Immigration U.S. Border Patrol and was a member of the Texas Rangers Association. He also had a passion for farming and raising cattle. He was a devoted man of the Christian faith and a longtime member of Church of the Nazarene in Baton Rouge, LA.
Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Stella Viola Harter; son, Frank Harter; daughters, Pam Harter, Connie Sampognaro; grandchildren, Hayden Hatchell, Drew Hatchell, Nicholas Sampognaro, Emily DeLee, Carliss Sampognaro, Frankie Sampognaro; and a host of family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Greg Sampognaro, Hayden Hatchell, Edward DeLee, Nick Sampognaro, Drew Hatchell, and Mark Simon.
Honorary Pallbearers include Ricky Brumfield, Brad Blades, John Harter, Tommy Delatte, Buddy Rutland, Paul Knight, and Dave Smith.
Services will be at 12:00 PM on Friday, October 10, at Sharkey Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. Rev. Chandler Veasey will be officiating with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Today’s Quote
“A Christian in his surroundings should encourage everyone to be better, instead of being the one who stoops to be like everyone else.”
“I looked, and between the throne and the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders stood a Lamb who appeared to have been slaughtered. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes (the eyes are the seven Spirits of God sent out over all the earth)“.
This verse describes Jesus as a sacrificed Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, representing the Holy Spirit’s power and knowledge sent out to the entire earth.
It’s up to us. He always chooses us. Seek Him today.
Bible Reading for 10/4
Psalm 108:114
October 4th
Obituary
John G. Holcomb, Jr.
July 12, 1949 – October 1, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Fair City Rehab in Franklinton, LA. He was born July 12, 1949 and was 76 years of age. John was a U. S. Air Force Veteran. He is survived by his nephew, Shawn Holcomb. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Holcomb; and a brother, Donald Holcomb. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM on Monday, October 6, 2025. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Blake Bennett is doing well following his surgery Wednesday afternoon.
Glenda Harrell is home and doing well following yesterday’s procedure.
Laurie Miller is having shoulder trouble. Pray for her improvement.
Michael Anthony has had heart and leg issues but is home and resting now.
Update your personal prayer list.
Additional Bible Reading
‘The Sevenfold Spirit’
Revelation 1:4-5 is an apostolic greeting from John to the seven churches in Asia, bestowing grace and peace from the triune God: the Father (the eternal, unchanging one), the seven spirits (representing the Holy Spirit’s perfection or full ministry), and Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of all earthly kings. The passage continues by acknowledging Jesus’ love for believers and His act of freeing them from sin through His sacrificial blood.
Greeting to the Seven Churches
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
The parking lots have a fresh coat of stiping paint and the doors also have fresh paint. All this looks very nice. Thanks to the properties committee of FBC, Kentwood.
Today is a good day to ____________.
Fill in the blank – Call a person who has been ill. Visit someone who has been missing church. Prepare a dish or meal for someone. Etc.
Prepare today.
It always helps to prepare for Sundays. Which of these preparations will you choose to do today?
Select clothing.
Cook some of tomorrow’s lunch.
Study your SS lesson.
Tidy up your home.
Etc.
Have a great day. “Today” is always the best day to encourage others.
The Prayer Link 
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