“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.
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”Psalm 86:15
August 18
II Chronicles 25-27
Prayer Focus
Pray for safety and comfort as we begin another day of extremely hot weather.
Read the Bible in 2026
Obituary
Jennifer Marie Kaltenbaugh
Jan 5, 1989 — Aug 15, 2026
Holden, LA
A resident of Holden, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at The Butterfly Wing of Baton Rouge Hospice. She was born January 5, 1989 in New Orleans, LA and was 37 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Savanna Kaltenbaugh; mother, Lori Newman; sister, Theresa Landrum and husband, William; brother, Robert Kaltenbaugh and wife, Alayna; grandmothers, Louise Kaltenbaugh and Betty Durr; nieces and nephews, Tyler Landrum, Lauren Landrum, Kelsey Kaltenbaugh, and Aiden Kaltenbaugh; and numerous aunts and uncles. Preceded in death by her father, Robert Kaltenbaugh; step-father, Donnie Newman; and grandfathers, Glenn Kaltenbaugh and Melvin Durr. A memorial service will be held at Theresa Landrum’s Home, 3258 Hwy 1045, Amite, LA at 1:00PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
7 killed; a dozen churches, hundreds of homes damaged in Indiana storms
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 ESV
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