Good morning. I thank God for the opportunities He has planned for us today. I pray we use those opportunities well.
Today’s Verse
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalms 100:1, KJV
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for each other to heed what God calls us to do as we serve Him today.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 24
Exodus 16-18
Obituary
Lawana Renee Carter
October 1, 1970 – April 22, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born October 1, 1970 in Hammond, LA and was 55 years of age. Lawana is survived by her 2 sons, Mason Carter and wife, Angelicia, and Adam Carter; 1 granddaughter, Skylar Carter; fiancé, James Smith; 4 siblings, Ronald Breeland, Linda Carroll, Debbie Whittle, and Keith Carter; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Alton Perry Carter and Molly Varnado Carter; 2 sisters, Sandra Fontenot and Jean DiMauro. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Interment will be at a later date in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
God wants us to bring others to Him! Baptists calls the funding of this effort in North America the Annie Armstrong Offering. It is never the wrong time to support this offering, but this is the season of the year when we encourage it the most. If you wish to do so, just mark your offering “Annie Armstrong”. One hundred percent of your gift will go to this offering.
Missions
God can use our time, talents, and money to tell others about Jesus. He calls some individuals to serve full time as missionaries and others to serve part-time. I think “part time” describes most of us.
This can include short time mission opportunities like the Journey Program, summer mission trips, and/or even working in international projects. We now have programs and activities we can participate in without ever leaving our home and our home church. That description fits many of us! It’s also a great way to be involved in missions.
You can also support various projects through our churches. There is no right or wrong way, just be involved. Let God lead you this very day!
A Scripture to close with this morning:
1 Peter 1:8-9 (KJV): Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
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.
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 others?
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!
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
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
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”!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Prayer Link 
You must be logged in to post a comment.