I hope you have been able to enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures lately. Find a good way to spend some time outside today.
Today’s Bible Verse
Reading the Bible in 2025
September 27
Psalm 78-79
No New Obituaries Today
Praise God
‘What a Variety!’
You don’t have to look far to find a reason to praise God.
O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:24
I hope you have already found time to read your Sunday School lesson. Use today to review what you read and to do some research on something that “caught your eye” in the lesson.
Prayer Focus
Today, spend some time praying for a young Amite man, Blake Bennett, who is hospitalized because of a football injury a week ago.
Good morning. Many people look forward to Fridays because it is their last day of the workweek. When people are retired, we have to find other ways to look forward to Fridays. We can find many things to do on Fridays that we can look forward to. I hope you have a “Fantastic Friday”! I know it is always a good day to talk with God, to study a Sunday School lesson a little more, to make contact with others, especially through visits. I wonder what you are looking forward to today.
Today’s Bible Verse
People can have various ideas about what God’s House looks like. There was never a time when God’s House looked like this in the Kentwood area, but I have been blessed to have traveled to areas of the world where this type of building was the norm at one time. The age and style of the building does not determine whether a building is called God’s House. It is how it is used and respected by us. I’m sure many of you picture a church as a red brick building. I do.
Reading the Bible in 2025
Today is 9-26-25
Our Bible passage for today is Psalm 74-77. I am enjoying readings from Psalms. The chapters seem to be shorter than some we have read in the OT recently. Be sure you read some background information about the book and chapters we read each day. It. adds a lot to your understanding.
If you did not participate in 2025, it is never too late to join in with today’s reading. Any reading of God’s Word is helpful. Now is the time to begin thinking of reading the Bible again with the plan I will be sharing or with any other plan you choose. I think we have had two big advantages with the current plan, we started in Matthew and we only ready from one book each day.
Daryl Carruth of Greensburg has been hospitalized a few days. Please add him to your prayer list if his name is not already there.
Ruby Schwartz is still recovering from her second surgery. Pray for the best decision making as plan to move her are being discussed. Pray for a good recovery from the previous and the last surgeries.
Thank God for the progress being made by these people and for the endurance of family members as they are wearing their “CAREGIVER” name tags.
Prayer Focus Today
After we communicate with God today, let’s get busy doing something that will bring His name to our hearts and actions today.
Tonight, many schools are having football games. Pray for all students involved. May they be safe in traveling and participation. Also pray for good sportsmanship from both students, parents, and other guests.
Have a wonderful day as you “let your little light shine” for Jesus today.
Good morning friends. Let’s do our best to make this a very special day for those around us. Let’s focus on OTHERS, not ourselves today.
Read the Bible in 2025
September 25
Psalm 70-75
Obituary
Willie “Bobby” Raborn, Jr.
September 22, 1932 – September 24, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born September 22, 1932 in Kentwood, LA and was 93 years of age. He is survived by his 3 children, Suzanne Raborn Denais and husband, John, Keith Raborn and wife, Debra, and Randy Raborn, Sr. and wife, Pam; grandchildren, Sheri Hebert and husband, Joe, Kimberly Aldrich and husband, Tom, Brandon Lassere and wife, Jamie, Sarah Sotillo and husband, Isaac, Caleb Raborn and wife, Mikayla, Randy Raborn, Jr., and Rachel Raborn; 13 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Jacob, Aimee, Bryan, Aurora, Kyra, Cara, Cate, Chris, Nathen, Aiden, Eli, and Jaleigh; and a sister, Yvonne Birch. Preceded in death by his wife, Estelle Foster Raborn; parents, Willie B. Raborn, Sr. and Lillian Stewart Raborn; sister, JoAnn Alford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, September 29, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
This is a sweet story that will make you smile. You might also ask yourself if your church has a “Mr. Bubba”.
Mississippi church preschooler’s ‘Mr. Bubba dress-a-like’ video goes viral
Bro. Darryl has given many people an opportunity to share their testimony. You don’t even have to be in church to do so. Try it. You never know when God will give you the opportunity. Use that opportunity when it comes. Pay attention. You’ll be given lots of opportunities to do so.
It’s a good morning to wake and and begin a new day. Welcome to Wednesday.
Let’s start with today’s verse.
Read the Bible in 2025
September 24th
Psalm 666-69
Today’s Obituary
William Kent “Bill” Hood
June 29, 1950 – September 20, 2025
William Kent “Bill” Hood, 75, of Amite, Louisiana, passed away on September 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 29, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bill was a proud graduate of Amite High School, Class of 1968. He went on to attend Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, forming lifetime friendships.
In 1970, Bill began what would become an extraordinary and impactful career in the automotive industry. Through vision, determination, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, he grew Hood Automotive Group from a single dealership in Amite, Louisiana into a respected network of over 11 locations across the region. Known for treating both employees and customers like family, Bill built a legacy rooted in service, trust, and leadership.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was deeply committed to his community. He generously gave his time and leadership to a wide range of civic, business, and philanthropic organizations including, but not limited to, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. He also served on the boards of Hood Memorial Hospital, Entergy Louisiana and was the longest serving Director of First Guaranty Bank, with a remarkable 48 years of service.
Bill also lived life with a deep sense of joy and adventure. He was an avid traveler and loved boating, golfing, snow skiing, and hunting. Whether he was on the water, on the slopes, or traveling the world, he embraced each moment and shared it generously with those he loved.
Above all his many accomplishments, Bill’s greatest joy in life was being a loving father and grandfather. Affectionately known as “Daddy Hood”, he poured his heart into his family. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love were constant gifts to his children and grandchildren, who adored him beyond measure.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Amy Kirk Morgan Hood; daughters, Amy Hood Conti (husband Brant), Nancy Hood Pray (husband Cade), and Betsy Kent Hood; grandchildren, Savannah Carol Conti, Sophia Morgan Pray, William Blake Conti, and Hudson Hood Pray. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas “Bobo” Hood; sisters, Lindy Hayden, Candy Jenkins, and Cindy Hood; brothers-in-law, Jeff Morgan and Marty Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas James Hood; mother, Marie Kent Hood; father-in-law, Elmer Grady Morgan; mother-in-law, Gloria McIntyre Morgan; brother-in-law, Chip Morgan; and nephew, Tommy Hood.
In accordance with Bill’s wishes, a private service will be held with close family only.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Elmer Grady Morgan Endowed Scholarship in Athletics, Southeastern Development Foundation, SLU 10293, Hammond, LA 70402.
See You at the Pole
Today is the day many students will meet at the flagpole of their school before school to share prayers, Scripture, songs, and testimonies. Circling around the flagpole with other students is a wonderful way to share faith in God.
Prayers Appreciated
Ruby Schwartz is still hospitalized following her recent surgery. She will be there for a while yet as the infection is cleared from her body. She appreciates your prayers and contacts.
I appreciated the article about a bus ministry bringing people to a church. My early experiences with a bus ministry was similar to this article. We also were able to bring many, including some adults, to church. I am reminded of the hymn “Bring Them In” which I haven’t heard in many years. This set of lyrics includes optional wording specific to children and is new to me this morning.
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025 at her home. She was born December 30, 1935 in Amite, LA and was 89 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Tinker Cutrer; 5 sons, Ray Cutrer (Debbie), Newton Cutrer, Woody Cutrer (Cindy), Bill Cuter (Angie), and Timothy J. Cutrer; 1 sister, Mary Zeffer Thames; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Joe Cutrer, Jr.; son, Lester Eugene Cuter; daughter, Vera King; and granddaughter, Brandi Cutrer. Visitation at First Pentecostal Church of Roseland from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer, Rev. Jesse Cutrer, and Rev. Bobby Graham. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Obituary
Willie Monroe Hebert, Sr.
January 18, 1940 — September 20, 2025
DeRidder, Louisiana
Willie Monroe Hebert Sr., a beloved father and treasured friend, joined his Lord and Savior on September 20, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in New Orleans, LA, on January 18, 1940, Willie lived a life full of adventure and laughter, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Willie made his mark as a hardworking pipe liner, a proud member of Local 692. He often spoke fondly of his years on the pipeline before retiring, and he also ventured into owning a glass company and an auto body repair shop later in life. His varied career paths reflected his industrious spirit and knack for creativity.
Willie’s heart was always drawn to the great outdoors, especially to his cherished home at Toledo Bend Lake. Whether he was fishing or enjoying time spent woodworking, Willie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Known for his mischievous personality and infectious smile, he brought laughter and happiness to his family and friends.
He is survived by his children: Gayle Byrd and Gary of Dry Creek, LA; Willie Monroe Hebert Jr. and Greta of Moreauville, LA; Barry Lynn Hebert and Betty of DeRidder, LA; Tina Maddox and Howard of Grant, LA, and Royce Allen Hebert and Kayla of Austin, TX; sister, Gertrude Hebert Vercher of Alexandria, LA; brother, Joseph Horace Hebert (J.H.) of Newark, MO; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Willie was preceded in death by his father, Horace Hebert; mother, Gertrude Reeves Hebert Doran; wife, Fran Hebert; grandson, Gary Marshall Byrd II; sisters, Lillie Hebert DeLee, Wanda Hebert Welch Crabtree; brothers, J.D. Hebert, Walter Morris Hebert, Billy James Hebert, Sr.
A graveside service will be held at Arcola Roseland Cemetery on September 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM, where family and friends will gather to celebrate Willie’s life and legacy. He will be interred at Arcola Roseland Cemetery, 63409 Hill St, Roseland, LA, where his memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who loved him.
Willie’s warmth and humor will be sorely missed, but his spirit will live on in the stories we share and the love he freely gave.
(Willie was married to my cousin, Fran Widas, who passed away last November.)
Read the Bible Today
September 23
Psalm 58-65
Pine Ridge Bible Study
We will meet Wednesday at noon and be studying chapter four.
Today, let’s pray for others. You can pray for a number of people who have various needs. If possible use those needs to guide you as you pray and minister to others today.
Here are awake and thinking ahead to this day the Lord as given us. I thank Him for bringing us to this day and all it holds for us today. I also thank Him for giving me a good weekend.
This week, let’s invest in some of the homebound people in our community. Choose some you know or get brave and meet new-to-you homebound residents in our area.
Please continue to pray for your church and the outreach from your church. Do your part to expand this ministry. You can make it a special private ministry. Do this and be blesssed!
Good morning on this Lord’s Day! Thank God for waking you up this morning. Ask Him what he has for you to do today.
Today’s Verse
Nancy Gray Birch
August 1, 1937 – September 19, 2025
Nancy Gray Birch, a lifelong resident of Kentwood, departed for her heavenly home on Friday, September 19, 2025 at a residence in Tangipahoa Parish at 88 years of age. Nancy started working as a lab technician at Pike Hospital in Kentwood. Then She continued her career as a lab technician with the State of Louisiana in Jackson, LA and then went to work at Lallie Kemp Hospital as a lab technician and retired at the age of 60 years of age. She was married to her husband, Ladell for 63 years and had 3 daughters. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Julia B. Travis and Michelle Fitzgerald and husband, Justin; seven grandchildren, Jansen Fitz and husband, Cragg, Garrett Fitzgerald and wife, Rachel, Brennan Lee and husband, Ethan, Sutton Travis and wife, Stephanie, Cullyn Travis Breland, Joshua DeLee and wife, Madison, and Allee DeLee Munn and husband, Paden; great grandchildren, Kenlea Wilkinson, Case and Kit Lee, Lola, Lyla, and Stoney Fitzgerald, Wes and Lennon Fitz, Sadie, Sage, Slade, and Sofia Travis, Beau and Eliza Breland, and Annie Kate and Wills DeLee; one sister, Peggy Varnado and husband, Jimmie; and her loving, caring care giver, Peggy Tate. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Resa Birch; husband, Ladell Birch; parents, James and Nettie Gray; brothers, James H. Gray, Huey P. Gray, and Leahman Gray; and a sister, Antoinette Willson. Pallbearers will be Garrett Fitzgerald, Sutton Travis, Joshua DeLee, Paden Munn, Cragg Fitz, Paul Willson, Baxter Birch, Jeff Birch, and Phil Gray. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible in 2025
September 21
Psalm 46-50
Additional Bible Reading for Today
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This passage explains that being “poor in spirit” is a blessing from God, not just a state of sadness, but rather an acknowledgement of one’s deep spiritual need for Him and a blessed place of dependence on Him, for which they receive the kingdom of heaven. (Easy English Bible)
Sunday School Lesson Today
The lesson for today focuses on Numbers 13.
Be an Encourager Today.
Encouraging others comes in many forms. Choose what works best for you.
This offering is for ministry in Louisiana. All funds are used here in our own state – Collected here and spent here!
English as a Second Language (ESL)
According to Shannon Brown, “ESL is an opportunity to do missions without leaving home.” English as a Second Language (ESL) training is a Compassion Ministry of Louisiana Baptists, and Shannon is the statewide coordinator.
Shannon’s passion for cross-cultural missions began at the University of New Orleans, where she joined the Baptist Student Union’s outreach to international students. Her experience of opening her family home created natural opportunities to demonstrate Christian love across cultural boundaries.
Extending Christian hospitality while meeting tangible needs for people from other countries shaped Shannon’s mission journey. Her heart now is to establish church-based ESL ministries that intentionally share and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ while helping people learn to speak English. In ESL classes, participants learn how to build relationships with people in their community and create lasting connections. Classes also provide a natural setting for sharing the gospel.
Support from the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering allows Shannon to train and assist local churches in reaching multi-ethnic communities for Christ.
For wisdom as Shannon leads Louisiana Baptist churches to reach people from diverse backgrounds.
For Shannon to have continued opportunities to serve in cross-cultural ministry.
For the seeds planted in ESL classes to bear fruit.
For Louisiana churches to give generously to the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering to support Compassion Ministries like ESL that reach international students and others from diverse backgrounds.
Local Southern Baptist churches have special envelopes for this offering. You can also write Georgia Barnette on a regular envelope before placing your offering in a offeratory plate.
Spiritual Warfare
‘God Is a Refuge, a Shield, and aSource of Hope!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
Ps. 119:113-115
Today is a day for preparation of things you need to do before the Lord’s Day. Accomplishments today can help make tomorrow run more smoothly.
Examples: Studying your lesson. (Scripture focus posted yesterday)
Selecting clothing and being sure everything is ready for wearing
Preliminary planning/preparation for some food items
Preparation for guests you might have
Fall Food Round-up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
Thank you for you donations of items needed or a check to purchase some items as the need for them arises. (For your information: Each cottage prepares their own food in that cottage. It’s like in our own homes, not like a cafeteria style setting.) This is more helpful to the residents who call the LBCH home.
Another option that is becoming popular is to provide gift cards for eating out or pick-up. We’ll talk about that more at another time. If you would like to know more ask me or call the children’s home.
Operation Christmas Child
We are collecting funds for postage. This includes shipping fees, a Bible in the language of each child, a booklet that is similar to a Sunday School book that introduces the child to Jesus and gives them an option to continue learning what the Bible says, etc. The cost is very economical – $10.00 per shoebox!
During October, there will be training for drop-off location leaders and packing of shoeboxes in many churches. November 17-24 will be the days for dropping your completed shoeboxes off to a designated location. FBC, Kentwood serves in this capacity. Whatever site you use, go to the Samaritan’s Purse webpage and then Operation Christmas child. You will find the hours these official sites are available.
Use your personal prayer list for praying today. Have a wonderful day!
Your Fantastic Friday awaits you. What will you do with this day God is giving us?
Today’s Scripture Verse
Reading the Bible in 2025
September 19
Psalm 36-39
Prayer Focus
Please pray for our nation to stand strong for the values God would have us live for and thank God for our forefathers and their strong belief in God and ideals for our nation.
Sunday School Lesson
September 21
“The Land”
Numbers 13:17-31
Senior Adult Lunch Yesterday
We enjoyed our lunch yesterday at Middendorf’s. There were 32 FBC, Kentwood senior adults present for the meal. What a blessing on a beautiful day!
Two-Rivers Associational Senior Adult Revival
Early October
1st day – Meeting at Spring Creek
Assisted by Kentwood
I’ll share more information next week.
‘Idolatry, Power, Money,and Satan’
23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of [a]Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen.
25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade.
26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.
27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and [b]her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”
Acts 19:23-27, New King James Bible
Please continue to pray for Ruby Schwartz. She is experiencing a lot of pain following the additional surgery she had.
The Prayer Link 
You must be logged in to post a comment.