OOPS, I see that I titled yesterday’s Prayer Link ” Friday”! Sorry, it should have said Saturday. I had it right in my prayer list notebook, but that doesn’t help you! Without going to work Monday – Friday, the days seem to run together.

Today is the Lord’s Day. I am excited to have studied a lesson based on Psalms again.

Today’s Verse

Reading the Bible in 2025

• August 24
• Nehemiah 4-6

Prayer Requests

Please pray for Maurice Wall. He grew up in Roseland. I knew his whole family. Maurice has been having health issues lately. He is a little better and in North Oaks. Please pray he continues to improve.

Please continue to pray for those who worked at Smitty’s. I read that the fire was almost out. The workers there will all be without jobs. Pray for them as they make adjustments in their lives and recover from images of what has happened to their work site. Pray for

Also pray for the first responders and firemen who have been at the site trying to put out one of the largest fires ever in out area. Pray for their emotions as they relive the fire over and over. Pray for families too!

Pray for those who had to evacuate their homes for their safety and many others involved in the situation in so many ways. Be patient and safe in whatever involvement you have.

Sunday School Lesson

I look forward to teaching about Psalm 5:1-12. Learn more about David’s pleas with God.

Women on Mission

The Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission will meet at FBC. Kentwood on Saturday morning, September 13. Come learn more about Camp Living Waters and the Louisiana missions yearly offering.

There are No Local Obituaries Today.

Quote of the Day

Words of Quinton J. Everest:

“When a person’s faith seems to collapse without warning, one can be sure it has been the result of inner conflicts — the termites of disobedience.”

Have a Great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

This morning I thank God for safety for many people at Smitty’s, in the community, and on the highways as an explosion occurred and nobody was injured! I also thank God for those who went there after the explosion to keep the situation from getting any worse and to protect many lives. God’s protection was clearly present. There are now and will be many needs of people who work and live in the area. Thank God for His protection for everyone! Ask God to continue to watch over the all those involved.

Today’s Scripture

This verse was the focus fifteen years ago today. It seems very fitting today for many people.

Read the Bible Today

• August 23
• Nehemiah 1-3

Obituary

Laney Ray Varden, Jr.

January 26, 1942 – August 21, 2025

A resident of Plaquemine, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at his home. He was born January 26, 1942 in Pine Grove, LA and was 83 years of age. Laney was the only child of Mr. Laney Ray Varden, Sr. and Mrs. Westa Duplechin. He graduated from Baker High School and continued his education by graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. While in college he resided with his loving aunt Lorena Yarborough in Greensburg, Louisiana. It was at this time that he met his wife, Connie Annettte Bridges. He is survived by wife of 58 years, Connie Annette Varden; sons, Steve DeLaune Varden and Ron Louis Varden; grandchildren, Brady Varden, Addie Varden, and Olivia Varden. Preceded in death by his father, Laney Ray Varden, Sr.; mother, Westa D. Varden; and son, Michael Ray Varden. A special Thank you to Comfort Care Hospice.  Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, August 25, 2025. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thank-you for believing in prayer and for putting it into practice regularly.

Anna Lee

Welcome to this new day. I hope it is a great day for us to be ENCOURAGERS.

No New Obituaries Listed Today

Bible Reading

• August 22
• Ezra 8-10
• That completes the reading of Ezra!

Scripture Focus

There’s that word again today – “Encourage”!

It works both ways. We need to encourage others. They can be encouraging to us!

Sunday School Scripture

• Psalm 5:1-12
• Lament – Sadness

Associational WMU/Women on Mission Meeting

• Saturday, September 13
• Leadership – 9:00 A.M.
• Meeting 10:00 A.M.
• Theme – Georgia Barnette Offering (LA Missions)
• Focus – Camp Living Waters
• Speaker – Harrell Sharkey, Jr., Pastor of Kedron Baptist Church, Amite
• Potluck Lunch
• All ladies and girls are invited.

Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon

“The repetition of small efforts will accomplish more than the occasional

use of great talents.”

— Charles H. Spurgeon

I’m so glad you checked in today. I’m looking forward to this great gift. What about you? I hope we can share some of today’s joy and blesssings with someone else.

Anna Lee

Here we are with another Thursday. I wonder what will. happen today. Let’s keep our focus on God as another day unfolds itself in front of us.

Today’s Bible Verse

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s give some prayer emphasis to parents of students. Let’s pray they have set good, reachable goals appropriate for each of their children. Pray parents can address current daily needs and eternal needs for each of their children. May they also realize the goals they work toward will have long-lasting and even eternal purposes and benefits!

Surgery Yesterday

Mrs. Ruby Schwartz had back surgery yesterday. Last night, Bro. Darryl reported that the surgery was just completed and all seemed to have good results. Pray for her as she recovers.

Others – Medical Tests and Improvement

As usual, there are others in and out of the hospital who are receiving care and learning of medical needs that need to be addressed. George Bales will be beginning to take a new medication today his body needs. Pray for George and his family as they proceed as a family team.

Pray for others who choose not to be named, but who are also receiving much needed medical care.

No New Obituaries Posted This Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Sunday School Lesson

• “God’s Righteousness”
• Psalm 5:1-12

Additional Scripture –  Proverbs 11:25

Charles Spurgeon

“We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others…”

Pine Ridge Bible Study

Our study is only two weeks away. If you would like to join us you need to contact Kathy Wales to enroll and purchase a copy of the book about some of the women of the Bible. All meetings are at Pine Ridge.

Update Your Prayer Journal

This needs to be done regularly. Keep your list current.

Thanks for Reading and Praying today.

Remember to focus some prayer time on others.

Anna Lee

Good morning. It’s good to have you check with us this morning. Let’s all start the day listing our blessings.

Scripture Focus

• August 20
• Ephesians 2:19-20

No New Local Obituaries Posted This Morning

Two Deaths in One Family

Liz Morrman co-teaches Sunday School with Yvonne Birch. Yvonne called yesterday to request prayer for Liz’s family. Her mother, who doesn’t live in this area, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Liz’s uncle also passed away. Thankfully, two unrelated deaths in one family a day apart is not common. Let’s pray for Liz and her family.

Good Report

A church member spent a couple days in a hospital, but is back with family. Thank God all hospital stays are not for long periods of time. Sometimes doctors can learn what they need to know to release a patient without a long stay. What a blessing – a double win! Information gained, a new plan developed, and only a short hospital stay.

We have at least one other member in the hospital. Thank God for good, specialized help when it is needed.

Keep your prayer journal updated so it will be most helpful.

Reading the Bible Today

• Wednesday
• Starting a new book of the Bible
• Ezra 1-3
• I hope you are keeping up. This plan has been a good one.
• It’s almost time to decide on a plan for next year.

An Additional Scripture; “Wise Counsel”

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

— Galatians 5:14

Prayer Focus

Today, pray for your family members who live in the same home as you, family members who live in this area, family members who live in other states, and even those who sometimes live far away. Today, let’s prayer for families who do not all live in the same area, but who depend on vehicles and electronics to stay in touch.

Wednesday Night at FBC

Adults – Sermon by Bro. Darryl

Youth – Meet in Lighthouse for special activities

Children – Groups meet under the direction of “Miss” Shelly.

Nursery – Care provided for children too young for the “Miss” Shelly’s group

A class for everyone!

If you missed the lunch provided last Sunday, you missed a good meal, hot and ready to go when the service was concluded. Thanks to those who cooked any portion of the delicious meal.

Baptist Press – Good stories to read!

https://www.baptistpress.com/

God will be traveling with you in all you do today.

Anna Lee

Good morning. Let’s get up smiling because God gave us this morning. Be sure to thank Him. You can also ask him to provide you opportunities during the day to be helpful and encouraging to “OTHERS”.

Today’s Verse

No New Local Obituaries This Morning

Read the Bible Every Day in 2025

• August 19
• II Chronicles 35-36
• That completes another book of the Bible!
• Tomorrow, we’ll begin the book of Ezra.
• Bro. Darryl has preached from Ezra lately. It will be interesting to follow his sermons up with another good reading of Ezra.

Pine Ridge Bible Study

We will begin a new study on Wednesday, September 3rd at 11:00 A.M. at Pine Ridge Methodist Church. All ladies are invited to attend. Tell Kathy Wales you will be joining us or tell me. I will pass the message on to her. By the way, we enjoy some delicious meals together each week! The fellowship is as great as the study!

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for parents as they enforce the rules and guidelines they have set for their children. We all know it is important to be consistent. That’s easier to say than to do. Let’s help them to aim high and to do a good job by praying for them.

Sunday School Lesson

The lesson this week concerns “God’s Righteousness” and is based on Psalm 5:1-12. A Psalm of lament reminds us that “clouds of despair” have been hanging over the heads of others for many years. Sometimes we experience them too. God is ALWAYS there is carry us through!

Fall Food RoundUp

This week is a good time to write a check for the Fall Food Roundup or to purchase some items they will need at the Children’s Home in the coming year. A truck will be at the church EARLY that morning, so get you food or check to the church before the last day.

Have a wonderful day. Pass some of your blessings on to others.

Anna Lee

This reminds me of singing, “Glory for Me, That Will be Glory for Me!”

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on God’s Glory. My it be evident in our lives!

There are no new obituaries listed this morning.

Today’s Bible Reading

• August 18
• II Chronicles 32-34

Yesterday was certainly a great day to be in God’s house. Today is going to be a great day to contact those who were unable to be in church yesterday.

Project

Today, contact several people you missed in church yesterday. They may have a need you can address.

Operation Christmas Child

Special thanks to the individuals and groups who contributed to the OCC POSTAGE FUND! Thanks-you so much for helping with the next “Shoebox” step!

Schools

Please continue to say special prayers for students in new schools (Just beginning, Changing buildings, College and dorm life, New majors, etc). Pray for parents to make wise decisions in choices, support, friendships, sports, activities, friends, etc. for their students. Many times parents do not realize how vital their support and encouragement is!

Have a richly blessed day as you minister to others.

Anna Lee

Verse of the Day

2025 Bible Reading Plan

• August 28
• II Chronicles 28-31
• We’re moving right on. Take a minute to look at your Bible index and see how many books we have completed.
• Think of all you have learned. I know we can’t remember everything, but we remember more than before. We are also more aware of that is included in the Bible.

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s pray for those who feel God’s call on their lives as His word is presented in churches all over our community today.

No New Obituaries Listed This Morning

Sunday School Lesson

• August 17
• Psalm 139

Thank God for the ability and desire to study His Word and attend church services today. May we all “bear fruit” for him today!

Anna Lee

Daily Bible Reading

• August 16
• II Chronicles 25-27

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Nearly half of U.S. Christians don’t attend church, State of the Bible finds

This is a sad statement for our country! We all need to consider what we can do to improve this statistic!

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on the 45% in the previous article.

• How doees that staatement make you feel?
• What does it encourage you to do?
• What are you going to do today?
• Let’s start with prayer.

It’s Saturday! Get ready for church tomorrow!

Sunday School Lesson

• August 17
• Psalm 139

Operation Christmas Child

If your church is packing “Shoeboxes” for children around the world, help out by making needed purchases or giving money to help with the postage. Earlier this week we worked on some shoebox items at church. I was told the shipping fee was a bargain. This is the comparison the man made:

One letter mails for $.73 within the US!

One shoebox mails for $10.00 and might travel anywhere in the world.

Think also of the size and weight comparison.

One regular envelope and 2 pages of paper is $.73 to mail, but a shoebox containing a composition book, filler paper, a coloring book, colors, markers, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, a calculator, toiletries, stuffed or plastic animals, several toys such as marbles, cars, games, dolls, etc, a tote bag, item(s) of clothing, tools, rope, spoon, cup, etc. all ship for $10.00!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think on that today. I think you will agree, the shipping fee is quite a bargain! Help us ship those wonderful “Shoeboxes” to children who may be receiving their first gift.

More important than all those materials. A shoebox contains a Bible in the appropriate language and the equivalent of a Sunday School book with stories and verses from the Bible and an invitation to attend classes to learn about Jesus!

He was right! Shoebox postage is much more than just reasonable. It is a BARGAIN!

What do you think “a forever in heaven for a child” is worth?

Anna Lee

Good morning. Today, our focus is on our local area.

Let’s pray for churches be be involved in outreach to others. There are so many ways to reach out. Find what works in your church and in your life. Get involved.

The great commision begins with a short simple word. It’s “Go”. We can go to other countries, other neighborhoods, personal homes, parks, etc. I think that little word, shows that we need a purpose and a goal. “Go” does not require a lifetime of surrender to missions, living in a country with a different language ,and a different topography for years. It involves action with the purpose of telling others about God. As you “Go”, you will be blessed. From our area churches, we are to step out the front doors and put effort into reaching out to others. God will provide the results and the blessings.

Today’s Bible Verse

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

No New Obituaries at this Time

Read Scripture Today

• August 15
• II Corinthians 21-24

Sunday School Lesson for the 17th

• Portions of Psalm 139
• A song of thankfulness.
• Written by David
• He had reasons to be thankful. We do too!

Fall Food Round-up

Let me make giving food to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home easy for you. As an option to purchasing food and taking it to the church by a certain date, write a check! The “home” can purchase exactly what is needed and do so as needed! Give the check to your church during the food collection time. They can “do the shopping” as needs are identified. Transporting and handling all the groceries and cleaning supplies is eliminated.

No matter if you give a check or several cases of food items, pray for those who will are cared for at the home and those who dedicate their lives to doing so. What an awesome ministry, one I have learned about since I was a child!

Personal Prayer Lists

Use your list to pray today. Check to see if your list needs any updating.

You can give a little notebook to a friend and help them make a list so they can have a handy guide. Encourage them to pray. It’s not necessarey to give them your list of needs, but suggesting categories such as new babies, illnesses, surgiers, and deaths, would be helpful. Be sure to include other categories such as various activities at church such as camp, new classes, choir presentations, attendance for Bible study, new families, missions etc.

I love your feedback on what I include daily. Most of all, I am thankful to encourage you to pray. You are so special to many people!

Anna Lee