Verse of the Day

Read More of the Scripture

‘Greatly Encouraged by Strong Faith’

“So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your…”

1 Th. 3:7-8

OBITUARY

James Eugene Robertson

April 30, 1943 – April 25, 2025

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the age of 81. He was raised in Hillsdale, LA. He made his choice to serve the Lord at a young age. He married his highschool sweetheart, Laura Lee, in 1961. Together they lovingly raised five children. A life long dairy farmer, he served on numerous dairy boards, was passionate about helping his fellow dairyman, and loved serving his community. He loved to deer hunt, spend time with his grandkids, and visit with his friends over a HOT cup of coffee. 

Eugene is survived by his daughters, Tessa Robertson Crouch (Stefan) and Scarlett Robertson Breckwoldt (Chris); sons, Daryl Robertson (Mary Jo), Curtis Robertson, and Hilton Polk Robertson (Regina); grandchildren, Jay Crouch (Samantha), April Hayden (Kyle), Dustin Robertson (Amanda), Brittany Cockerham (Ben), Amanda Hyde (Devin), Austin Robertson, Hunter Crouch, Kristin Sicard (Jody), Cassidy Johnson (Myles),  Shelby McKee (Aaron), Bryce Robertson (Ashley), Ashton Fletcher (Gaten), Billy Trabeaux (Lindsey), Barbie Trabeaux, and Brandi Thomas (Kane); many great-grandbabies that he loved and adored; sister, Vivian Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Laura Lee Tiner Robertson; sister, Mae Jean Robertson Smith; 4 brothers, Hulos Robertson, Emmit Robertson, Terry Robertson and Jerry Lynn Robertson. 

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Interment Robertson Family Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. 

Pallbearers will be Jay Crouch, Hunter Crouch, Bryce Robertson, Myles Johnson, Ben Cockerham, Jody Sicard, Aaron McKee, and Gaten Fletcher. 

The Robertson family extends their sincere appreciation for the excellent care provided by Modern Hospice and The Lodge at Tangi Pines. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Personal Message: I met him and his wife at school activities when I taught their children a “few” years ago. They were a great family.

Colby & Delanie Dean Fortenberry introduce Bentley

Bentley Fortenberry has arrived!

• April 24th
• 8:27 pm
• 6 pounds 15 ounces
• 19 3/4 inches long

We are thrilled for them and can hardly wait to see him.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

Welcome back. I’m thankful you joined with me this morning to study and pray.

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

I know many families have traveled during this past week of Spring break in many schools. Let’s pray for them to be ready for school (and work) tomorrow..

Commentary for Tomorrow’s Lesson

Suffering as a Christian (I Peter 4)

Verse 12

‘Dear Christian friends’. Peter loves and cares about the people to whom he is writing. Again, he says that Christians should not be surprised when they have painful troubles. The *Greek word for ‘painful’ means ‘burning’. Painful troubles are like the fire that tests the gold of *faith (see chapter 1:7). Difficulties are an opportunity for a Christian to show real trust in God.

Verse 13

When people suffer because they are Christians, they can have joy. They know what will happen in the future. They suffer as Christ did when he was in the world. When he returns, they will have a share in his *glory. Then they will be full of joy.

Verse 14

God blesses Christians when people curse them. Peter calls the Holy Spirit ‘the Spirit of *glory and of God’. All Christians have the Holy Spirit in their lives. When Jesus returns, all Christians will have a share of God’s *glory. But those who suffer because they are Christians have special help from the Holy Spirit now.

Verse 15

Christians know that it is wrong to murder or to steal. These are among the 10 commands that God gave to Moses (Exodus 20). It is also wrong to ‘make trouble in other people’s lives’. That means being too interested in someone’s personal affairs.

Verse 16

Not everyone will suffer as a Christian. If you do, that is no reason to be ashamed. Philippians 2:9-11 says that, in the end, everyone will have to agree that Jesus Christ is *Lord. Christians can thank God now that Jesus Christ died to forgive their *sins and to give them new life. They are happy to know that he is their *Lord.

Verses 17-18

‘Judgement’ is the act of judging. God will judge people by his standards of what is right and wrong. Then he will reward or punish each person. It is not easy to live a Christian life. God wants Christians to be pure. He allows them to have troubles. These troubles test their trust in God and make it more pure. But many people do not trust Jesus or obey him. Their lives are full of what is bad. They are wicked people. If they do not accept Jesus, it will be awful for them when God comes to judge them. God will not forgive them. In Matthew 18:9 Jesus says they will go to ‘the fire of hell’. This describes their terrible fate.

Verse 19

Christians cannot always understand what God allows to happen. However, they must continue to trust him and to do what is right. God created the whole world and everything and everybody in it. So he has very great power. God is ‘loyal’. This means that he will use his power to care for all who put their trust in him. He will never fail them. He will always do what is good for them.

Daily Bible Reading

• April 26
• Exodus 22-24

Dig a Little Deeper – “Unstopable !

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria
had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there.
As soon as they arrived,….”

 (Acts 8:14-17)

Do something for someone else. Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Today’s Verse

Sunday School Scriptures

“Be Prepared”

I Peter 4:12-19

Prayer Focus

Remind children to be alert to dangers in the yard, in and under trees, in toys and water, etc. Then, pray for children as they spend more time outside.

Daily Bible Reading

Exodus 19-21

Baptist Press

Septuagenarian isn’t slowing down as she continues to faithfully serve the Lord

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/septuagenarian-isnt-slowing-down-as-she-continues-to-faithfully-serve-the-lord/

As Civil War chases South Sudan, onsite Send Reief-backed ministry continues

As civil war chases South Sudan, onsite Send Relief-backed ministry continues

Bible Study: Walk in the Spirit

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/bible-study-walk-in-the-spirit/

Send Network Training Map Focuses on Fostering Church Planters

Send Network Training Map focuses on fostering church planters

Dig Deeper in the Bible

Blinded by Religious Prejudice

Matthew 9:32-34

“When [the two blind men who had been healed] left, a
demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So
Jesus cast out the demon, and…”

https://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0425-wjd.html

Have a wonderfully, blessed day!

Bless someone else today!

Anna Lee

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

Today, I would like to list some names of people outside those I usually request you pray for. You do not need to know everything about their prayer needs to pray for them. Today’s list includes:

Jason Lasseigne

Ray Gill

Dan Turner

Chance O’Hearn

Patricia DeBlanc

Gloria Gill

Ronnie and Elaine Cutrer

Judy Raborn

Daily Bible Reading

• April 24
• Exodus 16-18

Obituary

Sandra K. Dees

August 21, 1951 – April 23, 2025

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at her home. She was born August 21, 1951 in McComb, MS and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Harvey Dees; 4 daughters, Candy Maurer, Melanie Dees, Dawn Dees, and Darla Dees; 2 sisters, Lana Easley and Deborah Pruett; 2 brothers, William Carruth and Gregory Carruth; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father, Thomas Elton Carruth; and mother, Bobbie Ruth Carruth. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from  8:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lowry Fox

Mary Alice Fox said the obituary is delayed, but coming. She also said there will be a brief memorial service in Gillsburg in June. More information coming….

Read a Little More

“Take Delight”

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will…”

Psalm 37:4-6

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I think you will enjoy reading this article:

Fill the Tank: Baptism Sunday puts spotlight on new life, obedience

Also, many Christians have died in Africa.

Bloody April for Christians in Nigeria with death toll surpassing 240

There’s always much to read and pray about.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Pray for the 2025 graduates (High School, College, and Advance Degrrees).

Daily Bible Reading

• April 23
• Exodus 13-15
• After reading, pray.

Additional Scripture Reading

“Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at
your word. I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.”

‘Discovering God’s Great Treasure’ (Ps. 119:161-162)

After reading, pray, thanking God we have freedom to read our Bibles.

Baptist Press

Easter services bring baptisms, salvations, record crowds

Americans have higher church attendance standards than pastors

Thank God for the articles available to us to read and to share.

Obituary

Terrell Wayne Cain

November 5, 1958 – April 21, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 5, 1958 in and was 66 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cindy Cain; son, Dillon Cain; daughter, Amber Veranzza and husband, Ariel; 2 granddaughters, Marisa Veranzza and Julianna Veranzza. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for this family.

Sunday School Lesson

• April 27
• “Be Prepareed”
• I Peter 4:12-19

Operation Christmas Child

We are currently working on decorating inside the lids of our shoeboxes. It is a slow process, but will bring a smile every time the boxes are opened.

We are now beginning to collect bandanas, 5 in. flashlights, and extra batteries.

Pray, asking God to guide you in making purchasess.

Thank-you for reading and responding as God leads you.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, pray for students as they are our of school. Pray for good decisions and for freedom of injury or other troubles. May they learn/experience something today that is beneficial to them.

Daily Bible Reading

• April 22
• Exodus 10-12

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read a Little More

“I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life — when will you come to…”

‘Full Life Praise’ (Ps. 101:1-3)

Today is the perfect day to act on something you have considered doing to benefit someone else.

“See” you tomorrow!

Anna Lee

Have a happy and blessed Monday. Make it a good day!

Prayer Focus

Pray for the school students and teachers as they have some holidays.. Pray for safety as they have a break from school and that they are able to experience something that is not in their regular daily routine.

Pray for your Catholic friends and the Catholic membership worldwide at the time of the death of Pope Francis. Pray for the Catholic church as they select a new pope in the coming weeks.

Daily Bible Readings

• April 21
• Exodus 7-9

Obituary – Lowry Fox

Mary Alice Fox sent a message that Lowery Fox passed away. I’ll post the obituary when one becomes available.

Additional Bible Readings

‘Who Can Argue with These Qualities?’ (Ro. 14:17-18)

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Trump points to importance of Holy Week, Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Screen capture from C-SpanBy BP Staff, posted April 17, 2025 in National News

Prayers asked for, received in wake of deadly Florida State shooting

Carrots lead to women’s ministry in South Asian village

Carrots sparked a Gospel conversation between IMB Journeyman missionaries and some South Asian sisters. Missionaries use any means to help a conversation transition to the Gospel. IMB PhotoBy Sue Sprenkle, posted April 17, 2025 in International Mission Board

Baptists help in former coal-mining town devastated by flooding

By Sharon Mager/Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, posted April 17, 2025 in Disaster Relief

Enjoy this day.

Get out and do something outside if you can. Didn’t you enjoy the beautiful days we had last week?

Important Question

Ask someone what they would need for you to do or help them today.

I’m thankful you read this post this morning. Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

To me, this is the most special and meaningful day of the year!

I hope you know Him and celebrate this wonderful day today.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on the messages to be presented in all our area churches. May they be received into the hearts of all those in attendance and online, if people are unable to attend in person.

Daily Bible Reading

• April 20
• Exodus 4-6

Sunday School Scripture

• Mark 15:33-39 and Mark 16:1-8
• I hope you make time to read these verses even if you are unable to attend Sunday School this morning.

Today’s Schedule at FBC, Kentwood

8:00 – Early worship service

9:15 – Sunday School

10:30 – Regular morning worship

6:00 – No evening worship

Obituary

Karolyn Sue Blades

• Bagnell & Son Funeral Home
• Apr 16, 2025
• Karolyn Sue Blades, affectionately known as Sue and cherished as Mawmaw, passed away peacefully at her home in Kentwood, Louisiana, on April 8, 2025, at the age of 89.
• Born on August 24, 1935, Sue was raised on a cotton and dairy farm during the Great Depression, instilling in her a strong work ethic that defined her life. She excelled as a speller in grade school and often reminisced about competing in singing contests with her classmates.
• Sue was an accomplished cook and seamstress who found joy in the simpler things in life: spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, listening to music, and reveling in the beauty of the outdoors. Her granddaughter Neela fondly referred to Sue as the backbone of the family—a pillar of strength, humor, and mischievous charm whose sacrifices will always be remembered.
• Together with her late husband, Wiley Blades, whom she married on May 5, 1956, Sue owned and operated a profitable and award-winning dairy farm in Kentwood. Their marriage of 57 loyal years served as a testament to love and partnership.
• Sue leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories through her family, including her children, Cheryl Lanette Fairburn and the late Marilyn Vondell Kent; her grandchildren, Holli Howard and husband David Green, Neela Howard, and Wiley Howard; her great-grandchildren, Matthew Green and wife Sarah, Jacqui Udstad and husband Nick, Hannah Green, and Landon Harwood; and her great-great-grandchildren, Loren and Lylac.
• She is preceded in death by her parents, William “Coy” McIntyre Sr. and Martha Ann “Mattye” Booty McIntyre, as well as her siblings: Glynn, Doyce, Clodye, William Jr., Joan, Murell, and Beverly. Among her surviving loved ones is her sister, Donnis Blades, who continues to honor her memory.
• A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lewiston Baptist Church at 74576 N Lewiston Rd., Kentwood, LA 70444 and/or the American Cancer Society.
• Sue’s life was one of resilience, kindness, and devotion to her family. Her sense of humor, her strength, and her boundless love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Additional Bible Reading

‘Observing the Lord’s Supper’ (1 Co. 11:17-23)

“Dear Father, giver of bread and wine, When we come together
as your family to partake of bread and wine, let it truly be
“the Lord’s supper” which we…”

As many people are regularly off on Sunday and as some businesses have chosen to give their employees a day off, let’s pray the members and visitors both will find their way into God’s House and allow Him to live in their hearts.

Thank-you for checking in here today. I encourage you to read God’s Word and to attend services in the church of your choice every week. Take time for prayer today and every day.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for adults and children to know the reason for Easter and to celebrate it in meaningful ways.

Read the Bible Today

• April 19
• Exodus 1-3

Prayer Requests

Please pray for Judy Raborn. She has had knee surgery.

Dorothy Wall is thankful to be home, but is unable to walk. Pray for her as she gives her body time to heal.

Obituaries

Grant A. White

December 26, 2007 – April 16, 2025

He had a kind and loving soul. Grant always met you with a smile and a hug. He was smart and funny and could always make you laugh. He loved his family and spending time with them at parties, BBQs and holidays. He loved to be on the water, kayaking the river. He spent his summer with Paw in the hay field baling hay and learned to work on the machinery. He was a handyman who could fix anything he set his mind to. He excelled with his grades, playing guitar, and taking care of everyone around especially his Mama. A resident of Kentwood, LA, he passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Roseland, LA. He was born December 26, 2007 in Hammond, LA and was 17 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Jessie White; father, Will Singleton; grandfathers, Paw Richard White and Larry Singleton; aunt, Missy White; uncle, Ricky Williams; cousins, Bryan Menard and family, Harley Jones and family, Wyatt Travis, Kayla Williams and family, Cole Williams, Kasey Williams, and Krissy Williams. Preceded in death by his grandmothers, Maw Lynell White who he adored and Deborah Singleton; great-grandmother, Lynell Vines; aunt, Pam Williams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Monday, April 21, 2025. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Dorothy “Dottie” Stevens Cranham

May 28, 1940 – April 16, 2025

A resident of West Plains, MO, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at West Vue Nursing Home. She was born May 28, 1940 in Folsom, LA and was 84 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Debbie Cranham Rizzo and husband Paul; and Sandy Cranham Rector; 5 grandchildren: Paul McCulloch Jr; Brett McCulloch and wife Amber; Michael Rizzo; Jenna Rector; and Kassidy Rector; and 3 great-grandchildren: Adonijah Finn McCulloch; Michael Alice McCulloch; and Niamh Marie McCulloch; sister-in-law, Barbara Stevens Toney and husband Dale; and a nephew, Bryan Maus. Preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Geneva Morgan Stevens; infant twin granddaughters, Kendall Lane Rector and Kacy Renee Rector; brother, Calvin Julius “Jukie” Stevens; sister, Shirley Maus; 4 nephews – Chris Maus, Craig Maus, Gregory Stevens, and Terry Stevens. Visitation at Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Learn from some additional verses.

‘Resist the Temptation to Follow the Crowd’ (Ex. 23:1-3)

“You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate
with evil people by lying on the witness stand. You must not
follow the crowd in doing…..”

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Thanks for checking here today.

I appreciate you so much. Your prayers make a differencee in many lives.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s pray for those who do not know Jesus to hear God’s Word and to be saved this most special weekend of the entire year!

Home!

Dorothy Wall is home after more than a month of being hospitalized. She is still unable to put any weight on her left leg. She has a wheelchair and other medical equipment to make living at home more bearable. Please pray for her and for Chuck as she continues to heal and has homebound services. Pray for Chuck during this time too.

Johnny Belgard is also back at home in Chesbrough.

Daily Bible Reading

• 4-18-25
• Genesis 48-50

Sunday School Lesson for Easter

• “Our Savior”
• April 20th
• Mark 15:33-39 and 16:1-8

Read for More Information

‘Too Deep for Words’ (Ro. 8:26)

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know
what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for
us with groanings too deep….”

If you have children, be sure they are involved in the Easter activities at FBC, Kentwood to teach them about Easter. Call the church office for more information.

Schedule for Services Easter

8:00 A.M. – Early Service

9:15 A.M. – Sunday School

10:30 A.M. – Regular Service

NO P.M. Service

Reminder: Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee