I believe all firsts are worthy of prayer. Today is a first – a community-wide gathering for ladies who love Jesus. It will be at the home of Rachel Buckley from 2:00 to 5:00 this afternoon. Please pray that God is glorified and honored!
TODAY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
The Sunday School Lesson for the Explore the Bible Series is Jeremiah 29: 4-14 entitled “Present”. God’s people must trust Him in all circumstances! Please remember to bring a lawn chair.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on the children. Many of them have done VBS, camp, vacation, etc. this summer and are now thinking about, maybe not looking forward to, the next school year. Pray for them during the next few weeks as they face all the new happenings of the next school year.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
School supplies for the coming year are/will soon be available. It’s a good time to purchase them for the Operation Christmas Child, community missions, or to share at though church connections. All items are useful – Paper, folders, pens, pencils, glue sticks, calculators, notebooks, markers, erasers, etc.
REMINDER
Don’t forget the meeting of ladies who love Jesus. The gathering will be from 2-5 P.M. tomorrow afternoon at the home of Rachel Buckley. Bring a chair and plan on enjoying the afternoon together.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Reread the Scripture at the top of the page. Consider it for a few minutes. It may find a purpose in your life today.
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Deut. 30:19
READ the BIBLE TODAY
Matthew 7: 1-5
Ephesians 4: 1-16
Philippians 2: 1-11
“Unity amoung believers can exist if I . . . . ”
PRAYER FOCUS THIS MORNING
Today, pray for all those who will be seeing doctors today and every day. We know many will receive good news and move on with their day. Today, let’s pray for those who will receive “less than good news”. Pray the doctors and staff will be helpful and comforting as the patient is dismissed from their visit.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
‘The essential ingredient of the early Christian assembly was . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for people who have gardens and work faithfully in the garden, despite the high temperatures. Be thankful if you have friends or neighbors who share their harvest with you. Choose you time outside wisely if you are doing work.
Think of a way God has blessed you lately and share it with a family member, neighbor, or friend.
LADIES WHO LOVE JESUS
Join the gathering of “Ladies who live Jesus” Sunday afternoon from 2-5 P.M. It will be at Rachel Buckley’s home and is open to ALL LADIES. Swimming and baby sitting will be available.
Thank-you for reading and praying today. Find a way to bless a family member, neighbor, or friend today.
Today, pray for those who attend worship to feel a need to have a Sunday School class. Pray God leads you to invite them to join a class. Help them get to know the teacher. Show them the location of the classroom.
. . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
“The strength of my relationships is determined by my ability to ….”
OBITUARY
Gordon Douglas Stokes, Jr.
July 10, 1954 – July 10, 2023
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Gordon was born on July 10, 1954 in Baton Rouge, LA. Gordon passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 10, 2023. He was 69 years old. Gordon worked as a machinist at TK Valve (Cameron) in Hammond, LA for 38 ½ years. He loved his Lord and Savior, his family, hunting, fishing and his LSU Tigers. He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Amite. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne of 45 years; son, Gordon Joseph “Joe’ Stokes (Samantha); grandchildren, Chloe Bryant (Dave), Gracie Brumfield (CJ) and Lane Stokes (Anna) and his soon to be great-grandson, Nathan Brumfield; sister, Marsha Graham (David). He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Douglas Stokes, Sr. and Lois Smith Stokes. Pallbearers will be Dave Bryant, CJ Brumfield, Scott Bankston, Bill Chesnutt, Joshua Murry, and Freddie Ficklin. Honorary pallbearer will be Lane Stokes. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, July 14, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Woodard. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. For online guestbook visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for church members who are hesitant to tell others about their faith. Pray for them to be bold in their witness.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Pray for people around the world who face difficult weather conditions. All people don’t have the same issues, but many have different problems, storms, temperatures, flooding. etc.
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
“For genuine fellowship to exist, love must . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
Today, let’s. pray for pastors as they present God’s message.
DEATHS
Daniel Farace – My former student
December 16, 1961 — July 6, 2023
Tickfaw, Louisiana
Daniel was born in Hammond, LA, on December 16, 1961. He was 61 years old, a native, and a resident of Tickfaw. He succumbed to his battle with cancer on July 6, 2023, at PAM, with his sister by his side.
Daniel was a devoted brother uncle, cousin, and friend, who treasured spending time with his loved ones. He had a larger-than-life smile and laugh that would melt your heart. He was an avid LSU and Saints fan and enjoyed singing karaoke from time to time at family gatherings.
Daniel is survived by his sister, Marilyn Farace LeJeune; nephews, Brennon Kyle Farace and wife Brianne, Brock Farace and wife Shelby; nieces, Abby Nichole LeJeune and Brooke Grace Farace; great nieces and nephews, Baelyn, Rhett, Blaine and West; godchildren, Dominick Morales and Samuel Sinagra.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Anthony Farace Sr. and Mary Grace Morales Farace, paternal grandparents, John and Cecelia Costanza Farace, maternal grandparents, Sam J. and Frances Valenti Morales; brother, Joseph Anthony Farace, Jr.; sister, Melissa Farace; nephew, Samuel Joseph LeJeune.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home – Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 8:30 am until 10:30 am.
A Funeral Service will be held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 14450 Hwy 442, Tickfaw, Louisiana 70466 on Thursday at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Cemetery in Tickfaw, Louisiana.
Rebecca “Becky” Bridges Foster
June 18, 1968 – July 7, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born June 18, 1968 in Hammond, LA and was 55 years of age. She is survived by 3 children, Johna Blades (Cody), Erin Foster (Derrick), and Zach Foster (Emma); step-son, Harlee Wilson (Breanna); grandchildren, Adriohna, Curtis, Dalton, Bristol, Preston, Kinsley, Emmie Lynn, Sabastian, Dominic, Luke, Lyla, Kaysen, Kashtyn, and Kohlson; parents, Maurice and Judy Bridges; grandmother, Mildred Birch; sister, Dede Bridges (Alton); nieces, Sunni Womack (Braxton) and Montana Pilcher (Kenny). Preceded in death by grandparents, Clovis Birch and Willie and Tena Bridges. Pallbearers will be Derrick Brabham, Cody Blades, Matthew Hunt, Sabastian Brabham, Alton Booty, and Zach Foster. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Vince Estes. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
May you be blessed as you worship and serve the Lord today!
A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center in Bossier City, LA. She was born January 31, 1951 in Amite, LA and was 72 years of age. Nyla was the owner and operator of Nyla’s Burger Basket in Osyka, MS for 23 years. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Mike Price, Sr.; son, Michael Price, Jr.; daughter, Michelle Price; 4 grandchildren, Jackson Price, Morgan Price, Haylee Price, and Caden Whitted. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Alma Whitener; 2 brothers, Wayne Whitener and Dub Whitener. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Jacob Williams. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Bobby William Warren
March 1, 1988 – June 19, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born March 1, 1988 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Warren; 2 brothers, Jesse D. Warren and wife, Stephanie and Carl Everett Warren, III and wife, Amanda; nephews, Jesse Austin Warren, Mikey Ogima and Carl Everett Warren, IV; nieces, Isabella Nicole Warren, Madelynn Nunnery; great-nephew, Klayton Ogima; great-niece, Hanna Ogima; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his father, Carl Everett Warren, Jr.; grandparents, Henson and Elizabeth Singleton; grandfather, Carl Everett Warren, Sr.; grandmother, Addie Bell McDaniel; grandfather, Deloyd Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:30PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(I don’t remember posting this earlier and don’t see it listed in my book , but I may have. If so, excuse me, please.)
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Charles Ray Bennett‘s graveside services will be today at 10:00 at the Arcola-Roseland cemetery. I taught all four siblings, but not Charles Ray. David and I worked with all five at church.
I learned that two more of my former students passed away.
Rhonda Davidson
Daniel Farace
Nyla Price‘s arrangements have not been completed.
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
Today, let’s pray for those who have a chronic illness and trudge on through life as best as they can. There are many conditions that are chronic, thus many people who are in this group. Some, you may be aware of, but many people who just “keep on going”.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
July 7, 2023
Luke 5: 12-16
Matthew 8:2-4
Mark 1: 40-42
“I am going to help the “lepers” in my community by . . . . “
Mrs. Nyla Price moved to her heavenly home yesterday morning in Bossier City. Arrangements are not complete at this time. Please pray for her family.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for those who work in the child care. They serve in a needed role because of all the women who are members of the workforce and for others who need assistance periodically. It’s a big responsibility to care for the young children who are not your own. Pray for love, patience, etc. for each worker.
THANKFULNESS
Let’s be thankful for the rain, even the thunderstorms, because they cool down the high temperatures. The heat is hard on many, especially the young and the older folks. Pray people use good judgment in being outside in the extreme heat.
MISSIONS
Don’t forget to pray about your contribution to the special offering for the Louisiana Baptist Home in Monroe. Envelopes are available on the table at the entrance to the sanctuary.
The Prayer Link 
You must be logged in to post a comment.