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.
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!
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?
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.
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!
Today, let’s pray concerning possible storm damage last night. There is a good chance of electrical outages and storm damage. There is also a good chance the storm woke you up during the night.
Obituary
Charlene Gottschalk Legendre
September 27, 1948 – August 11, 2025
Charlene Gottschalk Legendre, 76, born September 27, 1948, in Stoughton, WI to the late Glenn D. and Doris Bolotte Gottschalk. Raised in Harahan, LA and later resided in Amite, LA where she peacefully passed away on August 11, 2025.
She is survived by her beloved husband Robert Arnold Legendre of 56 years, her children Randall Glenn Legendre (Kathy) and Renee Legendre Eady. A beloved grandmother to Jessica, Justin, Macie, Sierra and Jimmy. She is survived by her sister Judith G. Johnson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charlene was a licensed beautician and Life Insurance Agent for many years.
Charlene will be greatly missed and remembered for her devotion to her family and friends. The impact of her kindness and love is evident in the memories held by those she leaves behind.
May she rest in peace, surrounded forever by the love she so generously gave.
A private Celebration of Life will be held August 20, 2025 for family members and close friends.
Use God’s Plan, Today’s Purpose, Kindness, or Outreach,etc.
Additional Obituary
John Abbott Cooper
John A. “Johnny” Cooper Jr., 79, of Amite, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 2, 1946, in La Ceiba, Honduras, to John A. Cooper Sr. and Elaine Wood Cooper, Johnny moved with his family to New Orleans at the age of two.
For more than 40 years, Johnny was the heart and soul of Cooper’s Bakery, working side by side with the love of his life, Theresa “Tisa” Cooper, and their children. Known for his warm smile, quick wit, and trademark greeting “I’m rolling in the (Donut) dough!”
After decades of dedication, Johnny proudly passed the rolling pin to his son Troy, ensuring the Donut Man’s sweet tradition would live on for generations to come.
Johnny is survived by his children, Yvette Barr (Dean), Troy Cooper (Becky), Kevin Cooper (Shannon), and Stacie Ball (Tommy); grandchildren Father Austin Barr, Corinne Barr, Brittni Cooper, Carson Cooper, Braden Cooper, Kayla Cooper, Brandi Hartley, Emily Cooper, Gabriela Abril, Dre Abril, Sophie Abril, Dylan Ball, and Sydney Ball; sister Gloria Solorzano; and brother Gary Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Tisa Cooper; his parents, John and Elaine Cooper; and sister Sonia Chalona.
Johnny’s life was one of love, laughter, hard work, and sweet memories both in and out of the bakery. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in every donut enjoyed in his honor.
Today’s Bible Verse – Fitting after studying Psalm 23 last Sunday!
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on others who work in the schools and who interact with students daily – nurses, cafeteria workers, counselors, etc. Let’s pray they make a positive impact on the students and are good role models.
Daily Bible Reading
August 13
II Chronicles13-17
No New Obituaries
It is always a good idea to pray for those who have had a recent loss in the family.
Today, let’s pray for the mothers of first time students. They often have a hard time the first days of school when they realize their children are growing up.
Obituaries
Deborah Lynn Byers
August 16, 1956 – August 6, 2025
Deborah, a resident of Hammond, LA, passed away at 7:30am on Wednesday August 6, 2025 at Universal Behavior Hospital Health in Hammond, LA. She was born August 16, 1956 in Alexandria, Virginia and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her son, Paul Shelby Williams, Jr. (Maggie) of Husser; daughter, Stephanie Lynn Williams of Houston; sister, Jennette Goff of Port Charlotte; 4 grandchildren, Clayton, Annabelle, Chase, and Zoe; 2 great grandchildren, Ava and Kasten. She is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Vining; stepfather, Ellis Ball, Jr.; and father, Fayette Bowing; brother, Michael Ball. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00am until Religious Services at 12:00pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckeelys.com.
Daniel Lynn Smith, Sr.
July 24, 1951 – August 9, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at his home. He was born July 24, 1951 in Bogalusa, LA and was 74 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Smith; daughters, Stephanie Oakes (Chris), Samantha Reynolds (Neal), Madison Smith, Amber Phillips-Temple (Kaylynn), and Ashley Phillips; sons, R. Duane Smith (Kelly), and Joseph Phillips; sister, Pamela Gullick (Jerry); grandchildren, Rhett Smith, Kristin Oakes, Brian Oakes, Chase Stringer, Tatum Daigle, Nicholas Castella (Adrian), Montana Callaway (Caden), Colton Phillips (Brooklyn), Zola Billings, Mason Billings, Zayne Phillips, and Aspen Aldama; adopted grandson, Christopher McGuff; great-grandchildren, Braylynn, Blakely, Brynlee, Braxton, Chase, Jr. and Cade; very special cousin, Terry W. Smith; and very special neighbor and friend, Regina Stein (Chick). Preceded in death by his parents, Jewel J. Smith, Jr. and Betty J. Smith; son, Daniel L. Smith, Jr.; grandson, Gabriel Smith; and uncle, Carlton Smith. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Reminder: The Pine Ridge Bible Study will soon begin another study. It is not too late to purchase a book and study with us. You’ll surely meet ladies you don’t know and have have new friends.
I’ll leave you to think about Emerson’s quote. I can see only two ways that would happern . Someone takes/destroys your church or ability to worship and or you freely give it up by not gathering there for worship. It can and does happen! What a sad picture! What a sad day! What a great loss!
Today, let’s start the day by thanking God for all the ways he has blessed us. You can make a list of your blessings in your prayer request notebook.
Sunday School Lesson
Yesterday, we had a good Bible study of Psalms 23. Thank God for those verses that are so special to many people. Periodically, we all need to be reminded to thank God for His assurance of daily care for all of us. He is both “our rod and our staff”.
No New Obituaries Today
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for safe drivers and God’s protection on the highways. Sometimes, one little mistake will lead to many major issues. Ask God to protect others and you while traveling today. Then, when you arrive at your destination, thank Him for answering your prayer.
Pray for Others
There is not a day when someone we know needs special prayers. Let’s not fail them by not praying for them!
There is an unlimited number of things you can do for others. Be sure you do something for someone else today. God didn’t create us to be totally focused on ourselves.
Prayer Focus
You san start off by praying for your pastor and the services this Lord’s Day at your church. From there, go where God leads you….
The Prayer Link 
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