Today, let’s focus our thoughts and prayers on working on:
(1) the families in our community that have lost loved ones recently and
(2) families with members who are not saved.
Daily Bible Reading
July 1
I Samuel 18-20
No New Obituaries
The wake/funeral for Ginger Landry will be this morning with the wake beginning at 9:00 A.M. and the funeral at 11:00 A.M. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite.
The Lord will protect and save those who are righteous. He is their strength in times of trouble and will deliver them from wicked people because they trust in Him.
Psalm 37:39-40
Prayer Requests
Martha Pevey Drago expresses her strong faith in God and asks us to pray for her because her cancer has returned and she is again beginning treatment.
Please also pray for a former student of mine who has an unidentified cancer.
While we are at this, please also pray for a friend and the mother of some of my former students who is also dealing with cancer.
Also pray for two young men from Amite who are going through the ups and downs of their cancers and treatments.
These individuals and their families will all appreciate your prayers.
Pray and encourage today. That is our responsibility.
When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened [with the spread of the Good News to both Jews and Gentiles], they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
My aunt started a group named “Encouragers Anonymous” in her church many years ago. They met weekly to pray for people as the group became aware of needs. Then they wrote a card to the person for whom they had just prayed for. I was the recipient of some cards from them. I learned to be a better encourager because of them.
Youth Report on Camp Experience
Through the years, I took many youth to camp and heard many reports about their week of camp experiences. Sunday, our church youth gave a report of their week at Mission Fuge in Texas last week. It was amazing, more so than when I heard any other camp report. If you were not present or watching on facebook, please watch the report in entirety. You will be blessed!!! If you don’t, you’ll miss a real blessing!
Prayer Focus
Pray for our church youth in the coming days. They will impact the lives of many people. Pray for their spirit to spread!
Today is the Lord’s Day. Let’s recognize that and pray for His will in our churches today. May all the churches be blessed as they continue to “Tell Others about Jesus”.
Daily Bible Reading
June 29
I Samuel 13-14
Obituary
Virginia “Ginger” Edwards Landry
October 8, 1947 – June 27, 2025
Ginger, a longtime resident of Amite, entered into eternal rest on Friday June 27, 2025 at Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing. She was born on October 8, 1947 in Amite and was 77 years of age. She graduated from Chesbrough High School in 1965, and worked as a bank teller at First Guaranty Bank. She soon married the love of her life, Bob, and became a full-time mother. In later years she worked for Derris Ray MD at his medical practice until her retirement in 2000. She enjoyed cooking, shopping, and making memories with family. She was an active member of First Baptist Church Amite and loved her church family. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Robert “Bob” Landry Jr., daughter Debbie Durbin (John), son Robert “Trea” Landry III (Amber), grandson Robert “Alex” Landry IV, granddaughter Adley Landry, sister Susan Robin (Clayton), and sister-in-law Marie Edwards. She is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Georgia “Brownie” Edwards and brother Danny Edwards. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday July 1, 2025 from 9:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM conducted by Jim Richardson MRE. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.
“A life of faith, love, and dignity”
(Our daughters and our sons were the same ages and often in the same classes at school. ala)
Today, I would like to encourage you to pray for all those involved in missions in any way. Getting involved in praying can also get you involved in giving and doing. Get involved in any or all of the misssion work in your church.
Daily Bible Reading
Today, I would like to encourage you to pray for all those involved in missions in any way. Getting involved in praying can also get you involved in giving and doing. Get involved in any or all of the misssion work in your church.
Verse of the Day
Obituary
David Ashley Carroll
September 13, 1957 – June 26, 2025
David was one of my former students.
David Ashley Carroll was born and raised in Amite and had several nicknames such as “Beany” and “Uncle David”. He graduated from Oak Forest Academy in 1975 (played Football #70, Basketball, Baseball, Literary Rally, and voted Most Friendliest his Senior year) and reminisced with all whom knew him (and didn’t know him). After high school, David graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1984 with a Computer Science Degree. He has been known most of his life for being a “Prankster”. He enjoyed playing card games with his Oak Forest Alumni Buddies, and watching Sports and Science Fiction movies (Star Trek collection). After many years of employment with his Family’s owned and operated business, he became owner of “Amite Pump & Well Supply Co.” Upon passing the ownership to Dale Mixon and maintaining the Company’s name, he then obtained his CDL license and “hit the highway” traveling and living life’s adventures. After his driving adventures, he returned to Amite to work his dream job which he had worked many years to achieve (Computer Science Information and Programming Technology). He is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Lloyd Carrier and Edith Hillebert; Paternal Grandparents, Charles S. Carroll and Viola M. Carroll; Father, Edward Lee Carroll; Mother, Ruth C. Neal; Step-Father, Harold Neal; Sister, Vernell Carroll Strate; Brothers, Pierce, Charles, Wallace and Ardis Carroll; Brothers in Law, Jerry White, Buddy Watson, Wendell Smith and Cleo Henry; and also preceded in death by Vinessa Capro Harrison. David is survived by, Sisters, Tommie Sue White of Centreville, MS, Velda Lee Carroll of Colorado Springs, CO, Patricia Neal Watson of Loranger, LA, Kathy Neal Smith of Loranger, LA, and Beth Henry of Gonzales, LA. Brother, Keith Neal (Theresa) of Loranger, LA; Five nieces known as and called the “White Tribe”, Kathy Lynn White Barbay (Tab) of Slaughter, LA, Stacy White Wofford (Paul) of Muskogee, OK, Dana White Saucier (Leo) of Centreville, MS, Shelly White Sterling (Brian) of Busy Corner, MS, and Terri White of Centreville, MS; Nieces and Nephews, Stacy Watson Henderson (Heath) of Central, LA, Mickey Joe Watson (Lanette) of Hammond, LA, Kendell Smith (Hoa) of Sulphur LA, Lois Smith DeLatte (DeWayne) of Kennewick, WA, Melissa Smith Stevens (Wade) of Loranger, LA, Scott Neal (Rebecca) of Pearl River, LA, Jed Neal (Lindsey) of Covington, LA, Annie Henry Trowbridge (Jake) of Bluford, IL, and Todd Henry of Gonzales, LA; Other cherished ones include, Billy Henrich of Monroe, GA, Kelly Henrich of Amite, LA, Tim Henrich of Sioux Center, IA, Jake Lambert of Amite, LA, and Florrie Lambert Espinal of Yorktown, VA. Many great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends were loved and cherished in their own unique ways. Pallbearers will be Billy Finch, Steve Ellzey, Tim Sharkey, Steve Durnin, John Dyer, David Davis, Chip Fitz, Keith Neal, and Dale Mixon. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles “Chuckie” Carrier, James Carroll, Jeff Carroll, Dennis Williams, Ray Bellot, Mike Tate, Lonnie Morse, Bydie Everett, Jackie Sparks, and Wesley Mixon. Many thanks to the Peristyle Beau West Assisted Living, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, and St. Thomas Hospice in Baton Rouge for the wonderful care provided. As well as many thanks to Patrick Coudrain and Julie Johnson Attorney at Laws for their legal guidance and assistance. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM on Sunday and from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday. Interment Alfred Stevens Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I am going to be short today. My computer did not allow me to make corrections yesterday. Who knows about today?
Prayer Focus
Please pray for our country today.
Today’s Bible Verse
The righteous are portrayed as surprised, asking when they performed these acts of service for Jesus. They list specific actions: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, and clothing the naked. The righteous continue by asking when they visited the sick or those in prison. Jesus then reveals that these acts of service, done to “the least of these my brothers,” were actually done to him,
Jesus says, “I tell you this: You did all these things to help other people. They were not important people, but they were my friends. When you helped them, then you also helped me.” It can be paraphrased as serving others, even those considered insignificant, is equivalent to serving Christ himself.
Today’s Bible Passages
June 27
I Sam. 4-8
Obituaries
Christman “Harry” Arnold III
January 31, 1945 – June 25, 2025
A longtime resident of Kentwood, Harry passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at his home in Amite, LA. He was born January 31, 1945 in Brookhaven, MS and was 80 years of age. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Sandra Simpson Arnold, daughter Becky Arnold Smith and husband, George Dewey Smith, 4 grandsons: George Dewey Smith II, Christian Kyle Smith (Taylor Joiner Smith), Hunter Thomas Smith (Sierra Jones Smith) and Tyler Austin Smith, 3 great granddaughters Kenleigh Kate Smith, Kylie Claire Smith and Ava Hayden Smith. His sister, Shirley Arnold Winstead , nephew Christopher Wayne Arnold (Jena). He was preceded in death by his parents Christman Harry Arnold, Jr. and Madie Bell Jones Arnold, brother Norman Wayne Arnold, nephew William Anthony “Tony” Winstead and great grandson Reid Thomas Smith. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 10 am until funeral services at 1pm conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
DIANE HYDE, a 1962 graduate of Amite High School passed away in California. (Thanks, Gynette, for letting us know. Diane was in David and Gwynette’s class.)
Wilton and Shera Dykes
Honoring the life ofWilton and Shera Dykes Date: July 12, 2025 Time: Service 10:30am, Visitation to follow Location: Line Creek Baptist Church 78659 LA Hwy 1053, Kentwood, LA 70444
We invite family, friends, and loved ones to join us in celebrating the lives of Wilton and Shera Dykes – a devoted couple who built a legacy of faith, hospitality, and love that will continue to shine through all who knew them.
Wilton and Shera Dykes, residents of The Villages, Florida, passed away just two months apart at 79 years old – Wilton on February 23, 2025, and Shera on April 22, 2025.
Married for 57 beautiful years, their bond was one of deep devotion, gentle humor, and shared joy in caring for others. They are survived by their sons, James (Marlo) Dykes of South Carolina and Will (Heather) Dykes of Georgia; along with their grandchildren, Ansley (Austin) Crews and Ashton Dykes.
Wilton was a man of calm strength and quiet wisdom. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life – playing golf, spending time with family, and offering a kind word to anyone he met.
Shera had a gift for hospitality and a deep love for cooking. Her kitchen was the heart of their home, and no one ever left her table hungry – or without a hug.
Together, they found community and purpose through the fellowship of their church, where they served and loved faithfully.
Their legacy is one of generosity, grace, and unconditional love. Theirs was a marriage built on faith, service, and laughter — a life well lived, and a love well shared.
Happy New Day! I wonder what opportunities God has for us today. He will reveal his hopes. We may or may not follow His will.
Let’s hope and pray we all do!
Verse of the Day
Prayer Focus of the Day
Today, let’s pray for all the student who have more choices to make on summer day. May their selections be good ones!
Daily Bible Reading
Thursday, June 26
I Samuel 1-3
Obituaries
Debra Lynn Allen Kilcrease
February 10, 1960 – June 23, 2025
Debra Lynn Allen Kilcrease, 65, of Greensburg, Louisiana, passed away on June 23, 2025. She was born February 10, 1960 in Independence, Louisiana, and was a daughter of the late James Lee Allen and Lillie Kathleen Rogillio Allen. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William “Ricky” Kilcrease, her daughter, Kristi Allen, her brother Thomas Allen, and her sister Lillie “Kathy” Allen.
Debra is survived by her son, William “Dustin” Kilcrease (Whitney) of Converse, Texas; and three grandchildren: Vincent Imbraguglio V of Hammond, Louisiana, Georgia Kilcrease and Addison Kilcrease, of Converse, Texas. She is also survived by her siblings James Allen Jr., Patsy Allen, and David Allen, of Greensburg, Louisiana.
She was deeply generous, always willing to help anyone in need, whether it was family, friends, or someone just passing through. She retired from the State of Louisiana after years of dedicated public service.
A private ceremony will be held for the immediate family in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, in honor of Debra’s memory and in support of continued research and care for families impacted by ALS.
Aline Lott Lowery
26, 1935 – June 25, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at her home. She was born March 26, 1935 in Doyle, LA and was 90 years of age. She was a loving mother with a passion for cooking. She is survived by 6 sons, John Lowery and Melinda, Oscar Lowery and Lefel, Kelly Ebarb and Colleen, Rodney Ebarb, Bruce Ebarb and wife Mirna, and Donald Ebarb and Jeanine; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Huey Oscar Lowery; parents, Simeon and Mary Lott; son, Terry Ebarb; 2 granddaughters, Sue Ellen Ebarb and Kasey Ebarby; and 3 sisters, Mary Alice Bergeron, Beatrice Gordon, and Eula Courtney. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Robert Robertson. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Wilton and Shera Dykes April 22, 2025
Their photo is available on the McKneeley website.
Honoring the life of Wilton and Shera Dykes Date: July 12, 2025 Time: Service 10:30am, Visitation to follow Location: Line Creek Baptist Church 78659 LA Hwy 1053, Kentwood, LA 70444
We invite family, friends, and loved ones to join us in celebrating the lives of Wilton and Shera Dykes – a devoted couple who built a legacy of faith, hospitality, and love that will continue to shine through all who knew them.
Wilton and Shera Dykes, residents of The Villages, Florida, passed away just two months apart at 79 years old – Wilton on February 23, 2025, and Shera on April 22, 2025.
Married for 57 beautiful years, their bond was one of deep devotion, gentle humor, and shared joy in caring for others. They are survived by their sons, James (Marlo) Dykes of South Carolina and Will (Heather) Dykes of Georgia; along with their grandchildren, Ansley (Austin) Crews and Ashton Dykes.
Wilton was a man of calm strength and quiet wisdom. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life – playing golf, spending time with family, and offering a kind word to anyone he met.
Shera had a gift for hospitality and a deep love for cooking. Her kitchen was the heart of their home, and no one ever left her table hungry – or without a hug.
Together, they found community and purpose through the fellowship of their church, where they served and loved faithfully.
Their legacy is one of generosity, grace, and unconditional love. Theirs was a marriage built on faith, service, and laughter — a life well lived, and a love well shared.
A Thought to Ponder
Let’s make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. We can also make a difference in eternal homes! Let’s try our best to make good choices.
Contact me if you would like to donate time and/or funds. We have not completed out purchases yet. David and I can tell you some of the needed items. Maybe you would like to order some needed items online. Also, Wanda Smith can order online for you, if you would like.
Focus your thoughts on children who will not get a shoebox at their local church in countries around the world. The shoeboxes contain school supplies, first aid/toiletries, toys, Christian literature, etc. They also contain a Bible and Christian literature in the language of the Child.
We can guide you if you desire to help. We can also order in quantity. We will be getting to the packing time slot in a few months, but haven’t made all the purchases yet. Your help will be appreciated!
COMING SOON!
The next associational WMU meeting is only a few weeks away and will be at FBC, Greensburg. I hope you will be able to attend and learn so much about missions from Judy Noonan, a member of that church.
Have a good day. Plan and work ahead. Enlist others to be a part of your church activities. Pray regularly
Today, let’s focus on other people and our actions/activities.
Daily Bible Reading
June 25
Read the book of Ruth, a short book, but one that tells a precious story of love, death, dedication, and back to love.
Verse of the Day
Missionfuge
Pray for the church youth and chaperones at camp this week. Pray for youth and chaperones from all the other churches that are participating this week.
Obituary
Bobby Gene Logsdon
July 31, 1939 – June 21, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA went HOME to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his home with his wife and family around him. He was born on July 31, 1939 in Leitchfield, KY and was 85 years of age. He grew up in Louisville, KY. He served in the U.S. Navy from October 1956 to January 1961. He later moved to Sour Lake, Texas where he met his wife and soon after God called to ministry. He served the Lord for 55 years in pastoral positions and evangelism.
There are many testimonies of God’s mercy, forgiveness, & grace over his life. So many sermons he preached, invitations he gave. They have all impacted so many lives. But of them all, he would want you to know the last sermon he wrote while suffering from vascular dementia. He tried to write with shaky hands, so his wife helped him.
Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord Psalm 37:4 Give me the desires of thy heart Psalm 46:10 To rest quietly in our hearts To relax Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all the heart and lean not on your own understanding. He can then direct your heart/path God’s in charge, not us! Where and when do we start? The answer is found in scripture. Matthew 21:42 The Stone the builders rejected, the same is become the Cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. STOP! Be still, your heart and your thoughts. God through His Holy Spirit will begin to work. This is your time to REST in the Lord. So wait and receive HIS presence, just you and God. Be still!
Bobby is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly Johnson Logsdon; son, Darren Logsdon and wife, Paige; daughter, Chandra Carmack and husband, Toby; 9 grandchildren, Bobby Kelley and wife Kaci; Elizabeth Fletcher and husband, Damyon; Jaclyn Moncla and husband, Colt; Sadie Ketchum and husband, Dakota; James Carmack; Kaitlynn Beall and husband, Josh; Laurann Finegan and husband, Tyler; Madison Gomes and husband, Joseph; and Cooper Caviness; 11 great grandchildren, Bobby and Charlotte Kelley; Evalynn, Preston, Shelton, and Emma Fletcher; Elizabeth and Elijah Ketchum; Cyrus Beall; Rebeckah and “little one on the way” Finegan; Sister, Kathleen Robinson.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Eva Mae Poteet; brother, Clay Dean Poteet; sister, Gwendolyn “Sissy” Bain; and great grandson, Conway Orbon Beall.
Visitation at, Friendship Baptist Church 62508 Friendship Church Rd, Amite City, LA 70422 from 12 PM until Memorial Services at 2 PM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Services conducted by Bro Alan Weishample, Bro Randy Ray, Bro Steve Miller, and Bro Rusty Durand. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
In lieu of flowers because of his heart for missions, the family ask that you donate to one or both of these ministries.
Let’s continue to pray for the countries in the Middle East and be thankful that Iran and Israel have agreed to a cease fire. That situation may not be perfect, but it can better. I’m sure God doesn’t want us constantly fighting between countries or between people.
Daily Bible Readings
June 24
Judges 19-21
It is never too late to join us. Jump in and read. When we finish, I will help you to continue reading the portion you missed out on. That will begin in Matthew.
Verse of the Day
Pine Ridge Bible Study
The next Bible Study will begin in September and will be based on the book, Bad Girls of the Bible. Purchase your book now so you will be ready to read chapter one before our first meeting in September. You do not need to be a member of Pine Ridge to attend the Bible Study, only that you desire to learn more about the study. Cathy Carruth Wales is the teacher.
A number of churches in our area have their services available online. You can look them up online, ask a church member, or call the pastor or church office. When you are unable to attend in person, they are available live and anytime after the service that you are available to watch. You are not limited to one church or one pastor. For example, I have watched services in another state to see and hear a pastor I knew fifty-five years ago. Look around online and choose some services to enjoy.
Have a good day. Remember who you represent 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Today, let’s pray for worldwide peace. May hearts be filled with love for God and others.
Verse of the Day
Prayer Focus
It was so good to have Gail Brister back at church last night. Let’s continue to pray for her and many others who need our prayers today.
Sunday School Lesson for Sunday
June 29
“God’s Promise”
Psalm 132:1-14 and 17-18
Youth and Church Camp
Pray for the youth and chaperones of First Baptist Church, Kentwood as they spend the week at church camp. May this be a week of growing in the Lord for all of them. I’m so thankful they have this wonderful opportunity each year. Those of us who aren’t going can certainly pray for them and all the others at church camps this week.
VBS
It is likely one of the churches in our area is having VBS. This week, pray for them, whoever it may be or whoever is next. Encourage the children of that community to attend. Encourage the children who have attended this summer to continue to sing, discuss, and study the Bible. Most importantly, pray they attend church where they can continue to grow in the Lord.
Good morning. May this day be a special blessing to you. Let God be your guide in all you do today.
Prayer Focus
Today, we certainly need to pray for the situation with Iran, Israel, the United States, and other countries. In your prayer, pray for individuals who are making the decisions, residents of those countries, and those involved in the actual fighting..
Daily Bible Reading
I will be kind to you and I will help you. That will be enough for
you. When you are weak, I will show that I am completely
powerful to help you.
II Corinthians 12:9
Scriptures for Sunday School Today
(Certainly can be used at home too!)
Psalm 96:1-13
Additional Bible Passage
Additional Bible Reading
‘God Who Shows Me UnfailingLove’
(Ps. 59:16-17)
I will be kind to you and I will help you. That will be enough for you. When you are weak, I will show that I am completely powerful to help you.
The Lord’s Day is a special Day!
The most special part is honoring and woshiping God! I hope your plans for the day include those two things. It’s not too late to adjust your day for that.
The Prayer Link 
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