It’s so nice to have you back today!

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on friends we do not hear from often. What is going on in their world? Give them a call or speak to someone else who can tell you about them. If you learn of any needs, prayers, home, medical needs, phone call, etc., do your best for your friend.

Daily Bible Reading

• April 30
• Exodus 33-35

Obituaries

Marlyn Rene Davis

April 7, 1990 – April 28, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 7, 1990 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. She graduated from Oak Forest Academy in 2008 and later received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She spent her whole career teaching at Albany Upper Elementary where she loved her students as if they were her own. Marlyn was a loving “Honey” to Karsyn and Wade. Her pride and joy was her furry companion, Butler. She was a follower of Christ and served in many church activities at Montpelier Baptist Church. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. She is survived by her parents, David and Barbara Brumfield Davis; brother, Brent Hanson Davis and wife, Mandy; niece and nephew, Karsyn and Wade Davis; loving aunts, Sara Brumfield and Jan Brumfield Lerille (Donny); uncles, Glen Davis (Sheelah) and Lyndon Davis (Lisa); numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and family members. Preceded in death by her grandparents, George Wilson Davis, Mary Retha Davis, Claude “Hank” Brumfield, Sr. and Eleanor “Cricket” Brumfield; uncles, Bryan Brumfield and Claude Brumfield, Jr. Pallbearers will be Brandon Andrews, Avery Andrews, Kahne Andrews, Robert Davis, Caleb Brumfield, and Bradley Brumfield. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Chenier, Donnie Moore, and Brandon Gilbert. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Deloris Schroeder

July 24, 1956 – April 28, 2025

A resident of Livingston, LA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 24, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her  husband, Joseph “Joe” Franklin Schroeder, Sr.; 1 daughter, Demisha Parker (James); 1 son, James Genoni; step-daughter, Stephanie Runnels (Joe Joe); step-sons, Joseph “Joey” Schroeder (Barbara) and Jerald “Jerry” Schroeder (Melanie); 3 sisters, Zula Hopgood, Murlane Welch, and Charlotte  Strahan (A.C.); sister-in-law, Mary Lindsey; grandchildren, Brandon Parker, Nathan Parker, Demarcus Brown, Keyanna Brown, Jamyiria Genoni, Joseph Schroeder(Sarah), Emily Schroeder, James Schroeder, Haley Schroeder, Tori Sanchez (Joey), Hannah Schroeder (Josh), Loretta Schroeder, Sara Runnels, and Billy Runnels; great-grandchildren, Kylen, Genoni-Brown, Ke’myiri Brown, Jaxon, Trinity Schroeder, James, Kayden, Alexis, Maliyah, Camryn, Jonathan Schroeder, Jr., Abbie Campo, Serinady, Skylar, Sydney Sanchez, Wyatt Minor, Remi, and  John Prevost; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Gladys Lindsey; brothers, R.J. Frazier and Jimmy E. Lindsey; grandchildren, Jamarcus Brown and Jonathan K. Schroeder, Sr. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture for Sunday School this Week

• “Be Humble”
• I Peter 5:1-11

Additional Scripture to Read and Think On

‘Blasphemy!’

Matthew 12:31-32

 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but ….

God expects us to show our love for others.

Be a volunteer. What can you do? If you cannot figure that out, ask someone. You can cook, rock babies, teach a lesson, make a purchase, pray, paint a door, drive a vehicle, and so many other things.

Anna Lee

Good morning. It’s good to have you back today.

Prayer Focus: Today is a good day to pray for our government.

Verse of the Day

Daily Bible Reading

• April 29
• Exodus 30-32

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 1

Plan your time and location of prayer.

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

• May 4
• “Be Humble”
• I Peter 5:1-11

Obituary

Tollie Marie Miller

October 29, 1947 – April 27, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, Tollie Marie Carpenter Miller was born on October 29, 1947 and  passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center.  She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Willie Ray Miller, step daughters Belinda (Steve) Mauduit and Theresa (Tobey) Trahan and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; Sister Mary (Keith) Felder and brothers William “Bill” Carpenter, Sr (Karlene) and Austin Carpenter Jr. ; numerous beloved nieces and nephews and a very special great-niece, Addy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Austin Carpenter Sr. and Mary Lou Herbert Carpenter Teekel. Pall bearers are: Billy Carpenter, Jeremy Carpenter, Trey Carpenter, Brady Carpenter, Bubba Bridges and Bill Carpenter. Graveside services will be held at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Danny Smith . McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

From the WMU Louisiana Baptist Leadership in Alexander:

Please pray for the family of Nelda Seal who passed away today, April 28, 2025. Nelda served in a variety of roles in state WMU leadership and on the executive board of national WMU including:

• 2008-2010—interim executive director of WMU of Texas
• 2003-2007—president of Louisiana WMU
• 1998-2001—interim executive director of Louisiana WMU
• 1986-1995—executive director of Louisiana WMU
• 1985-1986—president of Louisiana WMU

Services will be held Thursday, May 1, at First Baptist Church, 541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, Louisiana. Visitation will be 9:00–11:00 a.m. with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately afterwards at Bonnie Cemetery in Angie.

The Seal Family (Ryan, Tonia, Presley, Annabella, Gentry) at 1314 Military Road, Bogalusa, LA 70427.

Additional Bible Study

‘Order Out of Confusion’

 1 Co. 14:1-12

Missions

Ladies, please join us Sunday for Women on Mission at 5 P.M. in my Sunday School classroom. The directors are Amy McDaniel and Lisa Newman.

You are invited to bring a friend and/or your elementary school age children or grandchildren, both boys and girls. The boys and girls will meet in a nearby area. I will be working with that class to introduce them to missions.

“Thanks” and “Come Again”

Anna Lee

VERSE OF THE DAY

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayer on someone who you haven’t seen lately because they no longer get out of their home for health reasons. When you pray, ask God how He would want you to reconnect with them.

Daily Bible Readings

• Sunday – Exodus 25-27
• Monday – Exodus 28-29

Women on Mission

• Meeting Sunday afternoon at 5:00
• Get involved with next mission project
• Bring your school age children to a special missions class for them.

Baptist Press

Read current news articles for church members which are new Monday through Friday.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Additional Bible Reading

This can lead to a good change in a life.

What does this picture lead you to think? to do?

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 1st

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/national-day-of-prayer-set-for-may-1/

You can find a morning celebration in most towns or you can celebrate on your own.

Have a wonderful Monday by doing something for someone else.

Anna Lee

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