Today, let’s focus our prayers on those who have bitterness in their hearts. Let’s pray they ask God to forgive them so they can live a better life, a life more like the way God would have them live.
Daily Bible Reading
February 6
John 7-8
Please Pray
Illness – Please continue to pray for these who are sick.
David Sellers – Still in ICU, but with his heart is looking stronger
T.J. Reid – Cancer issues
Linda Guy Phillips – North Oaks Patient
Eddie Keith Schwartz – Home
Kim Schwartz – Home
Chance O’Hern – Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Improving
Alice Mary Honeycutt – Better and released from hospital
Mike Hornsby – Still hospitalized
Janice Hornsby – Somewhat better
Death
Irene W. Brumfield (Mrs. Tom Ed Brumfield of Amite)
Please pray for Tom Ed Brumfield.
Coming Soon
Wednesday, February 12 at Noon
Lunch for Ladies’ Bible Study Group at Pine Ridge
Beautiful Weather
Enjoy some beautiful weather compliments of God!
What’s your plan for today? Did you include something special to benefit someone other than yourself?
You might be surprised to learn I do not know or care who is playing in the Superbowl in New Orleans Sunday. I don’t follow any professional teams. I am though concerned for all the people who will be in New Orleans for the event. I pray for them to be safe while there.
No matter how interested you are in the game, I know you also pray for the safety of all who attend. We only have a few more days to pray for safety of all the players and fans. Pray for safety and a calm spirit to prevail in the city.
Operation Christmas Child
I will soon be posting a list of items you can easily purchase locally. Every child we are packing for will need these items, so it doesn’t matter if you buy 100 or 3 of these items.
I would also like to thank “a reader” who sent me a check to help for OCC. I will use your funds to purchase some of these items for our boxes. I also want you to know how appreciative I am for you and your regular donations to OCC.
Today, let’s pray for people to read their Bible today in any or all of these ways.
Sunday School Lesson Preparation
Daily Bible Readings
Prayer Meeting Service
Bible Study Classes
Scriptural Picture on TPL
Random Verses that Come Your Way
Surgery
David Sellers will be having heart surgery this morning at North Oaks. I told him lots of people would be praying for him. Let’s all pray. His sibling and children will be counting on us too join their prayers.
Update
Richard Spears has improved and is now home from North Oaks. Thank you for praying for this child.
Obituary
Virginia Kay Allen
January 24, 1944 – February 1, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born January 24, 1944 in Rushville, IL and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Joe William Allen; 2 sons, Joe Earl Walker, Jr. and Michael Todd Walker; and 2 grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Lester Giles Campbell; mother, Theora Grace Steele; 2 sisters, Mary Ellen Dodds and Carol Ann Muncy. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Daily Bible Reading Scriptures
February 4, 2025
John 3-4
Prayer Focus
Today, I want us to pray for drivers to be safe as they ride by themselves, with their family, with a school class or team, school bus loaded with children, carry sick people to a hospital, etc. Let’s pray for all drivers and their passengers to be safe!
Thankfulness
I love to see the little boys and girls at church. These children will have a good Biblical foundation and a great love for God. I pray for all their leadership at church and at home. David was talking about some children he talked with Sunday and said he felt the parents we working hard to raise their children up “in the church”.
I see that happening because I know the parents were raised that way. God bless and guide the parents of young children, the children’s leadership at church, and each precious boy and girl we all have an opportunity to influence. I am thankful for each of you.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on those around us at work, on the highways, in our homes, and in the places we visit. May we live our life today in a way that is pleasing to God.
Illness
Today, let’s pray for David Sellers and his family. David is now in North Oaks.
I also heard some of those who have been sick are now doing better. Let’s keep praying.
Today we have a new prayer request from Curt and Sharon Martin. Their grandson, Richard Spears, was admitted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans early yesterday. Up until that time, his condition had not been diagnosed. Richard’s parents are Destiny and Austin.
Yesterday, I was pleased to receive a bag of toothbrushes. When I went to store them, I found a bag of miscellaneous items for hygiene kits and a class donated to our expenses. I’m thankful for all of these donations. I will put the green donation box out in the hallway in the basement for you to leave your donations there. On top of that, we will have two boxes delivered to the church with items paid for by classes last week. I guess we can now say we have “Hit the ground running” . What a blessing!
Bible Reading Plan
I’m so glad for those of you who have been reading the Bible according to the plan I post each day. In just over a month we have read three books of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Today, we begin John.
February 3
John 1-2.
It’s not too late to join us in reading the Bible. You can start with John today, read with us for the rest of the year, and then go back and read Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Let’s say special prayers for the people of our town to have and show love to each other.
Bible Reading
Sunday, 2-2-25
Luke 23-24
This finishes the reading of Luke, the third book of the Bible for us.
Keep up the good work.
Tomorrow, we will begin the book of John.
Obituary
Robert Lee Carter
July 6, 1938 – January 19, 2025
Robert Lee Carter, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, at the home of his daughter in Sparta, TN. He spent his last 20+ years living with his son in Brandon, MS before which he was born July 6, 1938, to the late Curtis Carter and Clara Mae Young Carter and lived most of his life in Kentwood, Louisiana.
Robert was a kind, loving and caring person who always had a helping hand with family and friends. He was a loving father to his children who he loved dearly and was very proud of and in return, his children were always there for him.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn I. Cutrer Carter, his brothers Shelby Joe Carter and Jeffie Carter, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He is survived by his children, Sarah Marie (Michael) Dolan, and John Robert (Sherry) Carter; grandchildren, Casey Quinn (Hannah) Gullotta, and Jessica Louise (Collin Beatty) Dolan; great-grandchildren, Harrison Gullotta and Miller Jean Gullotta; brothers, Wayne Carter and Roger Carter; sister, Irene Carter Mitchell; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.
Robert’s family honored his wishes to be cremated, and the family will have a celebration of life at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with visitation from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM.
REMINDER
Sherry Ann Gill Simpton
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 2 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church from 1 p.m.to 4 p.m. with funeral conducted at 4 p.m. by Reverend Ray Wuerzer . In lieu of flowers,the family would like for donations to be given to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (HospitalityFund).
Special Assignment
(You know I was a school teacher for almost forty years.)
Think of those around us who could use a little attention and plan to call, visit, cook, do some needed yard work, etc. Make a contact with them and do an act of helpfulness for them. Guess who will be blessed – Both of you, but you will probably be blessed the most!
Today, let’s focus some of our prayer time on leaders in our churches. Pray for them as they guide and carry out activities in our churches.
Let’s also pray for people in our town to have love, not anger, for other people. I hope we all want to do more to show God’s love for other people.
Daily Bible Reading
2-1-25
Luke 21-22
Saturday
This is a day of preparation for Sunday. In your household it may include Bible Study, selection and preparation of clothing for church tomorrow, preparation of food for lunch, cleaning in and around the house, etc. These tasks vary from household to household. Whatever you need to do, get busy and get it done.
Operation Christmas Child
I have been told donations were given and items ordered to include in the hygiene kits for our “Shoeboxes”. Thanks to those who donated. The hygiene kits will be one of our first “Shoebox” projects this year. I hope these donations will be an encouragement to others to give and or do tasks for OCC.
Special Prayers Today
Please pray for the following people: I know they will all appreciate your prayers.
Mrs. Mary Varnado
Mrs. Barbara Erwin
Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
Mrs. Alice Faye Lee
Mrs. Theople Hurst
Thank-you for reading today. Remember to include these names and the names of those on your personal prayer list. Remember to get out and do some things to help these people and/or others on this list and your prayer list.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on our community. Pray we all have love and show kindness to others. May we be gracious and giving so nobody “goes without” and everyone is shown love and appreciation. Smile! Greet everyone you see! “Meet” someone you don’t know.
Read the Bible Every Day
Friday, January 31
Luke 17-18
Wintertime Illnesses
The cold weather has a special way of bringing sniffles and coughs to us. I have learned that Alice Mary Honeycutt and Mike and Janice Hornsby have been fighting pneumonia. Pray for them and others who are fighting pneumonia and other winter illnesses.
Obituary
Sherry Ann Gill Simpson
July 11, 1958 – January 29, 2025
Our beloved Sherry Ann Gill Simpson, a resident of Mt. Hermon, passed away peacefully on January 29 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana and entered her heavenly home with her savior, Jesus Christ. She was born July 11, 1958, and was 66 years of age at the time of her passing. Sherry was a graduate of Mt. Hermon High School class of 1976. She was an active member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church where she headed the Hospitality Committee and showed her love through taking care of others. Sherry was a true servant for the Lord, her church, her family, and friends. She never hesitated to serve others in an unselfish manner, expecting nothing in return. Sherry was a great cook and candy maker and made countless batches to give to others each holiday. One of her favorite things to do was to make M & M cookies with her grandchildren and those close to her. She was also an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her LSU Lady Tigers. Sherry worked at Dairymen Incorporated for 13 years and later went on to Kentwood High School to work until retirement where the students and faculty adored her. She loved to hunt and fish alongside her husband of over 45 years, Ricky. She took great pride in telling you about her sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons. Visiting her family was what she enjoyed most in life.
Sherry is survived by her husband, Ricky Simpson; children, Brandon Simpson (Laura), and Britt Simpson; grandsons, James Boyd “JB” Simpson and Alexander Gregory Ray “Aggie” Simpson. She is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth (Melody) Gill and Mike (Betty) Gill; brother-in-law, Wayne Simpson (Susan), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friend Lou Alford Jennings whom she treated as her own daughter, Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Dorothy Gill; father-in-law, Burnell Simpson, and mother-in-law, Hazel Simpson.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 2 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with funeral conducted at 4 p.m. by Reverend Ray Wuerzer . In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be given to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (Hospitality Fund). Thank you to all the family and friends for your visits, phone calls, and prayers
Pallbearers: Korey Gill, Kyle Gill, Jason Simpson, Kerry Simpson, Deven Martin Honorary Pallbearers: Andrew Gill, Caleb Jennings
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sherry Ann Gill Simpson please visit our Sympathy Store.
(Sherry and I worked together at KHS where she was always seen doing for others.)
Operation Christmas Child
We have officially started collecting items for the hygiene kits for the 450 boys we are sending “Shoeboxes” to this year. Our focus will be on older boys, ages. 10-14. This a is group that hasn’t been receiving enough boxes in recent years.
You are invited to participate as a family and/or a Sunday School class this year. We have two ladies, Wanda Smith and Jackie Babin, who will gladly shop for you on Amazon so you don’t have to worry about locating items in stores. Talk with them if you would appreciate their help.
ORLANDO, Fla. – What is Brad Crawford’s one message to those who may be disheartened about the darkness in the world and what that might mean for the next generation? His one message is a simple three words: “God is greater.”
PITTSBURG, Kan. (BP) — Elijah “Touch” Touchton was a big believer in the big impact missions can have on a church.
If you have ever read an online review for a restaurant, hotel or product, you know that there are those who love to complain. The truth is, we all complain at one time or another.
Volunteers Appreciated
If you have a time or a talent, it can be used at your church. Two of these opportunities that probably can use you are helping in the nursery or being a substitute teacher. You can volunteer to help without it being a weekly task if that is more appealing. You can volunteer to help when a teacher or leader is absent. Choose some classes you would like to work in or volunteer to help “as needed”. Help someone periodically who regularly serves.
You can turn your name in at the church office or with a particular leader/teacher. Help someone who serves regularly like when they are ill or have a family event they need to attend elsewhere, often in the church of a family member.
You will be greatly appreciated for serving in this way! Volunteer today!
Learn about Missions and Annie Armstrong
Sunday afternoon, February 23
For all girls and ladies and anyone else with a desire to learn more about missions.’
Members of other churches can probably work this into their Sunday afternoon without missing anything at their own church. Let me know if you need more information.
I’m so thankful you “Tuned in” today. Feel free to help someone else learn how to “Tune in”. Until tomorrow morning . . . .
Today, let’s focus our prayers on loving each other in our families, our communities, our country, and all around the world.
Sunday School Lesson for Sunday
Yesterday, I gave. you the verses for last Sunday.
Next Sunday (2-2-25): Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-38; “The Inhabited”
Read the Bible Today
Thursday
1-30-25
Luke 17-18
Obituaries
Donald E. Langston
December 16, 1955 – January 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald E. Langston, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Donald passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Donald was born December 16, 1955 in Independence, Louisiana. Donald retired from the Town of Greensburg after serving his community for 35 years.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years Bobbie Jean, children Sandra Cutrer, Sonny Cutrer (Viola), Joy Martin (Tommy), grandchildren Carla Powell (Richie), Robbie Culbertson (Sandra), Tyler Barber (Dawn), John Barber (Kalynda), Colton Budde, Garrett Cutrer (Ashley), Corey Cutrer, Scott Doyle (Stephanie) and Stephen Doyle, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaugther, brother Carl Benjamin Langston (Debra), sisters Katherine Thomas (Rob) and Carolyn Athey (Gary) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Juanita Langston, and brothers David and William Langston.
Visitation at Mckneely Funeral Home in Amite on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery followed by food and fellowship at Greensburg Baptist Church.
Special thanks to The Hospice of Baton Rouge. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sherry Gill Simpson
Sherry was a diligent worker in many environments: Her family and extended family, Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Kentwood High School, wherever she was! She was loved and appreciated for all she did for others! Sherry was hospitalized in New Orleans at the time of her death
You may remember me telling you about caring for others each day. Sherry lived a life of constantly caring for others! Her obituary is not available at this time.
Remember, it is all about God’s purpose! See the first verse included in today’s post. Until tomorrow . . . .
Today, let’s pray for our families and friends, especially those who do not know the Lord as their Savior.
Families with Needs
Those struggling to pay their medical bills
Those struggling with health concerns
Those struggling with providing food for their families
Those struggling with balancing jobs and families
Those struggling with their faith
Those struggling in guiding their children
Those struggling with caring for older relatives
The list continues on and on.
Read the Bible Every Day
September 28
Luke 14-16
Obituary
Joel Dirk Gray
January 15, 1970 – January 27, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born January 15, 1970 in Denton, TX and was 55 years of age. He is survived by his father, Billy Gray; 2 daughters, Montana Gray and Katelin Gray; 2 sisters, Amanda Ridgel and Marie Faulk. Preceded in death by his mother, Norma Gray; step-mother, Terri Gray; grandparents, Elton and Bessie Gray and Euless and Edna Latham; and a sister, Nicole Boyd. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sunday School Lesson for this Week
“Instructions”
Exodus 25:1-9 and 31:1-6
Couples Who Would Appreciate Your Prayers Today
Andy and Betty Taylor
Tom and Gail Brister
Bobby and Betty Simpson
Operation Christmas Child
It’s time to think about how you as a individual, as a family, or as a member of a class will participate in the coming months to help prepare shoeboxes for boys, ages 10-14, who will be so blessed to receive a “shoebox” FULL of hygiene items, school supplies, clothing, and toys. We will pack our boxes in October so you will have the opportunity to help from the end to January until early October. You will also get to help get items prepared for packing, because they cannot be sent as they come from the stores. Come learn what is needed and how we get it ready for shipping. We will have a group lesson so you can learn more.
Pray for teachers and students as they prepare for Spring Testing during the coming months. These tests determine the learning level of students in the coming year.
A Thought to Consider
Churches don’t do this, but just for a few moments consider this for yourself and your family members. What if churches gave tests to determine placement in classes? Where would we be placed? Just a thought . . . .
Today, let’s pray for families who have a very sick loved one or who have recently lost a loved one. Today, we will pray for the families listed below and any other family that comes to mind.
Chris Primes
Dennie Walker
Buster Quin
Kathy Dunn
K.K. Kennedy
Deborah Jones
T.A. Booty
Ben Mion
We would also like to remember families with sick people. Some of them would be those listed below.
Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, Jr., of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born April 7, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the only child of Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, Sr. and Madge Evans Sims Kennedy. He graduated from Baton Rouge High. His initial intention was to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a law degree, but those plans were altered and he went on to finish his undergraduate degree at LSU in 1954 in Animal Industry. He was a member of Kappa Alpha and Alpha Zeta. He served as Regimental Commander of the Army ROTC at LSU and thus lived in the LSU Stadium (The Rock), where all freshmen were required to stay at that time. He was a Distinguished Military graduate and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. He remained an avid LSU fan all his life.
In 1955, KK was called to active duty and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Infantry at Ft. Jackson, SC. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and taught weapons courses. In 1957, he was discharged from active duty and re-assigned as Company Commander of the Reserve Unit in Kentwood, LA, where he became a Captain in 1961. He loved his country and felt a deep sense of duty to it.
He married Shirley Joyce McMillan on October 30, 1954, and believed until his last day that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen – something that he was only too keen to tell everyone he met. Together, they had four children, and they lived in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana and Springfield, Missouri, before moving to Brandon, Mississippi, to be closer to some of his wife’s family.
After discharge from the Service, he returned to Tangipahoa Parish and ran the family dairy farm – 3K Acres – for the next 27 years. He was Dairyman of the Year many times involving his wife and children in all phases and served as President of the Tangipahoa Parish Farm Bureau Association and served on its Board of Directors for 26 years. He had a full life and taught Sunday School at the First Baptist Church of Kentwood, was a Scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts in Kentwood, and was secretary of the Florida Parishes Farm Services, Inc., a farmers’ co-op. His son, Kemble, took over the reins of the family farm as Mr. Kennedy’s career path led him into law enforcement as a Deputy in the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s office in 1980 for 13 years. Upon retirement, he was able to actively and passionately pursue genealogy, which he continued even after publishing a Kennedy family book and donating documentation back to Huey P. Long to the LSU Archives as well as Louisiana Tech.
Mr. Kennedy is preceded in death by his parents, Kemble Kennedy, Sr. and Madge Kennedy; daughter, Kimberly Kennedy; son, Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, III; and grandson, Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, IV.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley McMillan Kennedy; daughter, Karen Coscia (Robert) of Keller, Texas; son, Keith Kennedy (Melissa) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandchildren, Lindsey, Kathryn (Ryan), Peyton, Kimberly, Ashley, Michael, Brittany, and Victoria; and one great grandchild, Samantha…and all his genealogical legacies.
The family wishes to thank NeNe Simmons, Christy Edwards, and John Smith for their many kindnesses and dedicated care.
Deborah Lynn Jones
November 7, 1960 – January 22, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA. She was born November 7, 1960 in Palatka, FL and was 64 years of age. She is survived by her niece, Carla Day Hilbun and her husband, Daniel; brother-in-law, Carl Day; also survived by Barry and Carrie Roundtree and their three daughters, Adara, Cece and Kara, and Barbara Cooper and Diane Miller. Preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret Peters; brothers and sisters, Leslie Peters, John Peters, Pamela Peters and Rebecca “Becky” Peters Day. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, January 31, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Taylor and Rev. J. B. Davis. Interment Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Buster Quin passed away Friday.
If you know where I should look for the obituary, please let me know.
The Prayer Link 
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