A survey published by Christianity Today and other outlets found that Americans‘ reading and study of Scripture has declined over the last year. While they could not look at this specifically during the pandemic, it seems that this is a direct result of what has happened to us since March 13.
The decline is not just a small amount. It is large, and it is disturbing.
What we thought would happen apparently has not happened. Many of us believed, at least hoped, that this time might be a time in which we would use our time at home to gather together around Scripture and do some very intense searching about our lives.
What happened?
Here is my take on this.
We don’t do well on our own without the church. There is a reason why God created the church, and there’s a reason why we’re told to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
When we assemble together we encourage one another just as Scripture tells us to do. Our physical presence makes a difference.
What can we do when some people simply cannot meet together? Remember, this is not something that has not happened before. We’ve always had homebound people who couldn’t physically meet with the church.
For the most part, these faithful saints have continued to look at Scripture, spend their days in prayer, and encourage other believers.
It is time for us to take up their mantle and be found faithful in difficult times.
Would you join with me in renewing your commitment to become like Christ and to spend time in prayer and in His Word?
I’m sorry about yesterday. The phone charger cord was the problem. It must have tangled with my glasses and won. We had early appointments in Hammond.and I ran out of my scheduled time for posting.
Read the Bible in 2026
February 3 – John 1 -2
February 4 – John 3-4
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus some pray time on those who have been housebound for a long time due to weather and of those who have been housebound short term due to the weather. I’m sure they will be feel loved, encouraged, and updated to hear from others. Pray first. Then contact. those that God lays on your heart.
Obituaries
Trey Harrison, III
November 14, 1974 – January 29, 2026
With hearts anchored in faith and hope in God’s promises, we announce the passing of Roy Alfus Harrison, III (Trey), who was called home to be with the Lord on January 29, 2026, at the age of 51.
Trey was a cherished husband, father, pawpaw, son, brother, uncle, and a child of God. He lived a life marked by love and perseverance. Those who knew him were blessed by his kindness, sense of humor, and generosity.
Trey loved riding his motorcycle and mowing grass. He enjoyed vacationing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife, Christy, and grandchildren, Audrena and Blake.
Trey is survived by his wife Christy Reeves Harrison, daughter Chelsey Blake Harrison, step-daughters Hannah (Michael) Crapanzano and Caitlin (Skylar Tabor) Reeves, step-son Christian (Macy) Reeves, sister Chinero (Frank) Fowler, mother Janice (Michael) Hornsby, grandchildren Kassidy Cutrer, Audrena Cutrer, Blake Cutrer, Slade Crapanzano, two nieces, a nephew, two great-nieces, and two great-nephews. Though we grieve his earthly absence, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now at peace, free from pain, and resting in the presence of our Savior. As promised in God’s Word, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
A member of Kentwood First Baptist Church. He found great joy in worship and fellowship with his church family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 07, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Kentwood First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Kentwood First Baptist Church or a cancer charity of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
May God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds as we trust in His eternal promises.
Thelma Lindsey Bennett Guillory
August 9, 1944 – January 31, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at her home. She was born August 9, 1944 in Independence, LA and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Blades (Jamie) and Shana McLin (Kevin Strahan); sisters, Betty Howell and Margaret Cutrer; grandchildren, Devyn Thornton, Charlsa Waller (Cody), Logan McGregor (Gabrielle), Justin Cutrer (Ebony) and Ashton Blades (Shelby); great-grandchildren, Jayce Waller, Cooper Waller, Aiden Waller, Liam Waller, Holly McGregor, Audree Brumfield, Ariat Cutrer, Hunter Guzman, and Forrest Cutrer; best friend, Joyce Schram; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Paul Guillory; father of children, Marvin Bennett; father, William Lindsey, II; mother, Louella Lindsey Morgan; brother, William Lindsey, III; sisters, Geneva Wall, Viola Bennett, Virgie Slaven, Bessie Travis, and Tempee Williams; grandson, Hunter McGregor. Special Thanks to Modern Home Health and Modern Hospice, Lisa King, Lyndy Varnado, Zella Nicholes, Stephanie Lemme, and Ashley Redmond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers are Cody Waller, Jayce Waller, Justin Cutrer, Ashton Blades, Leroy Cutrer, and Dewayne Bennett. Honorary pallbearers are Devyn Thornton and Logan McGregor. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Henry “Hank” Adam Schumacher
November 18, 1946 – February 1, 2026
From the street in New Orleans to the pastures in Husser, LA. Hank lived an exciting life. To his days working at Union Carbide to working his cattle, but his pride and joy was his family. His loving wife Karen of 42 years, his 4 kids, Dan (Colette), Matt (Andree), Terri (Bo), and Adam (Kelly), To the love of his 10 grandkids, Dusty (Jessi), Lane (Bailey), Ty, Allee, Jessie, (Andre), Shelby, Thomas, Lance, Abby, and Dane. To his 2 beautiful great- grand daughters, Elena and Ellis Ann. Special thanks to his brother-in-law, Todd Perilloux. Hank is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marie and his sisters, Anne (1942) and Anne (1944) and his in laws, Arthur and Shirley Perilloux. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8:30AM until 10:45AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00AM on Friday, February 6, 2026. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for others. Choose your own categories and individuals. I hope you are keeping a notebook with your list of prayer concers and updating them as needed.
Hopefully, the weather will warm up for a few days. Spend some time making needed changes at your home or wherever needed.
Obituary for Trey Harrison
This will be posted when one is available. In the meantime, pray for Christy and other family members.
Operation Christmas Child
Please stop and pray for the “Shoeboxes” and their impact on so many people add during the year.
I’m still accepting names of those who wish to participate in Operation Christmas Child this year.
If you would like to shop online for your class or family, you can have the packages shipped to
OCC at First Baptist Church
503 Fifth Street
Kentwood, LA 70444-2518
Ideas to start with include: sharpened pencils, nail files and clippers, socks (girls 10-14 years old & boys 10-14 years old), spiral notebooks, pens, and crayons.
Your donations can be left in the green tote in the hallway beneath the sanctuary or in the church office. I will send updated lists periodically.
Thank-you for shopping for us! Contact me if you have any questions.
This cold morning is a good time to read your Bible and pray. Please pray for those who do not have adequate heat and for those who have to get our of their homes today.
Obituaries
I did not find an obituary for Trey Harrison yet. I know no plans. Let’s just pray for Christy and other family members in the meantime.
James Clear is a favorite writer. He has written about the power of habits and how you develop those powerful habits.
Recently he wrote about adding value to other people. He said that before you ask for value you must give value to others. This fits many areas of life. My blog tomorrow will expound on this idea and how it applies to Scripture and to us.
Today, I want to talk about productivity and time management with something James Clear said in the same article.
“The fastest way to raise your level of performance:
Cut your number of commitments in half.”
Almost all of us are asking, “How can I do the things that really matter?”
Obviously, we first have to ask, “What really matters?” This is a great life lesson and life exercise. Certainly, your family, livelihood, and faith would fit in these areas. What else should fit, and what shouldn’t fit? What should you not do, and what should you give to someone else?
These are the kind of questions that help us be more productive and to add value to others.
As we move to the weekend, I want to encourage you to look deeply at what you are doing and the contributions you are making. Look for ways to make a difference in the people around you.
Paul told the believers in Colossae to “Make the most of the time” (Colossians 4:5). He saw time as an opportunity to serve God and to advance the Gospel.
How can we see time as an opportunity, and how can we use our time to advance the Gospel?
Warning!
Tomorrow will be even colder than this morning. Be prepared!
Need some help?
Ask! Depending on your need, decide who can and will help you. There are many who will help you and will be happy to help you to make a good decision about getting additional help.
Stay safe and warm today!
“Winter forms our character and brings out our best.” — Tom Allen
Welcome to another day God has created just for us. He also created us for this day. Let’s give back a portion of this day to/for Him.
Reading the Bible in 2026
January 30
Luke 17-18
Prayer Focus
Let’s spend time today praying for others
Who have experienced death of members of their families this week
Who are having troubles as they face today’s prediction for tomorrow
Who have sick loved ones
Whose home are not adequately heated
ETC .
Obituaries
Melba Ina Deane Blades Etheridge
February 26, 1951 – January 28, 2026
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at her home. She was born February 26, 1951 in Kentwood, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her husband, David C. Etheridge, Sr.; 6 sons, David Etheridge, Jr. and wife, Margie, Jeremy Etheridge and wife, Mary, Chris Etheridge, Kevin Etheridge and wife, Pam, Matthew Etheridge and Brent Etheridge; daughter, Aimee Etheridge Wagner; grandchildren, Deanna Short, Kayla Robbins, David Etheridge, III, Sharee Etheridge, Christopher Etheridge, Jr., Abigail Etheridge, Meaghan Etheridge, Brentleigh Etheridge, Halli Rogers, Heidi Bailey, Daniel Etheridge, Chrissy Etheridge, Lisa Etheridge, Khloe Etheridge, Alex Etheridge, Addison Turner, Ashley Langlois, Tyler Etheridge, Calli Ngo, Cameron Etheridge, Alaina-Michael Etheridge, Dakota Etheridge, Lajend Cobb, Tiffanie Mills, James “Rusty” Etheridge, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Sya Robbins, Palmer Etheridge, Claire Etheridge, Jackie Rhodes, Serenity Etheridge, Jessie Etheridge, Dean Etheridge, Weston Etheridge, Tucker Etheridge, Lilly Ngo, Hadlee Ngo, and Liam Langlois. Preceded in death by 2 sons, Michael Philip Etheridge and James “Rusty” Etheridge, Sr.; parents, Dubb and Bertha Blades; 2 brothers, Ronnie Blades and Wayne Blades. A private family gathering will be from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday. Visitation will continue at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 4:00PM until Religious Services at 6:30PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Norman Henry Bennett
December 3, 1943 – January 27, 2026
Norman Henry Bennett, 82, of Amite, LA, died January 27, 2026 at home.
He was born on December 3, 1943 to Norman E. and Claud Clark Bennett in Amite, LA.
Henry attended Amite High School, Southeastern Louisiana College and Louisiana State University.
He worked for more than fifty years for the State of Louisiana. He began his career with the Department of Health and Human Resources in 1966 until he retired in 1999. He returned to work in 2002 to the Department of Health and Hospitals where he worked until 2019. He received the Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Award in the same year. At that time, he and Merrie were the only married couple to have both received that award.
He was a gifted athlete and played football, baseball and tennis. He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and clarinet.
Henry is survived by his wife of 60 years Merrie Christmas Bennett, daughters Renee Bennett Primes, Lori Bennett Petitto (Michael, Sr.), grandchildren Christine Jones Smith (Cody), Mikki Jones, and great-grandchildren Peyton Smith, Cameron Smith and Vincent Jones, brother Robert (Donna) Bennett, and brother-in-law Charles D. (Kay) Christmas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Claud Bennett, son-in-law, Christopher K. Primes and brother-in-law, Dayle Christmas.
A member of First United Methodist Church of Amite, Henry sang in the choir and served on multiple committees. He found great joy in worship and fellowship with his church family.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Amite LA.
Interment will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite LA.
Pallbearers will be Errol Durr, Michael Petitto, Michael Petitto, Jr., Michael Christmas, Michael Christmas, II., and Peyton Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Amite or a charity of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Church Services Sunday
I suppose most of our churches will be open to those who choose to attend and very understanding of those who choose not to attend if the road conditions are not good. If you choose to stay home, we thankfully have online services to watch and would welcome you to view with us if the services of your church are not available.
Check the church site for FBC, Kentwood ahead of time for information on how to do so.
Illnesses
There are some illnesses in the community that seem to find new homes to visit each week. Be careful not to invite them to visit your home/family. Others have injuries or recovery from hospital procedures. Many homes have elderly residents with long-term illnesses. Help others as you can by cooking, transporting, shopping, or other chores and responsibilities. You can make a difference.
I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.
Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.
Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).
Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.
They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.
You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.
What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”
When I begin my day in this way, I always have a good day. I pray the same for you.
January 2026 is coming to a close.
What else you plan to do before this month is gone?
God sent us another cold morning – 27 degrees in Kentwood. The weekend will be even colder than it is now!
Read the Bible in 2026
January 29
Mark 14-16
Obituaries
Jacqueline Seal Jenkins Major
October 22, 1942 – January 26, 2026
Jacqueline Seal Jenkins Major, age 83, of Amite, Louisiana, passed away on January 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 22,1942 in Franklinton, Louisiana to the late Willie Ernest Jenkins and Era Seal Jenkins. Jackie is survived by her husband and partner in life of 50+ years, J. D. Major and her five children Jacqueline Crowe (Darrell), Chuck Vilardo (Sandee), Kimberlyn Eberhardt (Gary), Scott Vilardo (Laurie), and Jon Major (Samantha); eight grandchildren, D. J. Crowe (Whitney), Garrett Johnson (Stephanie), Tyler Vilardo (Courtney), Mallory Sprehe, Roman Vilardo (Faith), Tanner Vilardo, Kristie Major, Blake Major and step-grandson Rafael Estrada. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren. Cooper Crowe, Chandler Crowe, Brooklyn Vilardo and Vivianne Vilardo. She is also survived by her loving sister, JoAnn Adlong from Texas. Jackie taught Kindergarten for twelve years at Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Independence. She is remembered lovingly by many of her students. She later worked many years at the United States Postal Service in Independence until she retired. After a long and courageous battle against Parkinson’s Disease, Jackie finally lost her fight. In addition to her parents, Jackie was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Mike Adlong. Pallbearers: Johnny Harris, Blake Major, Tyler Vilardo, Chuck Vilardo, D. J. Crowe, and Darrell Crowe. Special thanks to her nurses, Lyndy and Ashley from Modern Hospice. Also, her devoted sitters, Jo and Juanita. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:30AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Chandler Veasey. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Donovan Stafford Lewis, Sr.
April 30, 1934 – January 27, 2026
Our PePaw, Donovan Stafford Lewis, went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on April 30, 1934, to Wendel and Bertha-Lee Lewis. PePaw had a lifelong love for sports, especially baseball. While playing at Southeastern Louisiana University, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he chose to first serve his country after being drafted into the United States military. During his service, he traveled the world playing baseball for the U.S. Army team, winning a batting competition in Germany. He still holds Southeastern’s single-season Triple Crown for RBIs, batting average, and home runs. PePaw was a faithful member of Lewiston Baptist Church and owned Whites Auto/Ace Hardware in Kentwood for over 40 years, where customers remember him most for his kindness. He loved cheering on the LSU Tigers, mowing the grass, playing golf, and hosting friends for weekly coffee and cake. He was never too busy to “hug your neck” and make you feel like family. PePaw will be deeply missed by all who knew him. It was an honor to know him and an even greater honor to be loved by him. He is survived by his children, Vandy (Lynn) Lewis and Cindy (JoJo) Norris; six grandchildren, Misty (Kelly) Alford, Riki (Josh) Breland, Cody Lewis, Taylor (Jeremy) McKenzie, Cynthia Schilling, and Cassye (Tyler) Trout; nine great-grandchildren, including the youngest, little Donovan, named for his PePaw; and his sister-in-law, Barbra Lewis. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Willie Lewis; his parents; and his brother, Ted Lewis. Visitation at Lewiston Baptist Church from 8:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 30, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Cory Morris. Interment Lewiston Cemetery, Lewiston, LA. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kerri Corken for her devoted care of PePaw, and to Modern Hospice and Pulse Home Health for their compassion and support. Your kindness will always be remembered. Pallbearers will be Benj “Chopper” Norris, Jay Fontenot, Mark Dykes, James Schenk, Richard Foley, and Roy Blades. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Parsons, Larry McDaniel, Harold “Fuzzy” Fussell, and Earl Forest. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse springs into action to help with all kinds of problems all around the world all year long. We think of “Shoeboxes” as Christmas gifts, and that is true, but there is more than just that. When there are disasters anywhere in earth Samaritan’s purse springs into action to help. Often Children are in the nomber of people involved. Examples of these situation would include natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Man-made examples might include wartime events. Anytime children are involved Samaritan’s purse is there to minister to families, including children. It’s all about introducing children to Jesus!
“What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!”
I learned to sing the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” as a child and teenager in church. I have never forgotten the words, especially these words, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
It is a privilege to pray–both to take our personal needs to God and to pray for others. As I write this, I have just had the privilege to join with one of the men of our church in praying for his wife.
Prayer for others is a great privilege. It is also a Christian obligation.
While we certainly pray for ourselves and for those close to us, we also have a responsibility to pray for the church and its mission around the world. Paul told the church to pray for all the saints, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Paul asked the church at Colossae to pray for him and his work. “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:3-4).
Would you join me in praying for the people around you? Would you also pray for the work of the church worldwide?
“As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right” (1 Samuel 12:23).
I’m using some free picture downloads. I hope you enjoy them.)
I’m looking ahead to a few days of warmer weather before we get another COLD spell. Think of some ways you can show God’s love for others.
The Prayer Link 
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