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!

Southern Baptists respond to winter damage amid frigid temperatures

Other Baptist Press articles available today can be found at https://www.baptistpress.com/.

Get involved is studying, serving, worshiping, etc. at your church. You’ll be blessed! There are endless ways to help others.

Do you get the “picture”?

Anna Lee

Schools

Tangipahoa Parish schools are OPEN today and on their regular schedule.

Prayer Focus

Today, we will all still have to focus some time and effort on the cold weather.

Most people do a good job of preventing trouble in the cold temperatures. If you have the opportunity and can volunteer to help someone, please do so.

Read the Bible Today

• January 28
• Luke 12-13

No New Obituaries for Our Area This Morning

Message from Waylon Bailey

The Privilege of Prayer

• October 10, 2020

“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.

Sunday School Lesson for February 1st.

• “Loyalty Tested”
• Matthew 10:16-20 and 26-34

Anna Lee

TESTING!

Today’s Bible Verse:

 “But Jesus looked at them and said,

‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”

~Matthew 19:26~

This site will not try to keep up with and post what places are open and closed each day. You can check with individual sites you are interested in.

Two Obituaries Today

Richard Lynn Cutrer

August 19, 1946 – January 25, 2026

A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born August 19, 1946 in Independence, LA and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Paula Hayden Cutrer; sons, Richard “Ricky” Cutrer, Jr. and wife, Jeanie, and Kevin Cutrer and wife, Michelle; step-daughters, Stacy Haase and Kamie Harper and husband, Caleb; step-son, Jamie Clark and wife, Christine; 17 grandchildren, Blaine Cutrer and, Amberly, Andrew Cutrer and, Christa, Logan Cutrer, Seth Cutrer, Bethany Dunn and husband, Caleb, Emiley Kinchen and husband, Ross, Lexi Ammerman and husband, Luke, Mason Haase, Ella Haase, Avelyn Harper, Nadya Harper, Iyla Harper, Sammy Mercado, Hannah Mercado, Caleb Clark, Nathan Clark, and Tessa Clark; great-grandchildren, Alyse Dunn, Luke Dunn, Levi Dunn, Myla Kinchen, Vada Kinchen, and Hudson Joseph Cutrer; 2 sisters, Carol Ann Cleveland and husband, Ira, and Shirley Mae Newcomb. Preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Rowena Cutrer; grandson, Zackary “Zack” Cutrer; son-in-law, Tim Haase; 3 brothers, Walter “W.G.” Cutrer, Carl Cutrer, and Gordon Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Kevin Dunn. Interment Hayden Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(Richard grew up just west of Amite, graduated from AHS, and served 50+ years with the Amite Fire Department.)

Ellen H. Moore

August 1, 1949 – January 23, 2026

Ellen H. Moore, 76, passed away on January 23, 2026, at her daughter’s home in D’Iberville, Mississippi, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born August 1, 1949.

Ellen was the loving mother of Joseph Moore, Melanie Moore Friday (John), Warren Scott Moore, and Daniel T. Holland (Anne), and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.

Ellen had many friends whom she truly loved and cherished, but had a very special relationship with the family she considered her “sisters” for her entire life, Delores Gill, Judy King and Deb. Gill, as well as her special friend of many years, Johanna Bowman.

An excellent cook, Ellen enjoyed having friends and family over for dinners and Christmas time cookie swaps. She loved vacationing at the beach, and Tennessee mountains. Her favorite past time was gardening, and loved watching movies and shopping.

She worked at the Law Office of J. Lynn Ponder for 43 years and was known for her loyalty, dedication and strong work ethic

She was a woman of faith and attended Arcola Baptist Church

Ellen was a beautiful woman inside and out! She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Gary King. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Southern Baptist relief efforts battle cold, snow and ice

Much of our country has/is experiencing property damage due to weather conditions. I’m thankful to know Southern Baptists are one of the well organized groups that have a great program to help others as needed. Many people were helped by this program in Louisiana under the leadership of Bro. Gibby McMillian. Now, Bro. Stan Statham leads this effort in Louisiana. Ladies and men have served in the past and continue to do so if they have received proper training.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/southern-baptist-relief-efforts-battle-cold-snow-and-ice/

This is only one of the articles that can be found on Baptist Press today.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Reading the Bible in 2026

• January 17
• Luke 10-11

I don’t have to say it is cold outside. According to the lack of vehicles passing my house Sunday and Monday, most people must be staying warm at home. Even if homebound, make today count!

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

WaylonBailey

He has a bog with lots of good information.

Learning to Pray

• May 14, 2020
•  Christian Living
• Waylon Bailey

Growing Christians want to pray deeper, more meaningful prayers, and they want to draw near to God as they pray.

I believe this is a true statement. For this reason, I believe that you have the genuine desire to become more like Jesus in your prayer life. This weekend I will be preaching about prayer as we continue to emphasize the basics of following Christ.

If you are not a regular worshiper at FBC Covington, Louisiana, you can join us by means of our live stream at fbccov.org. Our services are at 6:00 PM Saturday and 9:30 and 11:00 AM Sunday. Next weekend the worship times will be the same except that the early service Sunday will be at 9:00 AM to give us more time for cleaning as we begin the long process of re-gathering the church.

While my sermon is not complete yet, the sermon will be about what I yearn for in prayer–to be in the presence of Christ and to learn of Him as I pray. Prayer is the primary practice of Christians to be in the presence of Christ. Think of how many times God tells us to pray and how He promises to hear our prayers.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). God spoke those words to rebellious Jews who had put God on the back burner of their lives. James told us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Our hearts tell us that we need to pray and that we need to pray fervently and urgently. God loves the prayers of His people.

Would you join me in seeking God with all your heart and letting God conform you to the image of His Son?

Prayer Focus

Even if homebound today, make today count!

Anna Lee

It’s a COLD day in Kentwood! Take care of yourself and check on your friends and neighbors. Volunteer skills you have to help others with needs specific to this cold Louisiana Monday.

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for those who do not have adequate heating for a COLD day like today.”Put feet to your prayers!” That means not to only think about and talk about, but to DO what is needed to help with these very cold temperatures here in the South. Talking about the needs does no good unless you do something. You can check on others and address their needs this week. What a blessing you will be!

Read the Bible in 2026

• January 26
• Mark 6-7

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Thankfulness

Surely, we are thankful to be warm and dry on such a cold day as we have. We’re thankful for food and fuel, heat and helpers, news and neighbors, etc. Let’s be sure to express our thanks to God and to others.

Needs in the Community

If you know of needs, help others out. If you can’t do the helping yourself, connect people with those who can help them.

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

You may have some extra time to read this week. Your lesson for Sunday is a good way to spend some extra time.

“Loyalty Tested” is the title and focuses on Matthew 10:16-20 and 26-34.

No New Obituaries Listed for Today

BLOG – Waylon Bailey

” When You Pray”

• May 18, 2020
• , Life apps

Jesus emphasized prayer but not in the way commonly done. For Jesus, prayer was not about being seen or convincing God to do what He wanted.

He encouraged us to pray. He repeatedly said, “When you pray” (see Matthew 6:5-12).

Jesus saw prayer as a time of deep intimacy with God. The pharisees prayed openly three times a day, at morning, afternoon, and evening. They wanted to be seen, and they were seen. They received their reward, but they missed the main element of prayer–coming into the presence of God.

Jesus prayed in public and asked us to do the same. When we say “Our Father,” we are acknowledging that prayer can snd should be public. But prayer should first be to God and for God. Therefore, we need to do the equivalent of going into our closet so that we can spend time with God without the distractions around us.

Jesus also taught His followers to pray to the loving Father who already knows what we need. To go to God in prayer is to go to our Father who loves us and desires to hear our hurts and needs.

Therefore, we don’t need to babble on as the pagans do, thinking we can get our way if we say the secret phrases or impress God with our many words.

What Jesus wanted in prayer was for us to come into the presence our loving Father we knows and understands us.

Prayer is for many reasons. We should praise God in prayer, intercede for ourselves and others, deal with our deepest needs such as forgiveness, and invite God into our daily lives.

More than anything else, we simply need to lay our lives before our kind, Heavenly Father who knows and loves us and will give us what we need.

That kind of prayer gives meaning to our lives and draws us closer to Him.

This Cold Day

This cold day gives us lots of opportunities

• Read
• Study
• Help
• Cook
• etc.

Coose carefully how you spend this day.

Anna Lee

Welcome to another day God has planned for us. Let’s be sure to honor Him today.

Let’s Read His Word Today

• January 25
• Mark 6-7

Sunday School Lesson

• “Mercy Extended”
• Matthew 9

Churches

• Some will be closed, but most will be having services. It will remain above freezing this morning, but it is likely to be raining.
• Churches that you can view online should be available unless there is a power outage.
• Even if there is no way to view church online now, it will be available later.

Waylon Bailey – Why We Need the Church

July 26, 2020

Last week we received disturbing news.

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?

Operation Christmas Child

Letter from Rev. Franklin Graham

Operation Christmas Child: Taking the Gospel to theEnds of the Earth!

Thank you for partnering with Operation Christmas Child to help take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of boys and girls around the world. The shoebox gifts that you prayerfully packed in 2025—12,205,900, praise God!—will help open doors for us to reach even more children with God’s love in the new year.

These shoeboxes go to the very ends of the earth—from jungles to deserts, from megacities to remote villages. One of the most powerful testimonies we’ve received recently comes from one of our teams deep in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The Chapra people are an indigenous tribe, far removed from modern life in many ways. Recently, more than 1,000 Chapra children received shoebox gifts, most of them hearing about our Savior for the very first time.

We invite you to experience what our Lord is doing in the jungles of Peru through a dynamic multimedia presentation. To God be the glory!

Familiar Verses

⁶ Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

 ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:6-9

I know a number of people who have lived their lives being “Strong and Courageous”! I hope you know some too. I hope you are one of the “Strong and Courageous”!

Anna Lee

Are you prepared? If not, get prepared for a long COLD spell.

Favorite Scriptures

Number 1 – John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

For most of us, that is the Scripture we learned first. It’s well chosen.. Read it again, slowly, phrase by phrase.

What’s on our minds today?

• Weather, COLD WEATHER!
• Preparations
• Shopping
• Pipes
• Electrical power
• Groceries
• Fuel
• ETC.

Thankfulness

• Resources to prepare for the coming week
• Heat and water at home
• Stock of food
• Transportation
• Telephone
• My Bible to read/study
• Ability to stay informed as conditions change
• Help if we yell “HELP!”
• Etc.

I assume your list is similar to mine.

Read the Bible in 2026

• January 24
• Mark 4-5

No New Obituaries Today

Waylon Bailey

I Will Lift My Eyes to the Hills

• April 22, 2020

I woke up this morning feeling hopeful.

The good news is that I wake almost every morning feeling hopeful. Today I feel hopeful for a number of reasons.

In Louisiana, where we have suffered mightily from Covid-19 and death, the number of new infections is going down. Yesterday, the number was lower than in several days with just over 300 new infections. Unfortunately, the death rate continued to be very high.

I am also hopeful for the reopening of our economy. The President has been speaking of that for days and our Governor mentioned that we might be able to begin Phase One of our reopening May 1. For the first time, we’ve started planning how we might begin the process of re-gathering the church in the church’s building.

All of those were hopeful signs, but my hope–and yours–does not come from the circumstances of the day. My hope comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I love Psalm 121. It’s only eight verses, but it is a power packed eight verses.

The Psalm begins with a question and an answer: “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Then for six verses the Psalmist gives us the wonderful reasons for hope–the Lord watches over His people. He guides and protects. He watches over your life.

The Psalm ends with wonderful words of hope and protection. In a day in which our coming and going are filled with anxiety and danger, God speaks to remind us that “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore” (Psalm 121:8, RSV).

That’s why I am hopeful. I pray that you will be hopeful in the same way.

……………………………………………………………………

We all remember the Covid days like we remember bad weather days. Best of all, we remember God loves all of us every day, no matter what! Remember, he created cold weather. Make your own memories this week.

I hope these photographs remind you of some days in your memory bank. Make some good memories in the next week.

Let’s pray for each other to have a happy and safe week as we make our new memories.

Anna Lee

My Chosen Verse for Today

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 

Imagine this picture – a person holding a road map.

God has wonderful plans for each of us. Do we seek His will? Wait a minute as you let your imaginenation focus on a map.

Obituary

Kim Cutrer Schwartz

November 9, 1955 – January 21, 2026

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born November 9, 1955 in Kentwood, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Schwartz; step-daughter, Stacey Smith; step-grandchildren, Christina Smith, Ray Smith and wife, Addie, and Trent Smith; step-great-grandchildren, Douglas and Smith Leto;  sister, Renae Cutrer Hidalgo and husband, Ron; brother, Dana Larry Cutrer, Jr. and wife, Angie; nieces, Phoebe Lise Crippin and Laurel Lindsey Wilson. Preceded in death by her parents, Dana Larry Cutrer. Sr. and Gloria Dean Adams Cutrer; and a step-great grandson, Anderson Leto. A private service for the family to mourn their loss will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for Charlie and other family members.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Sunday School Lesson – January 26

• “Mercy Extended”
• Matthew 9: 10-19 and 23-26

Read the Bible in 2026

• January 23
• Luke 3
• Feel free to join in with us at any point.

Weather Considerations

I am not a weather person, but heed the warnings and instructions of those who are. It seems we have COLD days ahead with the possibility of ICE. In this area, we are not usually equipped for safe traveling under these conditions.

Prayer Focus for Today

We have two family members, one east of here and one west of here, and friends who are “out of pocket” right now. They are hoping for flights today. Please join me in praying for them and all the others who would love to safely get home today. “Home” will be the destination hoped for by many people today.

Also pray for families with illnesses and deaths now. Traveling will probably be limited, so let’s pray.

1. Get prepared.
2. Help others prepare.

Anna Lee

Good Morning

• Thank the good Lord for waking you us today.
• Not everyone will live all day.
• Be thankful for the time God blesses you with today.
• God seems to be providing us with a wet, but warm day.

Today’s Verse

If you haven’t already done so, today is a good day to “open the door” for Him to come live in your heart.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

No New Obituaries Today

There has been a death in our community though.

Kim Schwartz, Charlie’s wife, passed away. She has been sick and homebound for a number of years. Pray for the family and friends. Especially pray for Charlie Schwartz. An obituary should be available in the morning.

Read the Bible in 2026

Today is only the 22nd of January, but we have already read both Matthew and Mark.

• January 22
• Read Luke, Chapters 1-2.

Today is a good day to also spend some time studying your Sunday School lesson for Sunday, if you have not already done so.

Additional Bible Reading

‘Satan Perverts Truth and All That Is Good’

“You are a child of the devil, full of all sorts of lies and tricks, and an enemy of everything good! Will you never stop twisting the straight paths of the Lord?“.

Acts 13:10, EE Bible

Paul says this to a magician named Elymas who tries to stop a Roman official from believing in Jesus, calling him the “devil’s child” for trying to stop God’s work.

Learning to Pray

Waylon Bailey

May 14, 2020

Growing Christians want to pray deeper, more meaningful prayers, and they want to draw near to God as they pray.

I believe this is a true statement. For this reason, I believe that you have the genuine desire to become more like Jesus in your prayer life. This weekend I will be preaching about prayer as we continue to emphasize the basics of following Christ.

If you are not a regular worshiper at FBC Covington, Louisiana, you can join us by means of our live stream at fbccov.org. Our services are at 6:00 PM Saturday and 9:30 and 11:00 AM Sunday. Next weekend the worship times will be the same except that the early service Sunday will be at 9:00 AM to give us more time for cleaning as we begin the long process of re-gathering the church.

While my sermon is not complete yet, the sermon will be about what I yearn for in prayer–to be in the presence of Christ and to learn of Him as I pray. Prayer is the primary practice of Christians to be in the presence of Christ. Think of how many times God tells us to pray and how He promises to hear our prayers.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). God spoke those words to rebellious Jews who had put God on the back burner of their lives. James told us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Our hearts tell us that we need to pray and that we need to pray fervently and urgently. God loves the prayers of His people.

Would you join me in seeking God with all your heart and letting God conform you to the image of His Son?

In closing…

As you pray today, be careful not to forget to pray for others who are sick , even very sick.

*************************************************************

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

It’s a nice break to NOT have freezing temperatures when we wake up. You can enjoy that for four more days before the temperature drops again.

Today’s Verse

Obituary

Margaret Nell (Nellie) Knight

July 3, 1948 – January 19, 2026

Margaret Nell (Nellie) Simmons Knight , 77, of Summit MS, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 19, 2026. She was surrounded by family as she prepared for her eternal home. 

A visitation will be held Wednesday January 21, 2026 from 9 AM until services at 10 AM at First Baptist Church Summit. Dr. Larry LeBlanc will officiate and burial will be in Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Osyka, MS

Margaret was born on July 3, 1948 in Progress MS, the daughter of the late Lee and Juanita Simmons. She attended Progress Elementary School and later attended South Pike High School where she met Ronald Knight, the love of her life, in biology class. 

Ronald and Margaret were married on November 8, 1967, eloping to Anderson, South Carolina. After settling back in Pike County, she became a wonderful homemaker and mother to four children. Ronald and Margaret enjoyed 58 years of marriage. She was a faithful member of FBC Summit for many years.

Among her many God-given gifts and abilities were cooking, sewing, and crafting of all kinds. She delighted in entertaining family and friends no matter how busy her schedule. She spent time in God’s Word and always made it a point to love on people who were hurting or just needed a word of encouragement. Jesus was her Lord and her family was her heart. Everything that she touched she made extra special, and life was so much richer with her sweet smile and compassion. She will be greatly missed on this side of heaven.

Margaret is preceded in death by her father, Lee Simmons, her mother, Juanita Simmons, and her brother, Arlon Simmons. 

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Knight, daughters Andrea Regan (Jodie), Deb Graves (Scott), Brandy Hightower (Trevor), and son Ronnie Knight (Niki), grandchildren Taylor Regan, Ashley Regan, Brandon Knight, Samantha Knight, Lizzy Knight, Meg Dupuis, Lincoln Graves, Drake Hightower, Leah Hightower, great-grandchild Jackson Joyner, chosen daughters Jennifer Babb and Kristin Simmons, and many nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers will be Scott Graves, Trevor Hightower, Jodie Regan, Lincoln Graves. Clay Duncan and Ben Legg.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FBC Summit preschool ministry. 

(The is the wife of Ronald, the guitar player who sits in the corner behind Kay Roberts.)

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I hope you can find time to read here today.

Additional Scripture Passages

‘He Is the Chosen One of God’

³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 

³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”^[a]

John 1:33-34, NIV

‘My Need’

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:6-11, NIV

ILLNESSES

We have some church members who are very ill. Please pray for them and their families.

Thoughts by Waylon Bailey:

You are the Key concerning God’s Word May 11, 2020

God’s Word will change your life for the better, and it will do more than you can imagine. One of the first apostles gave this testimony: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

The key to this happening is you. Let me give you some ways to allow God’s Word to change you.

First, make a commitment. Without a commitment on your part, not much positive will happen anywhere in your life. Thomas Watson drove straight to the point for most of us. He asserted that most of us are simply lazy. Therefore, we have to make a commitment not to be lazy but to be diligent to discipline ourselves and let God and His Word work in our lives.

Second, set up a plan that works for you. I’ve often said that almost any plan works as long as you work the plan, but the plan you choose will help you accomplish your purpose and carry out your commitment.

The easiest plan is simply to begin with Genesis and read through Revelation. Even though the Bible looks very large (it is), if you read four chapters a day you will read through the entire Bible in a year’s time. You might decide to read two chapters a day and finish in two years. I personally don’t think the time period matters, but to be in God’s Word daily or several times a week will be amazing to you.

Last week I read about reading in five areas at the same time. This plan helps you not get bogged down in difficult material. You would read in Genesis, Joshua, Job, Isaiah, and Matthew simultaneously. I have decided that will be my next plan.

Sometimes we simply need to try something different to help our motivation.

Third, seek God through Scripture and through prayer. It’s not enough to say we’ve read through the Bible; we need to let God’s Word have its full effect. Therefore, I encourage people to seek God’s direction as they read.

As they say, this is not rocket science. It is a practical way to grow in Christlikeness.

I hope you will commit to God to become more like Him.

OCC has begun for the new year of OCC

We are reorganizing out OCC area at church and inventorying the items we now have to pack the next “Shoeboxes”. I have already received a donation for this year. You can help with funding, ordering items, working in the OCC area with us, etc. If you didn’t help with the 2025 “shoeboxes”, but want to help this year, please give or send me your name and cell phone number. You may also give me a general idea of when you might be available (M-F or Sat. and A.M. or P.M.). We want to include everyone who is willing and able. Let me hear from you.

Let God guide yot all day today.

Anna Lee