Tuesday

Welcome to another cold day in Louisiana. Enjoy the day and stay healthy. It seems more cold, and possibly ice, is expected here this weekend. Be ready.

Read the Bible in 2026

January 20
Mark 14

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all those around us with colds, flu, or a stomach virus. It seems many people are sick.

Today’s Verse

Obituary

Clayton Francis Robin

December 3, 1932 – January 17, 2026

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born December 3, 1932 in Duson, LA and was 93 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Susan Robin; daughter, Cathy Casso; son, Brett Robin and wife, Ann; grandchildren, Chelsi, Cory, Tess and Brielle; brother, Larry Robin. Preceded in death by his son, Sean Michael Robin who was 28 years of age and the love of his life; parents, Bennett and Pearl Robin; and a brother, Manuel Robin. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Scripture

‘God’s Grace’

God’s Friends

1 So we see that God has accepted us as right because we believe in him. As a result, we are friends with God, because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us.

2 Also, because we trust Jesus Christ, he has caused us to know that God is very kind. That makes us strong in our lives here. We also are sure that we will live with God in heaven. So we are very happy.

3 We are happy even when we have troubles and pain. That is because we know that those troubles help us to become patient and strong.

4 And when we remain strong, we show that we trust God. When we trust God like that, it causes us to hope for God’s help.

5 And when we hope like that, it will not disappoint us. That is because we know that God loves us very much. God has given his Holy Spirit to be with us. The Holy Spirit causes us to know God’s love very well.

Romans 5:1-5 ,Easy English Bible

The Privilege of Prayer – October 10, 2020

Waylon Bailey – Pastor, FBC, Covington

“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).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thank-you for reading and praying today. What a difference our prayers make!

Anna Lee

MONDAY

Verse of the Day

Read the Bible in 2026

January 19
Mark 12-13

Baptist Press

ICE protestors disrupt Minnesota worship service

FIRST-PERSON: How not to respond when people are hurting

Pastors’ intentionality, availability draw Gen Z, Millennials to D.C. church

Trump, pro-life leaders at odds in recent developments

Missionaries spend years praying, laboring for first believer

Prayer Requests

Within my church, we have several prayer requests. Join me in praying for individuals with major health conditions.

No New Obituaries This Morning

Quote by Henri Nouwen:

“Gratitude is the most fruitful way of deepening your consciousness that you are not an”accident,” but a divine choice.”

Say “Thank-You” to others.

Say “Thank -You” to God.

Why You (and I) Need the Church

Waylon Bailey
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?

Starting All Over

We had a fantastic OCC year last year. We have plans for 2026, but are in need of your assistance with time, talents, and funds now. Please contact me to volunteer.

New Fellowship Hall

First Baptist Church, Kentwood has a problem, a good problem. More people calls for more space. Construction of a new fellowship hall that will be adaptable to other purposes has begun. Ride by and take a look.

We thank God for this problem and the progress being made to solve it. In a few months, we will be using this new building too.

Have a wonderful day. Find a need and work to solve it today. Volunteer! Be blessed!

Anna Lee

SUNDAY

Verse of the Day

I think this is a wonderful thought for any day! Every time the devil tempts us, the Lord has a better plan. The choice is ours!

Read the Bible in 2026.

January 18
Mark 10-11

No New Obituaries Listed This Morning

Today’s Sunday School Lesson

We learn about God’s authority. Familiar passages, but so meaningful any day. (See yesterday’s TPL for Scriptures.)

Two Thoughts for Today

“The most glorious promises of God are generally fulfilled in such a wondrous manner that He steps forth to save us at a time when there is the least appearance of it.”

— C. H. von Bogatzy

— Barbara Rosberg —

“Would You Be My Neighbor?”

Stories Worth Telling by Waylon Bailey

“Would You Be My Neighbor?”
November 27, 2019
Stories Worth Telling
Yesterday, I wrote about learning how to give thanks and to be a more grateful person. Then later in the day I saw Fred Rogers (you know, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”) give an acceptance speech when he received a lifetime achievement award for daytime television.

This is what he said.

He mentioned the many people who had helped him get to where he was. He mentioned that some were present, some were away, and that some were even in heaven. Then, he asked the entire auditorium to take ten seconds of silence along with him to remember the people who had helped each of them get to where they are today.

He said, “I’ll watch the time.”

For ten seconds, there was profound silence and many tears. Then he concluded by thanking his family and friends and those who gave him the opportunity to speak to children by television. He concluded by saying, “May God be with you all.”

I was deeply touched not just by Fred Rogers but by taking my ten seconds to think about those who helped me along the way. I kept doing that all during the day.

There are so many of those people. I thank God for pastors, family, professors, and people in churches who encouraged me and believed in me. People who did their best to show what God can do and how He works in our lives. People who were willing to give kind correction and encouraging words. People who prayed–and still pray–for me.

We each need a neighbor like that.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Two Questions

What kind of “neighbors” do you have?

What kind of “neighbor” are you?

May the Lord richly bless you as you honor Him on this day!

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

Good morning. Welcome to this Saturday. I hope you have plans to pray for others today.

Today’s Verse

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for our country and for our churches, both local and around the world. Pray for the pastors, teachers, and leaders too.

Read the Bible in 2026

January 17
Mark 8-9

Sunday School Lesson

For those who haven’t begun to prepare, the lesson is entitled “Every Life Valued” based on Matthew 8:1-4, 14-17, and 9:1-8. Tomorrow is often called “Sanctity Sunday”.

Obituary

Tabitha Hudson Arceneaux

March 17, 1964 – January 15, 2026

A resident of Holden, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at her home. She was born March 17, 1964 in Amite, LA and was 61 years of age. Tabitha Arceneaux was a lot of things to a lot of people…devoted wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister, friend. She was also a collector….she collected purses, brooches, hats, antiques….but her most prized possession she collected was people. She was loving and kind but also knew how to tell people the difficult things. She had a larger than life personality, and somehow made everyone feel like her best friend. She was one of the lucky people to have found and married her soul mate they were together for 43 years and rarely ever did you see one without the other. Her greatest accomplishment in life was her family. Her home was wallpapered with photos of all of her loved ones, it was evident family was her pride and joy. Family wasn’t just blood to her, her family and her heart beat was Faith Apostolic Church. Founded by her father in 1981 and she and her husband Pastor Marlin Arceneaux were appointed as Pastor in January of 2003. Every baby that came through the door was her baby, she loved deeply and told everyone about her miracle. Plagued with sickness and cancer for years, she never let it stop her from going to church and being there for her family. Her favorite thing to do was to ride the motorcycle with her husband and sister and brother-in-law in the Smoky Mountains. She truly fought the good fight. She finished her course. She kept the faith. And now, she rests in the presence of the Savior she loved so deeply, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will continue through generations. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Marlin Arceneaux; daughters, Blair Partin (Brandon) and Bailey Tisdale (Caleb); sister, Deborah Barber (Phillip); grandchildren, Lexie Bell, Makenzie Bell, Jake Partin, Kenah Tisdale, Asa Tisdale, and Ezra Tisdale; great-grandchild, Aida French. Preceded in death by her parents, Joy Fay and Ray Hudson. Pallbearers are Blake Barber, Kyle Barber, Chris Shaffett, Beaver Blount, Bryan Rios, and Brent Arceneaux. Visitation at Faith Apostolic Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday, January 19, 2026 and from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Interment Twin Pines Cemetery, Holden, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(Her father, Bro. Ray Hudson was well known and well loved in Roseland, where he served the Lord, and in many other communities greatly impacted by his ministry.)

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Choose the articles you wish to read.

Waylon Bailey

(Pastor of FBC, Covington)

“I Pray That You Do Good in Life”

My office door is filled with “homemade” cards from the children of our church. All of our pastors have the same kind of decoration on their doors as well. Every time I walk into the office I smile either outwardly (a lot of times) or inwardly.

The cards came from our children’s ministry where the children are being taught to be thankful and to honor those who serve them. Each day I take down several cards and read them. Today one of the cards I read said, “I pray that you do good in life.” I really smiled at that. I couldn’t help but think about the difference in our ages. He’s probably ten. I could see my praying that he would have a wonderful life and do good in life. I thought how wonderful that he would pray for me in the same way.

Isn’t it wonderful when we pray for one another and ask for God to bless the people around us? That’s what Paul did often.

For the church at Colossae struggling with false teaching, Paul prayed for them. “And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).

He went on to pray that they might be strengthened with all power.

Shouldn’t we pray in the same way? When you pass by a church building, wouldn’t it be good to pray for that church even though it isn’t where you attend and serve?

Shouldn’t we pray for one another that we might be filled with knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and power? Don’t we all need to lead a life worthy of the Lord and to be fully pleasing to Him?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone prayed that you might do good in life?

Quote by Mother Theresa

“You’ll never realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you’ve got.”

Have a wonderful weekend!

Anna Lee

FRIDAY

Good morning friends. God has chosen to bring us through the night. Let’s be thankful and show Him our appreciation by what we say and do today.

Read the Bible in 2026

January 16
Mark 6-7

Prayer Focus

As we pray for other needs, let’s continue to pray for our country each day at noon as well as praying for family members and friends who are facing a struggle today.

Obituary

Jimmy Earl Ebarb

December 19, 1938 – January 15, 2026

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at The Richard Murphy House in Hammond, LA. He was born December 19, 1938 in Ebarb, LA and was 87 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Renee Cernich (Danny); sisters, Lavern Bourgoyne, Margaret Sossaman, and Linda Miller; grandchildren, Joseph Cade Cernich (Grace), Cobie James Cernich (Laura), Tyler Dan Ebarb, and Kyle Ebarb; great-grandchildren, Landon Joseph Cernich, Annaleigh Grace Cernich and Kynnedy Ann Ebarb. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Arnone Ebarb; sister, Carol Michelli; brother, Danny Ebarb; son, Samuel “Bo” Ebarb; parents, Sallie and Daniel “Dan” Ebarb. Pallbearers are Cade Cernich, Cobie Cernich, Danny Cernich, Robert Richerson, Issac Duhon, and Gary Clyde Durbin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Monday, January 19, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Danny Carter. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers donate to Richard Murphy Hospice House or St. Helena Catholic Church. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

A Message from Waylon Bailey:

“It’s Not Time to be Invisible”

The last six weeks have been remarkable. We will never forget this time in our lives.

One of the positives that has come from this time is the necessity to connect with people other than in our weekend worship services. So many of us connect simply–and wonderfully–by passing someone in the hallway, smiling, and moving on.

That isn’t happening now and we are forced to connect in other ways–also wonderful and meaningful. Everything that happens gives the opportunity to connect to people.

One of those happened last week in our church. We sent out a request for people to send us a picture to put up in our worship center to help me with my preaching and to remind us that the church is not a building but the people of God. It also helps our pastors have a mental picture of people for whom they are praying.

One of the men in our church sent his picture and a few lines about knowing and serving Christ. I responded back thanking him for sending the picture and being faithful in this time. He answered with a classic response: “It’s not time to be invisible.”

In fact, it is time to be very visible as we serve and minister. It is time to be bold and courageous. It is a time to pray and to encourage others to be faithful as they live out their faith.

Jesus made clear our necessity for being visible. “In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

It is time to live for Christ with all that we are and all that we have.

Additional Scripture

Unstoppable!

‘More than Filling the Gap’

20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

^r“ ‘May his camp become desolate,

and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

^s“ ‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during ^tall the time that the Lord Jesus ^uwent in and out among us.

Acts 1:20-21 ESV

Have a “Fantastic Friday”!

Anna Lee

Have a “Fantastic Friday”!

THURSDAY

Prayer Focus

Yesterday, we had a special prayer time to pray for our country. Today, let’s continue to pray for our country, the leadership of our country, and those who are involved in any branch of the military or police.

Let’s also pray for the many around us who are ill, some with seasonal colds and some with serious health issues. Thank God for those who provide any form of health care for them.

Read the Bible in 2026

January 15
Mark 4-5

No New Obituaries Listed this Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Waylon Bailey

“It’s Not Time to be Invisible”

The last six weeks have been remarkable. We will never forget this time in our lives.

That isn’t happening now and we are forced to connect in other ways–also wonderful and meaningful. Everything that happens gives the opportunity to connect to people.

In fact, it is time to be very visible as we serve and minister. It is time to be bold and courageous. It is a time to pray and to encourage others to be faithful as they live out their faith.

Jesus made clear our necessity for being visible. “In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

It is time to live for Christ with all that we are and all that we have.

A Picture and Thought To Remember

“For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”

Psalm 96:5

It’s as easy as 1,2,3.

Other gods are fake: The gods of other nations are just “idols” (things of nothing).
The LORD is real: But the LORD made the heavens (the sky, stars, etc.).
Worship Him: So, the LORD is the only one truly worthy of our worship because He is the Creator.

Easy English Commentary

Here is one of the earliest Scriptures I learned.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32 KJV

Of course, I learned the King James version. The New International Version is shown below.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV

I get the same message from both versions. Let’s work to practice this today!

Anna Lee

WEDNESDAY

Happy Wednesday. Let’s see how many ways we can thank God for giving us this day. How will you show your appreciation to Him?

Scripture Passage for Today

Prayer Focus

Rev. Franklin Graham as called us to pray for our country at noon today. Let’s be sure to do just that.

Obituary

Clinton Arnold Passman

January 6, 1963 – January 8, 2026

Clinton Arnold Passman, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, died peacefully on January 8,2026, at The Guest House in Baton Rouge, La. after a lenghy illness. He was bom January 6,1963 in Amite, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hezzie Donice Passman, Jr. and Olga Lee Spring Bahm, two brothers Hezzie Donice (Pete) Passman, III and Thomas Patrick Passman, and a sister, Sharon (Sissy) Passman Dunaway, and a brother-in-law, John Martin. He is survived by his sister and caretaker, Felicitie Davis and husband Brad, stepmother, Artrie Passman, sisters Tracie Pierce and husband Ronnie, Jackie Morgan and husband Joseph, Pam Martin, Connie Albrado and husband Tommy, Julie Gibson, Missie Pierce and husband Larry, and a brother, Scott Passman and wife Deana, numerous nieces and nephews, and a daughter Katie who he loved with all of his heart. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Friendship Baptist Church, 62508 Friendship Church Road, Amite, La. from 10:00 AM until funeral services at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Friendship Cemetery. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Brandon Phillips. Pallbearers will be: Jonathan Pierce, Bradley Davis, Zachary Davis, Russell Pierce, Clint Sands, Andre Chaney and Arthur (Slim) Holden. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Wednesday Night

Many local churches have prayer meeting and other scheduled events tonight.

Read the Bible Today

January 14
Mark 1-3

A Special Thought from Rev. Waylon Bailey

The First Words of the Day

Stories Worth Telling

How did your day start?

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.

Waylon Bailey

The First Words of the Day

How did your day start?

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.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

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.”

Stories Worth Telling

Rev. Waylon Bailey

April 30, 2020

Additional Scripture for Today

‘God Protects Those Who Seek Him For Safety’

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Ps. 91:1-2 NIV

Don’t forget to pray for our country at noon today.

Anna Lee

TUESDAY

Call to Prayer and Repentance

Dear‍ Friend,

If you think our nation is in trouble now, just wait… As our streets boil over with hate, anger, crime, drugs, and just sheer hopelessness, is there something we can do? You bet there is.

I would like to call for a time of prayer and repentance this Wednesday, January 14, at 12:00 noon.

As a nation our sins are so great. We have increasingly turned our backs on God and His commands, embracing godless secularism. We need to ask His forgiveness and seek His face.

Pray for our leaders, and pray that God would bring calm to our streets.

There are many who would like to stir things up—there are even those who would like to destroy this great country. Pray that these efforts would be thwarted and their plans would be brought into confusion.

Ask God to use His Church to be His instruments of peace in this time of great uncertainty.

Remember, this Wednesday at noon, please stop and pray. Millions of people remembering our sins and asking for forgiveness, repenting, and seeking His face will make a difference.

Let’s humble ourselves. Let’s give God the glory for this great nation and thank Him for His hand of blessing, protection, and mercy.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse

“…for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.”
2 Chronicles 30:9

Reading the Bible in 2026

January 13
Matthew 27-28
We have already had the opportunity to read a book of the Bible this year. If you did not start on January first, you can double up in the next few weeks and catch up . That can be a great plan!

No New Obituaries Listed Today

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There are some very good articles for us today. Don’t miss the opportunity to read them.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s have a dual focus. First, let’s remember the “call to prayer” and pass the one on to others.

Also, let’s pray for the elderly in this cold weather. Check your prayer list for those you are led to pray for. I will give you one name to start with – Mrs.. Ferrie Gene Blackmon. You add from those who are already onyour prayer list.

Senior Adult Lunch Outing

Next week, on Wednesday, we will travel to Hammond for lunch. If you are interested, contact the church office for details.

Additional Bible Reading

‘Time Together Meant Timein Prayer’

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 1:12-14, NIV

‘God Rescues, Protects, & Strengthens’

²And he said:

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

³The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold and my refuge;

My Savior, You save me from violence.

II Samuel: 22:2-3 NKJ

Have a wonderful day doing something that is important to you. Then, reflect on your accomplishment and smile.

Anna Lee

Sunday and Monday

I’m s0rry for the delay. It was out of my hands.

Read the Bible

Sunday – 1-11-26 – Matthew 24-25
Monday – 1-12-26 – Matthew 26

There are no new obituaries.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Here a Scripture for Today

That’s all for now….

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

Read the Bible in 2026

January 9 – Matthew 20-21
January 10 – Matthew 22-23

A Scripture for Today

Obituary

Joseph E. Frickey, Jr.

July 23, 1936 – January 7, 2026

Mr. Joseph Edward Frickey, Jr., age 89 of Des Allemands, LA, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2026.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Tuesday, January 13th, at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, LA. Interment will follow at Amite Cemetery.

Joe was born in Bessemer, AL, to Joseph and Theresa Frickey. He attended Hahnville High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. He married Dell Dees on November 19, 1955, and they made a home in Des Allemands in St. Charles Parish. He worked as a masonry contractor for close to 50 years, where he skillfully built houses for countless families in St. Charles, Lafourche, and Terrebonne Parishes.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father, his beloved wife of 65 years, Dell Dees Frickey, and his sister, Dolores Frickey Zaccaria. He is survived by his children, Douglas Frickey (Mary), Lynn F. Becnel (Stewart), Laurie F. Hendrickson, and Leia Frickey, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sister, Patricia Roger (Marvin). Joe loved visiting with family and the wonderful friends who blessed his life, including his Hahnville High School classmates and friends at Mater Dolorosa Church and the Skeet Club. As his senior class president, he hosted many reunions throughout the past 71 years, committed to maintaining lifelong friendships. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humor and ever-ready smile and helping hand. He modeled the importance of hard work, prayer, and faith in Jesus Christ. He loved gathering people together to laugh, play Pedro, and listen to music. He was often blaring Sinatra as he fried catfish to generously provide a wonderful meal for loved ones.

He meant the world to so many, and he will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that any memorials be given to Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Independence, LA.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I found several articles I am interested in. You probably wil too.

Waylon Bailey

http://www.waylonbailey.com

The First Words of the Day

by Waylon Bailey

How did your day start?

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.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

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.

Additional Scripture Reading

Unstoppable!

‘Mission’

7 Jesus replied, ‘My Father decides when things will happen in the world. You do not need to know the day or the time when this will happen.

8 But the Holy Spirit will come to you, and he will give you power. The Holy Spirit will make your spirit strong. Then you will tell other people everywhere in the world about me. You will do that in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and in places far away.’

9 When Jesus had finished speaking to his apostles, God took him up to heaven. The apostles watched Jesus while he went up. Then a cloud hid him and they could not see him any more.

10 The apostles were still looking carefully up into the sky when suddenly two men appeared. They were wearing white clothes and they stood near the apostles.

11 The men said to the apostles, ‘You men from Galilee, you should not still be standing here and looking up into the sky. God has taken Jesus into heaven. You saw the way that Jesus went up to heaven. One day, he himself will return in the same way.’

Commentary – Easy English Bible

Acts 1:7-11 is about Jesus telling his disciples it’s not their job to know when God’s kingdom fully returns, but to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to get power to be his witnesses everywhere (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, world). As they watch him ascend, angels appear, telling them to stop staring at the sky because Jesus will physically return the same way. It’s a message to focus on God’s work now, not future timing.

Sunday School Lesson for Tomorrow

“Authority Acknowledged”

Matthew 7: 15-29

SS at FBC, Kentwood begins at 9:15. There is a class for everyone.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all the Sunday School classes in all the area churches.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Anna Lee