It’s nice to be with you again. I’m thankful for you and your prayers.
Today’s Bible Passage
19 Do not want to have many valuable things here in the world. Insects or water can destroy those kinds of things. Or people may come into your house and they can rob you of those things.
20 Instead, you should want to have valuable things in heaven . Insects and water cannot destroy anything there. Men cannot rob you of your things there.
Matthew 6:19-20
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who do not have Jesus in their hearts. Pray for them to find Him and treasure Him in their lives.
If you don’t already have a list that describes friends, family members, and neighbors that way, today is a good day to work on your personal prayer list.
Leroy Kent passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 90. He was a retired pipe fitter and dairy farmer, and lifelong resident of Greensburg, LA. He was a long time Dairy Farmer, Beef cattleman, a loving Husband and Father, a man who you listened to when he spoke, but most importantly he loved reading the Bible.
Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, in Kentwood, on Monday, January 12th, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Religious services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Graveside will follow in the Kent Family Cemetery.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Palmyra “Molly”, his children, Geraldine Thompson, spouse Alvin (Pee Wee), Michael L. Kent, spouse Penny, John Kent, spouse Marcia, Cheryl Templet, spouse Lucien, and Sheila Bourque, spouse Kenny; Grandchildren, Jason Thompson, Kevin Thompson (Jennifer), Alvin Thompson, III (Nicki), Kyle Kent (Christy), Jessica Haygood (Chris), Cole Kent (Briley), Lauren Robertson (Josh), Chelsey Miller (Nick), Bobbi Jo Davis (Joe), Kayla Shaw (Matt), Wendy Smith (Alan), Kenneth Bourque III (Jaclyn), and David Bourque (Andrea); Great Grandchildren, Reed and Remilyn Thompson, Kaegan and Kinlea Thompson, Tucker and Austin Thompson, Preston Kent and Gerren Spring, Walter Haygood, Aria, Mackenzie and Alexandra Robertson, Parker Miller, Darren Quave and Charlotte Davis, Katherine and Matt Shaw, JR, Kale and Amelia Smith, Andrew and Braden Bourque, Tori, Garrett, and Corbin Bourque. Brother, AJ Kent, and sister Mae Dearman.
Preceded in Death by a child, Lynn Kent; father, Leroy Harelson Kent; mother, Edwenia Kinchen Guillot; brother, James Kent and wife Pat, sister, Janice Marie LeJeune and husband John; sister-in-law Lillie Kent, and grandchild Kelsey Kent.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Thompson, Alvin Thompson, III, Reed Thompson, Cole Kent, Preston Kent, Josh Robertson, Matt Shaw, Chris Haygood, Honorary Pallbearers- Jason Thompson and Kyle Kent.
Leroy looked forward to helping people and having family get togethers. He will be greatly missed by a multitude of friends and family.
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.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for someone who is lonely. As you pray, ask God to guide you in calling, visiting, delivering food, an invitation to lunch, etc. After praying, take the appropriate action.
Additional Scripture to Read
“Rejected”
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
We have been invited to attend a special event at Camp Living Waters, their Kick-Off event for 2026, beginning at 5 P.M. Saturday. Some of the activities will be worship led by the Allens and testimonies by area ministry leaders in the worship center. At 6 P.M. there will be a worship service in the gym.
*21230 Livingwater Road, Loranger.
*985-345-1831
The focus group is Tangipahoa and Washington Parish ministers and spouses, youth leaders and spouses, children’s directors and spouses, those involved in missions, and other church leadership. Those who will attend will get a glimpse into what will be happening this summer at the camp.
I know this is short notice, but I was just contacted late yesterday afternoon. Be sure to tell your church leadership about this free event.
If you have any questions, contact Harrell Jr. and Julie Sharkey.
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for this event to reach out to lots of church leadership with a message that will be encouraging in reaching out to the children and youth in camps this summer.
Prayer Reminder
Don’t forget to pray for the birth of a new great-grandchild for Kenneth and Yvonne Birch this morning.
Thank-you God, for giving each of us meeting here today another day to pray, read Your Word, serve you, and to relate to others. May each of us make the world a little bit better today!
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those around us who are hurting in some way.
A Verse for Today
Obituaries
Carol Jean Pittman Gill
July 11, 1936 – January 4, 2026
Carol Jean Pittman Gill, age 89, of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was born on July 11, 1936, in Kentwood, Louisiana to the late Rufus A. Pittman and Doris Carruth Pittman.
Carol Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to her beloved husband, Fernie Ray Gill, for 71 years and together they built a family rooted in love and faith.
She is survived by her husband, Fernie Ray Gill; her children, Sonya McCoy (Joey), Steve Gill (Kathy), and Keith Gill (Lisa); nine grandchildren, Amy Sweat (Rodney), Robyn Smith (Ben), Brooke Roncancio (Edgar), Kacie Engemann (Eric), Emmy Schroeter (David), Brandi Allred (Brent), Callie Tiffany (David), Auti Kirk (Nate), and Chase Gill; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Creel and Barbara Gill, and nephew, Brandon Pittman.
In addition to her parents, Carol Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Russell Pittman, and her nephew, Rusty Pittman.
Carol Jean spent her career as a schoolteacher. She obtained her master’s degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She touched many lives through her work and care for her students. Carol Jean was also a talented seamstress, and her legacy will live on through the dresses she made for her granddaughters.
Carol Jean was a devoted member of Spring Creek Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served as the church librarian. Her faith was evidenced by her service and kindness to others. Her family is comforted by the knowledge that she is at peace in God’s presence.
Carol Jean will be remembered for her dedication to her family and her church, her years of service as an educator, and the quiet strength and kindness she showed to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the many generations she loved and nurtured.
Pallbearers will be Ben Smith, Rodney Sweat, Edgar Roncancio, Eric Engemann, David Schroeder, and Brandon Pittman. Honorary Pallbearers are Bubba and Tae.
Visitation from 9:00AM until Funeral services at 11:00AM at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith, Bro. Matt Gazaway, and Bro. Eric Latham. Interment to follow at Spring Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jacob Israel Gifford
February 25, 2007 – January 1, 2026
Jacob Israel Gifford, 18 of Leesburg, FL passed away on January 1, 2026.
Born on February 25, 2007, Jacob was a cherished son whose presence brought light, laughter, and warmth to everyone who knew him. His strong faith guided his life and was evident in the way he treated others—with kindness, respect, and an open heart. Jacob’s exuberant personality and welcoming spirit made people feel instantly at ease in his presence.
Jacob had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found fishing, swimming, or enjoying any adventure that allowed him to be outside. His youth group was especially close to his heart, and his faith community played an important role in shaping the young man he became.
Above all else, Jacob adored his mother. The bond they shared was truly special—one built on love, trust, and unwavering devotion. He was a wonderful cousin to the younger members of his family, always patient, playful, and protective. Jacob was a respectful and loving grandson and nephew, and his family will forever treasure the memories they shared.
Jacob graduated from Trinity Catholic High School and proudly joined the United States Navy, stepping into his future with courage, purpose, and faith. He will be remembered for his joyful spirit, his ability to make everyone feel welcome, and the genuine happiness he carried with him wherever he went.
Jacob is survived by his loving mother, Katherine Gifford; his grandparents, Nathan and Susan Gifford, and Annette Pizzitola; his aunts Kelly Luper (Christian), Sarah Zimmermann, and Rachel Bishop (William); his cousins Alec Luper, Jake Luke and Harper Zimmermann, Harrison and Kellan Bishop; and many extended family members and friends from Louisiana and Florida and all points in between who loved him dearly.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jacob’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church 1330 Sunshine Ave. Leesburg, FL.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jacob’s life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00AM at St. Helena Catholic Church, 122 S. First Street, Amite, LA. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Rd., Covington, LA 70435.
Jacob, you are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but your faith, joy, and light will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.
21 There the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them.
22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.
Isaiah 33:21-22 NIV
Thank-you for reading and sharing portions of TPL today.
Mrs. Yvonne Birch asks us to pray for her granddaughter, Hope, as she delivers the fourth great grandchild for the family. The delivery is scheduled for Wednesday in Florida.
Rachel Buckley shared that Mrs. Carol Jean Gill moved to her heavenly home yesterday. Pray for Mr. Fernie Ray who has so faithfully stayed by her side for many years. They were regulars at the cabin when we met there for monthly meeting for years. They were also faithful and dedicated to serving in their local church. What a special couple! What a blessing they have been to many people! What an example for others!
The more you think about that question, the more you may decide you need to improve some areas of your life!
Additional Bible Reading
‘Grace Even in the Asking’
Verse 25: “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience”.
Verse 26: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”.
Romans 8
The are No New Obituaries Posted this morning.
Prayer Focus – Let’s make today a special day to pray.
Let your prayer focus change continually as God leads you to pray for your church, your family members, opportunities, families with heartaches, homebound friends, your Sunday School class, mission opportunities, etc.
Special Prayers Needed
Stop what you are doing and pray for those who will be going back to school this morning and beginning a new semester. Your list might include bus drivers, janitors, teachers, administrators, students, maintenance workers, nurses, coaches, as well as all the buses, physical locations, heating, lights, security, technology, and buildings. May they all strive to work together to create safe, comfortable, healthy, well-educated, and well-rounded students. Today begins the second half of this school year. Pray each hour of each day builds up students.
Please pray for all the drivers on the road today, a regular Sunday, and those who will be traveling home after the holidays. Pray for alert drivers, good weather, lack of fatigue, vehicles without mechanical problems, etc. Accidents can happen quickly.
This post guides us in learning the importance of flexaibility.
Flexible people are truly amazing and so helpful.
Sometime during the day yesterday I left all the heavy things that all of us have been dealing with, and I began to think about how flexible people have been during this time.
After all, when we think about dealing with change, has any time in your life been more life-changing than right now? When you look at how people are handling this, you can’t help but be amazed at their flexibility.
I see it in our church family. They went from worshiping God together in a large, beautiful building to meeting with the church in front of a computer or smart phone in their pajamas.
I am thrilled at people’s flexibility.
Your patience and flexibility is a blessing. Blessed are the flexible, for they encourage others.
You might say that you have no other choice but to be flexible, but that would be wrong. You have plenty of choices and you have chosen patience, gentleness, and perseverance–all qualities of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).
Your flexibility is teaching a younger generation to persevere and do their best in hard times.
All of this will come back to us for good.
I don’t know what the church will look like in the future, but if we are faithful in the midst of the crisis God will bless His people.
I received a nice note yesterday. A woman was telling about the goodness of God in the midst of the trouble. She said, I feel that He has been saying, “Be still.”
Do you remember the rest of that quote? It’s “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Our patience, flexibility, and perseverance will help us know God.
Theodore H. Epp (January 27, 1907 – October 13, 1985) was an American Protestant Christian clergyman, writer, and radio evangelist. Epp was the founding director of the Back to the Bible radio broadcast and speaker on the program from 1939–1985. by Theodore Epp
Sunday School
I hope the lesson today will inspire you. We will be studying from Matthew 6.
Today, let’s focus on our regular routine and thank God for it. Let’s thank God for giving us life, people around us to love, and an orderly pattern of living.
Obituary
Kerri Weaver Brown
April 28, 1959 – January 2, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA , passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at her home. She was born April 28, 1959 in New Orleans, LA and was 66 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ricky D. Brown; 2 sons, Cecil A. Brown and wife, Rebecca and Adam Brown and Heather Bryant; 2 grandchildren, Caitlyn Brown and Riley Brown; 2 great-grandchildren, Stetler Brown and Basin Hebert; 2 brothers, Larry Weaver and wife Trudy and Yogi Weaver and wife Bricy. Preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Barbara Weaver; son, Ricky Brown, Jr.; brother, Sammy Weaver. A private Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who will soon be returning to school and/or jobs following a long holiday. (You can see I still think like a scchool dteacher.)
Let’s also pray for the meaning of our Sunday School lesson to work it’s way into our hearts.
The Scripture for this week is located in Matthew 6.
Today’s Bible Reading
January 3
Matthew 4-6
I trust you are enjoying reading this again. I am.
Extra’Scripture Reading
‘Mutual Sharing’
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, qbecause your faith is proclaimed in all the world. ]
9 For God is my witness, swhom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, 10 tthat without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow
uby God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For vI long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—
12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged wby each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,1 that xI have often intended to come to you (but ythus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some zharvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
14 aI am under obligation both to Greeks and to bbarbarians,2 both to the wise and to the foolish.
15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
Romans 1:8-15
Thank God for this great day and the opportunities ahead for us. May we take advantage of each opportunity!
Get our and spend a few minutes talking to someone whom you don’t normally talk with. Be blessed! Be a blessing!
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.
Prayer Focus: Let’s spend some time praying for those whose family is short of a family member who was with them one year ago.
Plan your day.
I know I can get more done and have a better day when I plan ahead. It is as simple as taking a couple minutes time each morning to consider:
What I left incomplete yesterday
What I need/want to accomplish today
What I want to do for others today
What did I learn by reading my Bible today
Who can I call or send a card to
What small household/yard task can I accomplish with today’s weather conditions/schedule
Who I know who is full of joy today
What can I do today to make tomorrow a better day for me
What can I do today to make tomorrow a better day for someone else
Who can I pray or do for today?
Who recently moved?
Who recently had an illness or is ill today?
Who recently had a family problem that broke their heart?
Who recently had a problem in their house or yard?
Who needs a little house or yard work done?
Who need someone to listen?
Who has questions about God?
Who needs a friend to talk with?
Who needs an outing?
Who needs someone to read some Scripture to them?
etc.
When you turn your focus to others, you don’t dwell on yourself! That’s good!
I hope you now have some prayer thoughts and action plans that focus on others today.
Congratulations to Dr. Waylon and Martha Bailey on their 50th anniversary!
As a congregation, we thank you both for leading our church by example through love, humility, and faithful unity.
Prayer Focus
Today, on the first day of the new year, let’s pray for the coming year to be a year when we, as a church and as individuals, can “Tell Others About Jesus”.
Waylon Bailey – Pastor of FBC, Covington
Waylon Bailey is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Covington, La. His column is is found at the website, http://www.waylonbailey.com.
That should be our focus all year long for everyone.
Obituary
Seavy “Cole” Clemons
May 2, 1989 – December 29, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 at his home. He was born May 2, 1989 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 36 years of age. He is survived by his parents, Seavy and Toni Clemons; grandparents, Don and Mary Ann Clemons; 2 sisters, Jacy Downing and husband, Ryan and Page Bankston and husband, Justin. Preceded in death by his cousin, Autumn Lynne Simeon; grandparents, John and Rose Trapen. Pallbearers are Justin Bankston, Ryan Downing, Donald Clemons, John Bartus, Chris Bartus, Scott McDaniel, and C.J. Simpson. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 10:00AM until religious services at 12 Noon on Saturday, January 3, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Bob Simpson and Bro. Luke Lindsey. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Today
If you are current, you will be reading the final passages of the Old Testament today – Malachi 1-4
Tomorrow we will begin reading the Bible in 2026. I have chosen the Bible I will use in 2026. It is a paraphrased version which makes it easier to read.
It’s The MESSAGE, which has a 2002 copyright. I purchased it about this time of the year to be my “reading” Bible. I purschaed it while at FBC, New Orleans when our missionary family was on stateside assignment in New Orleans.
Let’s finish our reading plan for 2025 first. Our passage for today is the book of Malachi, chapters 1-4.
When you have read those chapters, you will have read the entire Bible in 2025.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Ephesians 5:17-18, KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
You can always pray and always pray for what is on your hear.Spend your prayer time today praying as you choose.
Be careful if you or yours are using fireworks tonight.
Thank God for his love and protection all year long. Looking ahead, when we wake up in the morning, it will be 2026. Ask God for His guidance, love, and protection all year.
The Prayer Link 
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