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 andAll 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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
“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).
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!
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.”
“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.
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.)
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Stories Worth Telling
Rev. Waylon Bailey
April 30, 2020
Additional Scripture for Today
‘God Protects Those Who SeekHim 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.
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!
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’
2 And he said:
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
3 The 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.
The Prayer Link 
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