Happy January 2nd

Today’s Verse

No New Obituaries

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

• “Treasure”

• Matthew 6:19-34

Reading the Bible Today

• January 2
• Matthew 5-6

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.

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.

Anna Lee

Good morning. Let’s plan on and pray for a good day today and for each day of 2026.

A Scripture for Today

I’m pleased to tell you there are no new OBITUARIES posted this morning.

Read the Bible in 2026

• January 1
• Matthew 1-4
• I like this plan because it gives the option to start in Matthew and because you only read from one book of the Bible each day.
• Choose the Bible you will use this year (Large print?, Already in your possession, A new or specific translation, etc.)
• Get your pens or highlighters ready, if you choose to use them.

LCU Announces Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Drive

LCU announces Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

— John 1:1 NLT

First Baptist Church Covington, LA

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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.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-the-real-jesus-sends-us-to-all-nations/

Purpose: ‘Jesus at Work Through
His People’

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 

² until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 

Acts 1:1-2

Opportunity

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-the-real-jesus-sends-us-to-all-nations/

May 2026 begin with a wonderful day of reading, praying, studying, actioning, etc. as He would have us do.

Anna Lee

Today’s Scripture

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.

Baptist Press

Favorite stories of 2025!

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Additional Bible Reading

God’s Holy Fire

‘Under the Influence!’

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.

Anna Lee

It’s cold (freezing) out there this morning, but will be colder tomorrow morning. Stay warm (and careful)!

Read the Bible in 2025

Zechariah 8-14

Today’s Scripture

It’s a choice. It’s up to us!

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituaries

John Martin Durbin

June 8, 1952 – December 26, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born June 8, 1952 in Independence, LA and was 73 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Durbin Ewing and husband, Dustin; son, Tyler Grantham Durbin and wife, Hannah; 4 sisters, Joan Brecher, Brenda Durbin, Debbie Durbin Hyde, and Shari Durbin; 1 brother, Donald Durbin; 2 grandchildren, Carter Stephens and Karigan Ewing; mother of his children, Ronda Durbin; and friend, Debbie Landry. Preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Nacine Fricano Durbin; and 3 brothers, Russell Durbin, Eddie Durbin, and Joey Durbin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Funeral Services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Interment Durbin Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Carl Breeland

January 2, 1943 – December 26, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born January 2, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Faye Hughes Breeland; daughter, Kimberly Cutrer; 2 grandchildren, Alexandra Lowrance and husband, Brandon, and Gabrielle Cutrer; 2 great-grandchildren, Myles Blache and Josephine Deagan; brother, Roy Breeland; and 3 sisters, Betty Jean King, Mae Ann Graham, and Linda Wall and husband, Terry. Preceded in death by parents, Leon and Gladys Breeland; and 2 sisters, Geraldine’ Breeland and Ruby Barnes. Visitation at The River Church, Tickfaw, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Josh Payne. Interment The River Church Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Douglas Monroe Prescott

August 16, 1957 – December 27, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born August 16, 1957 in Magnolia, Ms to Fredrick L “Sonny” Prescott Sr, and Mary Kent Owen Prescott, and was 68 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Bethel Prescott; 2 sons, William Prescott and Michael Prescott (Melissa); 3 daughters, Whitney McDaniel (Daniel), Brittney Newman (Colton), and Sarah Prescott; 1 brother, Clinton Prescott; 16 grandchildren, Blake, Peyton, Jayla, Teagan, CJ, Allie, Olivia, Colton, Walker, Krislynn, Juliana, Jocelyn, Collin, Kyla, Kolby, and Jacy Kate due soon!; 1 great-grandchild, Carlisle. Preceded in death by his parents Fredrick L. “Sonny” Prescott Sr, Mary Kent Owen Prescott, brother Fredrick L Prescott Jr, and daughter-in-law, Angie Prescott. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Services conducted by Bro Matthew Gazaway and Bro Eric Latham. Interment Spring Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Kernan Lea, Alan Easley, Peyton Prescott, Daniel McDaniel, Colton Newman, and Jon-Pat Prescott. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jack “Boots” Prescott, Clinton Prescott, Daniel Owen, and Cliff Holland.   For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Scripture

‘God is Pleased with Faithfulness Under Suffering’

19
 This makes God happy. Maybe your master will punish
 you when you have done nothing wrong. If you know that you are serving
 God, continue to be patient and brave. 

20
 But if you do something wrong, then your master ought to punish
 you. That is only fair. Even if you are brave when he is cruel to you, nobody should praise you for that. But your master may punish you even when you have done good things. Then God will be happy if you are patient and brave. 

21
 When God chose you to be his servants, he wanted you to be brave like that. Christ had trouble and pain on your behalf. He has shown you how you should live when trouble comes. 

1 Peter 2:19-21

New Years Service

FBC, Kentwood does not ” see in the new year” at church. If you want to share when such a service will be at your church, please send me the information to share tomorrow morning.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on those who are cold, families with sickness or death, and those who will do not have Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Anna Lee

What a blessing that we have all had living in 2025. In a few days, we will begin 2026. I’m sure it will go by as quickly as 2025 has.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for others. Let’s focus on people we see regularly. That could include family members, neighbors, church friends, work associates, etc. Choose the ones you will pray for today and pray for them periodically all day.

Today’s Scripture Verse

Prayer Partner or Bible Reading Partner

If you have had a problem getting into a routine of prayer or Bible reading, a partner can be a great help. It can be as simple as texting your partner to pray or read the Bible. If your partner completes the reading/praying first, they text you. (If you have a hard time getting in the habit, it may be necessary to talk with your partner each day.)

My cousin was my Bible reading partner when we were in high school. She was persistent in calling and reminding me as well as checking up on whether I had read the assigned passage. I quickly learned to read early and regularly. She was a great reminder!

No New Obituaries This Morning

Read the Bible in 2025

• December 29th
• Haggai 3 – Zechariah 7
• I hope you have been reading along with us and not only can see then light ahead, but are anxious to begin all over in a few days.

People in Need of Special Prayers Today

• Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
• Teachers and students facing the new semester
• Homebound
• People who don’t have good heating systems
• Travelers on highways or in the air
• Those looking for employment for the first time or the first time in many years
• Those retiring
• Growing families
• Families with serious illnesses

Baptist Press

• Progress of North American Mission Growth (Baptist Press)
• https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Mission Offering for International Missions

Equipping missionaries and mission families to tell the world about Jesus!

Have you supported this need?

Additional Bible Reading

“Encouragement and Comfort”

⁷ Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant^[a] in the Lord. 

⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 

⁹ and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 

¹¹ and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Colossians 4:7-11, ESV

The temperature is dropping. Stay warm and healthy this week.

Anna Lee

Obituary

Carl Breeland

January 2, 1943 – December 26, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born January 2, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Faye Hughes Breeland; daughter, Kimberly Cutrer; 2 grandchildren, Alexandra Lowrance and husband, Brandon, and Gabrielle Cutrer; 2 great-grandchildren, Myles Blache and Josephine Deagan; brother, Roy Breeland; and 3 sisters, Betty Jean King, Mae Ann Graham, and Linda Wall and husband, Terry. Preceded in death by parents, Leon and Gladys Breeland; and 2 sisters, Geraldine’ Breeland and Ruby Barnes. Visitation at The River Church, Tickfaw, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Josh Payne. Interment The River Church Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Today, we want to pray for the church services throughout our city, state, country, and world. May God’s Word be preached and souls be saved.

Read the Bible in 2025

• Sunday, 12-28
• Haggai 3 – Zechariah 2

Get up and get moving. It’s the Lord’s Day and others will be expecting you in Sunday School and church.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Today is a good day to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Help send and support a missionary or missionary family. You can give at any time. Simply mark your check Lottie Moon.

Coming Soon:

Operation Christmas Child 2026

Volunteer today for the 2026 Shoebox season!

If you are unable to attend church in person, watch online or on television. Go to the website for a church to find a link to previous or live services. Two suggestions today: FBC, Kentwood, La (Pastor Darryl Miller) and FBC, Covington, LA (Pastor Waylon Bailey).

Be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

God has blessed us with this day. Thank Him!

Today’s Scripture

This verse if from Luke 2, an important chapter to read this time of the year.

Including PRAISE is also important

‘Simeon’s Praise’

²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss^[a] your servant in peace

³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,

³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:28-32 NIV

Simeon was blessed t0 have had this opportunity that filled a special place in his heart.

Read the Bible in 2025

• Saturday, December 27th
• Zephaniah 1 – Haggai 2

Two Amite Obituaries

Norman Harvey Smith, Jr.

July 23, 1938 – December 23, 2025

Farrion Dale Holden

April 22, 1956 – December 24, 2025

Sunday School Lesson for Tomorrow

Portions of Luke 5

Most churches will probably be on a regular schedule tomorrow.

Sunday School will begin at 9:15 tomorrow at FBC, Kentwood.

Prayer Focus

A prayer list that reflects last year, last month, or last week is outdated. Today is a good day to begin updating/reorganizing your personal prayer list.

Be sure your prayer time is not all about yourself. Focus on other people, current events, churches, other countries, etc. Readings should also focus on salvation and living a Christian life, etc., not just personal health needs.

We can always pray better and more often . . . .

Read the Bible in 2026

We have almost completed the reading of the Bible in 2025

• 12-26-25
• Nahum 1-Habakkuk 3

Do you have any suggestions for 2026?

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

• Matthew 5:13-20
• Matthew 5: 43-38

Today’s Verse

No Obituaries Today

Baptist Press

Top 10 most significant stories of 2025

Let’s follow Jesus all year.

‘The Light Now Shines!’

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

Jeremiah 17:7

May you have a blessed day and be a blessing to others today. Let “your light” shine brightly as we close our 2025 and begin 2026.

May your heart and hands find something today that helps “your light shine for Jesus”. Let it glow brightly all day long. Remember: Jesus is the reason for the season!

:

Let’s start out right this morning.

Verse of the Day

The candlelight service at church was wonderful last night! We also got to view some “Christmas” online and to visit with some friends.

How about calling your family together to read about the birth of Jesus. Start with Luke 2. You may even want to sing some Christmas carols together.

The celebration we have today should center on Jesus! Family should be second.

Read the Bible in 2025

We’ve almost completed reading the Bible this year.

Today, we’re reading Micah 1-7.

Have a wonderful day of celebrating Jesus!

Until tomorrow . . . .

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for people, young and old, to realize the reason for this wonderful holiday is Jesus.

Read the Bible in 2025

• December 24
• Obadiah – Jonah

Watch a
Newsmax Christmas Special
with Samaritan’s Purse!

(Copied from a message sent to me.)

Recently, Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren traveled to disaster-stricken Jamaica to highlight the work of Samaritan’s Purse. We invite you to watch her new Christmas special on Newsmax, which features that work, along with exclusive interviews with Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham and COO Edward Graham.

This special production will give you a glimpse of one of our emergency field hospitals and take you along as we hand out Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to boys and girls affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Tune in Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to see our work up close!

Greta Van Susteren
Christmas Special

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Newsmax

Christmas Eve—4 p.m. ET

Christmas Day—4 p.m. ET

We know you will be blessed by this wonderful Christmas special!

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“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.”
Isaiah 9:6

Online Christmas Program from N.C.

2 P.M. and 4 P.M. Today and Tomorrow

parkwoodonline

Today is the Lord’s Day. It also begins the calendar week when celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will be studying Matthew 2:1-12 in Sunday School this morning. I hope you can learn something both new and important to you from this Scripture.

Today’s Bible Verse

No New Obituaries this Morning

Prayer Focus: Let’s pray many people will learn about Jesus and take Him into their daily lives this week both here in our community and all around the world. The story of His birth is a wonderful way to introduce Jesus to people who don’t know Him.

Live Christmas Eve Program from the home church of Mary Alice Fox, a former resident of Kentwood.

You will be able to view this Christmas service live at either or both of their presentation opportunities Christmas Eve. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to view for about 45 minutes with your family and/or friends as you gather this Christmas Eve? The times are 2 P.M. and 4 P.M. for those of us in the Central Time Zone. It can be found at parkwoodonline.org.

Remember: Online service

Christmas Eve

2 P.M. and again at 4 P.M. (Central Time)

parkwoodonline.org

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

FBC Kentwood at 6:00 P.M. TODAY. (30 minutes)

Everyone is welcome to come. If that doesn’t work, you can watch the online services live or at a convenient time.

Prayers are always needed, even during the Christmas season. Choose the needs closest you your heart. Add to your personal prayer list if needed.

Baptist Press

We certainly have some interesting articles to read this morning.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Addition Bible Readings

‘He Has Set His People Free’

• ⁶⁷ His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
• ⁶⁸ “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
•     because he has come to his people and redeemed the
  • Luke 1:67-68

We celebrate because of Jesus’ birth.

Until tomorrow….