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.
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.
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)
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.
10Aristarchus 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.
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).
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.
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!
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
Newsmax
Christmas Eve—4 p.m. ET
Christmas Day—4 p.m. ET
We know you will be blessed by this wonderful Christmas special!
“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.
I’ll start with a reminder to view the Christmas Eve service online from North Carolina. Today, I’m going to add the 6 P.M. candlelight service from FBC, Kentwood. It is 30 minutes of Christmas joy. I hope you have plans to attend in person with your family, but another option is to watch it online. It’s a great family experience!
Prayer Focus
Pay attention to some who need Christmas love and cheer due to sickness, loneliness, death, etc. Be an encourager to them today! That is a very important role we can all step into.
Today’s Verse
No New Obituaries This Morning
Baptist Press
Choose your own articles to read today. I’ve been choosing those I want to return to in a few minutes.
We have had dense fog this week that will continue and probably get worse. The holidays are always dangerous travel days. Dense fog could make safe driving more difficult. Be prepared to be extra careful and/or adjust travel time to avoid heavy fog hours.
Holiday Focus
Jesus is the reason for the season. Use opportunities God provides to “Tell Others about Jesus”! Read the Bible, sing some carols, view nativity scenes, attend special services, watch special programs or movies that tell the 2,000+ year old story!
Read the Bible in 2025
Tuesday, December 23
Amos 6-9
Additional Bible Passages
‘No Distinctions’
5 Is Apollos important? Is Paul important? No! We are God’s servants. We told you God’s good news and you believed it. Each of us is doing the job which the Lord has given to us.
6 When I told you God’s good news, I was like someone who planted seeds. Then Apollos was like someone who gave water to the young plants. But it was God who caused everything to grow.
7 The person who plants the seeds is not important. The person who gives water to the plants is not important. The important person is God, because he causes everything to grow.
8 The person who plants and the person who gives water both have the same purpose. God will pay each person what is right for their work.
9 Apollos and I work together as God’s servants. You are like God’s field that we work in.
You are also like a building that belongs to God.
10 I am like a good builder. God has given that job to me and he has helped me to do it well. I was the person who built the foundation. Now other people are building on that foundation. But each person must be careful how he builds.
I Corinthens 3:5-10
‘He Has Done Great Things for Me!”
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
Luke 1: 41-52
Luke 1:48-52 is often called Mary’s Song.
‘Always Be a Blessing’
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”
5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and csuffered no harm.
6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and dsaid that he was a god.
(Paul was NOT a god. He was a servant of God and a blessing to many.)
The Prayer Link 
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