February 25, 2019 - In 1968 I moved from The First Baptist Church of Mauriceville, Texas to The First Baptist Church of Hemphill, Texas.  Buddy White, a friend from Mauriceville helped me by using a U-Haul rental truck. When we turned off Highway 96 at Pineland, we were pulled over by a Highway Patrolman.  His first words were, “Where do you think you’re going in that truck?” When I told him “Hemphill”, he barked back, “And why are you moving there?” By this time Buddy and I both knew we were being verbally attacked, but didn’t know why. When I heard Buddy breathing heavily, I looked over, his eyes were wide open and his face blood red.  I knew Buddy had a short fuse and figured something was about to blow.

When I told the Trooper where I was going,   he angrily replied, “And what the h--- are you going to do there?”  When I told him I was their new pastor, his whole demeanor changed. “Oh, you’ll love Hemphill. Do you know Harris Minton?  I replied by telling him that Harris was the Deacon Chairman of the church.  “Well, drive safe,” he said as he drove away.

I was a little nervous about Hemphill after meeting the Officer.  But he was right about Hemphill.  They were some of the kindest people I have ever met.  I had many interesting experiences there…and I’ll write some stories about them…..

,,,,in my next book.

February 25, 2019 - Why! One might ask, is there so much dissension, so much despair, so much suffering in the world today? The answer is not easy but it is simple, it is as the prophet Isiah said so long ago and has not changed until today.

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and God, your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness.” (Isaiah 59:1-3)

Many would say, “God has deserted me and I am now in pain and suffering for God has turned his back upon me. It’s all God’s fault that I suffer so.

But, NO, God has not turned his back on you, no, he waits patiently for you to return to him for you have turned your back on him, not he on you.

Evil and oppression have overtaken the world and all who dwell in it will suffer until or unless, they turn back to God in repentance and humility.

Our scriptures say we have been defiled with our iniquities. So what does this word, iniquity, mean, what have we done?

Iniquity: To be evil, causing gross injustice and wicked and sinful acts.
Synonyms for the word are; corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, sin, vice, do you get the picture now.

Everything you see in life every day is what we have done for we, as a people, have turned our backs on God and gone the way of the world, of the devil.

And what does the Lord say about our situation?

For I, the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord.” (Malachi 3:7)

The ball is in our court, people of the earth. We can sit in our iniquities and suffer the loneliness of being apart from the Lord, or, we can turn from our wickedness and return to him and know, forever, the pleasures of living and walking with the Lord each day.

Jesus Christ, our Lord gives us insight into the way of the world and the way to him and eternal bliss with him when he said, “For what will it profit a man of he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” (Matt. 16:26-28)

The clear and simple explanation of what is going to happen when the Father decides the time is right and the end of this age has come.

No amount of worldly possessions can help the one who has forfeited his soul for the world and its fleeting pleasures.

All will be repaid according to what he has done on earth. Where do you stand today? What would be your payment if Christ was to come now, today? That is the question each of us must answer for ourselves.

What must we do to come to the Lord? The old prophet Micah tells us we must; “love justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God each day.”

Do you deal justly with all people? Do you show mercy to those in need? Do you follow God’s will each day or do you do your own will or the will of the world around you?
All questions we must all answer for ourselves. May the grace of God be upon all…

February 22, 2019 - Smyrna Baptist Church in Huxley invites you to a Women's Seminar on Saturday, March 2nd from 9am to 4pm and lunch is provided.

Speaker is Kim Crabill who wrote 'Burdens to Blessings' and Amy Blackwell. Come join us for a wonderful day of worship and blessings with other women. Any questions please contact Amy Blackwell at 903-721-0291.

February 22, 2019 - (Flier) - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries presents "Founder's Day," honoring Apostle W.E. Nash, Jr.

Guest speaker Apostle Rodney Beard, New Birth Reconciliation Ministries, Moss Point, Mississippi.

Theme: Walking In My Promise, Her. 29:11.

Sunday, March 10, 2019 - 3:30pm House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries, 215 Church Street, Center, Texas 75935 - Apostle W.E. Nash Jr. - Pastor.

February 22, 2019 (Event Flyer) - The Joyseeker’s Conference will be held on February 23, 2019 at the First Baptist Church, 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935. National Speaker Jill Donovan will be the speaker. You are invited to join us for a wonderful weekend of fellowship and a time to enjoy learning more about yourself.

Early registration due January 26, 2019 for the early fee of $25. After January 31st, registration is $30.

In 2004, Jill Donovan’s guest appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show ignited a change within her heart that would have a ripple effect on thousands of lives.

Jill left the legal profession when she followed her heart and discovered her true passion.

The Kindness Effect, a book full of real life stories exemplifying what can happen when you discover your gifts and become intentional about using them tells the story of Jill’s heart change and passionate pursuit of her purpose. For Jill, Rustic Cuff creator, it is not about the bracelet. It’s about the connection that is made between two people. It has been said that one of her favorite things to do is inspire a giving heart in others.

Jill is a sought-after motivational speaker who encourages women to pursue their passions and purpose in life. 

For more information see the brochure or call the First Baptist Church Office at (936) 598-5605.

February 21, 2019 - Mt. Zion CME Church celebrates with a Black History Program to be held on Sunday, February 24th at 3pm. Special guests are Brenda Wimberly and Jonathan Fountain of Shreveport, LA, Alex Cloudy, Jalen Hubbard, Jeremy Small, Christy Byndom, and others. Please join us as the psalmist ministers old Negro Spirituals and hear poems and great young speakers. Rev. Richard Edwards, Pastor. Myrtis McClelland, Program Chairperson.

February 21, 2019 - Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church cordially invites you to their Black History Program on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 10am.

Speakers are Ms. Amie Preston, Ms. Amanda Ashton, and Ms. SeKourtney Ratcliff.

February 19, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother, Jesus. Sunday was the 6th Sunday of Epiphany.  The season of Epiphany is longer in 2019 since Easter isn’t until Sunday, April 21st this year. The forty days of Lent are a time of preparation for Christians. I enjoy the season of Epiphany because I like to imagine and contemplate the quiet moving of God into our everyday lives. 

We had some of the faithful out this past Sunday. Joe had surgery on Friday, and they kept him overnight at the hospital. His son, Ben is with him; we all pray that Joe is feeling better each day.  Carolyn’s brother-in-law, Leroy Fisher, passed away, and Carolyn has gone to be with her sister. We hope that all are doing OK during this time of bereavement. 

Ms. Fannie’s Sunday School lesson focused on remembering to praise God for his mighty works in our lives. The scripture was from the Jewish songbook—The Psalms. The background text was Psalm 66.  The author said this psalm gives us a context for interpreting life and identifying God’s activity on our behalf. In our worship and praise we are reminded that yes, life is hard, but that God is good. God is always on the side of health and wholeness. We have one more lesson in this quarter, so Gene brought our new books—Spring 2019.  Yes! 

Gene filled in as song leader this morning, and Ms. Hilda played the piano. We appreciate both of these folks and the music they provide for us. The Gospel Lesson for the 6th Sunday of Epiphany was Luke 6: 17-26. These verses are Luke’s version of the beatitudes, with Jesus speaking not from a mountain but on the plains. Luke’s beatitudes are fewer and are accompanied by woes or curses.  There is no doubt where Jesus stands on justice and compassion.

This past week we headed to Focused Care in Center for our monthly ministry. We had a big crowd of residents and folks from Joaquin Methodist. One of their members, Chestine, is rehabbing there and sang two specials in her beautiful, clear voice. Theresa played the piano—nice to see and hear her play again. Pastor Robert and his wife Ann joined together on piano and voice to lead the residents in a rousing hymn. Pastor Matt was our MC, bringing a message and prayer. Fannie read some poetry that was perfect for Valentine’s Day. Nora sang in her strong, a capella voice. Everyone really seemed to have a good time. It was great to have the folks from Joaquin join us.

Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here.” Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist you can send me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

February 19, 2019 - You are invited to celebrate with the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church family in the
1st Appreciation Service for Pastor Gary Suell Sr. and Lady Pamela Suell.

Service will be 3PM Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church 5920 Hwy 87 North, Center TX. Guest Preacher is Rev. James A Ervin Sr, Pastor of Iron Wheel Baptist Church, Nacogdoches TX.

February 18, 2019 - There is so much doubt in todays world, doubt even of the existence of heaven or hell, doubt even of God himself. Let us take a glimpse into God’s Word and see for ourselves what is real. 

Heaven as shown to the apostle John, the Beloved.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev.22:1-5)

As John fell down and attempted to worship the angel that was showing him all of the wonders of heaven, the angel said to him; “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Rev. 22:9)

And then the angel said to John, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy. For I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Rev 22:10-12)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” (Rev 22:13-14)

“Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:15)

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev. 22:16)

“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Rev. 22:17)

“I warn everyone who hears the words of this prophecy of this book: “If anyone adds to them God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19) 

And I urge everyone who has read these words of the prophecy of this book, do not turn away, but come to the Lord and receive his holy grace and mercy. Enter into the holy city by the gates and rejoice forever in the love of the Lord. 

For all will either be with the Lord or with the devil, the choice is yours today, choose wisely. May God bless…

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