April 12, 2017 - “That's my Jesus", very special words uttered by many people over the ages. My reference is to a very special, very precious lady who passed on to the promised land a few short years ago. When anything was said concerning Jesus Christ that was her answer; "that's my Jesus" which she said and meant with the most reverent voice.

I want to talk a little this morning about this Jesus, (My Jesus) as so many have called him.

My Jesus is the good shepherd; "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) 

For you see, the good shepherd laid down his life for me, that I might have life and have it in abundance, life eternal. 

That's my Jesus. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) Amen. There is no greater love than that and Jesus laid down his life for all mankind. He laid down his life once for all. That's my Jesus.

"And he died for all, that those who might live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:15) 

That is the calling of all who follow him, that we now live for him and not for our old worldly desires.

Jesus came to Saul of Tarsus in a most dramatic way as he was walking on the road to Damascus one day. A great light shown upon him, blinding him, and Saul heard a voice saying; "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 22:7) Saul then asked; "Who are you, Lord?" And the voice answered saying; "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting." (Acts 22:8) 

For three days Saul remained blind, then Jesus sent another man to see him and tell him of his new calling, to serve the Lord. Jesus then renamed the man, Saul and from that day forth he was called Paul and became maybe the greatest of all the apostles, one who had been the greatest of the persecutors of the gospel.

Not all callings are so dramatic but all have the same meaning to the one being called by our Lord. Though we are called in many varied ways the purpose is the same, that we live our new lives in him and not in this world.

Paul gives us this as the calling of service to the Lord. "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them." (1 Corinthians 9:19)

As did Paul, we are all to put on a new face once saved. "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1) 

That's my Jesus, watching over me each day.

My Jesus is the High Priest of heaven, a priest of the highest order for my Jesus is the High Priest with no end, he lives and he will live forever by the oath given him by the Father. "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, You are a priest forever." (Hebrews 7:21) "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he is God." (1 John 4:15) 

That's my Jesus, the one true Son of God and Savior of all who confesses that he is Lord of all. 

If you don't know him this day, please, seek his face today. For if you seek him, you will find him and if you find him and believe in him, he will save you today.

May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you this day...

Click to enlargeApril 12, 2017 - Open Door Baptist Worship Center is hosting Daughter's of the King 2017 Conference - Reflections of a Godly Woman (Proverb 31:10) on Saturday, April 22, 2017 starting at 10am.

Free purses, door prizes and free admission! A purse vendor, Sis. LaBarbara Edison and Sis Maria Salas will be there.

Keynot speaker is Prophetess Ronda Coleman of Gate Community Church in Athens. Additional speakers are Darlene Hawkins of Lakeview Church in Henderson, Teri Lewis of Union Valley in Henderson, and Stephanie Hooks of St. John Baptist in Center.

Open Door Baptist Worship Center is located at 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Texas 75935. For more information, please contact Yolonda Neal at 936-332-4231 or yolanda1davis@yahoo.com.

April 11, 2017 - Antioch Cemetery on FM 2608 will have its annual homecoming on Sunday, May 7, 2017.

Singing will begin at 10:30am with lunch to follow at 12pm. Everyone is welcome.

Please come, bring a lawn chair and enjoy lunch and fellowship. Contributions are welcome for the upkeep of the cemetery.

Lenora Walton: 936-598-4328; Judy Carrington: 936-598-9145.

April 10, 2017 - Sunday was Palm Sunday. We had a small crowd at Paxton Methodist, but we were in a festive mood. Once again Roy and Judy at Sunshine Flowers provided palm fronds for our worship. We used our new portable speaker/sound system that we will use next Sunday at the Easter Sunrise Service. We “processed” with palms to the music of Donovan singing “Lord of the Dance.” Our Psalter Lesson was Psalm 31, and our affirmation of faith was The Apostles’ Creed. The Gospel Lesson was Matthew 21:1-11, which described Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Today is the beginning of the most holy week in the Christian faith. Christmas might be the biggest holiday, but there would be no Christian faith without Easter.

Our Sunday School looked at John—Chapter 3 when Jesus and Nicodemus meet. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom—new life—being born again. Our time together at Sunday School goes by very quickly. We all missed Joe this morning, but Ben picked him up, and they were at the lake having a great time. Regardless of today’s catch, they certainly couldn’t have asked for better weather!

Last Monday, a group put on a program at Green Acres (now known as Focus Care of Center). Pastor Matt emceed, gave an Easter devotional and a prayer. After he left for a meeting, Hilda took over the MC duties. Minnie played piano for lots of group singing from Heavenly Highways, including Dorothy Bullock, a resident, leading “In the Garden.” Larry Terry played a number of old favorites on his fiddle and explained some things about his instrument. Nora sang “Were You There?” segueing into “Up from the Ground He Arose,” in her glorious voice. Fannie passed out sand dollars and read a poem showing their connection to Christianity. Sue read the second part of Dr. Seuss’ You’re Only Old Once. I know the residents appreciate the entertainment of these talented folks.

Gene and Joy announced that the Hutto Cemetery on their land will be dedicated as a historical location on Saturday, April 22, at 1PM. Gene is expecting a good crowd coming from all over. Easter Sunrise Service will be April 16th starting at 7:00 AM at the Watson home in downtown Paxton. “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!

April 9, 2017 - Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church would like to invite everyone to attend their 78th Annual Homecoming celebrating 178 years of continuous service.

The event will be held Sunday, April 23, 2017. Service begins 10:30am with lunch to follow in Fellowship Hall. Bro. Charles Williams will be bringing the morning message.

Afternoon singing begins at 1:30pm.

Located just off FM 139 and CR 2787 on CR 3569 in Joaquin, Texas.

Established in 1839, Fellowship is the oldest Baptist Church in Shelby County and the oldest living Baptist Church in Texas in association with the American Baptist Association.

Come and hear God's word and enjoy the fellowship.

April 7, 2017 - The Shelbyville First United Methodist Church will observe Easter Services as follows:

  • Palm Sunday – April 9th with worship service beginning at 11:00 am.
  • Maundy Thursday Service April 13th beginning at 6:00 pm.
  •  Easter Sunrise Service April 16, beginning at 6:30 am. There will be breakfast following the worship service.

 We invite all to come worship with us and join us for Easter Brunch.

April 7, 2017 - Patroon Baptist Church is currently accepting donations for their indoor garage sale which will be held on April 28 and 29. Please contact Debbie at 598-9253, Katie at 488-9773 or Jessica at 201-1614 to arrange drop-off or pick-up.

The garage sale will benefit a summer trip to camp. All donations are greatly appreciated.

April 6, 2017 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries invites everyone to their Usher Program this Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 3:30pm. The guest speaker is Elder Richard McCowin of Lone Star Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas.

House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is located at 215 Church Street, Center, Texas 75935.

April 5, 2017 - Bennett Chapel Baptist Church Annual Easter Bake Sale Good Friday – April 14, 2017 9:00a.m. until sold out H&S Discount Foods.

Pies ($15): Coconut, Egg, Pecan, Potato.

Cakes - layered or pound ($20-$30): Chocolate, Strawberry, Coconut, Italian Cream Cheese, Honey Bun, 7-Up, Sour Cream, Red Velvet, Caramel, Caramel with Pineapple, Pineapple, German Chocolate, Cookies, Cupcakes, Tea Cakes.

Special Orders call Annie M. Garrett - 936-598-7141 or Gladys Garrett - 936-368-7137. If no answer leave a message and phone number.

April 5, 2017 - Breaking News: Jesus is Alive Easter Celebration will be held at New Life Church on Saturday, April 15th from 11am until 1pm. Come and enjoy free food, egg hunt, and free photos. Also enjoy music and an exciting drama - Jesus is Alive!

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