+ Church Directory
+ Read the Bible Online (Link)
Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
May 23, 2024 - There is a very significant passage in Luke chapter 11. Jesus had come from prayer, and his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples.” Those men had never seen prayer like that. They were accustomed to much prayer in their religion, but to them prayer was a duty and a part of their ritual. In the life of Jesus, they saw prayer as a fresh and more intimate approach to God.
You see, prayer in the life of Jesus was extremely important. Not only was it his regular habit, but it was also his resort in every situation, whatever the nature of that situation might be. When perplexed, he prayed. When hungry for fellowship, he prayed. If he was fatigued in body or weary in spirit, he would go to the Father in prayer.
We read in Mark 1:25 that Jesus started his day with prayer. Mark writes, “Rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Prayer brought Jesus unmeasured power and kept the flow unbroken and undiminished. There is no emergency, no difficulty, no necessity and no temptation that will not yield to prayer if we practice it as Jesus practiced it.
Yet, we must ask ourselves if prayer is as important a part of our lives as it should be? Is prayer a habit of our lives or something we use “only in emergencies”? Daily prayer, daily talking with God should be a part of our lives.
It’s something to think about... tbp
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
May 22, 2024 - The annual Waterman Homecoming is Sunday, June 9, 2024. Lunch will be at noon. Bring a chair and join us in fellowship and remembrance of those past. If you cannot attend, you can send donations to the Waterman Cemetery in care of Jackie Fountain at 654 Cr 1548 Center, TX 75935.
“If anyone is ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of Him when I come into my kingdom”… Luke 9:26
May 20, 2024 - Every day the name of Jesus becomes a “rock of offense” to more and more Americans. In an effort to offend no one, timid church members (especially politicians) are using a new term to escape the scorn of the “politically correct.” Instead of “I’m a Christian,” it’s now, “I’m a person of faith.” This brings no criticism from those who don’t like the name of Jesus.
Saying “I’m am a person of faith” is just a bit vague. Faith in what?… A rock? A tree? Faith in whom?… Buddha? Confucius?
Make no mistake about it. The gates of heaven only open for those who confess Jesus.
Political platitudes won’t do it.
May 20, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Monday, May 20.
Our pastor is preaching a sermon series through the mighty Twelfth Chapter of Romans. It is a powerhouse passage where the Apostle Paul lays out a blueprint for living the Christian life. Just like these Daily Devotions, you can read Romans 12 in about two minutes, and I encourage you to do that today.
But this morning, our focus, as our pastor's focus was yesterday, is on verse 13, where Paul gives a simple commandment - Practice Hospitality. It reminded me of a woman that I had the pleasure to know 40 years ago. I was a young minister, attending seminary, and working part time at a church in Dallas. She was a respected member of that church, a senior adult, a widow, and very wealthy. And she had a unique ministry . . . of hospitality.
Every couple of months, half a dozen times each year, she would host a dinner party at her palatial home. The 12-person guest list would be carefully chosen by her from the church roll. She would seat a brand-new believer next to a senior saint. She would place a young couple across from a bank president and his wife. At her dinner parties she would connect people who, otherwise, would have never been connected.
And so, in addition to providing her guests with an evening of fine dining, she was building up her church. She was using the blessings that God had given her to bless others. She was practicing hospitality. And she made a lasting impression on that young couple, me and my wife.
Hospitality doesn't have to involve throwing a dinner party. It happens when we take whatever God has given us - talents, experience, wisdom - and share it with another. Practice hospitality today. And read Romans 12!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
May 20, 2024 - First Baptist Center's Men's Ministry is hosting a Fish Fry Tuesday, May 21, 5:30 at 717 CR 1140.
This location is a "man cave" just 5 minutes west of Center off of Highway 7. Every man in our community is warmly welcomed to this time of food and fellowship.
Call 979-533-1575 for more information about this special event and about all the features of the First Baptist Men's Ministry.
May 16, 2024 - The wise man would write in Proverbs 10:18, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool” Then we read in James 4:11 where James writes, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren.” Yet, how often do we jump to conclusions and spread falsehoods and rumors that damage the character and reputation of another?
It reminds me of a story I read the other day of a lady who invited friends to a mushroom steak dinner at her home. When the mushroom can was opened, a light scum was on top. The guests were expected soon and the lady suggested, “Give the dog a little and if he eats it, it is probably all right.” The dog liked it, and begged for more; so the dinner was completed and served.
After the main course, the maid hurriedly whispered to her employer, “Ma’am, the dog is dead.” There was only one thing to do. Sometime later the guests were reclining after the use of the stomach pumps. The lady asked the maid, “Where is the dog now?” She replied, “Out on the front steps where he fell when the car hit him.”
So, before we spread rumors, before we start spreading lies, falsehoods and half truths about others, perhaps we should investigate rumors and statements before we jump to conclusions!
It’s something to think about. . . TBP
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day
Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
May 15, 2024 - Upcoming weekend events at Still Waters Cowboy Church in Carthage at 1699 TX 315.
- Friday, May 17, 2024 - Dummy Roping in SWCC Youth Building. Contact Gus Harris at 903-690-4325 for information. Presented by SWCC Youth Arena Team, books open 5:30pm, roping starts at 6pm.
- Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Team Roping in SWCC arena. For information, contact Clint Lawhorn at 903-754-2564.
- Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Dirt Derby for all ages, sign-up starts at 12noon, events begin at 1pm. Concessions will be available. Contact Stormy Shelton at 903-692-2453 or Kolton Worsham at 903-690-2282.
May 15, 2024 - St. John Baptist Church hosting it annual Pastor and Wife Appreciation for Rev. Winston Kibbles Sr. and 1st Lady Terri Kibbles on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 2:30pm. Special guest is Rev. Ronderick Kirkendoll, Sr. from St. Luke Baptist Church of Logansport, LA.
You are invited to worship with us!
St. John Baptist Church is located at 2308 CR 2050, Center, Texas 75935.
May 14, 2024 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is hosting Soul Saving Conference 2024 at 7pm nightly, May 15-May 17.
Speakers are:
Wednesday, May 15 - Ionnia Hubbard
Thursday, May 16 - Sis. Stephanie Hicks
Friday, May 17 - Evangelist Zorona Skinner
There will be local vendors and more. Everyone is invited by the Conference host Lady Pearl Nash.
House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is located at 215 Church Street, Center, TX 75935.
May 13, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Monday, May 13.
On May 13, 1767, the composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, wrote his first opera. He was eleven years old. He began writing music at the age of four. At four, I was learning to tie my shoes. When he was eight, Mozart finished his first symphony. I was doing a serious study of Saturday morning cartoons.
We mere mortals can't hope to accomplish what geniuses do. But we, like young Mozart, can make a start. You've heard the old saying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". And I'm reminded of the famous speech President John F. Kennedy gave at his inauguration in January 1961. After listing a series of lofty goals, he famously said, "All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even, perhaps, in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
Is there something that God wants you to begin? Maybe He's leading you to reach out to mend a broken relationship. Perhaps He's placed it in your heart to start a daily quiet time of Bible study and prayer. Maybe there's a particular ministry that He's pointing you towards. Whatever it is, there's no time like the present.
Let us begin.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
Pages
