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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
April 24, 2023 - We grandchildren called her “Mama.” Many called her “Sister Richards.” For fifty years she preached in tent revivals, brush arbors, and did pastoral work. Most of her preaching engagements were in the towns and communities of East Texas including Rose Vine, Center, Hemphill, Stockman, Teneha, Timpson, and Evan’s Shop in the McClelland community. She played the organ, piano, harmonica, and accordion by ear. And she preached and sang… LOUD. One of her former church members told me, “When Sister Richards preached, you didn’t have to know where the meeting was. You just had to have your ears open.”
Her name was Mary Jane Oleatha (Holt) Richards. She and Paw Paw raised seven children in Center, Texas. Mama was a preacher and Paw Paw was a logger. She was a big, tall woman with hair hanging to her waist when it was not braided on her head. She was a carpenter, a gardener, and beautiful flowers covered her yard. All of the family liked eating at Mama’s. She canned vegetables, pork, beef, and some wild meat. When my brothers and I brought swamp rabbits from a hunt on Huana Creek, Mama pressure–cooked and batter-fried them. They tasted almost like chicken. Baking raccoons with sweet potatoes and frying frog legs and squirrels for us, she made the wildest game taste tame. The worst scolding we ever got from Mama occurred when we shot her purple martins with our sling shots and robbed eggs from her hen house for food while playing hookey.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Mama didn’t always receive money for preaching. I knew her church had paid her when I saw her driving up in her Dodge pulling a trailer with a pig, a bushel of peas, and two watermelons in it. She kept what little money she received in a large handkerchief neatly tied at the top and placed on a closet shelf. We were always asked to eat when we visited her, and we always did. After uncovering the food left on the table from the last meal, we helped ourselves to peas, corn, squash, cornbread, and big buttermilk biscuits. Sometimes we had salt pork from her smokehouse. Salt, pepper, catsup, and pepper sauce were placed together on the table. Mama always left an onion sliced for Uncle Billy Gene to make his biscuit and onion sandwich when he got home from school. We all waited our turn at taking out the slop bucket, a mixture of dish water and leftovers, to Mama’s hog pen.
She didn’t approve of deodorant, perfume, or makeup, but always kept a box of Cashmere Bouquet powder on her dresser. Never using slang or profanity, her expression for the most trying situation was always, “Mercy me!” She loved her church members and spoke of them so often that I still remember some of their names: Sister Feddie, Brother Luman, Bro. Ross, Sister Meyers, Sister Belrose…While cleaning house, hoeing in the garden, washing the dishes, or punching clothes in the wash pot, her constant whisper was, “Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus.”
Mama visited my wealthy Aunt Belle Rascoe in Mansfield, Louisiana to request a donation for a new church building. When handed a check for $5.00, she exclaimed, “Is that all?!!” Aunt Belle quickly replied, “Charity begins at home!!!” “Yes, but where does it end”?!!, barked Mama . I mused over that for years before I saw the teaching of the story: They were both right.
Mama encouraged us not to sin and often reminded us how long it had been since she had. But when our big dog Jack wandered over to her house and killed her kitten, she chased him down the hill with her garden hoe shouting, ”I’ll kill you Jack!” After she breathlessly returned to the house, I asked, “Mama, was trying to kill Jack a sin?” “No, Honey,” she replied. “That was just a mistake.” She won $500 for submitting the winning name for a new insurance company. She named it “The Ideal Insurance Company.” And every time I pass that sign in Kirbyville, Texas, I think of her.
When I was a young boy helping Mama hoe her garden, she told me, “Henry Doug, you are going to be my preacher-boy,” And her prediction came true, even though I became a Baptist instead of a Pentecostal. And looking back over the years, our theological differences don’t amount to much. Her influence on me, and all my nine brothers and sisters, was considerable. She was not just a grandmother, but a messenger of the Lord to us. Hearing she was in the hospital at Center, I arrived there in time to see her alive, but in a coma. Leaning over her, I whispered, “Mama, thank you for helping take care of us…” She could not answer me and I am not sure she heard me. But today I know in my heart that she knows what I said… and she knows I meant it. Two days later, Mama crossed the Jordan. She didn’t cross alone.
April 24, 2023 - Good Morning! It's Monday, April 24.
This morning we take a look at an amazing "coincidence" and we focus on an amazing passage of scripture.
The King James Bible was published in 1611. William Shakespeare, at that time, was regarded as the world's greatest playwright. Four centuries later, he still is. And, 400 years later, the King James translation is still the "Bible of choice" for many Christians. So, here's that amazing coincidence.
In 1611, Shakespeare was 46 years old. If you open your King James Bible to Psalm 46, you'll find that the 46th word of that chapter is "shake". And if you count back from the end of the psalm, you'll discover that the 46th word from the end is "spear". Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. King James was known as a patron of the arts, and so Shakespeare was a frequent visitor to the royal court and a personal friend of the king. There is no historical record of Shakespeare being a part of the scholarly group that produced the king's translation, but he surely could have had early access to the work. Artists are known for their giant egos. Could Shakespeare have left, in Psalm 46, his "autograph" for the ages? Not out of the realm of possibility. Or could one of the translators have created a secret tribute to the famous writer? Or... is it just a coincidence?
That brings our focus to the philosophy that our lives are full of coincidences - events that are random, that occur by chance, that are not part of any particular plan or purpose. Is that a biblical worldview? Well, the only time we find the word "coincidence" in the New Testament, it is spoken by Jesus Himself. At the beginning of His parable of the Good Samaritan, He says, "And by a coincidence a certain priest was going down in that way..." But, the Greek word that Jesus used does not suggest chance or randomness. It can be translated "what occurs by God's authority".
However you may view the idea of coincidences and the doctrine of God's providence, I think we can all agree about the truth of Psalm 46:1 (from the King James Version).
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
April 21, 2023 - The Truitt Cemetery Homecoming will be held next Saturday, April 29, at 11:00 AM at the Truitt Cemetery near Joaquin. In case of rain, there will be an alternate location.
There will be a short business meeting followed by our annual potluck lunch.
Please consider making a donation to the cemetery fund to assist in grounds maintenance and insurance on the building.
Checks may be sent to: Truitt Cemetery, PO Box 558, San Augustine, TX 75972
Please RSVP if you will be able to attend and make sure family and friends know about the homecoming. Questions? Call Tina at 979-277-2656 or Maggie at 936-615-2991.
April 20, 2023 - Jackson Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 29th from 11am until 2pm. Family Fun Day, a church camp fundraiser, includes $10 BBQ plates. To pre-order, contact Michelle Rhame 936 591 7917.
Join us for some Family Fun, BBQ Plates, delicious baked goods, cake walk, face-painting, sno cones, a 15 foot dual lane slide, and Amazing Fellowship!
Reveal the winner “PIE in the FACE” --- Bro. Micah, Colton, Jerry, Dennis, Michelle, or Amanda. Who will it be??
Help us get the youth to Church Camp!
April 19, 2023 - Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating their 184th anniversary on Sunday, April 23rd! Program begins at 10:30am. Come join us and share some great memories, singing, preaching, and some great lunch afterwards.
April 19, 2023 - St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Dr. Freddie D. Wilson, Pastor, is hosting “Gathering of the Powerful Praying Eagles Prayer Conference” on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10am until 2:30pm.
The conference theme is "Anointed; Appointed; Approved."
Inspired, dynamic, and anointed women of God opening up, revealing, and expounding on the theme from the word of God.
Prayer warriors from St. Paul-Center, Nacogdoches-Lufkin, and Shreveport-Bossier-Haughton prayer line groups will be “in the house” with powerful prayer, praise, worship, intercession, and teaching.
Minister Linda Patterson of Shreveport, Evangelist Marilyn Lister-Thompson of Nacogdoches, and Evangelist Yolanda Warren of Lufkin will be speaking. These mighty women of God are prepared, dialed in, and ready to pour out of the anointing on their lives.
We are anticipating a mighty move and manifestation of God! Come ready to be blessed and inspired!
We are inviting all our area musicians to join us. You are welcome. Bring your instruments and your gift, help us make a joyful noise unto the Lord and lift the name of Jesus!
You do not want to miss this gathering!!!
Meet us there at 10am on Saturday, May 6, $10 offering/donation. Refreshments will be served at intermission.
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church is located at 617 Hopkins Street, Center, Texas 75935, Rev. Dr. Freddie D. Wilson, Pastor.
April 19, 2023 - In Luke chapter 6 and verse 46, Jesus is preaching and says, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" At first glance, perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. However, it could have been a question in which the expression of pity, surprise and patient love on the face of Jesus softened the rebuke.
Let's be honest. Often to do the things Jesus tells us to do is not an easy matter. He said so much and often they were such hard sayings. Yet, Jesus dealt in principles and what he said can be summed up in three principles.
We are to put God first in our lives. That is why Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We must put our neighbor second, remember Jesus said we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Then, we are to put ourselves last.
The great tragedy of our day and time is that we so often put self first, before God and others. Have you ever considered what a wonderful place this world would be if we all put God first in our lives and put self last? Why not start right now to put God first, others second and self third in your thinking. It just might make life better.
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.
April 17, 2023 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, April 17.
Yesterday our pastor began a sermon series on the armor of God. He preached from the famous passage in the sixth chapter of Ephesians that mentions the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith.
Most of these tools of spiritual warfare are defensive in nature, but his message centered on an offensive weapon - the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, the Bible. Here are some verses of promise, protection, and power, that are great weapons for your spiritual battles.
- I John 4:4 - Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.
- Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, then who can be against us?
- James 4:7 - Submit yourselves to God, resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 - God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
- John 16:33 - In the world you shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
April 13, 2023 - Jackson Cemetery Homecoming will be Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:30a.m.
Those unable to attend can mail their contributions for the upkeep of the cemetery to:
Jackson Cemetery Committee
P.O. Box 15
Joaquin, TX 75954
April 13, 2023 - A preacher one time was asked if a certain man and his wife belonged to the church where he preached. His reply was, “No, they do not belong to the church here. They are members, but they do not belong to the church.”
“It’s like this,” the preacher explained, “neither their time, their affection, their energy, their money, nor their influence belong to the church.”
Does that make you wonder what kind of membership these people had in the church? The preacher said, “They came to us, and we received them in good faith, and we thought they were looking for spiritual fellowship and service. Sadly, their attendance has been so infrequent they have no sense of belonging to the church family and the church has not been a spiritual home to them. Truthfully, there is not an ounce of this man and his wife that belongs to the church. All they have ever added to the church is a name on the roll.”
The sad truth is, the rolls of local churches are loaded with names that are “members only”. This is their only indication of love for Christ. Yet, Bible love is active and not passive. Jesus expressed His love by dying for us. Will we show our love by living for Him?
Do you belong to the church? Where will you be this coming Lord’s Day?
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.
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