Shelby County Today

April 14, 2026 - If you are a descendant or a relative of anyone buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Shelby County, please join us for the Annual Homecoming on Saturday, April 18. We will gather to visit at 10:30, then have a short business meeting followed by lunch. We will observe a time of singing hymns in the church after lunch.

Donations can be sent to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association, 603 Private Road 118, Center, TX 75935. Contact John Hughes at 936-297-8698. Let everyone know so we can have a great turnout this year!

April 13, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, April 13.

Most worship songs are based on scripture. But these nine songs ARE scripture. I grew up singing them - maybe you did too. Sing them again this morning and, as you do, you’ll be quoting scripture!

*This is the Day - Psalm 118:24
*Rejoice in the Lord Always - Philippians 4:4
*I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever - Psalm 89:1
*Behold What Manner of Love - I John 3:1
*Thy Lovingkindness is Better Than Life - Psalm 63:3-4
*I Will Call Upon the Lord - Psalm 18:3
*Seek Ye First - Matthew 6:33, 7:7
*Thou Art Worthy - Revelation 4:11
“Thy Word - Psalm 119:105

Since the songs on my list have been around for a while, their lyrics are mostly from the King James Version of the Bible. But most of the verses you have by memory are probably from the King James as well - since you’ve been around a while too! Scripture memorization is a powerful spiritual tool. Make it part of your spiritual journey.

Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com

April 6, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, April 6. 

The Bible is a book that is dominated by stories about men. I challenge you to name more than ten significant female characters from the Word. Why is this? Perhaps it’s because the Bible was written within a culture that was dominated by men. Whatever the reason, we must admit that women in scripture are few in number. But we must also agree that the women of the Word were often mighty in faith. Women like Queen Esther, Deborah the judge, Priscilla, a co-laborer with Paul, and Mary, the mother of Christ.

Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, most of the sermons preached around the world centered on the resurrection story. The main character of that story is, of course, Jesus, a man. But, playing a very important role, we find a woman - Mary Magdalene. Scripture tells us that, early in His ministry, Jesus healed Mary of seven demons, and she became one of His most faithful followers. This is evident in the events of Holy Week. When Christ hung on the cross, only one of his disciples (John) was present. But Mary Magdalene was there. The gospels tell us that Mary was also there when Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried. And on that first Easter morning, it was Mary who was the first to see the risen Lord.

After the Easter story ends, there is nothing else written in scripture about Mary Magdalene. But we can assume with great confidence that she remained a devoted follower of Christ and a leading member of His new Church. We can imagine her rising in the congregation, time and time again, to share her first-person testimony. Mary Magdalene, an amazing story. Mary Magdalene, an inspiring character. Mary Magdalene, a mighty woman of faith.

Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com

April 2, 2026 - After Simon had denied Jesus for the third time, Jesus looked at Simon. He didn’t say a word. He just looked at him. When Simon saw Jesus, he went out and wept. He wept bitterly.

I remember times when I would do things that disappointed my earthly father. Times when he didn’t say anything. He just looked at me with disappointment in his eyes. It was worse than any whipping he ever gave me (and I got my share of those!)

Let’s be honest, all of us from time to time disappoint those we love. Worse, we often make mistakes and disappoint the Lord who loves us and died for us. That is what Paul was referring to when he wrote, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

Some of our mistakes admittedly are quite trivial, even just plain dumb. Things like locking our keys in our car (sometimes with the motor running), forgetting to add sugar to the cranberry sauce (it does make it very tart) or walking into an electric fence.

However, there are other “mistakes” that are more significant. Things like heading down a path to addiction. Things like committing a crime or walking out on a spouse and children. However, all of our mistakes, from the momentarily annoying to the life altering can be washed away by the blood of Jesus.

The one fatal mistake we can make is to ignore the fact that one day we will die and that Jesus is the only way to shun Hell and enter heaven. That is one thing we must get right.

It’s something to think about... tbp

Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com