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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
March 20, 2026 - When Saul was King of Israel, he became insanely jealous of David. Jealous to the point where he tried on several occasions to kill David. In I Samuel chapter 20, we read that it was the new moon, however, David was going to be absent from his place at Saul’s table. In verse 18 we read that Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.”
That is a concept that all of us are familiar with. In our homes, there are seats that are empty. Some have gone home to their eternal reward and we cherish their memory. Some seats are empty because some have done as did the younger son in Luke chapter 15 and left home. Still others are empty because of desertion. Whatever the cause, when seats are empty, it is a source of sadness.
Have you ever thought of the sadness it causes the Lord when the saints of God gather for worship and your seat is empty? There are some seats in the church that are empty because of death, yet the works and memories of faithful saints fill our lives. Some seats are empty because people have left the Lord and the story of the cross no longer has any effect on their life. Still others are empty because some folks just simply don’t care. When the saints of God assemble for worship and your seat is empty, it suggests to those members who are present, “Why don’t you stay away next Sunday, too!” Where will you be on the Lord’s Day?
It’s something to think about... tbp
Center Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
March 19, 2026 - Abundant Love Ministries celebrates its the 17th Annual Church Anniversary and the 5th Annual Minister Mike Sparks Day on Sunday, March 22nd at 2:30pm. Reverend Marvin Jackson from Clayton Temple Church of God in Christ, Timpson, Texas, will be our guest minister.
ALM regularly scheduled morning services are cancelled for the day.
You are welcome and invited to join us in celebration of this joyous anniversary. In addition, we look forward to seeing you in any of our regularly scheduled weekly services.
Abundant Love Ministries is located at 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas 75935. Pastor Marlin Cloudy, Sr., is the Senior Pastor and Founder.
March 19, 2026 - Enjoy a casual evening of learning and good food on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6pm. Each table will be set with fresh flowers and all the elements required for the Passover celebration. This is a family event but a nursery for infants and toddlers will be available upon request.
Everyone is welcome. Reservations are required by Thursday, March 26th. Tickets are $15 and includes the full Seder and catered dinner. More info http://www.CenterFirst.org.
March 17, 2026 - Jackson Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its 105th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 11am. Join us for a special day of worship and celebration as we mark 105 years of God’s faithfulness!
Special guests are the The David Hallmark Family, a Bluegrass Gospel Music family from Mabank, Texas.
This talented family group shares a heartfelt blend of traditional bluegrass and gospel music. With a passion for ministry and a calling to serve through song, their music is sure to be a blessing and encouragement to all who attend.
Everyone is warmly invited! Come celebrate with us and be part of this special milestone.
March 17, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Tuesday, March 17. We continue our week-long series leading to the first day of spring. And so it’s appropriate to celebrate a day that’s all about green - St. Patrick’s Day. We’re starting to see a whole lot of green here in deep East Texas. In San Antonio, Texas they dye their river green today. Growing up, if you didn’t wear something green to school on St. Patrick’s day - you got pinched!
Who was St. Patrick, the man? He was born in England in the 5th century and went to Ireland as a Christian missionary. Legend tells us that, among other miracles, he drove all the snakes out of the Emerald Isle. There is historical proof that there were no snakes on the island as early as the 3rd century - but never let the facts ruin a good story.
Patrick was also said to have used a three-leaf clover, the Shamrock, as a tool, a visual aid, to teach the doctrine of the Trinity. Three leaves, one clover - not a bad object lesson. The Trinity has always been a difficult concept for humans to wrap our minds around. How can the Father, the Son, and the Spirit each be unique and, at the same time, One? Believers in the 17th century were still grappling with this doctrine, and the classic hymn, “Doxology”, was written in response to that. Sing it again this morning as a testimony of faith, of trust, and of praise.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen. And Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
March 17, 2026 - New Life Church presents the Easter Trivia Show, The Ultimate Final Answer! Join the fun on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11am. The fun includes drama, praise and worship, snow cones, hot dogs, jump house, games, prizes and giveaways!
March 16, 2026 - Strong Triumph Church Youth Revival is March 17-19, Tuesday through Thursday, at 7pm nightly.
Guest Speaker is Pastor J. R. Gatlin of Bonham,Texas and host Shepherd is Elder Faye Dell Allen.
The church is located at 2611 County Road 2545, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
March 16, 2026 - First Baptist Church Shelbyville will be hosting our 2nd Annual "He is Risen" on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11am to 2pm. Bring your family and enjoy bounce houses, games, prizes and most importantly, the Story of Jesus. This is a free event. We will have catfish, fries, chicken strips, popcorn, funnel cakes, ice cream, dirty sodas, and much more.
March 16, 2026 - Woods New Hope Baptist Church will be hosting 5th Sunday singing on Sunday, March 29, 2026, starting at 5pm.
Join in for worship and music. A meal will be provided after the singing.
For more information, please contact Justin Pierce at 903-754-1496.
Woods New Hope Baptist Church is located at 120 CR 425, Tenaha, Texas.
March 16, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, March 16.
The first day of spring is just five days away. It’s this Friday, March 20. And so, our devotions this week will center on this hopeful season, a time of year that symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, rebirth.
The Latin term for the first day of spring is vernal equinox - “vernal” meaning spring, and “equinox “ meaning equal night. On Friday, the hours of darkness will approximately equal the hours of light. It happens in September too - the autumnal equinox - but that one leads to a cold winter. The celebration at the end of this week leads to warm summer sunshine! Ready for that?
And are you ready to give our Creator praise for His creation? A creation that we see all around us right now, as nature wakes up from her long winter’s nap. And a creation that can occur within us as well. These words are found in Ephesians 4:22-24.
You were taught, in regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, to be made new in the attitude of your mind, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Thank God for His creation! Thank God for new beginnings! Thank God for spring!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
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