Altar Sunday

Today is not just another day. Today the tomb is empty and Christ has risen! He is alive! That's worth flooding the altar for.

What have you done for Him?

Whether you wait for holidays to attend Church or you go everyday. Just know that Jesus invests in you at all times. Not a second passes in your life that He does not know about.

His love for you extends way beyond what you could ever fathom.

He laid His life down for you! He took your sins upon Himself.

He overcame death for you!

What have you done for Him?

The Great Commission

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

How do you celebrate the weekend Christ arose?

Do you go and share this wonderful story with as many as you can?

Jesus' last words to His disciples was the Great Commission. He commanded them to go and spread the Good News. We are commanded to the same thing.

This weekend is a great time to start spreading the Good News.

Jesus is alive!

Hope Beyond the Grave

The open wounds in His skin

His disfigured face and swollen eyes

The weakness in His body

The thorns in His head

The nails that pierce His hands and feet

The blood that flows...

The men, they laugh, spit, mock, and thrust Him upward as though it was every day business. They have not a clue.

We have not a clue.

The pain He endures as He hangs there.

The blood that flows...

The separation

 His final hour approaches, as the skies begin to darken, and the clouds roll in, bringing heavy winds.

And He knows...

This pain, suffering, and weight of every sin have been placed upon Him.

And He mutters, "It is finished!"

His last breath is taken.

The earth shakes, the curtain tears in two. His side is punctured...

And the blood flows.

Wrapped in white linen He was placed in a tomb

 But on the third day...

He was raised from the dead.

"After three days I will be raised from the dead."  Matthew 27:63

All for you and all for me!

"For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

It's more than bunnies and eggs.

"Because God's children are human beings-made of flesh and blood-Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying."  Hebrews 2:14-15

It's more than bunny rabbits and Easter eggs. It's more than putting on your best dress and heading to church.

It's about Him and what He did.

Do you know what He did? Do your children know?

Do you know why He did it?

Take a peek in the mirror; do you see that person staring back at you? That's who He did it for.

You and Me!

He died, was buried, and ROSE AGAIN!

That is what Jesus did.

Life Everlasting! Love Everlasting!

Now and forever.

Thank You Jesus for Your Death, Burial, and Resurrection. Thank You that You did all for us, for me. May we teach our children what this time of year is really about. Forgive us for making it something it is not. Amen

Conscious Effort

“I called you so often, but you didn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.” Proverbs 1:24

This thought of not spending time with Jesus freaks me out! Yet so does the thought of spending time with Him out of habit or because I should, rather than because I desire to, need to, want to, have to.

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone yet you weren't really "in" the conversation. Meaning they were talking and you acted like you were listening but your mind was somewhere else. Then when they stop and look at you waiting for a response, you don't know what to say because you have no clue what they just said.

Have you ever done that? 

How often do we do that with the Lord? We get in the Word, yet our minds are elsewhere. Or we attend church and the whole time we are thinking about other things rather than the message Christ is speaking to us.

This bothers me a great deal. Jesus has said many times that you are to love ME with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

How can I be giving Him all of myself, if I am distracted in my thought life?

This should sadden us more. It should move us to be in prayer more. It should motivate us to store His Word more.

It should cause us to be a lot more conscientious when we are spending time with Him.  Jesus has something to say to us, teach us, and show us. He wants to draw us closer to His holiness every day. He wants to share His heart with us.

Why would we want to miss out on that?

This bothers me that I have missed out on really listening to what my Father has to say and share, because my thoughts are elsewhere.

I can’t draw closer to Him, if I am not listening and engaging in our conversation. And if I don’t listen how can I obey Him and become more like Him.

These two they really do go hand in hand.

“My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. “Proverbs 2:1-2

Conscious effort that is what is required.

Jesus forgive me for not being fully engaged in the time we spend together. You deserve better, and I want better, for the both of us. Amen

He never tires out or sleeps

"He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you!" Psalm 121:3-5


Isn't it reassuring to know that the Lord never tires out or sleeps?

When you feel weary and tired, be assured that Jesus is not. So when you close your eyes to rest, know that Jesus is watching over you.

Thank You Jesus for watching over us and for never growing tired. It is so encouraging to know that You are watching over us at all times. Thank You! Amen

Altar Sunday

When you realize coming to the altar doesn't just mean the church altar. Nor do you have to wait for Sunday.

God's altar is available everyday all day.

Are you using it?

The Constant One

"Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Bible studies, babies, sickness, conferences, packing, moving, goodbyes, family, friends, last minute details, jitters, and staying on my face. These are all the things that have taken place within a two week period. 

To say the least, things have been a little overwhelming around the Morgan household. But can I just tell you the one thing that has been constant?

JESUS!

How in the world do people do it without Him? How in the world can anyone go through an entire day without Him?

Brethren I cannot breathe, function, or think without Jesus. He has been the only constant thing in my life. No matter how many changes occur in this life, I am always guaranteed one thing-Jesus will always be there.

Have you ever just needed something so badly, like a drink, food, rest, warmth or breath that you would die without it? That is how much I need Jesus on a second by second basis.

What about you? Has life been a little hectic for you lately? If so, may I encourage you today by telling you, Jesus is present, available, and will always be constant within you?

Jesus thank You for never leaving me. Thank You for being the most constant, sure thing in my life. I honestly could not do this without You, nor would I want to. Thank You. I trust You, I find comfort in You, and I praise You for Your continual presence in my life. Amen

Preparation

"The LORD said to Moses, 'Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present to me by fire on the altar are my food, and they are very pleasing to me. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to my instructions." Numbers 28:1-2

How do you prepare your heart for worship?

How do you prepare yourself to spend time with Jesus?

Do you prepare or just jump in? Is there a right or wrong way?

Can you come before the Lord if you are harboring sin?

Is confessing a part of your preparation?

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened." Psalm 66:18

Just maybe the days leading up to Sunday are our days to prepare our hearts for worship. What kind of offering are you presenting to the Lord?

Women's Conference

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

This Friday March 30 and Saturday March 31 we will be holding our Women's Conference at First Baptist Jasper.

The Focus will be on Overcoming the "ME"

We have spent many months preparing and praying. Our biggest prayer is that God will show up in a HUGE way and change our hearts, thoughts and lives.

Please be in prayer if you will. We are expecting big things from Jesus!

It begins Friday @ 6:30. You can register at the door. It is 15 dollars and aide is available. It is our honor so don't hesitate to let us know.

For more information please contact Sue Gee at thegees@joshua2415.org or by phone at 409-489-6485.

We look forward to worshiping with you.

Altar Sunday

Maybe today you know of someone who could use some time at the altar. Maybe they are unable to go themselves, or stay back due to fear. Maybe they have no clue about the altar.

Whatever the reason might be, today you are able to go to the altar for them. Would you do that? Would you intercede in prayer for someone who needs it?

"Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere." Ephesians 6:18

Overwhelming

Because you are loved. 

Not for any other reason than because He knows the best for you comes at a cost.

His cost.

His love is overwhelming.

All

"From there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him."  Deuteronomy 4:29

Have you ever done something with half of your heart, attention, effort, and thought? How did it turn out? Probably not as good as it would’ve if you had put your “all” into it.

Maybe we fill our plates to full. We believe that if we finish it that is good enough, but is it really good enough?

What about your relationship with Jesus? Do you give Him half of your attention, heart, thoughts, and effort? When you go to Church do you sit and think about a million other things, rather than give God all of your attention? When you sing are you singing with “all” your heart or out of habit? It is easy to move our mouths and our thoughts be somewhere else.

What about when we spend time in the Word? Do we do it with other things going on around us that steal our attention? Like our phones, TV, our kids, our job, etc. Or do we give God “all” of our attention and go to a quiet place where there are no distractions; thus giving Him “all” of our attention, heart, thoughts, and effort?

Notice in our passage God says, “If you search for Me with ALL your heart and soul you will find Me.”

Have you been in search for more of Jesus? If so check and see if your “all” has been into it.

Jesus You gave us all of you; forgive us for only giving you bits and pieces. It’s time we get serious in our search for You, and in doing so our all must be put into it. Amen

What is Your Agenda

"I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ." Philippians 2:20-21

Do you search God's Word with a self-agenda? Often times many of us will open the Word searching for the right passage that applies to our agenda.

It might be the only time we ever open our Bibles. Which is sad, but is probably done more than we realize.

I am not saying this is wrong by any means, but when it is done for selfish reasons, then, yes, I believe that is wrong. It just makes me feel like we "use" God. I don't ever want Him to feel used. I want Him to feel as loved as He makes me feel loved. Which I know is humanly impossible.

If we are just using Jesus to make ourselves look better, then our hearts are not where they should be. Our relationship with Christ is not where it should be.

If we search with self-agenda we are leading ourselves astray, because we are only taking bits and pieces of God's Word instead of as a whole.

The Holy Spirit guides each of us differently. He also lets us know when our motives in searching God's Word is for His glory or for our selfish gain.

Why do we have a relationship with Christ is the real question.

Why do you study or not study His Word?

Are we taking God's Word as a whole or in parts as we see fit, and as they apply to our wants?

Jesus show us very specifically our reasons for doing what we do when we study Your Word. Reveal to us every intention. Amen

Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus never said following Him would be easy. In fact He gave a huge warning that it would be hard! He never said standing for Him would be easy. He never said it would be fun. Nor did He say that when His light exposed the darkness that it would be awesome. It’s actually hard.

But He did promise to be there with us. He promised He would never leave. He promised He would lead us through it ALL.

We so desperately want to understand His decisions, but it is not for us to understand. All we are to do is trust Him.

Jesus we trust You and every decision You make. You are God, Creator of all things. You make this earth spin. You make our hearts beat and mouths move. You tell the Sun when to rise and when to fall. You know every star, every hair on our heads, every thought we have and every fear we have. You know us completely and fully. Thank You for walking through this daily life with us. We trust You and that is the best thing we can do. Amen

Are You Dead or Producing Fruit?

 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-24

Picture this with me. A fruit producing tree, except the fruit growing is not fruit you eat. It is a kind of fruit you live out, act out. It is a variety fruit tree; there is fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Imagine being able to go up to that tree and pick each one of those fruits.                                                

                                                                                           

Would you pick certain ones or would you pick all of them? Here is the deal. You don’t have a choice if the Holy Spirit lives within you. If He doesn't live within you, well, then this fruit is completely foreign to you.

So let me ask you this…

Are these fruits visible in your life?

Is Jesus Lord of your life?

If so then you are a part of Christ’s fruit producing tree, which means the Holy Spirit is producing all 9 types of fruit in you.

He is the one that makes them visible; He is the one in control.

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us.” Galatians 5:22

Christ says, “I will produce this fruit in you?”

Love

JOY

PEACE

PATIENCE

KINDNESS

GOODNESS

GENTLENESS

FAITHFULNESS

SELF-CONTROL

So where do you go from here? Begin by understanding you canNOT produce these fruits on your own. It is not in your makeup to do so. But it is in Christ’s makeup.

So the more you become like Him, the more of these fruits you will produce.

Maybe a good evaluation for us is to see what things we produce more.

Evil or Fruit

I know what you are thinking. I don’t produce evil. I think it too, but the more you see what Christ defines as evil the more your eyes are open and the more you realize just how much evil you do, have, or had produced.

Things that are evil-

Sexual immorality

Impure thoughts

Eagerness for lustful pleasure

Idolatry

Participation in demonic activity

Hostility

Quarreling

Jealousy

Outbursts of anger

Selfish Ambition

Divisions

The feeling everyone is wrong except those in your own little group

Envy

Drunkenness

Wild parties

Go back and place a check by the ones that have been produced in you. Stinks I know!

So what does a tree look like that produces these things?

A dead one!

Are you dead or producing fruit?

New Night

Women Seeking God-Community Women's Bible Study

is moving to a new night.

Monday


Place: Belle Jim


Time: 6:00-7:00

Altar Sunday

Won't you come to the altar today. He is calling you. Can you hear Him? He wants to tend to the brokenness. He wants to remove the dirt. He wants to be showered with praise.

Today is the day. Step out and go.

Jesus is there. Don't keep Him waiting. It will be the best thing you have ever done.

Remember

When it seems impossible just remember, He is the possible.

When you feel like you are broken in pieces, remember you are whole in Him.

When you feel like giving up, remember He went all the way to the Cross.

When you feel distant and alone, remember He is right beside you. Actually, He is within you.

When you look at someone and wonder why, remember God made them too.



"They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer." Psalm 78:35