Christian

Christ as the rose of Sharon, was willing to be crushed and this holy fragrance of love reveals the nature of God’s amazDr. Billy ing grace. His Holland blood was the ultimate sacrifice as it redeemed and paid for the sins of all who would believe and accept Him as their Savior. God has drawn a blueprint which includes His general will and His specific will for every person. His general will is written in the Bible as His basic instructions to obey, and His specific will is offer to lead us in our everyday life and can be fulfilled when we seek Him with all of our heart and mind. We have been given the choice to follow this heavenly plan or to be independent and live according to our own desires. The more devoted we are to His blueprint, the more of His attributes will be released within us. Jesus followed His mission and He became heaven’s bridge for our salvation. Ephesians chapter five and verse two reminds us, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” When we choose to surrender our will and become committed to this covenant relationship, our life can also become a sacrificial aroma of love that pleases God.

A couple of forest rangers who were hiking in Yellowstone National Park after a forest fire, told this story. As they were assessing the inferno’s damage, one ranger found a bird literally petrified in the ashes, perched like a statue on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he noticed something moving under her. When he removed her body, there were three tiny chicks nestled under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived, and the heat had scorched her small body, but the mother had remained steadfast and was willing to die, so those under the refuge of her wings could live. How much more does Jesus love you? Jesus knew we we doomed so He willingly gave His life so that He could save us from eternal death. Will you trust and believe in Him today? “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will trust. His truth will be your shield and buckler. You will not be afraid for the terror by night; neither from the arrow that flies by day” (Psalm 91:4-5).

Among the chaos, we know that God is still on His throne and is only allowing devil to have a short time of rebellion before Jesus returns to restore order. We should not be surprised as The deterioation of humanity is prophesied in His Word. I encourage you to find a quiet place today and share with Him about all the things that are troubling you. In John Chapter 14, we read where Christ sent the Holy Spirit and that He would help guide and comfort us in our journey. I’m receiving more emails and letters than ever before, and many are from individuals who are afraid about what is happening in our world. There is a lot of talk about tribulation and these subjects are not pleasant to imagine, as they involve anxiety and the mysteries of the unknown. I’ve studied the Bible and listened to many teachers about the last days, and it’s true that perilous times are coming. Some are having dreams and visions about the future, and like the rest of you, I’m asking the Lord to reveal what is true and what is not. Nonetheless, may we remember that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us no matter what we may face from this point forward. Like the mother bird who would never abandon her children, we can know that God is always with us. Christ is an invincible tower of safety and is still inviting those who are battling fear and anxiety to, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28. In His presence you will find peace and encouragement, but we must take the initiative to seek Him.

Discover more about God and the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

A Christian Fellowship

150 Fellowship Ln, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 815-1333

Wednesday 6:30 pm – Potluck Meal 7:00 pm – Worship Service 7:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Sunday 9:30 am – Sunday School (all ages) 10:30 am – Worship Service 10:30 am – KidZone Children’s Service (5yr – 12 yr.)

Community Bible Fellowship

415 S Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 Wednesday 6:30 pm - Food and Fellowship 7:00 pm - Community Kids (ages 3 - 6th grade, nursery available) 7:00 pm - Youth and Adult Bible Study Sunday 10:30 am - Worship Service

First Baptist Church Dorchester

11831 FM 902, Dorchester, TX 75459 903-476-5525 Wednesday 6:00 pm - Meal (Donations for adults and kids eat free) 6:30 pm - Praise service 7:00 pm - Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - RA's/GA's/children's group Sunday 9:00 am - Men's Prayer Time 9:45 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - A.M. Worship Service 5:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice 6:00 pm - Evening Worship

First Baptist Church Howe

100 E. Davis St., Howe, TX 903532-5504 Tuesday 7:00 pm - Bible Study Wednesday 5:30 pm - Kids Choir 6:30 pm - Team Kid 6:30 pm - Youth Ministry 6:30 pm - Adult Bible Fellowship Sunday 9:15 am - Bible Fellowship 10:30 am - Kids Church 10:30am - Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Howe

810 N Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6718 Monday 9:30 am - Care Team Meeting 10:30 am - Pastor's Bible Study Tuesday 9:30 am - Women's Bible Study 11:30 am - Out and About with Pastor Zack 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Wednesday 9:00 am - Wednesday Workers 6:30 pm - Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Saturday 9:00 am - Feed My Sheep (1st and 3rd Sat each month) Sunday 8:40 am - Fellowship and Donuts 9:00 am - Sunday School 10:00 am - Worship service 3:00 pm - Cub Scouts

Howe Church of Christ

1205 N Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6441 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Bible Classes (all ages) Sunday 9:00 am - Bible Classes (all ages) 10:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Worship Service

New Beginning Fellowship

910 S Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6828 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Radiate Youth 7:00 pm - Sanctuary of for prayer Sunday 9:30 am - Sunday School (kids, youth, women, men) 10:30 am - Worship Service 10:30 am - Kids Church

Times are subject to change. Please check with each church for any possible changes

Verse of the week

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.