South Main Baptist Church

Faith and Financial Uncertainty in the Home

It’s been remarkable to see how interconnected the world has become as the COVID-19 crisis took hold. A tiny virus has made its way around the world in just a few months on the breath of people. Interdependencies in the world economy have come to light from the collective response to the tiny virus. The usual supply/demand balances have been radically altered worldwide.

Forgiving Myself

When the quarantine began, I made a list of everything I wanted to accomplish with my extra time at home. In addition to basic daily duties of cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., I wanted to address my own list of “honey do” tasks that had gone untouched for months. You know that list, right?

How Do We Live Out Faith in these Uncertain Times?

First, what is faith? The textbook definition of faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing. In our case, our person is God. We can show our faith by trusting in God and not giving up. For example, let’s look at Joseph in the Bible. Joseph had a great life. He was a favorite son and his family was wealthy.

Jesus, Tender Shepherd Hear Me…

Kim and I live here in Houston and only about 15 minutes from our daughter, Heidi Slay and her husband, David (first responder – Firefighter), and three children, Brodie, 10, Dillon, 6 (almost 7) and Finley, 5. We also have family on the east coast that we miss very much as well. Who knows when we’ll be getting with them any time in the near future.*

The Blessing of Living in the Present

Something that has been a great help to me during this strange season is a “mindful pause.” If I take a moment to notice my present state, I find I am quite often a bit tense and stressed. Of course this makes sense given our current situation. But what I also notice is if I take a deep breath, my shoulders relax. I scan my body internally for other signs of tension.

Redeeming Time

“Don’t forget my birthday tomorrow, miss!” a sweet student shouted as I walked down the hall back to my room. I replied, “No way. See you tomorrow!” Two hours after that short, now bittersweet encounter, the news broke about school closure. Soon after, the decision to close school until April 13 was announced. Now, we are here: school closed for the rest of the year.

God's Action Within Us

“Then, the word of the LORD came to Elijah” – I Kings 17:2

“Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” – Abba Moses

Walking in Grief

Three days after Jesus was crucified, two disciples are walking the road to Emmaus. Why? I think perhaps they’re walking because it’s the only thing they know to do. I think they’re heading for the familiar – going home. They’re disciples of Jesus. They’ve followed Him, worked with Him, witnessed the miracles He has performed, and learned from Him.

Lenten Devotional, April 10: By Michael Shirl

By Michael Shirl

"Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land." Matthew 27:45
"I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day." Amos 8:10

Lenten Devotional, April 9: By Angel Parades

My Forgiving Heart

By Angel Parades

Lenten Devotional, April 8: By Andrea Hoxie

I will greet this day with love in my heart. So begins the scroll marked two from Og Mandino's best selling work The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is my favorite scroll of the 10 because it reminds me of what is important. I was originally introduced to this little book 20 years ago when I first dipped my toe in the world of insurance.

Lenten Devotional, April 7: By Phil Wedemeyer

Why forgive - what's in it for me?

I was taught as a child to "...pray for them that persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) and to "...forgive seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22) but it did not seem to be a very practical way to live. I had to learn the power of these principles as an adult through painful personal experience.

Lenten Devotional, April 6: By Larry Carroll

The fall through spring of 2001-2002 turned out to be a time in my life that tested my faith to the fullest. My 86-year-old mother had been living in a retirement facility, but was having trouble with mobility. We went through the trauma of moving her into an assisted care facility in early September. Shortly thereafter my wife, Lecia, was scheduled for abdominal surgery.

Lenten Devotional, April 3: By Martha Doolittle

Sticks and Stones...

Acid words rend my face,
         my ears deaf with pain,
                 my blue eyes burned beyond recognition.
I am not.

Lenten Devotional, April 2: By Tate Shannon

When I read my Bible, I end up asking a lot of questions: "What does that mean?" "What's the context?" "How does this apply to me?" or even, "That didn't make sense; what’d he just say?" Sometimes things feel ambiguous or just a little too abnormal to be applicable to my life. Even so, there’s at least one thing where there’s no ambiguity.

Lenten Devotional, April 1: By Mark Gribble

I forgive you; three little words with such power and yet sometimes they feel hollow. I can’t count the number of times, in the aftermath of a disagreement, hearing these words signals the end of the argument. Yet, I long for an instant healing that we all know isn’t coming. The hurt is still there, and it lingers. 

Lenten Devotional, March 31: By Angela Spoede

In a sermon to His followers, Jesus instructed, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37, NIV). This makes forgiveness seem transactional somehow. We “buy” forgiveness for ourselves and our sins by forgiving others. It could leave the impression that we must attain some master-level ability to forgive if we wish to receive forgiveness.

Lenten Devotional, March 30: By Anne Tulek

Are you a list-maker? I am. I work on lists daily. Long term goals. Short term goals. Daily and weekly to-do’s. Pro/Con lists. Cost/Benefit lists. Lists of calls to return. Things I’m grateful for. Books I want to read. Notes I need to write. It’s quite a list of lists.

Lenten Devotional, March 27: By Steve Rader

As I contemplate Lent this year, one thought comes to mind. Perception is everything! How we perceive the world around us, how we perceive others' actions, and especially how we perceive ourselves can make all of the difference.

Lenten Devotional, March 26: By Angela Holder

Unforgivable?

Excerpt from White Nights by Angela Holder writing as Elana Brooks

Lenten Devotional, March 25: By Angela Bell

In the past six months, I’ve said goodbye to three close friends. All of them lived in a different state than me. I hadn’t talked to any of them in the weeks or months before they passed, but at one time in my life, I would have called each of them either my best friend or one of my very closest.

Lenten Devotional, March 24: By Lauren Raimer-Goodman

Then I let it all out;
I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures to God."
Suddenly the pressure was gone—
my guilt dissolved,
my sin disappeared.
Psalm 32:5, The Message

Lenten Devotional, March 23: By Larissa Fletcher

I lost my husband to cancer in 2016. I heard words like how “brave” I was and how “proud” people were of me…I felt the exact opposite. I felt like a fraud. The months leading up to his diagnosis were some of the toughest in our marriage. He stopped helping me out around the house and stopped helping with our infant – which made me resentful and angry. We argued daily.

Lenten Devotional, March 20: By Jan Barkley

By Jan Barkley

Lenten Devotional, March 19: By David Corban

By David Corban

Lenten Devotional, March 18: By Charis Smith

Forgiveness, whether given or received, is always personal. It also is always a story. Here’s mine. 

Lenten Devotional, March 17: By Glen Dickey

When I think of forgiveness I think of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. I could not imagine what it would have been like to live under the old law if Jesus never came! It would seem that what you did or thought would be a sin and would necessarily require reconciliation and sacrifice. I am very grateful not to have to live like that.

Lenten Devotional, March 16: By Diane Dillard

By Diane Dillard

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. –Ephesians 4:31-32 

Lenten Devotional, March 13: By Caroline Mays

By Caroline Mays 

Lenten Devotional, March 12: By Audrey McKim

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. –Ephesians 4:32

Lenten Devotional, March 11: By Ann Sullivan

As I considered the theme of forgiveness for South Main’s Lenten devotionals, I immediately connected the concept of forgiveness with First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung.  I wondered how Loung and her siblings could ever forgive the Khmer Rouge soldiers who were responsible for the deaths of four Ung family members.

Lenten Devotional, March 10: By Claire Frazier

...And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. –Matthew 6:12

Lenten Devotional, March 4: By Doug Durand

By Doug Durand

Lenten Devotional, March 2: By Toni Richerson

As children, my brother and I had different jobs we were to do separately and sometimes together. The jobs or chores ranged from simple to more involved as we got older and changed from being focused on Saturday to whenever we were needed to help out.

Lenten Devotional, February 28: By Seth Humble

By Seth Humble

Forgiveness.

What an absolute mess.

Lenten Devotional, February 27: By Janice Anderson

What Shall I Give…Up

I grew up Presbyterian and only knew about Lent through my Catholic friends and neighbors. What I remember is they talked about what they were ‘giving up’ for Lent. That usually involved meat, candy, soda pop, or some other simple pleasure.

Lenten Devotional, February 26: By Erin Luce

“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Advent Devotional December 2: Written by David & Charis Smith in 1987

John 3:16

Advent Devotional December 1: Written by Howard Lee Sr. in 1977

The Constitution of the United States of America guarantees to Americans the right to “pursuit of happiness.” The Bible informs the Christian how to attain happiness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave to us the Beatitudes which are the original “Happiness is ___” series. One of the most basic characteristics that God wants His children to seek is good basic motivations.

MainTether

I was recently introduced to a new medical term, or maybe, it’d be more appropriate to call it a “quasi-medical” term. I was told about ODTAA Syndrome. “What’s ODTAA Syndrome?” I asked. I’ve never heard of it. The person telling me this shook his head and said, you know, it’s just “One Darn Thing After Another.”

Where Did the Books Go?

To read the first part of the library transformation, click here.

LIBRARY SPACE REIMAGINED

By Brad Jernberg, Minister of Administration for Operations

We want to make our church family aware of a change to the library space.

Communications Changes

By Susan Moore, Minister of Administration for Communications

Sabbatical Reflections by Susan Moore

Minister of Administration for Communications is my title at South Main Baptist Church. I, along with my Communications Team, facilitate timely, accurate communication being provided and heard. On a good day, my job supports all other ministries.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 30

By Linda Gardner

I still remember the first time I entered the South Main sanctuary on a Sunday morning about 35 years ago. I was in awe of the beauty and grandeur, and the worship experience touched me. This was followed by warm interactions with ministers and others, and Spencer and I soon felt right at home in this special place.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 29

By Rob Jefferies

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 28

By Margie Ehlers

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 27

By Kristy Wade-Carroll

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life?  Scripture is full of God’s promises. We read and hear them, and sometimes wonder, “How long do I have to wait, God, for you to act?”  I encourage you to read the book of Habakkuk this Lenten season. The prophet asks that very question. The answer he gets is not what anyone wants to hear.  

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 26

By Greg Funderburk …when you least expect it. God finds  me  more readily than it can be said I find God. Having said that, I feel God’s spirit sometimes ripple through my heart with a fleeting, yet very real sense of presence when I least expect it.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 24

By Cleavy McKnight

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 23

By Anne Tulek

Finding God can come at the most unusual of times.  I have a lifetime history of undiagnosed Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Any readers who were also my childhood Sunday School teachers are shaking your heads, thinking about how obvious this was to you 40 years ago. It’s OK.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 22

By JD Walther

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 21

By Larissa Fletcher

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 20

By J Hill 

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 19

By Bobbye Lott

Throughout the Bible are many instances where God was revealed to individuals.  One of my favorites is told in 1 Kings 19. Elijah, a powerful prophet, was afraid and depressed.  He went out into the desert alone, wanting to die.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 16

By Drew Philpot

One thing that always leads me to find God is seeing Christ-like behavior from my non-Christian friends.  It can come in many different forms, such as sharing words of wisdom, showing love to someone who is hurting, or forgiving a past transgression.  They become the visible representation of God to me.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 15

By Andrea Hoxie

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 14

By Michael Raimer Goodman

God, where are you in these children’s lives? I know you are loving, and I know you are powerful – but these children are suffering. Where are you?

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 13

By Lauren Engle

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 8

By Jamie Negrete 

Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 7

By Kathy Bernal 

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 6

By Rique Carson

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 2

By Sarah Villasenor 

I can admit it, I am lazy about looking for God. What’s worse is, he isn’t very hard to find in the first place. I try to use lent as an opportunity to reflect and thank God for his faithfulness to me, despite my shortcomings.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL MARCH 1

By Jane Jefferies

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 28

By Ethan Gwaltney
When "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing," and I feast in good health, he "stand[s] at the door and knock[s]," and waits for my invitation to enter. (Rev. 3)
When I am poor, weak, and losing hope, and I quake under the weight of my sin, then is his "power made perfect" (2 Cor. 12) and he "restore[s] me to the joy of [his] salvation" (Psalm 51).

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 27

By Jeanette Stokes 
GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. 1 John 4:16b

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 24

By Angie Fox

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 23

By Steve Rader

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 21

By Brandon Wheeler

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 20

By Shannon Dove
How Do I Find God is an interesting question. And a sometimes troubling one for me. My whole life I have heard stories of how God revealed Himself to various friends and family members, sometimes in bold fashion, sometimes in quiet, personal ways.

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 19

By Byron Keeling

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 17

By Mark Gribble 

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 16

By Claire Hein Blanton

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 15

By Charles Williams

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: LENTEN DEVOTIONAL FEBRUARY 14

By Ann Sullivan 

Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

HOW DO I FIND GOD?: SOUTH MAIN'S LENTEN DEVOTIONAL READINGS FEBRUARY 14 — MARCH 31

A few years ago, Father James Martin edited a collection of compelling essays. Martin, day by day, one by one, asked a group of writers, cultural leaders, and other interesting people, both famous and not so famous, to prayerfully consider, then answer this quintessential question: “How Do I Find God?”

Millennials and the Church

The millennial generation grew up in noise. How can we hear those voices that want to still us, calm us, and bring us back into communion with one another and with God?

A Saturday Well Spent: Discovery Day

By Kyle Barsch — My wife, Kelly, and I had the privilege of participating in Discovery Day this month. To be honest, I wasn’t sure exactly why I should attend.