Houston's First Baptist Church

2020 has been a discouraging year, but as you continue to pray and to stay in His word, it will bring both perspective and purpose. Jesus is near and walking right alongside you, so just keep moving forward.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself; rather, it is thinking of yourself less. Choose to live a humble life. From that position, feelings of gratitude instead of entitlement can grow. And in surrender and humility, we can trust that He will seat us and take us where we need to be.

We live in an age of anxiety, but the way we can push worry back is through trusting the Lord. Release control knowing that God is pleased to provide for you. It won’t always be easy and will require some heart work, but choose to take the journey with the Lord. It will lead to deeper intimacy with Jesus, and your heart and mind will be transformed.

Anxiety can come into our lives so easily. It wears us out emotionally, and it wears us out physically. Know that Jesus can meet you right where you are. With Him, your mind can be be renewed, and He can set you on a new path.

We live in a world of distractions. And though much of the busyness is gone, have you filled your time with more distractions or more of Jesus? Choose to lean in during this season. Make the choice of settling your heart before the Lord and cultivating a heart of worship.

Choices can be seen as inflammatory these days, but there are four choices that are presented to us in God’s Word that we must make. Choose to be transformed by, submit to, and live by the Word of God. And don’t procrastinate. If you know God wants you to do something, today is the day to do it.

We are in a season where we are being forced online. It is so necessary that we know the truth, so that we are not led astray. May we know the truth, may we recognize the truth, and may we be changed by the truth. It is sufficient for our lives.

Will you be intentional about spending time in God’s Word? The world is in chaos right now, and God’s Word is our anchor. It gives us God’s heart and His perspective, and it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

Our nation came into existence during the first and second great awakenings, and we are in need of another awakening. We need to feel a burden for our nation, we need to return to the scriptures, and we have to claim the power of the blood. The next great awakening can start with you; it can start today.

Disappointment is real. Yet, we can learn to walk in this life of trial and strain because God loves us. Let Go, and let God. He will take you through the grief and loss, and your test will become your testimony.

Dads, we want to honor you this Father's Day and tell you that you are important as men and as fathers. Even if you didn’t have a good dad, your Father in Heaven can heal every wound and show you the way to be a great dad in your own family. And families, dads need your respect, gratitude, and for you to live wisely. These things will bring refreshment to his heart and soul.

Fasting is to be a normal part of the Christian life. It intensifies our prayers, helps lead us to repentance, brings clarity, and many other things. Would you choose a day to fast this week? Be willing to go hungry, so that you can feel full in Him.

We’re in stormy seas as a nation right now, and we have to trust Jesus to changes hearts and lives. Begin having real conversations with those around you, and let’s trust Jesus to take us to the other side. Trust in His power, and let God do His work.

On this Reunion Weekend, we celebrate Pentecost and the birth of the Church. As the disciples trusted and waited for the promise of the Father, we too need to trust in God’s timing and His plan. Lean in to Him, and let Him speak directly to your heart. And in turn, go out into the world to share with others.

In order to do all things, it takes Christ in you, so that Christ can move through you. What is God calling you to do? That is where you will find the strength to do all things.

Jesus Christ, not circumstance, is the route of contentment. Even in the this time of uncertainty, we can walk in peace, surrendered to Him, knowing that the Lord is at work.

On this Mother’s day, we honor all the women of our church. Mom’s do such a great job of living an honorable life, and we all want to live this way. May we have right praying, which leads to right thinking, which leads to right living, so that we can live in the peace of God and shine brightly in this world.

So many of us spend our lives chasing favor not realizing that favor is actually chasing us. God’s favor is revealed, and it can be seen, in His pursuit of us and His presence with us. Whether you feel it or not, let the declared Word be your guide. As a child of God, you are favored!

During this season of COVID-19, there have been so many dos and don’ts. And in this time when worrying feels like responsibility, Paul tells us the complete opposite. Paul says to not worry. He reminds us instead to pray — knowing who we are in Christ, connecting with Him, and laying our petitions before Him with thanksgiving. And it is through prayer that the peace of Christ will fill our hearts...

During these times when everything around us is changing, we can grow closer together and stand firm. We can rejoice and be gracious. And we can continue to stay in surrender to Christ, so that our lives can be a of reflection of His in humility and selflessness as we wait for His return.

Jesus came, died, and rose again. And when He rose again, He offered us peace in our fears and proof of His death. Don’t live saying you need more proof. Turn your doubts into questions, your questions into prayers, and your prayers into faith. It’s time to trust Christ as your Savior, and receive forgiveness for your sins and purpose for your life.

On this Maundy Thursday, Jeff Struecker shared his story of serving as an army ranger in Somalia. As he and his team embarked on a very dangerous mission, Jesus stepped in and settled his heart. His eternity was secure, and he no longer had to fear death. In that moment, his life was forever changed. Have you given your life to Jesus? Don’t let one more day go by. Receive the sacrifice He paid, so...

As you celebrate Palm Sunday, lay down your heaviness, your fear, your worry, and your disappointments. Lay it all down before Him, and give Him your praise. Let God use your resources, your prayer, and your sharing with others to glorify His name. God has a plan, and He is turning people to Him.

God is going to see us through. Let's be people of prayer. Let’s let God do something great in us and through us. In these days of staying at home, be still and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations.  The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

We are going to make it! We are going to see God do some great things in and through us. Walk with hope, for our God is a refuge and ever present help in time of need.