Author: Texas Gospel

Living with a Clear Purpose

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CONNIE WILLIAMS

A well-defined purpose brings clarity to every decision we make. If a business’s goal is to always have the lowest price, then every choice would be measured against that purpose. If something did not help the company stay the lowest-priced company, it would be rejected.

The same principle applies to every area of life, especially our spiritual lives. A clear sense of purpose gives direction and stability, just as light cuts through darkness. The Bible teaches that followers of Christ are engaged in a spiritual battle, not against people, but against evil forces that seek to destroy faith and purpose. In Ephesians 6, Paul describes six spiritual tools that help believers stand strong. One of them is “having your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Like sturdy shoes for a soldier, this readiness helps believers stand firm and move forward with confidence.

In Paul’s time, Roman soldiers wore thick boots with metal studs on the soles. These gave them firm footing during battle and protected them from sharp objects hidden on the ground. Paul used this image to show that Christians need spiritual stability too. Our “boots” are not made of leather. They are made of a willingness to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This readiness to share the gospel strengthens us and keeps us steady when life becomes difficult.

Paul’s teaching in Ephesians connects directly to Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of those who bring good news: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings.” The same verse appears again in Romans 10, where Paul reminds believers that people cannot believe in Jesus unless someone tells them about Him. Sharing the message of salvation is not the job of pastors alone. It is the responsibility of every believer. Our readiness to share Christ’s peace is both a weapon in spiritual warfare and a core part of our purpose on earth.

Every person was created by God for a reason. Many people, both religious and non-religious, sense that life must have meaning, yet they search endlessly for what it is. The Bible says we are not accidents or products of chance. God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” God had a plan for Jeremiah before his birth and He has a plan for each of us too. Every life is intentional, designed by God for a purpose.

That purpose is not simply to live comfortably or to achieve personal goals. Our purpose is to take part in God’s plan and to help others come to know Him. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” If that is God’s purpose, then our purpose must be to help fulfill it.

God’s work often involves partnership. While He could act alone, He chooses to work through people. He told Noah to build an ark, Nehemiah to rebuild the wall, and the disciples to spread the gospel. Before returning to heaven, Jesus told His followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The central mission for every believer is to share the good news with others wherever they are.

Sadly, some Christians make careful plans for their careers, families, and finances but give little thought to God’s mission. Yet this is the very reason we remain on earth. Just as a soldier focuses on completing his commander’s orders, followers of Christ are called to expand God’s kingdom and free those trapped in spiritual darkness. This calling is not a burden but a source of true fulfillment.

People often look for meaning in work, success, pleasure, or wealth, but these things cannot fill the emptiness inside. Many who seem to “have it all” still feel deeply unsatisfied. The writer of Ecclesiastes learned that achievements and possessions bring only temporary joy. Lasting fulfillment comes only through knowing God and living out His purpose.

When we live for God’s purpose, we find the meaning and stability our hearts long for. Sharing His message gives us direction, strengthens our faith, and protects us from the enemy’s attempts to distract and discourage us. Our lives gain eternal value when we dedicate ourselves to the mission God has given: To bring His peace to others.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Gunmen Abduct more than 150 worshippers in attacks on Nigerian churches Sunday

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MUSA OKONKWO

KURMIN WALI, Nigeria — Armed assailants kidnapped over 150 worshippers in coordinated raids on three churches in northwest Nigeria on Sunday, according to Usman Danlami Stingo, who represents the Kajuru area in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The attacks occurred in Kurmin Wali, a community in the Kajuru area of Kaduna state, while services were underway at an Evangelical Church Winning All congregation, a Cherubim and Seraphim church, and a Catholic church.

Stingo said 177 people were initially reported missing following the attacks. Eleven of those abducted later returned, leaving 168 people still missing as of Monday.

Police in Kaduna state had not commented on the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Mass abductions by armed groups have plagued northwest Nigeria in recent years, with gunmen targeting schools, villages and places of worship for ransom.

US Justice department investigates after protesters storm worship service

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(EDITOR NOTE: This article is presented because it is something that affects the church. Its presentation is not intended to ‘take sides’ on a divisive issue. Feel free to leave comments in the comments section. Uncivil comments will not be approved. Be respectful.)

Federal authorities are examining whether civil rights were violated when demonstrators interrupted a Sunday service at a St. Paul church.

The protest targeted pastor David Easterwood, who allegedly oversees local Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Activists chanted demands for accountability following the fatal police shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old who was involved in an incident with ICE agents during an ICE operation in Minneapolis this month. Don Lemon livestreamed a portion of the event from inside the church building on YouTube.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated houses of worship aren’t public forums and are protected by federal law.

Black Lives Matter Minnesota helped organise the demonstration, which protesters livestreamed on social media.

Poet Voices adds former Kingdom Heirs vocalist

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DAVID INGRAM

Lauren Harris (Courtesy PoetVoices.net, 2026)

Southern gospel’s Poet Voices is welcoming vocalist Loren Harris to its lineup, the group announced.

Harris left the Kingdom Heirs in fall 2023 to pursue solo ministry but said he missed quartet singing. After discussions with Phil Cross and Donnie Henderson last October, Harris accepted their invitation.

“Once you have quartet in your blood, it’s just hard to replace,” Harris said.

He joins Cross, Henderson, Casey Armstrong and Jeff Snyder. The group is releasing a tribute album featuring gospel songs by the Oak Ridge Boys.

Phil Cross said he’s never been more excited about The Poet Voices’ future.

A Heart That Remembers to Give Thanks

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AMY TURNER

In the Gospel of Luke, ten men suffering from leprosy called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they walked away, they were healed. Their skin was restored, their pain was gone, and their bodies were made whole again. Yet only one of the ten turned back. He came to Jesus, shouting praise to God and falling at His feet in deep gratitude.

Consider how often people receive blessings without stopping to give thanks. The nine who walked away were healed in body but forgot to show appreciation. The one who returned understood that thankfulness matters as much as the gift itself.

In our daily lives, we receive countless blessings. We have health, food, work, friends, and moments of peace. Yet we sometimes rush ahead, forgetting to acknowledge the source of these good things. Even a small word of thanks, a short prayer, or an act of kindness can show that we recognize what we’ve been given. Gratitude should not be occasional; it should be a way of living.

Let’s not disappoint the One who gives so freely. Take time to turn back, as the healed man did, and say, “Thank you.”

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Thessalonians 5:18