Color Landform Atlas: Texas

Maps and links to other maps of the state.

Map Collection - Texas State Library

A search for the maps available from the state archive collection.

Mapathon for Texas

Provides a variety of maps including Texas roads, city streets, United States, National Parks, driving directions, travel, interstate, and downtown.

Maps of the Texas Panhandle

Topographical, scientific and historical maps.

Natural Regions of Texas

Map of the geographical and environmental regions of the state from the Texas Parks and Wildlife department.

Perry-Casteneda Library Map Collection - University of Texas

Extensive directory of links to online Texas, United States, and world maps.

Texas Dept of Transportation

County maps.

Texas General Land Office Map Collection

Archive of Texas maps dating back to the 1820's that are available for purchase.

Texas Map Collection

Comprehensive directory of Texas maps available for online viewing.

Texas Map Society

Includes society history and information, news, meetings, and membership.

(~) Responding to a Special Invitation

October 9, 2005

Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14

Responding to a Special Invitation

God has lovingly called us to a restored fellowship with him through Jesus
Christ. How have you responded, knowing that you have been designed for
this purpose?

The parable that Jesus shares in Matthew 22:1-14 makes a statement the
Church can relate to today. He wasn't merely speaking about the religious
society of the day, but rather about people who wear the mask of religion
without fully partaking in the spiritual relationship.

The Scripture doesn't say why the individuals refused to respond to the
first invitation. However, think about this question: If you were invited
by a king to attend a royal function, would you just "pencil him in" or
tell him "let me try to work you into my schedule"?
Probably not.

So why do people refuse the King's generous offer? The answer can be found
in the following three factors:
* Underestimating the power of the invitation
* Underestimating the authority of the One who invited them
* Underestimating the authenticity of the invitation

By taking these three things so lightly, the people have missed an
opportunity to fellowship with the King who wants to usher them into his
presence and provide them with a great blessing.

The Scripture text, however, mentions that the second time the servants
are sent, the invited guests ignore the call and leave to attend their
farms and stores. Additionally, some have tortured, even killed, the
messengers sent to them.

So often believers get "too busy" to enjoy God's plan and get caught up
with life issues and work with human-sized strength to control the future.
We want it done our way instead of accepting God's preparations. By being
so stubborn, we find ourselves toiling in vain, when we could be enjoying
the blessings of God.

Finally, the text describes a man who has heeded the call, yet has been
cast out because of his attire. He represents those who come but are not
prepared to receive God's blessings graciously.

According to the custom of the day, the master would provide an outer
garment for his guests. Guests knew that the host had made special
preparations in expectation that they would come. Today, many are mistaken
about what it takes to be prepared for fellowship with God. They get
wrapped up in feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

But the truth of the matter is that we can't live up to perfection in our
own strength. It is not by our righteousness that we can enter into the
feast, but rather by God's g