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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
April 2, 2020 - In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us that we are not to be anxious about the things of this life. He warns us against unproductive worry. Yet, there is so much going on in our world today. We are under “quarantine” because of a pandemic, there is economic unrest, we are in an election year and there are just so many other things for us to worry about.
Most of our anxiety and worry is about tomorrow. Because of our concern and anxiety over tomorrow, we fail to live, really live today. Yet, do you remember what Jesus said? “Be not therefore anxious for the morrow, for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34 ASV) Jesus was talking about such things as food, clothing and shelter. It would do all of us good to read the 6th chapter of Matthew and read it often. We cannot and will not deny that life is complicated, especially in our day and time. But my friends, the God who has brought us this far can carry us on from where we are.
Rather than spending our time and energy worrying about what tomorrow might bring, we need to make sure that we live today, and that we live for Jesus. When our Lord spoke those words, he was not saying that life would be free from problems. Jesus never promised us a life free from trials and struggles. He did promise that he would see us safely through those struggles. To be sure, life will have problems, but we are serving a God who can solve all our difficulties if we succeed in living for him one day at a time.
It’s something to think about…..tbp
March 31, 2020 - I am a positive person, my glass is almost always half full and almost never half empty and so it grieves me to keep talking about fear, but fear is what is gripping our world today.
Fear of the unknown, fear of the CV19 virus, fear for our own lives and the lives of our loved ones in the face of this dread disease.
But, I have heard enough of this fear and wish to tell you, not about the great storms of life that we all face, but about the Great God that guides me through all storms.
I want you to know that, yes, sometimes the storms are big, but that my God is always bigger, he is alway greater than anything this world may throw at me.
Listen to what he, the Lord God, says to all who will listen and believe in him as Lord over all.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Let us look closely as what God is telling us in this wonderful verse of the Bible. God says, "Fear not" God asks us for faith, not fear. Faith in him as Lord over all is our strength that overcomes all fear, both real and imagined.
Why must we not fear? "For I am with you" - no matter the situation, as long as we remain, "in faith" we have nothing to fear for God is with us and God is protecting us.
"Be not dismayed" - the dictionary says about dismayed - "experiencing or showing feelings of alarmed concern or dismay : upset, worried, or agitated because of some unwelcome situation or occurrence"
But God says, "be not dismayed, for I am your God" - Not only is he God Almighty, creator of the universe and all things in it, he is also, "your God". Do you see that, he is not some unknown god, no he is "your God" therefore we have no reason to be dismayed or fearful for he is the Great I am, the Sovereign God of all and he is your God and my God.
Do not be dismayed at the size of the storm, remember the size of our God, he is larger than any storm, any disease, any pandemic, he is God and there is none other than him!
God says, "I will strengthen you, I will help you" All we must do is to trust him and not ourselves. Do as the great king Solomon suggests, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7)
As the Lord himself says, "Fear not, for I am with you."
Faith in God as Lord of all gives us confidence that he will do exactly as he says, if we only believe in him as he asks. He will strengthen us and he will help us through all situations in life.
How does he do this?
"I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Yes, God will lift us above the fray, he will hold us up in his mighty right hand, safe in him, from all the storms of life. If we only trust him, if we only have faith in him, if we simply trust and obey him as he asks.
So I say to you as we all confront this deadly virus around the globe, do as your health professionals ask, stay home, stay hydrated, maintain a safe distance from all other people, we are told here that safe distance is 6 feet, wash often with soap and water, but most of all, trust in the Lord our God to overcome this storm of life for us and to bring us safely out the other side.
Don't waste time telling God how big the storm in front of you is; instead, tell the storm in front of you how big your God is.
He is Omnipotent, there is none other like him, trust him, believe him and have faith that he will do all that he says, for he certainly will.
"Fear not, for I am with you" - always for all who believe and obey his will...
March 30, 2020 - In the interest of public health and safety, and in order to remain in compliance with Governor Abbott's executive orders, and in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church has postponed their homecoming services previously scheduled for April 26, 2020. Another announcement will be made once we are able to reschedule. We apologize for any inconvenience.
March 29, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother, Jesus, Amen. We are certainly living in strange and in some cases, trying times. Most of us are sheltering in place and trying to avoid people as much as possible. The medical professionals are telling us this is the only way to flatten out the curve and get a handle on this pandemic. The United States now has more cases than any other country in the world. After first ignoring the problem, we are trying to catch up and ramp up to handle the pandemic in the coming weeks and maybe even months.
I have used my time at home working in the yard and garden. When I retired from education, I built many raised beds and created a sort of “English Garden.” The weather this past week has been unusually warm, and I have been able to spend time weeding and planting. It has been very therapeutic. I have also continued with my Bible reading and sermon preparations. I haven’t delivered a sermon the last two Sundays but have written two that I have put in my weekly church newsletter. So I have tried to keep my mind and body in working order—sort of.
The Old Testament Lesson for the 5th Sunday in Lent comes from the Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel has a vision or a dream that God takes him to a valley of dry bones and asks if these bones could live. Ezekiel knows that with God all is possible. The valley of dry bones in this vision is Israel.
We know that Israel has been destroyed. Jerusalem has been sacked and the Temple destroyed. Some of the people are carried off to foreign lands and others stay and live under occupation. Times are really bad. Many think they must be living in the end times. Ezekiel is a priest and is part of the exiled community. He assures the people that God will breathe life—his spirit—into his people and they will live once again. In an eerie vision, Ezekiel promises God is the God hope and rebirth.
These are words that sound strange to us but also are hopeful as we too are facing great challenges. Even though it is hard to see the end of the tunnel to this current pandemic, we remain a hopeful people. Americans have always risen up to the challenge.
All during the month of March the Methodists at Paxton have been collecting cans of chili. I will try to get them delivered this week. I don’t know how Community Christian Services is dealing with our current situation, but I will find out. Next month we will collect toothpaste and toothbrushes. Our programs to the area nursing homes are still on hold. We all hope that our friends at the various nursing centers stay healthy as they weather this storm. Our good friend Lillie is in rehab in Houston after having a complete hip replacement. Lillie had successful hip surgery after a fall and was doing great at rehab—but fell again. With the pandemic, visitors at the hospital have been told to stay away. I know that can get real lonely for someone who is working hard to get better.
Please listen to the scientists and medical professionals: Stay home as much as possible and minimize close contact with other people. When you have to be out, try to stay six feet away from others. Be wise, be safe, and be healthy!
Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here. Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.” Normally Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. But during the Pandemic our usually “open doors” are closed. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist, you can send your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
March 26, 2020 - In 1962, I resigned my pastorate in Portland, Oregon to become pastor of the First Baptist Church of Starks, Louisiana. I didn’t know it then, but this town would give me some of the most unforgettable memories of my lifetime. All of the town’s businesses were located along one street: two small grocery stores, (Ristrum’s Grocery and Amon Husband’s Grocery), the post office and further down the street, was the Starks School, and across from the school was the First Baptist Church and the church parsonage.
The town had four churches: First Pentecostal, the Catholic church, and two Baptist churches, which included a colored Baptist church, St. Mary’s Baptist Church. I met St. Mary's deacon, Brother Royal, at the post office one day, and we became close friends. He was a tall, handsome black man and a man loved by the people of Starks. He had a solid gold front tooth ---and a solid gold-filled heart. He asked me one day to preach at St. Mary’s on their church anniversary…and I gladly consented.
A few weeks later, I took deacons Cecil Albritton and his brother Milton with me to St. Mary’s. Everyone was silent as we were seated on rhe front pew. Just as we sat down, a lady walked in the door and began to walk down the aisle singing ---slowly and softly—"Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me." As she walked down the aisle, the congregation began humming with her and when she sat down and began playing, all the church harmonized with her. It was one of the most moving services of my life.
After Brother Royal introduced me, sat down and flashed his big gold smile at me. As I began to speak, the quiet calm congregation suddenly came to life. “Is that so," Brother Royal holleref, and the whole congregation began shouting ”Amen” and “Preach on, Brother." I quoted the scripture that says that they didn’t break the bones of Jesus when He was crucified. Then I paused and asked the congregation, “Why didn’t they break the bones of Jesus?” And deacon Brother Henry answered, “Because it was prophesied!” “That’s right, Henry…..it was prophesied," I said, "and since Jesus was already dead, the Romans had no reason to add to His pain by breaking his bones.”
I literally preached 80 minutes that day, and as I sweated my way into the church yard, Deacon Albritton chuckled and asked, “Why don’t you preach that way at our church?’ And I replied, “When y’all start hollering “Amen” and “preach on, brother” while I preach.”
I have conducted many wedding, funerals. etc. in Starks since I was there 65 years ago, but I have never revisited the St. Mary’s Baptist Church. I’m sure Brother Henry, Brother Royal and most of the other members have crossed Jordan now. But maybe their descendants still serve the Lord there and still sing. “Oh, how I Love Jesus." I hope so…
...with all my heart.
March 26, 2020 - My grandfather had many songs that he loved to sing. His favorite song however was “Count Your Blessings”. In times like these, that is perhaps hard for many to do, and yet, even with all that is taking place in our world right now, we still have much to be thankful for. We still need to pause and count our blessings.
Sometimes, it is so easy to be negative. It is easy to focus on our problems. When you see advertisements on television or in magazines, they always emphasize what we do not have. The purpose and design of those ads is to make what we have look out of date and shoddy. Folks, if we dwell on what we do not have, if we live among the negatives, we will never be happy.
Even in the midst of this global pandemic and economic uncertainty, we should focus on our blessings. Things such as family and friends. Good friends who make life better. Good friends and close family that enrich our lives. Family to share the good times with and to share the sorrows of life with.
Yet, most importantly, we should count our Spiritual Blessings. We should be thankful for Jesus, who came to this earth and took on the fashion of a man. Jesus who shed his blood to cleanse us from sin. Through obedience to the will of God, we become children of God.
Just as much as Abraham, David or Daniel. We have the privilege of prayer and the promise of a home in heaven if faithful to God we live our lives. Don’t focus on your problems, count your blessings.
It’s something to think about…..tbp
Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
March 25, 2020 - In our continuing effort to balance the need to gather and worship on the Lord’s Day, at the same time comply with the requests of our elected officials and also do as much as possible to ensure the safety of our members, the Center Church of Christ has made the following changes to our schedule of activities:
This coming Sunday, (March 29th) we will have multiple worship services for small groups. Those who were in worship last Sunday will be in the same groups you were assigned to. At this time all of our worship groups are filled. However, if you have a desire to worship with us this coming Sunday, please PM us and we will add as many services as necessary to accommodate the demand. If you have not been contacted about a time to worship, please private message me. Should the need arise, we will add additional services.
If you are unable to worship with us Sunday, we understand that given the current circumstances. At 10 A.M. Sunday, the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, TX will be live streaming a worship service and we would encourage you to go to the following link, https://olcc.com/live/ and watch that service. You will be blessed by doing so.
Our hope and prayer is still that the current crisis will have abated and we can resume our regular schedule of activities beginning Sunday, April 5th.
We love you, the Lord who died for you loves you, and He will see us safely through this time of trial.
March 23, 2020 - Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church would like to announce their 81st annual homecoming service, celebrating 181 years of continuous service to the community and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Services will be held on April 26th, beginning at 10:30 am. There will be a special offering for our new Church Building. Please bring an offering if God has lead you to be a part of these efforts.
If you would like to perform any special music, contact Music Director, Bro. Matt Wood. Please contact him at least one week before the services. 936-488-0706. Your name and song will be placed on the program for the services.
Please join us for lunch in the fellowship hall following the services. Bring a dessert if you wish. This one will be catered with some fine BBQ! After lunch, please join us back in the sanctuary around 1:30 for an old fashioned gospel singing!
March 22, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother, Jesus, Amen. What strange times we are living in! Our thoughts, hopes, and prayers are that everyone is well and coping with the “new normal” way of life. It is so important that we listen to and follow what the scientists and leaders think is the best way to protect ourselves from the coronavirus. In keeping with that, Paxton United Methodist Church did not have Sunday School or worship Sunday and will not next Sunday. We will evaluate where we are in another week and then make decisions based on that.
I am pretty much a homebody and mostly retired, so staying home and avoiding crowds hasn’t been a problem for me. But for all those people who go to work every day to earn a paycheck and send their kids to school, these are unbelievably trying times. My brother and sister-in-law have been in South America for the last three weeks. When everything started shutting down where they were (including airports), they headed back to the U. S., which proved to be quite a challenge. They are now back home in Dallas, and I had a really nice phone conversation with my brother Friday. My two kids are able to work from home and are doing OK. My mother-in-law lives in an assisted living facility in Nacogdoches, which is, of course, in lockdown. As usual she is in good spirits and taking everything in stride.
The Joaquin Senior Center is now closed. This past week they had pick-up meals, but the Center will be closed for at least the next week—and probably several weeks beyond. It appears that schools are going to be closed for the forseeable future, possibly until next fall. We should really be thankful for all those caregivers and those working at doctors’ offices, grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and other essential places during this crisis. Not knowing what the end game is going to be and how long we all need to “shelter in place” is adding to the anxiety level for everyone.
We received an email from our bishop, including this segment:
To all clergy of the Texas Annual Conference
Friends,
Yesterday our governor issued the following executive order:
“Order No. 1 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.”
I want to support the governor’s intent and to follow its spirit whether or not the letter of the order applies to religious worship services. Canceling worship for the next several weeks is the right step to protect our communities and minimize the health risks of this pandemic. I strongly advise you to do so.
I am ending with our usual philosophy, although, of course, the being open parts are not currently true:
Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here. Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist, you can send your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
March 21, 2020 - As we all navigate through these unprecedented times in our country, it is very important that we are following the advice of public health officials to attempt to halt or mitigate the spread of this dreadful virus. Equally important is that we are still making worship and service to the God of Heaven the utmost priority in our lives. To that end, if you are planning to join us for worship tomorrow, you will be welcomed with open arms. If you are planning to join us and have not been contacted about the time for your specific small group to meet, please contact us ASAP so that we can get you scheduled. We will add as many services as are needed to accommodate demands of those wanting to worship with us while also following public health guidelines that are in place.
If you are unable to worship with us tomorrow, we certainly understand that as well given current circumstances. At 10 am tomorrow, the Oldham Lane church of Christ in Abilene TX will be live streaming a worship service there and we would encourage you to go to the following link https://olcoc.com/live/ and watch that service, we can assure you that you will be blessed in doing so.
As we navigate through these difficult times remember your friends and neighbors in your thoughts and prayers, keep our local, state and national leaders in your prayers and most importantly remember that we love you and the Lord that died for you loves you as well.
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