October 7, 2019 - Grace and peace from our brother and savior, Jesus, Amen. Could it be? Is it possible that cooler fall weather is just around the corner? We are called to be a hopeful people, so I am going to believe that yes, autumn is almost here!

The Old Testament Lesson was from the first chapter of Lamentations, and my sermon spoke about the need to know how to lament—to express our feelings of despair—from time to time. It is one of the ways—a time of prayer to get in touch with the Mystery that we call God. The great theologian, Paul Tillich, last century referred to this Mystery as the God above God. No matter how we try to understand, we will always fall short in comprehending and certainly in explaining this Infinite God!

Fannie, Sue, Larry McNeil, and I met with our District Superintendent, Dr. Dick White, Saturday. It was such a busy weekend for folks as Tenaha was celebrating their homecoming, and Shelby County was in the midst of the Poultry Festival. The church had a meeting last Sunday to approve all the reports, a 2020 budget, and payment of all our conference and district apportionments. The church also decided to continue with me as their pastor in 2020. So the actual Charge Conference went smoothly. Dr. White has strong ties to Shelby County, even though his family has long roots in the eastern part of Nacogdoches County. Dr. White, Larry, and Fannie knew many of the same folks, and all have a great love of history in this area of East Texas. Sue had cookies and bottled water for the visit after the conference: Dr. White had another Charge Conference with the good folks at Tenaha and Timpson Methodist Churches after ours.

Our Sunday school lesson was an obscure story from Joshua about Achan who betrays God and the Israelites by taking some of the gold and silver that was set aside for God when Jericho was captured. This disrespect would be costly to everyone, not just Achan. The author really stressed the importance of confession, which often is followed by forgiveness.

The Gospel Lesson today was a parable of Jesus that didn’t have a hero like the Good Samaritan or a heart-warming conclusion like the Prodigal Son. The disciples wanted Jesus to give them a bigger portion of faith so they would be able to do notable things for the Kingdom. Jesus assured them that their faith was greater than they imagined, that they only needed a faith the size of a mustard seed to do wonderful deeds. This is one of five times in the Gospels that Jesus spoke of the tiny mustard seed.

Today was World Communion Sunday, when a billion Christians in churches around the world celebrated communion. I reminded our small group that when we went to the altar, we would be going forward with hundreds of millions who believe in hope over fear and goodness over hate.

I delivered checks and macaroni and cheese to Community Christian Services last week. This month we are collecting peanut butter and jelly. On Monday we head to Focused Care for our ministry there. Ms. Hilda is so dedicated to the nursing home ministries; she keeps us informed and often plays the piano for us when we get there.

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, 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 me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

October 3, 2019 - Open Door Baptist Church is hosting Musician Appreciation Services on October 12, 2019 at 3pm. The event is honoring Sis. Katherine Randle and Bro. Tobias Gossett.

The theme is 'May the work I’ve done speak for me!' with special guests Pastor Faye Dell Allen and the Triumph Church of Shelbyville, Texas.

But now bring me a musician. And when the musician played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. - 2 Kings 3:15

Open Door Baptist Worship Center is located at 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Texas 75935 with Pastor Alvin Davis.

October 3, 2019 - The story is told of a Chinese farmer from a little village in the hills who was blind with cataracts on both eyes. With the help of neighbors, he found his way to a missionary hospital. The physician who examined him said he was not sure, but he thought he could help him see.

The operation was performed, and, after the bandages were taken off, the patient gazed around the ward and was in high hopes that he could see. But the doctor was not pleased. He had hoped to do better. He told the man to come back in six months, and he would try for better results.

The farmer returned to his native village telling everyone about his new sight, and how the doctor had helped him. Six months later he began the long trek back to the hospital. At last he arrived and the doctor welcomed him. Tied to his wrist was a long string, and hanging to the string were 70 other blind men who had followed him to the place where blind eyes were made to see.

Something similar happens when we have a spiritual renewal in our lives. We are made to see and we lead others from spiritual blindness to the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is what living the Christian life is all about.

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

October 2, 2019 - Open Door Baptist Church is hosting their Annual Usher Day on October 13, 2019 at 3pm. Special guests are Pastor Roy Scott and Impact Outreach Ministries of Lufkin, Tx.

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10

Open Door Baptist Worship Center is located at 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Texas 75935 and led by Pastor Alvin Davis.

October 2, 2019 - Short Community Church is hosting their 2019 Homecoming and Singing on Sunday, October 13, 2019. Potluck dinner is at 12 noon and singing begins at 1:30pm. Featured singer is Christina Smith. There will also be an open mic for all who want to sing. Come enjoy good food and fellowship. For more information, contact Sherry Harding at 936-288-2382 or Kenny Harris at 936-427-7083.

October 1, 2019 - I have almost completely stopped watching anything considered to be “news channels” today for all I see from them is turmoil, lies, hate and discontent by peoples all over the world.

I get so upset at these scenes of immorality and ungodliness that I choose just not to watch, not to subject myself to the witness of such evil works.

And so I look to the words of Isaiah for direction and explanation of what I see in todays world around me.

“Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we hope for light, and behold, darkness, and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.” (Isaiah 59:9)

I know that these are my feelings as I hope for a better relationship between all peoples around the world. As I seek for light but behold only gloom and darkness around me. I am sure that this is true of most Christian people as we are taught by God’s Holy Word that we are to love God first and our neighbor second, even as we love ourself. 

That we are to love others as much as we love our own selves, and yet, how can this be if we are surrounded by the turmoil that we all see every day in this evil crooked world that we all live in.

“Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice.” (Isaiah 59:14-15)

So do we not see the truth; that justice has been turned away and righteousness has been removed from from the public squares of this world. 

The Bible says that the Lord Jesus Christ sees it and that he is displeased because there is no justice but only lies and deceit in the public squares.

Yes, the Lord sees all and he cannot like what he witnesses in the world of today for most of what he is seeing is in direct conflict to the teachings of his Word, for instance in the book of Micah we see this instruction for godly living.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

I ask you, where do you see these things, justice and kindness and people humbly walking with God.

And so, yes, God is displeased by what he is seeing in this world, but he is not hindered in any way except by our own iniquities.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness. No one enters suit justly; no one goes to the law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.” (Isaiah 59:1-4) 

Around the globe, in the halls of governments, everywhere, this is all I see when I watch the “news”, lies, hate, discontent and deception meant to deceive the masses and keep power in the hands of evil.

And then I remember the words of Job as he sat in torment, covered with sores, in pain with no knowledge of why he was being persecuted so,

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25) 

Yes, I know that my Redeemer lives and that one day he will once again stand upon this earth and all will bow to him and call him Lord of lords and King of kings and all who believe in him and wait upon him will be victorious over death with him.

Are you ready for his return, if he returns today will you run with joy to meet him or will you run and hide, hoping that he cannot see your iniquities?

Don’t let the iniquities of this world hold you in their trap, kick off the bonds of evil and wickedness and join the ranks of those who wait patiently for the coming of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and know the joy and peace that only comes through him and him alone.

“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) 

October 1, 2019 - New Columbia Missionary Baptist Church will host the Smith Family in concert Saturday, October 5, at 6pm. A fellowship will follow. Anyone who loves to hear the Lord praised in song will enjoy the Smith Famiily.

New Columbia will be in revival October 6 through October 8 with services beginning at 7pm. Nathan Smith, of the Smith Family, will be the evangelist. Linda Ritter and Jim Slocumb will be in charge of music. We welcome everyone to join and encourage us in this revival effort.

New Columbia is located at 2018 FM 1970 South outside Timpson.

For more Iinformation call 936-254-2156.

September 30, 2019 - Grace and peace from our brother and savior, Jesus, Amen. Fall has come but you really can’t tell yet. I am so ready for some cooler weather, but summer just refuses to let go her grip.  Sue and I went to Monroe last Monday to visit Sue’s Uncle Eddie. We had a really good visit; Eddie seems to be doing quite well, although older like the rest of us. Sue’s car is in the shop, meaning we were down to just one vehicle—so I missed Sunday School this morning. We had a nice “crowd” for church (double digits).  We held a business meeting to approve all the reports and a new budget for 2020. Our Charge Conference with Dr. White is next Saturday at 2pm, which is also Tenaha’s homecoming. We have been collecting macaroni and cheese this month for Community Christian Services, and in October,  peanut butter and jelly.

Sue read the Gospel lesson for Sunday from Luke 16: 19-31 about Lazarus and the rich man. On earth, the rich man had everything while Lazarus suffered. But when the two men died and went to Shoal, the tables had turned. As our affirmation of faith, we recited the ecumenical version of the Apostles’ Creed. In this version, after Jesus’ death on the cross, he descended into hell. I remember as a youngster reading this with the congregation at Trinity Lutheran and giggling that we got to say a “bad word” during worship. When I was at Millsaps College, our professor had our class read this creed aloud and asked us why Jesus went to the land of the dead. After a few feeble attempts on our part at providing an answer, the professor said, “To proclaim the Good News, of course.” I guess that is what Paul means when he says that not even death can separate us from the love of Christ. 

In the Old Testament lesson, Jeremiah is instructed to buy some real estate in what had once been Judah.  That purchase for the future seemed to say that God had not given up on Judah and Israel, that hope was still alive even if it was on life support. Paul, in the first letter to Timothy, urges Timothy to take hold of the life that has been given and truly—really—live!   Larry McNeil gave me the March 16, 1959, edition of Time magazine that had the great theologian Paul Tillich on the cover. The article tried to explain some of Tillich’s very complicated theology. I am going to have to re-read the article again (and again) and then find my copy of The Courage To Be, but I did endeavor to explain some of Tillich’s ideas in my sermon.

Because of our Monroe trip, I didn’t write an article last week. But in both weeks, we had a nursing home program, with the help of our friends as usual.  For both Holiday and Lakeside, I emceed, with scripture and anecdotes, and Minnie played piano.  Nora sang “The Savior Was Waiting,” “Peace like a River,” and “To God Be the Glory.” Stellar accompanied herself on guitar with “One Day at a Time” and what she called a “parlor song” about the end of a perfect day. Gene sang “Blessed Assurance.” Pastor Sarah discussed loss, using her own misplaced ring and the parables of the lost coin and sheep. Sue read Amigos: Among Friends, “Stomach Ache Supreme,” and Cornfield Hide and Seek. We are so grateful for those who come to help bolster the singing and the friendly atmosphere: Hilda, Margie, Maggie, Jo, Peaches, and Stellar’s mom were all on hand.

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, 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 me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

September 30, 2019 - This is the Clever Creek Baptist Church located in South Central Shelby County. I preached the Homecoming Service there today. I preached my first Youth Revival there in 1952 and hadn't returned till today…67 years later!  

In the picture to my right and left are the two Enmon sisters (Mary Jo and Billie) that were converted to Christ during that revival. Dr. Jerry Hopkins has been Pastor of the church since 1994. He is in the dark suit at the right.


Click the image above for a larger version

September 26, 2019 - Why do we live in such a mad rush? Why have you been racing about all day, as though today is your last day on earth? Why do you sit and pat you foot impatiently when your telephone call is a little slow going through?

The answer, of course is always, “there is so much to be done, and so little time!” And it is true. However, have you ever heard the old saying, “Rome was not built in a day”?

Jesus had the burden of the sins of the world on His shoulders, and yet, He said to His disciples, “come ye apart into a desert place, to rest awhile.” Jesus knew they could not crowd every day and every moment to the brim without losing some of the peace and relaxation they needed for their real goal in life.

When Jesus and the disciples passed through Samaria, Jesus was weary, so He sat down by the well to rest, while His disciples went away into the city to buy bread. He took the time to take little children into His arms and bless them.

To a group of disciples with the most stupendous task before them any group of men ever had – evangelizing the whole world – Jesus said, “Consider the lilies”. Take time out to notice the beauties of nature and draw some conclusions about God from them. Take the time to meet God at His house for Bible Study and Worship on the Lord’s Day. Don’t live in too much of a hurry.

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

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