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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
October 15, 2019 - The Golden Harvest Ministries Club will meet Monday, October 21st, 2019 in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM. Mike Belgard will present the program about “The Hope Project”.
Reminder: Flu shots will be given. Those who wish to get one will need to remember to bring their Medicare card.
Visitors are always welcome to join us for a delicious covered dish luncheon, a good program and time of fellowship.
October 14, 2019 - Grace and peace from our brother and savior, Jesus, Amen. Last Friday morning I took my dogs to the park for our morning constitutional. When we left the house it was about 70 degrees, which felt really nice. As we were making our laps, the winds picked up and I knew that the temperature was falling. When we returned home, it was 55 degrees! I guess Mother Nature finally released fall. Saturday and Sunday we had some winter-like mornings. I sure hope we have a long autumn full of moderate temperatures.
With the coming of fall Christians once again have high holy days to look forward to. We say good-bye to Ordinary Time, and next month we celebrate All Saints Day. During the month of October we have collected peanut butter and jelly for Community Christian Services. When November rolls around, it will be rice and beans. On Tuesday we head to Holiday for our ministry there. Also on Tuesday at 2:00, Fannie Watson will be speaking at the Shelby County Museum. Fannie is a life-long resident of Shelby County and knows so much of the history.
The scripture for our Sunday school lesson came from Psalm 51, referencing the story of David, Bathsheba, and the prophet Nathan from 2 Samuel. Religious tradition tells us that David is the author of this poem, but most scholars date it to sometime after the exile. It is a lament and a confession. The author of our lesson stresses the spiritual practice of confession and the importance of finding a quiet place in which to be mindful of God’s presence. Gene gave a treasurer’s report on the investments of the church’s funds. We especially appreciated the report when we saw how much pain Gene is in from his sciatica acting up. We sure hope he is feeling better soon.
In the Gospel Lesson for Sunday Jesus tells the parable of the ten lepers. Jesus heals all ten and instructs them to go to the priests at the temple to show they have been cleansed and can rejoin society—the family and their village. Of the ten, only one stops, coming back to Jesus to thank him for his healing. We see in this story that gratitude is a crucial part of Kingdom Living. And once again, Jesus uses a foreign-born person—someone who is hated by many of the Jews, a Samaritan—to be the hero of the day. This is no accident but something Jesus purposely injected to show that all are welcome into God’s Kingdom whether we like it or not!
Last week was our program at Focused Care, where we had a rollicking good time! Minnie played piano, and I emceed, with lots of anecdotes. Fannie spoke about optimism, including getting along with her hot water heater! Pastor Sarah used a personal story about a stray dog to make a point about communication and prayer. Jo read Psalm 100, tying it to volunteerism. Sue performed the silly kids’ book, There’s a Cow in the Road. With her strong voice, Nora worked “To God Be the Glory” and then—the climax of the day—got us all belting out the verses to “Do Lord.” Margie, Hilda, and a cast of thousands (well, almost) sang, clapped, and laughed along all during the program.
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 14, 2019 - To whom do you give the credit and glory for your life? Do you thank other people, or the government, or even yourself as being the source of your success?
Let me give you and example of one whom was loved by the Lord and one who followed the Lord’s wishes throughout his life. Not perfect for he was a human man, but to the best of his limited ability as he was afflicted by his own weaknesses, just like you and I.
We see the gratitude of David after he was rescued by the Lord from the hands of king Saul. This passage is found in Psalm eighteen and I would suggest reading the entire chapter for I do not have the space here to cover every verse as I would like.
King-to-be David said these words of gratitude to the Lord. “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3)
You see, there was no doubt in David’s mind as to who was responsible for his salvation, both from sin and from his enemies.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” (Psalm 18:6) “He rescued me from my strong enemy and from all those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.” (Psalm 18:17)
“He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me. The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt. So the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” (Psalm 18:19-24)
David understood exactly where his help had come from and he sings out the glory of the Lord to all who will listen. He wants us to also understand that only the Lord can answer our prayers, only the Lord can deliver us from our enemy, the devil and this world over which he watches. It is foolish for anyone to call upon anyone or thing except the Lord when in trouble, for only the Lord has the power to save, the power to deliver.
David goes on to acknowledge the strength and power of the Lord as he says, “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation- the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the man of violence. For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name. Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” (Psalm 18:46-50)
Enrich your life, give all praise and glory to the only one who is worthy, to the Lord God of heaven, our Creator and our Redeemer. May his name be hallowed and blessed forever…
October 11, 2019 - Pastor Anthony Jackson and the Bright Morning Star Baptist Church family of Center is inviting everyone to come celebrate 111 years of service to the community. This special church anniversary program will be Sunday, October 27th at 3pm. The special guests will be Pastor Charles Tutt and the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Marshall, Texas. Dinner will be served following the service. The church is located at 623 Martin Luther King Drive.
October 11, 2019 - Abundant Love Ministries will celebrate their 10th Annual Pastor and Wife Appreciation Service on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 3:00 pm. Elder Norris Cloudy, Divine Faith Tabernacle, Houston, TX is the guest minister.
All regular services (Sunday School and regular noon day service), are cancelled. You are invited and welcome.
Abundant Love Ministries is located at 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, TX 75935.
October 11, 2019 - Tenaha's First Baptist Church is hosting a Fall Festival on Saturday, November 2nd from 6pm until 8pm. Come join in on a family friendly festival with games, prizes, hayride, cotton candy, pumpkin relay race, and much more! An adult guardian must be present for children to ride on hayride.
The church is located at 200 S. George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas 75974.
October 10, 2019 - King David could not build a temple, but he wrote a psalm! Three temples, one after another, crumbled in the dust, but the psalm lives today in the hearts of millions. Through three thousand years, the Twenty-Third Psalm has been a source of inspiration. It is the Christian’s great symphony, the theme of which is God’s care for His own.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Or, as Paul says it, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
After announcing the theme, the writer gives us the three R’s of the abundant life. They are Rest, Refreshment and Restoration. First, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” Second, “He leadeth me beside the still waters.” Third, “He restoreth my soul.”
Rest and relaxation are essential to our well being. Many a man or woman is in the hospital today because they could not afford to rest or could not rest. God makes us rest and then he leads us beside the still waters for refreshment. Restoration just naturally follows rest and refreshment. How wonderful are the still waters that God leads us to. Come and worship with us this Lord’s day. You just might come away rested, refreshed and restored.
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. www.centerchurchofchrist.com
October 8, 2019 - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
The verse, Matthew 28:19 speaks directly to the three aspects of the Triune God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, being the Holy Trinity of God.
While the three parts of the God head are often mentioned in the Bible there is yet today much discussion or debate about the existence of such. There are those who deny the existence of the three parts of what others call the Holy Trinity, the three aspects of God.
The debate continues even though the three are mentioned together again in Luke Chapter three as it says, “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
Let us look first at what the words; triune, aspect and Trinity mean or represent: First the word (triune) which the dictionary characterizes as being, (three in one). Second the word (aspects) to which it says, (a particular status or phase). And, third the word (Trinity) of which it says, (The unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit as the three persons in one Godhead).
It is often said in sermons that God is, “Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent, meaning he is, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-encompassing, or having no bounds.
If we use these three aspects of God to further describe him, then maybe we can develop a better explanation of the three aspects or phases of the beings of God.
Let us then say in order to better describe what is called the “Godhead.”
God the Father sits on his throne in heaven as the Bible says. Being Omnipotent, all power comes from the Father for he is all-powerful, the creator of the universe and all things in it.
God the Son sits at the right hand of the Father and is Omniscient. Being all-knowing all power is transmitted through him just as all salvation must come through him. As the Father produces the power of the universe it is transmitted out from the throne of God by the Son.
God the Holy Spirit is here, with us on earth and he is Omnipresent. Being all-encompassing of the universe he has no bounds, no place he cannot be so all power is distributed by him. He is the administrator of the power of God to all people.
So we have God the Father, the source of all power on earth, God the Son, the transmitter of all power to earth, and God the Holy Spirit, the administrator of all the power of God on earth.
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, being three aspects or phases, being triune (being of one) and being the Holy Trinity, (the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead).
May all give praise to the holy name of God. May we worship him as the one true living God that he is and know that no matter the conditions around us, he is there for us and will care for us and deliver us into his kingdom when he so chooses.
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God in the highest for He alone is worthy!!!
October 8, 2019 - Smyrna Baptist Church in Huxley and Bro. Rusty Hall invites you to 'The Porch' on Monday, October 14th at 7pm. Refreshments served at 6:30pm. Austin Rabalais will have a special message on how hard it is as a young adult to be a Christian in today's world. Praise singers are Paul, Brittney, Abigail and Hunter.
Come worship the Lord and receive a wonderful blessing.
October 7, 2019 - A new day comes -
The prophet, Isaiah, gives all people of faith a vision of hope, a look into the future when the Lord Jesus Christ will come.
Both in his first coming as the gospel is brought into being and when he returns a second time and the gospel is made complete in every detail.
The time when all will bow and profess that Christ Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings.
Isaiah speaks of this world as a dry place, a world void of God’s blessings, a wilderness which will be renewed and made holy by the coming of the Lord.
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1-2)
A time which we all wait for with patience, a time when the Lord Jesus Christ will rule over the earth and the persecutions of his people will be no more.
Let all people know that while we may struggle now, when the Lord returns we will struggle no more but will be with him forever.
So we ask, as does Isaiah, for the Lord to give us strength and patience that we may persevere until the end when our Savior returns.
“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong, fear not!” Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Jesus gives us these words of confidence as he says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” (Isaiah 35:5-6)
At last, all people will see the Lord for who he truly is, the Lord God Almighty who has come to rule and reign over the earth and all people will bow and confess him as Lord. But, for those who have not already accepted him as their own, the time will have passed and they will be lost, forever doomed to the fires of hell.
“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it.
It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if fools, they shall not go astray.
No lion shall be there, nor shall any revenues beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:8-10)
All the redeemed, those who have fully accepted Jesus Christ as Lord will gather there in Zion.
Oh, what a blessing is in store for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Will you join with us today and know forever the joy of living in the Lord?
The Bible says, “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)
Won’t you take that step of faith today and make your eternity secure in the Lord, it’s time, don’t allow this opportunity to pass you by, accept him today!!!
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