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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
June 5, 2019 - I love reading the Bible and one of my favorite chapters in it is Psalm 34. The chapter holds a special place for me for it describes my salvation, how I called upon the Lord and how he answered my calls for help.
”I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6)
This happened for me and it can happen for anyone if they will simply call out to the Lord asking for his help, asserting him as their Lord and Savior. It happened for me, it can happen for you, for what the Lord does for one, he can do for all.
Do you believe in angels? I do for the Bible tells me that they are real and watching over me all the time.
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)
I know there are times when I can feel the presence of my angel around me, there are times when I feel as though I am in a bubble and nothing of this world can touch me!
Do you want to have that feeling in your life? Call out to the Lord, accept him as your Lord and you can have the same feelings of peace that I am speaking of.
Only through our Lord Jesus Christ can one experience the peace and joy of living in righteousness.
Though we can never be perfect on earth, we can still live in Christ and experience his peace, given through grace, to all who would come to him in love.
So today I ask you, “Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)
“Seek peace and pursue it,” what is the Lord asking us to do here in order to find and hold his peace? The dictionary tells us that to seek is to; “go in search of” and to pursue is to, “follow in order to overtake.” So to seek and to pursue are actions which require some, maybe a lot of effort on our part. Seeking and pursuing God’s peace that we can live the blessed life of God’s chosen ones may not always be easy, in fact, sometime it is hard but the rewards far outweigh the efforts. For the treasures of God are forever and can only be claimed by those who endure and overcome the world.
Here are some of the blessings of the Lord toward his own and some of the reasons why seeking his peace is worthy of any cost, any effort.
“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.” (Psalm 34:15)
For his own, he stands ready at all times, watching for trouble and listening for their calls of need.
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)
Just as the Lord has done for me, he can also do for others.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)
Those who call upon the Lord and accept him as their own will have many troubles on earth, for the earth will hate those children of the Most High, but, take heart for as Jesus has overcome the world, so will all who follow him and endure the persecutions of the world. Nothing the world can do to me is equal to what Jesus has already done for me and certainly not equal to what he will do for me when he calls me home to be with him forever.
For me it is as Paul said as he sat in chains waiting for his execution, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22)
Take refuge in him today, know the peace that is the Lord Jesus Christ. May God richly bless…
June 5, 2019 - First Baptist Church of Shelbyville invites you to MEGA Sports Camp June 7-9.
Schedule:
8am to 3pm on June 7th and 8th
1pm to 6pm on June 9th
The camp is for students who have completed grades K-5. Camp includes 11 sports to choose from. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Drop off and pick up at the picnic tables between the Shelbyville Elementary and Middle School.
June 3, 2019 - (Flier) - First Baptist Church - Tenaha is hosting their annual Vacation Bible School!
Bible Round-Up. Saddle-up for a trailblazing weekend of fun! All children who have completed PreK-4-6th grade are welcome to come have a rootin' tootin' time with games, crafts, snacks, music and more; while going on an epic bible adventure and learning about God's greatest gift!
Friday, June 7th 6pm-8pm and Saturday, June 8th 9am-3pm.
June 3, 2019 - In 1951 I hitch-hiked to Springfield, Missouri (with three dollars in my pocket) and enrolled in the newly-established Baptist Bible College. The school was kind enough to help a bunch of “pore” preachers get a start. Springfield had more colleges than any city of its size in the U.S. Since jobs were hard to find, some students sold encyclopedias or Bibles… and I found a job washing dishes at The Colonial Hotel in downtown Springfield.
It was snowing when I got off from work one day and as I was returning to the campus, I passed a movie theatre. I was tempted to buy a sack of popcorn and go inside to warm up. But several fellow preachers at college let us know that all movies were sinful and that no preacher should go near one. I almost watched the movie that day (don’t know what movie) but since I didn’t want to be a stumbling block to my preacher bothers, I pulled my coat up around my neck and trudged back to the dorm.
I’m an old feller now --- never have cared much for movies --- but if I had that day in 1951 to do over again, I know just what I’d do. I would come out of the snow, buy some popcorn, go in the theater... and hope that all my preacher friends saw me go in. And who knows… the movie that day might have been a really good western…
… like “Shane” or “Red River.”
Smyrna Baptist Church in Huxley invites you to come Worship with us Sunday, June 9 at 11:00 am. Scott Camp, evangelist, will be speaking and Music Leaders will be Paul, Brittany and Bryan. They will also be at the Center Park behind the Library at 6:00 pm Sunday night for a fun night. Scott will also speak at "The Porch" at Smyrna, Monday, June 10th. Refreshments at 6:30 pm and Worship begins at 7:00 pm.
Come worship and bring someone with you to hear the words of this mighty man of God.
June 3, 2019 - Old Home Baptist Church will be holding VBS "Farm Fresh Faith" Monday, June 10th - Thursday, June 13th from 6pm - 8:30pm nightly.
Come out and join the fun and games, story telling, snack time and singing. Everyone is invited. Call or text for details: 936-332-9293
June 3, 2019 - My wife Connie, makes one of the best chocolate cakes I have ever eaten. I have watched her make it from scratch. The ingredients that she uses like flour, butter, cocoa, buttermilk, powdered sugar, baking soda. When they are eaten alone, none of these ingredients taste very good and would probably give you a tummy ache. But if you stir them up and put them in an oven on about 350 for a while it turns into something that that is pleasing to the eye and palate.
Thats how God does with things in our life that are difficult. He mixes them up puts them in the fire and when its all said and done you come out a better person than you were before it all started. Coming out on the other side of the fire turns you into something completely new and pleasing to God and others.
We know that trials are going to happen in life. We just don't expect them to happen when they do. But one thing we can be sure of is that there is a reason that we are going through them.
There are two ways that we can react to trials: 1. We can wallow in self pity. 2. We can rejoice in our suffering knowing that it is a testing of our faith that will make us a better Christian in the end. Dr. Charles Stanley wrote about how to deal with difficult times. This is my spin on his points.
There are ten things we must be convinced of when going through these difficult times.
- God is in control of this trial and its intensity. James 1: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
- God has a specific purpose for this trial. “God does not spare present pain if it means future glory.” (David Jeremiah)
- It is designed to meet a specific need. God is working things out in you during trials. Pray more “show me” prayers than “deliver me” prayers.
- This trial is going to teach you something about yourself that you didn't know. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone to do things that you never knew you could do.
- It is going to strengthen your faith. James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
- God is going to sustain you under extreme pressure. 1Cor. 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
- It will develop a Christlike character in you. Romans 5 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
- It will help you measure your spiritual gifts. Sometimes God has to give us a push to make us seek the wisdom of the Spirit and use the gifts that He has given us.
- God will walk with you through the trial every step. God is faithful to stay with us in any trial we go through. He promises to “never leave us or forsake us.”
- By the grace of God you will be more than conquerers. Romans. 8:35-37 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. God is always there for us.
Trials are Gods way of taking all the things that aren’t quite right in our lives and applying a little heat to turn us into something beautiful and pleasing to Him.
James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
I’m Just Sayin
Mike Belgard
June 2, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother Jesus. Sunday was the Seventh Sunday of Easter. What a beautiful week we had! I have really enjoyed working in the garden. On Monday Sue and I went to the Memorial Day Program at Shelby County’s historical court house. It was a moving program, and Paxton Methodist made a good showing there. Gene received a 4-H quilt of honor—not only thoughtful but beautiful. Jo, as a member of a Gold Star family, told about a family quilt; she promised to share that story at our nursing home programs. Two of our Joaquin folks, Kenneth Dickerson and Deputy Constable Newton Johnson, performed the “colors” parts of the program: flag and wreath.
Theresa gave everyone fans today at church commemorating the D-Day landing. On Monday we head to Focused Care for our monthly ministry, and she plans to pass fans out to the residents there.
During the month of June Paxton Methodist will be collecting paper products—toilet paper and paper towels—for Community Christian Services. Last month we collected cans of fruit. I delivered the cans to CCS and saw many good friends working to help provide food and other needed staples to area residents. It’s always such a pleasure to see the well-organized and well-stocked giveaway days at CCS.
I went to Tenaha Methodist this morning for worship and communion. It was nice to see Pastor Matt and Amy. We will certainly miss them, but we wish them well at their new location. I also met Pastor Sarah and her husband Matthew. Pastor Sarah will be Tenaha and Timpson Methodist Churches’ new preacher. I saw other friends at the service and sat with Ms. Hilda. We so appreciate Ms. Hilda also coming to Paxton and playing the piano for us. Not to mention hearing another sermon!
I was late getting to Sunday school—Ms. Fannie was busy teaching when I came in. The lesson covered the new covenant that Jesus made with his disciples and all of humanity. The scripture was Mark 14: 12-31, perfect for this Sunday since we celebrated communion during our worship time.
All our regulars were in attendance this morning. Then came a delightful surprise when Liz, Lillie, and Mike arrived from Houston. They are part of us even though they can only get to East Texas periodically.
This was the last Sunday of Eastertide. Next Sunday is The Day of Pentecost. The scriptures for Eastertide came from Acts, Revelation, and the Gospel of John. A common theme to all was how precious life is: We are to live each day fully and in a way that lifts up the ideas of Christ.
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.
Randy & Sue Smith Paxton Methodist Church
May 31, 2019 - Jackson Missionary Baptist Church Youth Camp hamburger fundraiser Friday, June 14, 2019.
$8 per plate, on the square in Center, Tx. 11am - 2pm or until sold out. Includes hamburger, chips, cookie, water, fixings.
Delivery available. Taking pre-orders.
Any questions contact Michelle Rhame - 936-591-7917
May 30, 2019 - Joshua was born a slave and yet became the leader of Israel. He was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land and was commissioned by the Lord to lead His people. Leading the people of God, Joshua went from victory to victory. They successfully crossed the flooded Jordan and conquered the fortified city of Jericho.
Yet, Joshua sent a few thousand to conquer Ai, and they were defeated. Following this, we see Joshua on his face, defeated and in despair. We hear the Lord tell Joshua to get up and He asks Joshua why he is lying on his face. (Joshua 7:10)
Joshua must not focus on this one defeat. He needs to consider the good things God has done for Israel. He must think of all the blessings God has already given and all of the blessings God has promised for the future. Instead of being power conscious Joshua has become problem conscious and is focusing on this one defeat.
Well, Joshua did rise up and he led his people to victory. When we feel defeated, we need to remember all that God has done for us. He loved us, He gave His son for us and he will also give us the victory. Like Joshua, when we suffer defeat, if we are not careful we too will become problem conscious and not power conscious. It was Paul who tells us that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ in (I Corinthians 15:57). That victory come to those who submit to the will of God, give their lives to Christ and live their lives for Jesus.
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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