February 5, 2018 - Sunday was the 5th Sunday after Epiphany. Last Friday Sue and I went to the Ram Café for breakfast: We saw Roy, Slow, Charlie, and Doug. When I got back home I bundled up and took the three dogs to the park. Abner, Gunter, and Stella always have a great time. Abner and I have walked in the park almost every morning for eleven years. Abner has inoperable cancer and has really slowed down. But if he sees a squirrel, that squirrel better watch out!  Friday morning it was breezy and there was a chill in the air. I was happy to get back home.

Our Sunday school was really good. The reading from James reminded us that “faith without works is dead.”  Martin Luther hated this book of the New Testament and said “it is a book of straw. ”Even though I was raised Lutheran, James is one of my favorite books.  This being the first Sunday of the month, we celebrated Holy Communion. This month we will be collecting soap and shampoo for Community Christian Services. Because of all the flu and sickness, we have called off our ministry to Focused Care of Center this week. We are going to wait and see how things are later in the month before we decide about Holiday and Lakeside. 

The scripture for my sermon came from Second Isaiah. Isaiah has 66 chapters and is really three books in one. The first 39 chapters are full of judgment and predictions of disaster. Chapters 40-55 contain consolation and hope for people who once again have found themselves exiles in a foreign country. This part of Isaiah is called The Book of Consolation of Judah. The last third of Isaiah was written for the exiles after they were allowed to return.

We had some good news to share today. Carolyn was back from Tyler with a better report on Guy Ross, who is now awaiting surgery next week. His granddaughter has been released from the hospital. And Fannie told us about granddaughter Carly’s wedding to Derek Cockrell. 

We are fast approaching Lent—faster this year than last. In fact, this year Ash Wednesday is on Valentine’s Day. Easter will be on April Fools Day. If I am ever elected pope I am going to pick a Sunday for Easter and give up the formula the ancient church fathers used—too complicated. I am not expecting to be elected, so I guess I will just go along with the same old, same old. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses a different formula for figuring out Easter and so even Christians don’t celebrate together.    

“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. Godspeed.

Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church

February 2, 2018 - One of the key ways that people survive in combat situations is learning to depend on your buddies. You work together as a team to accomplish everything. Nothing is an individual effort. You learn to value those who are always faithful to stick with you when in the midst of a battle.

There is nothing more comforting than having someone you can depend on. That's why we develop relationships, whether its marriage, friendship, employer-employee, we all seek faithfulness. Knowing that there is someone who has your best interest in mind, looking out for you, helps you tackle life's obstacles a little easier. Knowing someone "has your back" gives you comfort to move forward.

God tells us in His word that He is faithful to keep His promises to us no matter what. I tell people in my church that if they can ever become convinced that," God is who he says He is and always does what He says He is going to do," that life would be much easier for them. Knowing that God is faithful should give you comfort. Lamentations 3:22-24 says "Through the Lords mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion's fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion "says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him!" When we realize that God is faithful in all He promises, we can have confidence in all we set out to do.

Let me help you see how this applies to you today. 
1) You can pray with confidence knowing that He hears you and is working to bring your prayers to completion in a way that's best for you.

2) Because God "has your back" you can conquer temptations and evil. He is stronger than anything that can come against you.

3) You can Live without fear. Knowing God is faithful should give you courage. There is a quote that says, "courage is nothing more than fear that has said its prayers." Knowing that God is on your side can bring peace in the midst of storms.

God is a faithful friend and father. He is always looking out for those who love Him. He has always been there for me and wants to be there for you too. Trust Him. Start a relationship with Him. He is always faithful.

I'm just Sayin,
Mike Belgard

January 30, 2018 - The end times as described in the book of Revelation tells of seven bowls of wrath fashioned by God and given to seven angels to pour out on the earth and it’s inhabitants.

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.” (Revelation 15:1) 

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 16:1) 

As the angels pour out their individual bowls of wrath the people know it is coming from the Lord but they still refuse to obey or submit to his wishes. 

So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshipped its image.” (Revelation 16:2)

The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living things died that was in the sea.” (Revelation 16:3)

The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood.” (Revelation 16:4)

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.” (Revelation 16:9) 

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:10-11)

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings of the east.” (Revelation 16:12)

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying; “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17)

And there were flashes of lightening, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” (Revelation 16:18-21) 

Notice, no matter how severe the plagues got, the people just would not repent or give God the praise and glory that he is due. 

Instead they continued in their own selfish ways cursing God for their troubles, while all troubles were directly related to their own sins.

I pray when this time comes to pass, and it will when God decides the time is right, I pray that you will not be subjected to this misery, that you will have accepted the gift of eternal life with the Lord and will be resting peacefully in the Lord.

May the blessings of our Lord be upon you this day...

January 30, 2018 - Appreciation service honoring Brenda Carrillo Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 3pm Bennett chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Possum Trot, Bishop WC Martin Pastor. 

Special guest will be Abundant Love Ministries Pastor Marlin Cloudy

Everyone is invited to worship.

January 29, 2018 - Sunday was the 4th Sunday after Epiphany. I have not preached the last two Sundays.  After spending a week in the hospital I got to come home just in time to watch the beautiful snow falling.  After a few days of feeling better, I was diagnosed with the flu. Sue got the same diagnosis, and we have both been quarantined quietly at home. Finally I have started to improve, but still am weak. 

For the scripture basis of my sermon I used the Epistle Lesson for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany—1 Corinthians 8:1-13. As is often the case, Paul is putting out fires, trying to resolve disagreements among the Jesus folks in Corinth. We look back at this early church disagreement and are puzzled at why there was such a fuss. And yet, today the Jesus Church is as splintered and divided as it has ever been. We really need to remember John Wesley’s words about the essentials of faith and charity toward others.

It was so great to be back at Paxton this morning. It seemed as if I had an extended absence. I sure missed everyone and am planning a healthier February. We ended up skipping all three of our January programs at nursing homes and assisted living, due to illness—we’re hoping to improve that record also.  All this month church members have brought cans of tuna to donate to Community Christian Services. In February we will be collecting soap and shampoo. I would like to wish happy birthday to all who had birthdays in January.  Happy birthday to Bill, Jake, Stephen Joe, Liz, and Lillie. 

Sue and I came to church this morning to find Ms. Fannie with a good Sunday school lesson going. The scripture lesson was Daniel 10:10-19. From the little we heard, this lesson stressed how important it is to continue—not quit or turn back—plug forward!  It was great to see everyone this morning. Gene made me a couple of CDs of Brother Dave Gardner. Bro. Dave is a comedian from the 50-60s; to listen to him is a flash from my childhood. 

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Liz’s sister/Lillie’s daughter, Nancy. Liz, Lillie, and Mike will head back to Tennessee for her memorial service. Carolyn called after church to report that her grandson, Guy Ross Barton, is in ICU in Tyler after a wreck. We’ll keep all these people in our prayers.

“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. Godspeed.

Randy & Sue Smith
Paxton Methodist Church

January 25, 2018 - People today find themselves always seeming to be short of time. Short of the time needed to get everything of the day done, as they would like.

Even for the most devout it seems so hard to make time for stopping and giving time to the Lord God. Giving time to sit and commune with God, time to devote to the study of the Words of God written in the Bible’s of today.

Here’s what God said to Joshua about following his words as Joshua sat out to guide the Israelites across the Jordan river and into the promised land; all of that land west of the Euphrates and to the Mediterranean Sea.

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) 

Now we know from the Bible that Joshua did indeed follow the words given him as directed and that as long as Joshua lived the Israelites prospered and gained the lands that had been promised to them as quickly as their numbers increased to allow them to possess the new lands. Only when Joshua died did the Israelites turn from the Lord God, never to fully receive the fullness of the Promised Land.

God asks the same of you and I today, that we study his word and meditate on it day and night, so that then He can make our way prosperous and that we will have the good success of gaining salvation through Jesus Christ. 

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10) All are given the chance of salvation but each must first believe and confess that Jesus is Lord in order to receive the gift of eternal life with the Lord. 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

Read your Bible daily and give thanks to the Lord God for all things, for only by his grace and love do we receive our daily needs. Only through his goodness do we receive the things we have, the things we say we own. For truly all things of this earth belong to the Lord, we are only stewards of the things he allows each of us to use.

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) We learn godliness only from study of God’s Word. Study each day is critical to our own well being as our relationship with the Lord God depends upon the time we spend with him each and every day.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) Only through God’s grace which is the Lord Jesus are we saved. Only by his sacrifice on the cross, dying, once for all, that all who call upon him will be saved. Oh thank you Lord Jesus for your saving grace given to all who will ask.

How about you today? Have you asked for the Lord God to save you, do you believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross and that God raised him from the dead? Have you confessed your sins to him, have you confessed that Jesus is your Lord and Master to others? That is the requirement for salvation, do it today and receive the eternal gift of life. 

January 24, 2018 - I love to play golf. The only problem is I'm just not that good at it. I enjoy the company of the people I'm playing with, the beauty of the course, even the thrill of competition. I have tried practicing to get better but it dosen't seem to work for me. But there is one thing that improves my game every time I use it, and that's something golfers like to call a "mulligan". A mulligan is when you get to hit another ball from the same place if you don't like the way you hit it the first time. It's the same thing as what we called a "do over" when we were kids. Wouldn't it be great if we could have "mulligans" and "do overs" in all aspects of our lives? It would change the whole "game of life" for us. If we found out that a decision we made was bad we could stop, go back to where we messed up, and try again. We could start over from that spot and make some positive adjustments and do it all again but this time getting to the place we wanted to be. Well, I am here to tell you that with God you can . That's right our God is the God of beginning again. He gives us "do overs". 

Jesus, in a conversation with the young man Nicodemus, says to him, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God ". He then goes on to tell him in that conversation how much God loved him and everyone else in the world and that whoever believed that His son was the salvation of the world would not die but live with him forever. Jesus tells him everyone could have a "mulligan/ do over" at life if they would believe in Him. God wants us to succeed in not only this life, but more importantly, eternity. So He sent His son to die for our mistakes (sins) so that we might be "born again".

Then in Luke 9:23 Jesus tells us how we can do things over every day when he says, "If anyone would come after me let Him deny himself daily, take up his cross and follow me." He knows that we are going to make some mistakes, bad choices, wrong decisions, even make some wrong turns on our journey through life. But if we call out to Him and admit we messed up, He will hear us and give us a second chance on life. And here's the best news : He is willing to give you another chance no matter how many times or how bad you messed up. He offers an unlimited supply of "mulligans" for life. The only way to lose this game of life, is not to use the free gift of a " do over on life" that God offers us all.

God loves you and wants you to know that He is there for you. He wants you to win at life. Don't be afraid to ask God for a second chance. After all, He is the God of beginning again.

I'm just Sayin
Mike Belgard

January 22, 2018 - Overcomer's Support Group with guest speaker Rev. Doc Lazarine, will be held Wednesday evening, January 24th at 6:30pm at First Assembly of God Timpson. It is located at the corner of Houston and Hwy 59, Timpson, TX.

This meeting is for everyone that has and is today facing any kind of life challenges. We encourage the public to attend, as well as anyone that would like to join the weekly meetings. Come join us as we gain hope and encouragement by listening to how others have overcome and began a victorious life!

January 23, 2018 - Joaquin UMC presents the Hinson Family in concert at 10:30am on Sunday, January 28, 2018

First United Methodist Church is located at 105 Faulkville Road, Joaquin, Texas. Admission is 100% free and an offering will be received. For more information, visit the church online at www.joaquinumc.com or call 936-269-3661.

The Hinson Family sings Southern Gospel music and released their 6th album in September "The Light Just Came On." For more about The Hinson Family, visit them online at www.thehinsonfamily.com

January 22, 2018 - Mt. Zion C.M.E. invites everyone to our 8th Annual Gospel Explosion, Saturday, January 27th at 5:30p.m. Come out and have a glorious experience in Christ through song, dance and comedy. You will be blessed by Gospel Comedian Flashback, East Texas Community Choir, Josh & Co. area church choirs and more. Please join us! 

Rev. Elgena Weaver, Pastor
Shalanda Walker, Event Organizer

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