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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." (2 Corinthians 10:26)
February 4, 2019 - Each day when you rise and greet the day you see God's earthly creations in all the majesty with which they were created. Spoken into existence by the Almighty Lord God; "And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6:3) Isaiahs description of the words of the angels he saw in a vision of the Lord.
God's glory fills the earth; "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 10:31)
Paul tells us in the 2nd letter to the Corinthians how we are to live and to present ourselves in our daily living. That we are only here due to God's glory and that only God is worthy of glory and praise. He also tells us, as he does in so many scriptures, that our days are to be spent trying to influence others that they too may be saved.
"Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved." (2 Corinthians 10:32-33)
By our daily lives we are to give all glory to God and through the name of his Son, the Lord Jesus, we are to work to lead others to salvation. That is the duty of all Christians each day. "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:12)
By our words and deeds we are known, by glorifying God in everything we do, we give others a chance to glorify him through their salvation on the day they are called to God.
"For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:15)
Not by fancy words or lengthy prayers, but by the lives we live, God is glorified each day. Jesus set the example for us by his earthly life, he lived each day with humility, always giving glory to the One who sent him.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
Only when we decide to follow him do we then see just how big the steps are that we must follow.
"He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to Him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:22-24)
There is the true glory of God, displayed upon the cross, the ultimate trust in the Father above, sending a message for all peoples. The glory of the one true God, manifest in his Son as he came and paid for the sins of all mankind with his willing sacrifice of himself on the cross of Calvary.
As Christ is an example for us, we too must be examples for others, helping to give to them the same gift of freedom from sin as we have received. Be a reflection pool today that others can use to see the image of Christ Jesus.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you this day...
February 4, 2019 - The Pastor and Members of Carroll Chapel CME Church in Shelbyville will be having their Annual Black History Program. Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 3pm.
Our Gueat Speaker will be: Dr. Edward Thomas of the Long Chapel CME Church in Lufkin, TX.
Everyone is invited.
Calling All Pastors and Preachers!
January 31, 2019 - The St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Center will be observing their Annual Black History program on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 2:30pm. The church will be honoring all the Pastors through out Shelby County and surrounding counties. St. John MBC asks that you come out and join us in this great celebration.
Rev. Kirkendoll and the St. Luke Baptist Church of Logansport will be the special guests.
January 30, 2019 - Mt. Zion will have a Women's Conference on Saturday, February 9th from 9am - 12pm.
This year's theme is "Man In the Mirror."
Speakers are Felicia Cloudy, Vanessa Davis, Stephanie Hicks, Sharon Ratcliff, and Donna Thomas.
Rev. Richard Edwards, Pastor.
Rose Patton and Tracie Garrett, Conference Chairpersons.
January 29, 2019 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries, led by Apostle William E. Nash, Jr, is hosting their 17th Annual Church Anniversary on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 3pm. Guest speaker is Pastor Karen Christopher of Pine Flat CME, Nacogdoches, Texas.
"Come out and help up life up the name of the Lord."
House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is located at 215 South Church Street, Center, Texas 75935. Phone number is 936-591-8941.
January 29, 2019 - Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. We had a small crowd this morning, as several members were out of town. Our Sunday School lesson today was based on Philippians 2: 1-11. Paul. while languishing in prison, urges Jesus followers to be of one mind by being humble and looking out for the interests of others. Our writer speaks of resetting our mind-defaults to the ways of Jesus. Mrs. Fannie read a prayer used in the lesson that asks God to guide our thinking in all matters. We should all be asking for his advice daily.
All during the month of January, Paxton Methodist has been collecting cans of tuna. After church today we loaded them up in my truck, and I will deliver them to Community Christian Services. In February we will collect soap and shampoo to donate. It is hard to believe that we are one entire month into 2019! Living in Texas we sometimes—like recently—have all four seasons in one week! It has been so cold but today the sun is shining and it is beautiful outside. My four-legged companions and I went walking in the park, and I had an extra step in my get-along. But the weather folks says we are about to be hit with an artic blast. At least in Texas that kind of weather doesn’t hang around long.
The Old Testament Lesson and the Gospel Lesson both are about reading and hearing the scripture. In the lesson from Nehemiah, the returned exiles are hearing the wonderful stories of the Torah for probably the first time. They learn how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt and brought them to a Promised Land. And most importantly, they found out that the Creator decided long ago to pitch his tent among his people. In our Gospel Lesson from Luke, Jesus preaches at the synagogue in his home town. He reads from Isaiah and says that the promises made are being fulfilled at that very moment (in him).
Our nursing home program was at Lakeside Assisted Living this past week. As usual, it’s not just our little church—or even the Methodist churches—that have folks willing to take part in the program. Minnie played piano for the group, which Hilda always appreciates since it leaves her free to sing. Another of our favorite singers is Margie, who is always so kind to join us. Pastor Matt handled the preacher duties with Scripture, explanation, and prayer. Gene sang my favorite hymn, “Morning Has Broken,” and the beautiful “Hymn of Promise.” Nora, who not only sings a capella but also solo, was this time joined by her sister Jo in a duet. Those girls (including others of their sisters) can really sing! Fannie had a reading about older folks, which included pretty much everyone listening—except Pastor Matt. Sue read a kids’ book, The Day the Goose Got Loose,” rhyming away.
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.
January 28, 2019 - For all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior there is confidence, a confidence born in the knowledge of their own security gained through their acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior and their obedience to him.
For on that day when each one accepts him as their Lord their relationship with the Father changes.
“In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; For the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” (John 16:26-27)
By these words all who have accepted him have peace, knowing that though he has gone, for now, that he will come again and take them unto himself, forever.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but, take heart; “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The assurance of overcoming the world and of eternal life with Christ, the joy of all who would believe and obey.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
For all who follow him have the assurance of life eternal for, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)
Jesus does not promise an easy life, in fact, for all who do believe and obey him there is the promise of tribulation while we are in the world, but also the assurance of an eternity with Christ when our time on earth is done. We shall overcome!
May we all gain the knowledge and trust of Paul, for as he sat in chains nearing the end of his life on earth he gave us this assurance of spiritual contentment in Christ.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:11-13)
Paul had survived so many things in his service to the Lord; ship wrecks, snake bites, so many imprisonments, beatings, he had even been left for dead after being stoned by one town, and yet he remained faithful and had complete confidence in the outcome of his life. He writes in his final letter to Timothy; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Again, the assurance of blessings to come for all who love the Lord. And so, I ask you today, do you know the Lord, does he know you? Do you have the assurance of an eternity spent with the Lord?
Accept Jesus Christ as Lord today and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life to be spent with Christ.
My friends, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
May Gods blessing be upon you forevermore…
January 28, 2019 - In 1951 as I hitch-hiked back to Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, I stopped in for “chili dog” sandwich in Mena, Arkansas. The sandwich cost me twenty-five cents (the cheapest thing on the menu) and it left me a ten dollar bill in my wallet and some change in my pocket. But when I got back to school and reached for my wallet, it was gone. I had lost it somewhere between Mena and Springfield, so I figured I’d lost it in someone’s car that had picked me up. Most of the ministerial students at The Baptist Bible College were “pore”: and we depended on each other for survival food.
About two weeks later I got a package with my wallet and ten dollar bill still in it. A note was included: “Thought you might need this”…and it had no return address. I rushed down to a little store on nearby Route 66 and bought a huge jar of Jiffy Peanut butter, returned to the dorm and got the news out: “Peanut butter in my room… BYOC,” (Bring Your Own Crackers). That night Charlie Wisdom, Billy McCall and I had a feast in my room: peanut butter, crackers…and plenty of water.
I’ve heard a lot about preachers and chicken, but some of my fondest memories of Seminary days was a bunch of young preachers passing around a jar of peanut butter …..thanking the man for the ten dollars….holding hands…and thanking God …not for chicken…
….but for delicious Peanut Butter and crackers.
January 25, 2019 - Open Door Baptist Worship Center, 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Tx 75935, Pastor Alvin Davis.
- February 3, 2019 - Family and Friends Day 2:30pm Bishop W.C. Martin and Bennett Chapel Church Special Guest
- February 16, 2019 - Open Door Gala 6pm Piney Woods Outreach Center 255 Haley Dr. Center, Tx Tickets $10 Formal-Semi Formal
- February 24, 2019 - Pack the Pew 3pm Pastor Clarence Yarbrough and Star of Hope Special Guest Nacogdoches, Tx
January 23, 2019 - Open Door Baptist Worship Center announces their February schedule of events.
- February 3, 2019 is Family and Friends Day at 2:30 PM with Bishop W.C. Martin and Bennett Chapel Church as special guests.
- February 16, 2019 is Open Door Gala at 6 pm in the Piney Woods Outreach Center, 255 Haley Dr., Center, Tx. Tickets are $10 and it is a Formal-Semi Formal event.
- February 17, 2019 is the 19th Church Anniversary at 2:30 PM with Pastor Freddie Wilson and the St. Paul Baptist Church as special guests.
- February 24, 2019 is Pack the Pew at 3:00 PM with Pastor Clarence Yarbrough and Star of Hope of Nacogdoches as special guests.
Open Door Baptist Worship Center is located at 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Tx 75935 and is lead by Pastor Alvin Davis.
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