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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
As we witness the increasing turmoil and unrest in the world and in our country it is important that we know from whence our blessings and our protection comes. As we see the increasing amount of hatred and the decreasing amount of compassion for others among us we must know that as followers of the Most High that we have one who watches over and protects us from the ravages of this world.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. “ (Psalm 103:2-5)
Yes, let us not forget that it is the Lord God that watches over us and provides for us in times of trouble and strife.
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 103:6)
Just as the Lord used Moses to bring the Israelites out of bondage to the Egyptians so too does he lift us from the bondages of sin, leading us in righteousness as he lifts us from the pit of destruction. Bless his holy name, bless his holy name!
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10-12)
By his grace we are saved and by his mercy we are forgiven our sins and iniquities, for even though we stumble at times and do not follow his will in all things he still forgives us and loves and keeps us safe in his arms from the troubles of this world. For all who fear him and strive to follow his will and wishes each day, the Lord gives of his utmost love and mercy.
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14)
The Bible says that the Father knows even the hairs on your head, he knows each of us so well and loves us so much that he allows us to become his own through the sacrifice of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Our days are few as we live out our lives on earth and then we are gone, much as the wind passes over a blade of grass, the wind dries it as it passes over it and it is gone.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:17-19)
Let us not forget that the Lord God is in charge and rules over all the universe, let us not forget that we are to call upon him in times of need and not rely on our own understanding. Let us be his children and he our Father.
“Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
September 24, 2018 - Sunday was the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. We have gotten long-needed rain this week. It has been so nice along with slightly cooler temperatures. I am still waiting for that first autumn morning. The church members decided to help with the meal for the Tenaha 5th Quarter at the community center. We did this last year, and everyone thought it was a good idea. Our Sunday School lesson continued with creation. Today’s lesson was titled “God Created the Family.” Genesis certainly stresses the centrality of faith and relationship with God and our fellow human beings. These relationships cannot be separated. You cannot be in right relationship with God and not your fellow humans.
The lectionary scriptures for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time dealt with wisdom. Jewish theology tells us that Lady Wisdom was present as God created the universe. In the ancient world, wisdom was always personified as feminine. The Old Testament Lesson was the last twenty-one verses of the last chapter of Proverbs. Proverbs deals with how to be wise. In the verses for Sunday, King Lemuel’s mother tells her son about the attributes of a woman: strength, worth, and substance. These verses are prophetic and are also describing Lady Wisdom. In the Epistle Lesson, James asks if one wants to be wise. He says one must live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.
Last week was our ministry to Holiday. Many of our regular presenters were out of pocket, so Fannie and Sue doubled up on their readings—funny sayings, strange facts, lost socks poem, and picture book. My wife was also “Pastor Sue,” reading our Scripture lesson from James about watching what you say. Minnie played piano, and Jo and Hilda kept the singing going. This Thursday at 2:00 we will meet at Lakeside for singing and fellowship.
Our announcements today included upcoming shot clinics at the Joaquin Senior Center. Both will be handled by Joaquin Quick Care, offering flu and/or pneumonia shots. The first is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, with a second chance on Thursday, November 15.
“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 21, 2018 - House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is rolling out the red carpet for the Pastor and Wife Anniversary Service for Apostle W.E. Nash, Jr. and wife Lady Pearl Nash on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 4pm.
The theme is "It was necessary" from Exodus 1:12. Guest speaker is Apostle Billy Clark, Believers Christian Cathedral, Hillsboro, Texas.
Everyone is invited and dinner will be served. House of Refuge Apostolic Ministries is located at 215 Church Street, Center, Texas 75935.
September 18, 2018 - The McWilliams-Rather Cemetery Association meeting scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
September 7, 2018 - The McWilliams-Rather Cemetery Association will meet on Saturday, September 22nd at 4:00pm. The meeting will be held at Todd Springs Baptist Church.
September 18, 2018 - The Bible says; Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)
The one who is blessed by the Lord is removed from the world and its wickedness; from the wicked, the sinners and the scoffers, and he is hated by the world even more now that he is lifted away from the control of the world and into the control of the Lord.
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed.” (Psalm 2:1-2)
Because the world is ruled by the prince of darkness, the devil, the world hates the Lord and all who follow him and set their hate against all who are known by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate all who follow him. But take heart for; “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” (Psalm 2:4)
You see, the Lord sees them as a laughing stock, a people to be made a mockery of for their future is so bleak yet they have no idea of the horrors they are to encounter after the great day of the judgment of the Lord.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:5-6)
When the Lord Jesus comes back to set up his kingdom in Jerusalem he will rule the masses for 1000 years with a rod of iron from his holy temple in Zion. Those who have believed in him and have kept the faith and persevered through the persecutions and rejections of this world, will receive the blessings of being with the Lord in his temple during this reign over the world.
“The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” (Psalm 2:7-9)
When he comes back to rule he will no longer come as the meek Jesus, no, he will come in glory and in power such as the world has never seen and he will be known across the entire earth as the Mighty One, Son of the Lord God and ruler of all. He will truly be Lord of all and all people will bow to him.
“So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
“As I live says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:11-12)
The question this day is; “in which group will the Lord find you”. Will you be found in the temple sitting with the Lord, away from the sin and carnage outside the temple in the world, or, will you be one of those unfortunate souls that find themselves on the outside, looking in at the Lord and his own?
“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:10-13)
It is the choice of every person on earth to make, to either choose Jesus and life or to choose the world and death. Make your choice wisely for your choice dictates your eternity… May you too choose Jesus and know the joy of his love and peace, forever…
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
September 16, 2018 - I had a small basal cell skin cancer (the least invasive kind) removed from my scalp at the Houston V.A. Hospital today. As Doctor Jacque Guidry helped me onto the surgery table, she asked if I minded losing a little hair and to name a singer I liked. My answer was: “No problem with the hair and I like Lionel Richie.” Within seconds Richie was softly singing “Three Times a Lady” and the Doctor was humming, cutting, and talking small talk with Pam and me.
During the surgery I asked her if she was a little squeamish when she first began performing surgery. "Real squeamish at first," she laughed. “And I stayed that way until I learned that things will be o. k. when everything is over."
I have heard a lot of negative things about some of the VA Hospitals, but I have only praise for the great care they’ve given me since my service during the Korean War.
And today’s visit was no exception.
September 16, 2018 - Sunday was the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our prayers have been answered this week with some nice rain! Everything was greening up, which I guess means we will need to mow. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those in the Carolinas. My sister-in-law’s niece was to get married in North Carolina over the weekend. I don’t know if they soldiered on or postponed the wedding. My brother and sister-in-law had planned to attend—not having watched any weather—but (I think and hope) they changed their minds about going.
I love our Sunday school theme this quarter. Of course we have a master teacher in Ms. Fannie, who makes every lesson interesting. This quarter has focused on creation, a fascinating subject. Today the reading from Genesis centered on God’s crowning creation—us! There are two creation stories—one in the first chapter and another in the second chapter. We discussed the fact that the Jewish holy words were passed down orally for generations and centuries. There were many different versions over time. Eventually these slightly different stories were incorporated into the Jewish Testament.
We had our regular crowd this morning. Joe and Hilda provided our music: We sang two songs that we all know very well, so we sounded pretty good. Gene has an upcoming birthday, which we celebrated in song. Thanks, Joe and Hilda! Sue, our liturgist, led us in our Gathering Words and our Affirmation of Faith, which today was the Apostles’ Creed—Traditional Version. My scripture was the Epistle Lesson for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, James 3: 1-12. I love James because he is so practical. John Wesley often spoke about practical Christianity, taking our faith and turning it into action. In today’s part of James’ letter, he says that a very important step toward Christian maturity is learning how to control our tongues. Oh boy! I know that through the years my tongue has caused me much grief. I think as I have gotten older I have been better in keeping that pesky tongue in check, but I still have a way to go.
Last Thursday we went to Focused Care for our singing and ministry. Minnie played the piano and Pastor Matt shared some thoughts about Ruth and Naomi. Fannie read a story and some fun facts, most of which I didn’t realize were facts. Nora read and sang, and I gave a short talk about the importance of reputation. And, as usual, our Hilda was there to help with the singing and lead behind the scenes.
Our announcements today included upcoming shot clinics at the Joaquin Senior Center. Both will be handled by Joaquin Quick Care, offering flu and/or pneumonia shots. The first is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, with a second chance on Thursday, November 15.
“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 14, 2018 - Abundant Love Ministries will host a "Pack the Pews" Service on Sunday, September 16 at 3pm. Minister Stan Cloudy of Houston is our guest minister. Everyone is welcome and invited. Abundant Love Ministries is located at 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas 75935.
September 12, 2018 - The Thirty Fourth Psalm is a passage of scripture that tells all who desire to know the living God that we are to taste and see that the Lord is good.
We are to seek his face and know that he is our refuge and our shield in times of trouble.
One particular verse in this book of the Psalm is especially dear to me for it describes my own salvation as the Lord lifted me from my place of darkness and placed me into the light of Christ Jesus.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
And a second says; “This poor man cried, and the Lord saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6)
Those two verses tell the story of how the Lord God lifted me from the grip of sin, removed me from all condemnation, and now I am forever at rest in his arms, at peace with myself.
As king David said in verse one; “I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)
Do you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Master, if so then join with me as the Psalmist says;
“My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:2-3)
Let us boast of nothing of this world but boast only of the love, grace and mercy of the Lord. Let us tell all of the greatness of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, how he gave of himself, dying in agony on the cross that all people may be able to receive his free gift of life eternal.
“Those who look to him are radiant and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Psalm 34:5)
It is easy for the redeemed of God to be happy, we have the eternal assurance of Christ Jesus, knowing that we will never be ashamed, never be condemned for our past sins, but always be at rest in the arms of our Lord.
How hard it is for the truly born-again Christian to be drawn down by the things of this world, if we only keep our eyes focused on the Lord we cannot be touched by the evils of this world, our souls will never perish but will live forever in heaven with the Lord.
“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22)
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)
“When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears them and delivers them our of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)
No matter the situation, the Lord is ready to lift the righteous up out of harms way whenever he is needed.
“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)
Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord, turn from your evil ways, love your neighbor as yourself, seek peace with others through the Lord and you will then find the peace and joy that only comes in Christ Jesus. May his blessings be yours this day and forever…
September 11, 2018 - Huxley Helping Hands, a local Mission Group from the Huxley Community, are holding a Food Pantry for the residents of Shelby County. It will be held the third Saturday of the month - September 15, 2018. Identification and proof of residency will be required. Only (1) box per household will be given.
The Food Pantry is September 15th with sign in starting at 9am at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 901 Southview Circle, Center, Texas. The pantry will last until the food is gone.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
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