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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
February 27, 2018 - A question for many whom God has lifted from the pit of destruction and into the light of the righteousness of our Lord is; “What is it that I should do for the Lord? Can I repay for my salvation? How can I show my gratitude to our Lord?
The Bible says; “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3)
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.”
Redeemed - which means to recover by some payment; the very thing Christ Jesus did when he gave his life on the cross for the sins of all mankind. He paid, in full, for our sins, he offered redemption to all who would accept him as Lord.
If you have been saved by the blood of Jesus, lifted from the pit of destruction then your duty as a born-again child of the Most High God is; “to say so.”
To tell all of the wonderful saving grace of our Lord for saving your soul from hell.
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalm 107:8-9)
Yes, he fills us with good things, he fills us with his love for others as he shows us his wonderful works. By his example we are to live our lives in service to him as he lived his life on earth in service to all mankind. Let us thank him to all people for the steadfast love he shows us, even when we turn and fall short of his wishes for us. His love never wavers, this we must show to others that they too might seek his face and his grace and salvation.
“Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. (Psalm 107:10-11) “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.” (Psalm 107:13)
“Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.” (Psalm 107:17-18) “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.” (Psalm 107:19)
We see a pattern here, man gets himself into trouble, almost to the point of death, then for those who call upon the Lord, he delivers from their distress. Oh, the joy to be had in his steadfast love for all mankind. Stand up Christian and say so!
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extoll him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” (Psalm 107:31-32)
“Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43)
A word to the wise; “He has told you, O Man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) May the rich blessings of our Lord be upon you this day and may you tell the world of the joy of living with the Lord Jesus. Just say so!!!
February 26, 2018 - Sunday was the Second Sunday of Lent. It was a cold and rainy morning, but we were in double digits again. That is very exciting for a small church like Paxton. Lillie, Liz, and Mike were still in East Texas and were once again at worship with us. They unfortunately had a second funeral to plan for last week. We love having them, but we know they are more than ready to get home for some down time. It was wonderful to see Vera and Keith this morning; they have had a tough beginning to 2018 health-wise, and we all hope they are on the mend!
The Gospel lesson for the 3rd Sunday of Lent was Mark 8: 31-38. This bit of scripture is one of the hard sayings of Jesus, in which he shares with his followers what is in store for him as he takes the Good News of the Kingdom to Jerusalem. It is certainly not something they wanted to hear. But Jesus said that to be a faithful disciple, one must take up the cross and follow in his footsteps. Most of us really don’t want to hear about that difficult path, preferring to concentrate on the love and joy part of his message. But there is much to a deeply spiritual life, even though some of it is difficult.
During the month of February we have been collecting soap and shampoo for Community Christian Services. During March it will be cans of chili. We decided that a bowl of hot chili sounded like a pretty good lunch on a cold and wet day like today. We are planning to restart our nursing home ministries in March after a couple of months of having and/or avoiding sickness and the flu.
“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 Speed.
February 23, 2018 - Each day we see acts of kindness and compassion for which we are grateful, and yet, we see acts of hate and persecution from which we wish to hide.
We see babies being born into this world as old people are dying and leaving this world.
In all this we are uncertain and this uncertainty causes us to worry or be fearful of the future.
This uncertainty causes every human being, at some time, to look for answers to life's questions.
Some look to a higher power while others look to man for these answers. Humanists will tell you that you must look within yourself for strength, for answers.
I tell you, NO, you must look to God for strength, for answers, to look within yourself is to look into the same flawed, imperfect mirror which put you in this situation.
If you find yourself today in this condition with more questions than answers about what is happening around you and wanting to know why these things do happen let me suggest a place to go for knowledge, the Word of God, it contains all the answers.
In the Psalms we find one answer as the Psalmist says; "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:7)
The Psalmist knows where to look, to the One who sees all, the One who knows his heart, the Lord God Almighty.
The Old Testament Prophet, Zephaniah, tells us what to do if we are to escape the wrath of God on His final judgment day. "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord." (Zephaniah 2:3)
Both of these prophets knew where to find the answers to life's questions. They both knew the majesty and power of the Lord, they both understood from where their strength came.
This is a lesson all people must learn of they are to be saved from the anger of the Lord. Unless, we accept Jesus as Lord, we cannot be saved, it's that simple.
You either believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God, that he did die on the cross for all sins, that God did raise Him from the dead and then confess this belief with your mouth or you will be lost, destined to an eternity of torment in the fires of hell. There is no other way to salvation, as the Psalmist says; "Where can I go, where can I flee from Your Spirit or You presence?" The answer to that question is " no where".
You see, God is Omnipresent (meaning He is everywhere), God is Omnipotent (meaning he is all powerful), God is Omniscient, (meaning He has unlimited knowledge, He perceives all things), you cannot hide from Him.
God is the only answer, look to Him today for; if you seek Him, you will find Him and you will then know the joy of the Lord.
"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen... (Romans 11:36)
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you all the days of your lives...
February 22, 2018 - Toledo Bend Cowboy Church is hosting Terry Terrell in a concert Sunday morning at 10:30 and again at 6:30 PM on Sunday, March 4th, as well as Monday, March 5th, at 7:00 PM. There will be a covered dish dinner Sunday night at 5:30.
Terry Joe Terrell grew up in the small Mississippi town of Foxworth. He was brought up in Pleasant Hill Pentecostal Church, where his father, Bro. Marvin Terrell, was the pastor, and after 48 years, still is. His mom, Annie Faye Terrell, was a prayer warrior who made everyone that came there feel like family.
At the young age of eleven, Terry experienced a tragedy. His mom passed away. Over the next seven years Terry grew bitter that his world had fallen apart. During this troubled time, Terry fell in love and married a girl from his church. God later blessed their home with a son and daughter. This brought some comfort to his life. However, he knew something was missing...
Then one night, while visiting his dad’s church, Terry was filled with the Holy Ghost. He finally found the Friend he had heard his mom speak of so many times.
In 1992 Terry took a leap of faith. He went to Big Stone Gap, VA, to cut a project with the Singing Cooks. With just a small sound system and his sound tracks placed in the trunk of his car, he and his family set out to be a witness through songs.
Twenty-two years later God is still opening new doors across the United States. Terry hopes for many more years to continue to have the opportunity to tell about his Friend, Jesus Christ.
Toledo Bend Cowboy Church is located at 2543 Fm 3172, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
February 21, 2018 - Triumph Church in the Todd Spring Community would like to cordially invite you and your church family to the Pastor and Wife Appreciation for Elder LaKendrick and First Lady Denesha Bluford. The speaker will be the Shepherd of Triumph Church in Tyler, TX, County Presider Corey McCowin.
Mark your calendar for 3pm on March 4, 2018 at the Center Triumph Church, 908 Daniels Street, Center, TX.
Speaker is County Presider Corey McCowin. Come out and help us celebrate and praise God while appreciating our Pastor and Wife!
Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ is located on Hwy 87 South in Shelbyville, TX 75973.
February 20, 2018 - First Baptist Church Timpson presents, Broken Vessels in concert, Sunday, March 4th at 6pm. You are invited to a great night of singing and fellowship as Broken Vessels will bless you through fun stories about their adventures in life as well as with their musical and vocal talents.
Broken Vessels is a Christian Music group from Branson, MO. They travel full time, performing in concert venues and ministering in churches across the Country. In a concert/service with Broken Vessels, you will hear new material in the Southern Gospel and Contemporary Christian style, as well as favorite classics that have stood the test of time. Broken Vessels strives to have something for their entire audience, no matter the musical taste.
Lisa’s extraordinary vocal abilities will have your spirit soaring, and Scott, along with singing, is a nationally recognized keyboardist. This award-winning husband/wife team founded Broken Vessels in 2009 and are on the road 300 days of the year. A part of their ministry is the testimony of Scott's healing from a Brittle Bone disease that, by medical standards, should have him in a nursing home, unable to do anything for himself. However, after giving his heart to the Lord, he's traveling the Country, telling everyone he can, that no matter what you’ve been through in your life God Uses Broken Vessels. We hope you and your church will set March 4th at 6pm aside to come and worship together at FBC Timpson. No Tickets Required but a “Love Offering” will be received.
You can find out more about Broken Vessels at www.BrokenVessels.org or by calling (251) 225-9328.
February 19, 2018 - Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel Lesson today from Mark, we see Jesus whisked away to the wilderness right after his baptism. For the next forty days Jesus fasts, prays, and is tempted. The temptations in Mark are not spelled out, leaving it to the hearer’s or reader’s imagination as to what they actually were. The number 40 is important in Jewish numerology and often signifies completeness. Traditionally, people try to give up a bad habit or something they think is important during the 40-day Lenten season. I have tried to give up something that bothers me about me, but so far I have had only moderate success. Maybe this year!
We were in double digits, which is always a nice thing at little Paxton. It was great to see Keith this morning. Keith and Vera have had a tough winter health-wise, and we are hoping and praying that they are on the mend. Lillie, Liz, and Mike were at worship this morning—always a joy to have our Pasadena family with us. They gave me a Houston Astros World Series Champions cap. They know that I am a loyal Cubs fan, but when the Cubs didn’t make it to the World Series, I rooted for the Astros. Carolyn reported on grandson Guy Ross, now out of the hospital and being cared for by family at her house. After his stay in the hospital, he was particularly craving Nan’s macaroni and cheese with stewed tomatoes. Nothing like a grandmother’s cooking!
Our Sunday School lesson was titled “Faithful Disciples,” using the scripture Acts 9: 36-43. The thrust of the lesson stressed the need to seek out others in our faith journey. As usual Fannie prepared a thoughtful lesson. During February we have been collecting soap and shampoo to donate to Community Christian Services.
On Saturday Paxton Methodist had a memorial service for Nancy Thompson. LuAnn Jordan sang “Amazing Grace” and “When We All Get to Heaven,” accompanying herself on the piano. The congregation, led by Joe Fiedler, sang “Hymn of Promise.” Ms. Hilda played the piano for that and the prelude, and I brought the message. Many of Nancy’s friends and family shared stories and memories, which really made the service special. Afterwards, family and friends went to Fannie Watson’s home for a dinner provided by the church. The food was delicious and the Thompson families had a nice time visiting and catching up. One of the saddest things is that the day before the memorial service, Nancy’s brother Robert died. Lillie, Liz, and Mike have yet another funeral to prepare. Our prayers are with our dear friends.
“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 15, 2018 - Mt. Zion invites everyone to share with us this Sunday, February 18th at our 11a.m. Worship Service as we continue our celebration of Black History Month.
Our special guest speaker is Briona Wilson.
Briona Jeane’ Wilson, is the daughter of Rev. Elgena Weaver, Pastor of the Mount Zion CME Church of Center, Texas. She has two younger sisters Kiona Wilson and Diona Weaver. Briona graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 2012 and went to East Texas Baptist University to pursue and completed a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology in May 2016. Following graduation, she desired to pursue higher education. She attended Lamar University to obtain a Master’s degree in Biology. She has been on the dean’s list with honors consecutively, was named Who’s Who among colleges and universities at ETBU, and received Graduate assistantship/scholarships throughout her college career. Briona was the Vice-President Sigma Pi Sigma of a pre-professional group. Yet, none of these top her opportunity to go on a mission trip to South America in Ecuador to serve and provide personal/medical supplies as well as health and wellness check-ups in this underserved area. Her ultimate goal is to receive a doctorate of dentistry and go on to do a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. Currently, she is a medical scribe for the Nacogdoches/Lufkin area. Her favorite scripture that encourages her is “I press on towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). Briona exemplifies a spirit of excellence and resilience despite the challenges that life may bring and, through Christ, she believes that nothing is impossible.
February 14, 2018 - 18th Church Anniversary Program, Open Door Baptist Worship Center 900 Cotton Ford Road Center, Texas Alvin Davis, Pastor.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Sunday, February 25, 2018 2:30pm.
We’ve Come This Far By Faith. Special Guest: Pastor Winston Kibbles & The St. John Baptist Church.
February 14, 2018 - We hear much uncertainty about what many call “the end times” though there is no “end time” but only a “new time” to come.
And yes, there is much uncertainty about just what is going to be when that time does come, when the Lord God passes final judgement.
While there are many uncertainties please let me show you an absolute which is going to happen, as the Lord speaks through the 75th Psalm; “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.” (Psalm 75:2) God is saying that at the time he has appointed that he will judge all people fairly without consideration to race, creed or color. But, only by the lives that they have lived will all be judged.
“When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” (Psalm 75:3) In Revelation 16 we find this time when there will be a great shaking of the earth and giant hailstones falling from heaven and every island shall flee, the sea will be no more, and no mountains will be found. A time like none other in history.
“I say to the boastful, “Do not boast,” and to the wicked, “Do not lift up your horn; do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.” (Psalm 75:4-5)
God cautions the boastful and the wicked about being proud or haughty when they are called to him for repentance. God is warning them not to be snobbish nor arrogant but to be humble and follow his will and not their own.
“For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgement, putting down one and lifting up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7) There you have the absolute of judgement, it is God and God alone who will execute judgement on all.
There are disagreements between various groups about how this is to happen. Will there by only one judgement or will there be two.
The Bible speaks in Revelation chapter 20 of such when it speaks of a first resurrection when it says; “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power.” (Revelation 20:6) And it speaks of a judgment which it calls, “The Great White Throne Judgement” when Satan is finally defeated and he and all his followers are thrown into the “lake of fire”.
“Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:13-15)
Though many may debate these judgements as to whether they are separate or only one, the fact remains that God and God alone is going to be in charge of all that happens and God alone will judge each one with equity. Being just, God will allow the lives we have lived to be our evidence of service to him. Our profession of faith in the Lord Jesus as our proof of salvation.
Folks, this will certainly happen, the question now is; will you be ready, are you ready, if he calls us today will your name be found in the book of life? May his blessings be yours today...
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