December 7, 2016 - I am always amazed at the effectiveness of simplicity. It seems that the more simple something is, the better it is, and more enduring it is over time. God has always used simple things to change the world. Any simple thing done with love, God takes and turns into a great thing.

Take for instance the Christmas carol "Silent Night". In 1818 on Christmas eve an Austrian priest Joseph Mohr asked the church organist Franz Gruber to write music for a poem that Mohr had written earlier. The challenge was that Mohr wanted it done for the evening service and the church organ was broken. But Gruber was able to come up with a simple tune that he could play on a guitar. That night the two sat on the stage and sang for the first time, the simple, but probably most sang carol of all times, "Silent Night". Never could they have imagined how popular and enduring of a song it would be.

You see that is how God has always worked. He takes what is simple and does great things with it. People try and make the Gospel of Christ complex but it is really simple.  John 3:16  simply put says; that God loves you and me so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins, and that anyone who truly believes that, will not die, but live with Him forever.  Jesus preached a simple gospel of "repent and be saved for the kingdom of God is near." Its not hard to understand. Its just hard to believe that something so simple could bring about such an eternal change in your life. But that's just how God works. As the angel told Mary that night, "With God all things are possible."

Remember, that baby being born in simple and humble surroundings on that first Christmas night , happened because God loved you and wanted you to have a chance to live with Him in eternity. Simple as that. Don't try to make it more complex. Just trust Him,and He will give you the gift of eternal life for Christmas.

                                                                                I'm Just Sayin
                                                                                Mike Belgard

December 6, 2016 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) NKJV

Who is this man who says these words? What is the way? What is the truth? What is the life? 

John, the Baptist said this about this man; "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) Yes, Jesus is the Son of God and the Lamb of God, the one who has come to save the world, to take away the sin of all people. Jesus said this about the way; "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides (lives) in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Jesus is the only path (way) to salvation, only by living in Christ and by having Christ live in you can you be saved and go to heaven. Jesus and Jesus alone is the way.

Jesus said this about the truth; "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Mathew 24:35) Jesus lets us know that the only truth in this world is in His word, the Bible. Nothing of man can be trusted, only the inspired word of God can be counted on for instruction and truth. Without this knowledge, we are doomed.

Jesus tells us this about the life; "and this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12) The life here is not life as we know it today, it is not physical life but spiritual life. 

We will all die physically, but, if we are saved, our last breath here on earth is our first breath in heaven.

If one is not saved then physical death puts that person into the grave to wait for the final judgment day to come. 

How, you might say, could the Jesus who came to save the world condemn most of the world's people to eternal hell? 

Well, think of this. Jesus placed Himself on the cross, died a most horrific death for the sins of all people. 

How would you feel if you gave your own life for someone else and that person then rejected your sacrifice? 

Jesus paid the price that God the Father required for all people's salvation. If one rejects that free gift then that small portion of Jesus' death was for nothing. Are you willing to waste your part of Jesus' sacrifice, to tell Him "I don't care if you died for me or not." 

You may ask; "can I be saved". "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) 

It is that simple, now do it before it's too late. May the Lord God bless you each day...

December 5, 2016 - Entertaining, uplifting, and ministry-minded”  are words often used to describe a Paul’s Journey event.  Paul’s Journey, a Chapel Valley Music Recording Artist on the “Inspire” label, is an award-winning group based in Houston, TX.  The ministry of Paul’s Journey is in its  38th year now, and they have garnered many Top 40 Radio hits and earned many awards down through the years such as the 2007 “SGM FanFair Group of the Year”.  In 2012 Paul’s Journey was nomninated for “Horizon Group Of The Year and in 2013, 2014, and 2015 the group was chosen by Southern Gospel Music fans as one of the “Top  New Traditional Quartets” in the country.  Throughout time, this powerhouse group has quickly become known for their unique style and blend.  The group travels some 200 dates per year all across the USA and abroad.

Paul’s Journey is comprised of Rod Treme, Matthew Esquivel, Brad Davis, and Jamie Streetman.  From up-tempo songs to heart-felt ballads, audiences of all generations, denominations and walks of life are recognizing the refreshing sound of Paul’s Journey.  Their high-energy performances and enthusiasm is captivating, contagious, and spiritually uplifting.

Do not miss this opportunity to experience the ministry of  Paul’s Journey Friday, Dec. 9th at 6:00 PM.  They will be performing at Toldeo Bend Cowboy Church, located at 2543 FM 3172, in Huxley, TX.  The concert will be preceded by a Covered Dish Dinner at 5:00 PM at the church.  For more information regarding this performance feel free to contact:  Lynda Huebel at 936-368-2547 or Bro. Jeff Spring at 936-488-9091.

For more information about Paul’s Journey or their ministry, check them out at www.paulsjourneyonline.com or contact The Victory Agency at 936-689-1732. 

December 5, 2016 - Sunday was the Second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday the theme dealt with hope and the need to be a hopeful people. Advent is certainly about hope and anticipating a better world with Christ coming into it. This Sunday the theme was peace—God’s peace—shalom.  As one of the writers I read in preparing my sermon said, the coming Kingdom of God cannot engulf our world while there is so much fighting and hate in it. The Old Testament Lesson was Isaiah 11: 1-10 where we see the prophet promise that a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse.  Jesse means “from God.” We Christians see this shoot “from God” to be the Human One—Jesus the Messiah. In our Gospel Lesson we hear John the Baptizer calling on everyone to repent and get prepared because the Kingdom of God is near. Like Isaiah, John is a voice in the wilderness calling for everyone to prepare the way for the Lord—to make straight the path for him.

In preparing for my sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent I came across this statement by Jack Rimer. Jack Rimer, Jewish theologian, in his book Likrat Shabbat, states that we cannot ask God in prayer to do something which is within the power he has already given us, so as to spare us the chore of doing it. That makes sense. It also tells us to not just be people of words but also people of deeds.

We started a new quarter in Sunday school, which means a new writer and a different theme. In keeping with Advent and Christmas, the first unit’s theme is The Savior has been Born. Fannie, using the story of the annunciation, stressed how Mary, just a young peasant girl, saw herself as the Lord’s servant. Her servant role is something that has been celebrated for over 2,000 years.

The Paxton Christmas Party is this Tuesday at 6:00, and we hope that many of our Paxton neighbors and other friends will join us for songs and stories. After the program will be finger foods. This year Joaquin First Baptist is organizing Christmas gifts and clothes for area kids. This is the first year that Community Christian Services will be heading up the Christmas effort after 25 plus years that Gayle and Christian Services have brought Christmas cheer to so many. Next Saturday, the East Texas Chopper guys will head up a toy drive and fundraiser at First Methodist at Joaquin.

Monday afternoon will be our ministry at Green Acres in Center. I have a doctor’s appointment in Shreveport, but I know that there will be many volunteers bringing songs and cheer to the residents of Green Acres. Later this month we will head to Holiday (Tuesday December 20th) and Lakeside (Thursday December 22nd).  All the programs begin at 2:00.

In fine, organized Methodist fashion churches are preparing the “End of Year” Reports for the District and Conference. All United Methodist Churches, large or small, must fill out pages of numbers. I have really good help from the Paxton folks. Gene is our treasurer and keeps close tabs on the monies. I really appreciate him filling out all those questions dealing with finance. I was not raised Methodist and didn’t know anything about charge conferences and end-of-year reports, but after seventeen years of ministry I have gotten used to them—not liking them but used to them.  On January 3rd I will have my yearly meeting with the District Superintendent. Our new DS is the Reverend Tony Vinson.

“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!

December 5, 2016 - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…."   Hebrews 4:12  

The Marlin Model 5510 Super Goose Gun was produced from 1976 to 1985 and was advertised to be "the shotgun you need for those long, hard- to- hit shots".  This gun had a 36"(!) length barrel and many bought one thinking it was the barrel length that gave it the extra power for those long shots.  But Marlin couldn't be faulted for false advertising because they never said that a long barrel was the  secret of the gun's power. Actually it was their 3 1/2" 10-gauge Magnum ammo that did the trick!

There are a lot of church members that mistakenly think that their education and long personality barrels will provide all the power they need to reach distant sinners.  Consequently, they fail to reach their targets and return home empty.  They…. like some of the mistaken Goose Gun owners of the past…. need to realize:

It's not man's long barrels that provide the power.

It’s God’s ammo.

December 2, 2016 - National faith-based film company, JCFilms, is touring their newest dramatic feature film at Toledo Bend Cowboy Church on Sunday, December, 4th, at 6:00 PM. The movie will be preceded by a covered-dish dinner at 5:00 PM. JCFilms is bringing the filmmakers to speak after the movie. The movie, titled The Perfect Day, answers the horrifying question, “What would happen in America if simultaneous terrorist attacks happened on the same day?”

The Perfect Day is a feature film with a faith-based message created to start a national awareness and discussion on issues such as border protection, homegrown terrorism, radical Islam in America, weakened National Security, and to invigorate a renewed patriotism.

The film was created by FDNY 9/11 Survivors and military operations veterans. The film features 9/11 family members, first responders, military wounded warriors, families of the fallen and 9/11 survivors. The film stars actor Dean Cain (Superman), Retired Navy SEAL and Wounded Warrior Jason Redman, Retired FDNY Tim Brown and Karen Vaughn, who is the Gold Star mother of fallen Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn.

Jason Campbell, President of JCFilms says, “Who better to make a film about terrorism other than the survivors of  9/11 and the American warriors that have directly engaged terrorism on the battlefield overseas or who have personally lost loved ones to Islamic Terrorism?

Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, who plays the lead role and Producer said, “Our goal in making this film is to create a national awareness and discussion amongst all Americans that local, regional and national law enforcement cannot beat this threat alone. It will take all Americans to be vigilant and aware to ensure an attack like 9/11 will never happen again.”

The producer of the The Perfect Day Film will be at Toledo Bend Cowboy Church on Sunday, December 4th at 6:00 PM to introduce and host the screening. Bro. Jeff Spring. Pastor of TBDB, said, “We are delighted to host this film event and the producer of the film to our church. It is important as believers we learn to be more vigilant in these uncertain times, but equally, we must be bold in proclaiming God’s providence and faithfulness.”

To view the trailer and learn more about the film, please visit: www.ThePerfectDayFilm.com

December 1, 2016 - I love the Christmas season. I love everything about it. I love the lights, the food, the smiles, the fellowship, the sappy Christmas movies on Hallmark channel, but most of all I love the music. Christmas carols are beautiful and each one has a message that is rich in history. I want to share the history of a few of these songs over the next couple of weeks.
              
Take for instance the carol "O Holy Night". It was extremely popular in France after it was written in 1847 but fell out of favor with the church when it was found out that the composer was Jewish. But God had other plans for the song. The French people knew and loved the song and continued to sing it outside the church and God used it in a powerful way in the the Franco-Prussian war, when a French soldier jumped out of the trench he had been fighting from in the middle of combat and began to sing "O Holy Night" on Christmas Eve1871. 

One of his German opponents countered by singing the German Christmas carol "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come" by Martin Luther. These two mens courage to drop there weapons and sing, led to a 24 hour truce in honor of Christmas Day. When word of how "O Holy Night" brought peace on that Christmas, traveled around the world, singing of the carol became popular. On Christmas Eve 1906, American professor Reginald Fessenden became the first person to broadcast his voice over radio waves. He read the Christmas story and sang "O Holy Night" making it the first song in history to be broadcast on the radio.
        
The message that we can take away from this story is that God can take things that others want to throw away and do great things with it when we use it serve Him. So don't feel discouraged if you feel like others have given up on you. God created you and has a purpose for your life. He loves you and wants you to be bold, step out of the trench you've been living in, sing His praises, and He will bring you peace.

                                I'm Just Sayin
                                Mike Belgard

December 1, 2016 - The Center First United Methodist Church will host Sacred Sounds of the Season Thursday, December 1 in the church sanctuary at 6:00 p.m. Soloists, pianists, choirs, handbell choirs, and choirs from around the county will all be a part of this joyous celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. Everyone is invited to attend.

December 1, 2016 - First Baptist Church of Timpson will host Southern Gospel Quartet, Paul's Journey, for a Christmas Themed Concert on December 11th at 6:00PM.

For more information please see our website at www.timpsonfbc.com First Baptist Church Timpson - Timpson Texas or call 936-254-2220. A love offering will be collected. We look forward to seeing each of you here.

W. Dee Daniel, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Timpson

November 29, 2016 - As John tells us in the 3rd Epistle of John; "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good." (3 John 11)

In the 5th chapter of Ephesians the great Apostle Paul is tells us just how we should walk or live as God's children.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8)

He makes no bones about it, telling us bluntly that as we are now blessed to be walking in the light of the Lord, we must act like it. In other words if we are going to talk the talk then we must walk the walk.

In the 4th chapter he tells us; "and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God ( to cause mental stress ), by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30) Having the blessing of redemption from God we are not to grieve, or cause mental stress, on the Holy Spirit.

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (loud outcry, to drive or force), and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice (evil intent, desire to hurt or harm). And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32) 

There is the formula for Christian living, loving God and loving our neighbor as ourself. We must remember, we are saved from God's wrath by God's grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We are so richly blessed being heirs of the throne of God, members of the Holy Family of God, no manner of earthly fortunes can compare to the riches we have stored up for us. Praise God daily for this blessing, amen...

But, this great fortune carries with it responsibility. Each of us may be the only image of Jesus many of the people we encounter each day will ever see. The image we project is going to be the vision they will forever have of the Lord Jesus. 

It is the responsibility of each and every Christian to project a Godly imitation. If we are going to talk the talk, then, we must walk the walk, or, we do Jesus a great disservice. 

As Paul tells us; "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." (Ephesians 5:1-2) 

We must project that Godly image if we are to serve God as He wishes each day.

May God bless all each day...

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