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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
July 31, 2017 - I was going through a really rough time in my life a few years ago and was trying to make sense of all the things that were happening. I wondered why these things were happening to me. Every time I turned around it seemed like I was getting hit from a different angle with something. Like everyone else going through times like this, I had questions for God. Like; Why is all of this chaos taking place in my life? and; Where are you God? I prayed for answers to my questions for weeks.
One night I had a dream. I dreamed that I was back in junior high school playing football. I remembered how it was the first time I got to play in a game. It seemed like controlled chaos on the field. In my dream I was playing quarterback. As I approached the line of scrimmage, every one was in there places, lined up like they were supposed to be, nice and neat on both sides of the ball. Then when I stepped behind the center and the ball was snapped to me, the picture changed rapidly. People were running in every direction. I was running and dodging trying to keep from getting tackled. Finally, I see my receiver open down the field and throw him a pass and he catches it for a touchdown. Then God took me up to the press box and showed me the same play. This time I could see everything unfold. What I noticed was that at ground level, all you could see and hear was the sound of hitting, grunting, people falling and running in every direction. But from the press box, what you saw was a well thought out and executed play. Your perception of what was happening had everything to do with your vantage point.
God showed me that night in my dream that we are the players on the field. From where we are life is chaotic and out of control, but He is the coach in the press box. Right now we only have a view from at the ground level. But from above He is orchestrating a grand victory for our lives. When we accept His game plan and stick to it faithfully, we will always come home a winner. Jeremiah 29: 11-13 God tells His people, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and pray to me and I will hear you. And you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Like a great coach God is always trying to lead you to victory. All you have to do is stop worrying about who you're playing and remember who you're playing for. Jesus has already won the game and He wants you on His team. No tryouts, no qualifying, just complete devotion to the team. Trust Him and bring home the victory.
I'm Just Sayin
Mike Belgard
July 31, 2017 - My wife, Clara, began her medical career in 1959 when she went to work for Dr. M. J. Buchele in San Augustine. She worked there several years along with Helen Farr until we moved to Houston in 1962. She then worked for several different doctors for the next twenty six years. She has the “inside scoop” of what really goes on behind the scenes in a doctor’s office.
Most of us see doctor’s offices as rather drab and usually full of sick people not on their best behavior. But, that view can be incorrect.
Clara was working for a Dr. Cruce in Houston on North Shepherd Street around 1964. She was receptionist/bookkeeper/lab assistant/nurse for the office. One spring morning when the waiting room was full of people waiting their turn, she heard someone cry out that there was a snake in the room. “A snake? I hate snakes! I am afraid of snakes, everybody knows that.” Clara thought as she responded to the distress call. But, she needed a weapon to fight off a dangerous snake and nothing could be found. She spotted a small cutting board on a cabinet. She grabbed it by its handle and rushed into the danger zone weapon at the ready.
The snake had coiled itself at the base of a pot plant. He was about a foot long and mostly green. “How did it get into our office?”, Clara wondered to herself. She mustered up all her gumption and quickly lay the cutting board on top of the snake, then stomped on it with her foot. The snake never knew what hit him. While this was happening, a male patient ran his finger up her back about the same time as a joke, which almost backfired. “Just for that I am giving you a shot with a square, rusty, needle”, Clara retorted.
The doctor never knew what was going on at the time, but found it amusing after it was over. However, Clara was not amused.
On another occasion a man walked into the same doctor’s office holding a cat in his arms. He walked up to the window and handed Clara the cat. He reported, “We don’t want the cat. Here, take it back.” She realized that he had mistaken their office for the Veterinary office located down the street. As the man turned to leave, Clara protested, “But, sir, this is a doctor’s office. The veterinary office is two doors down.” Apparently not hearing or understanding, the man looked over his shoulder and repeated, “I said we don’t want the cat. Just put it to sleep for all we care.”
As he walked out the front door, Clara raced after him with the cat in hand. She caught him in the parking lot and finally convinced him that he had brought the cat to the wrong office. He reluctantly took the cat back.
Back in the office Dr. Cruce kidded Clara, “Well, I see you almost got a new cat, didn’t you.” “I sure did, no thanks to you”, she replied.
Since Clara performed some lab tests for the office, she would normally take off her wedding rings to protect them from chemicals. On one occasion while she was taking her rings off they suddenly flew off her finger toward the floor, but she never heard them hit the floor. After performing the lab test, her number one project was to find her rings. She looked everywhere but could not find them. Even Dr. Cruce joined in the hunt but to no avail.
As a last resort, Clara asked Dr. Cruce if she could check the inside of his pant cuffs for the rings. He agreed and she found them there. The rings had apparently landed in his pant cuffs on their way to the floor.
Space prohibits me from relating several other incidents, such as getting her finger caught in the posting machine, accidentally breaking a finger by shutting a sliding door on it - she x-rayed it herself. She was even grabbed and kissed on three different occasions by male patients who apparently could not control their passion.
So, the next time you go to a doctor’s office you should realize that there could be some “doings in the doctor’s office” going on.
July 31, 2017 - Sunday wa s the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, in the midst of Ordinary Time on the Christian calendar. The Gospel Lesson from Matthew continues with the Kingdom parables. In today’s Gospel lesson—Matthew 13:11-33, 44-52—Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to five different things: a mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, a pearl, and a fishing net. Five common things related to the kingdom serve as a reminder that the Kingdom of God is close by. You can smell it—like you can often smell a coming rain shower. The Kingdom of Heaven is going to invade and embrace the earth.
Ms. Fannie had a really good lesson from the prophet Amos. As with other recent lessons, it is about the prophet answering the call. And as it is with other Jewish prophets, the call often requires sacrifice; further, criticism of what these prophets say can lead to alarm. From the high priest at Bethel, Amos is warned off criticizing the King or Israel. Amos maintains that he is not a prophet but a shepherd who has been called to prophesize.
All the month of July we have been collecting cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. In August, with an eye to the fast-approaching school year, we will collect packages of new children’s underwear and socks. School will begin shortly for Shelby County school staff with the kids following after that. I believe our friends in DeSoto Parish will begin next week. I have spoken to a few kids, who all said they were ready for school to start. I remember years of driving a bus. The morning route was always the easier because it was cooler, and the kids were not wide awake. But by afternoon the kids were hot and ready to get home—and to be rambunctious on the way.
Last week we had a good program at Lakeside Assisted Living. For the first time since her illness, Mrs. Hilda played piano for all the songs. We’re glad to have her back in the saddle! Maggie and Gene were in fine fettle, with Gene singing a couple of solos—even a request for the difficult “It Is Well with My Soul.” Fannie, Ollie, and Sue all did readings. Nora read but also sang a couple of hymns. Pastor Matt told us about the first mention of music in the Bible—speaking of Jubal in Genesis. And I emceed the whole shebang!
Next Sunday is the first Sunday of the month, so at Paxton Methodist we will celebrate Holy Communion. Our day and time for our ministry at Focus Care of Center (Green Acres) has changed to the 2nd Thursday of the month (August 10) at 10:30.
“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.
July 28, 2017 - The shepherd and members of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ is hosting a Women's Conference on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10am at Pineywoods Outreach. Shepherd, Elder LaKendrick Bluford invites you to come and experience the power of God.
Speakers will be Sis. Stephanie Hicks of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Center; District Mother Barbara Cloudy of Triumph Church, Center; Pastor Elgena Weaver of Mt. Zion CME, Center; and Missionary Carolyn Arthur of 1st COGIC, Carthage, Texas.
Pineywoods Outreach is located at 255 Haley Drive, Center, Texas. Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ is located at Hwy 87 South in Shelbyville, Texas.
Come experience the healing prayer of Prophetess Lydia Johnson of Morning Glory Worship, Center, Texas.
The Women's Conference is hosted by Elder Lakendrick and First Lady Denesha Bluford.
Hebrew 11:1 — Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
July 26, 2017 - Are your kids ready to chill out this summer?!?! Join us for some cool fun at Lydia Missionary Baptist Church Operation Artic VBS!!! August 7th-11th from 6:00pm - 8:30pm. All Ages welcome!!!
Kids will learn about the coolest book on the planet... the BIBLE as they enjoy songs, games & story time!!! A meal will be provided.
We're located in Huxley on FM 139. For more information call Pastor Michael McArthur at 936-368-2462.
July 26, 2017 - Gates Chapel Baptist Church will host homecoming services Sunday, August 6 at 3pm. Rev. Timothy Teel of the Bell Chapel Baptist Church will bring the message.
Also, Revival services Monday through Friday, August 7-11 at 7:30pm nightly. Bishop W.C. Martin of the Bennett Chapel Baptist Church will be the evangelist. Everyone is invited to attend says Pastor Frankie Cooper.
July 25, 2017 - "For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." (Psalm 147:1)
As with so many of the Psalms, the 147th Psalm is a song of praise to the Lord, it gives us so many reasons for praising or worshiping our Lord.
"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3) Yes, He is the "Great Physician", He deals with our wounds whether physical or spiritual and He binds them to Himself, covering us with His love.
"He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them, their names." "Great is our Lord and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure." (Psalm 147:4-5)
There is no measure of the power of the Lord, He created the world that we see daily simply by speaking it into existence.
"And God said; "Let there be light, and there was light." (Genesis 1:3)
Just as He created the sun, moon and stars, He created all of the universe simply by speaking it into existence. That, is the power of our God, there is none other like Him.
"The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground." (Psalm 147:6)
Once saved, one is protected from the penalty of sin, no longer judged guilty, but acquitted of all sin by the blood of Jesus. He lifts up the humble.
You may say, well I see many who appear to be evil and they are doing well, better off than I. Yes, that may be, in this world, but if you are truly saved, redeemed by the blood of Christ, then this world will no longer interest you. Your focus must be on the prize to come, the crown all believers will receive once in heaven. As we are told in 1 Peter; "so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God." (1 Peter 4:2)
Our God is so great; "He covers the heavens with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass grow on the hills." (Psalm 147:8) "He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry." (Psalm 147:9)
He watches over all things, He feeds all things, He constructed the universe so that it works in unison, each feeding the other within the circle of life. Being long-suffering, He gives time to all people, time to accept His Son, the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior.
"But, the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love." (Psalm 147:11) While He is long-suffering, His pleasure is in being needed by His children, He wants us to need Him, to ask Him first, for all things. "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:12)
God hears only one prayer from the sinner, the prayer of repentance, but He hears every prayer of His children.
He waits to hear from each of us, each day. God wishes to be with us, that is the goal, the reason for eternity when we will all be together and God will be among us. You see, God wishes to have a closer relationship with each of His children each day. When you devote ample time each day to prayer, you please God, for He takes pleasure in those who fear Him.
Give Him time today, take time just to sit and talk, privately, with the Lord. Pour out your heart to Him, tell Him your wishes, and praise Him; for He is worthy.
May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you this day...
July 25, 2017 - You are invited to the Community Concert & Fellowship at First Baptist Church, Center, Texas on Sunday, August 6, at 6:00 pm. An hour of great gospel music will be followed by a unique and exciting community party called Show and Tell. The First Baptist gym will have tables displaying a variety of crafts, collections, and hobbies. The First Baptist Family invites your family to be our guest for this evening of music, food and fun.
July 24, 2017 - Sunday was the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, in the midst of Ordinary Time on the Christian calendar. The Gospel Lesson from Matthew 13 continues with the Kingdom parables. In today’s parable Jesus speaks of a field of wheat that has also been sown with weeds. The particular weed in question looks like wheat but is actually poisonous. Parables are wonderful in their simplicity and poetry, but parables have a way of having multiple meanings. Looking at this field of dreams, the hope is that the wheat will grow and produce a bountiful harvest so that the most basic food of the ancient world—bread—can be produced. The weeds that had looked so falsely promising have turned darker than the wheat and are easily removed. Next week the Gospel will once again focus on kingdom parables, and in quick succession Jesus explains what the kingdom will be like.
Our Sunday school lesson was on Ezekiel’s Call and continues with the theme of the calling of the Old Testament prophets. Ezekiel was told to speak to the chosen people who had forgotten about God. Ezekiel’s courage to do this comes from the fact that God has fed him holy words and would be with him always.
Billy and Dianna Collum, friends of Keith and Vera, worshiped with us this morning. We certainly enjoyed having them and hope they will return. We were in double digits, and for a church our size that is something to celebrate. Joy and Gene Hutto brought okra from their garden to share with everyone.
Last week folks ventured to Holiday Nursing Center for our monthly program. We had more residents than usual and a rollicking good time. Minnie cheerfully played everything we threw at her. Fannie and Sue, because some of our presenters had to be absent, each read two selections. Mrs. Hilda and Jo strengthened our crew and our singing ability. It’s so nice that Mrs. Hilda is able to be with us again.
This Thursday we will head to Lakeside Village Assisted Living at 2:00 PM. All month we have been collecting cans of spaghetti and ravioli for Community Christian Services. In August we will collect new children’s underwear and socks. This summer has gone by fast, and it won’t be long until kids will be buying school supplies and other necessities for a new year. With the heat and humidity lately, it is hard to imagine riding a school bus to school. But stores are already shelving school supplies; at Hobby Lobby recently, they were selling Christmas items right alongside Fourth of July and summer markdowns!
Our sister church, Joaquin Methodist, is having Vacation Bible School this week. We thought they outdid themselves last year by building a barn façade in the sanctuary and having live animals. This year, though, they’ve built a castle and have knights in shining armor! What’s more, they received an award from the District as the best small church. Way to go, FUMCJ!
“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
July 24, 2017 - Joaquin Methodist will begin VBS at 9am on July 24th. The theme this year is "The Armor of God". Lunch will be served to the children at noon each day. There will be a commencement at 6:30 Friday evening, followed by hamburgers, hotdogs, and a bounce house. Come learn with us at the castle!!
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