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Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard | Tim Perkins
Faith
December 14, 2016 - Center Christian Fellowship will be sharing The Christmas Story and Christmas Carols tonight, Wednesday, December 14th at 6:30pm. A special version of The Christmas Story will be read by Jana Keele. Everyone is invited to attend. Christmas refreshements will be served.
December 14, 2016 - The Beatles recorded a song back a few years ago titled "Let It Be". The gist of the song had to do with the wisdom that was in the words that the young Mary spoke when confronted by the angel Gabriel when he informed her that she had been chosen by God to carry His son. You see Mary didn't understand how all this was going to happen asking, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" The angel explained it to her in detail. Then realizing that this was going to be an event that was far beyond her understanding, she uttered those words of wisdom that the Beatles sang about: "Let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
What is so wise about those words you may ask? Well its the attitude of the one saying them that makes them so wise. She is telling God and everyone else, that she has surrendered to the will of God. That even though she doesn't understand what God is doing with her or how all this is going to turn out, that she is going to trust God through whatever happens. We need to understand that if we have that same attitude in our relationship with God, that He can, and will be able to use us to change the world. What we have to do is quit trying to figure everything out and just "let it be" and let God work out His plan for our lives.
Mary had found that following Gods plan was always better than following her own. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." When we let God direct us into His will, we will always come out on the right side of trials, adversities, and life in general. Gods plan for you is way grander than anything you could plan for yourself.
As we reflect on this Christmas season let us never forget that the greatest gift that has ever been given, is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus was given through a young lady who was full of grace, who had surrendered her will to that of loving Father when she said "Let it be." Let me encourage you to just let go of the things that are burdening you and turn it over to God. Trust Him and "let it be" for your life what is His true and perfect will for you. You will never regret it. Accept the gift of Jesus this Christmas season.
I'm Just Sayin,
Mike Belgard
December 12, 2016 - Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church will be hosting their Annual Christmas Program, "Sounds of the Season," on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 3:30p.m.
Come celebrate the birth of the Messiah with the song, the dance, and the instrument!
Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, and Mighty God
Veronica Berry ~ Choir President
Rev. Elgena Weaver - Pastor
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III - Presiding Prelate
Rev. Trever Barnett - Presiding Elder
December 12, 2016 - Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent. Traditionally this Sunday has been known as Gaudete Sunday and the command is that we rejoice. This Sunday we used the Magnificat or Canticle of Mary as our Gathering Words. Mary, a young peasant girl around 13 or 14, speaks of her spirit rejoicing; her joyous words tell of good news where the powerful will be brought low and those that struggle will be exalted.
The Epistle Lesson for Sunday was James 5:7-10. This small group of verses set inside this small epistle reminds the faithful to be patient, just like the farmer who waits for spring or rain. We humans do not do a very good job of being patient. I remember my father saying that he wanted patience and he wanted it right now! James is dealing with a growing problem in the Jewish Jesus communities. The faithful are waiting for Jesus to return and set things right. They remember that he said that this generation will not taste death as the Kingdom was coming very soon. And yet more and more of “this generation” were dying off, and anxiety was setting in. Patience, says James!
Ms. Hilda and the faithful headed off to Green Acres last Monday. Pastor Matt was home from seminary and led the singing. On Monday Sue had to take me to the doctor in Shreveport to have my eyes checked out. I got a good report, always a nice feeling. This coming Thursday we will go to Lakeside Village Assisted Living. Ms. Hilda said Joyce Hughes plans to be there, which means we will have some wonderful music and singing. Then a week from this coming Tuesday (December 20th) our monthly ministry is at Holiday Nursing Center .
Last Tuesday 33 folks met at Paxton Methodist for our annual Paxton Community Christmas Party. We had plenty of good music and stories and, of course, food. We love seeing our neighbors and folks who have long ties to Paxton. Christmas Morning Services will be at 10:00 AM, and there will be no Sunday School that day.
Our new District Superintendent is the Reverend Tony Vinson; I will meet with him for a yearly meeting in January. 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. Gene has gotten me answers to all the finance questions, so last night I started entering data into the End-of-Year Reports. In years past all Methodist ministers would head to the District office to have their records audited. But with the Internet our reports are sent through Ezra Reporting System to our District and Conference. John Wesley was always a forward-looking person, but he would be amazed by all the advancements since his day. He would also be saddened to see that war is more common than peace and that the powerful and well-heeled are even more in charge than in his day.
Community Christian Services is in full swing this holiday season. Food and clothing giveaways at the former Haslam Baptist parsonage are monthly now; that part of CCS is so well organized—and making plans to expand further. First Baptist has been gathering, organizing, and wrapping children’s Christmas gifts of clothes and toys: Their pick-up day is set for Friday, December 16. The East Texas motorcycle guys had a rally at Joaquin Methodist this past weekend, with all proceeds going to the part of CCS run by that church. Everyone seemed to be having a great time at the rally, and their big hearts make life easier for needy families here.
“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 12, 2016 - Jesus told a story of a man who is sowing seeds in the field.
As he works across the land he encounters 4 types of soil in which he drops seeds; (1) the wayside (2) stoney ground (3) thorns (4) the good soil.
"Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell in stoney places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears let his hear." (Matt. 3:3-9)
In this story we see the seeds as the Word of God, the scriptures, and the 4 types of soil as 4 types of people. Three of these can be found in church, some occasionally, some very regularly, going to all services, most though on Sunday mornings only.
First, we have the wayside, the ones who are not even interested in the gospel or Christ or salvation, any seeds dropped there are immediately swept away by the creatures of the earth. These are the ones you might try to testify to that can't get away fast enough from being told about Jesus.
Second, we have the stoney ground, these are the ones who go to church and accept the preaching but they have no depth and as soon as they pass from the church building they are immediately back into their earthly world, the seeds were wasted on them. You find them in church occasionally on Sundays, usually Easter Sunday and Mother's Day.
Third, the thorns, these accepted the Word and even held on to it until a crisis or hard times comes along. Then, they turn away from God and back into their worldly haunts where the Word is choked off and they slip back into the world of the Prince of the air. Thankfully, many of these do return to the Lord and get their spiritual lives back in order and become productive for the Lord.
Fourth, the good ground, the solid Christians who understand their relationship with the Lord and know that they are not "of this world", but are simply strangers passing through looking for a city, not built with hands.
These yield good fruit, many times the amount needed to seed their lives, Jesus says even as many as one hundred times the investment. These are what we all strive to be, living and walking with the Lord daily, doing His will and not our own nor the wishes of the world. Working daily to bring others closer to our Lord.
James, the half brother of Jesus, says this; "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22)
That is yielding the good fruit, not just sitting and listening to the word each week, but using our talents to grow good fruit for the Lord. Amen...
May the Lord bless and keep you every day...
December 12, 2016 - In 1984, I became the Pastor of The Magnolia Baptist near Vinton, Louisiana in a community called “Big Woods”. It was a utopia for anyone wanting peace and quiet. The church was so hidden on a backwoods road that that there were days that not a single vehicle passed through “The Woods”. I was particularly overjoyed when I learned that my sister Meri had married my friend Mike Duggan and that they’d be living only six miles from me. My sister’s living near me not only gave me her excellent company……it also gave me her excellent cooking. Her son Jeremy was a senior in high school and often visited the night service at our church. After church, Jeremy, Pam and I would cross the river for a hamburger at Nick’s Café.
One afternoon I was on my way to photograph a high school Rodeo star at the Louisiana Tourist Bureau. As I changed lanes to approach my turnoff, I remember a loud jolting boom….. and awaked minutes later staring at long strands of hair hanging from my smashed windshield. Then someone shouted from the highway: “Don’t move, Preacher…don’t move!” On the way to the hospital Sherriff Landry told me that I had crashed into a car that was stalled on the inner-lane of the highway.
When I got home the next day my brother-in-law came and picked glass fragments from my scalp and forehead. My cracked ribs made it impossible for me to get out of the bed and as I lay wondering what to do, Jeremy walked in the door. “How’ye doing, Docta?”, he laughed. “I’ve got a week off from school and have come to take care of you.” He stayed with me all week and did everything needed to speed me to recovery.
Pam and I met Jeremy and his wife for lunch in Marshall, Texas last week. Jeremy was the same boy (just 30 years 0lder)…jovial… and still laughing at my warmed-over jokes. He plays the bass guitar and teaches Sunday School in his church in Tyler, Texas.
I’m not just so proud of Jeremy.…… I love that boy.
December 9, 2016 - With 38 years of ministry for Paul’s Journey, this award winning quartet will give a concert at Toledo Bend Cowboy Church Friday, December 9th, at 6:00 PM.
Paul’s Journey is a Chapel Valley Music Recording Artist on the “inspire” label & have garnered many Top 40 Radio hits and has earned 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, to name just a few of their awards. 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.
The concert will be preceded by a Covered Dish Dinner at the church at 5:00 PM. 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 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.
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