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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
January 29, 2019 - Sunday was the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. We had a small crowd this morning, as several members were out of town. Our Sunday School lesson today was based on Philippians 2: 1-11. Paul. while languishing in prison, urges Jesus followers to be of one mind by being humble and looking out for the interests of others. Our writer speaks of resetting our mind-defaults to the ways of Jesus. Mrs. Fannie read a prayer used in the lesson that asks God to guide our thinking in all matters. We should all be asking for his advice daily.
All during the month of January, Paxton Methodist has been collecting cans of tuna. After church today we loaded them up in my truck, and I will deliver them to Community Christian Services. In February we will collect soap and shampoo to donate. It is hard to believe that we are one entire month into 2019! Living in Texas we sometimes—like recently—have all four seasons in one week! It has been so cold but today the sun is shining and it is beautiful outside. My four-legged companions and I went walking in the park, and I had an extra step in my get-along. But the weather folks says we are about to be hit with an artic blast. At least in Texas that kind of weather doesn’t hang around long.
The Old Testament Lesson and the Gospel Lesson both are about reading and hearing the scripture. In the lesson from Nehemiah, the returned exiles are hearing the wonderful stories of the Torah for probably the first time. They learn how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt and brought them to a Promised Land. And most importantly, they found out that the Creator decided long ago to pitch his tent among his people. In our Gospel Lesson from Luke, Jesus preaches at the synagogue in his home town. He reads from Isaiah and says that the promises made are being fulfilled at that very moment (in him).
Our nursing home program was at Lakeside Assisted Living this past week. As usual, it’s not just our little church—or even the Methodist churches—that have folks willing to take part in the program. Minnie played piano for the group, which Hilda always appreciates since it leaves her free to sing. Another of our favorite singers is Margie, who is always so kind to join us. Pastor Matt handled the preacher duties with Scripture, explanation, and prayer. Gene sang my favorite hymn, “Morning Has Broken,” and the beautiful “Hymn of Promise.” Nora, who not only sings a capella but also solo, was this time joined by her sister Jo in a duet. Those girls (including others of their sisters) can really sing! Fannie had a reading about older folks, which included pretty much everyone listening—except Pastor Matt. Sue read a kids’ book, The Day the Goose Got Loose,” rhyming away.
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.
January 28, 2019 - For all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior there is confidence, a confidence born in the knowledge of their own security gained through their acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior and their obedience to him.
For on that day when each one accepts him as their Lord their relationship with the Father changes.
“In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; For the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” (John 16:26-27)
By these words all who have accepted him have peace, knowing that though he has gone, for now, that he will come again and take them unto himself, forever.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but, take heart; “I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The assurance of overcoming the world and of eternal life with Christ, the joy of all who would believe and obey.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
For all who follow him have the assurance of life eternal for, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)
Jesus does not promise an easy life, in fact, for all who do believe and obey him there is the promise of tribulation while we are in the world, but also the assurance of an eternity with Christ when our time on earth is done. We shall overcome!
May we all gain the knowledge and trust of Paul, for as he sat in chains nearing the end of his life on earth he gave us this assurance of spiritual contentment in Christ.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:11-13)
Paul had survived so many things in his service to the Lord; ship wrecks, snake bites, so many imprisonments, beatings, he had even been left for dead after being stoned by one town, and yet he remained faithful and had complete confidence in the outcome of his life. He writes in his final letter to Timothy; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Again, the assurance of blessings to come for all who love the Lord. And so, I ask you today, do you know the Lord, does he know you? Do you have the assurance of an eternity spent with the Lord?
Accept Jesus Christ as Lord today and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life to be spent with Christ.
My friends, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
May Gods blessing be upon you forevermore…
January 28, 2019 - In 1951 as I hitch-hiked back to Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, I stopped in for “chili dog” sandwich in Mena, Arkansas. The sandwich cost me twenty-five cents (the cheapest thing on the menu) and it left me a ten dollar bill in my wallet and some change in my pocket. But when I got back to school and reached for my wallet, it was gone. I had lost it somewhere between Mena and Springfield, so I figured I’d lost it in someone’s car that had picked me up. Most of the ministerial students at The Baptist Bible College were “pore”: and we depended on each other for survival food.
About two weeks later I got a package with my wallet and ten dollar bill still in it. A note was included: “Thought you might need this”…and it had no return address. I rushed down to a little store on nearby Route 66 and bought a huge jar of Jiffy Peanut butter, returned to the dorm and got the news out: “Peanut butter in my room… BYOC,” (Bring Your Own Crackers). That night Charlie Wisdom, Billy McCall and I had a feast in my room: peanut butter, crackers…and plenty of water.
I’ve heard a lot about preachers and chicken, but some of my fondest memories of Seminary days was a bunch of young preachers passing around a jar of peanut butter …..thanking the man for the ten dollars….holding hands…and thanking God …not for chicken…
….but for delicious Peanut Butter and crackers.
January 25, 2019 - Open Door Baptist Worship Center, 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Tx 75935, Pastor Alvin Davis.
- February 3, 2019 - Family and Friends Day 2:30pm Bishop W.C. Martin and Bennett Chapel Church Special Guest
- February 16, 2019 - Open Door Gala 6pm Piney Woods Outreach Center 255 Haley Dr. Center, Tx Tickets $10 Formal-Semi Formal
- February 24, 2019 - Pack the Pew 3pm Pastor Clarence Yarbrough and Star of Hope Special Guest Nacogdoches, Tx
January 23, 2019 - Open Door Baptist Worship Center announces their February schedule of events.
- February 3, 2019 is Family and Friends Day at 2:30 PM with Bishop W.C. Martin and Bennett Chapel Church as special guests.
- February 16, 2019 is Open Door Gala at 6 pm in the Piney Woods Outreach Center, 255 Haley Dr., Center, Tx. Tickets are $10 and it is a Formal-Semi Formal event.
- February 17, 2019 is the 19th Church Anniversary at 2:30 PM with Pastor Freddie Wilson and the St. Paul Baptist Church as special guests.
- February 24, 2019 is Pack the Pew at 3:00 PM with Pastor Clarence Yarbrough and Star of Hope of Nacogdoches as special guests.
Open Door Baptist Worship Center is located at 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Tx 75935 and is lead by Pastor Alvin Davis.
January 22, 2019 - The 4th Annual 100 Men in Black hosted by Bendford Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 3pm.
Please bring your young men to listen to guest speaker Rev. DeMontre Palmer of Houston, Texas. Everyone is invited to attend and please RSVP by April 5, 2019.
Benford Chapel MBC is located at 126 Martin Luther King, Tenaha, Texas 75954. Pastor is Joseph Hall, Sr.
To RSVP go to https://www.eventbrite.com . Click register and tell us your name, email address and how many people will come with you. Once that is completed your registration is done. If you are a Preacher or a Pastor please let us know that by addressing yourself as such. Any questions about this event feel free to text (281)804-3749 and all questions will be addressed in a timely manner.
1 Corinthians 11 and 3 - "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God"
January 22, 2019 - Mark the date.. January 24th is the date.. Don't miss it..
Chicken Sausage Gumbo or Chili Fundraiser $10. Your choice of Gumbo n Rice, or Chili, Crackers, Slice Cake, and choice of drink..
**We will be sit up on 96 North, building next door to Goodwin Roofing from 10 till 1***
Preorder yours today give Nancy a call at 936-591-4729 or order from any church member.
All proceeds from donations and sales will go towards our church building fund at First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ..
Our Pastor is Bro. M.D Lamon
Associate Pastor Bro. Richard Goodwin
Also a HUGE thank you for all the Love and Support and help with making this dream a reality.
May God bless and continue to pour out his blessings. Much love for the Church Family at First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.
January 22, 2019 - Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ Announces the African American Heritage Celebration Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 12:30 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate the culture of African Americans.
Speaker: Evangelist Fred Ollie, Associate Pastor of House of Prayer in Silsbee, TX
The celebration will be held at
620 Greer Street: P O Box 191
Center, Texas 75935
Elder Cleon D. Williams, Sr., Pastor
All monies received will benefit the L. D. Suell Memorial Scholarship Fund.
For more information contact Sis. Shirley Suell at (936) 598-3041 or Sis. Debbie Suell-Tanner at (936) 462-9604.
January 21, 2019 Center – Gospel and Christian music fans need to circle Sunday, January 27, 2019 on their calendars! On that date, Nashville, Tenn. father-and-son duo Ernie and Jason Couch will be in concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Center located at 211 Porter Street.
Ernie and Jason will be bringing an exciting mixture of 20th century gospel classics and originals to town. These guys are known across the United States and Canada for their live music, good humor and genuine spirit. Many describe the group as refreshingly different and a lot of fun. Jason Couch stated, “We want to reach everyone from all age groups and backgrounds, with the message of the music. We enjoy what we do and want the people to enjoy it just as much. We certainly will give it all we got in the time we have.”
This duo has been traveling the road for almost three decades, presenting a professional evening of music. Besides a Grammy nomination, having a number of songs in the gospel charts both here and abroad, Ernie and Jason have recorded with such greats as George Beverly Shea, Jake Hess, George Jones, Petra, James Earl Jones, Pattie Page and Dallas Holm to name a few.
Please take the time to check these guys out for yourself at www.erniecouchandrevival.com or on their Facebook page at Ernie Couch & Revival. If you want to enjoy a great evening of music, don’t miss seeing Ernie and Jason in concert!
Additional information regarding the concert can be obtained by contacting the church office at (936)598-2707. There will be no charge for the concert, but a love offering will be taken.
"Take heed that ye do not your good deeds before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 6:1
January 21, 2019 - Back in the seventies I opened a Gun Shop in Mauriceville. Texas. Early one morning I heard a loud motor in front of the shop --- so loud that I stepped outside to see what it was. It was an old vintage pickup idling at a dying throb. A man with a badly scarred face stepped out and walked me to the back of his truck. “Look at what I caught for supper,” he smiled as he pointed at three small perch flouncing around in the bed. "I caught’em down the road," he said.
He brought an old .22 in the shop and began our conversation by telling me how he stepped on a land mine in Korea and almost died from it. "I promised God I’d serve Him forever if He let me live." "Have you lived for him," I asked. "Naw… I should have but I aint." He told me that his Dad had given him the rifle (a 510 Remington single shot) when he was 11 years old. "The safety don’t work no more and sometimes it goes off." Even though it needed to be re-blued and stock repaired, he told me to "just make it safe to shoot." "I can’t afford nothing else." I told him he could pick it up in two weeks.
I felt so sorry for the man that I decided to restore the rifle completely and make it a gift to him. I ordered a new Fajen black walnut stock for it, completely polished it, blued it, and fixed his safety and trigger sear. I was really proud of that rifle! It actually looked better than it did from the factory. Exactly two weeks later, I heard a loud-idling truck drive up and knew who it was. I handed the beautiful .22 to him (which should have cost him $200) and with absolutely no emotion whatsoever he asked, "How much?" When I told him ten dollars, he calmly pulled out his billfold. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw SCORES OF $100 BILLS crammed in his wallet. After slowly extracting a ten dollar bill, he said, "Thank ’ye," strolled to his idling truck, and rattled up the highway.
I’m glad no one saw the look on my face as I stood speechless that day. My first thought was... "I can’t believe this." My second thought was... "How stupid can you get?" My third thought was... I’m a Christian, but God never told me I’d understand everything. He told me to do everything for the right reason. So the more I thought, the more I figured... that man didn’t have to appreciate me...
... as long as God did.
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