Monday, Dec. 28th, 2009

Bible Thoughts — Where Are The Men?

“As David’s time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, ‘I am going the way of all of the earth.  Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man [lit. become a man]” (I Ki 2:1-2).

David was a man… a man of God… a man after God’s own heart.   He was a man of faith… a man of purpose… a man of godly action… a man who pressed through mistakes with penitence… a man who God could count upon to accomplish His work…  David was a man, not by birth, but character!

And, as David’s life drew to a close, the future of the Israelite nation rested upon the shoulders of his son, Solomon.  And, while Solomon was already a man in flesh, that is not enough to succeed for the Lord.  He had to “show [himself] a man;” or literally “become a man” in spirit, maturity and action.   David expounds upon his demands:

“Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn…” (I Ki. 2:3)

Being a man meant (and continues to mean)… accepting the charge to DO the will of God, to take ACTION in the ways God had laid forth, to KEEP His statutes and commandments and will for life, ACCORDING to what is written in the Word… An understanding that success as a man does not come by any other means but in developing Godly Integrity.

As we close out our year and begin a new one, I want to challenge our men to … well… be a man.  Be a man of God… a man after God’s own heart… a man of faith… purpose… a man of godly action… a man who pressed through mistakes… a man whom God can count on to accomplish His work!

—And, I also want to reveal why I wrote this article.   Frankly, it is disconcerting that our Wednesday night invitation signup sheet remains blank after this week, though our men have been asked to serve in this capacity.  I thought about how sending out this paragraph to hundreds of email addresses might be a point of embarrassment to our men… but… no more so than the ?????? after the dates for Wed. Invitation seen above.   So let’s make this right.  We have challenged our youth to take up the roles, but honestly, they will only be willing to do what they see their fathers and other men in the congregation do first!  So, while we often tell our teenagers to “be a man.”  I want to ask our men to “become a man” by hearing David’s description, identifying who God wants you to be, and taking godly action!—

kris

Monday, Dec. 28th, 2009

News and Notes:   Monday, December 21^st

News Among Members:

Andrew Dahlquist has been in San. Jac. Methodist since Saturday due to shortness of breath.  He is going to have a heart cath. within the next hour (12:30 a.m.) and updates will be sent later this evening.

Linda Bockmiller received results from tests on her brain tumor.  Surgery is needed and she will go in for that in 2 weeks.  We pray for success by the doctors and peace and strength for Linda and her family.

Richard Crenshaw recovered well from Staph infection and was able to worship yesterday.

Artie Williams is doing great after a difficult two week bout with Shingles.  Good to see him yesterday.

Dorrace Carrol also is doing much better after recent skin-cancer surgery.  Good to see her at worship.

Mary Griffin and Renate Turner and Sandra Brown are names we mention weekly… sweet ladies who continue to valiantly battle cancer.  Please consider ways to help them through these difficult times.

Donna Shoultz continues to be home sick.  We pray she will be better soon.

Christine Smith continues to deal with large struggles with loss and health issues in her family.  She desires to return to worship soon, and we pray she will be able to do so in the near future.

Elma Chilson is getting stronger at home following knee surgery but as of yet unable to get out.

Sharon Peach and Dale Mayfield were also at home yesterday due to ongoing health problems.  We cherish them both and pray for progress on their behalf.

New Members:   Rick and Linda Bockmiller

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Dec. 30^th –  Darryl Fry              Jan. 6^th — ???????              Jan. 13^th –  ???????

Monday, Dec. 21st, 2009

Bible Thoughts — Jesus’ Baptism

Lord willing, I would like to discuss on Sunday the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4.  But in preparation for that study I was reading Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism in chapter 3 and wanted to share that with you:

“Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”  But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  Then he permitted Him.  After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matt. 3:13-17

There is so much that could be discussed from this event, but firstly I want us to zero in on WHY Jesus did it.  We know that He was perfect and sinless.  John’s baptism was “with water for forgiveness” (3:11), and Jesus didn’t need to repent.  Our text reveals He did it “to fulfill all righteousness” (3:15).  What strikes me about this is how committed Jesus was to carrying out the will of His Father.  We read in another passage:  “Jesus said, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.’” (Jn. 4:34).   Jesus was not interested in doing “just enough.”  He wanted to go beyond even what was necessary, even what he had to do, to show that God’s will is good, and to bring honor to the plan of His Father!   So many folks are interested in doing the minimum to get to heaven.  Only doing the perceived “have-to’s.”  Please note Jesus was not a sinner so did not “have-to” be baptized, since He didn’t need to repent.  But to Him, He did “have-to” because His life was about doing all He could to serve God!

And… God was well pleased by the actions of His Son.  The scene that unfolds as Jesus comes up out of the water is nothing short of breathtaking.  What an encouragement it must have been to both men standing in that water.  It is an important doctrine passage to show that the Godhead is three separate persons:   Son in the water… Spirit descending as a dove… Father speaking from heaven.  And I believe it is a powerful passage to establish that.  However, that is not the emphasis here.  The emphasis is how the Father and Spirit respond to Jesus’ action.  They are so pleased with and supportive of Jesus at that moment.  Jesus had a hard road ahead of Him, but this moment would have given Him a lot of strength.   I hope you have experienced the moment of obeying the Father in baptism, knowing that in that moment God is well pleased and the Spirit descends in the form of redemption and salvation (Ac. 2:38).   And, even beyond baptism, please know that every time you go beyond the minimum and do something specifically to be righteous for God, He is affected by that.

Finally, by way of introduction to our probably study this coming Sunday morning, please note how quickly Jesus’ circumstances changed.  In our reading, He had to have been as encouraged and strong as at any point in His earthly life.  Obedient to God, baptized by a friend, addressed by God, and comforted by the Spirit.  But, in the very next set of verses (Matt. 4:1ff) the same Spirit led Him into the wilderness “to be tempted by the devil.”   Jesus faced great trial after a forty day fast, and came through unscathed by sin or any of the tempter’s efforts.  Reading both events back to back I have to wonder how much the highest of high (baptism) helped Him through the lowest of lows (wilderness).   It convinces me I need to grab tightly to the opportunities to be edified!  To worship, fellowship, study, prayer…righteousness.  For in those moments “to fulfill all righteousness” I may store up the strength to face the adversary!

kris

Monday, Dec. 21st, 2009

News and Notes:   Monday, December 21^st

News Among Members:

Richard Crenshaw is in San. Jac. Methodist suffering from a Staph infection.

Artie Williams is at home working his way through a painful bout of Shingles.

Mary Griffin was actually able to worship with us yesterday also, which was wonderful.  She continues to battle cancer and our prayers are with her.

Renate Turner was diagnosed recently with cancer in her jaw region.  She fought through the pain to worship yesterday but is certainly concerned about what procedure will come next.

Dorrace Carrol is recovering well from a recent procedure and it was nice to see her yesterday.

Sandra Brown continues to suffer effects from her treatments and has not been getting out of her house much lately.  Also, her father is in the hospital downtown.

Donna Shoultz was home sick yesterday.   Also, Heather Gardner as well as Dale Mayfield were home sick.

Jacque LaRue came forward yesterday asking for our prayers as she deals with pain in her body and her spiritual desire to press through in service to the King.  She’s a wonderful sister and we extend our hands to her.

Christine Smith continues to deal with large struggles with loss and health issues in her family.  She desires to return to worship soon, and we pray she will be able to do so in the near future.

Elma Chilson is now home recovering from recent knee surgery.

New Members:   Rick and Linda Bockmiller

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Dec.  23^rd – Tim Johnson                    Dec. 30^th –  Darryl Fry                        Jan. 6^th — ???????

Monday, Dec. 14th, 2009

Bible Thoughts The “Do Phrases” of II Timothy

Let me first extend a special thanks to Eric for stepping up and preaching for me last night.  He was only given a day or two of notice and he did a fine job.  He focused in upon two verses in II Tim.1: “…kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” It is crucial to understand the setting of this letter.  Paul was at the very end of his life.  He likely was put to death within a short time of writing this letter.  Timothy was a dear son to him in the faith.  I’ve often titled sermons from this letter:  “Lessons from the brink of death.”  These are the last thoughts Paul had the opportunity to share with a young preacher who would, Lord willing, have many years left to live the Christian life and preach the blessed Gospel.

And the letter contains lots of reassuring, faith-building passages; about eternal salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord, the undefiled power of God’s word to lead us, and the crown of righteousness awaiting the faithful.  But I am most strongly drawn to the “action” phrases of the letter.  Paul was calling for Timothy to take seriously his life in Christ and be busy about the work of the Kingdom.  I draw direction, inspiration and purpose from the things Paul commanded Timothy to do.  In my Bible, I have underlined all the “do phrases” of the letter and often go through them accepting the challenge to be greater for my King.  Below I have listed those terms from II Timothy and challenge you to do the same:

“kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you”  (1:6)   –important, since we all have gifts to exercise for God–

“do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner”  (1:8)

“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me”  (1:13)

“Guard… the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (1:14)
“be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1)

“The things which you have heard from me… entrust these to faithful men” (2:2)

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel”  (2:8)

“Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God…” (2:14)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved unto God as a workman…” (2:15)

“abstain from wickedness” (2:19)

“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace” (2:22)

“But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations” (2:23)

“be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged” (2:24)

“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition” (2:25)

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come” (3:1)

“Avoid such men as these” –see 3:1-5– (3:5)

“Indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (3:12)

“continue in the things that you have learned and become convinced of” (3:14)

“preach the word, be reading in season and out of season” (4:2)

“reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction” (4:2)

“be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (4:5)

In these verses Paul is compelling Timothy to stay focused and strongly committed to the things he can do in the kingdom:   teaching, learning, staying pure, keeping the right attitude, facing the faithless, correcting the brethren, enduring for the cause, and staying on guard…   I find inspiration from these commands!  I have to believe that if Paul could write one final message to you or me, it would challenge us to do these things.  Take it from a man who gave his life for the gospel and welcomed a crown of righteousness from God, and, II Ti. 2:7, “consider what I say.”

kris

Monday, Dec. 14th, 2009

News and Notes:   Monday, December 14^th

News Among Members:

Jean Ann Hogue has done very well after surgery and was with us yesterday.

Mary Griffin actually has cancer above her kidney in an area near where her adrenal gland was.  She will get direction from the doctor this week on the best course of action.

Elma Chilson is home after being in a rehab center for her knee for several weeks.

Dorrace Carrol is having a day surgery today (Monday) to remove skin cancer.

Sandra Brown was home yesterday feeling sick.  Also, Evelyn Dahlquist was also at home hurting.

Baptism: On Wednesday night, Erica Walker was baptized into the body of Christ.  We are so thankful for her and happy for the whole Walker family!

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Dec. 16^th – Mike Ferguson         Dec.  23^rd – Tim Johnson

Monday, Dec. 7th, 2009

News and Notes:   Monday, December 7^th

News Among Members:

Jean Ann Hogue is recovering at home after having a defibrillator installed last week.  She is doing well and is hopeful to be with us again very soon.

Let’s not forget new moms:  Angela Copeland and Emily West as they care for their new babies.  Both families are doing very well and we hope to see 3 new babies in our assembly in the next few weeks!

Dwight and Peggy Chaney, as well as Ray and Rita Ball have welcomed new grandbabies recently.

Mary Griffin will be going to the doctor a week from today to determine how best to treat the cancer recently found on her kidney.  She is at home and not able to get out often.  Prayers and calls would be appreciated.

Elma Chilson remains at the rehab facility where she is feeling stronger but isn’t sure when she her knee will be strong enough for her to go home:  [713-944-9689 – Ask for Elma]

Baptism: We continue to be so thankful for our new sister in Christ:  Brenda Ganter. She has been out of town for a couple of weeks but was back with us yesterday.  Please take a moment to meet her.

New Members: (last week to post – so make note) David and Denise Gerza, and daughter Samantha

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Dec. 9^th – Kenneth Miller             Dec. 16^th – Mike Ferguson                        Dec.  23^rd – Tim Johnson

Members Information Changes:

Emerson family change of Address/Number:  9407 St. Croix Way  Baytown, 77523   281-576-0903

Samples family new home Number:  281-573-4762

Lamerle Burgess change of Number:  713-825-1239

Monday, Dec. 7th, 2009

Bible Thoughts     — “Wisdom has built her house”

“Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; she has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table; she has sent out her maidens, she calls from the top of the heights of the city: ‘Whoever is naïve, let him turn in here!’ To him who lacks understanding she says, ‘Come, eat of my food and drink of the wine I have mixed.  Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding’” (Prov. 9:1-6).

In this beautiful proverb, Solomon personifies wisdom as a woman who has built and prepared a perfect place to rest and be nourished (like mom preparing Thanksgiving dinner!).  And she isn’t hiding her feast.  She sends out to all the invitation to come and enjoy of her labor and be benefitted by it.  She encourages all to forsake the folly without and enjoy the fruits of what she has within her house.   The point is abundantly clear and important:  God has laid out wisdom through the Scripture to fill us up with the knowledge we need to live righteous and well.  Everything we need is found there; and He isn’t hiding any of the goods.  All of this is laid open in Scripture and made available to all.  The question is:  will we forsake the folly of life outside of His Knowledge; and humbly, frequently and fully come to the feast?  Will you take the time to sit at the table of blessing and dine upon the perfect law of liberty?

To help you decide how fervent a Bible student you should be, I want to share with you some of Solomon’s thoughts in the following chapter: (Proverbs 10).  He goes back and forth throughout the chapter showing us the difference between someone who is dining with wisdom, and someone who is deficient outside her dwelling; i.e, the fool.  I’ll italicize the phrases pertaining to wisdom and underline the conditions of the fool:

“A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.”

“The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger, but He will reject the craving of the wicked.”

“He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully”

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence”

“The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

“The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined”

“He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out”

“The mouth of the righteous is the fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence”

“Hate stirs us strife, but love covers all transgressions”

“On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding”

“Wise men store up knowledge, but with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand”

“The wages of the righteous is life, the income of the foolish is their poverty”

“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, but he who ignores reproof goes astray”

“The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little”

“Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding”   (profound!)

“The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened”

“The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes”

“The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, but ruin to the workers of iniquity”

“The righteous will never be shaken, but he wicked will not dwell in the land”

Several of those proverbs remind me of what Jesus taught us about our pursuit of wisdom:  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt. 5:6).

Question:  Who do you want to be?  How do you want you choices noted: italics or underlines?  And, more importantly, can we see from the combination of chapter 9 and 10 that only time spent dining at the table of God’s wisdom, (personal study, family study, doing lessons for Bible class, attending Bible class and worship faithfully), will give us the nourishment we need to be a wise son who makes his father glad?

kris