It is the opening view that John receives of heaven in Revelation, God on his throne.  This is the perspective that God wants John to have as he reveals to him the future, what must come.  It is the place that God also wants for us to put him, at the center on the throne.  That perspective also is there to give us hope and assurance.  God on the throne isn’t just putting God in charge.  It is knowing that God is in charge, whether we put him there or not.  We pray “Thy will be done.”   But honestly that’s what’s going to happen anyway. 
   When we pray for God’s will to be done, what we really are saying is help me to see it your way God.  When John ascended the throne room of God he was getting the picture from on high, this is how things are going to be so you might as well get on board.  This view of life can be daunting as we consider that all of history is in God’s hand.  However, it should also be reassuring to know that God has it all in hand.  This view applies to national politics and world events, but it equally applies to my own concerns and uncertainties. 
   This isn’t to say that we don’t need to or get to voice our needs and concerns to God.  We are told in scripture to bring our anxieties and petitions to him.  But it isn’t that God doesn’t already know the need, he wants us to know that we can bring it to him and that we need to surrender it to him.   What can’t God do?  There is nothing that is not under the authority of God, but we need to surrender our will to that knowledge and find in him the peace from knowing I’m not really the one who has to make it all work.
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                                                                                                             Don
 

   Would anyone really believe this news that we have to tell?  Does anyone see in this news God showing us his power?  He grew like a weed on a hot dry day, He wasn’t much to look at, at least not one to turn the heads of pretty girls.  He wasn’t likely to be voted most popular guy in school, in fact most of the popular kids just did their best to avoid him, to look away.  Let’s just say he knew what it was to sing the blues.
   He felt the grief and sadness of others; I mean he really carried it.  In fact it seemed like God himself had it in for this guy.  He carried the weight of our hurts, lost dreams, all our guilty regrets, it seemed to crush him.   And yet those around him often found peace and healing because he took on their hurts and pains.   We were the stupid ones, the lost ones, the rule breakers, but he paid the price.  And he didn’t yell back. He didn’t post hateful things about us on Twitter. He just looked on in silence. 
    He didn’t get a fair deal and his life was cut short way too soon.  He died the death of a criminal and was buried in a rich man’s grave.  But God had his reasons for the beat down he received; there was a deeper work being done and meaning in the end.  After the hurt comes the healing, not just of his wounds but of all of us.
   The end of the story, the lesson learned - out of sacrifice comes joy, out of death comes life. Who would have believed it?
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    Isaiah 53 
 

    The story goes that one day Einstein was writing on the chalkboard the times table for 9.   9 x 1 = 9, 9 x 2 = 18 and so on.  When he got to 9 x 10, he wrote 91.  There was a burst of laughter from the students, the genius had made a mistake.  Einstein waited till the laughter died down and then commented ‘No one applauded me even though I had correctly evaluated the nine questions; nevertheless, when I just missed on question, everyone started laughing; this implies that even if a person is extremely successful, society will notice and relish his tiniest mistake.  So don’t let criticism derail your ambitions; the only person who never makes a mistake is the one who doesn’t try.”
    We live in a world that is eager to point out our mistakes.  People are quick to judge and with the internet often those judgements are public knowledge.  Also these judgements are usually made with little or no knowledge of the circumstances of the person being judged.  Many folks today have been silenced by such judgements too afraid to speak up for fear of being ridiculed.  But as Einstein said if we never fail, that usually means we never tried.  The walk of faith is an unsteady one.  We don’t do it perfectly from the first step on.  We wobble, we stumble, we fall on our faces.  What is God’s response – to laugh and make fun of us or to turn away in disgust over our inability? 
    The apostle Paul expressed it this way to the Philippian church:  “Not that I have already obtained all this (spiritual maturity), or have already been made perfect but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:12-14
    Paul was saying he made mistakes too, but he didn’t let that stop him.  He would get up and keep stepping (often falling again) towards the goal.  When a child is learning to walk, what is the response of the parents?  Do they laugh at the child or point out what a poor effort the child made towards walking?  Of course not, they praise the child for the effort, they encourage the child to get up and try again, and love the child no matter what.  As we look to others and feel the need to judge them remember the words of Jesus, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2
    If you really want to change people for the good, judging and criticizing them isn’t the answer.  Meeting them where they are, seeing the efforts they are making and then gently pointing them in the right direction will work much better.
 
​                                                 Don

 

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   The Bible has been described as God’s love letter to us.  Now it isn’t like the letters I wrote to Jacqueline while we were dating, full of things like hugs and kisses, and it certainly isn’t like a romance novel that you would pick up at the Five and Dime (just checking to see how old you are).  A lot of what is in those novels deals with getting what I want from another person, including those hugs and kisses.  The Bible tells us the story of what God is willing to do to have a relationship with us and it isn’t just about what he wants or what we have to do.  It is a story of sacrifice, mostly what God was willing to sacrifice for us.  It is a story of love in action and he is the one doing most of that as well. 

  I Corinthians 13 lays out for us God’s idea of what love should be.  It isn’t found in grand gestures that boil down to nothing in the end like a clanging cymbal or empty promises.  Love shows up every day and does what needs to be done, even if it isn’t front page news.  Love seeks the good of the other person and doesn’t put itself and selfish needs first.  Love isn’t grouchy, but understands when the other person is.  Love always shows up, but doesn’t show out.  In most ways God’s love is just the opposite of what we celebrate on Valentine’s Day.
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   While it is nice having that someone who makes your heart pitter patter it is also nice having that deeper more secure love that you know isn’t going anywhere.  God isn’t looking for a better date or a better deal.   God isn’t just in love with you, but he is committed to you, so much so that he gave us his one and only son, Jesus.  It isn’t a competition to see who God loves the most, God loves us all.  Therefore, I need to reflect that love.  I don’t have to be better than you so that God will love me more.  He already loves me completely.  I don’t have to hate you so that God will know how much I love him.  In fact it is in loving others that I show how much I understand how much God loves me.  So if you want to send God a valentine this year, share his love with those around you (especially the grouchy ones).
 
    Don
 

   Often as I write the newsletter, I’m pulling up an old one and just typing over it.  And so I found myself thinking about what would be important for us to center on as we enter the new year and what came to mind is that we need to be like Jesus.  I even had the scripture in mind, the one where Paul says be like me as I am like Christ.  I pulled up June of this past year and what did I see as my article – Be Like Jesus.  And there was the verse in which Paul told the church at Corinth, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1.   I even remembered writing the article and as I reread it, I still agree with it.
 
   As I wrote in June, “What does it mean to “Be like Christ”?  I think we can safely hang up our robes, but since it is summer you might want to wear your sandals.  And Jesus came to save us from trying to follow each and every law or interpretation of the law, so you don’t need to carry around stones.  In fact, on that account, even Jesus when he had the chance to throw a stone didn’t, and encouraged others also to not throw stones, but find forgiveness.  In case you don’t remember that one, read John 8.  To be like Jesus means more than following his dress and customs, it means to think and act as he would have.  His attitudes need to be our attitudes.  The way to learn this is to immerse ourselves in the gospels, not just Jesus’ teaching but how he lived.  We may find that many of the ideas and attitudes we were raised with are not reflected in how Jesus lived.  We tend to be judgmental of those who aren’t like us, but Jesus was open and receptive to these people.  We seem to think the best way to influence our society for good is to pass laws making them obey, while Jesus first sought to win their heart.
 
   To live like Jesus is radical, and uncomfortable.  Truly living like Jesus will mean that you will often find yourself at odds with the people around you, out of step with popular media and ideas.  But isn’t that what we are called to do?  Paul said that we are not to let the world press us into its mold, in other words, the attitudes and ideas that are expressed around us.  We are to have our minds transformed by what God would have us know and think.  Many of you are thinking that I’m referring to the liberal media and folks on Wall Street.  Read the gospels again.  Who is Jesus most at odds with?  When the church puts power and politics ahead of mercy and real faith, we are out of step with the one who really matters. 
  
​   Go back to the verse we started with and read the verses leading up to Paul’s statement.  From I Corinthians 10:23 on he is talking about how we should live our freedom in Christ, and it isn’t to please ourselves or to fit into what those around us want.  We are to live in such a way to be Christ to those around us.  Sometimes that will mean putting aside our attitudes and doing what is best for the other person.  Sometimes the best we can do for the other person is to show them the example of Christ.  In all things we are to show love and forgiveness, because that is how Christ lived.”
 
   While I have preached on this often, I am still pulled to the message and the need to share it more.  It seems as I look around the call for the church to be the church grows instead of shrinks.  The world more than ever needs a Savior, needs Jesus to walk among us again, and the only way that will happen is if the church will return to her true calling.  So here we go again, “Be like Christ”.
 
    Don
 

 

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   You may be saying right now, “Hey preacher, you misspelled holidays.”  The origin of our term holiday is “holy day”.  From a spelling viewpoint it’s only a slight change but think about the impact that change should have on the way we view the holidays.  Holidays are fun, hectic, family centered and well secular.  For many people, though we know these holidays have religious origins, we don’t view them first from a religious viewpoint.  Sure having a religious program is part of the activities, but often it’s an afterthought or something we pencil in at the bottom of our list.  The main focus, what we spend most of our time, money and energy on, isn’t any different than anyone in Carthage celebrating, regardless their faith. 
   When we see Thanksgiving and Christmas as holy days, that puts the spiritual aspect of it front and center.  First and foremost I see Thanksgiving as a time to reflect on the blessings of God.  Taking time to not only count my blessings, but to reflect on how God has been there for me this past year.  The turkey and dressing becomes secondary.  The football games can wait while I spend some time with God.  Seeing Christmas as a holy day and not an excuse to shop till I drop shifts priority away from myself, or even family and friends, to the manger – the Christ child. 
How do I make this shift?  It is more than just changing the spelling; it is changing my mind.  Jesus wasn’t just an afterthought of God.  God didn’t say, “Well I guess that whole Law thing didn’t work out.  What should I do next?  Oh, I know I’ll send my Son.”  The whole focus of history is God telling us his love story for us.  From Genesis to the Gospels, we see man’s struggles with sin, with trying to be good enough for God’s love.  God already saw us through the lens of the cross – “For God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.”  Christmas is the beginning of this part of the story.  From the manger to the cross and on to the resurrection, God has put his plan into action for us.  The rest of the New Testament begins the rest of the story, “How will we respond?”  
   Christmas allows me to reflect on this story, but then to ask myself what my part of the story will be.  How will I answer God’s call to new life through his son?  When this is my focus Christmas goes from being a nice holiday to being the most important Holy day.
So this holiday season let us celebrate the HOLY DAYS!
 
   Don
 

   In Exodus 20:4 the second commandment is given, “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”  We like this command, after all we don’t have idols, so this is at least one command I can keep.  But is it really that easy?  God speaks through Ezekiel speaking of the elders of Israel, “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces.”  Ezekiel 14:3.  An idol isn’t just some statue or image I build in my yard or house to bow before.  I first set up the idol in my heart, and it colors everything I look at in the world around me.   We often talk about money becoming an idol for many.  How does that happen?  Money is something that I find I have to spend some time and effort on, otherwise I can’t provide for my needs and that of my family.  So I do think about it and try to be a good steward of what money God brings into my life.  Little by little it isn’t just about having enough to survive, but we decide we need a little more of this and a little more of that and therefore we need a little more money.  After a while I’m not in control of my money, but my money is in control of me and I will do anything to please my new master, because I begin to think I need all this “stuff” that the money provides.  Now the money is my main thought and concern, from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed, and it even haunts my dreams.  All this time God is taking more and more a back seat in my life.  I have filled my heart with money and my face has turned from God and is focused instead on the almighty dollar.
 
   Money isn’t the only substitute we have for God.  It may be our family, or a hobby or even our flower garden.  The path is usually the same.  It doesn’t start out as central, but little by little we nudge it to the center and nudge God out.  Then one day there it is, an idol smack in the middle of my heart, a stumbling block before my eyes so that it is all I see.
 
   How do we keep the second command and avoid building idols around us?  Prayer is the place to start.  Psalm 139:23,24  “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  We need to be open and honest with God.  Let him do any x-ray of our heart and then share the results of it with us.  We need to look at where our hope and confidence is for all of our life, not just on Sundays or for after I die.  What am I hoping in right now?  Ask yourself, “If I were to lose ____(whatever we are putting in the place of God) would that change my hope, the foundation for my life?”  Job lost everything that most people put their physical hope in, his possessions and land, his livelihood, even his children.  He grieved that loss, but still kept his faith in God.  His life was shaken, but not destroyed.  He didn’t worship these things above God.
This is a matter of priorities, and God must have first place.

   Don
 

   The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 13:7 to give honor to whom honor is due.  I was reminded this week at how important that is, and how easily we can let the opportunities to do so slip by us.   Bob and Wanda Cannon are moving to be closer to family in Center, Texas.  One of those things we have known was going to happen and maybe we just wanted to deny it making believe it wouldn’t really happen.  Well that day has come and though we hate to see them go we do want to give some honor to whom honor is due and to also give them a lot of our love and thanks.
   Bob and Wanda have not only attended our church for the past several years, they have been a big part of it.  Bob has served in many capacities as teacher, minister and deacon.  Both Joe Kyle and I relied on Bob to step in to preach or teach at a moment’s notice, always knowing that he would do an excellent job.  Bob was a tireless student of the Bible, very well read.  He didn’t feel comfortable with the title of elder, but in truth he functioned in that office.  Wanda is the perfect helpmate, serving alongside of Bob.  She served in many ways herself, encouraging, serving and promoting the activities of the church.  Together they also served behind the scene, taking meals to folks in need, often hosting folks at their house always with an eye to ministry and encouragement.  We will miss the first Saturday in June, affectionately called Fishin’ Day at the Cannon’s.
   If I had to summarize Bob’s main ministry in one word it would be encouragement.  He was a constant source of encouragement with a firm handshake, a well thought out comment and just his smile.  Both he and Wanda will be sorely missed, and will leave some big shoes to fill.  We have several others who also deserve to be honored and given thanks for all they do.  Take some time to think of those who keep the doors open and the lights on so to speak at our church.  Don’t let the opportunity slip away to give them the honor they are due.
   Bob and Wanda we give you honor and thanks, and all the love.  May God bless you on the road you travel now.
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    Don

T Mobile (or whatever carrier you like) sent out an important text message to all cell phones, with a once in a lifetime offer for those who switch over and use their service.  Many phones either weren’t tuned in or just didn’t care about the message and deleted it right away.  Others received the message and got really excited at first, but when they realized, they would have to change how they were used to doing things they just went back to their old carrier.  Other cell phones loved the offer and started using it, but their old carrier kept on promising even better deals.  Not sure what to do, and afraid they might miss out on a better deal, they finally went back to their old carrier (who never really fulfilled all their big promises).  Some of the cell phones who got the text welcomed it and really made the change.  They have not regretted it but have great reception and service for life.  
The great carrier is God, the text message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Some just never get the message or tune it right out.  Others get excited for a time, but when they realize they will need to make some changes in their lives default back to their original life.  Others receive the gospel and for a time do great, but FOMO (fear of missing out) causes them to question this new life and is it really worth the commitment, so they go back to their old ways.  Some receive the message and grow in their relationship with this carrier and find what they have now is so much better than anything that old carrier could have ever given them.
If God’s not the one carrying you, make the switch.  He’s already paid all the fees.
 
Don
 

           “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known the things that make for peace!  But now they are hidden from your eyes.”  Luke 19:41
           How do we respond to those caught up in sin?  The answer to that today seems to be with glee in pointing out their sin, in pride that we are so much better than they are, and a spirit of self-righteous judgement.  Much of the Church today is more interested in calling out sinners and not calling to sinners of the love and mercy found in Jesus.  When Jesus entered Jerusalem the week before he was crucified he didn’t look down on the city and proclaim, “I hope you burn.”  He wasn’t planning his revenge or saying “You’ll get yours soon enough.”  He wept over the city.  He hurt for them because here he was their Messiah bringing peace to them and they wouldn’t receive it.  He wasn’t being prideful in his remarks, he was broken for them. 
         In Matthew 9:35, 36 we read, “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”   Can we say we look at the world with compassion?  Do we hurt for those who are lost, even the ones who don’t realize it.  What I see too often of the church in our culture are people more interested in being right, than in being righteous, people clinging to power instead of clinging to the cross.  Our response to sin should be a broken heart, both for our sin and the need for repentance and the sin of the world, because they are broken and need the mercy of God.
               How will you choose to respond?
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                            Don