Pastor's Points

As a mother and housewife went about her daily routine suddenly electrical power went out.   Her teenage daughter’s stereo went silent, the TV her husband was watching followed suit and the twins that had been running and screaming were nowhere to be found.   What happened she asked? Indeed she couldn’t even find her family.   After looking and calling for them suddenly power returned; the stereo blared, the TV came back to life and the twins were back to rampaging.   It was then she realized she’d just gotten what she’d been crying out for from her family; five minutes of peace and quiet!   The best way to receive and enjoy “peace and quiet” is to impose it on ourselves and while you’re at it take time to listen to God.   “Be still, and know that I am God”   Psalms 46:10a (KJV)  

We are a people most blessed and often do not, cannot or will not see this reality.   While much of the world struggles to feed itself many of us struggle with extra body weight.   At a time when many live in poverty we own fine air-conditioned homes, two plus automobiles, multiple TV’s and stereo systems.   I personally don’t make New Year’s Resolutions but I’m not against them, they just don’t seem to be something I’m good at past mid-January.    Let me make a suggestion. This coming year let’s all make Almighty God a solemn vow to seek first His Kingdom and rely solely on His providence.   This will involve taking inventory of what we have and expressing sincere gratitude to Him.   Why?   Because we really don’t own anything in this world.   Our souls are His, our time is His, our health is His, our property is His and yes, even our money is His.   What I’m suggesting is that we, with God’s help, put all things in perspective and...

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem,  2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to worship him.  Matt 2:1-2 (KJV) The appearance of the Wise Men from the East was a cause of great concern in Jerusalem that year.  It was, no doubt, an impressive caravan that entered the city and to date, no one really knows just how many they were.  Traveling such a great distance in a wilderness required a large contingency of men, livestock and supplies.  Then, to hear the reason for their trek, simply amazed everyone!  King Herod himself called them to his presence to inquire why they sought “he that is Born King of the Jews?” The Lord Jesus was not crowned king by popular acclaim, He did not usurp the throne through guile or violence, He was BORN King.  The only begotten ...

   Southern Baptists send missionaries from their churches, through IMB, to go into the world making disciples in the name of Jesus. In that partnership, Southern Baptists provide the funding to send and support these missionaries and their ministries. The more resources they provide, the more missionaries can be sent. “As the body of Christ, we’re like an orchestra" … each member is so vital, is so important for making beautiful music.  Your faithful giving coupled with dedicated missionaries results in souls saved and lives redeemed for Christ.  Your dollars go where perhaps you cannot but the work is not left undone.  Thank you for giving to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year.

4 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. Psalms 30:4 (KJV) What a special time of year today is! God is worthy to be praised and thanked always but today the day is set aside especially to raise our hearts and voices in thanksgiving. Take a few minutes today and list the things you’re grateful for today and then recite them to God in a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.   ________________, ________________, ______________, ___________, ________________, ________________, ______________, ___________. Need more space? Thank God for His rich blessings in your life!

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2 You ever find yourself at your “wit’s end” and it seems like nothing will ever be right again.  We all have and most likely will again at some time.  Believers are fortunate in that we do have somewhere else to turn; upward!  The scripture above tells us where our help will come from.  The scripture below shows us the way to accomplish success in overcoming life’s challenges.  To quote a movie line, “God is good all the time; all the time God is good!” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from .      you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye       sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning,  ...

Have you ever had conflicting feelings about your choice to seek and follow God when you see the unsaved apparently “living it up” and “living large” while you seem to just eek by and don’t seem to do enough “fun” things?   King David was having such a “Pity Party” a Major Pity Party!   He actually wondered if maybe he’d made a mistake in surrendering life to God and righteousness.   He momentarily considered going back into a life of sin (v. 15) but held back.    Then in verse 16 he considers the pain this action would cause.   How many would never come to Christ? How many would fall away from the faith?   How many lives would be damaged or destroyed because he had faltered.   Like David; let’s go into the “sanctuary of God” and understand that the reward of the wicked is still awaiting them.   We will reap what we sow.   Sow righteousness today, someone important to you is waiting to follow your lead. 12 Behold, these are the ungo...