Covetousness, Contentment, Character

   God afternoon and welcome to the panhandle. I pray you can stay and enjoy the blog today. I was asked why I keep blogging when so many people do Instagrams or Tic-Tocs or some other form of video? The reason is I'm just not that good on camera, besides I prefer to write, just old fashion I guess.  

   Let's start today's topic by looking at 1 Timothy 6:1-19: 1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them. 3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.   12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time-God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 

   It's a big chunk of Scripture I know, but I'm going to try and make it a bit more "bite size." When you look at the title of this blog you see three words - Covetousness, Contentment, and Character. These three words are the heart of these verses. Covetousness - (flee from it") vs. 11, Contentment - (cultivate it) vs. 6, and Character - (major on it) vs. 11.

   Christians don't have to go through life feeling like they are missing out on something. We don't have to always have a sad or sour look on our face. We can enjoy life and while doing so live a life pleasing to God and not totally given over to earthly pleasures. "But she who gives herself to wanton pleasures is dead even while she lives." 1 Timothy 5:6.

   Wanton - 1. Undisciplined; unmanageable 2. sexually loose or unrestrained 3. senseless, unprovoked, unjustifiable, or deliberately malicious [wanton cruelty, a wanton insult]

   God's Word doesn't sanction self-indigent, excessive enjoyment of our possessions to the exclusion of Him. It also doesn't promote asceticism and rejection of all material things. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20: 18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-for this is his lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God. 20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. We are to enjoy our material blessings, but without covetousness and with contentment. 

   I know I have given you a lot chew on today, I pray you find contentment in these words and in your walk with Jesus Christ. And as always: "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26.

A Panhandle Pastor 

 

 

Fight The Good Fight

 1 Timothy 6:11-12: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

 Good afternoon and welcome to the panhandle. I'm glad you were able to stop by. Things have cooled a little bit, the high is only supposed to be 89, a bit of moister and it would be a beautiful day.

"Prosperity theology," I guess the Christian community isn't immune to the pursuit of wealth. I'm not sure where you stand on this matter, but it seems to me this line of thought is an attempt sanctify what God has called us to flee from. Now don't get me wrong I'm not against a person making a good living for themselves. But to think we can pray a prayer and God will owe us something because of it, that's not right. 

As Christ-followers we are to replace the world's philosophy with a Christ Centered life. We pursue the things of God and not of this world. This pursuit of a Christ Centered character isn't instantly achieved but instead is forged over time. This character must be developed intentionally and daily. 

As we "fight the good fight," Let us as Christians remember we are called to live a life that shows Christ Jesus and His kingdom. A covetous life is a selfish life, a kingdom life is a sacrificial life, a life totally committed to Christ Jesus, to God the Father and His kingdom and dependent on the guidance of God the Holy Spirit.

As difficult as it is may, you and I and all Christians every where are to fight the good fight. And if you should slip and fall, get up, repent, and get back in the fight. The rewards are far greater than riches this world has to offer.

Thanks again for dropping by and "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' Numbers 6:24-26

Contentment: It Can Be Your

 Good morning and welcome, I'm glad you were able to drop by. I found one of my journals from way back in 2013. It had a study I had done and I'd like to share some of these with you over the next few months.

The word for today is contentment. In Philippians  4:11-13 the apostle Paul says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Wow! Content what ever the circumstances, how can this be? Paul was beaten many times, ship wrecked, imprisoned, more than once, criticized, well you get the picture. How could this man be content? Let's take a quick look at what contentment is - it isn't about self-sufficiency, it's about Christ- sufficiency. It isn't about resignation but about satisfaction. It isn't acceptance of the status quo or surrender, but submission to Christ Jesus and His purpose for your life. Godly contentment isn't about complacency or passivity or worldly detachment from life. 

 1 Timothy 6:6: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

Contentment - "It is the ability to get out of a situation everything that is in it." G.K. Chesterton (Christian author and apologist). 

Contentment is a deep-seated satisfaction that is the gift of Jesus Christ. It is the product of security in God, the product of faith in His character and His promises. When you place your trust In Jesus Christ like Paul no matter how bad thing look we can be content in knowing that God is in our corner. 

"'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' Numbers 6:24-26

A Panhandle pastor
 

 

Your Journey Is Yours

    Good afternoon. Well it's been a day or two since I posted anything, things have been busy with a new hobby and work. I'm doing crafts in my spare time - walking sticks, bottles with fairy lights, carving spoons, making a table, basically piddling around in my shop/storage shed. 

    

   I saw a show on T.V. called "Money For Nothing," and it got me to looking at things I could try and re-purpose. I guess my stuff isn't that popular, I really haven't sold anything. I guess that's okay, I've made walking sticks for my sisters, a wall hanging for my mom and one of my sisters.I carved a set of spoons and a spatula for my daughter. Now I'm working on Christmas presents for my sisters, sister-in-law, for my wife and daughter. I really enjoy my time in the shop, it is so relaxing. I take my blue-tooth speaker out and listen to audio books or music and I'm out there for three or our hours. 

   I'm still the pastor of a baptist church and I enjoy most of my jobs, truthfully there are a couple of jobs I would like to pass off, but hey such is life of a small congregation church. I really am blessed, I get to work on sermons and then preach them every Sunday. And I was able to help out in various capacities during our Vacation Bible School. Life for the most part is good. I still miss our son so badly that it hurts, but there is the some comfort in knowing I will see him again one day.

  Since I had my leg amputated I cant ride my bike. And I can't run, not that that was a thing for me. I can walk okay, although after about an hour I'm tired out; but I don't know if it's because of my leg or just because I'm fat. I also preach sitting on a stool now. Yes, there are things I can't do that other amputees do like skiing, or playing sports. I could sit and fret about what I can't do, but why? My journey isn't the same as another persons, my journey is mine. I've got a friend, we make up a one-legged support group for our area. Anyway he refurbishes furniture and that is his journey right now. 

  What I'm trying to get at is this don't worry if your life isn't progressing like another amputee's. You may have to use a walker or scooter to get around and that's okay. You may have to use the motorize carts in the store and that's perfectly fine. You use a cane to get around no problem. Your journey is just that, your journey and in someways it will be like all amputees, but in other ways it's going to be totally different. And even as your life goes along your journey is going to have side roads, detours, and maybe even a set back or two. But press on and live your life your way, not always comparing it to someone else's. Remember what Jesus said in John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." Live life abundantly, doing the things you like. 

 This is my prayer for you on your journey: "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' (Numbers 6:24-26).

A Panhandle Pastor
 
    

    

Spiritual Check-up

  

Good evening and welcome to the Panhandle. Something to think about - every so many miles you have to change the oil and filters in your vehicle. It's just basic and regular maintenance. If you have cattle you doctor them regularly to keep them healthy. If your a farmer here in the Panhandle you have to make sure your irrigation lines are in good working order or you could have crop failure. I don't know about y'all but at least once a year I have a heath check-up. Check-up and regular maintenance is good thing, in most cases it keeps everything running smoothly. 

Our spiritual lives are no different. We constantly need to check and make sure our lives line up with God and His Word. In this crazy world with so much information and choices bombarding us we can quickly get off course. To that end I want to ask you a series of questions.

   Question #1: Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." (Romans 10:13). This question is the most important question a person can be asked. The answer is no less important. Why? Because where you spend eternity is at stake.

   Question #2: If you are a Christian, what place does God hold in your life? "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5). Is God first and foremost in your life or is He like the distant relative that you hardly ever think about? 

   Question #3: If you are a Christian, is prayer your first line of spiritual defense or a last ditch option? "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:19).

   Question #4: If your a Christian, can people tell it by the way you live your life? "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). And "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16).

   Not trying to judge or cause doubt, these are just a few questions to think about, don't wait for the "Check Engine" light to come on in your spiritual life. Make sure your spiritual compass is pointed to Christ Jesus.

Thank you for dropping by and thank you for taking time out of your busy scheduled to read my blog. And may: "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you 
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' (Numbers 6:24-26).

The Return of the True King

   Good afternoon and welcome to the Panhandle. Wow! What a crazy month we've had. the temperatures have been unseasonably warm, with very little moister and high winds. This led to some big fires in the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. Praise the Lord they are finally out. 

  This afternoon I want to post the short article I wrote for our newsletter. I tried and tried to think of something to write and then I looked at my sermon title again, "Follow The King." And it made me think of the title of the third book in the trilogy "Lord of The Rings." That book is of course "Return of The King." Some day our Lord, Jesus Christ is going to return.    

"Jesus will return with power and glory to raise the dead, judge the wicked, defeat God’s enemies, and restore creation to its intended state. This return will be unmistakably visible and public—not hidden or secret. However, the timing remains unknowable; no one can predict when it will occur. Instead, Christ will arrive suddenly, described as coming “like a thief in the night.” J. Scott Duvall.

   “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." Matthew 24:30-31.   

    Yes, Jesus is coming back someday and are you going to be ready? The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. (Matthew 25:3). 

   You can say you don't believe in any of this Jesus stuff, it doesn't matter He's still coming back and you'll be judged. You can claim to be a Christian and not live like one and you'll be judged. You can play at being a Christian without being saved and you'll be judged. You can be an active follower of Jesus Christ and you will be judged. Yes, everyone is going to acknowledge Jesus as Lord: For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11-12). Saved and unsaved alike. 

   The big difference here. For all who have truly asked Jesus to be their Lord and Saviour they will be invited in to experience all that God our loving Father has to offer. For everyone else, well how does "outer darkness" sound? Folks don't reject Jesus as Lord and Saviour! He could return any minute and it won't go good for you. For those claiming to be Christians and not living a Christian life it is time to get real and quit playing. Please don't play with your salvation, be sure of it and be sure of your eternal destination. 

Numbers 6:24-26 "'"The LORD bless you 
and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you 
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you 
and give you peace." 

 Bro. Orden

The World Needs You

   Good afternoon and welcome to the Panhandle, I'm glad you can join me.  I was reading one of my devotionals the other day, Words of Wisdom: Daily Teachings on Pursuing God – A.W. Tozer. The reading as you will see was on holiness in an unholy world.
   “The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence.” – A.W. Tozer
   But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. (1 Peter 1:15). 
   The world needs God, and the Church must be the beacon of His presence. While we are in the world, we must not become so caught up in it that we forget who’s we are. A lighthouse doesn't blend in to the ocean, sea or lake; it stands tall so that it can be seen even at a great distance. 
   Tozer emphasizes the importance of holiness— not as a moral achievement but as a way to draw near to God and reflect Him to others. 
   1 Peter 1:15 reminds us of our holiness or calling to be set apart in all we do. Not as a bunch of "holier than thou" people, but as a sinful people saved by grace and made a new creation by God. 
   Pursuing holiness is not about perfection but about devotion to God’s will and purpose. Take time today to examine your life and commit to growing in holiness. 

Thanks again for dropping by and may: The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'   
(Numbers 6:24-26)

Bro. Orden