December Newsletter

Pastor’s Ponderings

“Good . . . Works”

Busyness is a badge of honor in America. We move from one task to the next with effortless ease and pat ourselves on the back when we check off our to-do list. But are our lives meaningful?

I am amazed that Jesus accomplished exactly what He intended in only 3 1/2 years. How did He do it? He only did exactly what needed to be done.

After being here for six years I asked myself, “Have you accomplished what you set out to do?” The answer? “Maybe, somewhat, sort of.”

As we conclude 2019 and start a new year and a new decade, I ask everyone reading this, “Are you where you want to be? Are you WHO you want to be?”

To answer that question for all of us, I sought the Lord for a church theme for 2020. In 2019 we used the phrase “Renew, Restore, Refresh.” In the coming year we will see that “Good . . . Works.”

This is a play on words, for I want all of us to see that God intends us to perform good works. Yet I also hope we will understand that “Good . . . Works.” Being good is what will change ourselves and the world around us.

We understand that from God’s perspective we are all born in sin. David even acknowledged he was a sinner in his mother’s womb (Psalm 51:5). Paul said that no good thing dwells in his flesh (Romans 7:18).

At salvation, though, we are made partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and through Christ have the ability to perform good works that are truly pleasing to the Lord.

In 2020 we will begin a series through the book of Titus. In that short book the word “good” appears eleven times in only 46 verses. Six of those times the words “work” or “works” follow the word “good.”

If we are to have the impact on Cleburne and the world that God intended, we must perform good works. And when we demonstrate good works, we will see that good works.

********************

Once again we look forward to a blessed December. One of the most moving services is the December 8th Memorial Service in which we honor our loves ones and fellow church members who went to be with the Lord this past year.

That night we enjoy two special events. First, the children, under the direction of Jenny Young and Kristie Yancey will present the play “Peanut Butter Christmas.”

Immediately following the play we will move to the Family Life Center for our annual churchwide Christmas party. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy as we bless the Children’s Advocacy Center with these gifts to be distributed to local children. Also bring some finger food and we will enjoy sweet fellowship.

December 10 is our monthly Golden Agers meeting, Please bring your favorite Tex-Mex dish and/or dessert of your choice. We will enjoy a Christmas sing-along and continue to collect toys for the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Sunday morning, December 15, the Calvary Singers will present the cantata, “Christmas, Night of Angels.” The focus of this musical is the many appearances of angels during the first Christmas season.

That night, we will partake of the Lord’s Supper as we commemorate the death and soon coming of our Lord. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

********************

I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have:

1) Courage

2) Wisdom

3) Strength

4) Victory

5) Vision

 


^