by George | Jul 15, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
James 1:19
Did you ever wonder where the expression “flying off the handle” came from?
It is first found in Thomas C. Haliburton’s The Attaché; or, Sam Slick in England, 1843
“He flies right off the handle for nothing.”
Writing.org explains:
“… the allusion is to that of an ax flying off its handle. Imagine if you were cutting a tree with an ax, and the metal part of the ax suddenly flew off the handle. It would happen very quickly and be very dangerous.”
What if I get my ax ready to chop down a tree, and I spend hours meticulously sharpening the ax, and I forget to make sure it’s firmly attached? Yes, you guessed it. It’s “an accident waiting to happen.”
I raise the ax in the air, and summoning my strength I take a swing, but all that hits the tree is the wooden handle. The sharp metal part is zooming towards a window. I turn to react, but it’s too late.
And so it is with our reactions… If I only work on knowledge in my life, and I’m not grounded, at peace with God and my lot in life, I won’t be ready to react right. It’s a matter of preparation. Deciding in advance a plan of action.
I resolve to listen first. Take a deep breath, think and pray. Then… I will speak.
Hopefully the ax will stay in one piece!
by George | Jul 13, 2020 | Community News, Newsletter
Where is God?
“Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.”
II Kings 2:14
When you consider all that is going on in the world, do you wonder sometimes where God is?
Why has He allowed all this to happen? We don’t understand…
But remember…
God has not changed.
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
Psalm 90:2
Our responsibility is to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Let’s agree in prayer every day for an end to the Corona Virus, peace in our land, and most of all that hearts will turn back to the Lord. Believe that God will answer in His time and way.
Community Church Ministry has been going back into the neighborhoods, prayerfully and carefully.
The July community dinner schedule is a little lighter this year.
We went to Darlington MHP on the 2nd and Dutch Gardens MHP on the 9th.
Coming up, we will be at Pine Village MHP on the 16th and Callier Forest Apts on the 20th. (6:30 each night.)
We are wearing masks, and trying to keep folks spread out.
Please pray that we will be successful in sharing God’s love and for our team.
As always, you are welcome to come along side us.
Also, if we can help you reach your neighborhood, please let us know. —
Blessings!
Pastor George Nix
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by George | Jul 8, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
I met a man named David today. He has a tumor on his esophagus and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for it. He can’t swallow. A feeding tube is the only way for him to get nutrition.
But, he said he’s near the end of his treatments. David has a simple goal once this is over. To eat a tomato sandwich.
He has his mind fixed on the goal. Throughout this ordeal, I’m sure he’s had times when he felt like quitting. But he hasn’t.
David continues to imagine how delicious that tomato sandwich will taste.
Paul didn’t keep his eyes on his present sufferings which included beatings, imprisonment etc. He kept his eyes on Jesus, who patiently endured His suffering.
“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
“For the joy that was set before Him…”
Jesus stayed focused on the goal of being reunited with the Father, and the inexpressible joy that awaited Him.
Paul also kept this in mind.
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.””
I Corinthians 2:9
One day these sufferings will be over. Though we can’t fully comprehend how wonderful it will be, it helps to keep your mind focused On Jesus and on eternity with God.
Don’t give up.
Keep your eyes on the goal!
