This blog began as documentation of my journey into formal ministry. Now that I have received a call it will continue to function as a place for me to address concerns, celebrations and anything else that might catch my fancy. Please remember to "Be A Blessing To Someone Today"! God Bless, Roy
This past Sunday we continued to preach from Matthew's Gospel and the teachings of Jesus from the 'Sermon on the Mount'. Just when we thought Jesus had made it difficult enough for us last week, this week He continued to ratchet the pressure up on us all. As if worrying about 'killing' our brother in essence by simply being angry with them, or committing 'adultery' from a stray glance and momentary thought... here we are told to do that which is so... so... much more difficult. We're told to turn the other cheek when one has wronged us. We're asked to actually love that individual who has turned against us... how does Christ expect us to do these things? We simply can't on our own that's the simple answer... only through Jesus can we even approach these goals. Please take a listen to the sermon and let us know what you think. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Matthew 5:38-48 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Concerning Retaliation 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Footnotes:
a) Matthew 5:47 Gk your brothers Genesis 4:23-24 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 23 Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold,
truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” Exodus 21:12-36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Law concerning Violence 12 Whoever strikes a person mortally shall be put to death. 13 If it was not premeditated, but came about by an act of God, then I will appoint for you a place to which the killer may flee. 14 But if someone willfully attacks and kills another by treachery, you shall take the killer from my altar for execution. 15 Whoever strikes father or mother shall be put to death. 16 Whoever kidnaps a person, whether that person has been sold or is still held in possession, shall be put to death. 17 Whoever curses father or mother shall be put to death. 18 When individuals quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or fist so that the injured party, though not dead, is confined to bed, 19 but recovers and walks around outside with the help of a staff, then the assailant shall be free of liability, except to pay for the loss of time, and to arrange for full recovery. 20 When a slaveowner strikes a male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. 21 But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner’s property. 22 When people who are fighting injure a pregnant woman so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no further harm follows, the one responsible shall be fined what the woman’s husband demands, paying as much as the judges determine. 23 If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. 26 When a slaveowner strikes the eye of a male or female slave, destroying it, the owner shall let the slave go, a free person, to compensate for the eye. 27 If the owner knocks out a tooth of a male or female slave, the slave shall be let go, a free person, to compensate for the tooth. Laws concerning Property 28 When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. 29 If the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not restrained it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death. 30 If a ransom is imposed on the owner, then the owner shall pay whatever is imposed for the redemption of the victim’s life. 31 If it gores a boy or a girl, the owner shall be dealt with according to this same rule. 32 If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall pay to the slaveowner thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. 33 If someone leaves a pit open, or digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the owner of the pit shall make restitution, giving money to its owner, but keeping the dead animal.
35 If someone’s ox hurts the ox of another, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide the price of it; and the dead animal they shall also divide. 36 But if it was known that the ox was accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not restrained it, the owner shall restore ox for ox, but keep the dead animal. James 2:8-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 8 You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.
Below please my article for the March 2020 Church Newsletter. We are beginning the season of Lent tonight as we celebrate and observe 'Ash Wednesday' in the Chapel at 7pm. Please dedicate the month of March and the first two weeks of April to focusing fully on the meaning and events of Holy Week and Easter. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Pastor's Ponderings – March 2020 Even though February had an extra day in it this year it still managed to blast by us in a tremendous hurry. It was a busy month and I thank everyone who worked so hard this month. We need to lift up a special thank you to Clyde Westcott for all the extra things he did this month for the Church. If you've been in the kitchen you likely noticed all the new faucets and there will be one more replaced this next month, along with the faucet in the Janitor's Closet. Thank you, Clyde, for all the extra things you do as the Property Chair! We'd be in serious trouble without your efforts and dedication! The 'Woman of Woodlawn' have begun a new program a 'Prayer Shawl Ministry'. There's more information about this later in the newsletter so please take a look and please consider taking part in the project. It looks like a winner and I thank the women for coming up with the program and let's all pray that it's a raging success. We need to pray for our organist/pianist Kathryn Myers, as you all know her wonderful husband Jim passed away in February. Jim was truly a great soul and had suffered from a long decline due to dementia. Kathryn does so very much for Woodlawn and we all love her dearly so please pray for her and continue to comfort her as she grieves Jim's passing. God's love, peace, blessing, and comfort to you Kathryn. March finds us going through the Lenten season and this is a time when we are called to focus on our faith and upon the sacrifice that Christ made for each of us. Some of you may be abstaining from one thing or another as a form of fasting for Lent. There is great value in this 'fasting' as the process can help us all to focus upon our faith. Please locate the calendar of events for 'Holy Week' located later in this newsletter. Even though the events (other than Ash Wednesday) are all in April, now is the time to make sure you've planned for these events. The Annual 'Prairie Pastors Conference' is once again at Sunset Hills Baptist Church in Omaha (the church where Gail and I were married) from March 30th to April 1st. I am hoping that I will be able to make it to this conference this year, last year I was scheduled to go but then we had a death and a funeral that trumped my travel plans. Let's pray that this doesn't happen again... there seems to be a streak of my having to leave retreats early for deaths and it almost makes me paranoid to plan to go to these retreats. I was at a retreat when I got the word that Jim Myers was failing and I left early in order to be back for Kathryn. We'd really like to break this cycle so please pray that we can get through the last week of March unscathed! The 'Prairie Pastors Conference' is one of the best Minister Conferences I've been to, many end up being unusable or irrelevant but this Conference always comes up with pertinent topics for Ministries in the Midwest. Make sure to mark your calendars for the Soup Supper in March (March 19th) this time they've decided to do something a bit different and there will be Chili and Donna Westcott's famous cinnamon rolls! Make sure to come and take part! Bring your family and friends because nobody wants to miss out on Donna's cinnamon rolls! The concert committee will be meeting on March 18th at 6:30 pm to begin preparing for our Christmas Concert on December 5th. Thus far the concert committee members are Kim Anderson, Kathy Holm, Tiffany McCoy, Kathryn Myers, Clyde Westcott, Gail Karlen, and myself. If anyone else would like to be a part of the planning for this event please let one of us know and come to the meeting. We'd love to have all the help we can get! Make sure to tell everyone about this concert and keep your ears open to hear when the ticket sales begin. You'll want to purchase your ticket ASAP as the 'Harp Twins' tend to sell out their concerts quickly! This is going to be a great event and don't miss out! A worthy goal during this Lent season would be to try your best to live up to the saying that I close each month's newsletter and each blog post with... “be a blessing to someone today”. Can you live your life trying to find someone to bless in some fashion each day? Blessing someone can be in a large or a small way. Anything you do to help, encourage, or inspire someone is a blessing... surely we can find someone to bless each day. Make it your Lenten goal... God bless and...
We're reminded here by Paul that our lives are to be built on a solid foundation and that the only solid foundation that we can build our lives upon is Christ Jesus. I talk here about my father and his insistence that when we were building a building that it be constructed upon a rock-solid foundation. If we start building on a faulty or unstable base, our lives will end up flawed and very unstable... so let us build (or rebuild if need be) our lives on the firm base that God wishes us to build upon... Jesus who is the Christ. Be a blessing to someone today!! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 3:10-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 14 If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?[a] 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 18 Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all belong to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Footnotes:
1 Corinthians 3:16 In verses 16 and 17 the Greek word for you is plural
Jesus has just finished telling us that we must be more righteous than the scribes and the Pharisees (how does one even do that?) and now He's ratcheted things up even farther... These verses are the beginning of what is sometimes called the 'six antitheses', Jesus gives us one thing and contrasts it (amplifies it) with another. These verses do a wonderful and complete job of convicting each of us. There is simply no way that any of us escapes this convicting commentary completely innocent. All have been angry at their brother and/or sister... all have been seduced in their mind by some alluring woman (or man), far, far too many of us have been divorced, and all of us have claimed some oath or another... often giving them no thought whatsoever. In the end, this sermon was an extension of the previous week's message and the only thing we are left with is a confirmation of our reliance upon Christ for our salvation. These verses drive home our failures and shortcomings, they point out to us our sin and the amazing grace that Christ holds forth for us all. Praise God for the grace of Christ! Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Matthew 5:21-37 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Concerning Anger 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,[a] you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult[b] a brother or sister,[c] you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[d] of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister[e] has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,[f] and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court[g] with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Concerning Adultery 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.[h] 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.[i] Concerning Divorce 31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Concerning Oaths 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.[j] Footnotes: a) Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother; other ancient authorities add without cause b) Matthew 5:22 Gk say Raca to (an obscure term of abuse) c) Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother d) Matthew 5:22 Gk Gehenna e) Matthew 5:23 Gk your brother f) Matthew 5:24 Gk your brother g) Matthew 5:25 Gk lacks to court h) Matthew 5:29 Gk Gehenna i) Matthew 5:30 Gk Gehenna j) Matthew 5:37 Or evil Matthew 5:17-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Law and the Prophets 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,[a] not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks[b] one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Footnotes: a) Matthew 5:18 Gk one iota b) Matthew 5:19 Or annuls
Order of Service – Funeral for James Myers Prelude and Procession: All Please rise. Call to Worship: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. (2nd Corinthians 1:3-5) Greeting: We have come together this morning to praise God for the life of James Myers; to mourn our loss with one another, to console each other in our moment of grief; to celebrate Jim's life and all that he meant to all that loved him; to celebrate God's love for Jim, and His love for each of us; And to commend Jim to God's everlasting love and care. Please be seated. Special Music: Terry Watters & Kathy Holm – “God Leads Us Along” Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, You are the Father of all mercies Who cares for all Your people with an everlasting love. You are the God of all comfort Who consoles all those that are suffering the death of a loved one. You are the God of all peace Who has promised to pour Your perfect peace into the hearts of Your children who are going through the pain and suffering that the loss of a precious loved one brings. Oh Lord... here today, for the family and friends of Jim Myers, I pray that You would become their strength in this time of loss; their hope in this time of bereavement; their joy in this time of sorrow and their perfect peace in the turmoil that their hearts are facing. Dear Lord, we thank You that the sting of death has been broken forever and the curse of the grave has been destroyed through the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ who has broken forever the power of death, for all who trust in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Oh Lord, speak today into the hearts of all Your children who mourn... and let them not mourn as those that have no hope, for in You and You alone we hold onto Your love and grace... Lord for those that do not yet know You as the Savior Who died for them, so that by believing they might have everlasting life – we pray that they may come to know and accept You as their Savior and find their perfect rest in You – just as we today stand reassured that our departed brother Jim has surely and truly found his rest in You. Praise be to you O Lord... in Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. Reading from the Old Testament: Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV) 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Reading from the New Testament: Romans 3:10-26 New Century Version (NCV) 10 As the Scriptures say: “There is no one who always does what is right, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who looks to God for help. 12 All have turned away. Together, everyone has become useless. There is no one who does anything good; there is not even one.” Psalm 14:1–3 13 “Their throats are like open graves; they use their tongues for telling lies.” Psalm 5:9 “Their words are like snake poison.” Psalm 140:3 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and hate.” Psalm 10:7 15 “They are always ready to kill people. 16 Everywhere they go they cause ruin and misery. 17 They don’t know how to live in peace.” Isaiah 59:7–8 18 “They have no fear of God.” Psalm 36:1 19 We know that the law’s commands are for those who have the law. This stops all excuses and brings the whole world under God’s judgment, 20 because no one can be made right with God by following the law. The law only shows us our sin.
21 But God has a way to make people right with him without the law, and he has now shown us that way which the law and the prophets told us about. 22 God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all people are the same: 23 Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, 24 and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. 25 God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins. We receive forgiveness through faith in the blood of Jesus’ death. This showed that God always does what is right and fair, as in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. 26 And God gave Jesus to show today that he does what is right. God did this so he could judge rightly and so he could make right any person who has faith in Jesus. Special Music: Kathy Holm & Terry Watters - “Amazing Grace” Message: Pastor Roy Karlen – Woodlawn Christian Church At approximately 8:45 am on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, James Edward Myers, age 83, left behind this world in which we remain... and he was gloriously born into the Kingdom of Heaven. Not one of us gathered here today can scarcely imagine the beauty and splendor that Jim's new eyes saw on that early morning. There is nothing more magical than for one of God's children to return to Him and feel the love of the Father all around them... Praise be to God. On March 12, 1936, Joseph and Eunice Myers of Sac City, Iowa, were blessed with the birth of their son James Edward Myers. Jim attended and graduated from High School in Minburn, Iowa in 1955. On August 20, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Kathryn Thompson at the Methodist Church in Lohrville, Iowa. In their 58 years of marriage, their union was blessed with two children, Michael and Melissa, and three grandchildren, Gabe, Caleb, and Rebekah. I asked Kathryn how she and Jim met and she told me that they met in Lohrville. She worked at the bank there and Jim came in to make a deposit. She saw him through the window behind the teller and took notice of him right away. He was new in town and she apparently spent too long looking and she got caught when Jim looked up. She quickly made it look like she wasn't watching but as soon as Jim left she rushed out to ask the teller who that was that had just come in. The teller told her that Jim and his Dad had just purchased the gas station in town and that Jim had come in to set up their account. She also told Kathryn that Jim had asked about her too... it seems Kathryn wasted no time in going to the gas station. And as they say... the rest is history. You really should have Kathryn tell you the story though and I'd encourage you all to do so. Prior to moving to Lohrville, Jim had served in the US Army and just two months after Jim and Kathryn were married Jim's status in the Army Reserve was reactivated and he was on active duty once again. The Berlin Wall Crisis had occurred and once again the world was on pins and needles. Jim remained on active duty for a year stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State. For the first few years, the young couple lived in Lohrville and Jim worked at the service station with his father. Then in December of 1966, Jim accepted a position with the New Idea Corporation working in their Finance Department. He was paid a salary of $125 per week, given a corporate car, and health insurance. The young couple thought they had the world by the tail! The New Idea Corporation made Jim a Territorial Manager in January of 1969 and they moved to Atlantic, Iowa. Jim's job started in January but they moved to Atlantic in December, on the day after Christmas if you can believe that. Thus it seems began the 'nomadic' period of Jim and Kathryn's life together. Kathryn told me that in the span of their 58 years together the couple moved over 30 times. Honestly, I quickly became confused as Kathryn rattled off all the moves and I suggest you ask her to outline all of these moves for you. Jim must have had the patience of Job in order to have endured all that packing, moving, and unpacking. Just a very short outline of their travels included their next major move to Great Bend, KS in 1972 when Hesston purchased New Idea, there Jim had a new sales territory. Then Hesston moved Jim to Newton, KS where they made him a branch manager. Then the company moved him to Lee Summit, MO. Next came a transfer to Fort Worth, TX. When Ag Co purchased Hesston the new company moved Jim to Carlisle, IA, then to Adelle, IA, then to Perry, IA. And as Jim grew with the company they moved him back to Lee Summit, MO where he was in charge of dealer development. Jim finally retired from AgCo in 1998 and Jim and Kathryn moved back to Lohrville briefly before deciding to go back to Lee Summit in order to be closer to their grandchildren. While they were in Lee Summit, Kathryn worked for a time for a local Christian newspaper. In 2004, Jim and Kathryn moved back to Lohrville once again in order to take care of Kathryn's mother Abbie Thompson-Gutschall. Jim wanted to come back and take care of Kathryn's mother and Abbie lived with Jim and Kathryn. Kathryn said he was just wonderful to her mother and she always was proud of how well he treated Abbie. The house they lived in proved to be their longest stay in any one home with them living there six entire years... can you imagine. In 2013 they moved into an apartment in Lohrville and then in 2015 they moved into an apartment here in Lake City... but they weren't done yet... they lived in three different apartments here in Lake City. Over thirty moves in fifty-eight years of marriage... I think Jim was a saint... he had to be... In 2017, reluctantly Kathryn moved Jim into Shady Oaks where Jim lived out the remainder of his days. Jim quickly became a favorite of the staff and was very much loved and adored by all, in spite of his sometimes cranky nature due to the progression of his dementia. When Jim was first at Shady Oaks he was a frequent escapee... walking out the front door upwards to fifty times. Often the staff would lure him back with the invitation to go have a cup of coffee with him and perhaps a cookie. Jim liked his coffee, cookies, or doughnuts and the staff could use them as bribes and incentives to get him to go along with them. After Jim's death one of the staff, Kyle told Kathryn and I a story about convincing Jim to go and get his bath with the promise of a cookie. Kyle said Jim took the cookie with him right into the tub... why not. When I asked Kathryn for words to describe Jim she told me the following: That he was driven when he set out a accomplish something, he always wanted to 'get er done'. That he was a helper, he was always happy to pitch in where there was a need. He was kind, caring, wonderful, and he liked to joke around, he was always fond of children and older folks. He was good to his parents and his in-laws. And that he was always good to Kathryn, he kept her in shoes... and apparently in houses as well. When Jim and Kathryn first got married Kathryn's Father told Jim he could take either Kathryn or her dog Ginger but not both. Jim chose Kathryn... and I think he got the better end of the bargain... though it sounded like Jim really did like that dog. Jim liked to roller-skate, to play baseball, basketball, and bowling. In fact Jim and Kathryn at one time owned the bowling alley in Rockwell City. But what Jim especially loved was playing golf. He would sneak out to go and play a round and kept playing after his retirement. Jim finally gave up golf in 2001, his dementia had started to creep in and he was having trouble keeping score. He desperately did not want anyone to think he was trying to cheat on his score and out of frustration he gave up the game rather than be thought to be cheating. Kathryn told me about many vacations taken to Branson during the years, starting their trips there over fifty years ago. When they first went to Branson there wasn't much there, they'd go with their camper. But, Branson became and remained their favorite vacation retreat. There were other vacations to South Dakota, Wyoming, and Portland Oregon in 2000 to visit family. In January of 1971, Jim and Kathryn met Don Welborn while they were living in Atlantic. Don was there visiting as a traveling preacher from Wakefield, TX. Don's teaching and preaching led Jim and Kathryn to join the Atlantic Bible Chapel and thus began their long and devoted Christian journey. I will leave the rest of the many stories of Jim's life to his family and friends to share with you. I will close now with a couple of scripture selections from the Gospel of John. I am certain that Jim would want for this service to serve as a witness and a testimony to Christ and the relationship that Christ wishes to have with us all... if we will just return to Him and embrace the grace and love waiting for us. John 1:1-18 Revised Standard Version (RSV) The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. 9 The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. 11 He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. 15 (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) 16 And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known. John 3:11-21 Revised Standard Version (RSV) 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God. At 8:45 am this past Wednesday, Jim truly came to the 'Light of God', and he looked into the very face of God Himself. Truly Jim had arrived at that place where he had longed to be since January of 1971... he arrived into the very arms of God Himself. Praise be to God... and thank you God for the life and love of James Edward Myers. Eulogies: The family would like to now provide some time for those who wish to share a memory or a reading, poem, or prayer dedicated to the memory of Jim. If you would please either come forward to the pulpit or speak from where you are located. But please do stand if you are able and speak loudly enough that all might hear. Please come and share... Thank you all for sharing your love and memories of Jim. God bless and comfort you through the love and embrace of His people. Special Music: Terry Watters - Medley Closing Prayer: The family invites you all to join them in further celebration of Jim's life and a time of shared remembrances and closure, by gathering with them for lunch in the Church's fellowship hall immediately following the service. After the luncheon, we will then journey to Evergreen Cemetery in Lohrville for the Committal Service. Let us please allow this closing prayer to serve also as the grace for our meal. Let us pray: O God, our Strength, and our Redeemer, Giver of life, and Conqueror of death, we open our hearts to you just as we are. We celebrate your gift of life freely given but are grieved by a sense of loss in the face of death. The love which binds us to one another leaves us aching as ties are broken. Accept our tears as emblems of devotion, and transform them into waters of life to nourish us in the days ahead. We trust you. We love you. We know in Christ that your love is everlasting. Nothing can separate any of us from your abiding care. With you is eternal life. With confidence, we now entrust Jim to your unfailing love and overflowing goodness. Through the power that raised Christ from the dead to live eternally with you, lift up this, your servant, to life fulfilled beyond our imagining. We give you but your own, enfold him in your everlasting arms, hold him for he is your child. Now strengthen us, through the gift of your Spirit, to face into the future with confidence that you stand with us. Grant that the changes of life may leave us stronger as we journey through life. Reassured of your abiding presence, help us to knit more firmly the ties that bind us one to another. Renewed by your love, help us to love in ever-larger circles so as to embrace your people everywhere till at last we are all united eternally through Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Benediction: Recessional:
Committal Service – Selfishly, we as mortals wish to hold on to Jim. It brings great pain to let him go. Living in the resurrection and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the trust of a loving God and in the promise of eternal life, we now commit his body to its place of rest. We will continue to mourn Jim, but now his smile will warm the kingdom of God. We will continue to love Jim, but God will now take care of him. We will continue to carry Jim in our thoughts, but he will be kept safe in God's hands. Receive him in the arms of your mercy, O God, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of all your saints. Let us hear these words from the Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 3 New International Version (NIV) A Time for Everything 3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. Let us hear now these words from the New Testament: Romans 8:18-28 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Believing in the Resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we now entrust Jim to the care of Almighty God and we ask Our Father to open the doors to his mansion and lead Jim to the room made ready just for him. As we now commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we commend his spirit to its new home. Rest eternal grant him, and let light perpetual shine upon him. God has blessed and enriched our lives in giving us Jim to know and love here on this earth. Though our time together was not nearly enough, in committing his body to the earth, we give over to God the care of his spirit, and we acknowledge that we will one day reunite with him in God's Kingdom. The Lord bless him and keep him; the Lord make his face shine upon him and be gracious to him; the Lord look upon him with favor and give him peace. Let us now pray together the prayer that our Lord and Savior taught us to pray.... May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His strong arms encircle you and uphold you in your hour of grief. God's peace and strength to you all. Amen Military Honors Presentation This concludes our graveside service. Thank you all for coming.
Here we have a sermon about 'purity' and 'value'. In the ancient world, 'salt' was of great value and worth. Salt was used at times as currency and paid to soldiers as their wages (thus where we get the saying "worth their salt") in lieu of coins or other currency. Christ is telling us here that if we lose our purity in Him, if we lose our value... what good are we? Ultimately, however, we cannot be pure enough, or valuable enough, thus is why we need Christ and Christ crucified. Please take a listen to the sermon and as always... Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy (ps: God willing... I will be caught up by the end of the week, there was no service on Thursday, February 13 due to the extreme cold weather)
Matthew 5:13-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. The Law and the Prophets 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,[a] not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks[b] one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Footnotes: Matthew 5:18 Gk one iota Matthew 5:19 Or annuls
In this world we are all given certain gifts, we are expected to use these gifts to the benefit of God. The end of the selected verses in 1st Corinthians calls us to understand these gifts that the Holy Spirit has blessed us with, there can be no greater failure to explain to our Lord than why we failed so horribly to use these gifts for His purposes. The previous night at Youth Group I discussed the parable of the 'Talents' with the boys that are my group. This parable ties in well with this last line of scripture in the reading, whether you've been entrusted with ten, five, or only one ability by God... invest that currency and use it to further God's Kingdom... or expect to do some 'explaining' later on... Be a blessing to someone today!! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Proclaiming Christ Crucified 2 When I came to you, brothers and sisters,[a] I did not come proclaiming the mystery[b] of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom,[c] but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. The True Wisdom of God 6 Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. 7 But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. Footnotes: a) 1 Corinthians 2:1 Gk brothers b) 1 Corinthians 2:1 Other ancient authorities read testimony c) 1 Corinthians 2:4 Other ancient authorities read the persuasiveness of wisdom Matthew 25:14-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Parable of the Talents 14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents,[a] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Footnotes a) Matthew 25:15 A talent was worth more than fifteen years’ wages of a laborer
I apologize for being so far behind on posting the sermons. Last week the internet was having issues uploading to Youtube for some reason. It took this video an incredible amount of time to upload and I even canceled and restarted the upload at one point thinking that might help. Unfortunately, it didn't... This is the sermon given on February 2nd, and it covers the beginning of the "Sermon on the Mount", better known as simply "The Beatitudes". Here we find Jesus beginning to teach His newly recruited Disciples in what they need to know to go off later and spread His message. If He thought it important for them to listen then perhaps... we should listen as well. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
Matthew 5:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The Beatitudes 5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Footnotes: a) Matthew 5:1 Gk he b) Matthew 5:11 Other ancient authorities lack falsely
When one sets out to preach a sermon condemning the wise... one must be careful that one doesn't think too highly of one's self or else you are ultimately preaching against yourself. If you don't see the trap here and don't understand the irony and truly humble yourself... you just end up being your own sermon illustration. Sad to say I watched several videos on Youtube where this was exactly the case in hand. Romans 11:33-36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Be a blessing to someone today! In Christ, Roy
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Christ the Power and Wisdom of God 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. 26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters:[a] not many of you were wise by human standards,[b] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29 so that no one[c] might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in[d] the Lord.” Footnotes: a) 1 Corinthians 1:26 Gk brothers b) 1 Corinthians 1:26 Gk according to the flesh c) 1 Corinthians 1:29 Gk no flesh
