June 27, 2012 ~ Correcting Our Faults!

Today's Scripture:
"To every man...not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think."
Romans 12:3

Today's Word:
As I sit here watching my daughter cheer it made me think about us seeing ourselves as others see us. One of my first early services as pastor where we had breakfast at Selah I had dressed and polished up my shoes. My trousers being light tan and the first time I had worn that suit, I had rolled up the legs to protect them from the shoe polish.  Happily,  I arrived at the church and greeted some of the men who were hard at preparing that breakfast. Finally one gentle-hearted brother (can't remember if it were Ed or Billy Carter) said to me, "You can roll them down now preacher."
Friends, I looked down and sure enough my pant legs were rolled up high enough I could have waded through a six-inch-deep puddle. And let me tell you there wasn't a raindrop falling. There I was decked out in my finest new Easter suit, shirt starched, tie tacked, pocket silk just right, shoes shined, but totally unaware of what I really looked like. I guess that explained all the men's large grins on there faces. Sheepishly,  I had no choice but to grin too.
A drop of truth can be distilled from that experience.  So often we suppose we are presenting a finer picture of ourselves to others than we actually are. And yes they see things about us that we haven't seen. Sometimes they are just too polite to tell us the truth. But there we stand, proud as peacocks, not knowing that some character defect glaringly spoils the picture.
The Bible will mirror us if we let it. For example our Scripture Romans 12:3 reminds us not to think more highly of himself than he ought. Again,  the Word reminds "Let a man examine himself" (1 Corinthians 11:28). But ol' self stands tall and flinches when he is probed. We would rather put the evil eye on the other fella or madam. We think it makes us look better.
Selah people and friends I remind us to give thanks to those loving souls who care enough about us to keep us from looking like idiots to others. They must have read these good words: "If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou be tempted." (Galatians 6:1) Remember that a bent back is required to unroll pant legs. And bowed heart is required to set life in order.

Our Prayer For Today:
We come to you Lord just as we are each day. You are the only one who can truly forgive our sins. We thank you for sending brothers and sisters as well as your son Jesus. Allow us to correct our faults and model ourselves in His image. In Jesus name we pray! Amen.
Your brother and friend in Christ,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church

JUNE 25, 2012 ~ STEERED INTO THE TRUTH!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do"

Hebrews 4:13

TODAY'S WORD:

Have you ever had your mind go in one direction and your body in another, only to end up in a rather peculiar position?  Let me tear another dumb page out of many dumb doings and let you read it.

Another hospital visit completed, I returned to my car in the parking lot and got in. To my astonishment, the steering wheel was missing. I remarked in my mind just me, "Somebody's stolen my steering wheel!" About that time mind and body reunited, and I realized I was sitting in the back seat!

Now when you do a stupid a thing if your like me don't you think everybody knows it? I looked around to see if anyone had seen me. No one being in sight, I slipped out of the back seat and into the front seat. Sure enough, the steering wheel was where it had always been. Boy, was I relieved!

Selah people and friends when we look at this scenario two thoughts result. First, sometimes the situation is not wrong: we are. Second, though man may not see what we do, God does. Perhaps God smiled that night at one of His not-to-bright tired younguns and one of His called pastors. I hope so; for I did, and have, many times since.

OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord we thank you for steering us in the direction you have for us and using life's experience to show us the truth. Be with us as we begin a new week filled with new opportunities for us to learn and grow in Christ.

Your brother in Christ,

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston -Pastor
Selah Christian Church

June 23, 2012 ~ Humbly Serve...

Today's Scripture:

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

1 Peter 4:10

Today's Word:

I have a couple secular degrees however I am not a highly-educated theologian, but that being said I am a student of God's word and have the love of Christ in my heart, and I use every spare moment I have to serve Him and serve others. God calls on us to serve others whenever possible so I have answered His call to volunteer and serve His church. My answering this call has allowed  me to get close to others by being there to visit the sick, donating clothes, food for the hungry I feel good knowing that I am serving a vital purpose in my church at Selah Christian Church and our Graham Community.

For me it has led me to pastor the last 10 years at a God loving community church. My first 10 years however was carried out just doing the simple task of being there for my neighbors. When we love and serve our neighbors, we show our devotion to God. Good deeds may or may not require much time. It may be a visit at the hospital, retirement home or hospice. A card, call, email or text can encourage someone.  Being there for your fellow servants to support them if they are doing things in the community or at church come out and show them you care what they are doing. Young and old know how much you care by your presence. 

Selah people and friends, In a short time, we can be good and faithful servants. A seemingly small act may stay in the heart and mind of another person for years to come. Even more important,  when we extend a hand to someone who needs help, we do the work God calls us to do.

Our Prayer For Today:
Lord, thank you for the blessings you have given each of us. Help us to open our hearts and minds turn to our neighbors,  passing along the blessings you have given us. We give glory to you, Lord Jesus, and pray as you taught us, "Our Father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. In Jesus' name.

Your brother in Christ,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston - Pastor
Selah Christian Church - Four Oaks, NC