November 5, 2009 ~ The Imperishable Beauty Secret

Remember as Christ has told us..."You Belong To Me!"

May we work as much on the inside as we do the outside.

Today's Scripture:

Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

1 Peter 3:3-4

Every year, millions of American women tune in to see who wins the Grammys, the Emmys, and the Oscars. Aside from talent, much of the hoopla around these events centers on what the celebrities are wearing. Some celebrities parade in outfits designed to shock; others flaunt elegant creations by world-famous designers. Jewels sparkle on arms, ears, and bodices; hair and makeup are styled to perfection.

It's tough for the average woman to look in the mirror after watching the fashion parade. Many feel the reflection looking back falls short of celebrity beauty thus making them feel less beautiful. As a result, women spend billions of dollars choosing from millions of products that promise to make them look, smell, and feel more beautiful. At those times, God gives women the comforting reminder that outer attractiveness only goes so far. The way you look is important, of course, but the verses in 1 Peter 3 make it clear to us that God prefers a greater kind of splendor-an inner splendor that is imperishable.

For me I have recently pumped up my training to stretch myself physically. I can feel and see the difference in my muscles which in turn can lead to opportunity to vanity. My cardio, lifting and martial arts training are to improve my health and wellness, keep my cholesterol in check without a pill and to help me stay in shape enough to keep up with my younger brother and my son so they don't slaughter me with their youth and speed.

Selah people' and friends what God most wants to see on the other hand in you is gentleness- sometimes called "power under control." This means for a man or woman in this case that they are able to control themselves, their words, and their actions. She is powerful, respectable, strong, and confident, and at the same time she is sweet and gentle. She is also quiet and still before God. She listens for his voice ans seeks his blessing.

In a world that screams for attention, a woman with a gentle and quiet spirit impresses God.

She has imperishable beauty, and God calls her precious.

"When it comes to trying to make yourself more beautiful, strive to develop a gentle and quiet spirit. These character traits are God's desire for you and for me."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via Mobile: Mount Olive, NC 28365

Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ

Four Oaks, NC

Steven Curtis Chapman - Heaven Is The Face

Link to Steven sharing inspiration of song:
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=59390df307affdd8f748

This song inspired after Steven and his wife lost their daughter May 21, 2008...May this touch you and encourage you in your difficulties.

May God's Love touch you and those close to you.

In Christ service,
Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via Mobile: Mount Olive, NC 28365


Link to song:
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=84138e76e13c5c50e12c

A Letter To Satan - Video

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=26145462cb5b63af56c7&utm_source=newsletter1104&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos

Have a blessed day!

Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via Mobile: Mount Olive, NC 28365

November 4, 2009 ~ You Are Gifted

What gifts do you have? Are you using them?

Remember God gave you gifts and when he was

pressed to submit he never tapped out or gave up.

Today's Scripture:

We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. The person who has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in agreement with the faith.

Romans 12:6

Kathy loves to proofread articles and books. Most people think that proofreading - finding every little punctuation mistake and making sure everything is perfect before a page is printed - is a tedious job. But if Kathy had her way, she'd just sit in a room alone all day checking pages. She gets annoyed when she has to attend meetings or supervise other employees in her publisher's proof room.

Jennifer is Kathy's friend at the office. Jennifer loves to work on writing the books and articles that Kathy proofreads. As it happens, Jennifer's least favorite job is proofreading. Their boss, Bonnie, has a skill to manage people and projects. Their coworker Bruce loves to strategize to sell the products. Lynda has no desire to do any of these tasks. But she is fulfilled in doing the secretarial work that keeps the office moving. This office tends to operate smoothly - because people are in positions that they enjoy; they are in jobs that make special use of their skills.

In combat sports such as mixed martial arts as pictured above. The athletes each have skills that they enjoy and are gifted with. A gifted striker wants to stand and punch and kick his or her way to victory, whereas a talented wrestler or jiu jitsu practitioner prefers to take the opponent down to the ground and submit them. All these skills we used properly can make one very well rounded if practiced but regardless the God given talents are the ones that come so naturally and are what a good competitor learns to put themselves in position to do by imposing their will. That is to put themselves in the position to do what they are gifted at; be it standing up and swinging or on the ground.

Selah people' and friends every person has specific abilities God has given him or her. And each ability we have is important.

Your skill is different from everyone else's in your office, school or church or family. Your skill is as vital as everyone else's. God has a place where your talent is needed. You'll find the most joy in life as you discover which gifts God has given you.

"Assess your abilities. List the things you like to do most. Pursue those things wholeheartedly, knowing that God gave you gifts and skills to enjoy."

Revival Hymn Redux ~ Video

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=4aa61ca1e2c5da9a284f&utm_source=newsletter1103&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos

Are you in need of revival today? May we be moved in the direction that God wants us to go, not just the way we want to go.

In Christ service,
Patrick

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile: Mount Olive, NC 28365

November 2, 2009 ~ All Your Needs

Have you truly given God the chance to provide for you?

Today's Scripture:

My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Every woman has her dream. Cheryl's dream was to quit her job and to stay home with here young children. She talked with her husband and prayed about it. Through her prayers, Cheryl felt God was approving her desire, so she took the plunge. She figured ways to save enough money to make up for the salary she'd brought in. Frequently she asked God to financially take care of her family. She learned they could survive without here full-time income.

God didn't mysteriously shower Cheryl's family with money. They learned to do without some things.

Cheryl feels that God helped her catch tremendous sales. God provided everything Cheryl's family needed. She was even able to start an organization and Web site called Homebodies to help other moms, and she wrote two books to help women achieve their dreams to stay home.

Philippians 4:19 gives women a wonderful reminder that God will take care of them. Usually this verse is mentioned in a fiscal context as people, like Cheryl, learn that God takes care of them financially. But the verse goes beyond that. It is a reminder that God meets every need in your life. Perhaps you have an emotional need; perhaps you need more patience with those around you. God can meet your needs. Maybe you need a new washing machine. Talk to God about it. God may not provide all of your wants, but he'll meet every necessity.

Selah people' and friend it is human nature to want to be independent and take care of yourself. But give God a chance. Ask him to meet your needs and look for the obvious and subtle ways he provides.

"May we open up our eyes and our heart to see how blessed we are by God. He meets are needs and helps us to see what we can do without and still be happy. Keep focused on the true things of value and be thankful for the most high God we serve."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile: Mount Olive, NC 28365

Listen to this weeks sermon message and Selah choral anthem at our media website:

http://selahmedia.tripod.com

Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ

1332 Selah Church Road

Four Oak, NC 27530 Map/Directions to church:

http://selahchurch.com/sitemap.aspx

November 1, 2009 ~ God-Given Senior Moments

Do you have those moments when you mind goes blank?

Today's Scripture:

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Sue jokes about having senior moments. At times she just doesn't remember things. Usually she forgets little things, and when she least expects it, the thing she's trying to remember comes to mind.

You don't have to be a senior to have senior moments. They strike women of all ages. You'll especially face them if you're busier than you'd like to be or if you're facing some stress. Senior moments are normal, and eventually your memory will clear.

It is staggering to contemplate how effectively the human memory works most of the time. Do you think your computer memory works most of the time. Do you think your computer memory holds a lot of information? Your mind holds so much more. It is a blessing to have a healthy mind that remembers things-most of the time. The time is isn't so great is when your mind dredges up memories that are not good- such as times from the past when people may have hurt you or when you were embarrassed. You might also be frustrated when your mind seems to dwell on negative thoughts: discouraging news reports, problems in society or on your facebook or social network, and the other ugly things of life.

Philippians 4:8 is a reminder that you have a choice. Your mind may flash various thoughts across its screen, but you needn't let unwelcome thoughts stay there. You needn't dwell on the negative things in life- the ugliness, the hurt, the embarrassment.

You can choose to think about the good things, things that are true and godly and right.

Selah people' and friends when ugly memories or thoughts surface, ask God to give you some senior moments to forget the negative. And ask him to help you focus on the great things in your life and around you.

"Regardless of the times we come up short may we remember we have a choice to focus on those things that are good to meditate on."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston ~ Mount Olive, NC 28365