Pastor’s Page | Sept 24th, 2026
Sermon Prep (Read Psalm 46)
I shared last week how I used to be terrified of storms. Let me share with you another storm story. When I was younger, we used to work on a farm. Nothing builds character like setting tobacco in the hot sun or baling hay in a field with your uncle yelling profanities at you. One time we were out working in the fields, and this big dark cloud came out of nowhere. It started with a drizzle, but the drizzle turned into a shower, and a shower turned to gully-gusher. It was thundering, the rain was pouring, and we were getting drenched. The wind picked up and it was the kind of rain that was going sideways. Being stuck in the field, we had no shelter. So, we took off running as fast as we could to the nearest truck. When we reached the truck, we all crammed into the cabin and shut the door and the level of peace and contentment that came over us was overwhelming. I have thought about this whenever I hear the phrase, “God is our refuge”. The rain and wind were still blowing, but we felt safe and protected inside that cabin. We all had a good laugh. We were still cold and wet, and the truck cabin smelled like wet dogs, but we were safe. It was a great feeling.
God is our refuge in the storms of life. As you read through this Psalm, think of all the issues that are taking place within the psalm. Just some background for this Psalm, most scholars believe this Psalm was written in response to the events in 1 Kings 18-19 where King Hezekiah is facing the appending attack by the Assyrians. Everything is crumbling and bleak, but in response he turns to God and well, you can read the passage to see what happens.
Where do you turn when your life is hit by a sudden storm, earthquake, or disaster? Think about how your faith in Christ provides a sense of “refuge” for you. How can we have this assurance and what are we called to do to find this type of peace? I want to encourage you to flip the Psalms and notice how many times the author refers to God as either a refuge, a stronghold, or a place of safety. You will be amazed. Where do we turn? Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full into His wonderful face.
September Sermon Series
Help My Struggles With…
09/27 — My Struggle With Fear — Psalm 46:1-11
Updates, Thoughts and More
Mexican Fiesta! Are you ready for some wonderful tamales, enchiladas, bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers and more? Our annual Mexican Fiesta is just around the corner and we always have a blast. Larry and Suzy Stewart will be hosting the Fiesta at their house once again. You can purchase tickets in the CLC on Sunday. Also, if you would like to ride the bus to and from the Fiesta to the church, please call the church office to get your name on the list. Space is limited, so make sure to get your place reserved.
We have a new Youth Director!!! I am so happy to announce that we have hired a new youth director. His name is Jansen Monk, and he is such a great young man. He is from Stephenville but has spent the previous year living in Norway. Jansen has great plans for our youth in the church, and I can’t wait to see all that God is going to do through him. If you see him, make sure to welcome him and let him know how happy you are to have him as part of our church staff. We will be having a reception for him in between services on Sunday.
Table Talk. We are under attack!!! Satan and his minions are trying to get you to wander from God. Yet, we are not unaware of his schemes. This week we will be starting our study on “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis and it looks at an imaginary correspondence between a demon and his nephew as they plan their attacks against the church. It is very eye opening. We will be doing chapters 1-5. Come join us this Wednesday at 5 pm.
Football picks.
Did you all see who won the game this past Saturday between Texas A&M and Kentucky? I wasn’t sure, but I do think Kentucky pulled off the huge upset. Kentucky has more road upset wins in the past few years than any other team. This week will be a great week for college football. There are lots of ranked vs ranked games taking place. So, in other words, my Saturday is booked.
Here are my pics for the big college games on Saturday. First, let’s get the UK game out of the way. We are playing South Alabama which will be harder than people think. I think it is close for the first half but UK pulls away in the 2nd half. Now let’s talk Texas and Tennessee. Texas is good but a SEC road game is always hard, especially in Knoxville when a Manning comes to town and they are ranked #1. I think Tennessee, with all the emotion, pulls off the upset. Georgia will run all over Oklahoma (my goodness…what has happened to Oklahoma. They stink!). Ole Miss will win a close one over Florida. It will be close. I think that is the only games that Ole Miss knows how to play. LSU will win decisively over Texas A&M (sorry, Aggies. But Kiffen is pouting and he will take it out on y’all). The fun game will be Mississippi St and Missouri. Mississippi State is a legit team. Their quarterback may be the best QB playing now.
In other leagues, Oregon will upset USC. USC is one of the most overrated teams in my opinion. Not because I don’t think they are good, it is just that they are a California team. 😊
In the NFL, first…what is happening to all these quarterbacks? They need to start eating better or putting on some bubble wrap. 3 key QBs went down last week. So this week, by all means, protect Josh Allen! Speaking of Josh, I think the Bills win easily against the Chargers who have to be the biggest disappointment thus far. The only other good game I see is Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is not good, but these teams hate each other. It should be a good slobber knocker of a fight. Again, protect Joe Burrow!
These are my picks. So let it be written, so let it be done.
What’s Going On This Week
Sunday (9/27)
Worship Services 9 & 10:30 am
Monday (9/28)
Alzheimer’s Support Group 10 am
Stitching Angels 1:30 pm
Tuesday (9/29)
Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast 7:30 am
Trish Bassett’s Bible Study 10 am
Wednesday (9/30)
Prayer Warriors 9am
Sip And Share 10am
Table Talk (C.S. Lewis Study “The Great Divorce”) 5 pm
JAM Youth 5 pm
Bell Choir 6 pm
Choir Practice 7 pm
Thursday (10/1)
Davelyn Hays Wisdom of Solomon 9 am
UPCOMING DATES
Mexican Fiesta 10/10
Fall Festival 10/24
Lord’s Acre 11/14
All Saint’s Day Service 11/1
Important Upcoming Dates
10/10 — Mexican Fiesta
10/24 — Fall Festival
11/01 — All Saint’s Day Service
11/14 — Lord’s Acre
Joke of the Week
A little girl asked her mother, "Where did people come from?"
Her mother answered, "God made Adam and Eve and they had children and that's how all mankind was made."
A couple of days later she asked her father the same question.
The father answered, "Many years ago there were monkeys, which the human race evolved from."
The confused little girl returned to her mother and said, "Mommy, how is it possible that you told me that we were created by God, and Daddy said we came from monkeys?"
The mother answered, "Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his."
Memory Verse of the Week
Psalm 46:1 (NIV84)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Quote of the Week
“A mighty Fortress is our God, a Bulwark never failing; Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.”— Martin Luther
