In his sermon titled, “A World Full of Blessings,” from Matthew 5:1-12, Rev David Diller challenged us to think about how our words can bring blessings to our hearers. “Sticks & stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” is one of those lies we learned in nursery school. Words can indeed hurt or heal. Negative & demeaning words to children are especially to be avoided.
But all of us carry an “inner child” of the past inside & when we speak to another our words are usually from our “parent tapes” & directed at the “inner child” in others. An uncontrolled “tongue is a fire” James says. More importantly, Jesus says, “you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter, for by your words you will be justified, & by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
Jesus’ Beatitudes give us three clues to positive, uplifting speech. First, think positive & speak positive words to others. Jesus’ word “blessed,” means “God cares, God wants you to succeed.” Second, this means we should see others through God’s eyes of love. God loves all & wants us to love all. Finally, Jesus not only speaks good words, he does good deeds, & both together save, heal, & renew peoples’ lives. We can do the same & fill the world with God’s blessings.
Rev Diller is teaching Contemporary Theology, reviewing the history of Israel, the Church, the Bible, & how theological ideas have changed across the centuries & into modern times. The final class meets Mon, Nov 17 at 10 am.
Payne Springs UMC hosts a Walk to Emmaus reunion every Tue at 5 pm.
Everyone is welcome to join us for Disciple Bible Study. Our next Monday night class meets Nov 17 at 5:30 pm. Our next day classes meet Tue Nov 18 at 2 pm & Wed, Nov 19 at 10 am. You do not have to be a church member, just curious and eager to learn about the God who loves us & expects us grow up in our thinking & our living so we live free & responsible lives caring for one another.
Payne Springs UMC is a caring church family learning to follow Jesus. Our purpose is to help every person grow to full maturity in the image of Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century. With open hearts, open minds, and open doors, we combine both traditional & contemporary styles. We invite you to come learn about God and Jesus, the Bible and the Church each week. Sunday school is from 9-10am. At 10am coffee, juice, & snacks are served in Fellowship Hall. Worship is from 10:30-11:30am. Nursery care is provided. Sunday evenings we invite you to an in-depth study of Matthew at 5 pm. If you have questions or need directions, call our church office at (903) 451-2978 or go to www.paynespringsumc.org http://www.paynespringsumc.org.
 
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11