Tag: thoughts and stuff

Sermon for Sunday August 25, 2013

Down in my heart… Where?
“We have confused joy with happy.”
Happy focuses on temporary; joy focuses on eternity.
—
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
—
Matthew 10:22 NIV
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
—
James 1:2 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
—
Billy Sunday “the trouble with many men is that they have just enough religion to make them miserable. If there is not joy in your life you’ve got a leak in your religion.”
—
Galatians 3:1-3 NIV
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?
—
Psalm 16:11 NIV
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
—
Psalm 30:5 NIV
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
—
Psalm 51:12 NIV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Sermon for Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sermon for Sunday, August 18, 2013
—
The names of God:
ELOHIM
—
Genesis 1:1 NIV
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
ELOHIM: God alone is eternal
Elohim implies that:
1. God is the Creator of everything that exists: He (and no other) is the creator of the heavens and the earth.
It is the starting point of all theology and life.
It gives dignity and meaning to human life and existence – your life is not the result of some random, mindless and evolutionary process.
Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Psalm 139:13 NIV
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
2. God is the Sustainer of everything that exists: He upholds all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3) Our gives us confidence to face life’s difficulties. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Hebrews 1:3 NIV
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 6:25 NIV
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Job 38:4-5 NIV
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
Job 42:1-2, 4-6 NIV
Then Job replied to the Lord : “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
3. God is the Restorer of everything tainted by sin — Christ is God’s answer to our brokenness.
Malachi 2:10 NIV
Do we not all have one Father ? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?
Response: live in awe of God. Put your trust in God. Live with a sense of purpose and front. Give your life to him. You are rational and responsible.
NOTE: Text of the “Response” section transcribed incorrectly; original text has since been forgotten.

Sermon for August 11, 2013

Sermon for August 11, 2013
“What’s in a name?”
—
1 Samuel 4:21 NIV
She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The Glory has departed from Israel”—because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband.
—
Exodus 3:13-15 NIV
Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “ I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘ I am has sent me to you.’ ” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord , the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
—
Three reason we study the names of God:
1. We are commanded to honor God’s name
Exodus 20:7 NIV
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
….
Honor the name of God
We should believe and act in such a way that we should respect and
….
2. We deepen our knowledge of God nature
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
….
3. We understand how to praise and worship God.

Sermon for July 28, 2013

Sermon for July 28, 2013:
God calls all of us (all believers) to deal with remaining sin.
James 1:21 NIV
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
—
When sin is among us it’s like poison
Galatians 5:9 NIV
“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
—
1 Corinthians 15:31 NIV
I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
—
Dealing with sin is a personal matter…
…it’s not just personal it’s communal;
John MacArthur:
“We all know that a chain is not stronger than its weakest link. And the testimony of a church is no greater than its weakest member.”
…we must be concerned about our personal holiness; but we must also be concerned with the holiness of God’s church…
—
Galatians 6:1-2 NIV
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
—
Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
—
Are you in step; are you walking in step with God?
Are you keeping in step with the Spirit?
Keep in step; keep walking with the Spirit…
—
Community exists for restoration…
How are we to respond when one of us wanders from the Spirit’s path and stumbles into a sinful lifestyle?
—
Reasons people avoid restoring someone:
1. It’s not always easy.
2. It’s not my place to confront anyone about their sin.
3. It may not produce restoration.
—
It is the responsibility of the church community to help its members break free from the bondage of sin.
Signs of a community that restores:
1. It recognizes when someone is caught in sin: It focuses on getting someone under the control of sin(s).
2.
—
—Authentic community—
—
Paul Tripp:
As long as there is evil inside of me it will hook me to the evil outside of me. And I am capable of being snared until there is no evil inside of me.
—

Account of June 24, 2013: A letter to the Housing Authority of Cynthiana

Jeremiah Hall Palmer
115 Shawnee Drive
Cynthiana, KY 41031

 

 

June 26, 2013

 

Ms. Connie Copes
Housing Authority of Cynthiana
148 Federal Drive
Cynthiana, KY 41031

 

Dear Ms. Copes

On the evening of June 24, 2013, we had the unpleasant experience of dealing with an unruly neighbor—or a man that we had believed to be a neighbor. It came to our attention yesterday during the brief telephone conversation between you and my wife, Diana, that the gentleman in question—a Mr. Chad Harding—was not, in fact, a tenant. Where this incident has now revealed that a troublesome character may be taking up residency, violating another tenant’s lease agreement and potentially introducing hazards to other tenants and their children, an account of the aforementioned evening’s events and statement of observed activities in the area was requested for submission to the Housing Authority; this letter shall serve as said documentation.

At approximately 7:30pm—exact time is unknown by me, however request of Computer Aided Dispatch call from the Cynthiana Police Department would provide a more accurate time—our son, Taron Hall Palmer, came in from riding his bicycle to inform us that he had been threatened by a neighbor for riding his bicycle in the area. Shortly after Taron attempted his confused and terrified recount, we heard loud rapping at our door; answering the door, Diana discovered an angry and half-dressed Chad Harding on our door-step. Mr. Harding began to tell us—in a rather colorful manner—what had occurred in the area which he had been sitting.

Allegedly, Mr. Harding and a group of other adults and children witnessed Taron riding his bicycle around the walks of Shawnee Drive; once Taron approached the 108/110 area, he came close to a child—Mr. Harding identified the child as his three-year-old daughter—and exclaimed that the child should move, lest he accidentally run her over. Further details of the event were not revealed to us, as Mr. Harding refused to speak calmly. Numerous pleas for Mr. Harding to calm resulted in only a heightened state of anger. Where the situation was escalating without resolve, I produced my two-way radio, and utilized my assigned frequency with the Harrison County Emergency Management Agency to contact Dispatch and requested a unit from the Cynthiana Police Department to respond for a civil dispute between neighbors. Three units from the Cynthiana Police Department arrived, amongst them was Wilbur Gross; unfortunately I cannot recall the names of the other officers.

Ultimately, the situation was resolved with Diana and I agreeing with the representative of the CPD that we would restrict Taron to our side of the street. As the officers were attempting to return to their respective vehicles, the female occupant of another address—116 Shawnee—decided to join in on the complaints being raised for the opposition, claiming that our children had placed scratches on her male partner’s restoration/rebuild vehicle in the lot. No further action was taken on this matter.

With regard to Mr. Harding and his occupancy of a unit in the 108/110 area, it is our understanding that he is taking up residence with a female counterpart with which he fathers a child. This understanding is merely based upon assumption, where Mr. Harding is seen daily outside either the front or rear of those apartments. Further, we have observed Mr. Harding in altercations with other persons—possibly residents or visiting parties—in that area, some of which have resulted in police presence; request of additional police CADs associated with those addresses should verify the latter of these claims.

With regard to the occupants of 116 Shawnee and their third vehicle, the car—a late model, two-door, brown Grand Prix—has been parked in the lot for at least one month. This car is not the male occupant’s “daily-driver”; this car is one on which the gentleman has been tinkering with, possibly with purpose of resale. I do know for fact that this is not the “daily-driver” as the gentleman owns an 80’s model, white Volvo, which he drives to work; the female occupant drives a 90’s model, white Nissan. The statement that the Grand Prix is a project for resale is speculative, based upon testimony given by said gentleman, in reference to previous vehicles that he has had occupying the lot.

Should there be any further need for correspondence in regard to these matters, do not hesitate to ask. Feel free to contact either Diana or myself using the information on file. Additionally, should you believe that a more “personal” and opinionated account of that evening’s events, we can supply you with the Internet address of a journal entry written that evening.

Sincerely,

 

Jeremiah Hall Palmer

Dear Friends – An Open Letter

Tonight, my children–my son, at least–learned a cruel and invaluable lesson; though one may *seem* nice, one can still be a cruel, mean and hateful son-of-a-bitch.

For years I have kept myself and the children trapped within the walls of our apartment, out of fear and mistrust of the neighbors surrounding us; many times, this safe prison I created led to further madness and destructiveness of demeanor, character and overall morale in the family–though best intentions were always at heart. I couldn’t trust my children to go out and play in a neighborhood filled with alcoholics, drug-users and cheap thrill-seekers; what kind of parent would I be? I’d be no better than those I wished to protect the children from…

…as the years have passed, many changes have taken place in our family; the un- –though, honestly, somewhat–intentional imaginary prison walls I erected were quite maddening for all of us, and led to our joining the likes of the riff-raff across the way. I grew angry, Diana grew distant, and our family fell apart.

Since that time, we’ve been able to repair the damage done, and have grown much closer than ever before–moved beyond our pasts, moved beyond our differences, and moved into a brighter looking future; if only we could have moved our residence as well.

Over the past few weeks, through gaining better belief and trust in our son’s knowledge of right and wrong, as well as his new-found abilities to recite in a more common and succinct language what boundaries, rules and expectations are requested and required of him, I have allowed Taron the random occasion of going out alone for a short period of time to ride his bicycle–just as any young boy should be allowed to do. These occasions had even been allowed to come more frequently, once he showed an understanding of the sky and his ability to forecast–within five to ten minutes, mind you–rain showers; a small achievement many might think, but for this boy quite a grand one, where he had once not paid the elements any credence. And, finally, extensions such as these were being granted where it had seemed that the neighborhood children had stopped being raucous, vicious; likewise their respective parents and/or guardians had seemed to drop some of their inane, uncouth qualities. So, I thought.

Taron came in tonight, complaining and questioning about a person telling him that he wasn’t allowed to enter a certain area of the block, otherwise he might face having his bike yanked away from him and his tires slit. At first, Diana and I thought he was rambling nonsense about one of the vile little girls across the street–perhaps they hadn’t outgrown their mean-spirited idiocy; soon, we realized that he was going on about the devil living in 108 or 110–I cannot remember which–that frequents his stoop topless, can of suds in hand, cursing away with every breath of whatever tale he shares with the others around. In my gut I felt that this couldn’t be good. In as much time as it took for me to grab my radio from the charger–I felt that there might be trouble, and if there were, depressing a key worked faster than dialing 911–a loud and reverberating series of banging knocks rattled our door.

I’ve never been one for confrontation, and believe that I never will; Diana, on the other hand, inherited that gift. Thusly, she answered the door. After a few minutes–more like one, possibly two–the exchange between the two adults began to get heated, and I found myself calling dispatch for an officer as it seemed apparent that this dude would not let his dander down. In the process, however, while his accusations were flying, we learned that Taron had allegedly come close to running over his three-year-old child.

I cannot say as to whether our son did put a child in the path of his bicycle, neither Diana, nor I bore witness to the event. I can say that it is very well within the realm of possibility–especially given the testimony supplied by the hot-headed, undressed, tattooed devil. Allegedly, Taron came close to the child warning them to get out of the way, otherwise he might run them over. I must admit, this does sound like my son, as this is how he behaves around our three-year-old; unfortunately, Taron doesn’t realize that his sister might have more brains in her pinkie-finger than anyone else of her age in this immediate area. Given the remaining incoherent babbles by the neighbor, I assume that Taron managed to swerve out of the way, merely frightening the child. Still, the walking codpiece had some fashion of a mind to give our son and us as well.

After the police arrived–which must have been the full force for the night; three in all!–and the matter settled, Taron was found repeating to us that, “He seemed like a nice guy; I thought he was a good person.”

Taron, naively, had believed that this odd character was genuine; where and how Taron framed this thought is beyond us. Perhaps it was where the dude seemed to have some sort of zest for life–surely one speaking so loudly and brash in a group of people must be a great man. Maybe it was where his children–if they are his–are allowed to run the gamut on there area of the street, whereas I keep mine in close view–this past week and tonight being the exception. Instead, Taron has now learned that, no, that certain je ne sais quois he saw was merely an I don’t give two flying fucks and an I will hurt any motherfucker that crosses me.

Taron has now been faced with the fact that other people can be–and, sadly, usually are–complete dick-heads.

Taron has also now learned that the walls which I had lowered for him had originally been erected for his protection.

Unfortunately, I must say that tonight’s experience has left Diana and I in odd spirits. Never have we interfered in neighborhood matters, beyond the blatant violation of this particular community’s ordinances. Never have we called the police against a neighbor–outside of the one time where the boyfriend of the vile little girls’ mother threw her against a car. Never have we felt as angry, scared, shocked, disappointed, etc.

We are now looking–likely without avail–for somewhere else to call home. Somewhere that our son might be able to play without receiving threats from adults; somewhere that adults may be civil, rather than confrontational. Somewhere that likely no longer exists…

…should you know of any such place–be it town or country, preferably Harrison County–where rent is affordable–or better yet, you wish to make a contribution toward the down-payment of a mortgage!–feel free to contact us. We feel that this neighborhood is no longer safe for our family.

 

Thank You.

Jeremiah

Sermon for June 9, 2013

Sermon for June 9, 2013:
—
My deepest problem
—
Apostle Peter if there was anyone who could ever show us good grace start hardship and failure.
—
2 Peter 1:1-9 NIV
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
—
Stand strong; his divine power has given you everything that you need.
—
Fundamental Realities in the life of every believer
1. Continuing identity as a sinner
The moment you trust in Christ the power of sin is broken but the is sin remains.
Our deepest problem exists deep inside and not outside of ourselves…
The humbling reality is this: My deepest problem exists deep inside of me and not outside of me.
We are good self-justifiers.
—
1 John 1:9 NIV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
—
What is it you tell yourself about the presence of sin in your life?
—
2. Reality of present identity as a child of grace.
Do we see the need of the power and reacting grace of God?
—
Rescuing grace:
Through Christ, God has done everything to free you from the power of sin to make you a slave.
—
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
—
Reading, understanding, believing, application.
—
Divine promise + divine nature = escaping corruption
2 Peter 1:4 NIV
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
—
Grace is God giving everything we need in life and crisis.

Notes from Sunday School – June 9, 2013

Sunday school – June 9, 2013:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-16, 18 NIV
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
—
Be

Sermon for Sunday June 2, 2013

Sermon for Sunday June 2, 2013:
—
Communion
Luke 22:15 NIV
And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
1 Corinthians 11:27-32 NIV
So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
1 John 1:9 NIV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Luke 22:15-18 NIV
And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
—
My deepest problem:
Is God’s plan defective, or is the issue with man?
Reality of continuing identity as a sinner: The power of sin is broken but the presence of sin still remains.
Romans 7:24 NIV
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?
Galatians 5:22 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Acts 9
Ephesians
Our deepest problem exists deep inside and not outside of ourselves…
The humbling reality is this: My deepest problem exists deep inside of me and not outside of me.
2 Peter — I have given you everything you need….
James 4
James 4:6 NIV
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”