“Watch over our service men and women, especially those serving overseas.
Be with our friends and loved ones. Keep them safe and close to You.
Lead, guide, and direct us, And we’ll give You the praise for it all, In Christ’s name. Amen.
Verses
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-29 (NIV, Bible Hub)
Biography
Kenneth Eugene Pennington, (K.E.) was born on July 26, 1924, in Ravia, Oklahoma, to the late James B. Pennington and Lula Faye Parker Pennington. He was raised in Southern Oklahoma before joining the United States Army and served during World War II.
K. E. married Treva Wilson on June 6, 1946, in Mannsville, Oklahoma. He received his Masters degree from Southeastern State University and taught and coached in public schools for 35 years.
K. E. was a member of the State Wildlife Commission for seven years, Retired Teachers Association and he was a member of the Oakview Baptist Church. At age 85, of Madill, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Brookside Nursing Center in Madill.
He is survived by his wife, Treva Pennington, Madill, Oklahoma; sons, Dan Pennington and wife Joyce, Purcell, Oklahoma; Ron Pennington and wife Grayce, Fountain Hills, Arizona; grandchildren, Jeff Pennington and wife Tiffany, Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Trisha Misak and husband Alen, Purcell, Oklahoma; Jessica Cox and husband Jonathan, Fountain Hills, Arizona; James Pennington and wife Carley, Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Morgan.
K. E. was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Pennington; two sisters, Hazelle Patty and Juanda Morris.
Memorials were be made to the Baptist Children’s Home for girls in Kingston, Oklahoma. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Oakview Baptist Church, Oakland, Oklahoma. Neil O’Donnell and Brother James Stuart officiated. Music arranged by Charlotte Jacks, Sam and Patsy Patty, Virginia Dugan and Tresa Runyan. Casket bearers are Bill Starry, Johnny Herd, Paul Mauck, Jimmy Henthorn, Linda Powell and Greg Duffy. Interment in the Ravia Cemetery, Ravia, Oklahoma. Services under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma.
This song helped me get through my Dad passing away.
I kept asking God, “Where are you?” “Why is this happening.” “This is not good. I know You are good, but this is not good.”
He is still good. He is still faithful. Even in the shadow of death. Even when all you feel is pain, anger, or fear. He is still good. He will never leave you. He will guide you with His hand upon you. To the end of the world. He is with you to the end of what you think you can endure, and beyond.
Around 6 years old, I asked Jesus to save me. My dad passed away, so I’ll have to ask Mom how old exactly. Young enough to steal chocolate chips; old enough to know framing my younger brother was wrong.
Even then, I knew I needed Jesus.
It just made sense. I can’t stop doing the bad things I know are wrong. “I’m sorry” is a step towards God. But I can’t do enough good things to make myself right with God.
So I asked, “Jesus, I’m sorry, please save me.”
Jesus basically said, “Done.”
Turns out, Jesus sacrificed His life to save mine. Paraphrase: “I’ll take the punishment for everything you even did or will do. My death has set you free. My resurrection gives you new life.”
Jesus can make me right. Let’s do it. So I took the step of faith. From admiting I’m wrong to asking Jesus to save me.
Luckily, a child can understand it.
I wish the story went “Then she walked closely with God ever since.”
Not really.
Since then, I’ve done a lot of things I regret.
Some mistakes I can talk about in a guide for kids. Some regrets are heavier. I’ve made confessions and apologies to a lot of people on this side of heaven. Eventually, everyone will find out all the things. (fun right?)
All my mistakes boil down to “Jess thought she knew better than God.”
Turns out that is never, ever true.
Hence my personal tagline: Jess needs Jesus. Because Jesus is literally my only hope of getting into heaven.
Not good enough on my own. Not by light years.
Turns out God’s plan didn’t depend on me being good. I just believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, so I am saved.
Thank You, Jesus.
So the rest of life is still messy. But Jesus wades through the crazy with me. He is with me always, even to the end of the age.
// Unfinished Notes on Things //
Turns out, in spite of all the bad things that happen in this world, God is good. And God came down from Heaven into this messy world to die for me. Before I did all the bad things. Knowing I would do all of the bad things. Loving me anyway.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:76–79, NIV
Lord our God, we thank you that you let light shine out every day and every year. Thank you that we may always look to you, whose right hand will bring order into everything and set all things right, even in difficult times. May our hearts receive strength to persevere and go on praising you, for you remain, no matter what happens on earth. You are our God, you have sent us the Savior, and we can draw close to you. You have made us the firm promise that your day is coming when truth and justice will arise on earth to the glory of your name. May the hearts of many people turn to you so that they worship you and call to you for help, to the glory of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”%22I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you. I will use you to bless all the people on earth.%22 — Genesis 12:3 ERV ” image=”data:image/svg+xml;base64,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” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]”I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you. I will use you to bless all the people on earth.” — Genesis 12:3 ERV
The first three verses of Genesis 12 are well known for God’s calling of Abram. Abram is told to leave his family and go to a place he has not seen. God promises to build a nation from Abram, and that Abram’s name would be a blessing. Verse 3 culminates with, “I will use you to bless all the people on earth.”
But when did this happen? The second part of chapter 12 tells a devastating story of Abram lying to people in Egypt and putting his wife in danger in order to save himself. As Abram’s family grew, so did their problems and their conflicts with neighbors.
When exactly would people on earth be blessed because of Abram?
Of course, there are many Old Testament stories of people who weren’t Israelites being blessed because of their interaction with one of Abram’s descendants (as in the story of Jonah, for example).
But the mission of bringing God’s blessings to all the people on earth is only fulfilled in Jesus. As the Messiah, Jesus represents all of Israel. In Jesus, people from all countries on earth are brought into God’s family.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, please think about the history of Israel that led to Jesus’ birth.
Have a blessed day.
I Love You All!
Dad[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. — John 1:9 The light would shine in the darkness and the darkness will never overcome it (John 1:5)” image=”data:image/svg+xml;base64,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” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”]The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. — John 1:9
The world was a dark place before Jesus was born. The Apostle Matthew quoted Isaiah to describe it. It was “the land of the shadow of death” and the people that lived in it were “people living in darkness” (Matthew 4:16). When you live in darkness you can’t see anything and you don’t know which way to go. It is impossible to have a proper understanding of anything. Even worse, when you live in “the land of the shadow of death” there are dangers lurking in the darkness that you cannot see and to which you are vulnerable.
What was needed was some light to shine in the darkness and show people the way. People were actually living in God’s earthly creation, but they refused to acknowledge it and refused to live accordingly. The darkness had captured them and blinded them to their true state of existence. As a result, “their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21). True, the Jews had some light, but they were a small portion of the earth’s inhabitants and even they did not fully understand the situation. Indeed, Jesus even said they “loved darkness instead of light” (John 3:19).
God was gracious, however, and sent light into the world. Jesus was the light. He was and still is “the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). He was and still is the “true light” that gives light to the inhabitants of the earth. There had been and still are many false lights in the world. These are the ones who lead people astray. They claim to be the light, but they only lead people to eternal darkness and destruction. Jesus, in contrast, was the true light that showed people the truth about their situation, showed them how to get back to a proper relationship to God. He showed them they were sinners living in God’s world and they needed a savior. They needed him.
At Christmas, the true light came into the world. Never again would the darkness monopolize the earth. Never again would the darkness have the same kind of grip on the hearts of people. The light that was coming would push back the darkness and eventually penetrate to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
The light would shine in the darkness and the darkness will never overcome it (John 1:5)
Have a blessed day.
I Love You All!
Dad[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 ESV
December brings in a new season, especially in the north. The days are short, crisp, and ofttimes snowy. The beauty of fresh snow proclaims the glory of God in the white, glistening snowflakes falling and clinging to tree limbs. Children laugh and play, making snow angels and snowmen. We enjoy hot chocolate and cozy fires.
Wherever your location, at least in the U.S., one thing is evident in December: It’s Christmastime. We’re surrounded by Christmas carols, movies, lights, and holiday decorations. We spend hours buying, wrapping, and giving gifts. The weeks are full of parties, traditions, family, friends, and Christmas programs. It’s a time of celebration.
As Christians, this is the time we celebrate the human birth of Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesized the Messiah would come to earth, that a Son would be given. And in the Gospel of Luke, the birth of a child is proclaimed, “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'” (Luke 2:10-11).
John the Baptist went before Him to prepare the way, “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Luke 3:3-4).
These glorious truths ring out that Christ came to save people from their sin. This Gospel will be preached to all the world. Christmas is a time of celebration and proclamation. I think many misinterpret the meaning of Christmas. Its celebration is not a biblical mandate. Rather, it is a time that provides greater opportunities for sharing the Good News.
Christmas may look different this year, but the Gospel message remains the same. As Steven J. Lawson writes, “Jesus did not come to create a holiday. He was born to die for sinners.”
Perhaps this is the year God will turn our hearts to what is most important: knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and sharing Him with others. Life may be challenging, but God’s plan and purpose will always prevail. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. He is the Bridegroom coming back for His Bride. He is forever faithful to His Word.
Rejoice! Embrace the love of our Savior and all that is good. Glory to God in the highest!
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. — Matthew 6:31-33 ESV
There is nothing wrong with seeking food, or drink, or clothing. Jesus Himself says the heavenly Father knows we need them. The trouble comes when we focus our lives around the seeking of food, drink, clothing, and any other creaturely thing. The trouble comes when we get so anxious about having these things that we make them our first priority.
When we make the acquisition of things our priority, we run into the Solomon problem. The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes tells us that King Solomon searched high and low for meaning in life by acquiring as much of everything as he could. What did he find? He found that “all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). When the acquisition of creaturely things is set up as the be-all and end-all of life it quickly loses its luster. The mere acquisition of things fails to satisfy the human quest for ultimate meaning and purpose.
Over and above the acquisition of things, but not apart from them, is the true meaning and purpose of life: seeking the kingdom of God. What does it mean to seek the kingdom? It means to enter the kingdom and its righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ and it means to advance and develop the kingdom by serving the King in every area of life, including the acquisition of creaturely things. You would not be much help to the King if you were naked and starving.
It is, therefore, a question of priorities. Do you seek these things for their own sake, or do you seek them in service to the King? If it’s the first, then these things will never truly satisfy your quest for meaning. If it’s the second, then they will not have to satisfy your quest, because you will have already found the true source of meaning and purpose.
And there’s a bonus for seeking the kingdom first. You get what you need as part of the package.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8, NIV
Lord our God, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, who was and is and is to come, the Almighty, we thank you for this wonderful message, which is meant for us too, even though our lives often seem empty and sad.
But behold, you make all things new for each one of us. Even though we have long tormented ourselves, the light of life will dawn at last and we will be able to rejoice.
Continue to protect us and our community. Wake us to new life, for you have called us to believe and to endure to the end.
Whatever sorrows and hardships may come, we will remain faithful, O Lord our God. This is our promise to you.
We will persevere and say joyfully, “Jesus Christ is coming to make all things new.”
