May 29

Coolidge Examiner > Religion

Remembering America and those who served this Memorial Day

By William Perry
Chaplain, HoHoKam Village

Published: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 4:13 AM MST
In his best selling book, “Slouching Toward Gomorrah” attorney Robert Bork speaks like a modern-day prophet as he speaks of the liberal elites, whose “attitude toward religion, ranges from indifference to active hostility, and have succeeded in removing religion from public recognition and debate.”

He continues, “Only religion can accomplish for a modern society what tradition, reason, and insight observation cannot.

Christianity and Judaism provide the major premises of moral reasoning revelation by the accounts recorded in the Bible.”
Even so, we are now asked to consider the latest flavor-or-the-month, new age gibberish presented to us in Eckhart Tolle’s latest book, “A New Earth”; following an endorsement by the current diva of pop TV, Mr. Tolle’s “Spiritual Self-Help Guide” has sold massive numbers, and has topped the bestseller list of Mr. Tolle’s book sends traditional, Biblical Christianity straight into the trash bucket in favor of an amalgamation of eastern mysticism and self adoring, new age “Phycobabble” that delivers nothing but more of the ego-centric fumbling that the purveyors promise us deliverance from.

What Tolle and his fans propose is a return to what we humans, thanks to Biblical Christianity and Judaism, escaped from; pagan adoration of and servitude to false gods. Only this time, the god under construction is centered in self.  This is a contemporary miniversion of the pagan “many gods” lore that stamps out tolerance for the one true God who is as equally despised by the neopagans as He was by their ancient forbearers.
Along in this mix are the radical, secular-left revolutionaries who have a deep-seated hatred for America and its traditions, its people, whose lifestyles and values differ from theirs. While they are fond of shouting “bigot” to any who dare disagree with them (especially evangelical Christians), they, in fact, rabidly suppress the rights of their opponents.

Now, we all know that America is not perfect. There are many flaws that need to be analyzed objectively and addressed. But though this is true, there is still a vast difference between self-analysis and self-loathing.
Objective self-analysis leads to correction; self-loathing, on the other hand, can lead to despair, violence, and even suicide.

The principle of objective self-evaluation is made plain in the Bible’s instructions for communion. The apostle Paul admonished believers to examine and judge themselves for the purpose of correction before taking communion (1 Cor. 11:28-31). However, if you fancy every terrorist or tyrannical, religious political element to be a victim of western imperialism and aggression, you have no time or inclination to think through the issues.  The method becomes strictly pogoian; “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

We who love freedom, know, freedom and democracy are worth standing firm on and fighting to preserve. Should we just give up, and hope our adversaries will be reasonable humanitarians—Duh! Sorry! It doesn’t work that way. Freedom is very hard to come by and even more difficult to keep. Wars are always unfortunate and often unpopular. But when the issue is survival, there is really no other option; it’s liberty or perpetual servitude and death.

Despite derision from America-loathers, the “four freedoms” articulated by President Franklin Roosevelt are no laughing matter. President Roosevelt spelled them out on January 6, 1941: They are; Freedom of Speech and Expression, Freedom of Every Person to Worship God in His Own Way, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.

A fellow of Italian descent once shared the jubilation of his family as their steamship entered New York Harbor and caught sight of the Statue of Liberty. “They yelled so loud,” he said, “they couldn’t hear the noise of the cattle on the boat!” They all came here looking for a hand up, not a hand out. Now, today, we might ask, what held together such a diverse aggregation without common heritage; language; or, worship forms? Well, basically, it was a passion to become citizens of their newly adopted country! The history of this great republic has borne out, their passion was well founded. The Words Land of Opportunity was more than a slogan. From their determination arose something profound, beyond comprehension; it’s called America! When families can walk to their chosen houses of worship on Sunday morning without fear of bombs, clubs, or political-religious enforcers; now, that’s progress worth defending with every fiber of our collective being. The question is, how long will this progress last? Well, I guess that is up to you and me, as to the legacy we leave behind. It will not be much of a legacy unless we remember where the foundation rests; look at Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.
Copyright © 2011 - Tri Valley Central

Our son Eric’s visit to Arizona was a true pleasure, as we gave him a tour of our wonderful state.


Starting with our Coolidge location, and a visit with our friends at the HO HO KAM RV Community. Next it was up through Salt River Canyon area, and on up to the 7,000 ft. elevation around Show Low. I’m sure Arizona has not seen the last of Eric, nor  has Eric seen the last of Arizona.


Due to administrative decisions that were being made regarding the Clubhouse, it was necessary to move our church service to a smaller building near the Ho Ho Kam office.  Praise the Lord we had nearly a full house.  The Lord is blessing.

Our residents in the park are now primarily our full time summer people.   Some are in need of prayer because of age and health problems. They need our prayers!  We ask that you keep them in your prayers as you read our newsletter. Lord Bless you!

To hear this week's message click here.
Continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord here in the desert.
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If you no longer desire to receive Perry's Periodicals, simply send us an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. We will then remove your email address from that group. It is our desire to send Perry's Periodicals to only those who want to receive it. Vaya Con Dios...Go With God!

May 22

MUSIC

Music night is becoming a time of getting to know the “Village People” better, as a good number turn out . The Lord is Blessing.

A Visit

We had a very enjoyable visit with our son, Eric, from New Jersey…a little time for a trip to Lakeside/Pinetop in the White mountains with a walk on the “Mogollon Rim”.  We were fortunate enough to have him available to clean off the roof of our “summer home”.

To hear this week's message click here.
Continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord here in the desert.
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If you no longer desire to receive Perry's Periodicals, simply send us an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. We will then remove your email address from that group. It is our desire to send Perry's Periodicals to only those who want to receive it. Vaya Con Dios...Go With God!

May 15

 WE SERVE A GREAT GOD!

On May 9th the HO HO KAM Village water supply was disrupted because of a major water leak in the main water supply line in the park. The water had been disrupted for a few hours, and it appeared that this would continue on for a while. It appeared that much additional digging would be required before the work could be completed, and the water turned back on. Some of the residents were starting to express their concerns. Pastor Bill lifted the concerns up before the Lord. Praise the name of Jesus Christ, He answers prayers. Within 20 minutes the residents had their water restored, and within 30 minutes the whole matter was completed, with only the back-fill left to do. Our Lord is Faithful!!! All Praise and Glory goes to Him!

Coolidge Examiner > Religion

Mother's Day: A special day to look at the Fifth Commandment

By Pastor William Perry
Community Christian Church/Ho Ho Kam Village

Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:13 AM MST
It seems to me appropriate for Mother’s Day to take the Fifth Commandment, and make it fully theirs.  I do want you to know that this is in no way meant to detract from the centrality of mom in the home.  Neither am I endeavoring to bring the father in for a share of the tribute and honor that should go to mothers on this day.  I turn to this commandment because in it is embodied the very basis and essential significance of Mother’s Day.

From the very beginning of the church, the church and the people of God have paid tribute to the high and noble estate of motherhood. While still in the Garden of Eden, a special recognition of mothers was made. Adam named his wife, and he called her “Eve” because as he said, “She is the mother of all living.”

Once again, immediately after their expulsion from the garden, mothers were brought to the forefront again, when God prophesized, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.”
Someone has said, “When you tell the story of any great man, you must begin with his mother.”
As was the case of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, as well as his brother, the great hymn writer, Charles.  The love and influence of the mother is the central and supreme influence of the home, or it should be.  An old Chinese proverb expresses this most clearly with, “When a child goes away from home, he carries his mother’s hand with him.”

It is doubly significant that the one who was chosen to be a great influence in the life of the Lord Jesus as He was growing up was the one who brought Him into this world as a human baby, His mother.  She is the one who was with Him all the way from conception to the cross, and His resurrection. During His boyhood and into His youth, He was subject to her as well as to Joseph.

What greater tribute could be paid to the dignity and sublimity of motherhood than this?

In the Fifth Commandment: It is stated, “Honor thy father and thy mother,” I don’t believe that we would be at all in error to place the emphasis on, “honor thy mother,” because of the significance of this day, Mother’s Day.  This Fifth Commandment stands as the first and fundamental statute in our duty to man.  Here, I believe, we have laid down for us, the very wrap and woof of society in general, and of Christian society in specific.  The home was the place God chose as the proper place where His Son was to be raised, free to be loved, to love, to interact with community, free from government control.  He chose the nurturing, instruction and discipline of the home as the place where His Son should grow and develop into perfect manhood. The home is very important.

The tragedy of our day is, the home has become peripheral and not central in the life and training of our children and young people.

This commandment to; “Honor thy father and thy mother” is not an arbitrary command.
It is the most natural, reasonable necessity of society. If any man or woman has a right to our honor, it is our parents.  Think of the love and care that they have given to us throughout our infant days and on!  Think of the expense, time and effort they so generously gave.

This is especially true of mothers. In time of sickness or injury, she would drop everything to care for us, her children.  Not only is it the parent’s right to receive honor, this is also best for the child.
The real purpose of the Fifth Commandment is not to safeguard the honor of parents; it is rather for the sake of the children.  Children are happier and safer if they obey and honor their parents. Paul says in Ephesians 6, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
Honor thy father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise.”

Let’s love and honor our mothers. Start today and every day, remember, Let’s pay special tribute to our mothers.
Copyright © 2011 - Tri Valley Central

A little R&R time as watermelon is in season is Southern Arizona.  Yum!
Thursday night is open mike night at the clubhouse.  We are starting to feel quite comfortable and enjoy this time.


Church Service May 15, 2011
As we get more into summer the numbers in the park are getting smaller and we’re using this time to get to know the park’s year round residents better.  What a blessing it is!

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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE!  
The Word is out! Men tend to cry more as they get older. Especially when they reach retirement and have to work as a greeter at Wal Mart!
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To hear this week's message click here.
Continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord here in the desert.
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If you no longer desire to receive Perry's Periodicals, simply send us an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. We will then remove your email address from that group. It is our desire to send Perry's Periodicals to only those who want to receive it. Vaya Con Dios...Go With God!

May 8

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape.
But a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything.
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her.
But a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman walks sure-footedly.
But a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face.
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey.
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.
 

Mother’s Day Message:  Genesis 1:27  Click Here

Thursday Music Night was ended with “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, a tribute to the Ho Ho Kam Village community.

To hear this week's message click here.
Continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord here in the desert.
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If you no longer desire to receive Perry's Periodicals, simply send us an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. We will then remove your email address from that group. It is our desire to send Perry's Periodicals to only those who want to receive it. Vaya Con Dios...Go With God!

May 1

Coolidge Examiner > Religion

The old is past, the first day of the week is here; Jesus is Lord

By William Perry
Pastor Community Christian Church at the Ho Ho Kam Village

Published: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 4:14 AM MST

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:31-32

Sometimes, even though we know better, we lock ourselves in a room with fear, doubt and anxiety as they become our depressing companions.  We know it’s not right but at times we would rather dwell with such unholy company as this than we would with such pleasant companions as faith, hope and love.  I know we do, we all do.

I recall just a few days ago, looking outside my window, seeing a blue funk instead of remembering the rainbow of God’s promises.  I was in a behaving badly mode!

We can all get there, somewhat like the disciples of Jesus after his death.  They were so overcome with discouragement that they forgot all about the so many times that Jesus had told them that he would arise from the dead.  Jesus was not a part of their crisis, nor was He of mine, and no doubt, not yours either.  When we are tempted get into this down cast mode, how very much like these disciples we are at times.  I say “we” because we’ve all been there, and this can affect any one of us.  We can get down because of the present circumstances of our daily life, or we can let our stinking thinking get in the way of our looking up, and into the promises of the one who has promised better days in the future for each one of us who put our trust in him.  It is shame on us when we refuse to receive his offer.

The Bible offers us this truth in the Epistle of First John 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light: And in him there is no darkness at all.”  And no matter how often we pave over the weeds of our life, mow them down or douse them with weed killer, they just keep sprouting back up, they just keep seeking the light.  And you know, God has designed our human souls to be like that.  You can break them, crush them, bury them under vast structures of state oppression, social custom, fear, superstition and ignorance.  Still, though many still love darkness, because the eyes of their souls can become accustomed to the dark, and now as the light breaks through, it hurts their eyes.  They love the darkness, but they seek the light. Isn’t that strange?

We have all struggled between this darkness and light, even within ourselves, and we have seen it played out all around us.  In the gospel of Matthew, in Chapter 28, Verse 20, Matthew records Jesus as saying, “I am with you always, to the very end of age.” 

Easter Sunday has come, it is the beginning of a new week, the Sabbath of sorrows is past. The darkness of despair is gone.  It’s the dawn of a New Day, a day of hope, of a bright hope. The Lord is seated at the right hand of the Father.  The first day of the week, like the beauty of the longed-for first flower of spring has now come.  Sunday has come!  Friday is finished!  The Son, in all his splendor, has risen, the Bible says, “With healing in his wings.”  We can throw away our spices, reserved for things that are dead. And we can worry no more about a stone that is too heavy to be rolled away!  Go ahead, enter and see for yourself!  See! The tomb is empty!  He is not there. Jesus has risen!

How can we not be joyful knowing that.

“Jesus is seated at the Father’s right hand. He is alive. He’s alive and I’m forgiven! Heaven’s gates are open wide!”  Unlock the doors, because they can’t keep him out anyway. Make way for the King!  Receive his message of peace and love. Experience the peace that passes all understanding.  Our hearts should be “burning within.”  As you rediscover the resurrected Christ we need to call out as Thomas did, “My Lord and My God.”

Amen
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Our gatherings are getting smaller each week as the “snow birds” head north.

Each Thursday and Sunday evenings a group gathers to jam for approximately three hours.  Lot’s of good old country and western songs and good times.  Very enjoyable.

To hear this week's message click here.
Continue to pray for us as we seek to serve the Lord here in the desert.
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If you no longer desire to receive Perry's Periodicals, simply send us an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. We will then remove your email address from that group. It is our desire to send Perry's Periodicals to only those who want to receive it. Vaya Con Dios...Go With God!