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Self-pity and pride, which are closely related, have nothing to do with the cross. Both of them are concerned only with me, me, me. J. H. Arnold

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Discipleship is not a question of our own doing; it is a matter of making room for God so that he can live in us. J.H. Arnold

Wednesday Evening Prayer Emphasis

This Wednesday Evening will be the first of five prayer services for revival and evangelization here at the Huntingdon church. We will have a time of fellowship in the basement at 6:30 and then go up to the sanctuary for prayer emphasis. We continue to fast and pray for God's presence in our midst and for the salvation of the lost. We are seeking God for our efforts to "go ye" into our world with the message of Jesus Christ.

Featured Sermon by Daniel Meyer At PreachingToday.com

Exerpt: "Here's the blunt truth: if our goal is to be like Jesus, we must do what few people naturally do: we must choose the Cross Road. We must go the way of foolishness in the eyes of the world. We must deny the very self that we are constantly being told to coddle, preserve, and expand. "

Read more here

Pictures From An Islamic Demonstration In London, England

No doubt, this is the radical, extremist Islamic faction seen in the pictures below. I wonder how some of the Muslims in the United States feel about this? Is there a hidden agenda in all Muslims (even those who profess to be peaceful) to take over the world with their religion.

95th INTERNATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

General Assembly theme, date, and place.

Update

Karen and I visited with Sister Ruth King Saturday evening and enjoyed a time of fellowship and prayer together. Sister King continues to request prayer for her daughter Rita who continues to have some health problems but is doing better.

We then went by to visit with Jimmie and Virginia Davis to have prayer for her. She continues to have health problems with a deep blod clot in her leg. No one was at home.

We then visited with Willodene Davis, Brother Jimmie's mother. We enjoyed a good time of visitation and prayer with her. She testified that she is feeling much better.

Karen and I attended the the revival at Solid Rock Church Ministries which continued on Saturday evening with another great time in the Lord. Pastor Bobby Jordan ministered and the presence of the Lord was tremendous. We continue to seek the Lord for lost souls to come to the Lord in our community and area.

Yesterday was a great time in the Lord. The Sunday School classes and lesson that I attended was great. I also appreciate the work that is being done with our children by Sister Vickie Lawrence. Last night was family night and our people were encouraged to enjoy some time being with their families.

Revival Continues & Prayer Requests

Revival continues at the Solid Rock Ministries church. Last night's service was filled with the presence of the Lord as we worshipped the King of Kings. The emphasis of the message last night was on reaching out to the lost and bringing them to Christ. This seems to be a burden of many local churches - that their altars have been barren from seeing the lost coming to the Savior. God is moving and bringing us to the focal point of the reason His Son came into this world. Pastor Bobby Jordan invites everyone to participate in this revival.

Sister Donna Crossno called requesting prayer for her father. The doctor discovered a 70% collapsed lung yesterday and then inflated it. He is now having some pressure pain similar to pleurisy. Sister Donna requests continued prayer for him and her mother. She also requests prayer to have the words to speak to him today about his soul and relationship to God.

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. . .

Several years ago a conversation came up dealing with the humility of Christ. Another minister and I were doing some work on the church building with some of the men of the church. We were all casually conversing about Christ's humility when I mentioned the above verse. The other minister looked at me and quoted another part of a verse in the Bible. The verse is found in 1Corinthians 2:16b, “. . .but we have the mind of Christ.” I did not reply at the time but I thought about his sudden response then and was reminded of his response when I started writing today.

Oftentimes, verses or parts of verses are taken out of context. Most everyone has taken a verse out of context, whether purposely (to make a point which should be explained) or ignorantly unintentional (usually the case). Philippians 2:5 is written in the context of encouraging obedient maturing believers to continue to have the mind of the humility of Christ. The Apostle Paul says to the Philippians in chapter, 2 verses 12 & 13, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” 1Corinthians 2:16 is written in the context of those who continue to remain as babes in Christ. The Apostle Paul says to the Corinthians in chapter 3 verse 1-4 “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” Sound like humility? Think not!

The Corinthians were busy with envy, strife and division over who was the greatest minister or who was their favorite. Some even had a haughty spirit by saying, “I [am] of Christ,” (1:12) perhaps suggesting they did not need any other minister "to tell them what its all about" - only Christ. Carnality reigned among many of the believers in the Corinth church. Fleshly selfishness was prevalent and Paul wanted them to come back to the crucified Christ (2:1-5). He encouraged them to allow the Spirit to teach them the things of Christ and says to them in chapter 2 verse 16, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Their haughtiness was confronted by the Apostle. Please forbear my interpretation of verse 16, “No one can know the mind of the God to be able to instruct Him, but we should and need to have the humble, servant mind of Christ” (my interpretation). Many of the Corinthians obviously did not have the mind of Christ when Paul wrote to them. Apparently, servanthood and humility were strangers to many of them.

Servanthood and humility are partners. Seeing the things of others and promoting their spiritual well-being is a sign of spiritual maturation. Esteeming others better than oneself is not a natural attribute of the fallen selfish attitude – it is an attitude of Christlike humility. Certainly one should not walk around with some type of voluntary pseudo humility that glorifies man. "Oh Lord its hard to be humble when your perfect in every way." So goes one song.

Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the death of the cross. Was he ever disobedient? NO! He emptied himself of the glory he had in heaven and came down to the lowly birth of being in the fleshly body. He did no sin and there was no guile of any form in His mouth. Yet, he humbled himself and went to the cross for you and I – taking our sins upon Him. He obeyed His Father’s will by submitting to the crucifixion of the cross.

Am I submissive to the Father’s will today? Are you submissive to the Father’s will today? Do we esteem others better than ourselves? “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Visit & Revival Continues

I visited yesterday at Paris, TN hospital with Sister Rita Moore. She reported that she is improving after surgery on this past Tuesay with the possibility of going home today. Please continue to remember her in prayer.

The presence of the Lord was mighty again last night at the Solid Rock Ministries church. It was enjoyable to meet some of the local ministers and be with them in this joint effort. The revival continues tonight. Pastor Bobby Jordan extends an invitation for all to attend.

Update and Prayer Requests

Karen's mother had a heart pacemaker implant last Friday morning while we were at the Marriage and Family Retreat. We did not know about the surgery until we had gotten to Pigeon Forge. Karen stayed in touch with her brother throughout the surgery until we found out that she was doing good. Over the weekend she continued to have shortness of breath and the pacemaker worked more than it should have. She went back to the hospital yesterday for an arteriorgram and one of her larger veins was blocked 75% and another small vein was blocked as well. Karen and I were there with her and Karen's sister until after a surgical procedure was completed to place a stint in the larger vein. The small vein was too risky for bursting to implant a stint. The procedure went well and she stated that she was feeling much better and breathing better within a few hours of the procedure. She is now in the hospital and continues in recovery. Now she is having problems with out of control high blood pressure. Prayers for her are greatly appreciated.

Yesterday evening after getting home from Clarksville, I finished studying for the message at Solid Rock Ministries. The presence of the Lord was awesome last night in the revival. Several were in the altar seeking the Lord. Testimonies of healings both emotional and physical came forth. The worship time was infused with the presence of the Lord. Pastor Bobby Jordan asked me to announce that revival continues there tonight and tomorrow night with a different guest minister each evening. Everyone is invited.

The Following Request Prayer:

Myrna Moore (pastor's wife at Gallatin Church of God of Prophecy and my cousin) requests prayer for her daughter Janna who is expecting twins. The doctor admitted her around noon this past Tuesday trying to delay early labor. Please pray for this request.

Donna Crossno requests prayer for her father who has been having breathing problems. He also has a weak heart. Please pray for this request.

Sister Rita Moore had surgery this week. She is in recovery now and requests prayer. Please pray for this request.

Revival is scheduled here the last weekend in March 28-30 with Brother David Prince. Please pray for the salvation of the lost.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY RETREAT UPDATE - REVIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Karen and I are back from the Marriage and Family Retreat. The sessions were powerfully charged with the Spirit of the Lord. The preaching was challenging and anointed. It was more like a revival than a conference. People were healed, delivered and encouraged. Mike and Ann Willingham served under a heavy anointing. Thank God for the opportunity to attend this retreat. Thank you Sister McKinley for the diligent work in directing this retreat. Karen and I feel more refreshed in the Lord than we have in a long time.

Tomorrow night revival will begin at the Solid Rock church where Bobby Jordan is the Pastor. Our folks at Huntingdon are going to join in with us as I am scheduled to preach the first night of the revival. Pastor Jordan came and brought his folks a while back in one of our revivals and we have been asked to come and minister there tomorrow night. God's people are praying. . . .God is wanting to send revival. . . .May we focus on Him who bled and died on that old rugged cross. . .He is alive forever more. . .

Marriage and Family Retreat

Karen and I are enjoying the Marriage and Family Retreat in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (foot of Smokey Mountains). The Holy Spirit was very prevalent in last nights service. Special Guests, Mike and Ann Willingham, ministered with great fervancy and anointing. We were truly blessed and challenged. Hopefully, there will be pictures later.

Valentine's Banquet a Success

The Valentine's Banquet was a special time for couples and others to have fellowship, food and fun. The youth raised over $200.00 and there was a great time of sharing with each other.

A visiting Sister Made this beautiful Valentine cake which was red velvet inside.
We enjoyed visitors from the Bethel Springs church who came to visit with Casey and Cindy Duncan and son Ethan.
Several youth came out to enjoye the food and fellowship.
Be my Valentine - Mike and Cathy Coleman.

In line for the spaghetti, salad, drink and dessert.

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

Today’s focus:

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; . . .

The above passage is written by the Apostle Paul from the praetorium in Rome where he is likely chained to a Roman guard. He says, “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection. . .” He looked ahead to the day when Jesus, “[will] change [his] vile body.” 3:21 His desire was to please Him who had “delivered [him] from the power of darkness, and had translated [him] into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Colossians 1:13. The former Saul of Tarsus’ translation was dynamically infused by the power of the Holy Spirit that was imparted to him when he was blinded on the road to Damascus (Acts 22). He was on his way to imprison more Christians to have them persecuted and killed. He was changed completely by the power of Jesus Christ. Even his name was changed to the Apostle Paul. God had another plan for this Jewish Zealot.

Saul of Tarsus was changed by the power of God! Now the Apostle Paul some 25-30 years later writes that he wants to “know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings.” What does this dynamic missionary Apostle mean? He has known Christ for 25-30 years. He has traveled for thousands of miles, saw thousands translated into the kingdom of God by the power of God as he was, been through many persecutions and saw many miracles. Yet, he writes he wants to “know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings; . . .”

Could the Apostle Paul be anticipating his final confrontation with the Roman chop block? Is is worried for his temporal life? The answer is obvious. There is no mention of being fearful or worried for his temporal life. This giant Christian eagerly anticipates meeting his Savior and knows that putting off the flesh (dying) is the last step. His desire, however, is to please Him. Here is the Apostle Paul’s conclusion, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” Philippians 1:21-24

Saul of Tarsus was changed to the Apostle Paul whose ultimate desire was to please his Savior and Lord. Being with Christ is being where He wants us, when He wants us and how He wants us. The Apostle Paul’s desire was to be where Christ wanted him to be? Where do I want to be today? Where do you want to be? Yes, there is that desire to be with Christ in that final place of peace, rest, joy and eternal bliss but to be with Christ now is joy beyond measure with all the trials and tests. May our prayer be, “to please Him - to be where He wants us to be both now and forever.”

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul wrote thirteen books of the New Testament canon. He was called to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. His writings contain many examples of what it means to be a maturing Christian. Today I am beginning a series entitled the "Profundities From The Apostle Paul." Profundity is another word for insightfulness, depth or understanding. It comes from the word profound which means weighty or deep. What I say will not necessary be that deep but the Holy Spirit can lead us into the deep things of Christ. I trust this will be a help and food for thought to any readers that stop by.

Today's focus. . . .

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him. . . .

Throughout the writings of the Apostle Paul one can find the ultimate goal and desire of the Apostle Paul - to know Jesus Christ. One would think that this great Apostle has reached a pinnacle with Jesus Christ that few, if any, have attained. Yet, as he writes to the Philippians from the Roman prison, one feels the longing of his heart as he pens the words, "that I may know Him." He is not focused on being in prison and even tells the readers that many in the prison have come to know Jesus Christ personally since he has been there. This Apostle was so focused on knowing Jesus Christ that he counted what he knew and had in the past (Hebrew religion and prestiguous standing) as dung, manure, rubbish - trash. Paul had given it all up willingly. He found the greatest treasure ever to be found - a treasure imparted into his earthen vessel.

Where is my focus? Where is your focus? Is there a burning desire to know HIM? Does anything displace that focus - that affection? May God help me to know HIM - Jesus, Savior and Lord. . . .

Update - Winds are Blowing Here and The Rain Is Falling

The Ministerial Intensive was full of substance and spirit this past weekend. There were classes for several different ministries including, pastoral, Bishop, Deacon and Evangelism/Outreach. I believe this was one of the best I have attended, if not the best. The book, "What The Bible Says To The Minister" is an excellent study and reference.

This past Sunday was another great time of the presence of the Spirit and a great time of worship and praise. Thank God for His presence and for those who are continuing in fasting and prayer for outreach here. Sunday evening, Karen spoke to us on the expectation and anticipation of renewal and revival. The "wind of the Holy Ghost is blowing here."

As I write this, Huntingdon is under the second tornado warning for this evening. The first one expired at 8:30 pm. The second one expires at around 11:30 - 12:00 midnight. My sincere prayer is that the "wind of the Holy Ghost continues here". . . . until we are saturated with the spiritual rain that Michael W. Smith sings about. . . .Let It Rain. . . .