Final Post

Yesterday was our final Sunday to be with the folks at Huntingdon. I shared computer slides of the past four years and eight months. We enjoyed a time of fellowship and food with the folks in the fellowship hall and we bid them farewell. We leave with a measure of fulfillment and prayer for the future of the ministry at the Huntingdon church.

Several have asked about our next assignment. We are continuing to pray and wait on the Lord for direction.

I am available for revivals, counseling ministry, counseling seminars, and pulpit supply for pastors who need to be away for whatever reason and am continuing to be very involved in my studies for the Doctor of Ministry. I am also open for consideration to pastor. Karen continues to teach in middle school. We are praying that God will direct us as we move forward for Him.

If you wish to continue following my posts click this link Wings of Eagles .

Prayer Devotional: Are You Forcing Prayer?

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. … If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

--John 15:5, 7

Prayer is not the cause of abiding in Christ, it’s the result or effect of abiding in Christ. Or to put it another way, if we’re truly abiding in Christ, we won’t have to force prayer.

In today’s verse, Jesus tells us what the secret to growing and maturing as a Christian is. It’s pretty simple! Be a branch. That’s it! Be a branch. And because branches are connected to the vine, there’s a constant interchange between the two.

Now, I don’t know what kind of background you come from or what your impression of praying is, but if it helps, I would encourage you to just think about prayer as a conversation. A conversation of a friend with a friend.

And when your relationship with a friend is growing, you talk! You talk and you listen. And in healthy relationships, that conversation and interaction flows naturally.

From Christianity.com with Dr. Jack Graham.

To finish reading the devotional go here.

Final Two Weeks

By now several people know that our last week here at Huntingdon will be the last week of March. We have been asked by some where we are going but, at this time, we have nothing firm as our next assignment. We are seeking the Lord for his direction and will post where we are in ministry when we know for sure.

We have just finished loading our furniture and moving to a house we purchased in Old Hickory, TN. Karen is continuing to teach school in Nashville Metro Schools. I am continuing in the Doctor of Ministry at Trinity Theological Seminary (online), Newburgh, IN.

We believe our hearts desire is to follow Christ and minister where he opens the door. This will be a total of almost 26 years in pastoral ministry and we will continue to follow our Captain, Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, and today and for ever.

NOTICE: For those who wish to continue reading my posts you can go to my new BLOG by clicking here Wings of Eagles or on the title of this post. This BLOG will no longer continue after the end of this month (March, 2009).

Update - Grandpa Again

Karen and I learned a few days ago that we are to have another grandchild sometime in early December. WOW! An early Christmas present. Sarah and David are expecting their first.

Aviana had her surgery this morning to remove tonsils and adnoids. She also had tubes put in her ears. She is doing fine.

This coming Sunday will be our final Sunday as pastor and family at the Huntingdon church. We will be leaving but will continue to be in prayer for the church there and will have friends for life.

Sunday Service

What a great day to be loving, worshipping and serving the Lord. We were blessed today in our service this morning. The fellowship of friends was outstanding.

Karen and I enjoyed visiting with Casey and Cindy Duncan today. They are expecting their next child - a girl. We thank the Lord for this young couple. We enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Cindy's grandmother and Cindy.

Quote

1Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Apostle Paul

1Timothn 1:15 "This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner." GWV Translation

Powerful Revival Service

My home church, Burns Church of God of Prophecy, has been in a month of weekend revival meetings. Tonight, I was blessed to minister there. I had not been back there in some years (about 15) since leaving to pastor. Pastor Terry Bear called me sometime in February and asked me to minister one Sunday night during the month of March. God blessed greatly. Praise and worship was outstanding and several were in the altar. I am thankful for the many fond memories of my days there as I grew up. It was a joy to see old friends (my memory would fail me to list them all here) and to meet new people. The church continues to grow. They have now added a new multi-purpose building (along with the beautiful sanctuary that was finished when I was there in the late 70's and paid for in the early 80's) and several new people are there that I did not know. Pastor Bear and I grew up there, as the saying goes, "cutting our teeth" on the old wood slat pews and following the path out the back door to the "little brown building out back." Time moves on. Things change. People change. Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, today and forever. To God be all the glory!

Terry and Amanda (Mr. and Mrs. Terry Zuck)

The wedding of Terry Zuck and Amanda Guidry went well today. Karen and I enjoyed being with them the past couple evenings. Amanda came to church at East Nashville COGOP when we pastored there from 98-02. They are a sweet couple and need someone to visit and minister to them. They now live in Springfield, TN (about 30 miles out of Nashville) and we do not have a church there. She calls me and Karen mom and dad. She was raised by her mother (who loves her and her two siblings) who had to work a lot and Amanda and our youngest, Sarah, became close friends when we lived there. Amanda was in our home quite often and we consider her one of our own. Acutally there were several teens who visited us a lot during those years. We often wonder how they are doing and where many of them are. We know where some of them are and continue to pray for them. It was special to get to counsel them the past couple months before they got married. We wish the best for them.

Yesterday and Today

After morning devotion, I continued reading and studying for the DMin. I prepared some notes for a sermon. Late afternoon (4-5:30) was given to the wedding rehearsal and going to be with the couple's family at Calhouns restaurant (6-7:45). We had never eaten there. It was good! Karen and I went to the Y around 8:15 pm with our granddaughter Aviana. Aviana had a blast on the rowing exerciser, even though she could hardly reach it. Then she walked some on a treadmill and that was cute as well. After getting home at 9:15 I did some "office" work, checked email and sacked out at 1 pm.

We slept in until 8:15 this morning - at least I was resting, maybe not sleeping much after 7 am. After morning devotion, I am finishing notes for a message I am to preach sometime later (I work on notes as I feel inspired and sometimes not). Karen and I are going to the Y for about an hour this morning around 11. I have to go copy some things at the library in between times. Then I am finalizing some things for the wedding today at 3 pm and getting ready and dressed for the wedding - have to be there at 2.

TENNESSEE MEN BEAT ALABAMA LAST NIGHT! YEAHHHHHH!!!! I saw smitgits of it at the Y and then on the sports at 10 last night.

More later. . .

Today

Today has been another day for the Lord. My mornings are usually given to devotional time, study and doing some work around the house. Later today, I travelled several miles (130 plus), visited with some minister friends and also went to the Y with my sweetie to exercise. We are trying to stay in shape the best we can. Being 59 plus keeps me pushing to stay in some sort of shape.

I have some more reading to do tonight and editing a 36 page paper for the DMin. I am working on. Also have to do some preparation for a wedding rehearsal tomorrow evening and the wedding Saturday evening.

Just thankful to the Lord that I am able to serve Him and for His great love, grace and mercy.

Praise Report

Stanley Reynolds' test results came back negative. Previous tests showed a mass on his left kidney but yesterday's results showed his kidney to be clear. It was a blessing to see and hear Brother Stanley testify to several, (doctors, nurses and several patients) that he gives all the praise to the Lord for healing him. Brother Stanley continues to serve the Lord and shares with those he comes in contact with. He uses his ministry in video, DVD and CD production to share the gospel and tape weddings and other family and church events to share with folks. We appreciate Brother Stanley.

Prayer Requests

Marie Moore was in the hospital all last week. We join with the family and church in prayer.

Stanley Reynolds will be going to Vanderbilt Hospital for tests on Monday, March 9. We join the family and church in prayer.

Sister Mildred Lawrence has been sick for several weeks now. We join the family and the church in prayer.

Ralph Stacey had a tumor removed under his eye. We join Sister Stacey and the church in prayer.

Peggy Heath has severe pains in her neck area from damaged nerves. We join in prayer with the church for Sister Heath.

Charlie Berry's supervisor's wife has terminal cancer. Doctor's say she will pass at any time. We join in prayer with the church for this lady and her family.

Several private requests including, prayer for God's will in ministry, prayer for lost family members, prayer for some emotional problems, prayer for financial needs and other private requests.

Humor

A PERFECT PREACHER

After hundreds of years, a model preacher has been found to suit everyone. He preaches exactly 20 minutes and then sits down. He condemns sin but never hurts anyone. He works from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In every type of work from preaching to custodial service. He makes $60.00 a week, wears good clothes, buys books regularly, has a nice family, drives a good car and gives $100 a week to the church. He also stands ready to contribute to every good work that comes along. He Is 30 years old and has been preaching for 30 years! He is tall and short, thin and heavy set, and handsome. He has one brown eye and one blue; hair parted in the middle, left & side, dark and straight, the right, brown and wavy. He has a burning desire to work with children and teenagers and spends all his time with older folk. He smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 15 calls a day on the church members, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is never out of his office.

From Sermon Central

Quote

Trade your broken pieces for God's peace. Unknown

Doing What Is Right

Proverbs 12:15 tells us, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." In a day when this scripture is prevalent, we do not have to guess that it is relevant to today's attitudes. The feeling is, "as long as it is right for me, then it is right - period." What a sad state to be in. In a time when unity of spirit is sacrificed for "what I want for me" and sometimes, "what I want for my church, no matter what" - - - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is sacrificed for "what is right in their own eyes."

The book of Judges speaks to the same sad state of affairs. Two verses, Judges 17:6 & 21:25, record, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Israel had gone through several Judges after they cried to the Lord from being under oppression of the enemy from their own disobedience. Yet, after being delivered over and over, again and again they went back into their own ways of being disobedient to God. Between those two verses, and the verses preceding, the Scripture records the sad condition of those involved in "doing that which is right in their own eyes." Judges 17:5 says, "And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest." This man made a graven image of silver and "had an house of gods" and concecrated one of his sons to be a priest. In reading this it seems almost beyond our imagination that these people, whom God had delivered so many times, would stoop so low as to make a graven image and have a house of gods - one of the ten commandments forbid graven images. Yet. their continual falling from God's favor and their disobedience to Him brought on this sad condition.

In reading between the two passages in Judges one can readily see the ridiculousness of the beliefs of this man Micah. This man, Micah, was trying to set up his own "tabernacle of religion." A young levite left his home in Bethlehemjudah and traveled through the area where Micah lived in the mountains of Ephraim. Micah asked the young levite to stay with him and be his son and to be his priest. Micah offered him ten pieces of silver and the young levite agreed to stay and be his priest. The foolishness of such arrangement is apparent. Then the Scripture records Micah's deceived thoughts. Verse 13 says, "Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest." How could he be so deceived to think that just because he has a levite and has ordained him as a priest in his house that "the Lord will do [him] good." Going though religious activity and religious ceremonies does not bring the favor of God when there is rebellion and disobedience. Religion can be very deceptive. All the religious piety and pompousness cannot bring the favor of God.

There can be the best contemporary worship music, the best oratory, the best facilities, the best technology, the best schedule, the best format, the best whatever but if there is the absence of obedience to the Lord and a genuine relationship with Him, then His blessings and favor will not be with us. Another passage in 2 Kings 17:33 says, "They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence." Another translations says, "They worshiped the LORD but also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had come." GWV Do we see some of the same type of conditions in our time.

It is sad to see people going through the motions of worshipping God but having no real relationship with Him. It is sad to see people who are living a social gospel but have not genuinely been born again by the Spirit of God. It is sad to see people who can go through the motions of doing "praise and worship" to the Lord yet in their heart of hearts knowing that they are living in rebellion and disobedience to the Lord. It is sad seeing hundreds and hundreds of people in religious meetings with no power of the Lord present. It is sad to see them with a "form of godliness but denying the power thereof."

Doing what is right involves being in the center of those who are giving wise counsel. Doing what is right involves avoiding the attitude of "what is right in my own eyes." It involves being subject to those over us in the Lord and being in submission to each other. This man Micah was doing "his own thing." Later a whole tribe (the tribe of Dan) got caught up in this man's foolishness and "did what was right in their own eyes." Reading on through these chapters shows the horrendous, abominable behavior of the people during this time. The details are such that it would make most moral people blush to read them. Some in Sodom and Gomorrah would be akin to such behavior. This is what happens to a people who "do what is right in their own eyes." The tribe of Benjamin got caught up in one man's attitude of "doing what is right in his own eyes." The tribe of Benjamin did not realize "their own evil was about to overtake them." Judges 20:34b GWV After God intervened in the battle and after the civil war was over, 25000 men in Benjamin had been killed. The rest of Israel sat before the Lord and cried, "why has this happened among us? Why should one tribe be missing today in Israel?" Judges 21:3 GWV

God help me to not get caught up in "doing what is right in my own eyes." God help churches to not get caught up in "doing what is right in their own eyes." God help us to follow our anointed leaders and to follow wise counsel. Make your Word more clear to us. Make what is right more clear to us. Give us a heart to follow what is right. Let us do what is right, in a right spirit, in a right attitude with prayer for grace to do what is right, with right motives. AMEN!

REVIVAL

Thank the Lord for two great times of worship and being in the presence of the Lord today. Evangelist Tim Farmer delivered the word of the Lord today and we were challenged, encouraged and blessed. The altar had several seekers today and God met needs that only He knows of fully. Folks were weeping for lost children, seeking for a closer relationship with the Lord and dedicating themselves to being desperate for a breakthrough from the Lord. We believe, that although, scheduled revival is over, revival from the Lord continues. We are so thankful for God and for His promises. We are thirsty for His living water.

REVIVAL

The pending winter storm warning held some of our folks inside last night but to those who came out for the revival, God certainly blessed. The altar filled up with seekers after a great message encouraging each one to focus on receiving what God has in store for us. Evangelist Tim Farmer reminded us that Elisha would not be deterred from receiving what God had for him even though he had to stay with Elijah through several places that Elijah had to go for his final mission from God. No matter what may try to come between us and what God wants for us, we must focus on receiving from him. Many examples were given on those recorded in the New Testament Gospels, who would not be stopped from crying out, reaching out or getting to Jesus and touching Him with faith - believing that He would meet their need. We can do no less today! THANK GOD FOR THIS GREAT TIME OF REVIVAL! MAY HE RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY! The revival continues this morning at 11 am. . .

REVIVAL

We are thanking the Lord for a great night of revival on the first night. Visitors were present from Camden Church of God of Prophecy, Jackson Church of God of Prophecy and Faith In Christ in Huntingdon, and Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy. We appreciate the visitors and those who joined with us in the revival service last night and sang special songs. The presence of the Lord was very evident as people worshipped and rejoiced in the Lord. The message by Evangelist, Tim Farmer, was challenging and encouraging. The message challenged each one to "come out of their wilderness" and "enter into their promise land." He reminded us that many Christians get "bound by the past or the future." He challenged us to seek God for "what God wants to do now in each one's life now." The altar filled up after the message as people were seeking the Lord. We are continuing in revival expecting from the Lord as we worship Him and glorify him.

REVIVAL

If we could use a theme for this revival it would be “BREAKTHROUGH BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Let us continue to seek Him for a dynamic breakthrough.

Scheduled revival is now about 2 days away. Even though it is scheduled we will only experience revival as we seek the Lord and as he comes in our midst. When Jesus passes by, great miracles, blessings, salvation, cleansing, deliverance, yokes of the devil are broken and many other blessings are realized.

If we are truly desperate we will cry out for him as Blind Bartemaeus did. We will not care who tries to stop us; we will continue to cry out to Him. We will be like the four men who brought the man on his sick bed. We will do whatever is necessary to get our loved ones and friends to Jesus. Let us do it, for His honor, His glory and His praise. He is waiting to bless us and be with us. Milton Gordon, Pastor

Do We Cry To Jesus Until We Receive From Him?

Matthew 2:29-30 tells us, "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David." Blind beggars are mentioned frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 9:27; 12:22; 20:30; John 5:3). Their daily task was to beg for their sustenance if they were not taken care of as God instructed in the Old Testament (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18). Job said, "I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame." So long before the law was given it was a given to care for those who were "physically challenged" in some way or form.

If we consider the beggars mentioned in the New Testament, we could easily conclude that they were not being cared for as God would have them to be. Services as we have them today for the blind were not available but they were to still care for them. Whether these two men were being cared for as they should have been or not, one thing is certain - they would not stop crying for Jesus to have mercy on them even though "the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace. . ." (v 39). Why they should hold their peace is not clear. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were of the Sadducees and Pharisees and did not want to see Jesus heal another person. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were disciples of Christ and thought they were doing him an honor by silencing these noisy screamers. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were selfishly thinking of themselves and wanted Christ's attention for themselves. Whatever the reason for silencing them, "they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David." Twice here in the Scriptures they called Him Lord and twice here in the Scriptures they cried for mercy. No doubt, they cried it many more times and would not be silenced. Jesus granted their request and also to "many that were blind he gave sight." (Luke 7:21b)

It amazes me that when the odds seemed against those persons who cried for Jesus, he would stop and ask what they wanted. These two blind men responded to His question, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." Now, it could be said that blindness is one of the worst disabilities that one could have (though some would strongly state that the inability to physically see does not deter them in the least in our day). While physical blindness is a terrible state to be in, spiritual blindness is much worse.

Jesus admonished his disciples to steer clear of those who are spiritually blind. After rebuking some of the religious leaders his disciples came to him and said, "Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" (Matt. 15:12) Jesus told the crowd that it is not what goes in the mouth that defiles a man but what comes out of the heart. The Pharisees had accused Jesus and his disciples of not washing their hands before they eat. Jesus then brought to light the way they dishonored their father and mother by being so duty bound to the temple and not caring for their parents as they should. He called them hypocrites. In fact, he described those who were hung up on the religious ceremonial law, to the point of sacrificing justice, mercy, love and grace, as being "blind." He warns his disciples, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (Matt. 15:15).

Do we continually cry to the Lord to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see. Or do we think that we are not spiritually blind, at least in some degree? The Gospel of John gives an account of a man born blind. Jesus met the man in the temple and washed his eyes with mud (spit and dirt) and told him to go wash in the Pool of Siloam. He did and came seeing. The religious leaders did not like this and tried every way possible to discount this miracle that Jesus had performed. They even accused Him of being a sinner and also ostrasized the blind man that was healed. At one point Jesus said, "For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." This caused indignation in the Pharisees. Their response was, "Are we blind also?" Then Jesus replied, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth."

Would it not be better to have our spiritual eyes washed with "spit mud" than to have such "ignorant arrogance" as to say, "we see everything clearly in the spiritual sense?" Is there an inkling of pride somewhere that causes the attitude of being self-sufficient and keeps one from going in and out of the "DOOR" to receive what is needed day by day? O Lord, its hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way.

Crying out to Jesus is not "old school" or "new school." It is the "cool school" as my five year old granddaughter would say. Cry out to Jesus! Cry out to Jesus lest the "blindness of [the] heart. . ." continues. (Eph. 4:18) Cry out to Jesus for the light that only he can give. "O great Light of the World" come open our spiritual eyes that we may see You more clearly; that we may serve more fearlessly; that we may love more perfectly; that we may give more simply; that we may live more abundantly; that we may laugh more deeply; that we may weep with intercession for others; that we may glorify you in all things - by your mercy and grace. AMEN!

STRUCTURE FROM AGILE MINISTRIES

• Without structure, your ministry will not effectively meet the needs of others. Selecting the wrong structure will not only impact how you execute as a ministry, it often leads to dysfunction across the church.

• Does your team have a well-defined structure (peer-based, team-based, or depth-based)?

• Without structure, your volunteers will not know where and when to go when they need help. They’ll feel helpless and give up.

• Is your team structure documented (organizational chart or outline)?

• Your team needs to know where to go when they need help, so make it easy on them by keeping a chart available and up-to-date.

• Does your team have job descriptions for each job role your team performs, including the duration required for new signups?

• How can your team do their job if they don’t know what their job is? Make short, easy to understand job descriptions that help everyone stay focused.

• Do you have a process for locating new managers and leaders to grow your team?
  

• Developing structure helps you to see where future managers and leaders are needed. Develop a simple process for locating these future team members.

From Agile Ministry

GREAT DAY!

Karen and I enjoyed, immensely, being with our children and grandchildren today. They have just left headed back to Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. We enjoyed being together and going to the concert with several country music artists and one awesome contemporary Christian chorale.

Also, Richie McDonald, former lead singer of Lonestar, was the featured singer. He sang several songs. He writes and sings many songs dealing with family and faith. As he sang one song that was a number one for several weeks, tears streamed down my face as the song brought memories of our children when they were small. The many nuances of the days of children and when they are small and growing up, came to mind. I am so blessed to have four children who are so special. They all have great gifts that God has blessed them with. I continue to pray that each one will give themselves to the Lord day by day by day - and the grandchildren. Now I know why they are called GRAND! They are GRAND!

Thank God for this time with my children. Being in the pastoral ministry for over 26 years, I have often wondered if I am giving my best to my family. After all isn't that what is of first importance when we take inventory of our lives and how we followed the Lord. If our relationship is first with Him, then it follows that our family is right there with Him and us (fathers and mothers) as leaders of our families. THANK GOD FOR FAMILY! THANK GOD FOR MY FAMILY! THANK YOU LORD FOR THOSE FOUR SPECIAL GIFTS YOU GAVE TO US TO LOVE, LEAD, TEACH - AS ARROWS ARE IN THE HANDS OF A MIGHTY MAN!

Family Day Together

My four children and three of my grandchildren are visiting with us today in Huntingdon. YEAAAAUUUUHHHHH! We have not been with all our children together since Christmas. So this is a special day for us. We will be visiting, going to a concert together and just being together. I am so thankful for my children and my grandchildren. I pray that they will be close to the Lord and become what He has designed them to be in this life. Plan to post some pictures later.

Quotes

"Ninety percent of living consists of getting on with people one cannot stand." Samuel Goldwyn

"A winner knows how much he still has to learn, even when he is considered an expert by others. A loser wants to be considered an expert by others before he has learned enough to know how little he knows." Sydney Harris

News and Events Update

Storm Damages Roof on Sanctuary: Last week strong winds ripped about a 6x12 feet section of the back part of the main auditorium. Since it was only the shingles, an estimate of $300.00 was received by a local roofing contractor. The deductible on the insurance is $500.00. So the damage and the estimate were minimal.

Revival: Revival is scheduled with TN State Evangelist, Tim Farmer, for February 27, 28 at 7 pm and on Sunday, March 1 for 11 am and 6 pm. We have been praying and seeking the Lord for this revival.

State Events: Go to this the TN web site to see events coming up in Tennessee. I encourage each one to attend any of these events that you possibly can. These events are designed to bring training, materials, and encouragement for those who attend and serve in local church ministries. You can click on the event to get further information.

Transition: Continued prayer is requested for a transition time for the local church.

Pictures of Ice Storm In Kentucky

The Kentucky ice storm was in the news for several days. The following web site has some up close pictures that gives some awesome sights of the storm. As the saying goes, "one picture is worth a thousand words." When you click on the link you need to scroll down. There are several dozen pictures. Click here . I've included one of the pictures below. Ice storms are no fun. Several Northern Tennessee counties also had severe ice from the same storm. I have been in one severe ice storm. Being "iced" is no fun. . . .

Mr. and Mrs. David Parker

Today our family welcomed a new Son. He and our youngest Daughter Sarah were wed.

Want some cake David? Is that enough?

Want some cake Sarah? Is that enough?

Left to right, Aviana, David, Pastor Terry Lowery and Sarah.

Friends and Family at the Reception for Sarah and David

Many friends and family were there, many we did not get pictures. David with Heather Hall, our second child and daughter.

Sarah with Terry and others in the backgournd.

Sarah and her mother doing the twist with Chuck Berry's, The Twist.

Two friends, Brandy (who helped Sarah greatly with the wedding, Mia and the kids doing the Cha Cha Slide.

Two friends who helped with the wedding greatly, Casey and Cindy Duncan.

Prayer

Blessed be the name of the Lord. How awesome You are! How glorious You are! Thank you Heavenly Father for You and for being Your child. Thank You for breath, life, strength - just the ability to live and move and have being. I pray this day will be Your day, that I will acknowledge You in all my ways and that you will be glorified in my life. I ask You to guide me and keep me in Your love. I ask for multiplied strength to be given to those who are serving in mission endeavours who do not have the their daily needs. I pray for our leaders in the countries of the world. I pray for leaders in churches throughout the world. I ask for protection for the military who are fighting for freedom throughout the world. I ask for guidance as pastor that I may know how to minister to those whom You have placed in my care. I ask for Your manifest presence in our services and in the upcoming scheduled revival. Please help us to focus on the lost and to seek You for revival of our people. We are desperate for a breakthrough of Your presence and power. As Bartemaeus cried for You, "Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me." We cry for mercy. We will not stop crying. We will not be stopped by distractions and by any who want less than Your attention and blessing. I ask these blessings, praying that this prayer is given humbly and with Your divine pleasure. Amen.

Quote

"Everyone can be great. . .because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace a soul generated by love." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wedding

WHO: My youngest daughter Sarah Gordon and David Parker

WHERE: Old Hickory Church of God of Prophecy, 3000 Elliott Drive, Old Hickory, TN 37138

WHEN: Saturday, February 14, 2009 (Valentine's Day) at 1 0'clock pm

RECEPTION: Immediately following the wedding at Love and Liberty Family Worship Center, 110 Park Circle, Old Hickory, TN 37138 (about half mile from Old Hickory COGOP)

OFFICIATING: Pastor Terry Lowery

Revival

Scheduled revival services are getting closer. State Evangelist, Tim Farmer, is scheduled to be in revival services here at Huntingdon on February 27 and 28 at 7 pm and March 1 at 11 am and 6 pm.

Continued prayer, visitation and witnessing are encouraged. We are desperate for a divine intervention in our local church. As we cry out to Jesus, we are believing for His presence and blessing in this time of revival. Without His presence and blessing it will only be a series of scheduled meetings. We have been praying and fasting and continue to seek His face.

Stewardship Emphasis Month

The month of February has been stewardship emphasis. The first two Sunday morning messages were Stewardship of Life - Character, Temple, Attitude and Ministry. We will continue with Stewardship of Time and Treasure the last two Sundays in February.

The following is taken from the book The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey. The maxims that he lists are certainly goals to be reached for and attained. The title is:

No Matter What

No Matter What
I don't borrow money.

No Matter What
I give a tenth of my income to the local church in the name of the Lord.

No Matter What
I don't spend over $300 without first talking to my wife.

No Matter What

I have an emergency fund of three to six months expenses.

You've got to have some "no matter what's" in your life.
It sounds weird doesn't it.

It used to be called common sense;
now it's a highly rated talk radio show.

Quote

"Speak up TODAY and say something positive. Even a tombstone will say something good about people when they are dead." John Maxwell

WANTED

• More to improve and fewer to disapprove.
• More doers and fewer talkers.
• More to say it can be done and fewer to say it's impossible.
• More to inspire others and fewer to throw cold water on them.
• More to get into the thick of things and fewer to sit on the sidelines.
• More to point out what's right and fewer to show what's wrong.
• More to light a candle and fewer to curse the darkness. Author Unknown

Quote

Ever wonder about decisions you need to make. "Some I have regretted and some I have felt good about."

"We make our decisions and our decisions make us." Frank Borham

From Free.Sermons by Rick Warren (note: must be viewed in Adobe Reader)

Time Management for Ministers

Here are some tips for time management for ministers from Agile Ministries.

Attitude

There is no situation of life that you can't learn from if you have the right attitude. Don't ask "Why?", ask "What?". “Why” is to purify your faith, fortify your patience, sanctify your character. But ask "What do You want to teach me in this problem, Lord? What do You want me to learn? What characteristics can I develop?" From Rick Warren's Free Sermons

What Do You Think?

Life is not about doing "things" and being busy, busy, busy. Abundant Life is about being with Christ. "Things" that He wants done will be accomplished as one continues with Jesus. Acts 4:13 records, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." This passage emphasized that the leaders of the Sadducees recognized that Peter and John had no special education or training in their school but were of the Galilean sect, which was looked down on as "lower classed and uneducated." Yet, they were surprised to see the boldness of Peter and John. One translation says, "and having perceived that they are men unlettered and plebeian (lower common class of people), they were wondering—they were taking knowledge also of them that with Jesus they had been— Young's Literal Translation.

Days I've spent being busy, busy, busy
Were not days really living. . .
Days when things I've accomplished plenty
Have ended with feelings empty.
Days I've followed my temporal whims
Have left me longing for Him.
Days with Jesus I have walked,
And Days with Jesus I have talked,
Have my spirit and purpose sent aloft.
So daily with Him and with my cross
I find fulfillment with no emptiness, longing, lack of living or loss. . .
Milton Gordon

2 Cor. 6:1 We then as workers together with him, beseech you that ye also receive not the grace of God in vain.

1 Thess. 5:10 Who (Jesus) died for us , that, whether we wake (live in this life) or sleep (die from this life), we should live together with him.

Chuck Burks

The family of Chuck Burks thanks each one who has prayed for him during his time of major surgery and recovery. His wife, Ragene, informed me that he came through the surgery in about 3.5 hours and is doing well, according to the doctor. He had a portion of his remaining kidney removed and should be able to function fairly normal after his recovery with about 70% of his only kidney left. Since this was a major surgery, using scalpel and instruments, his recovery time will be much longer. The family requests continued prayer during the time.

Prayer Requests

Chuck Burks is scheduled for major surgery at Jackson General Hospital today at 1 pm. Let us join in prayer for this request.

Mildred Lawrence requests prayer. Her daughter Vickie Lawrence says she is having severe headaches and tests have not given the doctors a diagnosis at this point. Let us join in prayer for this request.

Those who are homebound request prayer. These include, Jennie Sanders, Mildred Stacey, Lilly Grooms, Peggy Heath and Marie Moore.

Revival is scheduled for February 27, 28 and March 1 with TN State Evangelist, Tim Farmer. Let us pray for a dynamic move of the Lord and for the salvation of the lost. Let us pray for each one to be revived.

Let us pray for the church here at Huntingdon as we go through a transition time.

Quotes

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way." Viktor Frankl, concentration camp survivor.

"Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person." Unknown

Revival

Years ago a young minister visited Dundee, Scotland, deeply concerned that his ministry was producing such meager results. He decided to visit the scene where years before Robert Murray McCheyne had ministered in such evident power of the Spirit of God. McCheyne died at the age of 30, but not before God used him to turn Scotland upside down. The visitor asked the old sexton (church property caretaker) at St. Peter’s if he could tell him the secret of the amazing influence of Robert McCheyne. The old man led the young minister into the vestry. “Sit down there,” he said. “Now put your elbows on the table.” He did so. “Yes, that was the way McCheyne used to do it,” said the old man. “Now put your face in your hand.” The visitor obeyed. “Now let the tears flow! That was the way McCheyne used to do!” said the sexton. (Explore the Psalms Vol. 2, John Phillips, 1988. 478-9)

Quote

"Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." Abraham Lincoln

Six Habits of Highly Defective People

•They have a losing attitude: People generally get whatever they expect out of life. Expect the worst, and that’s what you’ll get.

•They quit growing. People are what they are, and they are where they are because of what has gone into their minds.

•They have no game plan for life. As William Feather, author of The Business of Life says, “There are two kinds of failures: Those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought.”

•They are unwilling to change. Some people would rather cling to what they have rather than embrace what might be better because they are afraid of getting something worse.

•They fail in relationships with others. People who cannot get along with others will never get ahead in life.

•They are not willing to pay the price for success. The road to success is uphill all the way. Anyone who wants to accomplish much must sacrifice much.

From Success One Day At a Time, by John Maxwell

Ouotes of the Day

"Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered, and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds." Charles Lindbergh

"Beware of the barrenness of an overcrowded life." Anonymous

"You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity." O. A. Battista

Revival

•First God comes. On New Year's Eve 1739, John Wesley, George Whitefield, and some of their friends held a "love feast" which became a watch night of prayer to see the New Year in. At about 3 a.m., Wesley wrote, "the power of God came mightily upon us, insomuch that many cried for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground." Revival always begins with a restoration of the sense of the closeness of the Holy One.

•Second, the gospel is loved as never before. The sense of God's nearness creates an overwhelming awareness of one's own sins and sinfulness, and so the power of the cleansing blood of Christ is greatly appreciated.

•Then repentance deepens. In the Ulster revival in the 1920s shipyard workers brought back so many stolen tools that new sheds had to be built to house the recovered property! Repentance results in restitution.

•Finally, the Spirit works fast: godliness multiplies, Christians mature, converts appear. Paul was at Thessalonica for less than three weeks, but God worked quickly and Paul left a virile church behind him.
James Packer, Your Father Loves You, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986.

Stethoscope

What's in your heart?

Revival Quotes

Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again. Vance Havner.

A true revival means nothing less than a revolution, casting out the spirit of worldliness, making God's love triumph in the heart. Andrew Murray.

The pathway to revival is paved with true repentance. Revival that ignores the issues of sin will only stir the emotions for a short time, but one that deals with sin can change the course of life for sometime to come! Revival must be both celebrational and confessional! Dennis Marquette

Five Weeks Until Revival

It is just five weeks until revival with Tennessee State Evangelist, Tim Farmer. I spoke with him briefly at the Distric Meeting in Jackson and he is ready to be with us.

Prayer and fasting needs to continue - especially intensive prayer. Pray for revival for the local church and revival for each person. It has been said that revIval has an I in the middle and that is what revIval is all about. Draw a circle around yourself and seek God to revive you. There is another word with an I in the middle - prIde. Pride is the opposite of repentance and humility. We will not, repeat, we will not have revival without the presence of the Holy Spirit. WE MUST PRAY, PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY MORE.

A powerful presence of adoration and worship to the Lord will also be much needed. We will come together to worship but we should also worship in our private times - washing dishes, cleaning house, driving the car and truck and on the job we can also worship in our hearts. May God help us to seek YOU for this time of revival.

We need YOU O MIGHTY GOD!

Nashville Voting on English as Official Language

Today thousands of Nashvillians will go to the polls and vote for or against the English language referendum. Both sides have stated that taxpayers will loose if either vote wins. Makes me wonder which is correct. If Nashville chooses to make English the official language, how will that affect those who cannot speak English? If Nashville votes down the referendum, what difference will it make? Our country still provides for equal rights to all people regardless of race, creed or religion. So, it seems that this election is going to cost taxpayers a lot even if the vote is finally for or against.

Some say, they are for all people as long as it does not infringe on their freedom to be financially independent. These people want those who immigrate here to work for their needs and not become dependent on those who have already worked to make their way. They point to the way immigration was decades ago and believe governmental programs have become too generous and regulations have become lax.

Others feel that all who are in need of services and help should be able to access it through the government - local, state and federal (taxes). I understand the federal government allows legal immigrants to live here and work here for a period of time without paying taxes in order to get their "feet on the ground." We understand there are hundreds of dialects in our nation at this time and more coming. The government also provides translators for those who need services.

We have come through the "salad bowl" era and the "melting pot" era. What is next? Some may be wanting the full course meal with all the trimmings without any work ethic. Some may want to be selfish and hold on to their full course meal and not share with those in need. Perhaps it would do us some good in this nation to all eat "soup" for a while. I'm sure those who were around in the Great Depression of the late 1920's and 1930's could share some good pointers on how to be thankful for what we have and to share with those who are in need. Maybe we need to be involved in more pressing matters than what language people speak.

Here are some headlines from the Great Depression.

Headlines of 1932

U.S STEEL LAYS OFF ANOTHER 10,000
GENERAL MOTORS STOCK DOWN FROM $500 A SHARE TO $10 A SHARE
CHICAGO TEACHERS FEED 11,000 HUNGRY CHILDREN
IOWA CORN WAY DOWN IN PRICE
SALE-SALE-SALE SUITS AND COATS FOR $15
KENTUCKY COAL MINERS FOUND LIVING ON DANDELIONS
N.Y.C. COPS TO CARRY LIST OF CHARITIES TO DIRECT THE HELPLESS
110 CHILDREN IN N.Y.C. DIE FROM MALNUTRITION

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE?

Prayer and Fasting

Today is the end of the 21 day scheduled public fast. Some will stop their fast. Others may continue. Prayer must continue. We believe that this time of intensive prayer and fasting will be an impetus for the work ahead as we move forward.

Revival is scheduled for February 27, 28 and March 1, with State Evangelist, Tim Farmer. There is no secret formula for revival. Prayer, fasting, pure worship, visiting, and witnessing are all needed. As the local church here involves themselves in the work of the Lord, giving themsleves to Him wholeheartedly, growth will be the result.

There are a couple examples in the scripture that speak of move 'n on. 2Kings 7:3 tells us, ". . .there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?" These four lepers were in a time of famine and starving to death. They could not get food in the city and were not supposed to get near anyone. There was the enemy army outside the city and surely they could not go in there. They declared, "why sit we here until we die?" They went to the enemy army camp and found the camp empty of soldiers because God had already created a sound like a vast army to come upon them. The lepers ate enemy food, took what they wanted (clothes, silver, and gold) in two different trips to the camp. Then they felt guilty about getting the spoils alone so they told the Captain of the Guard who told the King. The whole city spoiled the goods of the enemy soldiers. As Elisha had prophesied, there would be plenty of grain to sell.

The other example is the two sons that Jesus gave us. He tells us in Matthew 21:28 "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard." One son quickly resonded that he would go to work in his vineyard. The other son was very hesitant and would not go. During the course of time, the one who said he would go did not go. The other son who was hesitant went. Its time to GO! Why sit around and die? Let hesitation be turned into moving on.

Lets GO!

Move 'n On

There are times in our lives when it seems we get stuck. Ever feel like you are stuck - just spinning your wheels. That's what happens when a car gets on soft, muddy ground. No matter how much you give it the gas, it just sits and spins. There must be some type of solid ground to get it unstuck or you need another vehicle to pull it out.

Perhaps you are "stuck in the mud." The mud of undue criticism. I heard about a junior in high school who had a particularly hard teacher. She got a C on her first test. When she went to ask the teacher how she could study better to make better grades the teacher responded, "You are just not an A student are you." Now, I don't know about you but that would have sent me spinning in the mud. This remark from the teacher could have discouraged this student and left her "stuck in the mud." With some help from the parents and others she took in stride and moved on.

By the way, I graduated with a C+ average in high school, not because I could not do better but because I didn't want to study and work harder - had other interests on my mind (sports, hunting, fishing, skipping school). That was a unique type of "mud" in another time of my life.

Anyone who gets "stuck" in some type of "mud" (there are different kinds) needs to seek to move on. There is the mud of gossip, unforgiveness, division, backbiting, strife, etc. etc. Then there are the crystal clear waters of "move 'n on." Move on with grace, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-contol. The only way to get out of the mud is the solid ground of God's grace. Then, move on in the Holy Spirit.

What 'd ya say? Lets move on. . .

By God's grace, I'm move 'n on. . . .

Peaceful Transition of Presidents

Former President George W. Bush, right, hugs President Barack Obama after Obama was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

From Comcast

Prayer and Fasting

This is day 21 of the prayer and fasting intensive. I admit, it has been a challenge but great blessings and benefits have come and will continue to come from this time. The most valuable is the relational closeness that has been more intense with our Father in Heaven. Thank God for the challenge that Jesus left us, "then shall they fast." Some may phase out of the fast today. If you have been on a total fast. . .drink juice and water mixed first. . .then eat light for a few days to get your body to accept bread, meat and sweets a little at a time.

Some may be continuing the fast. . .let your health be strongly considered. Talk to your medical doctor if necessary. Prayer will continue on. We know the Bible records, "pray without ceasing." We thank God for this intensive time.

Five Truths About Problems

1. They’re unavoidable.

2. Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.

3. There’s a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.

4. The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.

5. Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.


Click here to read the rest, From Leadership Wired, John Maxwell

Forty Fourth President

The Scripture admonished Christians to pray for leaders - "for all in authority." President Barak Obama needs the prayers of Christians. He will lead effectively only as he leans on God and trusts God. No leader can be effective without the overarching influence of God in their lives and the wisdom that only God can give.

Let us pray for our new President.

Prayer and Fasting

Day 20 of prayer and fasting continues. Thank God for His greatness and goodness! It is beyond any human words to express the awesomeness of our Great God. "Joy unspeakable and full of glory," said the Apostle Peter.

Corporate Prayer and Fasting Continues

Today is day 19 of the corporate prayer and fasting time. Of course, we need the Lord more than just 21 days but we are starting the year with emphasis on seeking the Lord through intensive prayer and fasting. It has been said, "fasting intensifies our focus and affections upon the Lord." Surely we do not want this to be a "humanistic" and much less "carnalistic" endeavour.

We desire to see God's good pleasure in our lives and His perfect will accomplished among us both individually and corporately. When we are realizing His good pleasure we will, without doubt, be blessed beyond measure and fulfilled completely - no matter the temporal conditions or extenuating circumstances.

Prayer:
"Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name." "This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Thank you Heavenly Father for being my Father and letting me be your child. Help me to let your light shine out more to others today and encourage someone who is in need of your touch. Forgive me when I am less compassionate than you desire. Bless my family and protect them today - my children, grandchildren, mother, brother and family, sister and family and my precious wife and her family. Please bring the ones who don't know you to repentance and salvation. Bless the church here where I pastor. Help me to be the Pastor you desire. Forgive me when I fail to care for the members and friends of the church as you would have me to. Help me to serve better and give me a greater passion for the ministry you have called me to. Bless the leaders of our church, nation and the world. Be with the President and President-Elect during this time. Protect them. Help them make wise, godly decisions. I ask these blessings in Christ's holy and precious name. AMEN!

Prayer and Fasting Continues

This is day 18 of the 21 day prayer and fasting time throughout the churches of the nation and possibly over the world. We continue to seek the Lord's face. Remember the Scripture says in Hebrews 11:6 ". . .he that cometh to God mut believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Eleazar prayed and fasted a day to seek God for Isaac's wife.

Moses went into the mount to pray and fast to seek God.

Elijah went into the mount and prayed and fasted to seek God.

Jesus went into the wilderness to pray and fast and seek His Father.

Daniel mourned and prayed and fasted for three weeks to seek God for return to Jerusalem.

Esther and the jewish people prayed and fasted three days to seek God for protection and deliverance.

Samuel and Israel joined together to pray and fast for revival.

Nehemiah mourned, fasted and prayed to seek God for restoring the walls.

All the people of Nineveh (and even their livestock weren't given food) fasted and prayed to God to seek repentance and forgiveness.

Saul prayed and fasted three days after being encountered by the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He was transformed into the Apostle Paul.

Peter was on the housetop praying and fasting when he received the vision to go minister to the Gentiles.

The early Christian church prayed and fasted to the Lord before sending ministers out to do mission work.

Do you know of others you would include here? Let us continue to pray and fast unto the Lord.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS from Crosswalk.Com

Psalm 8:5Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast cr owned him with glory and honour.

There are not many days that go by where I feel very holy. As much as I might like to be a reflection of Jesus Christ, I am afraid that my image is a very dim one at best. For each success I have at walking in the footsteps of Christ, I have a dozen failures where I have strayed from the path. And through it all, God still loves me totally. In my imperfection, God still reveres me and thinks I am good. It boggles the mind to realize that human beings are God's pride and joy. Despite the grief and frustration we must be, God believes in us and helps us to be the best people that we can be. He loves His children and rejoices in their victories. Our Lord created us just lower than the angels; the most perfect of His creations.

Despair not. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we are considered beautiful by our Creator, and in the end it is His opinion, not ours, that makes all the difference in the world.

Prayer:
Grant me spiritual wings that I might soar as an angel on this earth, O Lord. Help me to live up to the intention You had at my creation. Let me wear my crown wisely and proudly, to Your glory. Amen.

Prayer and Fasting Continues

Today is day 17 of the 21 day of corporate fasting. We are believing the Lord for His direction, power and blessings. To seek Him as our reward is far above anything that could be given. He wants to bless us. He wants to provide all that is resident in His Son, Jesus Christ. Keep looking to Him who is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Go here for instruction, encouragement, and admonition in fasting.

Urgent Prayer Request

I received a call late last night from Vickie Lawrence, daughter of Mildred Lawrence. Sister Mildred has been admitted to Jackson General Hospital. She was having severe pain last night and tests are to be conducted today. I spoke with Sister Vickie this morning and she is more restful today. Join us in prayer for Sister Lawrence.

Core Value - Prayer

General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard, shares a message on the first core value he shared in the General Assembly last year.

You can go here and click on the link under the heading VideoStream near the bottom of the page.

Let us continue persistently in prayer leaning heavily on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Read Luke 18.

Prayer and Fasting Continues

This is day 14 of the corporate extended prayer and fasting time. Let us continue to "look unto Jesus" for direction and power. He cannot fail.

Here is a link to an encourging word each day during this fast time. Jentezen Franklin offers encourging words and biblical examples each day during this time.

Listening to praise and worship music during your time of fasting can be a means of encourgement. Christiannet.com has several stations. The link posted here is more contemporary praise and worship. There are other stations that can be found by doing a web search.

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS from Crosswalk.Com

Psalm 6:2Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak; O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

The closer we get to God, the more glaring are our faults. The brighter the light of perfection that we subject ourselves to, the more flaws are revealed. The better we understand the awesome magnificence of God, the more we expose our own imperfection. As the great men and women of the Bible came to realize, the stronger we become in the faith, the more wretched we sometimes feel.

This, however, is no cause for despair. Our Lord wants nothing more than for us to come to depend on Him. We can only truly become dependent as we acknowledge our inadequacies. As the Apostle Paul found out, true strength comes from admitting our weakness, and total healing comes by realizing that without God we are sickly and terminally diseased by sin. Cry out for the mercy of God and He will strengthen you; ask for His healing and you will be made whole.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I try to be perfect and f ind that I am hopelessly deficient. Nothing I can do will bring me the perfection You intend for me. Fill me with Your Spirit and do for me all that I cannot do for myself. Amen.

Prayer and Fasting Continues

As we continue to fast and pray, remember that there are significant changes that you will feel and see in your body. Headaches, backaches, joint aches, weakness, dizziness at times, cold hands and feet, dry mouth and/or eyes, and ringing in the ears are some of them. . .to those who are working and can't stop to rest when you need to. . .remember to drink plenty of liquids and eat only wholesome foods. . .raw fruits and vegetables and juices, soups with no sugar and low sodium. Most Krogers have a health food section

There is a web site called Synergy that offers good informational help for your fasting. Don Brock, who Pastored and Evanglized in our churces, is the editor.

Bible Verse of The Day

Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. King James Version

Proverbs 30:32 If you are such a godless fool as to honor yourself, or if you scheme, you had better put your hand over your mouth. God's Word Version

Corporate Prayer and Fasting Continues. . ,

Today is the 12th day of our 21 days of prayer and fasting to begin the year 2009 seeking the Lord. We have high anticipation of hearing from the Lord and what He wants from us as a local church and from each one individually. We have joined together in this time to intensify our focus on the Lord and what He wants for us.

NOTE: To those who are on a partial or intermittent fast consider this. Eat some raw celery, if you can. The benefits of this vegetable are given on this web site. Click here . Remember, your body is the temple of the Lord and you are the steward of that body. To those on an extended total fast, take care not to become dehydrated. Drink pleny of water. We are fasting to the Lord and desire not to be destructive to our body in any way.

Prayer Requests

These request prayer. . .

James Moore had a knee replacement Friday. He requests prayer for a speedy recovery.

Lilly Grooms continues to request prayer for strength.

Ralph and Mildred Stacey request prayer.

Willodene Davis requests prayer.

Chuck Burks is scheduled for kidney surgery on February 2. He only has one kidney and the diagnosis is cancer with 20% of the kidney needing to be removed.

Ragene Burks requests prayer for her two granddaughters.

Jenny Sanders requests prayer.

Continue to pray for revival.

Thanking God!

Sunday's meeting was filled with God's presence as we worshipped the King of Kings. There were visitors, James and Karen. We appreciated them and she also sang during the service. We continue seeking the Lord.

Death Notice, Shelia Robbins

Sister Shelia Robbins died today. Sister Robbins' husband, Jerry Robbins, pastors the church in Dyersburg, Tennessee. They have served churches in Tennessee, Arkansas and North Carolina. He was my pastor when I attended the church in Burns, Tennessee. He not only is a colleague in ministry but a very special friend. We love this family and pray for them. The following is from our State web site. . .at http://www.tncogop.org/

Early this afternoon, Sister Shelia Robbins passed away at Dyersburg, Tennessee. Shelia's husband, Jerry serves as the pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy in Dyersburg.

I spoke with Brother Robbins on the telephone twice today, reminding him that his church family in Tennessee (and beyond) are praying for him and his family during this time in his life.

Pastor Robbins, his family and the local church have been examples of love, kindness and the grace of God in action.

Please join me in prayer for Jerry and his family, I will be posting details of the funeral services tomorrow just as soon as I receive them from the family.

What's All The Buzz About Fasting?

Churches all over the nation are involved in the first 21 day's fast of this year. Emphasis and encouragement has been sent out from the International Offices and State Offices of the Church of God of Prophecy along with many other church organizations. This discipline is vital to the ministry and growth of God's Kingdom but lets not turn fasting into a humanistic effort.

Christian television is emphasizing the 21 day fast. Books on fasting have been written and printed over the past couple years. We see many different suggestions, hints and details on fasting in books and articles. Has this been a lost discipline of the church over the past several decades with all the material emphasis in this nation? Have churches gone through the mechanics without the unction and anointing of the Lord?

Some blogs include details on fasting. One could surmise that the only way to fast is to get the latest book and articles so that one can do their fasting right. Of course, the indicated motive for these books, articles and blogs is to encourage people and not put on them something that is unnecessary and burdensome. Before someone thinks I am being too critical, let me continue.

Yes, the Scripture tells us to fast - especially when we read Christ's teaching in the Gospels. Yes, there are numerous examples of those who fasted in the Bible. Yes, we are admonished by our Lord and Savior, "when ye fast," and "when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then shall they fast in those days." (this part of this passage is included in Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:20, and Luke 5:35) Further, our Lord tells us that fasting should not be a somber, public show of perfunctory piety. He says, "be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:16 Fasting is more than doing without food and water (sustenance for physical life). It is more than detailing what to do on certain days and being overly mindful of the physical man. Godly fasting is born out of being "driven" by a divine burden from the Lord. It is "driven" by God's timetable. Fasting and prayer go hand in hand with God's burden.

So, we understand that fasting is a divine part of the Christian's discipline. Yet, why do we fast and why so are so many giving so many details about the fasting? Most of the fast's in the Scripture were "driven" by some great need or crisis in the work of the Lord or in the Kingdom of God. Nehemiah fasted when he received word that the walls of Jerusalem were razed to the ground. He mourned and wept over a divine burden to go back to Jerusalem and work on the walls. Daniel mourned and wept when he read the words of Jeremiah showing that the 70 years of Babylonian captivity were to be soon accomplished. He prayed and fasted to the Lord, confessing to the Lord, "we have sinned." (Daniel 9:2, notice he prayed, we have sinned and not they have sinned) The book of Joel declares "sanctify a fast" unto the Lord. The call to fast in Joel is driven by the lack of faithfulness and consecration of the people to God. Pending destruction of the land is inevitable. Some also believe it is a call to Israel not only in those days but also of the latter days to fast. (read Joel chapter 2 & 3) Fasting is more than doing without food and water but it does include doing without food and/or liquids. Fasting for selfish interests seems ridiculous but there were those types of fasts recorded in the Scriptures.

God chided those who fasted with the wrong motive and spirit. He says in Zechariah 7:5, "Tell all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these past 70 years, did you really do it for me?" GWV It is one thing to do without food and/or liquids and to have the best detailed instructions for praying and fasting (thank God He knows our hearts and motives) and another to have the right spirit about fasting. One can fast (without food or liquid) and be in the wrong spirit. One man stood in the temple and spoke these words, "I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." Luke 16:12 There was no commendation from Jesus for this type of spirit. The one who went home justified was the one who would not look up and smote on his chest and cried, "God be merciful to me a sinner." (v. 13)

Isaiah 58:1-4 tells us, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high." WOW, what an indictment! How can any fast be God's fast if there is no repentance, seeking His righteousness and focusing on what Jesus wants in these last days? God has a chosen fast. Read the rest of Isaiah 58 and also read the times of fasting in the New Testament (Matthew 17:21, Acts 10:30, Acts 14:23, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Acts 13:2)

Our Captain has admonished us that "in those days shall they fast." What are "those days"? He is gone into heaven and now we are in the "those days." The bridegroom is in heaven now but is coming back soon. The days of the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Scripture are upon us daily. The days of the completion of preaching of the Gospel into all the world are getting fulfilled. What could "drive" us more than His compassion to see the lost repent and come to Him as Lord and Savior. Our Lord was "driven" by the Spirit. Mark 1:12 say, "And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness." He was in the wilderness praying and fasting to the Father. The devil tempted Him. He came through victorious over the desires of his human nature. Angels were dispatched to minister to Him in His weakness. Are we "driven" by the same Spirit? Are we motivated by the compassion that He had. He is coming again. Do we "look on the fields that are ready to harvest." Do we see the souls that are crying for deliverance?

Could it be stressed that we are to pray and fast that we may hold fast to the Lord and what He wants for us and our ministry to others? O Heavenly Father, forgive this nation of many sins, forgive this church of many sins. Forgive our wrong motives and lack of contriteness before you. Forgive me Lord of wrong motives and lack of contriteness and brokenness. Give me your compassionate love for the lost. Let us fast and pray unto YOU. AMEN!