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