PRAISE REPORT

This came in from Myrna Moore this past Tuesday. Sorry it took so long to post but being out of town and not having my local internet kept my posting to a minimum.

We PRAISE THE LORD for his mercy and keeping,,,,
Janna is scheduled to be discharged from the hosp Tuesday evening............woohoo! She is doing great, platelets up to 91,000 Mon am, and blood pressure coming down,,,,,,,,,,we are so happy.

AND,,,,,,,,,,,Landry Neel (named for my dad Neely Hill) and Brady James (named for Windell's dad, James Carlton,,,,,,,now they would be so proud) are doing great! Sean and Janna get to see them for extended visits in NICU, even holding them and today, got to feed them........Windell and I got to go in and see them and feel their toes in the incubators.......oh, yes, the tears were rolling,,,,,,,
but oh so precious.........they are on tiny feeding tubes and the light for jaudice for a few days, but doing very well the dr and staff reports......they will be able to come home in a few days, the dr said 7-10 days from birth.

Bless you one and all...........

Great Time

Karen and I are headed back to Huntingdon, TN later today. We found this to be a great place to come rest and be refreshed. The people are very friendly. The atmosphere is laid back and it is easy to get around - at least it was this time of the year.

We have enjoyed the last three days in Hot Springs, AR. There are many sites to visit and, to me, the spring water and water falls are great. There is a National Park inside Hot Springs. The Federal Government owns the rights to the water. We enjoyed going up in the Mountain Tower on top of East Mountain yesterday. The view was great from the top open air floor. There was a historical timeline one level below the top with closed in plexi-glass around it. Karen and I also enjoyed the natural hot springs bath. The water comes out of the hot springs at 130-143 degrees. The baths are set around 100-105 degrees. It takes about an hour to go through the bath, steam room, sitz bath, hot wraps and shower. The baths are gender separated and each whirlpool bath is enclosed on the long sides. It was very relaxing and invigorating. (note: there is a charge for the baths)

If you would like to learn more about Hot Springs go the following links.

National Park Official Site

Hot Springs Information Site

City of Hot Springs Site

Voice of The Martyrs & Voice of The Martyrs Prison Alert

Voice of The Martyrs

The following is an excerpt from the Voice of The Martyrs. If you want to read more or subscribe to their e-newsletter click here

"Damare, a young slave boy, had his knees and feet nailed to a board and was left to die - just for attending a church service. Miraculously he survived and told The Voice of the Martyrs that he forgave his cruel tormenter, because Jesus was nailed and forgave him."

Voice of The Martyrs Prison Alert

The follow is an excerpt from a Christian who has been persecuted for faith in Christ. You can read more here

"In July 2007, 42-year-old Li Mei and nine house church leaders were arrested, when they were discovered having a Sunday worship service. They were charged with singing Christian hymns to villagers, showing the JESUS film in a nursing home and praying for healing for a disabled elderly man."

Prayer Request

Brother Manuel Crossno sent the following email. Join me in prayer for his request. We pray for Tammy's complete recovery and will post more when info comes in.


To my e-mail friends, I have a prayer request. My daughter Tammy had to go to the emergency room this morning (3/18/08). I got a call from her husband around 2:00 am. she has a kidney stone too large to pass and will have to make an appointment to have the procedure to blow it up so it will pass. As you have helped me pray before I ask for your help again.

Many thanks

Manuel

Enjoying Rest and Refreshing in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Karen in front of a Hot Springs, Arkansas fountain. It is actually hot water.
Karen out on the island across the bridge from Lake Hamilton Resort

Karen on West Mountain with Hot Springs in the background.
Hot Springs from West Mountain.
Mwah with Hot Springs down below. . .
Karen in front of the gazebo across the bridge from Lake Hamilton Resort.
Me and she out on the island with one of the mountains in the background.

Spring Break

Karen's school is on Spring break. We have taken a few days away to get rested and refreshed. We left yesterday and will be back by Friday or Saturday. We are enjoying our few days in Hot Springs, Arkansas. More later.

Sunday March 16, 2008

Sunday morning's Sunday School and Worship time were great. Thank God for His presence. The worship and altar service were great as the Spirit of Lord moved among the congregation with several coming to pray. We also thank the Lord for the children. They played their instruments to worship the Lord. We desire to see our children's ministry flourish. Thank the Lord for the children's ministers here - Sister Joyce Grace (Sunday School Teacher) Sister Vickie Lawrence (Children's Church).

Picture left to right, Hayden, Macy, Aviana, Riley, Haley and Ashlyn (some of the children not in the picture were, Ethan, Tristen, and Celinas)

NOTE: Special thanks to Stanley Reynolds for this picture.

Are You Skinny Rabbit Chasing?

Go here to check it out.

Praise Report & Prayer Requests

Sister Donna Crossno called to report that testing completed on her father showed that a spot on her father's lung was not cancerous. Continued prayer is requested for his complete recovery after having pneumonia and a 75% collapsed lung.

Brother Leon Reynolds continues to request prayer. He recently had tests and will get results this next Monday.

Prayer Request

I am posting a prayer request for Sister Myrna Moore, wife of Pastor Windell Moore of Gallatin Church. Her daughter, Janna, had twin boys and they are doing okay but have to be in the hospital for a couple weeks with intravenous feeding.

Hello Again,

Just wanted to touch base one more time before bedtime, Just talked with Sean and is requesting prayer for Janna, when she checked into the hosp this morning, her blood platelets were 100,000, and tonight at 6pm, they were down to 65,000, anything 50,000 or below will require a blood transfusion, they will check it again at 10pm, so could you whisper a prayer for her as you close your day, their faith is great and they are trusting God for complete healing and recovery for her and their new sons,

Love you,
Myrna

Forgive. . .What Do You Think?

Excerpts From the book Forgive and Forget by Lewis B. Smedes

Hurts too shallow for being offended:

Annoyances: If we turn every nuisance into a crisis of forgiveness, our conversations would become revolving reconciliations.

Slights: Slights are for shrugging off, not for forgiving.

Disappointments: Though deeply disappointed, you don’t need to forgive. [Get on with your life for the Lord.]

Coming in Second: We do not quit our friendship because our friends got something we wanted, nor do we have to forgive them.

Hurts deep enough to need forgiveness:

Disloyalty: A person who breaks a promise of loyalty violates a relationship based on promise and trust. . .Disloyalty is not acceptable; it is offensive. We must either separate and carry the hurt alone or forgive the person who was disloyal.

Betrayal: We betray people we belong to whenever we sell them out for a price. . .We do not have to parlay for huge sums to be betrayers. Most betrayers are minor Iscariots, playing for petty stakes.

Brutality: We are brutal when we reduce another person to less than human excellence. It may be a violent rape. It may be a degrading insult.

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

Forward!

Galatians 2:10b "I also was forward. . ."

Are your forward or backward? Are you an introvert or extrovert? Some would say ambivert a balance of both traits. In relationships being forward can present a person as being pushy and controlling. Being backward can be read as being unfriendly and cold. There are, however, other ways to use the word forward. Forward is a word to encourage someone or a group to move out, move on or get with it.

God told Moses to tell the children of Israel to "go forward." (Exodus 14:15) God then told Moses to stretch his rod out towards the Red Sea and Israel went forward. Ezra 3:8 says, the Levites "from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord."

Forward is a word that army officers use to send troops into battle. Forward signals the calvary to charge. Shouldn't Christians be forward about the business of the Lord. Our Captain spoke on several occasions concerning one area of ministry we are to be forward in.

He says, "But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. . ." Luke 14:13 He says of himself, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. . ." Luke 4:18

This area of ministry to the poor was passed on from Jesus to his first disciples and on to others they ministered to and then to the Apostle Paul. We have his example in the scripture, ". . .they (James, Cephas and John) would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." Galatians 2:10

In our day of prosperity preaching, creature comforts, and material "much ism," am I forward in ministry to the poor in my area? Are you forward?

Visit

Today I visited with Sister Lois Thomas in The Care Center in Jackson. She is requesting prayer to get another car and get back into church. Please join in prayer for this request.

Urgent Prayer Request

Mr. Robert Powell is a school monitor where Karen teaches. He has been in intensive care for the past couple weeks with a serious brain sickness. He is now unable to speak. Dr. Dorothy Gunn, Principal at Creswell Middle School in Bordeaux (Nashville, TN), and family are requesting prayer. Join me in prayer for this request.

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests

Brother Manuel Crossno emailed that his son Kevin went through knee surgery a while back and his knee is doing well. Thank the Lord. He is thankful for the prayers. He is now requesting prayer for his back. Join me in prayer for this request.

Brother Leon Reynolds test results have come back and cancer is not in his blood or other parts of his body. He is praising the Lord for this. He will have ultra-sound tests on his kidneys this Wednesday and then will go for treatment for the localized cancer next week. Join me in prayer for this request.

Visit

This evening, I enjoyed visiting with the Jimmie and Virginia Davis family. They always make me welcome. It was good to see their daughter, Carla, who was there as well. Sister Virginia stated that she is better now from the bloodclot in her leg. Praise the Lord!

Bishop James Manus Praise Report

Prayer request was made for Bishop James Manus a week or so ago. Initially a doctor had reported that he had an aneurysm in his side. Today he went to a specialist in Nashville who examined him and could find no aneurysim anywhere and told him all his tests look okay. Thank God!

Cartoon

One Place

Oneplace.com offers several links to various broadcast ministries.

Break Point With Chuck Colson and Mark Earley

Go here to hear broadcasts of informative stories for illustrations.

Memorable Quotes for Marriage

"Chains do not hold a marriage together, it is threads, hundreds of tiny threads that sew people together through the years." Simone Signoret

"A good marriage is not one where perfection reigns: it is a relationship where a healthy perspective overlooks a multitude of 'unresolvables'." James Dobson

"A healthy marriage is the union of two good forgivers." Robert Quillen

"The day I finally realized Ididn't need to control my wife. . .and that if I did, I would destroy our marriage - was the day our marriage began." Gerry Spense

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: . . .KJV

2 Corinthians 3:12 Since we have confidence in the new promise, we speak very boldly. . .GWV

Did you ever have someone try to get a message to you in some round about way? They didn't clearly tell you what they were trying to say but either hinted, suggested, intimated or used some insinuating method to get their point across. Being clear about the message we teach and preach is paramount. There is plenty of suggestive material to read and plenty of fluff to get tangled up in. The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ should not be presented in a "wishy washy" manner. While the "mystery of godliness" can be difficult to articulate at times, the clear truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ needs to be proclaimed. The Apostle Paul had already written to this church previously with these words in 1 Corinthians 1:20 "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

The message we preach and teach is not a veiled message. It is a message of truth and power. There is no ambiguity or circumlocution in the message of Jesus Christ. JESUS SAVES! Hallelujah! Thank God! The message of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ goes forth without hidden meaning, hidden agendas, in great confidence, boldness and assurance. I won't pretend to be able to explain the intricacy of the "mystery of godliness." Paul wrote these words to Timothy, ". . .without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. " 1 Timothy 3:16

Did you ever try to get a clear, open, message over to someone but, knew that their mind was closed? Thank God, Isaiah prophesied clearly of the "brightness of His coming." Isaiah 60:1 declares, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." It is clear after reading chapters 59, 60 and 61 that this verse speaks of the Messiah - Jesus Christ - the Redeemer (59:20). Isaiah 60:9 says, "Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.Thank God!

Isaiah 61:1-3, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:17-21

"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

JESUS SAVES! JESUS SAVES! HALLELUJAH! JESUS SAVES!

Bishop James Manus Prayer Request

Retired minister and pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee, Bishop James Manus, has been sick with pneumonia and also may need surgery for an aneurysm in his side. He may be having surgery at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. More information will be posted as it comes in. Join me in prayer for this request.

The Joys of Being a Father and Grandfather

My youngest daughter and her child, Aviana, have been with us for the past few weeks. It is a joy to be a father and grandfather.

Now I know why the title is "grand" father.
Sarah, my youngest child, and Aviana, my third grandchild and second granddaughter, enjoying the weather which was warmer than usual this past Monday.
"Wanta race Papaw?" What a joy to have a special little girl as a granddaughter. She already reads simple words and does arithmetic at the age of four. She gets Mamaw to tell her a Bible story most every night before she goes to sleep. She especially likes to hear about Jonah and the Whale and the Three Hebrew Children.

Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Oren Ray Gurley

The following obituary is taken from the Chase Funeral Home web site. For more information click here . Mr. Gurley is the brother-in-law of Sister Marie Moore.

Mr. Oren Ray Gurley, 65 of Huntingdon , Tennessee passed away Monday, March 03, 2008 at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Chase Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Sellers Hill Cemetery . Bro. Wray Forrest will officiate the service.

The family will receive friends in the Cherrywood Room of Chase Funeral Home on Tuesday after 5:00 PM and on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until time of services.

Bishop J. C. Palmer Funeral

Bishop Palmer's funeral went well today. Dr. E. C. McKinley, State Overseer of Tennesseee, shared a timely message. Bishop C. C. Winchester officiated. Bishop Harold Batson read a scripture and offered prayer, Bishop Clayton Mahan, Nothwest Tennessee Presbyter, presented a church flag to Bishop Palmer's son, Tony.

It was my joy to know Bishop Palmer and be his pastor from 2004-2006 here at Huntingdon. I came to know Bishop Palmer several years ago when he pastored in the middle Tennessee area while I was a young lad. I would see him at State Conventions each year. I never greeted him when he was upset, angry or talking down about something. He was an encourager par excellent. He encouraged me when I first came to Huntingdon and desired to help any way that he could. He still had the fire burning to preach and filled the pulpit several times during my first two years here when I was away or not feeling well. I remember when he would come in to the sanctuary with a smile and always a kind word. He would also be jolly, cheerful and would make those around him feel cheerful. He felt led to return to the Paris, Tennessee church (a church he organized early in his ministry) in late 2006 to encourage the folks there.

One of the highlights of the funeral, for me, was when Bishop Winchester spoke about brother Palmer being his grandparent's pastor and dedicating him as a small baby back in the early 1940's. Bishop Winchester noted, "It has been my joy to be Bishop Palmer's pastor for the past couple years and to realize he pastored my grandparents and to find out, just today, that Bishop Palmer performed my baby dedication."

Bishop Palmer served as Pastor for 52 years in several states including, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. His son, Tony, is a special friend of mine and the folks at Huntingdon (where he served as worship leader for some time before I came to pastor) and we continue to pray for him during this time of loss.

Bishop Palmer is waiting for us to come join him in that heavenly place.

Bishop J. C. Palmer Funeral Arrangements

Visitation: 6-9 pm, Monday, March 3, Oakdale Funeral Home, Highway 641, Camden, TN across from the Old Wal-Mart.

Funeral: 1 pm, Tuesday, March 4, Oakdale Funeral Home, Highway 641, Camden, TN.

Officiating: Pastor C. C. Winchester of Paris Church of God of Prophecy

Condolences can be sent to the following address.

Tony Palmer
95 Bakers Chapel Church Road
Big Sandy, TN 38221

Quotes From Books I Am Reading

Outrageous Mercy: Rediscover the Radical Nature of Christianity by Wm. P. Farley

Seven Symptoms of apathy towards the cross.

1. Lack of thought and meditation upon the cross.

2. Legalism.

3. Lack of heartfelt, fervent prayer.

4. Leaders who do not preach the cross of Christ with power.

5. Little mourning for sin in the midst of the church.

6. Lack of a growing spiritual capacity to embrace the love of God.

7. Lyrical content lacking focus on Christ and the cross in our worship.

by Wm. P. Farley


The Control Freak: Coping With Those Around You. Taming the One Within. by Les Parrott III Ph. D.

Top ten qualities of a control freak.

1. Obnoxious: from the Latin noxious meaning hurtful.

2. Tenacious: stubborn or rebellious

3. Invasive: into the privacy of others

4. Obsessive: loose perspective and neglect the big picture

5. Perfectionistic: berating themselves for not having everything go exactly the way they wanted it to.

6. Critical: they think their criticism will somehow make things better.

7. Irritable: little things tick them off.

8. Demanding: try to order people around.

9. Rigid: one [and only one] way of doing things - their way.

10. Closeminded: no discussion, they know all truth and those who disagree don't know anything.

Funeral Arrangements for Bishop J. C. Palmer

Visitation: 6-9 pm, Monday, March 3, Oakdale Funeral Home, Camden, TN - across from the old Wal-mart on Highway 641,

Funeral: 1 pm, Tuesday, March 4, Oakdale Funeral Home, Camden, TN

No information on the officiating minister is available at this time.

Death Announcement

Bishop J. C. Palmer went to be with the Lord early this morning around 1 am. He is survived by his Son Tony. At this point we do not have funeral details but will post them when they come in. Also, prayer is requested for Tony and other family members. Brother Palmer's remains are at Oakdale Funeral Home in Camden, TN and the arrangements are incomplete per information received at 10:40 pm tonight from funeral home officials.

Quote

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

Quote

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

Wednesday Evening Prayer Emphasis

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

Featured Sermon by Daniel Meyer At PreachingToday.com

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

Read more here

Pictures From An Islamic Demonstration In London, England

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

95th INTERNATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

General Assembly theme, date, and place.

Update

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

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

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

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

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

Revival Continues & Prayer Requests

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

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

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit & Revival Continues

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

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

Update and Prayer Requests

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

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

The Following Request Prayer:

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

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

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

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

MARRIAGE & FAMILY RETREAT UPDATE - REVIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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

Marriage and Family Retreat

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

Valentine's Banquet a Success

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

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

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

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

Today’s focus:

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

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

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

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

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

Profundities From The Apostle Paul

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

Today's focus. . . .

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

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

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

Update - Winds are Blowing Here and The Rain Is Falling

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

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

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

Prayer Request

Recently Brother Manuel Crossno sent an email requesting prayer for his son, Kevin, who had a knee condition. Kevin is a Carpet Installer with Manuel's Carpet Store and having healthy knees are a must for that work. Kevin had to have surgery and has come through okay and is in the rehab process. Please continue in prayer for him.

I failed to include this in a previous post and offer sincere apologies.

THIS WEEK AND PRAYER REQUESTS

Sunday Morning was a great time in the Lord. The Praise and Worship team led with zeal and skill as we lifted ourselves in worship to the Lord. Thank God for people who give their time and talent to the Glory of God!

We enjoyed being with visitor Gerald Willeford who came and worshipped with us Sunday Morning. He shared with me that he attended the Church of God of Prophecy as he grew up and his father was a minister. He also shared that he moved here about a year ago and has been attending different churches. He is a minister and has served churches in the Church of God and the Assembly of God. We welcome him and his wife.

Sunday evening Karen and I visited with Sister Ruth King and her daughter Rita. She continues to request prayer for Rita who has had some health problems. Sister King also requests prayer for strength to care for Rita and for some health issues. She also requests prayer for her bother Ray Wynn whose wife died a few months ago.

Sunday night was family night and each one was encouraged to do something special with their families.

Sunday evening Deacon J. E. Moore and I met at McDonald's in McKenzie to discuss some church business and to have a time of fellowship. It was a productive meeting.

Yesterday evening I enjoyed visits with Brother Leon Reynolds, Sister Donna Crossno and Sister Delilah Mummel and 14 year old son Austin.

Brother Leon is requesting prayer for his daughter Debbie who lives in Michigan and has a health issue and also requests prayer for some health issues that he is being tested for. He also requests prayer for his other children to be saved.

Sister Donna requests prayer for her father who was recently in the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs and is having continued fluid build up around his heart. She also requests prayer for her mother who needs extra strength to care for her father. She offered a praise to the Lord for opening a job for her with a medical office in Jackson where she will have benefits and good insurance. She is supposed to start in a week or so. She praised the Lord for moving in her life and family.

Sister Delilah and Austin request prayer for her husband Jeremy who is in training in Atlanta with the Railroad. He is thankful to the Lord for opening this opportunity to have the employment and will be stationed approximately 12 miles from his house. He requests prayer to do well during the training and safety as he travels the roads.

We ask any who read this to offer prayer for the ministry here and for Holy Ghost revival to break out. We continue in fasting and prayer. . .

Cartoon

Hey Squealer, "This is not what the map said. " "Yea, I know, where are we?"

Today

Karen and I enjoyed a partial day off today by resting a little late this morning and doing some things around the house.

This afternoon Karen and I visited with Sister Lillie Grooms. She requests prayer for healing. We enjoyed visiting and praying together with her.

We also went by to visit Brother J. E. and Sister Marie Moore. There was no one at home.

We continue with prayer and fasting for our target month of April for revival. We thank the Lord for recent services full of the power and glory of God. TO HIM BE GLORY!

Continuing in Prayer and Fasting To Seek God. . .

Beginning the first of this year, each one in the church here was encouraged to begin fasting and praying for revival and evangelization here in the local church. The fast you choose (partial, liquid, water, total or combination) is between you and the Lord. Important in this time of prayer and fasting is that we "believe that He (God) is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM." Hebrews 11:6

Fasting and prayer are necessary. Jesus said, "when ye fast. . ."Matthew 6:16 This passage indicates that there will an intentional time of prayerfully seeking the Lord with fasting. The Apostle Paul's ministry was laced with "fastings often. . ." 2 Cor. 11:27 Daniel proclaimed, "I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Daniel 10:3 This time of fasting was when Daniel realized the prophecy of Jeremiah was to be fulfilled and someone must seek the ONE who gave the prophecy. God has plans for us, but if we are not dedicated to HIM and HIS PLAN, then we will be drifting along in mediocrity and meaninglessness.

There is another prophecy given by our Lord who prophesied that, "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14

Relative to His prophecy is the declaration He put forth to His disciples. . ."Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37, 38 Therefore, we pray to HIM, fast to HIM, seek HIM, pray for labourers and GO into the harvest!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Holiday

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Dr. King was instrumental in the early sixties as a civil rights leader and as a leader against racial injustice. Go here to read more.

Thats My King

Today

This morning Deacon J. E. Moore came by and we went to eat breakfast together with Brother Leon Reynolds. We enjoyed a good time together and discussed some church business. Thank God for brethren who have a burden for the work of the church and furtherance of the ministry of the work of the Lord.

In the afternoon Karen and I visited Sister Mildred Stacy who requests prayer for her physical healing. She reported a heart condition that left her very weak this past Thrursday night. We enjoyed a visit and had a time of prayer with her.

We then visited with Sister Jennie Sanders who requested prayer for health. She turned 89 this past January first. We enjoyed a time of visit with her and had a good time of prayer.

We then visited with Sister Peggy Heath who also requested prayer for her health. She had a blood vessel to burst in her eye a couple weeks ago and had to have a bubble insert. She is requesting prayer that her eye will heal and she can see again. We enjoyed a good visit with her and a good time of prayer.

Update

Thank God for a great time of worship Sunday. Several were in the altar and an awesome spirit of worship prevailed as the Holy Ghost moved throughout the meeting. One sister testified that the she had not heard the Holy Ghost speak since she received the baptism as a child. Yesterday was her day as she rejoiced and heard the Holy Ghost witness. Others testified to being healed and/or refreshed in their relationship with the Lord. To HIM be GLORY!

We continue to pray, fast and believe God for revival and salvation, sanctification and Holy Ghost baptism.

Update

Several days have passed since I last posted. This past Sunday was a great day in the Lord. We look forward to a time of seeking the Lord for revival and evangelization here at Huntingdon.

Great Time Tonight With Benefit Singing

Although the weather was cool and rainy, the group that came out tonight for the Benefit Singing for Sister Donna Crossno would be blessed and be a blessing. Thank God for over $600.00 donated from a fairly low in number group (about 25) but a group that showed their love excessively. Singing, testimonies and praises to the King of Kings went upward to the heavens.

Sisters in Grace sang their hearts out. The anointing was tremendous. Denise and Delilah, Sisters in Grace and biological sisters are truly blessed and gifted in the ministry of music to the Lord. Sister Lori Rivera and Brother Jason Gordon also gave tremendous renditions as well as Sister Cathy Coleman.

Great, powerful, anointed are words to describe the singing of Sisters In Grace.

Dwight Reynolds and Jada Boyd Wedding

Do you take. . . . . . . . . .Will you promise. . . . ."I will."

Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Reynolds

Exited father of the groom Stanley Reynolds, the groom, bride and mother of the groom, Judy Reynolds.

Want some more cake Dwight?

Christmas

I gave a brief comment on our Christmas and now have edited it with more input. . .

Karen and I have enjoyed visiting with family the past couple days. We spent Monday evening with her family in Clarksville, TN. The table was spread with plenty of food. The children were playing with toys and one of Karen's nephews had a battery operated helicopter that the children (and adults) enjoyed watching and learning to fly it. We wished each other Merry Christmas and then we headed for my mother's place in Crab Orchard, Tennessee.

We enjoyed being with my family Christmas morning in Crab Orchard, TN. All my children were there along with my mother, sister and brother and their families. Isn't that what Christmas is about - Jesus, family and friends. One of the highlights of being there was when my brother, Tony, read in the book of Luke of Jesus' birth. We then prayed together and enjoyed our family meal. We also had a great time of fun watching the second video of "Thou Shalt Laugh - Deuce."

We enjoyed a great time with family. . .

Children's Christmas Program and Christmas Banquet

We thank the Lord for the Children's Program. The children shared their talents by playing percussion instrument with Christmas music tapes. Mariah Hernandez played a song on her keyboard. The other children played various percussion instruments in between the telling of the Christmas Story (birth of Jesus) by Sister Gordon. Sister Vickie Lawrence worked diligently to prepare the children for the Christmas program.

The Christmas Banquet was enjoyed by all, with chili, soup, finger foods, drinks and desserts. We enjoyed the fellowship and playing the Christmas Song game. Sister Cathy Coleman won the game and the prize.

Family Christmas

Today, Karen, Jason and I travelled to the Adolphus, Kentucky area to visit with our children and grandchildren for our Family Christmas gathering. We enjoyed a great time with them. Our second child, Heather, lives there is their new house. This was our first visit since their house was completed and they moved in last month.


Heather and Caleb. . . .


From, top to bottom: Karen, Sarah, Courtney, Caleby and Aviana

Ministry To Youth

I have been responding to youth in crisis as part of my ministry for the past several months. I will list a brief note of prayer request with no information other than generic needs. Since December 1st, I have responded to ten youth in crisis.

The ages of youth have ranged from 17 to age 4 with problems of suicidal thoughts and attempts to assaultive behavior, destruction of significant property or abuse of animals, abandonment bereavement, adjustment issues, multiple placements, supervision, discipline and boundary issues, parenting issues, legal charges, and physcial and sexual abuse. These children have crises in their individual lives, family, school, or peer relationships.

Pleas join me in prayer for the children and families. . . .

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Thank God for another great time of worship to the Lord today!

Sunday Morning we enjoyed the presence of the Lord as we joined in to hear some great new Christmas songs and the message "Sing A New Song Unto The Lord."

Sunday Evening was our monthly singing. Thank God for His presence as we worshipped, sang, testified, marched and praised the Lord on the many different instruments and ended our service with a great shabok to the Lord.

Update & Prayer Requests

Several days have passed since my last post. Here are a few updates and prayer requests. . .

Tuesday: 11/27 I dropped by the lady's Bible Study at R. B. Wilson apartments for a few minutes. There were several ladies there. I gave Sister Jennie Sanders an angel in remembrance of her deceased Sister. The ladies were having a great time of Bible Study. They asked me to stay but I declined and told them, "I don't look like the part."

Saturday: 12/01 Karen and I were invited to a Christmas dinner and "dirty Santa" gift party with Don and Cathy VanMeter, Stanley and Judy Reynolds, Don and Donna (friends of Don and Cathey and another couple, that I chatted with quite a bit and sat by them but don't recall their last name, so I'm not going to try to put first names. Someone said, "I'm getting old." If you don't know what "dirty Santa" is, its when each person brings a gift, usally a set price of 5 to 10 dollars. Then numbers are drawn and each person chooses a gift in the order of the numbers. The fun part is that when your number comes up you can choose a gift that is still wrapped or you can "steal" a gift from someone who already has one and thats why its called "dirty Santa." We enjoyed the fellowship and being with some new couples.

Sunday: 12/02 Thank the Lord for two great meetings yesterday. We were glad to see Rex and Lori Worman back with us. Recently, her father passed away and she and Rex are staying close to home now to care for sick family members. They were driving to Kentucky for church but we welcome them back with open arms. "WELCOME BACK"

Prayer Requests:

Sister Jennie Sanders continues to request prayer for strength and healing of fluid in her legs.

Sister Ruth King continues to request prayer for Rita, her disable daughter. Rita has to have a sitter now when Sister King goes to the grocery store. Sister King cannot be out very much since she takes care of Rita most hours of the day and night.

Brother Stanley Reynolds requests prayer. He had to stay in bed yesteday. Sister Judy called and stated that he has a fever and needs prayer.

Sister Marie and Brother J. E. Moore request prayer. They have both been very sick for the past several weeks. Both have had bouts with flu-like symptoms.

Sister Mildred Stacey requests prayer for strength. She recently had knee surgery and desires our prayers.

Brother Manuel Crossno's granddaughter was involved in an auto accident yesterday. Remember Kaitlyn in prayer.

Sister Susis Reynolds requests prayer for her older brother who lives in Southern Texas. He suffered a stroke and they will be traveling there to visit for the next couple weeks. Remember them in prayer as they travel and pray for healing for the brother.

Brother Paul Rivera's Sister and Family have recently moved here and are looking for a place to live. Pray that they will find a good place to live. They have found work but need a place to live.

Sister Donna Crossno requests prayer. She fell a couple months ago and has been having struggles with walking and being able to drive. We miss her in church and pray that she will be able to get back soon.

Revival: Continue to pray for revival here in our families and in our community.

NOTE: If you have a prayer requests, email miltongordon@bellsouth.net or call 731-209-4176 - leave your prayer request on the voice message if no one answers.

Birthday Parties for Courtney and Keyante

This past Saturday Karen and I were so excited to be with our grandchildren for a Birthday party for Courtney Hall (our oldest grandchild and granddaughter) and Keyante' Holman (our oldest grandson). We enjoyed being with them at Chuckey Cheese and having a great time of fun with them.

Courtney celebrated her 10th birthday with us. She was born on November 19th. Courtney is riding the range for Jesus. She makes A's in school. We love you Courtney. . .

Sarah (our youngest daughter) holding Caleb Hall. Chris in the background must be bashful and Keyante' is surprised about something. We love you Caleb and Keyante'.

Keyante' Holman and Papaw. Keyante' is 7 years old and likes Transformers, so Mamaw and Papaw responded with two.
Caleb and Aviana riding in the race car. . .What a joy to see them laugh.
Gety up horsie. We love you Aviana and Caleb. . .

Update

Sister Susie Reynolds reported that there were 10 ladies at the ladies Bible study this past Tuesday. They will meet each week at 10 am at the R. B. Wilson apartment complex. Any lady is welcome and occasionally I will be dropping in to greet them. Also Sister Susie has asked that I assist her with any questions that the ladies may bring up that she wants help with.

Sunday was another great time of worshipping the Lord. The Holy Spirit was very present as the power of God moved among us. Several were in the altar seeking the Lord. Thank God for his presence.

Thanksgiving

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

This has been a great Thanksgiving week for our family. I am so thankful for family and for our time together. This past Sunday after Youth Convention at Camp Hickory Hills, Karen, Sarah and little daughter Aviana and Jason were at the Crossroads Church of God of Prophecy Thanksgiving Meal after church Sunday. They enjoyed being together with their Granny (my mother) and two of their cousins, Hannah and Kelsey.

Yesterday and today has been a great day to be with family. Yesterday, Karen and I traveled to White Bluff. just across the highway from Crossroads Church of God of Prophecy to be with my mother, sister and her husband. After a great time together and a fabulous meal prepared by my sister, mom loaded her things for me to take her back to Crab Orchard, Tennessee. I enjoyed a great time with my Brother Tony, wife Pascha and twins Carrie and Anna. Mom's brother Denver was also there.

Karen and I have done something a little different this year on Thanksgiving morning and since we don't have children that we carry with us where we go any more, we decided to be with our aging mothers this year. Karen enjoyed a great time with her 80 year old mother, her oldest brother and family as they had a meal out at Golden Corral in Clarksville, Tennessee. She said it was great being with her mother and some of her family. We both got back to Nashville together around 2:30 pm today.

I called Shane on the way back from the mountains and wished him a blessed Thanksgiving. He was visiting friends in Franklin, Tennessee. He told me that he spoke to Danita (our oldest) who is in Africa on a mission trip and that she is doing well and boarding the plane back for home tomorrow - with some great stories to share, I'm sure. I also called Heather and family and wished them a blessed Thanksgiving. They were having Thanksgiving Day and meal with Sammy's parents Bishop Wayne Hall and Sister Wanda and the grandchildren.

As I drove down I-40 from Cumberland Plateau, I began to think of the blessings that God has bestowed upon this land and upon many of our families across this country. Yet, as I came back into Nashville, I wondered how many did not even have a meal to eat or place to be out of the weather. I wondered how many children need someone to love them and care for them. I saw a short clip on the news where a young man (his last name was Gordon) had stolen from the Salvation Army contribution container. He was weeping as he told that he and his girlfriend are homeless and that he stole the money so they could have a meal and a place to stay overnight. As he wept, he said, "I don't even know where she is now and I'm worried about her." I wondered about this as I saw tears coming down his face as he wept openly. I don't know why they are homeless and I am not his judge but I know there are many who are in need, not only in this land, but in other countries too.

Tonight, Karen and I are in a warm place with food to eat and one or our granchildren (Aviana) with us. We are truly blessed. . .Let us not forget in our blessedness to "remember the poor" (Galatians 2:10). Not just in our thoughts but in our "bowels [heart] of compassion" (1 John 3:17) to share and give to those in need - not just so the giver can feel good but that being thankful can be truly manifested.

If we are truly thankful - we will truly give. . . .Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

GREAT EXCITING NEWS!

About about year and a half I went to the R. B. Wilson apartment complex and got permission to have prayer service and Bible study in the front living area. Over the past year and a half we have had about 4 or 5 prayer meetings and Bible Studies there. This week Sister Susie Reynolds had her monthly ladies night service there at 7 pm on Tuesday. When she first kicked the meeting off, there were just a few there but as the service continued two or three would come in and by the time the meeting was over the area was full of ladies. After the meeting, several of the ladies asked if she would have a Bible Study there each week and one person had gotten a key board to help with music. Now Sister Susie and Sister Josie have scheduled a weekly Bible Study there at 10:00 am each Tuesday. THATS EXITING NEWS TO A PASTOR! I pray this will be the beginning of reaching out to others with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the beginnings of a great time of revival for our community. To HIM be GLORY!

Youth Convention

The youth are now back from the Youth Convention. Jason tells me it was great! He is at the chruch now practicing a couple of new courses that he picked up therre. We are glad that He, Montana, Karen, Sarah and Aviana got to attend.

Tennessee Youth Convention

Karen, Sarah, Aviana, Jason and Montana are at the Youth Convention by now. My prayer is that God will empower them with a greater measure of his grace, love and Holy Ghost fire. Thank God for our youth and the vitality they bring to the local church and work of the kingdom of God.

Update

Karen and I enjoyed a visit with Sister Jennie Sanders this past Saturday and also stopped by Sister Peggy Heath's apartment.

Today was a great day of worship, however, several were out with flu-like symptoms and others were attending funerals.

We continue to seek the Lord for revival.

Tribute to Pastor Glen O'Kain

I was saddened recently but rejoice as well that fellow pastor Glen O'Kain went to be with the Lord. Pastor O'Kain was a friend and faithful fellow Pastor. He Pastored the Dickson Church of God of Prophecy for at least 15 years to the best of my knowledge. His funeral was November 6th. Time, distance and ministry hindered my wife and I from attending.

Brother Glen and his brother were born with a rare kidney disease that causes death at a young age in most people. His brother died at a very young age. There was little hope for Brother Glen to live beyond his early twenties. However, Brother Glen was blessed to live until the age of 54 and was the oldest surviving dialysis patient in the Southeastern United States. Brother Glen lived to get married, have children and grandchildren. Thank God for men like him who live on for the Lord regardless of the suffering, the many trips to the doctor, the hospital and being on dialysis three or four days a week for several hours each day. Brother Glen not only Pastored a smaller church, he worked at times to provide for the needs of his family.

I remember stopping at McDonald's in Dickson on one trip and Brother Glen was there working to provide for his family. He greeted me with a smile and said, "why Brother Milton, it is good to see you." He waited on me and then we chatted about 10 minutes. His conversation was focused on the Lord and his family. After we shared together, we shared prayer needs in our families. His thoughts and desires were to please the Lord and see his family provided for and serving the Lord.

When I Pastored my first church as a young man of 25, Brother Glen's father, Roy, gave me some part-time work as a carpenter's helper framing houses. I'll never forget this, since it was a time of financial need in my family.

Thank God for Pastor Glen O'Kain. O how that heavenly realm must be glorious compared to the sufferings he went through. He will be missed. . . . but "go rest high on that mountain (heaven's mountain) son [of God] your work on earth is done, go to heaven a shout'n love for the Father and the Son."

Where Is My Heart? Where is my energy?

For the past several months my thoughts and contemplations have been on 2 Timothy 4:5, the last part of that verse mostly, "do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." Sometimes as a pastor, business can take the place of the passion that is overarching and the compassion to be moved for that overarching passion. Our Savior's passion was to seek and save the lost and he was moved with compassion to fulfill that passion. Meetings and administration becomes the major part of a pastor's life, if the pastor allows it. Confessing, that has been a struggle for me and the passage keeps coming to me, "do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." I feel, that no one is less gifted as an evangelist than I am, but that does not excuse the call of the Lord for evangelization in my ministry and the local church where I pastor.

Just now, as I write this, I long for the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit if you prefer) to come among us and manifest as He chooses and to bring a freshness to our services beyond what we could even think or believe. Yet, I strongly believe "doing the work of an evangelist" must become the major focus in my life, and seeking God first must be first. "Do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." It was sound admonition and instruction for Pastor Timothy and it is sound for me today. . . Where is my heart? Where is my energy? Milton Gordon

GREAT DAY IN THE LORD

What a great day in the Lord! Thank the Lord for a great day. We were thankful to have visitors today. Casey Duncan's mother, Patsy Bell and Grandmother, Edna Bear joined us today. Thank the Lord for a great time.

We boosted our world missions offering today and thank the Lord for the giving in our World Missions. We pray for our Harvest Partners, Uganda and Sudan.

At 3 pm we met at the church property and enjoyed a great time of kick ball and the grilled out burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings. The property on Northwood is looking better and better. After a time of food and fellowship we gathered around the fire that Brother Paul and his brother-in-law, Homer, built. We had a great time of singing, testifying and a time of writing each one's struggles, battles, failures and sins on a piece of paper and throwing them in the fire - as a symbol of putting those things in the fire of the Holy Ghost. It was a defining moment in time for many of us as we felt the presence of the Lord. We staying close around the fire as the cool night air came in but the presence of the Lord kept us warmed just as the campfire kept us warm outwardly. Thank God for his presence. We are praying and believing for a great time of revival and evangelization in our church.

Brother Paul's Sister Mary and her husband, Homer, enjoyed cooking the burgers and dogs. Homer has roofed for 15 years and and he and his family have moved here and are looking for work and a place to live. He is going to finish our roof (the outside edges and gable) on the pavilion.