Getting Back To Ministry After Burn Out

The following is from Agile Ministry.

I was recently asked how a volunteer that previously stepped down from ministry due to burnout should approach going back to volunteering when asked by their church. Here are some questions to consider on the matter:

1. Are you ready to give to others more than you take from the church? If your heart isn’t focused on the desire to minister to others in need, then you aren’t ready yet

2. Have you forgiven those that you consider responsible for causing the burnout, including yourself? If you haven’t forgiven them, it will interfere with your ministry.

3. Has the time off from volunteering brought you closer to God or further away? The burnout was most likely caused by serving God more than seeking God - have you restored your relationship or are you still quenching the Holy Spirit through anger or other busyness?

4. Are you considering the same ministry or something new? Joining the same ministry can often produce the same results if left unchecked by both you and the ministry leader

5. If you are joining back as a ministry leader, what is your plan to prevent burnout this time? How have you dealt with your potential to overwork and burnout?

6. Do you have an accountability partner to ensure that you are not going to burnout again? Find someone that can hold you accountable to tell the truth on the number of hours you are putting in each week. Be honest with them and report what you’ve done for the week. This partner needs to be someone who is mature and have dealt with burnout successfully in the past.
7. Do you have a written understanding with your staff/leader on how often you will be serving? Many ministry leaders fail to create a job description and requirement for the positions they need filled. Ask for one and insist that it define a duration (e.g. 3-6 months) and the number of service times expected from you per month.

Use these set of questions to help determine if you are ready to return. Whatever you do, make sure you are focused on how God is going to use you in ministry to make a powerful impact tomorrow, not on how you burned out yesterday.

Visit and Prayer Request

Sister Virginia Davis is doing much better after surgery for a blocked artery in her abdomen area. Thank God for bringing her through this. I visited with them and prayed with them.

Camden Singing - Powerful Worship and Presence of the Lord

Karen and I enjoyed a visit to the Camden Church of God of Prophecy with Pastor Harold and Shirley Batson. The spaghetti supper was great and the singing and worship was awesome. The praise team from the Ridgely Church was there with Pastor and District Presbyter Clayton Mahan. Their singing and worship was dynamic. Thank God for such a great time in the Lord.

We also enjoyed several others who sang, Sister Winchester and Randy Crowder from Paris Church, the Nolans from Camden and many others. I pulled out a couple of old tapes and, as the saying goes, "sang by letter, opened my mouth and let her fly." We sure enjoyed this time in the Lord.

Circus Trip With Family

Saturday, Karen and I went to the Shriner's Circus with our three daughters, Sarah's daughter, Aviana, and Heather's two children, Courtney and Caleb. This was for a birthday celebration for Danita, our oldest and Sarah, our youngest. Of course the children had the greatest amount of fun, although we enjoyed the tiger show, elephant show, acrobatics, the clowns and the record holder of being shot out of a cannon. It was a special day for us to be with family. We love all of you very much. Mamaw and Papaw.

We are thankful to Pastor Terry Lowery and church at Old Hickory for inviting us to attend this event. One of his men at church is a Shriner and he helped us get in by invitation only.

Which is the clown????. . .Terry knows I am kidding. We grew up together and went to youth camp together.
Two clowns. . .??????? Really!!!!!!
Some Old Hickory youth and children. Aviana is our youngest grandchild. She will be six in May.
Caleb is our grandson. He will be six in December.
Courtney, our oldest grandchild. She will be eleven in November.
Sarah always said she took after her dad. He he. . .

Sarah - My Youngest Child's Birthday

Today was Sarah's 22nd birthday. We celebrated it with her. . .

Spoonheads or spoon noses? Are we having fun or what? See what my daughter taught me to do.

Want some more birthday cake????? Did you say you have learned a new way of eating through your nose? Wow what a daughter!!!!!

Juanita Weakley

When I called Vanderbilt today Sister Joyce Cowan answered the phone. She reported that Sister Weakley is doing well and her vital statistics are good and she is able to use the restroom on her own. The doctors report that the cancer has been contained to the short portion that was removed and lymph nodes look good.

PRAISE THE LORD! HE IS AWESOME!

This Coming Sunday's Message

TEXT: Luke 15

TITLE: Thank God, I'm Home

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES, ILLUSTRATIONS, QUOTATIONS, EXCERPTS:

Unless otherwise noted, all material is from SermonCentral.com

Robert Robinson had been saved out of a tempestuous life of sin through George Whitfield’s ministry in England. Shortly after that, at the age of twenty-three, Robinson wrote the hymn Come, Thou Fount. Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Sadly, Robinson wandered far from those streams and, like the Prodigal Son, journeyed into the distant country of carnality. Until one day—he was traveling by stagecoach and sitting beside a young woman engrossed in her book. She ran across a verse she thought was beautiful and asked him what he thought of it. Prone to wander— Lord, I feel it— Prone to leave the God I love. Bursting into tears, Robinson said, "Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then." Although greatly surprised, she reassured him that the "streams of mercy" mentioned in his song still flowed. Mr. Robinson was deeply touched. Turning his "wandering heart" to the Lord, he was restored to full fellowship. —Kenneth W. Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories, p. 52

"Every parent is at some time the father of the unreturned prodigal, with nothing to do but keep his house open to hope."

i. (From “The Hurting Parent”, pg. 78ff.) A couple with two daughters still at home received a call from their wayward son late one night. He had called from a hotel and told his mom, “I’m hurting and really hungry…tell me what to do.” His voice drifted off and a strong voice broke in. It was the manager of the Holiday Inn 150 miles from the Farrone’s home. The whole family piled in the car and made the trip. When they arrived they thanked the manager and placed their inebriated, emaciated son in the front seat of the car. The father leaned over and buckled his son in. The stench of alcohol, vomit and weeks on the street was overwhelming. They had to roll the windows down to breath. It was then he felt he understood more completely what the Prodigal’s father did when he embraced him.

Devotional

The following devotional speaks volumes. . . From Today God Is First. You can go to the devotional site here

Coming Out of the Stronghold

References:-->1 Samuel 22:5 ..."Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah"...

David and his fighting men had been hiding in the cave of Adullam. He was fleeing Saul. Many of life's down-and-out had come and joined David's army. David was content to stay in the stronghold of safety. Then, God's prophet came to David and told him that he must leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah.

When life beats down on us and we get to the place where we want to hide in a cave, God often places people around us who prod us into moving in the right direction. He does not want us to remain in the place of discouragement. He wants us to move into the land of "praise." Judah means "praise."

I recall when I went through a very difficult time. It seemed to drag on and on with no change until finally I wanted to retreat to a cave and forget pressing on. It was a great time of discouragement. A godly man came to me and said, "You must keep moving! There are too many who are depending on you in the Kingdom." I didn't totally understand what he meant at the time. Now I know he was saying that God is preparing each of us to be the vessel He wants to use in the life of another person, but we will never be that vessel if we give up and hide in our cave of discouragement. Not only must we keep moving, we must move into a new realm. Our attitude must move from discouragement to praise. It is when we move past discouragement to praise that we begin living above our problems. Make a decision today to go into the land of Judah. By Os Hillman

Devotional

I read several devotionals each day. One today really spoke to my heart. I have posted it below. Hope it brings encouragement to any who may read it.

No Pruning, No Fruit

References:-->Romans 8:28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Do you really believe God works for good in all things?

Being able to make that statement begins with acknowledging that God knows what He is doing. He is not only all-powerful, or sovereign, but also all-knowing. Even when pain and tragedy strike, we can trust God to know what is best for our good.

The problem is we don't know His plan. We would like to know the reason for our trials, but God doesn't always reveal it to us. We wonder how He could possibly cause this or that problem to work for good.

But through Scripture and the natural order, God gives us a hint that it can happen, even when we can't see how. Jesus said: I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:1,2).

During the last several years, our own family has endured several such prunings. Barbara has weathered major heart surgery, the removal of a benign lump in her breast, five debilitating sinus infections, sinus surgery and Lyme's disease. And I have previously told of our son Samuel's bout with muscular dystrophy.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I grow a little weary from so many snips from pruning shears in my life.

But I really love the fruit bearing. While I wish it could happen without the pruning, life just doesn't work that way. Our family has experienced growth from the pruning. It has enriched my ministry to other families who hurt.

Scientists don't fully understand the pruning/fruit-bearing connection in the plant world. Why should I insist on understanding it in human lives? It's more important to bear fruit than to understand the pruning process.

Prayer:
For the faith to believe that God can enable you to become "more than conquerors" over any hardship or tragedy in your life.

From Barbara and Dennis Rainey

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. KJV Romans 1:14 I have a debt to Greeks and to the nations outside; to the wise and to those who have no learning. BBE

The Apostle Paul's calling led him to many and varied individuals. In Philippi he ministered to the Jailor and those in his house, the young woman with a divination spirit, and the disciple Lydia. In Ephesus he ministered to "certain disciples" who had not received the Holy Ghost. In Corinth he joined Aquila and Priscilla who were also tentmakers. He reasoned with Jews and Greeks in the synogogue on the sabbath and persuaded many in Corinth to accept Christ as Savior and Lord. He preached to the Athens people with passion and compassion when he saw the "city wholly given to idolatry." Acts 17:16 He preached Christ in the Synogogue at Thessaloniki and devout Greeks and leading women of the city were converted to Christ ("not a few" says the scripture, Acts 17:4). God performed miracles through Paul on the island of Melita and he preached Christ to the "barbarians," says the scripture.

Everywhere he went, his message was Jesus Christ and Him crucified and risen from the tomb. He did not shun anyone and when he was in prison he continued to share Christ with those around him. I can imagine his testimony to each one as he would share how that he once persecuted Christians but Christ met him on the road to Damascus as he went to get others for persecution and transformed him into a genuine child of God and eventually, a dynamic Apostle. I can easily imagine this was part of his witness to Onesimus, who was a runaway slave. He pled with Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running and to receive Onesimus back as a beloved brother.

Do we feel the same burden for those we come in contact with? Do we realize each one we see or come in contact with has a "charge" against us that we owe. We owe a "debt of love" to each one that we see. The Apostle Paul did not forget that debt. Everywhere he went he taught and preached Christ. He said to the Corinthians, ". . .I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 1Co 2:2

Will you reach out? Who will you come in contact with today? Whose door will you knock on? Who will you meet at the supermarket? Who will you visit at the hospital, at the jail or pass on the street? Will you pay your debt? May God help each one of us who know Christ as Savior and Lord to pay our debt. . .

Fiber and the Food That KO's High Blood Sugar

"Want to lose a few before the upcoming holidays? Fill up with fiber." Read more click here

"Like going a couple of rounds with Tyson, high blood sugar can do a number on your vital organs. But eating this may give it a one-two punch right back:" Read more click here

Great Day In the Lord and for Him

Thank you Lord for a great day in You! So often I forget to thank You. Thank you for love, grace, faith, truth, healing, life, family, salvation, sanctification, Holy Spirit baptism, your church, friends, community, leaders, daily bread, provision, breath, so many things to thank you for. Most of all thank You for You, for Your Son, for the Holy Spirit and for all You are. Amen!

Visits and Prayer Requests

Continued prayer for revival, evangelization and discipleship are needed here at our church.

Sister Jennie Sanders continues to request prayer. She continues in Huntingdon Health and Rehabilitation Center. We enjoyed visiting with her today and had a time of prayer. She always encourages us with her spirit of prayer and uplifting words.

Brother Jimmie Davis has been having severe coughing to thepoint of loosing his breath and passing out. We visited and prayed with him today. He and Sister Virginia request prayer.

Sister Marie Moore continues to request prayer for her health. She is having severe pain and cramping in one of her hands.

Sister Susie Reynolds is sick and requests prayer. Her granddaughter, Celinas, has been sick as well and requests prayer.

My second child, Heather, requests prayer. Her husband, Sammy, will be laid off of work next week and is need of another emloyer. They have two small children along with all the bills of a young family - car, house, etc. etc.

Super Saturday A Great Success

Despite the weather forecast for rain and several not coming, those who did come enjoyed a great day of fellowship at the property on Northwood Drive. The weather was awesome with only about a five minute rain that cooled things off a bit. The children loved the slide even more in the rain as they moved down the slide faster on the wet, slicker surface.

The children (ages 16 months to 59 years - not quite 2 to 92) enjoyed the huge air slide. We enjoyed watching the children as they slid and slid and slid and slid some more. We also enjoyed a game of volleyball. The pictures say the rest.


B. J. and company. . .
Macey. . .head first. . .
Ethan. . .laughing all the way to his Dad Casey. . .
Neighborhood friend. . .
Fellowship. . . . .
Riley and Macey. . .
Hayden. . .
Karen. . .one of the "older" children. . .
Vickie. . .another one of the "older" children. . .
More friends. . . .

JUANITA WEAKLEY PRAYER REQUEST

Sister Juanita Weakley has sent out this prayer request to all her family and friends and any who will pray for her.

Dear Family and Friends:

PLEASE be praying for me today. I go to Vanderbilt at 3:40, then I have a 4:30 appointment for a CT Scan and Pet Scan. I have trusted my Lord with it all, and I am wanting prayer especially for today. I have never had anything like this before, never had a surgery in my life. God is faithful, and I know he will see me through all of this turmoil I am going through right now.

Thanks to all of you Precious Ones,
Wonnie Weakley

SUPER SATURDAY

Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy, Saturday, September 20th from 10 am to Dark at the Northwood Property. There will be a large air slide, a sno-come machine, grilled food, volley ball and other games. This event is especially for the young at heart from age 2 to age 92. We extend a warm invitation to everyone.

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

Ephesians 6:5 "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free."

Each person needs an "atta boy" or "atta girl" every once in a while. Encouragement means a lot in the work of the Lord. There is enough criticism, skepticism and disparagement to go around for those who are sincerely and genuinely doing their best to serve the Lord.

Yet, there is that spirit, that attitude that gets a hold on a person that wants to see their name in lights, on the screen or written on the page with accolades. Further, when others are recognized or given commendation that attitude springs up with jealous feelings and, sometimes, even angry, vengeful feelings. Isn't it amazing how the fleshly, carnal mind becomes oblivious to the all-seeing eye of God? He does see, right down into the very depths of our hearts, motives, desires, delibertions, and contemplations.

"The Apostle Paul encouraged servants to serve their masters "as to the Lord, and not to men" and to "be obedient unto them as unto Christ." Whether he was dealing specifically with slavery or with the relationship between "employer" and "employee" is not critical. The critical point is, "Do we do what we do to be seen and lauded of men or do we do what we do to serve the Lord?"

Heavenly Father, forgive me when I have become jealous, angry and vengeful because someone received recognition and I didn't. "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." 1 Peter 2:20 It is when a person is done wrong and they take it with patience, love and forgiveness that you are glorified. Help me to serve you Lord and not serve with an attitude of wanting accolades and applaudes of man. Help me to encourage others and to encourage myself in you. . . .AMEN!

JUANITA WEAKLEY PRAYER REQUEST

I received the following email from Juanita Weakley, wife of former Tennessee State Overseer, Eugene Weakley. They served Tennessee for fourteen years. They were great encouragers and prayer warriors during the times I went through cancer surgery.

"Thank you so much Brother Gordon. I just came in from the doctor in Nashville and I am scheduled for 9/30/08. Be sure to be praying for me at that time, the surgery is to be about 3 hours, per the doctor. I know that the Lord will be with me in the surgery, he always has and always will. I love you much," J Weakley

This Coming Sunday's Message

TEXT: Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

TITLE: "Love God With All Your Strength"

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES,QUOTES, ILLUSTRATIONS, EXCERPTS:

"The unique contribution of the body to the whole person is that it is the mediator of moral action rather than the initiator. In a sense, it is the equipment for the heart. It does what the heart tells it to do; it is the heart's vehicle for concrete ministry and service in the material world. In this capacity, it is not the source of sin and is never called sinful. Instead, the body can be strong and healthy, physically weak (Greek:asthenia), ill fragile ("jars of clay"), decaying, and limited or physically dependent in that it has natural desires that want to be satisfied." From Blame It On The Brain by Edward T. Welch

1Corinthians. 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. "This is not asceticism or physical self-denial; rather, it is Paul's response to Satan's tendency to prey on the natural weaknesses and desires of the body." From Blame It On The Brain by Edward T. Welch

1Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Joshua 14:11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Judges 16:17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Mt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh (sarx) is weak.

CRY OUT AMERICA PRAYER GATHERING

The "Cry Out America Prayer Gathering" met today. Ministers, Pastors and laity from different church organizations came togther to join together in prayer. Each presenter who led in prayer agreed that prayer one of the most needed disciplines in the church today. Several remarks were made concerning the attacks on 09/11/01 and how the people of the United States seemed to turn to God more then but have since become lax in seeking God. One statement by, Reverand Jimmy Furr seemed to get to the heart of the prayer gathering. He said, "Some have used this occasion to emphasize patriotism when prayer is the need of the hour."

We thank each participant who came and believe this is one part of a great prayer effort in our nation. Each one left with the assurance that prayer is more than a patriotic effort, it is a priority. Thank God for this time and His presence in our midst.


Ministers and laity came together for prayer. Baptist Hospital Chaplain Mike Osment in the light green shirt, Carroll County Firefighters Chaplain Jim Gentle in the blue shirt and Reverand Wayne Prater in the red shirt. Several laity are present as well.
In the far left in white shirts and ties, L-R, Pastor Jim Cooper and Pastor Lynn Stapleton.
Pastor Brian Oakes leads "Amazing Grace."
Reverand Jimmy Furr shares his heart on "Prayer for Repentance."
James Humphreys, eighty-five year old retired Baptist Pastor, shares his heart and leads in prayer for a "New Christ Awakening" in America.

CRY OUT AMERICA PRAYER GATHERING

CRY OUT AMERICA PRAYER GATHER-ING SLATED AT THOMAS PARK ON SEPT. 11, 2008 FROM 12 NOON UNTIL 1 PM. THE PARK IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM E. W. JAMES SUPERMARKET ON MAIN STREET.


The "Cry Out America" Prayer Gathering will be held at Thomas Park directly across from E. W. James Supermarket. Various pastors and ministers have been included in the prayer time that is scheduled from 12 noon until 1 pm on September 11 (09/11). Awakening America is promoting the event throughout the 3000 plus counties in Amerca.

Carroll County will gather at Thomas park for this momentous occasion. The courthouse will be very busy on that day and parking will be very limited. We have been asked to have the prayer gathering at another public place. Thomas Park is a public place open to all and has a war memorial on it. Pre-prayer has been emphasized and post-prayer will also be emphasized since this gathering will be a microscopic view of the prayer movement that has been and is now growing throughout America. Thousands of Christians are becoming more passionate in prayer. Churches are in need of revival and many in our nation are in need of Christ as Savior and Lord. Join us in prayer.

Prayer Requests

Prayer for the "Cry Out America" prayer gathering that we will sense God's presence and pray according to His passions and will. Prayer that God's presence will ingnite in our area a passion for prayer, for the lost and for continued growth in Him and His word.

Jennie Sanders continues to be in Huntingdon Health and Rehab. She desires continued prayer.

Darrell, who prayed the sinners prayer a couple weeks ago, called and wants another visit. Pray that our local church can continue to reach out to this young man.

Brandie and her two children desire continued prayer.

Former State Overseer of Tennessee wife, Juanita Weakley, requests prayer. Tests have showed a small cancer in her colon. Sister Weakly has prayed for many and has been a friend to many in this state.

Carl Morgan and family, from Crossroads church in White Bluff, TN, desire prayer. Sister Morgan died suddenly of a heart attack. He is a Deacon and she has been a member of the church for many years.

Several church members are requesting prayer. Sister Lilly Grooms, Sister Mildred Stacey, Sister Donna Crossno, Sister Marie Moore, Sister Mildred Lawerence and continued prayer for Sister Cathy Coleman as she goes through rehabilitation in the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

My daughter, Sarah, has a special request. Her house cat that she had for three years had to be put down about an hour ago. He was beyond medical help. I helped her bury him. He was a friendly indoor cat and was a special friend to Sarah. She is going through a time of loss and grief.

Raising the Bar. . .Quotes

The following quotes are from Sermon Central and/or are given credit by the person who said it. . .The first quote is interesting considering what was emphasized in the International Assembly by General Overseer R. A. Howard.

"The Top 10 Issues Facing Today’s Church 1-Prayer 2-Discipleship 3-Leadership 4-Evangelism 5-Doctrine /Worldview 6-Apathy 7-Marriage 8-Relevance 9-Homosexuality 10-Abortion." (Lifeway.com)

Luke 19:10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus Christ
(This was said by Jesus after he asked Zacchaeus, a publican - tax collector despised by most - to come down from a tree to go home with him).

"Don't despair. Only the mediocre person is always at his best. " W. Somerset Maugham

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. " Unknown

""Success is a ruthless competitor for it flatters and nourishes our weaknesses and lulls us into complacency. We bask in the sunlight of accomplishment and lose the spirit of humility which helps us visualize all the factors which have contributed to our success. We are apt to forget that we are only one of a team, that in unity there is strength." Unknown

"Voter apathy among Christians is alarmingly high. In the 2000 presidential election, more than 2 out of every 5 Christians failed to exercise their privilege to cast a ballot."

Tennessee Church of God of Prophecy Calendar of Events

State Overseer, Bishop E. C. McKinley, has posted a calendar of events on his BLOG. You can click here to go to the web site. You can also click here for the State web site. The home page has dates posted for events coming in the next couple weeks.

Quotes

"I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this Book upon reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man." - Abraham Lincoln, 1863

"Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty." – Abraham Lincoln

"The inner cause is so much more precious than the outer effect." F. F. Bosworth

Excertp from "Today God Is First" by Os Hillman

"We've spent too much time equipping our businesspeople to do our ministries rather than equipping them to do the ministry God has called them to in the workplace," said a third-world pastor to a large group of businesspeople.

Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, yet our training and teaching focuses on areas where we spend much less time. The workplace is the greatest mission field of our day, yet we do not train businesspeople how to effectively integrate their faith into their workplace. The wall between Sunday and Monday still exists. Most businesspeople do not understand that all of life is spiritual, not just life on Sunday. . . .

. . .We are entering a new era in the Church when businesspeople are seen as a remnant of the Body of Christ who need to be mobilized and trained for the work of the ministry to their own mission field-the marketplace.

Read more at www.crosswalk.com Click on the link for daily devotions and go to "Today God Is First"

Team Work

The word TEAM has no I in it.
(Noticed this on a sign posted in Lakeview Elementary School, Antioch, TN, not sure where it originated)

The word PRIDE has an I in the middle of it.
(Noted in several articles and places, origin uncertain).

Which word best describes your attitude and desires?

Visits and Prayer Requests

Karen and I visited the following yesterday, and offered prayer and each requests continued prayer.

Brandie and her two children.

Tyrone and his family.

Sister Ruth King has a special request for her daughter Rita.

Sister Mildred Stacey and her husband Ralph requests prayer.

Sister April Davis requests prayer for healing from some type of insect bite.

From "Bible Pathways Devotional"

The fearful thing is that it is possible to call ourselves Christians, believe all the fundamental doctrines of the faith, attend religious services regularly, and go through the motions of worship because we feel it is our religious duty and, yet, never truly worship only Him. Our hearts and thoughts can be elsewhere, even during the worship service. How can we realize His presence if we refuse to read the Word of God to learn why He created us, how He expects us to live, and what He expects us to do?

For more go to www.crosswalk.com and find Bible Pathways Devotional

Sunday, August 31, 2008 - Special Surprise Visit

Thank the Lord for another great Sunday. We were greatly blessed with God's presence. It was good to see James and Krystel with us again. They are the newest couple at our church and are engaged to be married.

Several were away with family gatherings and/or on vacation but the ones who were there were worshipping and hungry for God. He came in a marvelous way.

We were blessed with a surprise visit. Back about three months ago, Sister Cathy Coleman had a serious accident with moderate to severe traumatic brain damage on both sides of her brain. We have followed her progress and requested prayer all over the world for her recovery. We are thankful and proud to announce that Sister Cathy Coleman, her husband Mike and granddaughter, Mariah Hernandez came for the last part of the worship service. Sister Cathy is progressing daily. Mike shared with the congregation how that he believes that God is working a daily miracle in his wife's life. He stated that the miracle for him has been the many encouraging members and friends of the church and the medical staff where Cathy worked as an RN. He noted that seeing the compassion, care and encouragement of so many has been a miracle in his life.

He also explained that each one of the members and friends would need to re-introduce themselves since Sister Cathy's memory has been, for the lack of a better word, mostly erased. Each one came by and greeted Sister Cathy and introduced themselves. It was a special moment in time as each one expressed their love and care for Sister Cathy. We all came around and prayed with her, Mike and Mariah. Sister Cathy still has her same joyous countenance but needs to re-learn a lot of what she has lost.

We continue to pray for this family. . .God takes what seems to be a destructive tragedy and uses it for HIS purposes and for the benefit of HIS children. . .and for HIS GLORY!

Back To School Bash - Paris Church

Karen and I had the opportunity to attend the Back to School Bash directed by West Tennessee Children's Ministry Director, Kim Batson. There were about 25-30 children present. Pastor Cliff Winchester was the host Pastor. Pastor Harold Batson of Camden was present. I was present as Pastor of Huntingdon. David French helped with the music and Karen helped some with the games time. Chris Bohannan, from Zion Hill Church in McEwen, was also there with his "human hamster wheel." The children greatly enjoyed the fun time. There was also a great time of worship with the children being prayed for in groups then as a whole group. The Holy Spirit came in a might way as Sister Kim prayed for each child and led the devotional time.

THANK GOD FOR THE CHILDREN!

This Coming Sunday's Message

TEXT: Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

TITLE: "Love The Lord With All Your Mind"

Os Guiness gives a very helpful definition of doubt in his book In Two Minds. He says, "When you believe, you are in one mind and accept something as true. Unbelief is to be of one mind and reject that something is true. To doubt is to waver between the two, to believe and disbelieve at the same time, and so to be in ’two minds.’" That is what James calls, in Chapter 1, a "double minded man," or as the Chinese say, "Doubt is standing in two boats, with one foot in each."

The average person has more than two hundred negative thoughts a day-worries, jealousies, insecurities, cravings for forbidden things, etc. Depressed people have as many as six hundred. You can’t eliminate all the troublesome things that go through your mind, but you can certainly reduce the number of negative thoughts. Dr. Elinore Kinarthy in Homemade, Sept., 1988

Rob Frazier, a contemporary Christian artist wrote a song titled, "He doesn’t want you better, He wants you deader" Dead people don’t mind the pain, Don’t get offended so they never complain They’re not concerned about personal gain, Does that sound like me or you? The truth is rising from the mist And the word is this; That when Jesus calls a man He calls him to come and die! He doesn’t want you better, He wants you deader.

On October 8,1918 Sergeant Alvin C. York single handedly capture 132 German soldiers which earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Definitely, he was a hero to be honored. In this battle he displayed courage and selflessness that is required of heroes. Today’s society doesn’t know truly what a hero is. We found out a little bit about heroes during the World Trade Center Bombing. But in Sergeant York’s case, the reason that he was a hero in many peoples mind was not the way he carried himself during the battle but how he lived his life. Listen to a quote that he made in his diary of his experience in World War II, On July 1st, 1918 he wrote: I carried a Testament with me. I have the Testament I carried with me during all my fighting at home now. I read it through five times during my stay in the army. I read it everywhere. I read it in dugouts, in fox holes, and on the front line. It was my rock to cling to. It and my diary. I didn’t do any cursing, no, not even in the front line. I cut all of that out long ago, at the time I was saved. Sergeant York lived his life in Humble, Submissive, Obedience to the Lord. A hero is someone who does much more than just an amazing thing. A hero is someone who reflects heroism in his life. A hero is someone who does heroic things because his character demands it.

Book Review - "Somebody CARES"

The above book by, J. Doug Stringer, includes many aspects of the unifying efforts of the Body of Christ from many quarters and how the results of these efforts are exponentially realized. He shares the efforts of several churches and para-church organganizations in the Houston, Texas area. The following are exerpts. . .

"How will our communities be reached? By our intercession and the our intervention for the multitudes hanging in the balance of eternity." page 51

"We must guard against animosity, jealousy, envy or bitterness that would divide us from other brothers and sisters." page 57

"As we work together and pray together, we increasingly recognize that we do not represent individual ministries but the Body of Christ in our city. . . .Synergy works wherever people are willing to unite. Somebody CARES Southland in the Los Angeles area has burst into life." page 79

The Declining Church or The Dynamic Church

Have you every heard the phrase, "the plateaued church?" Some believe that a church has times of growth, times of decline and times of being plateaued? In other words, a church comes to a point in its growth that it must transition to the next step in order to see progress.

For example, a church starts out with the pioneer/planter and with zeal, purpose, passion and power. The church may begin with 10 to 25 converts and then grow over a period of years to 50, 75 or 100 converts/members. Then there is that point where the church becomes plateaued and needs to transition to the next step of growth. If leadership takes the initiative and the converts/members become positively involved in that transition step the church can and will continue to grow. This may mean several things for the transition to be successful.

First, it will mean that the leadership (pastor and staff) and the converts/members grow in spiritual maturity in prayer, witnessing and reaching others for Christ and in being disciplers (not sure if disciplers is a word, but you get the point.) Next it means that changes are inevitable. The maxim has been stated, "if you do things the way you have always done them, you will get what you've always got." These changes or failure to change sometimes become a point of failure or success for the church to transition to the next dynamic level as a vibrant, growing local body. The basic fundamentals and practices of the church are the same but the methods change as the church grows and sees increase. For example, the church with 30 will not operate the same as a church with 100 or more. The planter/pioneer must free himself/herself from the more personal contact that she/he once had with the 10, 15, or 30 and empower (delegate) those 10, 15, or 30 to minister to the newer ones and focus more on leadership with the total group.

If the leadership of the church does not continue to mature and develop in the areas of prayer, winning the lost and discipleship, the converts/members will not continue in those areas. Other types of struggles and conflicts then become the focus of that local body. Disruptions can follow with divisions and losses of members. The focus then becomes shifted from prayer, winning the lost and maturing in discipleship to maintaining what "we have." Arguments and church fights may then ensue with members showing more immaturity and carnality.

If the pastor/leader becomes engaged and enmeshed with the carnality and immaturity and does not focus on prayer, winning the lost and discipleship, further decline is inevitable. The question is then begged? What are the priorities of the local church? What will it take to get focused on these three priorities - prayer, winning the lost and discipleship? Blame can be given for a declining church on other things - failure to work together, failure to build a certain facility, failure to . . . add what you will. But if the basic passions of our Captain are laid aside nothing else will suffice to cause that local church to grow - in the Lord - in prayer, in individual converts, spiritual maturity and leadership development.

What do you think? Any comments?

Follow-up Visits & Prayer Requests

Today, I had the opportunity to visit with some of the people I visited with last week.

Tyrone welcomed me with a happy countenance. He said, "I was just telling some people about you." He also told me that he had gone to court a day or so after my last visit and that he was facing six months in jail. He was thanking God that the charges had been dropped. His testimony was that he is focusing more on his relationship with Christ. We had a time of prayer together. Continued prayer is needed for this young man.

Brandie was troubled about being able to feed her two children and also about a blood condition in her arm that she has to go to Memphis to get treatment. We prayed together on her front porch and I was blessed to be able to offer some assistance. Continued prayer is needed for this family.

Clay was open and friendly and shared that his neighbor across the street had just had a burn-out of their home a few days ago. I went over to offer prayer and support. Several people had already given clothing for the two older children and other children. The father stated that he just needed to find a place to get some very needed rest before he goes back to work. He stated that they had insurance on the house but it is still very devastating to lose all that you have. Pray for this family.

Darrell continues to need prayer. He was very busy. Pray for this young man who has been attending the Kingdom Hall here in Huntingdon.

"CRY OUT AMERICA"

Today I met with the Huntingdon Ministerial Alliance to present the "Cry Out America" prayer gathering material. The ministers were very supportive and volunteered to take a part in the prayer service.

More information can be found at the Awakening America Alliance web site.

For more local information email miltgordon@charter.net or call 731-209-4176.

A tentative schedule of the prayer gathering scheduled participants will be posted later. All county residents are encouraged to attend. This is a public prayer gathering open to all people.

SPREAD THE NEWS!

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

Today's verse. . .Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Some have suggested that the Apostle Paul was a rebel - that he went out on his own from the church authorities to preach the gospel. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, he had a special calling on the road to Damascus. Yes, he was in the dessert for several years being taught by the Holy Spirit and the risen Christ. Yes, he was specifically called to the mission of being the "Apostle to the Gentiles. Yet, he was careful to be subject to those who were of "reputation" and authority in the church. Some believe he did it privately to assuage any fears among the Christians who knew about his tirades with having them persecuted befor his conversion.

No, he didn't have to confer with those of "reputation" (Peter, John, James and others) to validate his calling. No, he didn't have to refer to those of "reputation" to receive the anointing to preach the gospel. He did, however, respect church governmental authority. He says, "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision." (Galatians 2:9) Clearly, he was not involved in being a rebellious loner.

There is also strong indication that he made specific effort to speak personally to the leader of the New Testament church. It is clear in Acts 15:19 that James, the Lord's brother, held a leadership position in the New Testament Church. The Apostle Paul noted that he made specific effort to consult with James. Galatians 1:19 says, "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother." He was accountable to those over him in the Lord. Are you?

No person is an island. Each one needs to be respectful and submissive to those over them in the Lord. That is biblical. That is a profundity of the Apostle Paul.

Tennessee Church of God of Prophecy New State Web Site

The new state web site is now available. The site is very easy to navigate and has a host of links to all of the State Leadership Staff and District Presbyters. One search feature lets a person type in a city or area code and find a local church with the pastor's name, address and phone number. This new state site can be found at http://www.tncogop.org/

Bishop E. C. McKinley is the presiding Bishop of the Churches of God of Prophecy in Tennessee.

GREAT SITE AND GREAT FEATURES.

Book Review - "Borrowed Shoes - A True Story"

Reading the above book has given me a greater understanding of what it means to be homeless. Dr. Charles G. Hawkins, Sr. spent a week on the streets of St. Louis (6 days) and Memphis (1 day) undercover as a homeless person. He did all the things that a homeless person has to do to survive. He made it a total of seven days. He details each day's events hour by hour. He tells of the sour attitudes and rejected looks towards homeless people and the day-to-day attempts to eat. There is an occasional spot of humor but most of the book details his time on the streets and in the shelters. Anyone wanting a better understanding of the struggles of the homeless should read this book. I highly recommend it. The following is an excerpt.

"I pray that those who read this book may afterwards be more conscious of the many people who, for whatever reason, are struggling just to keep body and soul intact. We often lay the blame for this condition at the feet of someone. The reality is, if the words of Jesus have any credibility, this state of affairs will never change. He said, ". . .ye have the poor always with you" (Matthew 26:11). The question then is, what is the state of mind of the person who finds him or herself in the economic quagmire. In many cases, they are not only homeless but also hopeless. It was during the third day on the streets that I began to sense the feeling of isolation these disenfranchised people experience that so destroys their self-worth. It was as if I had become invisible, and even though there were people all around, no one seemed to see me except to express their dissatisfaction with my presence." page 157

Two scriptures became more focused in my thoughts as I read this book. . .

The first one is what Jesus said, recorded in two places. . ."the poor ye always have with you." Matthew 26:11, John 12:8

The second one is also what Jesus said. . ."the poor have the gospel preached unto them." Matthew 11:5

This was one of the defining characteristics of His ministry to show John that He is the Messiah. What a challenge to us today? Is preaching the gospel to the poor one of the defining characteristics of the church today? Hmmmmm?

Sunday, August 24, 2008

What a great time in the Lord during our morning service. We are very thankful for God's presence througout Sunday School and worship. The children were especially blessed as they sang songs of praise just before the message. We desire to "Love The Lord With All Our Heart!"

We were glad to see several teens with us yesterday. Krystel, James and Krystel's friend. We desire to minister to our youth. It was also good to see Lori and Daniel. They were wed this past Spring. Lori sang for us and it was very special to see her singing in our local church again.

Tomorrow Morning's Text and Message

TEXT: Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

TITLE: "Thou Shall Love The Lord With All Thy Heart"

QUOTE: Heart is used in Scripture as the most comprehensive term for the authentic person. It is the part of our being where we desire, deliberate, and decide. It has been described as "the place of conscious and decisive spiritual activity," "the comprehensive term for a person as a whole; his feelings, desires, passions, thought, understanding and will," and "the center of a person. The place to which God turns." J. Stowell, Fan The Flame, Moody, 1986, p. 13.

The Book - "Its Time To Cross The Jordan"

I purchased the four books by the J. Doug Stringer. This past week I have read the book noted above. This has been a very challenging book with focus on commitment to a relationship with Jesus Christ and to reaching the lost and ministering to the body of Christ. I highly recommend this book. The author, J. Doug Stringer, ministered twice at our International Assembly in Nashville, TN last week. The following is an excerpt and the closing paragraph of his book.

"About 60-70% of the kids I talk to at rock concerts say they have had church experiences. I ask them why they go and sing songs against God and do the things that are just lawless? They say, 'It's the power and electricity."
My question is, 'Where is the power and electricity in the Church?' I know it's available and I'm going to press in to find it. I've seen God move more on the streets than in some of the churches at times. At least out there they know they're in dire need of God's grace and mercy. They know they're sinners. But we've got a bunch of polished-over Laodicean Christians in the Church." page 168

"Living on the edge is the place of complete satisfaction. There are so many distractions and diversions in our lives; things that will keep us from the place of pressing into the Lord Jesus Christ, to being the witnesses that he want us to be in the ways we live and in the things we say and do. We need to press into Jesus and live on the edge according to what He has told us to do in His word. It's the only living that's worth living. Everything that you are really looking for can only be found in Jesus." page 170

Quote - Patrick Henry, Orator of the Revolution

"This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.”--The Last Will and Testament of Patrick Henry

“It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”--May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses

Visits and Prayer Requests Today

NOTE: Last names are excluded from some of these for personal and legal reason.

The new Chaplain and Director of Voluntary Chaplaincy program at Huntingdon Baptist Hospital, Mike Osment, and I enjoyed a good visit today. Mike was hired as Chaplain after Jerry Leggett left to be Assistant Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Union City, Tennessee. Chaplain Osment was very cordial and encouraging. We enjoyed a good time of prayer together. I also gave him some information on the upcoming prayer time scheduled for the September 11 at each courthouse in the nation. He was very encouraging and offered his support.

Clay (a gentleman around fifty) and I visited today. He requests prayer and stated that he has attended our church in the past. We enjoyed a season of prayer together and he was invited to come again any time.

Tyrone (a young man in his twenties) was open and friendly. He reported that he attends church some and has been saved but he requested prayer for dedication and commitment. He stated that he has asked Christ to forgive him and come in his life but continues to be tempted and do the same sins over and over again. I encourged him and had a good time of prayer with him. I also encouraged him to come visit us in our worship services. He said he would and ask me to come back. He has two small children and the mother of the children work while he keeps the children. He desires prayer for his family.

Brandy (a young mother is her late twenties) and her Sister-in-law, Liz (in her early twenties), were very open and friendly. Brandy's small child, Ethan, was with her. Her little girl was in school, kidnergarten. Brandy shared that she and her two small children are struggling with some needs. I gave her the parsonage number and told her to get in touch with us and that we desire to help.

Brenda (a lady about 50) requested prayer for some family problems. We had a good season of prayer together. She requests continued prayer.

Darrell (a young man about 30) and I visited today. He and his brother live together. God opened the door for me to witness to this young man. He told me that he has been attending a Kingdom Hall. I asked him if he was ready to meet the Lord if he were to die. He hesitated and said the he has been confused about some things. The Lord helped me to witness to this young man and he prayed and asked Jesus to be his Savior and Lord. Pray for this young man and ask God to help me continue to minister to him.

Core Values of The Church of God of Prophecy

During the International Assembly last week three core values were emphasized greatly by General Overseer, Bishop R. A. Howard. These core values are, prayer, harvesting the lost (reaching them for Christ), and leadership development. State Overseer, Bishop E. C. McKinley, posted some of his feelings about the first core value and it would be a great reading for anyone. He also posted a video. Click on the following link to read his message and to see and hear the video.

The Apostle Paul knew the prime value of the "weapons of our warfare." Surely prayer is at the top of the list. He writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

Our Captain also was a "prayer warrior." We read in Luke 5:17 "And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. This verse preceded the account of the healing of the man with the palsy who was carried on his cot by four men. What is often missed in giving this account is the verse before verse 17, which is, you guessed it, verse 16, which reads, "And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed." This was also during a time when his fame was spread abroad among the people after other miracles. Jesus would not be trapped by the "fleshly appeal and lauding of the people." He came to do His Father's will. Moreover, after the healing of the palsied man and others the Bible says he ". . .that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." Prayer was not secondary with our Captain. Prayer was primary with Him. We can do no less.

WE MUST ENTER THE BATTLE WITH THE WEAPON OF PRAYER!

CRY OUT AMERICA

The Awakening America Alliance is directing and coordinating the September 11, 2008 Cry Out America prayer vigil to be held in each county courthouse. Each county is requsted to have a coordinator to get the necessary steps completed in order to have the prayer on 09/11 at the courthouse.

I volunteered and was accepted as coordinator for Carroll County, Huntingdon, Tennessee. I am requesting that those will participate in this effort begin praying and seeking God for His favor and presence in this prayer time. More information can be found at http://www.awakeningamerica.us/

This will be a community wide endeavour with people involved throughout the area. This will not just be a one day prayer but will include prayer before and after the 9/11 date. We believe there must be a "Christ awakening" throughout our nation. You have a challenge to join in this effort.

A Husband's Addiction - A Wife's Account

Below is an excerpt from a wife's story of her husband's addiction to pornography. You can read the article by clicking here . . .

". . . after seventeen years of marriage the façade, like a curtain, came falling down around me. Dave came to me and confessed his addiction to Internet pornography. I was stunned-ashamed-frozen. My life as I knew it changed in an instant."

There is help, deliverance and healing from pornography addiction.

The article is by Meg Wilson. At the end of the article you can click on links to her website, her book, and other information about getting help.

Book by J. Doug Stringer

J. Doug Stringer is the founder of Turning Point International and Somebody Cares International. He spoke at the International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy in Nashville, Tennessee. His messages were timely, challenging and very uplifting. I am thankful to have been under his ministry for the sessions during the Assembly. He has written several books. I purchased the four he had with him and offer the following for your consideration. . .

The book, "It's Time to Cross The Jordan," by J. Doug Stringer could be described as a cutting edge book that is inspirational, challenging and has motivational short stories of his ministry encounters and life's struggles. I highly recommend the book. The following are excerpts. . .

"One area of great importance is in the realm of choosing how I am going to spend my time. Whenever I've sacrificed my personal time with the Lord, I gradually lose my ability to hear his voice. The resulting condition is an inability to know His will in given circumstances." page 39

"Are we spending more time doing the things that satisfy a loose, lawless, and lustful spirit in our hearts, or do we spend the majority of our time seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Do we spend our time praying, studying, and worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth, or do we spend time watching TV, listening to the radio, or even Christian music tapes?" page 43

TAKE A STAND - SEE THIS VIDEO

We need to pray about the upcoming presidential election. . .see the following video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCNKwHRCQM

Devotional

The following is from the daily devotional, "Today God is First" (TGIF) at the web site Crosswalk you can go to the site by clicking here to get the daily devotional by clicking on the box beside the section on devotionals on that link. There are a host of other devotional and ministry links that can be clicked if you choose. If you want to read the "rest of the story" click on the word "here" above and get the devotional.

"J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of "The Golden Rule" stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.
By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy...creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. ...Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitorium. . . ."

Huntingdon Service Yesterday

Sister Donna Crossno, Adult Sunday School Teacher, reported that the morning service was great yesterday with people praying in the altar and worshipping the Lord. I am thankful to see local leaders who are spiritual and maturing in the Lord who can lead the service when their pastor is away for Assembly or other times. Thank you leaders and THANK GOD! HE IS AWESOME!

International Assembly Day 4, 5, 6

The past three days of worship, praise, preaching, instruction, fellowship and the move of the Holy Spirit have been awesome. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to attend.

For a more detail on the Assembly, click on either the International Office Link or the State Office link to the right.

I am thankful that Bishop E. C. McKinley continues as our State Overseer. I am also thankful that God's grace, mercy, love and kindness. HE IS AWESOME!

International Assembly 2008

International Assembly Day 3

The International Assembly continues with great anointing and purpose. Each morning begins with a great time of targeted prayer. The spirit of prayer is becoming more evident among us and the Holy Spirit is helping us to pray more fervently.

Doug Stringer, Founder of "Somebody Cares" ministries spoke to the Assembly. He brought powerful personal testimonies of God's dealing and blessing in his life. He has a very unique ministry. God's work through him has been beyond human strength and endeavor. Any one would be blessed by hearing him minister or reading his books. He has four for sale at $10.00 each.

There were workshop sessions in the afternoon. I attended the sesson with instructor, Mark Menke. The class, "Purposeful, Powerful, Pastoral Ministry," included great substance for the Pastor, whose purpose is to lead the local church. We believe God is leading us to be more than caterers. He is leading us to be pastoral leaders.

International Assembly Day 2

Another great day of worship, business and preaching were very evident in the Assembly on Wednesday. The business session went great with some time left before the time to dismiss. There were great times of worship with the Bahama Brass Band and the Bahama Choir. The message by Vitally Vozsnuk, Senior Pastor Emmanuel Church of God of Prophecy, Keiv and National Overseer of Ukraine, challenged us to put prayers in action for revival - to move out into the harvest. The altar was filled with seekers with salvation, sanctification and experiences and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

International Assembly Business Session and Worship Session

The proxy system was used for the first time yesterday. The process flowed well after about two and a half hours discussion on the section dealing with evaluation of pastors. Most of the discussion was beneficial, opening up some very prolific questions and alleviating some anxieties about some of the nuances of the document. Overall, the evaluation of pastors every four years was formulated and implemented to give the pastor a better understanding of the areas of ministry that he/she is doing well in and the areas of ministry that she/he needs improvement or upgrading in. To the best of my memory, the input from the field showed that over 260,000 expressions were in favor of the document and the remainder of the expressions which were approximately 5000 or less not in favor, to abstain or to submit. The final tally of the expressions in the Assembly showed an overwhelming number in favor (in harmony with the field) with much lesser numbers not in favor, abstaining or submitting. The process to cast the proxies went relatively fast with General Overseer R. A. Howard being very positive about the proxy system and the electronic means of casting expressions and tallying them.

Last evenings worship session was simply awesome. The Bahama Brass Band started the music part and, of course, they always "bring the house down." The Praise and Worship was led by a choir/chorale that simply brought everyone into a dynamic state of worship as the Holy Spirit gave them unction to lead. Folks were dancing in the aisle, running, praying, waving handkerchiefs and giving God the praise and worship He deserves. THANK GOD FOR A MIGHTY MOVE.

The message was brought my General Presbyter Endecott of Europe. His message stirred my heart to keep moving forward in the harvest.

International Assembly

International Assembly

Karen and I will be in Nashville, TN most of the week for the Assembly. I have committed to help usher and serve in any way that is needed with the proctoring and passing out of material. My daughter, Sarah, has volunteered to serve a couple shifts for the Missions Closet. Karen is teaching school and will be there in the evenings.

I will attempt to post updates and some pictures of the Assembly as I have time and opportunity.

For the folks at Huntingdon, if there are emergencies, I can be reached on my cell phone. It has been posted on the bulletin board in the sanctuary for several weeks and has been announced in church. I will be checking my voice messages at the parsonage as well, for those who do not have my cell number.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Today's times of worship were again full of the presence of the Lord. I showed the International Assembly Promo DVD. We were encouraged to "Rejoice In the Lord Always." We were given encouragement to celebrate the presence of the Lord.

For the past several weeks I have encouraged our folks to attend the Assembly. Yesterday, I requested each one to make serious plans to attend. We go on trips. We go to school activities. We travel several miles to these events. I reminded them that the Assembly is in Nashville - only a couple hours away - and to do their best to attend. This will be the second year in Nashville and could be some time before the Assembly returns to Nashville or maybe not at all.

Several were in the altar seeking the Lord Sunday morning and Sunday night. We enjoyed our monthly time of singing last night. Thank the Lord for each one who came out and worshipped in song, testimony, sharing and prayer. Thank God for His presence.

Quote

William Law made a lasting impact upon 18th century England with his book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life. In it, Law urges the Christian that every day should be viewed as a day of humility. And how does he suggest that we do this? By learning to serve others. Law understood that it is with the discipline of service that one gains humility.

If we want humility, he urges us to, “give in to all the weaknesses and infirmities of your fellow-man, cover their frailties, love their excellences, encourage their virtues, relieve their wants, rejoice in their prosperities, be compassionate in their distress, receive their friendship, overlook their unkindness, forgive their malice, be a servant of servants, and agree to do the lowest offices to the lowest of mankind.”

Cathy Coleman Update

Karen spoke on the phone to some of Cathy's family. Cathy's sister, Vickie Lawrence, says that she spoke to Cathy on the phone and Cathy knew her. She said that Cathy also talked to her mom and she knew her mom.

Angie, Cathy's daughter, says that Cathy is walking with a walker with some assistance. Her feeding tube has been removed and she is eating well enough to sustain her. Angie reported that she has times of clarity and others times when she continues to be confused. Angie informed Karen that she would be checking later today and would give us any more information that we do not have.

We continue to pray for Sister Cathy and her family. They desire continued prayer and thank all who have prayed, are praying and for all the calls, kind words, and any other acts of kindness.

Visits and Prayer Requests

Prayer for outreach to those who need Christ is much need. Prayer for laborers in the harvest is much needed.

Lilly Grooms was not in the hospital today when I visited. She had already been discharged. Let us continue in prayer for her.

James Sayles was home today when I visited with him. He was married to Lennie Mae (Sayles) Crossno. Mr. Sayles always makes me feel welcome. We had a season of prayer together. He desires continued prayer.

I spoke to Paul Rivera who says that Josie, his wife, is doing better from a fall that injured her back. Let us continue to pray for her.

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

It has been a while since I have written on the topic above. Below is today's verse and entry.


1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

The Apostle Paul would not be a part of a "statistical or personality competition" among the members at the Corinthian church. He wanted the Corinthians to know that, even though there were personality favorites among some of the people there, he and Apollos were really not "any thing" but only servants who "planted" and "watered." He concludes, "but God giveth the increase." The pastor/minister's responsibility is to be planting and/or watering or possibly even plowing the new field. Paul expressed the feelings of the heart of a team member and not individual desire for accolades.

Carnal Christians and/or churches tend to gravitate towards certain personalities. Sadly, it is still prevalent in churches today. The Corinthian letters are still very much needed in some of the American culture today where pastors and ministers are evaluated by their personality and performance instead of ability to minister and their faithfulness in service.

The Apostle Paul was constantly being spotlighted by those that would judge his ministry. However he counters these self-appointed judges by writing, "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self" 1Corinthians 4:3. Clearly, the Apostle Paul is speaking about "not judging his own ministry." Of course, he was continuously "examining his relationship with Christ." And he pressed forward to become more like Him. He says, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. . ." Philippians 3:10

Could you imagine some in Israel saying, "Well my favorite prophet is Jeremiah." Humorous thought, huh?

Let us consider that each one that God places in His vineyard has a specific part to fulfill and no one of them is more vital than the other, regardless of "statistics," "personalities," or "performance."

Dear God help us to work together as a team. After all, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it. . ." Psalms 127:1

TEAM. Together Each Accomplishes More.

What do you think? Any input?

Visits and Prayer Requests

Sister Lilly Grooms has been moved from the CCU to a room. Her son reports that she is some better. Continued prayer requested.

Sister Peggy Heath called requesting prayer for Sister Jennie Sanders who fell today and had to have four stitches in her head. Prayer is requested for Sister Jennie.

Sister Donna Crossno requests prayer for some needs in her family.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Although, several families were out sick, recovering from surgery or injured, we thank the Lord for His manifest presence in our service yesterday morning. We visited the scriptures dealing with choices. Every day we make choices that affect our lives. Thank God we can make "Choices That Bring Victorious Living in Christ."

Prayer Requests

Lillie Grooms continues to be in the Critical Care Unit at Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon. The family requests prayer.

Suzie Reynolds continues to recover from shoulder surgery. She continues to request prayer.

Josie Rivera fell this past weekend and injured her back. She and husband, Paul, request prayer. He had to stay home with her Sunday to wait on her.

Marie Moore requests prayer for severe swelling around her ear and jaw. Brother J. E. requests prayer for her.

Mildred Stacey continues to request prayer for healing of arthritic hands, legs and feet.

Mildred Lawrence and Sister Vickie Lawrence request prayer. Both were sick this past Sunday and unable to attend church.

Dallas Reynolds continues to recover from serious back surgery. He desires continued prayer.

Leon Reynolds is reporting that he is beginning to feel much better from the cancer surgery but continues to desire prayer.

Several requests came in for prayer on Sunday morning that were private. Also, I apologize for any that I may have inadvertently failed to include here. Thank you for joining in prayer for these requests.

Prayer Request

Sister Mildred Lawrence called requesting prayer for her and her daughter, Vickie Lawrence. Sister Mildred reported that she has had stomach sickness the past few days and Sister Vickie has been having severe pain in her hip. Both of these sisters are faithful volunteer local leaders. Sister Mildred is one of our Pastoral Care Leaders and Assistant Teacher of the senior adult class. Sister Vickie is the Children Church Ministry Leader. Please join me in prayer for these requests.

Visit and Prayer Request

Sister Jennie Sanders called to request prayer for Sister Lillie Grooms. Sister Grooms is in the Critical Care Unit at Baptist Hospital in Huntingdon. She had a stroke and her ability to speak and think clearly has been affected. Karen and I visited and offered prayer for her. She is one of our senior members (86 years young) and has been a tremendous blessing in the ministry here. Please pray for Sister Grooms and her family during this time.

International Assembly Promo

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