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

Click the following link . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiomOPCRHAw