DAY OF REST

TODAY Sister Karen and I will be taking a day to mostly rest. We have a few pressing things that will have to be done but, otherwise, we will be resting on a "day off."

PRAYER OF REST: Dear Heavenly Father, first I want to thank you that you teach us to rest. Thank You for telling your children in the time of Moses to have a Sabbath day, which is a day to rest. Father, as a pastor, I have a burden to lead and care for the members and friends here in the Huntingdon church and community, but I know that I cannot care for them as I should if I don't follow your plan to get rested and renewed, to be strengthened in my body, mind and spirit. Help me to rest in Your Son Jesus. Help me to "come apart" for a time of rest lest I "fall apart" in trying to do everything on my own. I pray for Karen that she will rest today in You. Thank you for touching her and healing her from a virus. Help us to rest in You today and know that you will give guidance, strength and a greater "unction to function" in Your work. I know that You are watching over you people and care for them more than I could ever even think of caring. Thank you Lord Jesus that You were the example for us to take a time of "leisure to get away" and rest as you told those that were with you in the work when you were here on this earth. I accept my rest in You today Holy Spirit and ask that you give comfort, guidance, and further and greater power for service. In the Wonderful, Powerful Almighty Name of Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. AMEN!

Thanks for stopping by and until next time have a great day in the Lord!

SUNDAY SERVICES

We are very thankful for a glorious day in the Lord. Brother Weakley preached a powerful message emphasizing the need to "Stay Saved." We were challenged and blessed to hear the word of the Lord. Sister Weakley stirred us with a great testimony. It is always good to be with the Weakleys. God has blessed them to be a blessing to many. There were several return visitors and others that are a part of our great congregation that were here in service this morning.

O HOW GREAT it is to know that we are saved and ready to go at any given moment in time. We want to continue seeking the Lord and working with him in staying close to Jesus. The Holy Ghost will help us as we follow in truth and love. MAY HE BE GLORIFIED!

TONIGHT we enjoyed Care Group meetings. Sister Donna Crossno encouraged her group to begin doing small deeds of kindness to those outside the walls of the church. We had a good time of discussion, fellowship, prayer and snack time. We are seeking God for our Care Groups to be more fully functioning and caring for the needs of each individual in the groups.

SISTER KAREN AND I WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED as our youngest Daughter Sarah, her husband, Chris and their two children, Aviana and KeYante', walked into the basement where the group meeting was. They decided to drive all the way from Manchester, TN to Huntingdon, TN just to see us (180 miles) for a few hours. We enjoyed the visit but they had to leave too soon so Chris could get back for work tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great night of rest in the Lord and a blessed day in the Lord tomorrow. Until next time. . . . .

CHRISTMAS BANQUET

Tonight was a wonderful night as we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We had several visitors with us tonight and enjoyed a great evening in the Lord. Several expressed how much they enjoyed the food, festivities and the message. Brother and Sister Weakley were a great blessing and Brother Weakley gave a great address - emphasizing the "unspeakable gift of God" the Son of God. We were blessed with several new people and visitors who came to be with us. It was a great time of being together. We thank Sister Donna Crossno for bringing a turkey with all the trimmings - it was delicious and the cakes and pies were indescribably delicious and almost innumerable.

CHRISTMAS BANQUET

Sister Karen and I have been preparing for the Christmas Banquet scheduled here at the Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy beginning tonight at 6 pm. We are cooking a fairly large ham which will be a part of our Christmas to the members and friends of the church. Sister Donna Crossno is bringing a Turkey with trimmings and others are bringing a dessert or veggie dish. We expect a good show of people tonight and want to have a great time in the Lord. We will have funtime, quiz time with prizes and Bishop Eugene Weakley will be the guest speaker. Sister Weakley will be our guest as well. Brother and Sister Weakly are special people who make everyone around them feel special. They are genuine Christians and have been leaders in the church for many years.

We have invited several new people and recent visitors to our church services. We pray this will be a good time to show our love and fellowship to each other as we, MOST OF ALL, CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US.

TOMLINSON CENTER TO BEGIN CLASSES

Tomlinson Center Online

Classes Begin January 11, 2006.
From Marvin Eskew - marvin@cogop.org
by way of Jeanette Rollins - Jeanette@cogop.org

Greetings,

The beginning phase of the Tomlinson Center is now in place and we are excited about what the future holds for a new educational entity for the Churches of God of Prophecy. The advisory board for the Tomlinson Center unanimously agreed that launching the Tomlinson Center Online is the first step in the right direction. This approach immediately gives us global coverage and because we are partnering with Lee University we are also fully accredited from the very beginning. We have already sent applications to interested students in Africa, Spain, and many of the Caribbean nations.

The first two courses will be taught by Dr. H.E. Cardin, overseer of Georgia, and Tim Harper, overseer of Indiana/Michigan. Dr. Cardin will be teaching Synoptic Gospels and Tim Harper will be teaching Pastoral Epistles. These classes will begin on January 11, 2006. All appointed ministry qualify for a 50% scholarship. This includes not only you as pastor, but any leadership in your local church of whom you have appointed to lead a ministry.

Enrolling in the Tomlinson Center Online (TCOL) will sharpen your ministry skills for leading in the 21st Century church. After completing the program the student will be awarded a bachelor's degree in Christian Ministry. (If you already have some college hours, you can transfer them into this program.*) If you are not degree focused at this time, you will be awarded ministry certificates at certain levels of accomplishment. Beyond the recognition for work completed is the knowledge and insight gained as a student of biblical studies.

To enroll in the Tomlinson Center Online simply print out and complete the application. Be sure to sign and date the application and then mail it to the Lee University address provided. The application fee should also be sent with the application.

If you have any questions, please contact me by phone or email: (423) 559-5323; marvin@cogop.org.

Scholarship with Spirit,

Marvin Eskew

Interim Director Tomlinson Center

*Transfer courses must be approved by Lee University.

From the application,

visit:http://www.tomlinsoncenter.com/TCOLApplication120205.pdf

YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOR EVER AND THE USA

Time and circumstance seems to dictate what we do on a daily basis. I'm so glad we serve a savior who is not bound by time, situations, circumstances and temporal conditions. He is truly, "the same yesterday, and today and for ever."

Today has been another day of study, prayer and meditation as I continue in the doctoral studes and preparation for this weekend. We are also in the preparation mode for the Christmas Banquet tomorrow night at 6 pm with Guests Eugene and Juanita Weakley. We look forward to their arrival and visit.

Sister Karen continues to improve from some type of virus or bacterial infection. Her temp has ranged from 102.5-99.0 since Saturday. This morning it was 101 but it has dropped again and her temp has been 98.6 the rest of the day and she reports that she feels much better. We believe she contracted the virus that several others have told us about with the same symptoms and time element involved in getting over the virus.

USA: THINKING OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE TRANSPIRED CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OF THE WORD CHRISTMAS IN MANY PLACES IN OUR NATION AND HOW SOME HAVE TAKEN IT OUT OF THEIR VOCABULARY, AND HOW THIS COUNTRY HAS ALLOWED THE MURDER OF INNOCENT CHILDREN, AND HOW THIS COUNTRY IN MANY PLACES HAS PROMOTED AND PRACTICED HOMOSEXUALITY AND BECOME UNCONTROLLABLY INVOLVED IN PORNOGRAPHY AND HAVE EXPLOITED THE POOR IN MANY WAYS WITH GAMBLING AND LOTTERIES, THESE WORDS FROM JEREMIAH SEEM FITTING. .

Jeremiah 18:7-10 "If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it." NIV

WHAT IS THE NEXT DISASTER AND WHERE WILL IT BE? MAY WE REPENT AS A NATION. THANK GOD FOR THOSE LEADERS IN OUR NATION WHO CONTINUE TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH AND FOR CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES!!!!!!!

EARLY MORNING

I am up early this morning after sleeping fairly sound for 4 hours. Today my schedule includes, quiet time, devotion, prayer, greeting Jason this morning and seeing him off to college, continuing to see about Karen and wait on her, continuing in Doctor of Ministry studies, preparing for Bible Study and Prayer service tonight, calling the hospital in Jackson to check on Sister Loggains, changing the church sign, visiting the hospital as I am Volunteer Chaplain this week. Yesterday, I sent personalized handwritten cards to the visitors who came Sunday, waited on Karen, visited the hospital in Jackson and studied some.

After getting Karen her meds and getting settled around 11 pm last night, I fell asleep beside her as we both are resting on the recliners. She is some better but her fever keeps going up and down. It was 98.9 this am. Thankfully, the lowest since Saturday. I want to offer this prayer for her this early morning hour.

"Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you will perform a healing in my 'help meet.' I ask that she be given a divine touch through your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that this virus, bacteria, flu or whatever it is be driven from her body and that she will be healed in the wonderful, powerful, glorious name of Jesus Christ - King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega. AMEN!"

HOSPITAL VISIT

Sister Carolyn Loggains went through knee surgery okay. I got to the Jackson, TN Medical Clinic and prayed with her just a little while before she went into surgery. Her son-in-law, Vick Luther, was with her. He informed me that he is off work this week and would be staying with her. I enjoyed meeting him for the first time. I will be checking on Sister Loggains again tomorrow.

Karen is continuing to have some fever. Today will be the 5th day since she started with fever. She has been on antibiotics and, prayerfully, will be better soon. I am not leaving her for more than a few hours at a time since she needs to rest. I am praying that she will get through this sickness very soon.

TCBL, PRAYER REQUEST

Last evening was the final class of TCBL for this area of Tennessee this year. Again, we thank Brother McKinley and Sister Richardson for providing the leadership in getting this study to the local churches. We enjoyed the teaching of Pastor Steve MacDonald, Paris, TN and the study on Servant Evangelism. There were a total of 8 who took the class. This group has the callenge of being the catalysts for "doing" Servant Evangelism. As we show God's love in small, seemingly insignificant ways, people will be arrested by the power of the Holy Ghost. Prayers and Plans are already in the making for doing servant evangelism projects. May God grant us the patience, providence and persistence in doing acts of kindness to anyone we come in contact with and may we work together as groups in our local churches to plow, plant, sew and reap the harvest. Some plow, some plant/sew, some reap but it is God who gives the increase. May He be glorified in all we do.

Prayer Requests: Sister Rita's Sister Hope and her family, Mildred Stacy, Prayer for the leaders in our world, nation, states, cities. Sister Gordon is still running a fever but it is much lower than yesterday. Prayer for Eathan Pyburn, Donna Crossno's grandson, who is having problems with physical therapy - this little fellow is a miracle of the Lord. Doctors said he would likely not walk or be able to do much. He is sitting up, crawling around, and has a great big smile. Now we pray that he will be able to continue in PT so he can continue to gain strength. Pray for Sister Carolyn Loggains who is having knee replacement surgery scheduled today at 12:30 pm. Pray for those who are "homebound" Lennie Crossno, Bonnie Crossno, Jennie Sanders, Lilly Grooms, Mildred Stacy (sister Stacy informed me yesterday that she may be able to come back to church soon). Pray for the Youth Ministry of the church.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Thank God, for two great meetings today. This morning there were five visitors, Mr. Manus and his small son, Mrs. Lori Warmon, Mrs. Willodene Davis and Mrs. Uvonna Ross. We were very glad to see the visitors and our regular people as well. Mrs. Virginia Davis was also there today. This is her second Sunday and we are counting her as a regular attender.

We are so glad that the Lord was present with us today. The Lord helped me today as I shared the messages, "God's Indescribable Gift" (am) and "Be Strong In the Lord" (pm). We are very thankful for the Lord and His greatness.

Here are some links that may be of help in ministry or study.

Baptist top 1000 http://www.baptisttop1000.com/

Premarital Inventory http://www.vanguard.edu/faculty/dratcliff/index.aspx?doc_id=5158

Daily Bread Devotional http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

Youth for Christ http://www.yfc.org/columns/devopage.php

Our Journey http://www.rbc.org/ourjourney/today.php

Bible Pathway http://www.biblepathway.com/

Audio Online Bible http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/

Dr. Cardin's ministry helps http://www.gacogop.org/ministryhelps.html

Thanks for stopping by and God bless you is my prayer.

TODAY - 11/26/05

Karen and I began our morning around 7:30 am with a quiet time. Karen said she was feeling well this morning but told me that she was cold and having chills around 10 am. She could not seem to get warm. I took her temp and it was 101.5. I got her some extra covers and brought a portable heater close to the sofa. She is resting until she feels better. After getting her comfortable, I went in to my office room in the parsonage and began studying.

After studying and preparing for tomorrow for a few hours this morning, I checked on Karen and told her I was going to visit a while. She was in and out of napping and was covered with quilts from her eyes to her toes trying to get over the chill. I then went to visit with Mrs. Willodene Davis today but she was not at home (her son Jimmy Davis asked me to visit her). Then I went to her son's and daughter-in-law's (Jimmy and Virginia Davis) home and they informed me that Mrs. Willodene's brother is in for Thanksgiving and she is probably visiting some other family members. After visiting with Jimmy and Virginia Davis, I was asked by Virginia's grandfather, Mr. Holland, if I wanted to come by and visit with them - just next door to Jimmy. Mr. Holland assured me he wanted to come visit with us some Sunday night - since he attends somewhere in the am. I welcomed them. As I was leaving he asked if I would have prayer. After a time of prayer I left and came back home.

At home, Karen was still chilling some and told me that her throat is sore. I took her temp at around 4:15 pm and it was 102. I called the pharmacist and had an antibiotic filled that we had refills left on. She started on them and took some tylenol at 4:45. A couple hours later I took her temp and it was down to 101. Just a few minutes ago I took her temp and it is down more (100.5). I gave her two more tylenol. She told me that she is not chilling now and is feeling hot. I think her body temp is adjusting after having chills most of the day. Please pray for Sister Karen. She is a faithful companion, minister, children's minister, prayer partner and loving wife. We have been married over 23 years and she has moved with me to three different states in pastoral ministry. She is a trooper for the Lord!


UPCOMING: CHRISTMAS BANQUET, DECEMBER 3, 6 PM. GUESTS BISHOP EUGENE WEAKLEY AND JUANITA WEAKLEY. Brother Weakley will also be ministering in the Sunday morning service on December 4th.

BETHEL COLLEGE CHRISTMAS CHOIR EVENT: Bethel Renaissance Choir will be performing their Christmas Musical the first two weekends of December on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a free ticketed event. Call Bethel College (731-352-4000) and request tickets and get times. The Musical will be at the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McKenzie, TN (just past the square). Jason, our son, is in this group.

I will be prayerfully studying a while before getting to rest sometime later tonight.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great night of rest in the Lord.

THANKSGIVING PICTURES

Karen's mother, Rosa Lee Tyler, of Clarksville, TN. WE LOVE YOU!









My second child, daughter Heather Hall, (she lives in Westmoreland, TN where she is a member of Lakeside Church of God of Prophecy) with her son Caleb who will be three in December. Courtney, her 8 year old, sitting in the floor. Jason, my son is in the distance looking on. WE LOVE YOU!

My Brother, Tony (who is also a minister preaching at prisons and assisting at his church in Sunbright, TN), his wife Pascha and their twins, Anna and Carrie. WE LOVE YOU!

Courtney and Caleb playing in the floor. WE LOVE YOU!



My mother who is 75 years young. She is a member of the church at Crab Orchard, TN. WE LOVE YOU!

TRAVEL, VISIT, UPDATE

Karen, Jason and I left Wednesday around 10:00 am to be with Sister Rita Moore's Sister, Hope, on her trip to Centenniel Hospital in Nashville. Continue to pray for this family, Hope, her husband and two children. They have been through some very difficult times of sickness and financial strain. Her mom and dad also have been through some very difficult times.

After being with Hope, Karen, Jason and I left around 4:30 pm to visit Karen's mother's home to for a while. We then went to my mothers and visited yesterday and today. We had a great time of being with all my children, my brother, his wife and twins and my sister and her husband. I will post some pictures tomorrow. I am road weary, having travelled since 5 pm this evening.

God bless you is my prayer and have a blessed, restful night in the Lord.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, THANKSGIVING EVE

This morning Sister Karen, Jason and I took a Thanksgiving basket with all the necessary items for a Thanksgiving dinner to Reverand Chuck Burks. He is between churches and has not had a steady income for some time. We were delighted to share with Rev. Burks and his family and know that he is a minister that loves God and would give and has given to those in need. Dr. Burks has pastored and recently started New Life Ministries - a ministry of helping to serve pastors in outreach and biblical principles. God bless the Burks during this time of transition. We join them in prayer as the Lord opens the way for them in ministry.

THANKSGIVING EVE

We are so thankful for God's blessings to us. The church has prepared three Thanksgiving Baskets to share with needy families. Sister Karen and I prepared most of one of the dinners (baked the turkey, cornbread, & chocolate cake) for a family tonight since about 10:00. The turkey will cook bake on low for the rest of the night. Deacon J. E. Moore and Youth Director Paul Rivera will see that the dinner is delivered. This family is very needy and they have three small children. We have also been buying some clothing for the children. We are blessed to be able to give to others.

SISTER JOSIE RIVERA'S SURGERY & EATON VISIT

Sister Josie went through the laser gallbladder surgery fine. We arrived at the hospital in Jackson at 11:30 and greeted brother Paul and daughter Lori. After visiting with them a few minutes I went up to the surgery prep waiting area and prayed with Sister Josie. She was resting and calm when I left. We visited with Paul and Lori in the waiting room and around 1:45 the call came that the surger went well and that she was awake and doing well. The nurses told her she could go home after she finished doctor's orders. She drank some and ate some and seemed to be doing well. We left at 3:15. We were called at 7:10 pm by Lori to let us know that she did not meet doctors criteria to be discharged and will be kept overnight for observation and progress. Lori said she is still nauseated. She will likely be discharged tomorrow after meeting doctor's criteria. Remember her in prayer.

While we were in Jackson we visited with Ronnie Eaton. He and Sister Debbie moved there about 6 weeks ago. They have a beautiful house and lot. We enjoyed a good time of fellowship. Remember the Eatons in prayer as they seek God for direction as to where they will be attending church. They have been attending Jackson Church of God of Prophecy. We miss them here greatly. Both were active leaders in the church. Brother Ronnie in music and Sister Debbie in teaching and Heritage Care. WE LOVE THEM AND MISS THEM! We desire the Lord lead them where HE wants them.

PAUL HARVEY'S CHALLENGING PRAYER

I received this email from Sister Donna Crossno. It is worth reading and passing on.


Paul Harvey's On Air PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free Amen!"

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God." If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends. "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything." Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

The Community Thanksgiving Service was held tonight. The First United Methodist Church of Huntingdon hosted the service. There was good fellowship and a good spirit. The Huntingdon High School Choir sang three songs which were great. The message by Mike Bowers was challenging and encouraging. He took his text from Psalm 100. His thought was "Be Thankful In Everything." The offering was received for the Benevolent Fund of the Huntingdon Ministerial Alliance to be used to assist needy families. The service went very well.

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Tonight at First United Methodist Church on Highway 22, Huntingdon, TN at 7 pm will be the yearly Thanksgiving service. Preaching will be Mike Bowers of Eastview Baptist Church. He is the newest pastor in the area. Last year I was the newest pastor and had the honor of preaching the service.

The offering tonight will go toward the Benevolent Fund to help need families over the next several months. An offering is received at the Easter and Thanksgiving service each year.

The Huntingdon Ministerial Alliance works together for the spreading of the Gospel, the unity of the believers and the Great Commandment - "By this shall all men know ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another." We thank God for each minister in the HMA. Dr. Paul Millikin, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church is the President, Lynn Stapleton, Pastor of Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church is the Vice President, Jimmy Furr, West Tennessee Baptist Association Director, is the Secretary and I am the Recording Treasurer. Baptist Hospital Chaplain Jerry Leggett has the meeting room at the hospital reserved each third Tuesday at 8 am for the meeting and the ladies in the hospitl kitchen prepare a delicious breakfast - for which we are very thankful. Other members of the HMA are Roger Patton, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Huntingdon; Rufus Chandler, Pastor, (church info not available at this time); Bryan Oakes, Pastor, Baptist Church; James Humphreys, Retired Baptist Pastor; John Colombus, Pastor First Pentecostal Church; Sister Ruth Nistler, Catholic Church; Chuck Burks, Pastor, New Life Christian Ministries. These are the active members of the HMA at this time.

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed day in the Lord.

PRAYER REQUESTS, VISITS

Sister Karen and I will be going to Jackson General Hospital (35 mi.) today to visit with Josie Rivera. She is scheduled for surgery at around noon today. Continue to remember our soldiers in the war in Iraq. Pray for our leaders in this country and around the world. Pray for the local church, district, state and international leaders in the church around the world.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Christmas Banquet, Saturday December 3rd at 6 pm. Guests Eugene and Juanita Weakley, former pastor, State Overseer of TN for 14 years, and International Representative for 8 years.

Community Thanksgiving Service: First United Methodist Church, Huntingdon, TN. 7 pm, Tuesday, November 22, 2005. The offering will go into a fund to assist needy families throughout the coming months.