HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR

HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR

JOIN US FOR 21 DAYS OF INTENSIVE PRAYER AND FASTING AS WE SEEK GOD AND HIS FAVOR

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Karen and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Death of Bishop Elwood Matthews

Arrangements for Bishop Elwood Matthews

We are saddened to inform you that former general appointee, Bishop Elwood Matthews passed away this morning. Below you will find the details of his memorial service which will be held on Sunday.

Please feel free to inform the ministry in your area of Bishop Matthews’ passing and forward this information if you wish.

Elwood Matthews Memorial Service
Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
New Life Fellowship
6755 South Washington Avenue
Titusville, Florida 32780


For those wishing to send a card, Sister Roberta Matthews may be contacted at the following:

Roberta Matthews
7420 North U.S. Highway 1
Unit 206
Cocoa, FL 32927


Thank you for your prayers for the family during this time of loss.

Shaun McKinley | Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer

Borrowed from Voice of Hope, State Overseer E. C. McKinley.

GREAT VIDEOS OF WHO AND WHAT AMERICA IS ABOUT

Don't forget our military, especially this time of the year.

Oliver North shares: http://www.nragive.com/ringoffreedom/index.html

Fox News Shares with our military: http://tncogop.blogspot.com/

Borrowed from Voice of Hope, Dr. E. C. McKinley

Let us keep our military in our prayers. . . .

CHRISTMAS SERVICE AND BANQUET

We enjoyed a great time of worship and celebrating the birth of our Savior at Waverly CGP today. There were more visitors today, either first time or haven't been in a long time, (I counted 6) for which we thank and praise the Lord. There were seven children present and 19 adults. We are thanking and praising the Lord for increase in attendance and in our desire to worship the Lord and reach out to others.

Our version of the Nativity.

We enjoyed the fellowship and the food. The Christmas banquet was great. Thanks to all who helped make the day a great success. We were also blessed to have our next door neighbor, Mr. Huey (whose wife died just before Thanksgiving) who came over and shared in our dessert.

Did I say we enjoyed the food? This is only part of the food. The dessert was on another table.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE AND BANQUET

Tomorrow, Sunday, December 13 is our Christmas Service Celebration of the Birth of Christ and our Christmas Banquet immediately after in the dining hall.

We welcome one and all to this special time to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus the incarnate Son of God.

Karen and I just learned of a death and requests prayer for the family of Margaret Harper who died yesterday evening late. She is a member of the Waverly Church of God of Prophecy and will be interred at Humphreys County Funeral Home.

Humphreys County Funeral Home: Visitation is Wed. December 9 from 11 am to close and on Thur. Dec. 10 from 10 am until the funeral at 2 pm with Pastor Jamie Grishom officiating.

Karen and I enjoyed being with our youngest daughter's family (Sarah Parker) for the dedication of their baby son, Davyd Zaiden Parker, at the Church of God of Prophecy, Old Hickory, TN. The folks at Waverly were very kind to understand our need to be with our family. Sarah asked us to dedicate baby Zaiden and it was a joy.

Special thanks to Bishop E. C. Kephart for filling the pulpit at Waverly for us.

Thanking God

I am thanking God for another great time in the Lord this past Sunday. Some have sown, others have watered, God gives the increase. There were two saved and we had a great increase in stewardship (offerings and tithes) this month. THANK GOD!

Quote

"How many people go through the Christmas season celebrating the celebration and not the Savior? Steve Madrid, White Wing Messenger, December 2009

Thanking God

We were blessed to serve Thanksgiving dinner to 16 ladies from the Hope Center and some of their family members and also two new families from the Waverly area. We give recognition to David and Peggy Stephenson and their two daughters (Shirley and Melissa) who worked very hard to get these ladies and families to this celebration and to all the Waverly members who worked and served.

We were blessed with 49 present on this special occasion. We thank the Lord for 16 ladies from the Hope Center and some of their families as well as 2 new families from the Waverly area. Three ladies from the Hope Center shared their testimonies. My son came and sang for us today. We give thanks to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!

Give Me Jesus-Tribute to the U.S. Military

Upcoming Events

Winter Coat Give-Away

The Church of God of Prophecy at Waverly (807 Powers Blvd.) has scheduled a winter coat and other items give away for the second Saturday in November (14th). About 250 coats will be for teen girls and small adults (these are new coats). There will be a some other coats (new and used) men and women. There will also be several boxes of new men's shirts (small, medium, large, xl, xxl, these are long-sleeve black). There are also panty hose for women and some other miscellaneous items. (This will be for needy families). Any of our district church people who are in need of these items should come.

Powerhouse State Youth Retreat
Youth from across the state will be meeting at the camp ground in Dickson on November 20th-22nd for classes, worship and fellowship. It's a great time for youth to get acquainted and see friends they haven't seen in some time. Go to the new youth web site for more informtion


New Youth Camp Web Site: Message From the Coordinators

Hello everyone-

The camp website is up and running. Feel free to spread the word. This will act as our one stop experience for all things at the campground. We plan on keeping it up to date not only with Youth Camp information, but also Ladies Day, Men's Day, POWERHouse and any training days we have at the campground.

You can check it out at http://www.camphickoryhills.org/

Jeff

REVIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT

REVIVAL

Nov. 1st - 4th

Evangelist: Bishop Michael Willingham from Louisville, KY

Sunday: 10:45am & 6pm; Mon.-Wed.: 7pm

Crossroads Church of God of Prophecy

1002 Hwy 250N

White Bluff, TN

Ph. 615-797-3778

Pastor: Gary Riley

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:10-13 (NKJV)

Visits and Prayer Requests

Karen and I visited, called or spoke to these at church, prayed with them and listed below are their prayer requests.

Prayer for the lost. . .a must

Margaret Nash - she has a family member who is very sick with cancer.

Ladd Family - their 11 year old son has last stages of brain and spine cancer.

Janie and Lloyd Davis - Niece with lung condition and surgery on Monday

Gene Hill Family - 5 yr. old grandson has diabetes

Larry Rollins - Son-in-law of member Martha Harbin who desires prayer for physical needs.

Betty Lightfoot - brother-in-law (Ed Atchison) in last stages of cancer

Linda Dodson - prayer for her son and his family

Margaret Harper - senior member in Waverly Healthcare and Rehab has alzheimers

David Stephenson Family - prayer for family

Occupied With Prayer

There are many things that can occupy a person's mind and heart. If we as Christians are to "pray without ceasing" prayer should occupy our minds, hearts and affections. Let us pray that God will help us to pray and have faith in HIM.

Prayer Requests:

Prayer for those who need the Savior - many, many, many

Sister Novella Overbey - Upcoming surgery

Ronnie and Barbara - Personal Needs

Betty Little - heart surgery

Youth and Children's Ministry at Waverly CGP

Outreach at Waverly CGP


Pastors Milton & Karen Gordon

Great Day in The Lord

Karen and I praise and thank the Lord for God's presence today at Waverly Church of God of Prophecy. Our second Sunday saw an increase in attendance of 30 percent. We appreciate the Hill couple that came today. He played the piano for worship and then couple sang for us.

We are seeking the Lord and his presence and blessing. His promises are "yea and amen!"

Waverly Church of God of Prophecy

This past Sunday was our first Sunday as pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy in Waverly, TN. We were blessed to be there and God's presence was there. The peace of God showered down upon us as we worshipped Him. The church is small in number but large in spirit and heart. There is a huge wave of God's spirit flowing through Waverly. We expect to grow in Him as we seek His heart and His favor. . .

33 Miles-One Life to Love

So True. . .only one life and only how we love and serve Christ and others will last. . .

Book Review

Recently I have been reading a book, "Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Pathway to Joy", by Dr. Larry Crabb. This book is a great read for any minister, pastor, teacher, counselor or anyone who desires to minister to people who have have gone through tragedy of any kind in their life. The book is written from Dr. Crabb's many years of experience as a Christian, Psychologist and from his own struggles in life - one of those struggles being cancer. Published by Waterbrook Press, Colorado Springs, CO. ISBN 1-57856-452-2

The following is a quote from the book.

"God is always working to make His children aware of a dream that remains alive beneath the rubble of every shattered dream, a new dream that when realized will release a new song, sung with tears, till God wipes them away and we sing with nothing but joy in our hearts." Dr. Larry Crabb

Funeral Arrangements for Charles Edward Thompson

The following is from Bilbrey Funeral Home web site.

Charles Edward Thompson
Funeral services for Charles Edward Thompson, age 90, of Crossville, TN will be Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Bilbrey Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Green Acres Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 15, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bilbrey Funeral Home. Survivors: Son - Paul Thompson, Grandson - Mike Thompson, Great-grandson - Kaelan Thompson. Bilbrey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and professional services.

Officiating ministers are Brother Eddie Kilgore and Brother Milton Gordon

Charles Thompson

Prayer is requested for the Charles Thompson family. He is my mother's (Beatrice Thompson Cathey) oldest Brother of 11 children. He died during the night of July 12. He turned 90 this past April. He is a member of the Crossville Church of God of Prophecy. He is survived by one son, Paul, one grandson Michael, one great grandson, Kalen, one Sister Beatrice, two Brothers, Delano and Denver and many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements will be posted later.

Update

The past few days have been days of prayer and meditation. I have been to the woods near the lake to pray and meditate as I slowly walk the two miles. God has met me there and O the joys of being in His presence and hearing his still small voice. God's creation lends to the stilled quietness (deer grazing, mother hen turkeys with their brood scratching and chirping, birds singing, breeze blowing the leaves as the water ripples, fish jumping for their food, all the sights and sound of nature tell me how awesome the Creator is) of His presence and power. What a joy to know Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Father as the Holy Spirit shows more and more of the things of Christ. . .yes. . .to me. . .and He will to all who come to Him hungry and thirsty.

Update

Posting continues to be minimal and we continue to seek the Lord's direction in ministry. We have attended the Old Hickory Church most of the time the past three months. God has opened a door and we are praying and seeking Him. The desire to minister (Karen and I) has not diminished but grown stronger. There are lost ones and God's sheep that need ministering to.

We learned this past week of a sudden death of one of the members at my home church (Burns, TN, Church of God of Prophecy). Jaqueline Cathey's (maiden name) husband died suddenly of a heart attack. Our prayers are with this family.

There are many prayer requests. The Scriptures teach us to pray for all men - for those in authority and for leaders in all arenas of life. The TN Church of God of Prophecy State Convention will be in progress beginning next Friday, July 10th. State Overseer, Bishop E. C. McKinley requests prayer for this bi-ennial event. Other states and regions are having conventions as well and all of these desire prayer. There will be many on the roads traveling who need traveling mercies.

Karen continues in her program of studying for the Master's of Education degree and I am at a standstill in the Doctor of Ministry degree and need to get focused and back into the studies. We are more focused in prayer and waiting on God at this time for His direction in ministry

Quote

"God shapes the world by prayer. Prayers are deathless. They outlive the lives of those who utter them." E. M. Bounds

Blogging

For several days now I haven't posted anything. Since Karen is in her Master's degree program and also in some other training, I have been very busy helping with the house work and doing other things (reading, studying, prayer, visiting friend who had emergency surgery, attending senior softball game with a friend, going to YMCA for light work out, misc. etc. etc. etc.) Also, time was consumed dealing with the bullet that went through our bedroom and the subsequent police report and CSI report.

As far as church, we have attended mostly the Old Hickory Church of God of Prophecy where Terry Lowery is the pastor. We have also been visiting other churches. We recently enjoyed visiting the Gallatin Church of God of Prophecy where Windell Moore serves as pastor. The Hemphills were the musical guests of honor at their 50th anniversary celebration. I enjoyed Joel Hemphill's testimony and also enjoyed their music.

Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary service of the Church of God of Prophecy in Clarksville, Tennessee where Karen attended and was a member in her teens for several years before we married. We may attend there tomorrow. If not, we will be in service at the Old Hickory church.

Since we have not been pastoring the last couple months, we have had some time to prayerfully seek the Lord and reflect on what He desires from us in ministry. We continue to pray His will be done. We believe He will open the door that He desires us to enter.

Quotes

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. --- Thomas Jefferson

Recent Events- There will be a day....

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!

DC may recognize same-sex 'marriages' - churches ignored

Despite opposition from some local churches, the Washington, DC Council has voted 12-1 to recognize homosexual "marriages" legal in other states.

Read more here

From One News Now Daily News Brief

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

God's working through the Apostle Paul was nothing less than awesome. God used him to reach out to the Gentiles and to bring to us some of the greatest Scriptures in the Bible. Though the Apostle Paul was highly educated yet he always remembered that what he received after his education was of far greater value than all of the rest. He would continually remind those churches that he founded and that he ministered to that there is much more to being a Christian than having great knowledge. He wrote to the Corinthians on one occasion, ". . .if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him." (1 Cor. 8:2, 3) God's loves constrained and compelled this Apostle all throughout his ministry.

The Holy Spirit inspired him to write about this agape love (godly love). He wrote what is known as the love chapter. He continually emphasized agape love. One of the most profound verses dealing with godly love is Galatians 5:6. This passage emphasizes, "faith which works by love." Not cheap "name it and claim it" faith. Not some mentally exercised faith that is exalted above God himself. Not mind faith that commands to have "its" own way but faith that is operated by love - God's love. Faith that is full of the substance of God's love. Faith in God. Faith that is operated by God's love. Faith that fulfills hope and is sustained by God's love. Faith that hears God's promises and accepts them through God's love without wavering - no matter what the circumstances are.

This greatly used Apostle reminds us over and over again that God's faith and God's love are inseperable. He reminds us in Ephesians 3:17 and 6:23. He reminds us in Colossians 1:4. He reminds us 1 Thessalonians 1:3 and 5:8. He reminds Timothy, his son in the gospel, in 1 Timothy 1:14 and 2 Timothy 1:13. He reminds his friend Philemon of the love and faith that Philemon has to Jesus and all the saints.

God's faith which works by God's love. Dear Lord Jesus, "Let God's faith which works by God's love work in me. . .

Quote

"The human mind moves NOT from pleasure to pleasure but from hope to hope." Samuel Johnson

Car That Runs on Air??????

Hurry up and get these cars on the market

Car That Runs On Air

Knowledge Shall Increase. . .

Check out this video on Flixxy.com

click --> Education and The Future of Technology

Quotes

"Whatever you do, don't do it out of obligation or because you think that service to others will help you earn a set of imaginary angel's wings. Do it because it's the way to live a genuinely successful life." Bill Strickland

"It's impossible to make another person feel good without doing the same to ourselves." Hal Urban

Today's Scripture

James says, “. . .faith without works is dead.” (2:26) A scant reading of this passage seems to indicate that a person needs to have great works in order to be saved. In verse 14 James seems to indicate that works is needed to be saved. Yet, in reading this verse we need to understand the context it is written in and the examples he uses. There are two examples that James uses to illustrate his thesis, “faith without works is dead.” He uses the illustrations or accounts of Abraham and Rahab. He tells how Abraham was justified by offering Isaac as a sacrifice (God was testing Abraham) as God had directed him to. He tells how Rahab hid the spies who had come to spy out the land. Both illustrations show the substance of what James is saying. In essence, to paraphrase James, “faith without obeying God is dead.” To simply say, “I have faith in God,” is lifeless without the accompanying life of dedication and obedience to the Lord.

James was not suggesting that a person is saved only by doing good works. A person may give millions of dollars to charity, attend church services, do benevolent work (all commendable) and, yet, not be saved. James is simply saying if a person has faith there will be works. He says, “I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (2:18) He further says that those who have faith should reach out to those who are in need. (2:15-16) If a person has genuine faith there will ba a giving spirit. It has been said, “You can give without love, but you can’t love without giving.” So, if a person has genuine faith and there is one in need, there will be works of giving because there is faith. Yet, works alone will not save a person. Will faith alone save a person?

Certainly, there are those who have been saved on their death beds. Therefore, it is not Scriptural to say that a person cannot be saved without doing some works. One thief on the cross next to Jesus was saved just a very short time before he died. Did he have works? Well, he did defend the Lord Jesus to the other thief, which is a type of works. That was before he asked the Lord to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus then welcomed the forgiven theif into paradise with Him. Perhaps this forgiven thief was bringing forth fruit for repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

Following Christ means there will be works of obedience. It is a joy to follow Him and obey Him.

Profundities From the Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul went through many persecutions often from his own countrymen. In Galatians 6:17, 18 he concludes "let no man trouble me; because my body is marked with the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your Spirit, brothers. So be it." (Basic English)

The Christians in Galatia were being confronted by those who would teach circumcision as a requirement to be saved. The Apostle Paul was continually being attacked by some who would discount his ministry and create conflict among the church. This was none other than an attempt by old "slew foot" to create division, dissension and disillusion among those who had begun their Christian life by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit and their repentance and acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord. The enemy, however, does not want one to continue in Christ.

The devil does not care that people become involved in religion and he will use those who are bent on pridefully pushing their agendas to disrupt the faith of others. Paul was quick to remind them that salvation was through Christ and Christ alone. Their agenda seemed to be effective on some of the Galatians because Paul says "who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth." (KJV) These teachers were so effective that Paul includes them with those who would cast an evil spell.

Friend, there is only one way to be saved from sin and that is through Jesus Christ. Paul was not going to be hassled by these self-appointed teachers who would "add to the Gospel." He says that anyone, angel or human, who preaches another gospel should be accursed. The marks of Jesus, no doubt, were clear on the "body" of the Apostle Paul, whether physical (2 Cor. 11:24) or mental (2 Cor. 11:26).

Every true Christian will incur some "marks" of the Lord Jesus as they go through life - one way or the other. But, O thank God for the Salvation in Jesus Christ. Thank God for mercy and grace. Thank God for the freedom and liberty in Christ. It is a joy to follow Him.

What about you my friend? Is He your Savior and Lord?

Another BLOG For God

I have another BLOG that I post on as well. I started it about two years ago but didn't continue at that time. Now that I have more time, I am going to write some on it too. This gives another opportunity to witness for Christ. The BLOG is named Following Christ <--click there.

Quote

"If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy." -words engraved on a money clip from the gift company, The Spoon Sisters. From Guideposts

Fields of Wood Trip - East TN and West NC

Karen and I enjoyed the trip to the Fields of the Wood and the Easter Pageant last weekend. I have just now uploaded and posted these pictures from our trip. Pictures from Fields of the Wood are in West North Carolina (Murphy, NC). Pictures from Ocoee are from East Tennessee in and/or near Cherokee National Park/Forest.

Bishop, Wayne Allen (Fields of the Wood Caretaker/Manager), with others watching the water baptismal service.

Seven people were baptized in water, confessing publicly that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord of their life. The water was chilly but the Spirit was red hot. . .

The group, Brush Arbor, a Bluegrass Gospel group highlighted the singing program. I enjoyed the string instruments and the harmony.

Visitors in front of the replica of Golgotha (where Christ was crucified).

One side of Ten Commandment Mountain.

More Pictures of Fields of the Wood

I didn't get a picture of Bishop Paul Holt at that day. He is the Director of Heritage Ministries which includes the Fields of The Wood and Heritage Ministries.

On the mountain overlooking Ocoee river and lake.

Beautiful view. . .

There was a higher place than this but didn't get a picture.

Part of the crowd gathered around the Baptismal Service.

Sister Gena Allen. She and Bishop Wayne Allen serve as Caretakers of the Fields of the Wood.

Today's Scripture

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Knowledge and the ability to acquire knowledge has vastly increased over the past three to four decades. Radio came bringing information faster around the world. Telegraph, telephone and television brought increasing speed to the spread of knowledge. Then the Internet came multiplying the spread of knowledge.

A person can listen to news on the radio and television just about anywhere. The Internet is accessible just about anywhere. Cell telephones transmit millions of calls every minute of the 24 hour day. Text messages go out, according to one estimate, more than the population of the world. All the media are useful in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. For one, however, to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much more than technical media. In fact these technical means of transmitting knowledge can be a distraction to growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Nothing takes the place of a personal ongoing relationship with Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit can lead one further and further into the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Yes, there are helps that make study easier. I would not want to go back to trying to find references in large books and digging through stacks to get information when it is readily available online or on a CD or DVD.

Yet, there must be time for the Christian to get "alone" with Jesus to meditate, pray, worship and hear Him. Every Christian needs "closet" time with the Lord. My mother, who turned 79 this past March, tells me that she actually gets in her closet at different times when she prays. That may sound "old fashioned" and simplistic but if it works for her that is what matters.

Versions of the Bible other than the King James uses terms such as, inner chamber, private room, inner room to describe the private place of prayer. Wesley's notes says, "do it with as much secrecy as possible." Prayer can be offered in our hearts and minds without others knowing when, where and what we are praying. Yet, the Father knows and hears our prayers and our desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. May the Holy Spirit help us continue growing in Him.

Today's Scripture

Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

Yes it is tax day in the United States. Even Christ was not against "rendering unto the government what belongs to the government." Even though we are citizens of a heavenly city, we understand that we are to "render our tribute (taxes) to the government." We understand that many want the government to provide everything without putting in anything. The times we are in seem to beg the question. What is coming down the pike in our federal government?

We live in unsettled times with many running to the government to get everything they think they need. The "work ethic" of our parents and grandparents seems to be going "down the tubes" with so many thinking they are entitled to unending services and sustenance.

So here we are in 2009 with people in many cities going out to the "Tea Party" of our day. The Republic that has taken over 200 years to build is being challenged by socialism (equal everything for everyone - which is unreasonable). Here is an example I read the other day.

A professor told the class, "We are going to be socialist in this class. Everyone will get the same grade. We will take all the grades and average them and give everyone the same grade." The experiment went well on the first test. There were some A's, B's, C's, D's and of course some F's. The average came out to a B- for everyone. Those with grades lower than B- were delighted but those with grades higher were, to say the least, very upset. The next test the over all grades were lower since those who had studied hard the first time to make higher grades thought, "O well, since we all get the same grade why should I work as hard this time. The next time the grades were lower. Finally, at the end of the semester everyone had an average of D-. Since everyone agreed to the experiment the professor said, "Now does everyone want to continue with the socialist system or do we go back to working for whatever you work to get." Needless to say, the vote was to return to the "work ethic."

Don't misunderstand, this is not to say that we should not care for the poor and those who need help but it should not be a continued entitlement system based on just being a citizen of the country - no matter what. The "pie in the sky" ideology of everyone will get everything they always need all the time, whenever they need it is absolutely impossible. Someone has to work. Someone has to break the soil, plant the seed, tend the crop, harvest the crop, get the crop ready for the kitchen, prepare the meal. Eating does not come without work by somebody.

So pay your taxes and be happy about it but don't sit idly by thinking that you need not get involved in what is happening in our country. Nothing is absolutely free in the physical, temporal realm. Somebody had to work for it. Somebody had to put forth effort.

By the way, salvation is free to those who come, repenting, believing and asking. But it cost dearly. It cost God His only begotten Son. It cost Jesus total commitment and giving of His life freely. It will cost you too. You are entitled to salvation through Christ's sacrifice - by simply confessing that you are a sinner and asking Christ to save you but it will cost you your life if you are to follow Him as Lord. What about it?

Today's Scripture

Today's Scripture from the Parallel Bible and is found in Luke 15:3-10.

When we read this passage we see how great God's love is for the lost. He is so intent on finding the lost sheep (sinner) that he leaves the others safe in the "fold" and searches diligently until he finds the lost one and brings it back to the "fold."

He also compares the lost one to a coin of great value. He says if a person lost one of their ten valuable coins they would not be bothered about the nine that are in their posession.

These two passages give serious implications for those of us who are so concerned about the ninety-nine and the nine. Our focus should be on the lost ones and not so much on those who are already in the "fold" or the "pocket." Thank God , He found me. As the song says, "I'm so glad He found me, in love He bound me, put His arms around me. He led me to the shelter, now I'm one of His own. And, O the joy of knowing, with Him I'm going. . . .HALLELUJAH!

How about you my friend? He is looking diligently. . .He won't stop searching for you if you are one of the lost ones. . .He loves you. . .

Easter Pageant At Fields of The Wood

NOTICE: Each Fields of the Wood link below is a different (3 different) links, 1. The Official Site. 2. The Fields of The Wood Chapel and Pastor's site. and 3. A site with many pictures and views of the Fields of The Wood.

Enjoyed a glorious day, yesterday, at Fields of The Wood with Bishop Paul Holt , the Allens and many others. The pageant was awe inspiring. Karen and I enjoyed our time ministering too. The singing and those burgers at the cafe were out of this world.

If you are not a Heritage Ministries member - JOIN. Its $10 and it will help keep Fields of The Wood beautiful. Thousands visit every year from all over the world. I watched seven get baptized today and people get saved there seeing the message and hearing the message. $10 a year, what an investment. . .

Go here to see more pictures of Fields of the Wood.

He Is Alive! HAPPY & BLESSED EASTER. . .

Romans 6:8-11 If we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, who was brought back to life, will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once and for all to sin’s power. But now he lives, and he lives for God.
So consider yourselves dead to sin’s power but living for God in the power Christ Jesus gives you. (GWV)

Mountains

Karen and I are enjoying our time visiting in the mountains of East TN and West NC. We stayed in Murphy, NC last night and will be going to the Easter Pageant at Fields of the Wood later this morning. It has been several years (back in the 1980's or early 90's I think) since I have been to the Easter Pageant and I look forward to the singing the testimonies, the message and the Easter Pageant performed by one of our sister Church of God churches (can't remember right now).

Dan Miller Dies

I have watched Dan Miller anchor the chanel 4 Nashville, TN news for, seems like, 35 years or more. I enjoyed his deep, smooth voice and his candor, straightforwardness and clarity. He was one-of-a-kind and no one in Nashville held a close second to his style and skill in being a news anchor.

He will be missed.

Profundities of the Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul went through many perils in his ministry. He says, "in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." (2 Cor. 11:23-26)

One part that stands out to me in this passage is "in perils among false brethren." Ever wonder what he meant by this? He noted robbers, his own countrymen and heathen. He also says, "false brethren." This seems to mean that these false brethren were recognized in the church as leaders and had some respect in the church but were a threat to the Apostle Paul's ministry. Surely, this must have been one of the most disappointing perils that he went through. To know that these brethren are meant to be supportive and to find that they have done something to threaten the Apostle Paul is nothing less than an attempt to discourage him. Yet he does not let this get him down.

The Apostle John dealt with a similar type problem. He says, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not." (3 John 9) Diotrephes not only loved to be in charge and in control, John says he was "prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. (v. 10) Sometimes those in spiritual and governmental authority have to intervene. Johns says, "Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words. . ." Later John says in verse 14 that he would see Gaius shortly and no doubt he remembered the deeds of Diotrophes.

Perhaps the prayer request of the Apostle Paul is appropriate here, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (2 Thess. 3:1,2)

Book Review

I am reading the book, "My Story and The Christian Story: A Journey By Faith Into A Far Country" (2004 by Dr. Charles Hawkins Sr.) He writes of his conversion at age nine and his call at age 17 and his ministry over the past 60 plus years (and much more) and his work in China. Below is an excerpt. This book has much information about the Church of God of Prophecy (the church he ministers in) and the World Mission Work. The book also has historical information dealing with pertinent dates in China and other parts of the world. The book is easy to read and has a strong personal appeal. Those who are interested or have labored in mission work would enjoy this read as well as those who are involved in any ministry for the Lord.

Religion

Our own life experience teaches us that we all die, unless of course, we live in denial, and even then we die. This dismal reality has to have profoundly influenced how the inhabitants of our world deal with such a somber prospect. As mentioned before, there is a universal trait among human beings that all cultures regardless of race, language or environment look to and practice some form of worship as the answer to the problem of death, with the exception of the atheist who disbelieves the existence of any higher power. However there are numerous testimonies of capitulations in the final hour prior to death.

Consider the famed Clarence Darrow, who was perhaps one of the most famous lawyers in American history. He was a brilliant intellectual, but a rank skeptic and confirmed atheist. Clarence Darrow, the legal counsel involved in the famous Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tennessee, in 1925, was the one responsible for the theory of evolution being taught in public schools of America. It would be impossible to calculate the damage that has been done to the minds of millions of young people. He left a legacy in his writings against religion. But he, too, had an appointment to keep. Being intelligent, when he came to his hour of death, he invited three clergymen of different denominational backgrounds to come to his room. He said to them: “Gentlemen during my lifetime I have written and spoken many things against God and against churches, and now I wish I had not said them, for I realize that it is entirely possible that I was wrong, and so I would like to ask each of you one last favor, that each of you would intercede for me with the almighty.” Why would a person with such intelligence do such an about face just prior to his demise? There can be only one answer. Not until mortal man comes face to face with that hollow eyed skull called “death” can he fathom the finality that accompanies this enemy of all humanity. Death, that great equalizer, brings reality with him. This truth is born out repeatedly in the lives of many renowned atheists who lived in denial until reality appeared. When that great French statesman Talleyrand, came to his deathbed, King Louis asked him how he felt. He replied, “Sire, I am suffering the pangs of the damned.”

Scripture for The Day and Comment

Amos 5:20-24 At God's coming we face hard reality, not fantasy - a black cloud with no silver lining. "I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice - oceans of it. I want fairness - rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want." (The Message)

God, here in this passage, is not playing "mealy mouth" with Israel. Neither does He with anyone who will serve Him in true righteousness and pure holiness. Notice that God says, "when is the last time you sang to me?" WOW! Wonder how much of our singing today is "to Him?" Wonder how much justice and fairness is seen today - even in churches? Where is genuine Christianity today? Do we find it in slogans and humanistic goals? Do we find it in hyped up, secularly oriented conferences and conventions? Do we find it in religious projects and functions? Israel must have had their regular meetings, singings, slogans, goal setting, conferences, conventions and all that had to do with their religion but God said, "I'm sick of it, I've had all I can take of it." Wonder if Jesus ever says, "He is sick of our religious activity today?" Wonder if He ever says, "When was the last time you sang to me?" Wonder if he ever says, "Do you know what I want? I want justice - oceans of it. I want fairness - rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want."

Quote

When you know everything is in God's hand, you don't have any problem leaving everthing in his hands. Source Unknown

King of Kings

In a few days there will be a summit of leaders in England called the G-20 Summit. Leaders from several nations will join together to try to come to some understanding of what needs to be done with the economic problems of the world today. Some feel that this summit will bring the needed answer to these economic problems. Leaders do their best or least should try to do their best. United States President, Barak Obama, is expected to be one of the key figures in this summit and is expected to offer his profound input into this summit. People often look to these leaders with anticipation and expectations that go far beyond what humans can do. Citizens of these nations certainly want them to do the best that they can but they are limited. There is ONE who is not limited. There is ONE we should look to in these times - the King of kings, Jesus Christ.

People are troubled by failing jobs and price increases. Along with failing jobs are losses of houses, health benefits and feelings of temporal security. One person I know, who is a faithful Christian, works where the number of employees has dropped from 100 to 10 and the person is working three days a week. When times get rough materially, people often begin to look to someone for answers. Again, people often look to these leaders with anticipation and expectations that go far beyond what humans can do. Yet, we know assuredly that we can look to the King of kings and have the assurance that is needed. He is the supplier of all our needs, including temporal and, best of all, spiritual and eternal. The children of Israel were given this assurance many times when he led them out of bondage and slavery. They were led by the power of God and Moses their chosen leader, but often found themselves in dire need. Yet, God came through for them over-and-over, again-and-again.

God met their needs many times, yet they continued to complain and even wanted to go back where God had brought them from. They would cry to God and He would deliver them. Then they would go back into their ways of sinning and desiring things of this world. Their backsliding and crying to God again-and-again became unbearable to God. God always wanted to lead them through his chosen leader (judge or prophet) but at one point in their history they cried for a king like other nations. God allowed them to have a king but this was not His desire. The Prophet Hosea declared, ". . .long ago I gave you a king, but I wasn't happy about it. Now, fed up, I've gotten rid of him." (Hosea 13:11, The Message) No president, king, or head of any nation can give the answer to the needs of this world today. The King of kings is the answer and has the answers for each one of us today.

Even though God became angry with Israel, He still wanted them to come back to Him. Hosea continues, "O Israel, come back! Return to your God! You're down but you're not out. Prepare your confession and come back to God. Pray to him, 'Take away our sin, accept our confession. Receive as restitution our repentant prayers.' " (Hosea 14:1, 2 The Message) After all the times they had backslidden and treated God with contempt, He still pleaded for their repentant return. God wants us to return to Him. He wants us to acknowledge and accept the King of kings, his Son as our only answer for the needs we have.

Sure, we pray for our leaders and want God to help them make the best decisions but ultimately we must look to the King of kings. What are you fearing today? What are your temporal needs today? What are your spiritual needs? Do you need prayer? Do you want prayer? Do you need someone to talk to and offer prayer for your needs. If so, leave your prayer request or comment and prayer will be offered to the King of kings. Best of all, you can talk to the King of kings. His door is open to all who will enter His presence with humbleness and gratitude. He not only is the the King of kings, he is the best friend to each one who desires Him. HE IS THE ANSWER!

Do We Cry To Jesus Until We Receive From Him?

Matthew 2:29-30 tells us, "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David." Blind beggars are mentioned frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 9:27; 12:22; 20:30; John 5:3). Their daily task was to beg for their sustenance if they were not taken care of as God instructed in the Old Testament (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18). Job said, "I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame." So long before the law was given it was a given to care for those who were "physically challenged" in some way or form.

If we consider the beggars mentioned in the New Testament, we could easily conclude that they were not being cared for as God would have them to be. Services as we have them today for the blind were not available but they were to still care for them. Whether these two men were being cared for as they should have been or not, one thing is certain - they would not stop crying for Jesus to have mercy on them even though "the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace. . ." (v 39). Why they should hold their peace is not clear. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were of the Sadducees and Pharisees and did not want to see Jesus heal another person. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were disciples of Christ and thought they were doing him an honor by silencing these noisy screamers. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were selfishly thinking of themselves and wanted Christ's attention for themselves. Whatever the reason for silencing them, "they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David." Twice here in the Scriptures they called Him Lord and twice here in the Scriptures they cried for mercy. No doubt, they cried it many more times and would not be silenced. Jesus granted their request and also to "many that were blind he gave sight." (Luke 7:21b)

It amazes me that when the odds seemed against those persons who cried for Jesus, he would stop and ask what they wanted. These two blind men responded to His question, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." Now, it could be said that blindness is one of the worst disabilities that one could have (though some would strongly state that the inability to physically see does not deter them in the least in our day). While physical blindness is a terrible state to be in, spiritual blindness is much worse.

Jesus admonished his disciples to steer clear of those who are spiritually blind. After rebuking some of the religious leaders his disciples came to him and said, "Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" (Matt. 15:12) Jesus told the crowd that it is not what goes in the mouth that defiles a man but what comes out of the heart. The Pharisees had accused Jesus and his disciples of not washing their hands before they eat. Jesus then brought to light the way they dishonored their father and mother by being so duty bound to the temple and not caring for their parents as they should. He called them hypocrites. In fact, he described those who were hung up on the religious ceremonial law, to the point of sacrificing justice, mercy, love and grace, as being "blind." He warns his disciples, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (Matt. 15:15).

Do we continually cry to the Lord to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see. Or do we think that we are not spiritually blind, at least in some degree? The Gospel of John gives an account of a man born blind. Jesus met the man in the temple and washed his eyes with mud (spit and dirt) and told him to go wash in the Pool of Siloam. He did and came seeing. The religious leaders did not like this and tried every way possible to discount this miracle that Jesus had performed. They even accused Him of being a sinner and also ostrasized the blind man that was healed. At one point Jesus said, "For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." This caused indignation in the Pharisees. Their response was, "Are we blind also?" Then Jesus replied, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth."

Would it not be better to have our spiritual eyes washed with "spit mud" than to have such "ignorant arrogance" as to say, "we see everything clearly in the spiritual sense?" Is there an inkling of pride somewhere that causes the attitude of being self-sufficient and keeps one from going in and out of the "DOOR" to receive what is needed day by day? O Lord, its hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way.

Crying out to Jesus is not "old school" or "new school." It is the "cool school" as my five year old granddaughter would say. Cry out to Jesus! Cry out to Jesus lest the "blindness of [the] heart. . ." continues. (Eph. 4:18) Cry out to Jesus for the light that only he can give. "O great Light of the World" come open our spiritual eyes that we may see You more clearly; that we may serve more fearlessly; that we may love more perfectly; that we may give more simply; that we may live more abundantly; that we may laugh more deeply; that we may weep with intercession for others; that we may glorify you in all things - by your mercy and grace. AMEN!

First Post

This site is dedicated to offering encouraging, inspirational and challenging posts to the Christian who desires to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ every day.

Our Scripture focus is found in Isaiah chapters 40 and 41. The first one is a favorite of mine for many years. The tests and trials that we go through in this life sometimes seem beyond measure but we have a Savior who has been through every test and temptation that we have gone through - and he went through victorious.

This is one of my favorite Scriptures. Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

One of my wife's favorite scriptures is also one of our focus Scriptures. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Also there are focus scriptures that challenge us in the New Testament. 2Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen." Also, Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:. . ."

My prayer is that this site will fulfill the goals we have set - to encourage, inspire and challenge you in your walk with Jesus Christ.