Slim says, "I feel just like a newborn baby!"
"Really!? Like a newborn baby!?"
"Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants."
Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says, "Slim, I'm 83 years old now, and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?"
Slim says, "I feel just like a newborn baby!" "Really!? Like a newborn baby!?" "Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants."
0 Comments
Dr. Stan Toler, pastor, author, leadership expert, General Superintendent Emeritus, and devoted family man, passed from this earthly life, to life eternal with his Lord and Savior on November 18, 2017. Stanley Aaron Toler was born November 7, 1950 in Welch, West Virginia, a coal-mining community that was, at that time, the poorest area in the United States. His father, William Aaron Toler, worked in the coal mines, but, seeking a better life for his family, relocated to Columbus, Ohio and found work in construction. When Stan was just eleven years of age his father was tragically killed in a workplace accident, and Stan felt a deep sense of responsibility to be a family leader for his mother and two younger brothers. This experience shaped his life and influenced his teaching and writing over the years, especially in the areas of positive thinking and striving for excellence in life, as well as in the Church. Toler’s call to preach came at a very early age and, encouraged by his pastor, he preached his first sermon in his home church at age 14. By age 17 he was pastor of a local church and went on to earn multiple degrees in higher education, saw growth and success as a pastor and church planter, served as an executive for John Maxwell’s INJOY Ministries, and established a worldwide reputation for excellence in leadership training. In 2009 he was elected General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene and served in that capacity until 2013 when he was honored with general superintendent emeritus status. Over the span of fifty-three years in ministry, Toler preached nearly 15,000 sermons, speaking to over 200 denominations and church groups in all 50 states of the U.S. and in 80 countries around the world; flew over six million miles and traveled an untold number of miles by every other conveyance available. He preached with clarity and urgency, calling people to respond to the Gospel. Stan Toler has written over 100 books, including his best-sellers, The Power of Your Attitude; The Secret Blend; The Relational Leader; Practical Guide to Pastoral Ministry; his popular Minute Motivator series; Outstanding Leadership; and his newest release, I’ve Never Been This Old Before – The Dawn of the Middle Ages. His books have sold over 3 million copies and leave a legacy of inspiration, encouragement and influence for generations to come. In addition to his writing he loved Gospel music and recorded multiple projects through the years, most recently with his brothers Terry and Mark (He Still Speaks/West Virginia LIVE), performing across the USA as the Toler Brothers. Dr. Stan Toler is survived by his mother, Loretta, and cherished step-father, Jack Hollingsworth; his wife of 44 years, Linda, and two married sons, Seth (Marcy) and Adam (Amanda); his five beloved grandchildren: Rhett, Davis, Wren, Clara Jane and Bennett; who called him ‘Pookie’ and loved him deeply. Also surviving are his dear brothers, Dr. Terry N. Toler (Sue), Dr. Mark Hollingsworth (Mary) and their families. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, December 8, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, 6789 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008. In lieu of flowers and to perpetuate resourcing of church leaders and pastors around the world, the family suggests honoring Stan’s memory with a donation, or sending an expression of sympathy, to his non-profit ministry, Toler Leadership International, P.O. Box 720230, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73172. [Editor's Comment: Dr. Stan Toler was a very special friend to the IPHC Family. When the late Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr. was the executive director of Evangelism USA he had Stan Toler to be the primary speaker/instructor for a two-day seminar for our church leaders from coast to coast.
Dr. Carpenter invited me to go to every seminar. to promote Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. I can attest to the fact that Stan Toler was an outstanding speaker. He had great content and had the ability to share it with the men and women who came to these seminars. As a result of this special opportunity I developed a relationship with Stan Toler and we communicated by email. He graciously gave me authority/permission to use his materials in Hugh's News. In fact, he became a subscriber to Hugh's News. I honor this man of God and bless his family in their time of grief. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel [Video]“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Click Here to access the video our Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham sharing with us "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The promise of Emmanuel, God with us, is important to remember in a world filled with chaos and political confusion. Nations are struggling to maintain their identity; people groups are moving across the face of the earth; yet, God is with us – Emmanuel. During Israel’s crisis and captivity, the Lord promised a sign of deliverance, faithfulness, and covenant promises–a Son, Emmanuel. In the classic Christmas carol, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, the minor chord of a lament resolves itself into a major chord of victory and triumph. Jesus came once, but we also rejoice that He will return again! As we celebrate Advent 2017, let me explain once again that Advent is a Latin word meaning “to come” or “coming.” It has become our tradition at River of Life to celebrate the four Sundays leading up to Christmas as days set part to prepare us mentally and spiritually to commemorate the coming of the Savior into the world. During Advent, we not only anticipate Jesus’ birth, but we look forward to His coming again to complete all that the loving Heavenly Father and Creator intends for His creation. One of the ways we celebrate the season is with an Advent wreath—a circle of greenery with three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the center. Each Sunday of Advent, we will light one candle until all four candles are burning on the fourth Sunday. However, since Christmas falls on Monday this year, the fourth candle will be lit on Christmas Eve. The white, or Messiah, candle also will be lit during that service. On this, the first Sunday of Advent 2017, we will light the candle of Prophecy, Promise, and Waiting . Light one purple candle.
Thousands of paintings, drawings, statues, and even “living manger scenes, portray Mary, at the time of Jesus’ birth, as a woman in her 20s. Most theologians and commentators believe, however, that the Virgin Mary couldn’t have been more than 12 to 14 years of age when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her with that startling announcement that she had been chosen by God to give birth to His Son, the long-awaited Messiah. To be so young, Mary was a remarkable woman, who showed maturity beyond her years. For one thing, she seemed to understand what it meant to sacrifice for the sake of doing God’s will. Apparently no one at that time, including Mary herself, was expecting the Messiah to be born of a virgin, even though the Prophet Isaiah had declared that it would be so: “A virgin will conceive,” he had prophesied, “and give birth to a son, and He will be called Immanuel” (see Isaiah 7:14). This is why she asked the angel Gabriel how she was going to bear the Messiah when she was not married and sexually active (Luke 1:34). Did she realize at the time that Joseph might reject her? Did she know that, years later, the religious leaders would still label Jesus as a child born of fornication (John 8:41 – KJV). Surely she knew that accepting pregnancy from God would cause turmoil and pain to her and her loved ones, but did she foresee the agony He, and she, would suffer if she accepted God’s plan for her life? Did she see a cross looming in their future? Had Gabriel told her that her first-born Son would be rejected and become a “man of sorrow, acquainted with grief?” would she have agreed to become “the servant of the Lord”? In his book, The Cross, Max Lucado makes this astounding statement: “He [the Christ Child] was born crucified. Whenever He became conscious of Who He was, He also became conscious of what He had to do.” Unlike, the Savior, none of us knows the details of our lives. We aren’t warned of the perils that lie ahead of us when we make life choices. And, if and when we are warned, we tend to shrug off the council as if we are in control of our destiny. It’s probably a good thing we don’t know every grief that we will encounter, but isn’t that where trust comes into play? Mary’s faith-filled response should also be ours, even when we know there will be crosses to bear and tears to shed: “I am the Lord’s servant, May your plan for my life be fulfilled.” I surrender to Your will, Oh God! Song: “It’s About the Cross” – Buddy Williams Yes we all know Hugh's News is the best News and information updates the IPHC has ever had. The ministry outreach cost the PHC nothing but continues to touch people and Ministries with fresh news, information, Biblical teaching and prayer needs. Thanks Dr. Hugh for outstanding ministry. We love you and pray for continued anointed ministry. Blessings and healing A Memorial Service was conducted on Saturday, November 25, for Janice Robinson Russ at Maranatha Pentecostal Holiness Church in College Park, Maryland at 10 o'clock. It was televised and shared to all who logged in via Live Streaming on FaceBook. It is still available and just waiting for you to log in and view it on your computer monitor. This meaningful memorial service can been seen again. All you have to do is to go to your FaceBook account and log in. Type in House of Prayer Maranatha. When it opens up and a church appears Click on Like and Share. And you will be good to go. The church was full--300 people were present who dearly loved Janice Robinson Russ, as well as her husband Wesley Russ. I learned Monday that Denis and Marilyn Drum Davis, retired IPHC missionaries, were present at the memorial service. Janice had planned her memorial service in great detail. She made a request to have Bishop Doug Beacham preach her funeral "if available!" In the providence of God our General Superintendent was available and accepted the invitation. He and his wife, Susan, the first lady of the IPHC, was present as well. Melvine, Greg, and I watched the entire service on my computer monitor screen. Greg knew how to do it. I have a large monitor screen and we were blessed to be there via Live Streaming. I noticed that Janice's younger sister, Lynda Shirlen, played the keyboard for the singing of the hymns. Please emphasis NO floral gifts. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Maranatha with "Missions" on the memo line. Maranatha Church is located at: 3828 University Blvd E E, College Park, MD 20740 The church is located just across the highway from the University of Maryland. It will make it much easier for you when sending money to honor Janice's love for missions by sending your letter and checks to: Maranatha Church re: Exodus Missions and mailed to Wesley Russ's address at 4100 Kenny Street, Beltsville, MD 20705. Thank you very much, Hugh H. Morgan Editor of Hugh's News Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. NKJV Isaiah 7:14 14 But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name Him Immanuel. CEV (Contemporary English Version) Isaiah 7:14 14 So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She'll bear a son and name Him Immanuel (God-With-Us). (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.) Isaiah 7:14 14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel [God with us]. [Isa 9:6; Jer 31:22; Mic 5:3-5; Matt 1:22,23.] AMP A soldier serving overseas far from home was annoyed and upset when his girl friend wrote to break off their engagement and ask for her photograph back.
He went out and collected from his friends all the unwanted photographs of women that he could find, bundled them all together, and sent them back with a note saying, "I regret that I cannot remember which one you are. Please keep your photo and return the others." You may Click Here to hear the Heritage Singers sing this beautiful song.
"Happiness is the Lord" was very popular in the 60s. I, for one, would like to see that our youth will catch fire and form groups like the Heritage Singers again. When I was president of Southwestern College, now Southwestern Christian University, we had a group called the Great Life Singers. They were good, too. I enjoyed traveling with them. Our Stephanie loved them, and both she and Greg memorized their songs just by listening to the Great Life Singers. Music a central part of our lives. The Holy Spirit prompted me to share this song today with you. I trust this beautiful song will touch your heart and lift your spirits. Happiness Is the Lord Lyrics Happiness is to know the Saviour, Living a life within His favour, Having a change in my behaviour, Happiness is the Lord. Happiness is a new creation, Jesus and me in close relation, Having a part in His salvation, Happiness is the Lord. Real joy is mine, No matter if the teardrops start, I've found a secret, It's Jesus in my heart. The power for evangelism is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Just hours prior to our Lord’s ascension, Jesus met with His disciples to give them instructions about what would happen in the future, not only for them, but for the Church in all generations. His vision was for them to win the lost by proclaiming the Gospel and bringing them to salvation and healing through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Following the resurrection of Jesus when He was assembled together with them, He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the gift His Father promised, which they had heard Him speak about. He reminded them that John baptized with water, but in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. He said to them: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NKJV). On the first Sunday evening of the day of Jesus’ resurrection He appeared to His disciples who were meeting behind closed doors for fear of the Jews and said, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21-22, NKJV). In this intimate moment, one they would never forget, Jesus got in the face of each His disciples and breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Whatever happened spiritually in each of these disciples no one seems to know. We do know they were not baptized with the Holy Spirit that day. They had to wait for the ascension of Jesus back to heaven and the gift He and the Father would give them on the day of Pentecost. Whatever it was, Jesus gave them an expectancy to receive this promised gift and prepared them for the wind of the Spirit that blew on the day of Pentecost. His peace and the power of the Holy Spirit would enable them to minister supernaturally. Jesus instructed His disciples with these words, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged” (John 16:7-11, NKJV). All four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The beloved Apostle John gives this account of that experience as He announces that Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world, and that Jesus would be the One Who would baptize born again, sanctified believers in or with the Holy Spirit. In Matthew’s Gospel he records that John the Baptist said this about Jesus, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He Who is coming after Me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11, NKJV). It is important to know that Jesus is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit. In the incarnate life and ministry of Jesus, He never baptized anyone in water. He delegated that ministry to His disciples. His mission was to baptize those who gave their hearts and lives to Him with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we must not confuse the ministry of Jesus Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit with the ministry of the Holy Spirit called the baptism of the Holy Spirt. They are not the same. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, coined a phrase that is important for us to know about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who draws people to Jesus. Wesley called that ministry “the Prevenient Grace of God” --the grace that goes before saving faith. The Apostle Paul wrote about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the baptism with the Holy Spirit that Jesus does in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (KJV). In the first phrase the Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the body of Christ. The Holy Spirt is the Agent, the blood of Jesus is the element, and the believer is the designated candidate. In the second phrase Jesus is the implied Agent, we are the recipients, and the Holy Spirit the designated Element as we are made to drink into one Spirit. In conversion which includes the forgiveness of sins and the pardon by God the Father, it is the Holy Spirit Who brings us to God by providing repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the implied Agent, the blood of Jesus is the element, and we are the recipients. The same is true in the definite experience of sanctification which is a definite act of grace as well as a lifelong process of growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the implied Agent, we are the candidates, and the blood of Jesus is the implied element. However, when we speak about the Pentecostal experience, it is Jesus Who baptizes with or in the Holy Spirit. The power to be a witness to Jesus Christ is the basic purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This baptism releases the inner power that becomes an outward manifestation to bring the living reality of Jesus Christ to others. In order to release this power, the Holy Spirit gives the believer a new tongue. Wherever the Spirit filled Christian goes he becomes a missionary to those he meets. The Spirit will give the words that are to be spoken and will awaken in the heart of that person to the claims of Jesus Christ Who alone can save them. My Godly mother and the saints I knew as a child and a youth growing up in the Pentecostal Holiness Church prayed not only for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but also for the unction of the Holy Spirit. That word unction captured my imagination and my desire to know what it meant. I finally looked it up in the dictionary and discovered that it means that God supernaturally gives a Christian filled with the Holy Spirit the right words for the right time for the right person or persons. That is my understanding of the unction of the Holy Spirit. It is my prayer that this message about the Baptism with or in the Holy Spirit will strike a vital chord in your heart and mind to understand more fully what this Pentecostal blessing is all about. The baptism with or in the Holy Spirit is for us today. May the Holy Spirit fall on your congregation and the congregation where Melvine and I will worship today. No one has to tell you when the Holy Spirit is present in our worship. We want Him to be present and make Jesus real to every heart. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit be manifested as the Spirit directs this day. Today, Wednesday, November 29, 2017 is the thirty-second message in a series of forty chapters in Russell Board's book entitled, 40 Days With Jesus. You will not be the same after reading each of these inspiring and informative chapters. They are concise and comprehensive chapters and you will be captivated by each one, and blessings untold will be yours. Russell Board has wisely chosen just one word to give each chapter a title. Amazing. Effective. Profitable. Satisfying. Fruitful. Uplifting. Instructive. Masterful. Copacetic. Stand by for the thirty-second chapter entitled, "Riches": RICHES Mark 10:17-27 The story of this encounter is told by Matthew and Luke as well as Mark. Matthew notes that the man is young (Matthew 19:20), and Luke calls him a “ruler” (Luke 18:18), probably a local magistrate with a measure of judicial authority. Hence he is often known as the “rich young ruler.” The young man has a lot going for him. He is wealthy, accomplished, well-respected, religiously devout and morally upright. He is not among the marginalized and despised class of “sinners” that Jesus attracted so often. This is the kind of man any pastor would love to have as a faithful, tithe-paying church member. We might expect a man like this to be smug and self-satisfied, but that is not the case. In spite of his wealth and position, the young man is gripped by a deep spiritual hunger. He is looking for something that neither riches nor honor nor religion has been able to supply. His approach to Jesus exhibits eagerness and humility, perhaps even desperation. He does not draw near with stately reserve, but actually runs to Jesus, and kneels at his feet. Addressing Jesus with respect as “Good Teacher,” he asks what he must do to obtain eternal life. The question reflects an awareness of his own mortality, a lack of assurance regarding his standing with God, and a yearning for something deeper and more significant than the life he is now living. As He did so often, instead of offering a direct answer, Jesus responds with a probing query of His own, intended to call into question the assumptions beneath the man’s question. If only God is good, then does calling Jesus “good” imply that He is more than just a teacher? If only God is good, then what about the young man’s own moral standing, built upon careful obedience to the divine decrees? Is he himself not “good”? Jesus then points him to the commandments given through Moses. Interestingly, Jesus mentions only the latter grouping of commands, those governing person-to-person relationships. He doesn’t mention the earlier ones, those governing our duties to God. But these unspoken commands are very much present in the background, and will come to the fore later on. Dropping the problematic adjective “good,” this time the young man addresses Jesus simply as “Teacher,” and declares that he has faithfully kept all these commandments. But he realizes that something is still lacking. He looks at Jesus inquiringly, expectantly. What else does he need to do? Jesus looks into the young man’s eyes, and deeper still into his heart. He loves the young man, and is about to offer him a staggering invitation into an abundant life beyond all that he has ever known. He tells the man to sell all that he has, give the money to the poor, and become one of His disciples. We must not misinterpret what Jesus is doing. He is not saying, “You have done very well in keeping the commandments, and you’ve scored 90% on the discipleship entrance exam. Just one more command to obey, and you’ll get perfect marks!” No, it’s not about keeping the rules; it’s about the condition of the heart. Jesus has discerned that the man’s problem is with the very first commandment, to “have no other gods before the Lord.” The young man has made an idol out of his wealth. Jesus invites him to let go of this idol, and enter into the eternal life he longs for. Idols are false, deceitful and destructive. The young man has looked to his wealth to provide his life with identity, security and meaning. This it cannot do, in spite of all its promises to the contrary. The fact that the young man is here seeking help from Jesus is clear evidence of his idol’s failure. And yet, the young man declines Jesus’ invitation to life. Mark’s comment is suffused with irony: “He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Sorrowful, because he had great possessions! What’s wrong with this picture? Isn’t wealth supposed to bring happiness? Why isn’t he joyful because of his great possessions? And if his idol has failed him, why does he cling to it so tenaciously? It seems that the idol has gripped his heart too tightly, and grown to occupy too large a space in his life. In spite of its failure to fulfill its promises, he cannot imagine life without his wealth, and is afraid to let it go. As Jesus loves the man, He is also sorrowful at his departure. He is well aware of the power exercised by this idol in the lives of men, and how difficult it is for us to free ourselves from its grasp. Indeed, it is impossible for us to do on our own. Thank God for His grace, which exposes the bankruptcy of this idol, and breaks its hold on our heart! A word about the “treasure in heaven” Jesus offers to His followers. We should not think of this as wealth accruing in a heavenly bank account that will someday be ours. Jesus is not telling the man to trade in his current earthly possessions for heavenly ones he will receive by and by. Jesus is offering him access to “riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19), encompassing all the provision and resources that are ours in Christ! Who can fathom the depths of this treasure? Forgiveness, cleansing, deliverance, and healing; the precious “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23); the “immeasurable greatness of His power” which raised Christ from the dead and is now at work in us (Ephesians 1:19, 20); even the very “fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19)! This is wealth, indeed, beyond all measure and all price! Meditation: What are the idols that seek to deceive you and displace Jesus in your heart and life? Prayer: Lord, expose the idols I cling to, and tear them from my heart. You are my greatest treasure, and in You I have everything I need. Russell and Sandra Board are career IPHC missionaries. They are currently serving in Asia, and living in Saitama, Japan. Russell serves as the Director of Missions for Asia/Pacific IPHC World Missions Ministries. Russell is as prolific writer and is no stranger to IPHC church members. Russell wrote Sunday school Adult Student curriculum for One Accord Resources for use by IPHC and other Pentecostal denominations for 15 years. He also wrote Adult Teacher curriculum from time to time. The book he wrote for new believers was revised in 2012 and reprinted in a new format under the title GROW. It is available here: http://lifespringsresources.com/grow-maturing-believers-through-the-truths-of-the-christian-faith Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham and Russell Board co-wrote an e-book called CHRISTMAS BEFORE AND AFTER, where Russell penned 25 readings for Advent and Doug wrote 12 reading for the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Before-After-Doug-Beacham-ebook/dp/B00A7XJ3LC/ref=sr_1_5? 40 Days with Jesus is available through LifeSprings here: http://lifespringsresources.com/40-days-with-jesus-encountering-jesus-in-the-gospels Also, the Kindle version is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Jesus-Encountering-Gospels-ebook/dp/B074G2NFDZ/ref=sr_1_3 If these messages of Russell Board are meaningful to you, please let me know. I need to hear from someone who has read them and has found meaning and enlightenment. Write me at: hugh@hughsnews.com It is time to get down to the core issue and the incident of pure evil of the Texas church shooter. My good friend and fellow veteran, Everett Cox, is the founder of Deliverance Ministry in Oklahoma City, where on Mondays he conducts training on deliverance, and individuals from all over the country travel to receive ministry by him and his team. His web site is www.delmin.org. He has been a guest in my home twice. At my age and at this stage of the final quarter of a life for which I am most grateful, especially after witnessing the horrors of my war in Vietnam and the atrocious events of death and suffering all over our country and the world, it is time to go past timidity and "political correctness." I believe decisively and unequivocally in strategic spiritual warfare, "demonization," and spiritual attacks on all us humans by the "tormenters" doing the bidding and orders of Satan. I will return to Cox's response to this massacre. My dear readers, we are way beyond "touchy feely" and attempting to analyze wrongdoing by man's secular standards, environmental explanations, and conditions by skating around issues that have impacted all humanity since the fall in the Garden of Eden. It has been my privilege in past years to have been a guest of chaplains serving the Warrior Transition Battalions of our ill and wounded military. I have sometimes been cautioned in my presentations about relating my own walk of healing from my wounds to refrain from direct proselyting of my Christian faith. It is agonizing for me not to tell the truth and the whole truth. So, this is how I approach the issue. I say, "I know there are in the audience Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, atheists, and Christians. If you desire healing, utilize whatever is your own faith methodology for your healing. As for me, it is my Christian faith that accomplished my healing from the body, soul, and spirit of agonies I faced." In my Christian faith I recognize first and foremost the strategic war in the heavens above between God and Satan. I recognize that demonic spirits, the soldiers of Satan, have the assignment and authority at the tactical (personal level) to work us over to keep us separated from living a Godly life. These are the "tormenters" in our lives, who are allowed by God the authority to work us over if we have unconfessed sin and any lack of forgiveness. One of my favorite ministers is Derek Prince (now deceased). He was a prominent teacher worldwide and wrote prolifically. I have read twice his book titled They Shall Expel Demons. He wrote, "Demons continually seek to invade a person, but when the person is healthy spiritually, the spiritual 'immune system' within the person identifies and attacks the demons, and they are not able to move in and take control. Any kind of unhealthiness or emotional weakness, on the other hand, makes a person vulnerable to demonic attack." I will say unarguably that all wrongdoing or instability in our lives is not necessarily due to sin, but can result from faulty choices. Also, all mental disturbances are not reflective of sin or demonic influence. Obviously, man's science through pharmacology must be utilized to heal or contain certain emotional and mental conditions. In 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV) it is written, "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." In the Perry Stone New Testament KJV Hebraic Prophetic Study Bible his commentary on this passage is: "Sin affects the flesh and spirit, and it is manifested in our attitudes and actions. Some of the sins of the flesh are adultery, fornication, murder, stealing and so forth; but sins that corrupt the spirit are envy, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, strife, and unbelief. Sins of the spirit affect our thinking, work against the mind, and defile a person's spirit. Fleshly sins are often visible, but sins of the spirit are internal and may not be seen, yet they are just as destructive." The shooter in Texas embodied many of the above characteristics. Now, back to my friend Everett Cox and his conclusion on the church murderer. He says, "The only answer to this is he was demonized. Even President Trump says this was an 'evil act.' And more than likely in the '10% Group' as we call it where the demon (s) are in total control. We have had several cases lately of when the demons were manifesting, the person later had to be told what happened. No person in his right mind could go in and start shooting even children. Demons are the only answer. That being the case, we do have authority to shut demons down if we will use it. (Luke 10:19). Quite likely this was a demon of murder manifesting. I heard of a situation recently of where a man with a gun came in to a convenience store, the Christian clerk said, "In Jesus' Name ...GO." The man left even leaving his gun on the counter." Being disabled I have always reminded myself that this spiritual technique must be my weapon, if ever confronted by a bad guy. For all of us, for ourselves, and in analysis of worldly evil and misdoings by ourselves and others, this is my conclusion. Evil or instability may have a medical basis that requires psychotherapy and pharmacology, but with the Christian spiritual dimension then especially necessary. It may require our own reflection and audit requiring our own confession of sin and imparting of forgiveness. But, it may require what is utilized by Catholics and formally exercised through exorcism or through a deliverance ministry such as that directed by my friend Cox. It is time in our lives to grasp the totality of mental illness, depravity, and sin in our own lives and in the world to grasp and take hold of these various means of addressing the issues. We veterans especially need these techniques for our healing. [Editor's Comment: In 1989, Allen B. Clark was nominated by President George H.W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary for Veterans Liaison and Program Coordination at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1991, he received his second VA confirmation as Director of the National Cemetery System, a position in which he served until the end of the Bush Administration. I met Allen and his wife, Linda, in April 2007, in San Antonio, TX, at the combined Military Chaplains Association and VA Hospital Chaplains Convention. I soon learned that they are Spirit-filled believers. At that time they were Episcopalians, but later moved their membership to the Anglican Church that is conservative in theology and embraces the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They have invited me to be their personal pastor. Allen is a West Point graduate and a veteran of Vietnam where he gave both legs in combat in defense of the South Vietnamese. He is a gifted speaker and author. His wife, Linda, is also a speaker and writes dramatic scripts of great women in the Bible and acts out those roles for audiences with the appropriate dress of the Bible character. Her insights are inspiring and instructive. Allen Clark has graciously accepted my invitation to be a Contributing Writer for Hugh's News.] I totally agree with Dr. Frank Tunstall's message regarding the importance of the ministry of Dr. Hugh Morgan with regard to HNN's valuable access in relationship to the IPHC family and to other readers who have "like" reception. God bless Hugh's News to continue to bless and inform many our constituency!
The Rev. Dr. Frank G. Tunstall's assessment of the Value of Hugh's News to the body of Christ11/28/2017 The existence of Hugh’s News is justified again. You have been able to share the story of Janice Robinson Russ' sickness with many calls to prayer over a period of months, and now at her homecoming, you are continuing to keep the body of Christ informed. What a gift you are, and Hugh’s News is, to the body of Christ. Pastor Frank G Tunstall [Editor's comment: I am grateful for Dr. Frank Tunstall's assessment of the value of Hugh's News. It is good to have an objective verification of the importance of this newsletter called Hugh's News. This is my twentieth year of producing Hugh's News. We are grateful for God's sustaining grace and provision over these years, and your faithful prayer support and financial giving to make it all happen. I am grateful to Mel Tinney my webmaster who has stood with me for eight or nine years. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Pepin, WI. The Apostle Paul says it succinctly: Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV It is my prayer that Hugh's News is the good works God has prepared for me to do for His glory and honor, and to bless you my readers.] The Bible tells us that God dwells in the midst of the praises of His people. Therefore, the ministry of the church centers in worship–-the preaching of the Word of God and the singing of hymns and songs of praise and adoration to the God of Holiness. It is in the context of worship that we submit our lives to God and service to others. When worship occurs, God’s people experience the pure joy of magnifying the One Who alone is worthy of our praise, and God’s love for us and others is demonstrated. We were made for this purpose-–to glorify God, to adore Him, and rejoice in Him forever. When we magnify the Name of God, and celebrate His glory, our souls partake of God’s greatness and are satisfied in His presence. When a church worships God with all their hearts the church will attract people who do not know Him, but desperately need Him. The saints will be encouraged and new energy and strength will be given so we can do the work of the ministry of the church. Faithfulness and loyalty will be experienced as a dynamic sense of excitement of expectations fill each heart. The people will look forward to coming back to church the next time the doors are opened for worship. The Bible admonishes us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord . . . Come into His presence with singing”(Psalm 100:1-2). There was a time in the early Church when Christians could be identified by the sound of singing that came from their homes. Wouldn’t that be wonderful if that would happen today? It was recorded of a story about General Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War he was told that some of the soldiers in the camp were singing loudly. He asked what they were singing and was told they were singing hymns. “What’s wrong with that?” the general asked. A soldier who was complaining replied that “the articles of war say that those who make unusual noise should be punished. ”Whereupon the general replied, “God forbid that praise to God will ever be an unusual noise in this camp.” We all know or should know that worship doesn’t have to be unearthly loud and deafening to the ears. But, when a church is alive their worship will cultivate the spirit of praise and adoration among her members. May God grant that all of our churches will give the praise and worship time something that glorifies God and bolsters the spirit of the people. When the church worships, it provides the motivation for service, especially in bringing the Kingdom of God to people hurting in body and soul. It produces a love for Jesus that constrains one and all to go to minister to others (2 Corinthians 5:14). In the highest sense, ministry is an offering of praise to God. FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA. -- The Emmanuel College Men's Basketball Team took on the Coker Cobras for their first home game of the season. After narrowly defeating the Cobras by 2 points in their first meet up of the season, the Lions had a more comfortable victory defeating them 89-68 at home. In the first half, both teams were within just a few points of each other until a three-pointer from Colton Collins (#12) gave the Lions some momentum. Emerson McClung (#3) followed up with a layup, then Jack Fitzpatrick (#15) hit another three to give the Lions the biggest lead thus far. Emmanuel went into half time with a 46-34 lead. The second half was all Lions as they kept a steady lead over Coker and continued to widen the gap. The Lions final blow was a three-pointer from Tavish Reynolds (#33) to close out the game 89-68. Kurtis Robinson (#2) led the Lions with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Emerson McClung (#3) had 20 points. The next game for the Lions will be Saturday, Dec. 2nd as they take on Conference opponent Mount Olive at home. For more news on Emmanuel College Athletics, visit goeclions.com I attended several of Jerry B. Walker's services in Fayetteville, NC in 1973 as I recall. At that time I was 25 years old and my life was in a mess, mainly because I was not close to the Lord. Jerry B. was instrumental in bringing me back to the Lord, and in many ways he helped to save me from sadness and destruction. I sometimes think about Jerry B., and how much those services meant to me. I only have one of his taped sermons. If you know where I can buy more of his sermons, please let me know. God Bless you. Bobby Walker, Gastonia, NC A Memorial Service was conducted on Saturday, November 25, for Janice Robinson Russ at Maranatha Pentecostal Holiness Church in College Park, Maryland at 10 o'clock. It was televised and shared to all who logged in via Live Streaming on FaceBook. It is still available and just waiting for you to log in and view it on your computer monitor. This meaningful memorial service can been seen again. All you have to do is to go to your FaceBook account and log in. Type in House of Prayer Maranatha. When it opens up and a church appears Click on Like and Share. And you will be good to go. The church was full--300 people were present who dearly loved Janice Robinson Russ, as well as her husband Wesley Russ. I learned Monday that Denis and Marilyn Drum Davis, retired IPHC missionaries, were present at the memorial service. Janice had planned her memorial service in great detail. She made a request to have Bishop Doug Beacham preach her funeral "if available!" In the providence of God our General Superintendent was available and accepted the invitation. He and his wife, Susan, the first lady of the IPHC, was present as well. Melvine, Greg, and I watched the entire service on my computer monitor screen. Greg knew how to do it. I have a large monitor screen and we were blessed to be there via Live Streaming. I noticed that Janice's younger sister, Lynda Shirlen, played the keyboard for the singing of the hymns. Please emphasis NO floral gifts. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Maranatha with "Missions" on the memo line. Maranatha Church is located at: 3828 University Blvd E E, College Park, MD 20740 The church is located just across the highway from the University of Maryland. It will make it much easier for you when sending money to honor Janice's love for missions by sending your letter and checks to: Maranatha Church re: Exodus Missions and mailed to Wesley Russ's address at 4100 Kenny Street, Beltsville, MD 20705. Thank you very much, Hugh H. Morgan Editor of Hugh's News Ephesians 2:1-22 God's Way of Salvation--Listen Up!
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, Who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Brought Near by His Blood 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh — who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands — 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Christ Our Peace 14 For He Himself is our peace, Who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Christ Our Cornerstone 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in Whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in Whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. NKJV ++++++++ Ephesians 2:1-22 1 In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2 You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God. 3 Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else. 4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's wonderful kindness is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10 God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are. United by Christ 11 Don't forget that you are Gentiles. In fact, you used to be called "uncircumcised" by those who take pride in being circumcised. 12 At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises that God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God, 13 and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. 14 Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and He has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave His own body 15 to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when He united us in peace. 16 On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body. 17 Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God. 18 And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit. 19 You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. 20 You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone. 21 Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. 22 And you are part of that building Christ has built as a place for God's own Spirit to live. CEV (Contemporary English Version) One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store.
When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen and inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven. When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs! |