"Breakfast is served from 7 to 11, dinner from 12 to 3, and supper from 6 to 8," explained the clerk.
"Look here," inquired the farmer in surprise, "when am I going to get time to see the city?"
A farmer went to a big city to see the sights. He asked the hotel's clerk about the times of meals.
"Breakfast is served from 7 to 11, dinner from 12 to 3, and supper from 6 to 8," explained the clerk. "Look here," inquired the farmer in surprise, "when am I going to get time to see the city?"
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Sunday, March 31, the last day of the month God gave Melvine back to me. For some time now I was led to believe the side effects of confusion, lack of orientation, tremors in her hands and arms were the results of all the chemo she has had. That was not so. The doctor and the nurse at St. Mary's Emergency Clinic in Athens, Georgia were going to get a urine specimen by the use of the tradition cup. Bonnie Bender, our dear friend who is a retired LPN, told them they would not be able to get a true analysis that way, but they needed to use a light catheter and get it from the bladder. They listened and did what she suggested. The finding was that Melvine has a urinary track infection (UTI). That was the culprit or enemy causing Melvine all the problems. They have been administering IV's and antibiotic medicine. They were doing it in her arm. I spoke to the nurse and asked, "Why aren't you using her port? They do it at the Cancer Clinic!" The nurse responded by saying we will have to get an order from the doctor. She followed through and now her IV's and antibiotic are going in the port in her chest. The nurse asked me what was the size of the needle they use, and I called Bonnie Bender, and she knew exactly. Bonnie saved the day again. It is working and could have been all along. Sometimes, you have to speak up because other people may not know what you know. I write this with humility. You know that UTI can kill you. Lonnie Rex told me that was what his mother died with. Her doctors missed it too. It cost the physical life of her dear mother. Somehow, we need Holistic medicine to look at the whole person. These doctors have specialized and have a focus on one area and miss other things. It is little wonder the woman with an issue of blood has spent all her money on physicians and was no better. However, she met the Great Physician, Jesus Christ of Nazareth and reached out and touched the hem of His garment and was healed in an instance. The good Lord is showing me the reality and practicality of His Word. Romans 8:28 through 30 is in active, living and moving reality in Melvine's life. In two days, she fell twice and had to be taken to the emergency clinic at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens. The first time, we learned that although she hit her head, the x-ray showed no damage to her brain. However, no other tests were done. They rightfully dealt with the trauma of a possible brain injury. She received an acute scalp hematoma. The next morning at 6 o'clock she fell again in the bathroom. I called Bonnie Bender. She and her husband Sam, came immediately to our home. Bonnie, is a retired LPN, and examined Melvine's legs and arms, etc. She determined from her years of practice that she and Sam should not move her. She asked me to call 911. The EMT's from Barrow County came in flash. They placed her on a stretcher and took her to St. Mary's Emergency Clinic for the second time for Melvine. The first time, Jeanette Phillips and I took Melvine in my car to the emergency clinic. Jeanette drove us. She is an excellent driver. Two falls were in the natural not good things. However, we are learning that what happened to my darling wife, although bad, is working for our good as we love God and are called to fit into His purpose and plans for lives. Today, Sunday, March 31, Melvine was wide awake. Her eyes danced and were alert and fixed on me. She was the Melvine I have know for 61 years, including the years of our courtship. She was magnificent in her speech and spoke with clarity and orientation. I brought a copy of the article I published in Sunday's edition of Hugh's News for her to see and read of a friend of hers, Gwen Moore, who had died and her funeral service was on Saturday. She read the article without error, and loved the photo of Gwen. Then, she rehearsed with me the many thing she knows about Gwen and her relationship with her, her parents, her husband and children. Melvine loved to hear Gwen sing. For the first time in several months I was able to talk with her about financial matters which I could not do before. She had taken care of the responsibility to do the paying of all our bills, our tithes (the Lord's tithes) and charities and other giving, with excellence. Since last year I felt I should relieve her and I have been doing it, but not with the expertise that Melvine has accomplished this important task. I asked her about certain financial issues, and she knew everything about it and advised me what I need to do. What joy that brought to my heart. God has given Melvine back to me. The hospital staff saw the difference for themselves and the doctors. Greg saw it, and Jeanette Phillips saw it when she came to visit. She shouted and praised God. To God be the glory, great things He has done and He continues to do. We love you all. Thank you to those who have called today. I have not had time to listen to all the voice mail in our system, but I will before I go to bed. I was present when a social worker came in to talk with me about the recommendation to place Melvine in a rehab center for a while. I consented with Melvine's agreement. Our first choice is to go into the rehab center at St. Mary's Hospital where Dr. Stephen Chesser is the doctor in charge of the unit. The second choice I made with Melvine's agreement is The Oaks Rehab Center near our church on Kathwood Drive. We are praying for God''s Will to be done and we will get a place in one of the two. Help us to pray about it. I will have surgery at St. Mary's Hospital on Wednesday. It is called a Botox procedure. My urologist, Dr. Gary Walton, will go in with a tube, a light, a camera and inject medicine in my bladder to slow it down. I will write more about it in more specific medical terms. I have a brochure on it. God is working all things out for our good and God's glory. He wants to do the same for you. I must close. I am nearing my deadline, and I am hungry. Thank you for your love, prayers, cards, calls, letters and emails. They have and are a great source of encouragement to us. Have a blessed day on Monday and a wonderful week. Greg called and he got to his apartment safely. Your friend in all seasons, Hugh H. Morgan Email: hugh@hughsnews.com The Atmosphere for Miracles Jesus is still doing miracles today, but wouldn’t we all like to see more of them? And bigger ones? For people we know? Just like in the days of Jesus on earth, His miracle ministry flourishes when there’s an atmosphere of faith, but shrinks back when surrounded by doubt. Mark 6 tells us even in Jesus’ own home town of Nazareth, He “could there do no mighty work” because of their unbelief. But there’s a remedy! Jesus didn’t give up on Nazareth. Instead, He began the villages in a circuit, teaching. They needed knowledge of the Word to dispel doubt and pave the way for a flow of God’s power. Notice the order here (parentheses added): Matthew 4:23 says Jesus went about all Galilee, (1) teaching in their synagogues, (2) preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and (THEN) healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. The Church is here to overcome doubt and darkness in our region by preaching and teaching the glorious light of the Gospel! By doing this, we are opening up a flow of miracles in people’s lives here that will spread easily from person to person. But you don’t have to wait for the whole region to change before you can create your own atmosphere for miracles. Here are some ways to keep God’s power growing in your life: Know that God’s plan includes health, prosperity and peace for every person. When you know God’s good plan, you’ll fight off the devil’s bad one with zeal and determination. Build faith. In yourself: receive teaching and preaching regularly as a cure for unbelief. Hearing the Word will maintain and grow your faith and hunger for the things of God. When praying for others, share a scripture first. One word of truth can open their hearts to receive from God. Remove unbelief. Before Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead, he asked the mourners to leave the room. He knew they couldn’t see what God wanted to do, and that they would be a hindrance. Sometimes we need to temporarily clear your space of people with low expectations so you can focus on God’s much higher ones. Then those doubters will get to see the final results when the miracle is complete. Greatly desire spiritual things. In the Book of Acts, we see that the early church experienced many miracles. And big ones: multitudes born again on the Day of Pentecost; the lame man healed at the Gate Beautiful; Peter’s angelic prison break. The list goes on, yet in Acts 4:39, they kept praying sincerely for more signs and wonders. No matter what level we have achieved, don’t be satisfied! We will receive those things we most earnestly desire and pray for. Keeping these items in mind will help set us up for a front-row display of God’s miracle-working power in our lives and for the people all around us. This message was adapted from a message also titled "The Atmosphere for Miracles" by Pastor John Greiner. Glorious Way Church. Please Click Here to hear the message. John Greiner is a friend of mine. Used by permission. Glorious Way Church 11611 Champion Forest Drive Houston, TX 7706 Day Twenty Six
Prayer for Pastors and Church Leadership "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17, RSV). Read Here It is easy to take for granted those who bless your life through the local church. Some would say it is their job to minister to hurting people. But we need to remember that a pastor is like your local doctor. He is always on call. He ministers to hurting people. And folks typically only seek him out when something is wrong. The stress level on a pastor and his family can be enormous. Church leaders often hear more complaining and grumbling than encouragement and commendation. It is easy for these shepherds to become discouraged. In time, that discouragement can evolve into disillusionment, and finally into burnout. Our pastors need our prayers -- and our support. Christian leaders are a source of so much blessing to so many people, and they can be a target for the enemy. The Devil would like nothing more than to take a visible, influential Christian and lure him or her into sin. We must surround our leaders with a hedge of prayer. Another challenge for pastors today is the unmet expectations among people in the congregation. Think through the expectations you have on your church leadership, or leaders in other ministries that bless you. These men and women are human beings with frailties, weaknesses and needs like your own. It would do them good to hear from you that you are grateful for their service to the Lord. You can be an instrument in their lives to help them avoid burnout. Thank God that He has given us people who would dare to rise up and lead, despite the stresses and pressures of ministry. Recognize their regular sacrifices, their daily pressures, and their responsibility. Thank them for shepherding you; share a time with them when they have ministered to you or your family and how that affected your spiritual and emotional health. Our pastors need our prayers covering them daily. Will you be a prayer warrior on your pastors' behalf? Action Point Take time right now to thank your pastor, associate pastor, youth minister, and others by writing a note of appreciation & encouragement to them and their spouses. Plan to do something special to show them your appreciation. Make it tangible. Find a way to bless and honor your leadership -- and don't just thank the Senior Pastor. Give thanks to the associates, youth pastors, children's pastors, and other leaders that have blessed you and your family. Pray for revival in the hearts of your Christian leadership. Pray that they would continually go to the Lord with their concerns, being undergirded with strong friends and with the God's strength. Pray that they would be guided in leading the Christian community in faithful response to God's call. Ask the Lord to protect their financial decisions, their health and families, and to direct them in moral and pure living. Prayer Lord I pray that revival would take place in the hearts of the pastors and spiritual leaders in my life. I pray that their first love for You would be rekindled, and that they would experience a fresh touch of Your spirit. Your Word tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and that in your presence is fullness of joy. I pray that my pastors would clear their schedules to spend quality time in Your presence. And Father, as these pastors are renewed, I ask that the flame of revival would spread from them to the people in my local church. From there I pray that revival would travel from family to family -- and eventually out to the community and the world. As Jesus taught us to pray, I ask that Your kingdom would come, and Your will be done, in the lives of these leaders -- and on Earth as it is in heaven. More to Life "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, NKJV). There is more to life . . . than being healthy, than being happy, than being problem free, than being comfortable, than feeling good, than getting what we want, than being healed. There is more to life even than living! And the “more to life” is the development of our faith to the extent that our very lives display God’s glory! Jesus does not protect those He loves from bad things happening but uses bad things to fulfill His greater plan. He is glad, not that we suffer, but that we have the opportunity to grow in our faith and display His glory, which is the fulfillment of the very purpose for our existence. Don’t settle for less than more! Blessings, Anne Graham Lotz Copyright © 2014 Anne Graham Lotz (AnGeL Ministries) Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved www.annegrahamlotz.org. Romans 8:28-30 Seeing this Scripture being fulfilled in our lives is faith-building and comforting
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. NIV (New International Version) ++++++++++ Romans 8:28-30 God will stay with us to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun. 28 That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. 29 God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him. 30 After God made that decision of what His children should be like, He followed it up by calling people by name. After He called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with Himself. And then, after getting them established, He stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.) +++++++++ Romans 8:28-30 God has chosen us, and we are fitting into His plans for our lives. 28 And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans. 29 For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him-and all along He knew Who would-should become like His Son, so that His Son would be the First, with many brothers. 30 And having chosen us, He called us to come to Him; and when we came, He declared us "not guilty," filled us with Christ's goodness, gave us right standing with Himself, and promised us His glory. TLB (The Living Bible) What did one ocean say to the other ocean?
Nothing, they just waved. I can tell you from my experience with the love of my life, Melvine Stewart Morgan, that an infection like a urinary track infection can cause disorientation, confusion, problems with articulate speech, and much more. When Greg and I arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital at 12 noon, she wanted to know where I had been. She thought I had abandoned her and gone to some conference. She admitted she did not know where she is. I had to gently tell her she was in St. Mary’s hospital in Athens, GA, the hospital we always use. Joyce Hawkins, a single adult from our church family, was present and had been visiting with Melvine. Melvine recognized Greg and me. She told us repeatedly that she wants to come home. I had to tell her and reaffirm that she is a very sick woman and needs to be hospitalized at this time to obtain the medical care she needs to be healed of the infection in her body. The nursing staff and other paramedical personnel are taking excellent care of Melvine. They are administering IV’s with an antibiotic. They now have her on her regiment of medicine. Because she was taken off Metformin, her blood sugar is way high at one point 300. Now, they are giving her insulin to bring it down to normalcy. Both Melvine and I need to attend some classes on diabetes and how it affects people. We need to learn what we should eat and not eat, and learn how to eat more reasonably in keeping with a good variety of foods that do not turn into sugar. I helped Melvine to eat her food. In fact, I ordered her supper meal. She ate only a little of it and would not drink the unsweetened ice tea. Melvine still has her wit, and she is more aware of what is going on. Greg will be playing piano and leading in the congregational singing at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church near where we live today for their worship. Since Melvine is hospitalized, I will not attempt to go to our church in Athens, GA today, March 31. It is called Christian Life Worship Center in Athens, Georgia. Sunday school begins at 10 o’clock. Morning worship is at 11. Pastor Kesling will be preaching a sermon entitled, "Jesus at Bethesda," a message of healing. He will be anointing people with Olive oil and praying for the sick and expecting people to be healed in the Name of Jesus. The Rev. Mr. Terry Kesling is our pastor. His grandfather was the late W. W. Carter of Virginia. His two aunts are June Carter (without the Cash) Canavesio of Oklahoma City, and the late Frances Carter, missionary to Mexico. He is a cousin of Princeton Cates, Eleonor Dean Cates. Well, it is a small world after all. Greg stayed at the hospital until about 7 o‘clock. I plan to go in the morning to visit with Melvine. Melvine and I dearly love all of you. Write us some time. Our mailing address is: Hugh & Melvine Morgan 17 Sweet Apple Lane Winder, GA 30680 Send me an email at: hugh@hughsnews.com Praying for the Prodigals
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (Luke 15:17-20, (NIV). Read Here Every believer knows people who once were on fire for God, but who have allowed that fire to grow dim. For whatever reason they have stopped attending church, have walked away from fellowship with other believers, and have avoided other Christians. They don't pray anymore. They don't read their Bible. Their hearts have grown cold to the things of God. But our Father's heart has not grown cold toward them. Just like the father from the parable of the Prodigal Son, our heavenly Father is waiting patiently for them to return to Him. And His Holy Spirit is at work in their lives, wooing them back to their first love. Think about those in your life that have drifted away from God. Perhaps they were hurt by someone in the church. Maybe there is a hidden stronghold of sin in their lives for which they need deliverance. They may have guilt from this habitual sin that is keeping them from an intimate relationship with God. Whatever the reason, they need to be reminded of God's kindness to them. The Bible tells us that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. Perhaps these people need to see the goodness of God through you? Is there something that you can do to show the grace and love of the Lord to the prodigals in your life? The greatest act of kindness is to pray for your lost friends. Ask the Lord to heal their hearts. Pray that the scales would drop from their eyes and that they would clearly see God's love for them. Pray that they would be reminded of the faithfulness of God in their lives. Remember the Scriptural promise concerning those around us who are lost: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:8). Like the father of the Biblical prodigal, our heavenly Father is watching for these wayward children to come back to Him -- and when they do, He will run to them and bestow His love upon them. Action Point Who in your life is far from the Lord? List the prodigals in your personal sphere. Begin to pray for their revival as you have prayed for your own. Pray that they would recognize their sin. Pray that they would have a renewed humility and a spirit of repentance. Pour your soul out before the Lord today, interceding on their behalf. Is it your child? Your best friend? Your brother, sister, or parent? The Lord wants all to know Him. Ask a friend to pray with you for the return of these wayward ones. Clothe yourself daily with the full armor of God, and pray with authority over the enemy's strongholds in their lives. Pray that they would be protected from harm and that they would be strengthened. Pray for influential Christians to come into their lives to guide them back to the Lord. Finally, try to find some way to demonstrate God's love to them in a tangible way. Maybe they need some help around the house? You might want to offer to watch their children or help them with the laundry. You can invite them over for dinner, or to watch a movie. Look for opportunities to reach out to them -- and don't be dismayed if they don't respond right away. With time and prayer you might just win their trust and help them on their path back to the Father. Prayer Heavenly Father, I pray for those around me who have turned away from their first love for you. I ask you to heal their hearts. I pray that the scales would drop from their eyes, that they would know your love. Please remind them of your faithfulness in their lives. Like the Biblical Prodigal, I pray that they would recognize their sin and the results of it. I ask that your Holy Spirit will draw them back to the Father. Help me to reach out to them with acts of kindness. I ask you to open up opportunities for me to share your love with my brothers and sisters. As you give me these divine appointments, I pray that I will be sensitive to listen, bold to speak the truth in love, and compassionate to lend my support as they work to renew their commitment to you. Our only hope is a Great Awakening. An awakening is culture wide; a revival affects the church. Yet, an awakening does not happen without a revival in the church. At times, an awakening sparks revival, and then, a revival feeds an awakening. Awakenings tend to recalibrate godly values in the culture. They also produce, from among the laity, stately men and women, godly political leaders, who rise up to steady government. We cannot afford a mere emotional stirring among Christians or one stream of Christianity – we need a culture-wide, immigrant-engaging, congress-confronting, Hollywood-haunting, Wall-Street-rocking, University Campuses-blanketing, stronghold-busting revival. If the values of culture are not re-centered If Jesus is not invited back to the cultural stage, honored and included in the cultural discourse If godly leaders do not emerge as salt and light in local, state and national governments If the bifurcation of public and private life continues to excuse immorality If human and drug trafficking are not brought to a halt If the hearts of young people are not captured If men and women do not reconcile and strengthen their marriages If men do not rise up as godly warriors If pastors do not roar like lions If Christians do not become as lambs If liberal elites are not moved by the Spirit of God so that their ranks are thinned by converts If making money and gaining fame is not tethered to decency and tempered by ethics and morality If children remain at risk in a mother’s womb If seniors are warehoused and not honored If a culture of death persists, and a culture of life is not born If…then we are gone as a nation. Perhaps the only chance for change is with the next generation. With Gospel engagement and transformed lives, perhaps a revival among Millennials and Centennials might yield principled statesmen and passionate preachers of righteousness. Perhaps such principled and transformed young people, elected to office, might have the moral fortitude to make the changes necessary, irrespective of the political consequences. In the last reformation, Luther would come to believe in the raw, unharnessed power of Scripture, not the political version of it. With guidance and strength from Scripture, it is time for the church to seek the Lord and engage the culture. Read more in Doug’s new book, The New Apostolic Epoch: God’s Determination to Have a Praying and Missional People. Category: Revival March 29, 2019 At the age of 18, after being saved at the age of 10, I received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and prayed in tongues for about an hour. Further Bible studies proved to me that this “prayer language” is Biblical. Praying in tongues has been one of my greatest discoveries and has brought me through many crises in life. Like Job (Job 1:5), I arise early each day to offer sacrificial prayers for my family; Also, for my extended family, the Church and the lost. Praying in tongues is an integral part of these prayer times. As I grow older, the daily study of Scripture and praying in tongues are most vital in maintaining Spiritual peace and living in the Presence of God. Trusting in God’s Word brings great assurance and comfort. The reason I am writing this article is that often people, including Pentecostals, do not understand the tremendous value of speaking in tongues. This practice is more than just “unexplainable & necessary baggage” which we tolerate because we are Pentecostal and Charismatic. Praying in tongues can bring us many blessings and help us through the most difficult times. I have a vivid memory of one of our church members, in St. Frances Hospital, praying in tongues as he was dying, which must have brought him much comfort. OUR BELIEFS MUST BE BASED ON SCRIPTURE (Ultimate source of truth): “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Eph. 6:18 NIV) “…if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays…” (I Cor. 14:14 NIV) “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 20 NIV) When we pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit is interceding for us: “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He Who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s Will.” (Rom. 8:26-27 NIV) PRAYING IN TONGUES IS SCRIPTURAL: Praying in tongues is a “prayer language” because you are speaking to God and not man. (Acts 2:11) “…anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.” (I Cor. 14:2 NIV) Praying in tongues bypasses the mind and lets your spirit communicate with God. “…the mind is unfruitful (does not understand)” when you are praying in tongues. (I Cor. 14:2 & 14) Praying in tongues brings personal edification (builds up your spirit, encourages and enriches your life) – “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…” (I Cor. 14:4) Praying in tongues means that the Holy Spirit is making intercession for us. (Rom. 8:26-27) When praying in tongues, the Holy Spirit is verbalizing to God even our subconscious needs and we are edified and built up without conscious understanding of what we are saying. (I Cor. 14:2 & 4) Paul prayed in tongues very much in private. He stated that he spoke in tongues more than the Corinthians who spoke in tongues so much that he had to regulate the practice in I Cor. 14. He taught the Corinthians that they should not speak openly in tongues in church unless there was a person with the gift of interpretation present so that the church would be edified. Otherwise, he stated that they should speak in tongues to themselves and to God. (I Cor. 14:28) In verse 5, he expresses a desire for all believers to pray in tongues; in verse 15, he states, “…I will (purpose and determine to) pray with the spirit.” Our conclusion is that Paul must have spoken in tongues mostly in private, as a prayer language. ALL BELIEVERS CAN BE FILLED WITH OR BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. At the close of Peter’s message, on the Day of Pentecost, the people asked what they must do to be saved. He instructed them to repent and be baptized into the Name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and they would receive the “gift” of the Holy Spirit. Then he stated, “For the promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39) We are “saved by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5) We are “sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:16 NIV) We are “filled with” or “baptized in” the Holy Spirit by Jesus, which is just a greater dimension of the same Holy Spirit by whom we are saved & sanctified. (Matt. 3:11, Lu. 3:16, Acts 1:5, Acts 2:4 & 39, Acts 8:15-16, Acts 10 & 19) A good example of this greater dimension is in Acts 8:15-17 (NIV) – “When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received (were baptized or filled with) the Holy Spirit.” Note – In verse 12, the people of Samaria “believed” and were “baptized” which means they had already received Salvation. Peter and John then prayed for them to receive this greater dimension of the Holy Spirit which is called the “infilling” or “baptism” in the Holy Spirit which happened after their Salvation. Jesus stated that the Holy Spirit is “with you” and shall be “in you.” (John 14:17) He also stated that this dimension of the Holy Spirit would be given after His “glorification.” (John 7:39 and Heb. 1:3, 8:1, and 10:12) PRAYING IN TONGUES HELPS IN THE DIFFICULT TIMES. When your mind is troubled. When you feel inadequate. When the situation seems impossible When you feel weak. When you feel sick. When faced with difficult problems. When there are various urgent needs. When you are facing death. Even when everything seems to be going well & you just enjoy the presence and joy of the Holy Spirit. [Editor's comment: I believe what Dan Beller has written. When I was baptized with or in the Holy Spirit with the intitial evidence of speaking in tongues, I prayed in tongues for three days off and on. I can truthfully declare to you that this Pentecostal blessing is real and it is for you regardless of church affiliation. As the editor of Hugh's News I am interested in learning how you were introduced to Hugh's News. I would like to enlist your response. You may write me at: hugh@hughsnews.com Every day, I receive a graph chart of how many people visit our website, in addition to the number of people who are subscribers. On Saturday, March 23, more than 13,039 people visited our website, and read Hugh's News by accessing it via our website: www.hughsnews.com. It is obvious to me that God has called this evangelical/Pentecostal newsletter into existence, and He has and is sustaining it through the gifts or contributions of its readers. Hugh's News, Inc. is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State as a non-profit organization. God has enabled us to obtain a 501 (C) (3) IRS Tax Exempt Status that enables you to get a tax break when filing your Federal Income Return. This is my 22nd year of publishing Hugh's News. We began with only 13 original subscribers, and more were added as they learned about this newsletter that shares the news of the IPHC (International Pentecostal Holiness Church), the church where I am a member and an ordained minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, we endeavor to publish news and inspirational articles to bless other members the body of Christ worldwide. For those who desire to contribute to Hugh's News, Inc. you are invited to give as the Holy Spirit directs you. You may Click Here to get instructions how you can give to express your gratitude for this ministry. Hugh's News is dependent upon the generosity of its readers. No church or any other organization underwrites Hugh's News. As the editor I have never taken a salary for my work and ministry. I do what I do as a calling from God to bless His people. The Scriptural Mission of Hugh's News is described in Daniel 12:3, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever" (NIV). Our prayer is that souls will be saved and brought into the Kingdom of God. There is no other way to be saved than the Cross of Jesus. It is there we must all bow and confess our sins, repent of them, and place our trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NIV). I need others like you to join with me in this mission God has given us to fulfill in the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, the Bible. I invite you to be a partner with me to continue the publication of Hugh's News. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3). There have been those of us who felt we had done something so wonderful because we totally forgave somebody who did something bad to us. We did it once, and we were so proud of it. It was such an unusual thing, you can never forget it! But that is not resilient love; resilient love is when love is not an ordeal but a habit, so that when they lie about you next week, you just bounce back and you do not try to clear your name or try to set the record straight. It is when you are not even aware anymore that you do it. In his first letter, John states a truth about resilient love. He says, "There is no fear in love" (1 John 4:18). In this instance the NIV translation improves on the King James Version, for it goes on to say, "But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." It means you want to punish somebody who has hurt you; you want to make them look bad; you want to give them the cold shoulder; you want to tell them what they did to you. And do you see why is it that we are afraid? We are insecure. The best illustration is the story of how Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt. He spoke to them in private, with no one listening, so nobody would know who had hurt him or what had been done to him. He wanted to protect his brothers. This was resilient love. It is when there is such absence of fear that you do not want anybody to know what they did to you. I want to ask you a question: Has somebody hurt you, and have you told anybody that the person hurt you? Why did you tell them? You wanted to punish the one who hurt you; you wanted to make the person look bad. But there is no fear in love. Another thing about Joseph was that he did not want his brothers to be afraid of him. If you want to keep somebody afraid of you, it is because you are afraid and insecure, and you want to be able to control them. But fear has no place here. Excerpted from When God Says "Well Done!" (Christian Focus Publications Ltd., 1993). Mrs. Gwendolyn Fulcher Moore, 92, passed away on Wednesday evening, March 27, 2019 at Southwood Nursing & Rehab. Center in Clinton, NC. A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Boone & Cooke, Inc. Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ben Rose officiating. Interment will follow in Ridge-View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm before the service at the funeral home. Mrs. Moore was born in Spray, NC on May 14, 1926, a daughter of William Clyde Fulcher and Mary Ella Bell Fulcher, both deceased. She formerly worked as a secretary for the Eden News. She was a member of the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church in Eden, NC. In addition to her parents, Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her husband Forrest Durwood Moore, Sr. She is survived by her children, Dorris Moore, Betty Fraser, both of Harrells, NC, Barry Moore of Stoneville and Forrest Moore, Jr. of Eden. [Editor's comment: It was my privilege to know Gwen Moore and her husband Durwood Moore and their children. Gwen was a faithful and loyal member of the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church. This church is the church that Melvine grew up in and was a member. I have known Gwen since 1957 when I started courting Melvine. Gwen sang in the great choir of the church, and was a trained singer and soloist. She thrilled people as she sang in church and lifted the spirits of all present. Gwen and her husband Durwood were a fun couple and the Draper P. H. Church had a lot of couples that met every Sunday night after church and at other times for fellowship and fun. Melvine and I would have liked to be present for Gwen's funeral. We send our love, prayers, and condolences to the family. Pastor Ben Rose, a friend of mine, will conduct a memorial service in keeping with the wishes of Gwen. He is an excellent pastor, anointed Biblical preacher, and a tremendous leader in worship. Melvine, my wife, is presently hospitalized in St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, Georgia. Matt 6:8-15 Jesus taught His disciples how they should pray. This is how we should pray too.
8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. 10 Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. NKJV A strawberry and a cucumber grew up in the same garden patch. They were best buds growing up. As they grew older, they decided it was time to branch out, leave home, and see the world. So they hitched a ride on a nearby vegetable cart and took off.
Their first stop was at a local farmer's market. Unfortunately, that's where the trouble started. A big row broke out and they got separated, one of them ending up in a jam and the other in a pickle. In the midst of all Melvine is suffering God is still with us and loves us with an unfailing love3/29/2019 I didn't think things could get worse. I was wrong. It's been a rough two or three days in a row. When you don't hear from me, please know I am going through the waters, the fire, and more. However, in the midst of it all, God's Word still stands true, and God is with Melvine and me, as well as our son Greg. Let me give you a brief summary of what has happened on Thursday and Friday. Melvine was not her normal self. She thought she was going some where on Thursday, March 28. She dressed accordingly for going outside our home. I had to go to my urologist office for pre-op procedures. Then, I had to go to St. Mary's Hospital for pre-op. I had to have yet another ekg, blood work, see a nurse about all my medications. They took well over an hour. By the time I got through It was 2 'clock. I had an appointment with my pastor, Terry Kesling, to eat lunch. By the time I got home it was 4 o'clock. Pam Kesling, our pastor's effervescent and joyful wife, volunteered to stay with Melvine. She did a lot of work, folded clothes I had washed, hung them up accordingly, and organized things. The cleaning lady came by herself and cleaned our house. What a blessing Maria Garcia is to us. Her daughter, Cynthia, normally comes to help Maria. I was weary, and fell asleep in my recliner shortly after I got home. As Melvine was walking she fell and took a critical fall. We called the paramedics. They wanted to take her to Piedmont Hospital, formerly Athens Regional Hospital. We don't use that hospital. They would have to take her to Piedmont since it has a trauma center. I said, "No." Jeanette Phillips was at our home and volunteered to drive us. The paramedics got Melvine in my car, and Jeanette drove. We, fortunately, took a small wheel chair that Bonnie Bender let us use. We got Melvinie to St. Mary's Emergency Clinic, and a medical person helped Melvine get out of my car and placed her in the wheel chair. The clinic was under construction, and they had a make shift check in place. I had to sign a lot of papers. Soon, a tech came and took Melvine to her room and immediately took her to get xrays on her brain. Melvine's brain showed no damage, however, she has an acute scalp hematoma. Hanna was her nurse and she was awesome. Dr. Hicks came in and examined Melvine. He pointed out the hematoma, and told us we would have to watch Melvine closely. She could start bleeding any time. She could fall again because of her weakness. They gave her some IV fluids as she was dehydrated. He dismissed Melvine and we had to wait for the paperwork to be completed and we checked out. Jeanette drove us home. I told Jeanette that we needed to plan how to get Melvine out of my car into the wheel chair, and then, up a short step from the garage to the interior of our home. I called our Pastor Terry Kesling, and he came in a flash to help us. He lives about 10-12 minutes from our home. He knew how to bear hug Melvine and pick her up and place her gently in the wheel chair. He backed into the garage with Melvine seated in the wheel chair, and when they got to the step, he leaned Melvine and the chair toward him, and Jeanette was at the feet of the chair, and they smoothly brought the wheel chair and Melvine into our home. Pastor Kesling took Melvine to her recliner and helped her to sit in it. Melvine and I had not eaten any thing, and Jeanette fixed us sandwiches. Melvine ate most of her sandwich, and drank some of her diet coke, and some water. Then pastor and Jeanette left to go to their respective homes. My role was to get Melvine to the bathroom, help her with what she needed to do. As I tucked Melvine in bed she told me her elbows were hurting. I examined her right elbow and she got a minor scratch, but the jolt in falling hurt her and as my grandmother would say, "It stove her up." Oh, yes, I did give her her medications. I could not do a Hugh's News, that was out of the picture for me. I went to bed and slept soundly. Melvine woke me up at 6 o'clock exclaiming, "Hugh, I have fallen again. I am hurting. I don't know why I fell." She had used the toilet and had turned to walk to the sink to wash her hands and fell on her bottom. I could not get her up. I called Bonnie Bender. She and her husband, Sam, came as soon as they could get to our home. I had gotten Melvine to lie down on the floor and put a pillow under her head. Bonnie got there. I had opened the garage door and switched on the flood lights. She examined Melvine and said to me, "Pastor, I don't think Sam and I should try to move her. Will you call 911. I did, and in mere moments the EMT's from Barrow County converged in our home with a stretcher and took Melvine to St. Mary's Emergency Clinic. In the meantime, Bonnie covered Melvine with some towels to keep her warm. Bonnie got in her car and was there when they assigned Melvine a room. They diagnosed her problem as a urinary track infection. They immediately administered fluids with an antibiotic to combat the issue of a urinary track infection. We learned that it was the infection coupled with dehydration that caused her confusion, speech problems, etc. I took a shower and shaved and dressed. I fixed my breakfast and ate it. Sam was so patient with me and sat in our kitchen area with calmness and not saying any thing. Sam said he promised Bonnie that he would stay and help me to get in my car safely. I got in my car and buckled up. I drove to St. Mary's where Melvine was later admitted to the hospital. She is in room 3005. I talked with the doctor in charge and she told me they would keep her several days, and then, with my permission admit her to the rehab floor. Our former family physician, Stephen Chesser, is in charge of that floor. I believe in spite of the two falls in consecutive days, it is working out for Melvine's good, as well as mine. Things are looking brighter and more hopeful. We praise God for His goodness and mercy He gives us daily and moment by moment. We are keenly aware of His presence in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts. I called early this morning and cancelled our appointment with Dr. Jane Huang, Melvine's oncologist. We were to hear today about the results of the brain scan, an MRI. This was the third one, and I hope it will be negative as the first two were. I have three minutes to meet my deadline. So, I must type faster. Greg drove straight to the Hospital to be with his mother from Thompson, GA, where he teaches music in a middle school. Our next door neighbors, Hispanic and a lovely family with two outstanding children: a boy and girl, both soccer players, brought our supper, fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans and rolls. She brought us a gallon of 2% sweet milk and a container of apple juice. I waited to eat with Greg. we were watching Fox News, and I fell asleep in my chair. I am going to bed in a little bit. Please continue to pray for Melvine and me, as well as our Greg. Our mailing address is: Hugh & Melvine Morgan 17 Sweet Apple Lane Winder, GA 30680 My email address is: hugh@hughsnews.com I have started on my second 1,000 ministry cards which Arlette Revells has designed and printed. What a joy it is to share this blessing or benediction which Billy Graham wrote several years prior to his death at the age of 99. May God use this blessing or benediction to warm your heart, bolster your spirit, and in spite of any adverse circumstance you may be going through, please remember God loves you and gave His Son, Jesus Christ to be crucified, died, was buried, and the third day He arose from the dead. He died to save the world of sin and sinning, and He wants to save you and give you eternal life. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord this very moment. Call upon Him. He will save you right where you are.
Isaiah 43:1-3 What a wonderful Word to comfort us in our times of trouble
43 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. KJV ++++++++++ Isaiah 43:1-4 Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. Powerful! 43 But now, God's Message, the God Who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One Who got you started, Israel: "Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. 2 When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end — 3 Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! 4 That's how much you mean to Me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.) The old pastor made it a practice to visit the parish school one day a week.
He walked into the 4th grade class, where the children were studying the states, and asked them how many states they could name. They came up with about 40 names. He jokingly told them that in his day students knew the names of all the states. One lad raised his hand and said, "Yes, but in those days there were only 13." This past weekend I preached at the historic Belmont Church in Nashville, Tennessee, a congregation that God used powerfully to spread charismatic renewal across the world in the 1970s. This was the church that gave us actor Pat Boone, Christian singers Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, and many anointed songwriters and outreach ministries. For years, Belmont was led by Don Finto, a brave spiritual pioneer who was willing to challenge old denominational mindsets after he had a profound experience with the Holy Spirit as a leader in the Church of Christ. Don "retired" from his pulpit at Belmont in 1996, but he didn't even begin to slow down. He launched Caleb Company, an aptly-named ministry that focuses on mentoring and outreach to Middle Eastern countries. I interviewed Finto on the phone for Charisma a few times over the years, but I met him for the first time last Sunday. He was seated on the second row, beaming with all the energy of a 30-year-old. I learned before the service that he is 89. If you ask Finto his age, he emphatically says: "I'm 89 years young." My good friend Paul Gonzalez, who serves as Belmont's teaching pastor, told me that Finto traveled to the Middle East last month with a team from the church. After the team finished their mission and flew back to the United States, Finto flew on to a few other countries. He is a true road warrior. "Papa Don keeps the pace of a man half his age," said Gonzalez. "He carries boundless joy. His laugh is deep and genuine, and nearly everything he says he does so with a hearty laugh." Related Articles The Firm Foundation You Must Choose to Walk in Holy Health What's the secret to this kind of youthful energy in old age? Finto embodies principles that many of us need to grab now. Do you want to live long and finish strong? Here are a few tips: Keep yourself physically fit. Unless you are intentional about exercising regularly and eating healthy now, your body won't be strong in your 90s. If you carry around a lot of extra weight in your 40s, your heart or joints may fail—even in your 50s. Make a decision today to treat your body like a temple of the Holy Spirit so you can live longer. Let God's passions become yours. People who are consumed with God's purposes have an inner drive that renews them. Isaiah 40:31 says it best: "But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." An intentional focus on Jesus will give you extra energy—and the same boundless joy that makes Finto laugh so much. British Christian leader George Mueller demonstrated this youthful energy in old age. When he was 70, he embarked on a 17-year period of missionary travel that took him to 33 countries. (This was before air travel, so he sailed on slow-moving ships.) It was his passion to share Christ with the world that kept Mueller moving at a frenetic pace until age 87. He died at 92. Hang around young people and invest in them. Finto is known in Nashville as a mentor to younger leaders. Even though he turned Belmont Church over to his successors more than 20 years ago, he continues to provide coaching and fatherly counsel to the next generation. You are more likely to find him mentoring and worshiping with a group of 20-somethings than playing shuffleboard with retirees. Stay in step with the Holy Spirit. Finto made a decision long ago to move with the cloud of the Holy Spirit. When the charismatic renewal hit this country in the 1970s, he didn't dig in his heels and cling to old religious wineskins. He broke away from Church of Christ traditions and moved the church into a season of fruitful growth. Finto is a modern Caleb—and he reminds me of that biblical patriarch. Caleb said at age 85: "I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in." Caleb never looked for a comfort zone. He never parked on yesterday's victories. He was always looking for the next challenge, and eager to embrace the new thing God is doing. No matter how old you are, I hope you will decide to live a life of spiritual passion. Don't let life grow dull. Let the Holy Spirit renew your strength until your last breath. [J. Lee Grady was editor of Charisma for 11 years before he launched into full-time ministry in 2010. Today he directs The Mordecai Project, a Christian charitable organization that is taking the healing of Jesus to women and girls who suffer abuse and cultural oppression. Author of several books including 10 Lies the Church Tells Women, he has just released his newest book, Set My Heart on Fire, from Charisma House. You can follow him on Twitter at @LeeGrady or go to his website, themordecaiproject.org. He is an ordained minister of the Gospel with credentials in the IPHC. He is currently the executive editor of Encourage, ad digital online magazine published monthly on our IPHC website. J. Lee Grady is a friend of mine and he has given me permission to publish his articles in Hugh's News. |