8 He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
NKJV
Micah 6:8 What God requires of us
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? NKJV
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A young man called his mother and announced excitedly that he had just met a young lady of excellent character and virtue that interested him very much. What should he do?
His mother had an idea: "Why don't you send her flowers, and on the card invite her to your apartment for a home-cooked meal?" He thought this was a great idea, and a week later, the woman came to dinner. His mother called the next day to see how things had gone. "I was totally humiliated," he moaned. "She insisted on washing the dishes." "What's wrong with that?" asked his mother. "We hadn't started eating yet." Paul encouraged Timothy to “make full proof” of his ministry in 2 Timothy 4:5 KJV. With these words, this young minister was challenged to demonstrate the true characteristics of a person and pastor who is called by God, and is obedient and faithful to Him. A Pastors role is about being and doing. Pastors who fulfill the Biblical role, as demonstrated by our Lord and instructed by the Apostle Paul, should be acknowledged and honored by the church. Scripture admonishes us to know those who labor among us and to honor them. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NIV says, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” II Timothy 5:17 NIV says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” As we approach “Pastor Appreciation Day," I want you to consider the following acrostic for the word PASTOR. P – Preacher -- The preacher is to “Exalt the Savior.” Jesus said when we lift Him up, He will draw all men unto Him. Preaching is not about us, but about Him. He has been exalted and given a Name that is above every name. A – Administrator -- An administrator has the responsibility to “Establish the Structure.” Paul told Titus “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished.” A faithful pastor seeks to create a Biblical structure so the church can stay on mission and be obedient to our Lord. S – Shepherd -- The Shepherd should “Encourage the Sheep.” A loving shepherd will be faithful to feed and lead, to guard and guide the sheep under his care. T – Teacher -- As a Teacher, the pastor must “Equip the Saints.” Ephesians 4 challenges the pastors and teachers to “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” O – Overseer -- The Overseer must diligently and continually “Examine the Spirits.” Paul warned Timothy that in later times there would be “deceiving spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1, NIV). John the beloved also reminded the church to “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, NIV). R – Restorer -- The Restorer should “Extend the Staff.” Pastors are always looking for lost sheep. In Luke 15, Jesus shares how the shepherd is not satisfied to have most of the sheep at the end of the day. A faithful shepherd is like his master Who came to seek and to save the lost. Our Shepherd loves His sheep and wants us to find them. The Shepherd/Pastor goes out into the night to rescue and restore those who have wandered away from the fold. The work and burdens of these servants of God have never been greater. One of the greatest needs of pastors is for people who will join with him or her in the work of the ministry. Hopefully you are asking “what can I do to help my pastor?” Below are just a few ideas that would mean so much to your spiritual leader:
+++++++ October 8th is Pastor Appreciation Day—a time for congregations within the IPHC to formally recognize the work of their spiritual leaders. 2017’s Pastor Appreciation theme is based on First Corinthians 9:19, “I have made myself a servant to all that I might win the more” (ESV). Pastor Appreciation Day is a joint venture between Women’s and Men’s Ministries. Click the links below for resources to use for your Pastor Appreciation service. Please make a special effort to honor your pastors on October 8, 2017. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine" (1 Timothy 5:17, NKJV). You will not want to miss this year's Homecoming at Emmanuel College. One of the highlights will be the Dinner Theatre on Saturday night at 6 o'clock.
We will also be joined by Buck Hodge and the Northwood Temple Players on Saturday evening for a Dinner Theater performance of “Please Don’t Shoot, I’m Just The Messenger.” Now is the time to rally around our alma mater. Our presence and support of our college is crucial in these changing times. I was grieved to hear of Brother Jack Foley's passing. We have been members of the Cornerstone conference together for many years. I believe he was admitted to the conference in 1955 and I transferred to the conference from the Alaska conference in 1956. I never had the privilege of being with him except within the conference meetings from time to time over the years. He always showed his deep appreciation for me whenever we were together. I taught Sonda at Emmanuel College early in my tenure there and have always treasured knowing her and her dad over the years. They hold a special place in my heart as I know she occupied a special place in her Dad's heart. Certainly we will miss Brother Jack, but our loss is heaven's gain. God bless his family and loved ones.
2017 Promotional Conference:
LifePoint Ministries IPHC Promotional Conference (Business Session) is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Emmanuel College Swails Center in Franklin Springs, Georgia. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the session will begin at 10:00 a.m. We plan to dismiss at 3:00 p.m. This Promotional Conference will include: Presentation by the Presiding Bishop, Dr. Doug Beacham State of the Conference Report Missions Emphasis Program Luncheon (Banquet) Licensing and Ordination Service Memoirs Committee Report Recognition of LifePoint Churches "He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, NKJV).
God is looking for a few good men and women. Men and women who are willing to go against the current of popular opinion, to hold firm convictions in a world where “anything goes,” to speak the truth when it is not politically correct, to walk with God when everyone else is running away from Him. God is looking for those who believe that what He says is more important than what anyone else says, that what He thinks is more important than what anyone else thinks, that what He wants is more important than what anyone else wants. that His will is more important than their own. God is looking for another Noah. Another Meshach. Another Shadrach. Another Abednego. One person with God is not alone but a majority! Blessings, Anne Graham Lotz President Ron White is a man of faith and prayer. He has wisely chosen to lead Emmanuel College on his knees. The Bible says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much ( James 5:16, NKJV). Let us join with Dr. Ron White in daily prayers for Emmanuel College and for Dr. White and Carol, his wife. Here is what he wrote on Monday, September 25, 2017: The Waters Trembled When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.(Psalm 77:16 NLT & NIV) Today's meditation:
Ron White, Ed. D. President Emmanuel College 181 Springs Street Franklin Springs, GA 30639 706.245.2803 Beverly and I were honored to attend the 32nd Anniversary of New Hope PHC in Newport News,VA. September 24,2017. Pastor Larry Jones and First Lady Gloria rolled out the red carpet for their guests and congregants. There was an air of expectancy and excitement. Vibrant worship and stirring congregational singing lifted the spirit of all attendees. The Holy Spirit's presence was very evident. With great joy, Pastor Jones and his administrative council announced the retirement of the church mortgage. By the mighty hand of Jehovah-Jireh the debt had been paid off early. Tears of joy and gladness rolled down the faces of the attendees. It was a hallelujah time. Pastor Jones conducted a "note burning" and there arose a shout in the camp! Special music and praises to God filled the air. I was invited to speak for the Homecoming--my topic was "Jubilee." From Leviticus I drew out the principles, history and application of Jubilee. We rejoiced in the Biblical concepts of Freedom from Debt and Freedom from Spiritual Slavery. At the conclusion of the service a delicious meal prepared by the ladies of the church was thoroughly enjoyed. The beautiful fellowship hall replete with a first class kitchen and beautiful appointments provided a warm environment for the meal to be received! Pastor Larry and Gloria Jones are to be commended for their church planting efforts 32 years ago. As a result of their labor a vibrant congregation is now thriving in Newport News!! [Editor's Comment: Rick Haug is a promising Christian journalist and his reporting gets better and better. He is an extraordinary communicator. I can easily see why Pastor Larry Jones invited Rick to be the speaker for this most significant 32nd anniversary of New Hope Pentecostal Holiness Church in Newport News, VA.
I met Larry Jones during the time I was the senior pastor of the Richmond First Pentecostal Holiness Church. He is an effervescent person, and lights up a room whenever he enters it. It is evident he is a strong leader, and his long tenure after planting this Pentecostal Holiness Church validates his steadfastness and staying ability to complete the mission God has given him. May God's richest blessings rest upon Larry and Gloria Jones. Before you talk, listen.
Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. May God help us all to following this wisdom in our daily lives. This benediction is so awesome that I must share it today with you.
1 Chronicles 29:9-15 Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the LORD; and King David also rejoiced greatly. NKJV Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said: "Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. 13 "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name. 14 But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You. 15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope. NKJV A very successful lawyer parked his brand new Lexus in front of the office, ready to show it off to his colleagues. As he got out, a truck came along, too close to the curb, and completely tore off the driver's door of the Lexus.
The counselor immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and it wasn't more than 5 minutes before a policeman pulled up. Before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, the lawyer started screaming hysterically. His Lexus, which he had just picked up the day before, was now completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how the body shop tried to make it new again. After the lawyer finally wound down from his rant, the cop shook his head in disgust and disbelief. "I can't believe how materialistic you lawyers are," he said. "You are so focused on your possessions that you neglect the most important things in life." "How can you say such a thing?" asked the lawyer. The cop replied, "Good grief man, don't you even realize that your left arm is missing? It got ripped off when the truck hit you!!!" "Oh my!" screamed the lawyer, looking down at his missing arm. "Where's my Rolex?" It is imperative that I share with you this video which our Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham and Bishop Thomas McGhee have made and sent to our church leaders, pastors, and church members. Every pastor in the IPHC is encouraged to take an offering in his church for Southwestern Christian University. Every church member is asked to prayerfully consider what God would have you give to meet this financial need at Southwestern Christian University. Bishop Doug Beacham shares in this video the fact that some 30 students received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior in the first chapel service of this fall semester. No other investment is more valuable than the one or ones we make in youth for their Christian education. Let us agree to believe God will provide the finances through people like you and me to meet this financial need. You'll be glad you took advantage of this opportunity to help our university in Bethany, Oklahoma meet this challenge with success. Bishop Thomas McGhee, Executive Director of Discipleship Ministries To watch this video Please Click Here on this Hyperlink I have prepared for you. As the former third president of this 70-year-old institution of Christian higher education, Southwestern Christian University I want to be a part in the giving to meet this pressing financial need. I know something of the burden and responsibility every college or university president has to provide for the financial stability and well-being of the college for the students, faculty and staff. I have sat where the current president, Dr. Reggies Wenyika, sits, and I have an affinity for what he must be experiencing. We can stand together like Aaron and Hur who lifted up the arms and hands of Moses in a great military battle. Let us once again read the Scripture passage that records this famous story of a military victory that was under-girded by prevailing prayer. Exodus 17:12-13 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up — one on one side, one on the other — so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword (NIV). Our God is a Big God and has unlimited resources. He uses people like you and me to give of the resources He has given to us to bless institutions like Southwestern Christian University. I am grateful for the leadership of Bishops Doug Beacham and Thomas McGhee for taking the initiative to make us aware of this urgent need, and did so with clarity, honesty and sincerity. Melvine and I will be praying and asking God what He would have us give to this cause. We ask you to do the same by asking God what He would have you give in a special offering for Southwestern Christian University in their time of financial need. The first thing we all must do is to offer prayers for this our church owned university in Bethany, Oklahoma. Here is how you can give by check: Southwestern Christian University Urgent Financial Need P. O. Box 340 Bethany, OK 73008 Or, you may give online at: https://give.swcu.edu/ You may, also, Click Here on this hyperlink I have prepared for you. When you do, you will go directly to the page where you can give by Credit Card. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Franklin Barrow, Retired Chaplains Assistant, has introduced me to this beautiful book, Fifth Day Sea Creatures, that his son-in-law, Christopher Wade, has done so beautifully.
Franklin Barrow was saved in the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church, and was a neighbor to Melvine and her family. He supports the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church with his offerings, as well as a number of ministries of the IPHC. This is a gorgeous book with a bold and compelling message. On the fifth day God created sea creatures. Check out Chris Wade's website to see a photo of one of the creatures: http://www.cewade.com/ . . . or you may wish to Click Here on this hyperlink to connect you immediately to the website of Chris Wade. Chris Wade uses a combination of watercolor and pointilism to illustrate his sea creatures. He also uses a one word description for each creature. Therefore a Blue whale is "Big"; a Coelacanth is "Fancy," and a Sea Horse is "unique" and so on. These simple one word descriptions are appropriate for young years but lovely, sophisticated illustrations are for everyone with an eye for beauty. This is a good book to consider purchasing for gifts at Christmas. You may order Fifth Day Sea Creatures at Barnes and Noble, as well as Amazon. As the editor of Hugh's News, I endeavor to be as accurate as possible. Sometimes with the best intentions imaginable, I am prone to make mistakes. It is all apart of the human predicament. However, I will not use that as an excuse for I am responsible for my own actions, words, and writing. When I make a mistake I want to be the first to own it, and confess it, and correct it if possible.
The name of Pastor Randy Hill's wife is Bonnie Weeks Hill. Bonnie has a sister named Gayle. Gayle is married to Scott Campbell, the son of the late Carl Campbell, a prince of pastors who pastored in Richmond, VA. Bonnie and Gayle are daughters of Layton and Sara Weeks. Sara passed away a few years ago. She was a lovely Christian lady and we all loved her dearly. I met all these dear people when I was the senior pastor at the Richmond First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Randy Hill pastored a church near Williamsburg, VA. I think it was called Toana Pentecostal Holiness Church. I remember driving over there a couple of nights to see and hear Jerry B. Walker. All of the Weeks' family dearly loved Jerry B. Walker. He was an outstanding evangelist, unlike anyone I had ever met. Great things happened if Jerry B. Walker was in a worship service. Why? I believe it was because Jesus was so paramount in his life. He really loved Jesus and it was evident. Over the past two weeks we have discussed the tale of two storms. Which needs the most attention? Which one do we deal with first? Do we calm the outer storm, to bring peace to the inner; or do we calm the inner, to bring peace in the face of the outer? Our tendency is to pray, “We perish!” prayers, and pray for the weather to change, for the storm to go away, for the trial to cease. Jesus reminds us, “In the world, you will have tribulation, but in me, you will have peace!” And then He said remarkably, “I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33). There is nothing wrong with praying “I perish!” prayers. Or with notifying God that we are in a storm. Nothing wrong with asking for intervention or provision. Nothing! But the mistake comes when we think that the quality of our inner life is maintained by manipulating the external by prayer; when we blindly and automatically attempt to get God to fix the outer as the first and best answer, if not the only cure. God’s way, at times, may involve deliverance from the fire and flood, at other times, it is deliverance through such things. And that is resilient faith! It is the faith that says, “We will arrive at the other side, despite what the wind and waves seem to say.” God has the first and the last word in the matter. Suppose you are a first responder. A man, it seems has fallen from a steep cliff into the edge of the waters below. Those on the scene pull him from the water and off the rocks. He has broken limbs with deep cuts and lacerations, and he is bleeding severely. His fractures are compound. What do you suppose is your first wisest action, as a medic? Bind up the wounds? Stop the bleeding? Splint the broken limbs? Actually, it is none of those, as important as they are, the first issue is not his wounds, but his life! Is his heart still beating? Is he breathing? Without the force of life inside of him, bandaging wounds would be futile. The issue is always the vitality of life! It is the inner man, not the outer man! He indeed may be perishing, but without breath and without a heartbeat, the focus on the external is not helpful. We live in an age of reductionism. Magical rainbows are reduced to refraction of light. Smells are explained as blind attractions by humans, animals and insects. We are all a set of spinning atoms and neurons, differentiated only by our DNA. All a part of cosmic mystery being unraveled by science. “We’ll understand it better by and by,” is not attributed to spiritual perception in the hereafter, but in scientific exploration here and now. The Gospel was against such a notion. It declares man to be a ‘special’ creation, worthy of redemption, with an invitation to bring our concerns to God. Fallen, yes, but still the objects of God’s loving concern. The rabbis came to Jesus with questions about the law, “What is written…what do you think it means?” Jesus answered not with an emphasis upon the law, but on love, “Love the Lord … with all your heart; and you neighbor…do this and you will live” (Luke 10:26-28). We live out of duty. Oswald Chambers said, “It is by the heart that God is perceived and not by reason…” Half the population of the Roman Empire were slaves, humans treated as chattel. But the Gospel, elevated men. It was a message about a God who came to bring life to all classes and peoples. As Irma was hitting the Florida Keys, I received a request from FoxNews.com to submit an article along the lines of what I would say to those after the storms passed. I agreed to do my best, but knew immediately that I didn't want to write what I wanted to say, but what God wanted to say. And so I began to earnestly seek Him. I knew I needed to be very careful not to put words in His mouth. Did He have something to say through the storms? The following is what came to me. It was posted on the FoxNews.com homepage Sept. 12. Within weeks, we have experienced record-breaking fires in the Northwest, record-breaking hurricanes in Texas and Florida and a record-breaking earthquake in Mexico. What is happening? Are these disasters random? Just freaks of nature? Or is something more significant intended? The answer may be found in an incredible Biblical story. The Old Testament book of 1 Kings 19 records a dramatic scene when the Lord God passed by as the prophet Elijah stood in the mouth of a cave. The description is eerily similar to ours, because first there was a great and powerful wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice—the gentle voice of Father God speaking to His frightened, weary child. God used the earthquake, wind and fire to get Elijah's attention, because God had something to say. Our situation is so similar to Elijah's it begs the question: Is God using these storms to get our attention because He also has something to say to us? Yes, He is. What is it? I believe God is saying in essence what He said to Elijah. His message can be broken into four parts: Be comforted. The fact that God spoke to Elijah revealed God's presence. God is with us. He has promised, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5b) God is right there. With you. Now! And He understands what it feels like to be stripped of everything. Be blessed. God told Elijah He would bring help. And God did. He brought Elisha alongside. God will bring us help, too: First responders, FEMA, friends, neighbors, family—even strangers will come alongside to help in the work of rebuilding. They are moved to do so by the Spirit of God, so even in the mess, mold, muck and misery, we are aware of heaven's blessing. Be encouraged. God told Elijah there were more faithful believers in God than Elijah was aware of, implying Elijah's life had been more impactful than he knew. Our lives also have eternal significance. No man is an island. Life is not just about you. Me. These storms have given ample opportunity for us to understand that life is about something bigger than we are. It's a good time to reorder our priorities and private world. Be ready. God gave Elijah another assignment—a purpose. And I believe God has a purpose for us. We need to look to Him and be ready for what's coming next. Because soon after Elijah's sensational confrontation with God, he was "raptured." Taken up into heaven without seeing death. Don't miss this implied message. In the words of Jesus, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also" (John 14:1-3). Heaven is waiting! Jesus is coming! The signs He gave signal that His coming is imminent. On that day, don't be left behind. Be ready to meet Him face to face. Turn to Him now. Place your trust in Jesus. Related Articles Anne Graham Lotz Issues Urgent Prayer Ahead of Hurricane Harvey Anne Graham Lotz: How the Church Can Help the Nation Heal God is speaking through the storms. Are you listening? Anne Graham Lotz, second child of Billy and Ruth Graham, is the founder of AnGeL Ministries and chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task Force. She has authored 15 books, including her latest, The Daniel Prayer. This article originally appeared at annegrahamlotz.org. "God never said the Journey would be easy, but He did say the Arrival would be Worthwhile" (Max Lucado).
Every need He is supplying, Plenteous grace He bestows. Every day my way gets brighter, The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows. These lyrics are from Bill and Gloria Gaither, "The Longer I Serve Him." Thanks be to God for His Indescribable Gift! Words are inadequate to describe God's Gift. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 God's Gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ--a Gift too wonderful for words! 10 For God is the One Who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will give you many opportunities to do good, and He will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. 12 So two good things will happen — the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanksgiving to God. 13 You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you. 15 Thank God for his Son — a gift too wonderful for words! NLT [Editor's Comment: Could it be that God is right now preparing you to produce a great harvest of generosity that will inspire others to give with amazing generosity? As we give to help meet the great financial need of Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma, God is also speaking to many others to give generously and with a cheerful heart. Our giving to our university will bring joy and praise to God to those who will receive these fund to pay off the debt that they owe. A man walked into the office of an eminent psychiatrist and sat down to explain his problem.
“Doctor, doctor! I’ve got this problem,” the man said. “I keep hallucinating that I’m a dog. It’s crazy. I don’t know what to do!” “A common canine complex,” said the doctor soothingly. “Relax. Come here and lie down on the couch.” “Oh no, Doctor,” the man said nervously, “I’m not allowed up on the furniture.” |