Isaiah 54:16-17

16 "See, it is I Who created the blacksmith
who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I Who have created the destroyer to work havoc; 
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from Me,"
 declares the Lord. 
NIV
+++++
Isaiah 54:16-17
16 I create the blacksmith
who fires up his forge
and makes a weapon designed to kill.
I also create the destroyer —  
17 but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged.
Any accuser who takes you to court
will be dismissed as a liar.
This is what God's servants can expect.
I'll see to it that everything works out for the best."
God's Decree. 
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

​In a recent Round-table Discussion Group the question was asked of the Ministerial Panel, at what point does life begin.

The Baptist Preacher spoke first and said "At conception, of course!".

The Presbyterian Minister said "No, no, it's certainly begins at birth".

The Catholic Priest tried to buffer the obvious argument point and suggested "Perhaps you're both wrong, and it's a compromise in that the fetus is not functional with a heartbeat until the third month".

They had to prod the Jewish Rabbi for his answer, and he finally leaned forward to his mike and spoke softly "All of my friends here are wrong. Life begins when the last child leaves home, and the dog they left behind dies!!!".

Ramblin’ an’ Rumblin’ XIII
Hope, Confident Expectation is in the Lord

Author: Wayne Brady

In this season of darkness that seems to have enveloped the earth, many people have become disillusioned by the ostensibly and almost unbelievable turn of events that have transpired. I have heard the lamenting of some Christians who have let themselves become victims of the disinformation from the news media. Worry and anxiety appears to have grown into a crisis situation in their lives. But we must turn off the TV, Internet, Facebook and go to the information that is always prevalent and true, the Bible. Only by trusting the truth can our worldview line up with the teachings of Christ allaying our worries, fears and anxieties of our present, disconsolate circumstances.

Recently, Connie and I have been doing some closet cleaning in the office closet. Over the years I have accumulated hundreds of pages of research, some of it now yellow or coffee stained, and a lot of it had to go. However, I did find some information that I had put away and forgot where I put it!!!! Among the yellow, aged papers I found one of Connie’s papers that I think is still relevant for today’s world and situation.

WHEN EVIL SEEMS TO BE WINNING, I WILL BE LIKE:

Paul- Forget those things which are behind and keep pressing forward.
David- Lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
Abraham- Trust implicitly in my God.
Enoch- Walk in daily fellowship with my Heavenly Father.
Jehoshaphat- Prepare my heart to seek God.
Moses- Choose rather to suffer than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
Daniel- Commune with my God at all times.
Job- Be patient under all circumstances.
Caleb and Joshua- Refused to be discouraged because of superior numbers.
Joseph- Turn my back to all seductive advances.
Gideon- Advance though my friends be few.  
Aaron and Hur- Uphold the hands of my spiritual leaders.
Isaiah- Consecrate myself to do God's work.
Andrew- Strive to lead my brother into a closer walk with Christ. 
John- Lean upon the bosom of the Master; imbibe of His Spirit.
Stephen- Manifest a forgiving spirit toward all who seek my hurt.
The Heavenly Host- PROCLAIM the message of peace and goodwill toward all men.
MY LORD HIMSELF- Overcome all earthly allurements by refusing to succumb to their enticements.

Realizing I cannot achieve these objectives by myself, I will rely upon Christ for, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

On Thursday, I talked with Greg two or three times by phone. He reported he had need of several items he had lost in moving from room to room. Wesley Russ has helped me to get the items he needs. Wayne and June Butler will take them to the hospital for Greg.

I talked with a Nurse Practitioner as well. He gave me more information than anyone up to this point in time. He told me that Greg's diagnosis was complicated because of several factors. First, he had a urinary tract infection (UTI).  He had bacteria in his blood. He used the term "Sepsis" a word that had not been used before when I talked with doctors, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses.

I looked the word "sepsis" on the Internet and this is the definition I found:

"A potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity."

Greg is off all antibiotic IV's. However, he does have other issues to deal with. The nurse practitioner said that Greg has been a very sick person. When He lost a large amount of blood due to an ulcer in his stomach, his body went into shock which could have ended his life. They had to do a tracheotomy and put him on a ventilator to save his life.
 
The social services and financial services are endeavoring to get him government financial assistance. He has no insurance and no income.

I would like to request that you pray that God will direct the leadership at the hospital to locate a rehab facility with medical people who can help Greg through his recovery process. He is not ready to come home. I cannot take care of him with my physical limitations.

I am trusting God to take care of this important matter for Greg. I truly believe God has a plan for Greg's life beyond anything we had ever thought about. God is at work in Greg's life as well as mine. Philippians 1:6, tells me that God is at work in Greg's life to bring it to fulfilment until the day of Jesus Christ.

I am truly grateful for all of your prayers which have reached the throne of God. Your voices have been heard and are being heard in heaven. Prayer changes things.

Your friend in all seasons,

​Hugh H. Morgan

I called and talked with a spokes person for The Gate Church in Oklahoma City on Thursday, January 21, 2021, and learned that there is no information as of yet for the memorial service and obituary for their pastor, Bishop Tony Miller.

As soon as the details are made available I will endeavor to inform you.

We were all shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of Bishop Tony Miller. According to what has been told me Bishop Tony Miller died in his church on Tuesday night of an apparent heart attack or stroke. The paramedics tried to resuscitate him on the way to the hospital and were unable to do so.

Let us continue to pray for his wife, Kathy, and the Miller family, as well as the church family at The Gate Church in Oklahoma, City. We will respect their privacy as they endeavor to process the death of Bishop Tony Miller.

From my memory of the beautiful church on Council Road in Oklahoma City, and the expansive and well-designed campus it was Pastor Ron Dryden, a friend of mine, who lead the congregation in the construction of this large church facility. I knew Ron's parents, Levurn and Bonnie Dryden, and his sister, Paula. His parents along with a relative sang in the original Healing Waters Trio for Oral Roberts Crusades and radio broadcast. That relative's first name is Lovie Miller. I have lived so many years I have come to know scores of IPHC people. That knowledge has served me well as the editor of Hugh's News now for 24 years.

News Flash!

I am grateful to Bishop Doug Beacham for alerting me to the fact that there is a statement about the funeral arrangements for Bishop Tony Miller on the website of The Gate Church. Here it is:

We are saddened to share with you that Bishop Tony Miller went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
The Miller family would like to thank everyone for your outpouring of love and support over the last several days. Your words of encouragement and the memories you have shared have been a tremendous source of comfort during this difficult time. 
We will celebrate the life of Bishop Tony Miller on Tuesday, January 26, at 5:00 p.m. at The Gate Church, as well as online, Facebook, and YouTube. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday, January 25, from 4:00-7:00 p.m and will be under the direction of Baggerly Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034.

As a pastor to pastors, Bishop Miller dedicated his life to seeing everyone reach their full potential and raising up the next generation of leaders. A Tony Miller Memorial Fund has been established to ensure that his legacy continues to impact lives around the world. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TonyMiller.tv/partner or Cash App $tonymillertv. His legacy also continues through the digital Tony Miller Vault which contains decades of Bishop Miller’s sermons and teachings.

*If you are a part of Destiny Fellowship, please RSVP to https://tonymiller.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/703897.

Decisions, Decisions!

One of the greatest gifts the Lord has given us is the power to choose. In fact, every day we are faced with literally hundreds of choices. The question is, are we making the right ones?

Think about your own life for a moment. When you have a decision to make, do you normally go with the flow, doing whatever feels right…or do you pray for wisdom and ask the Lord for insight? 

I love Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV). 

If you are anything like me, you know how easy it is to lean “on your own understanding.” However, just because something might sound good, feel good, and look like the right thing to do, it doesn’t mean it’s God’s best for you or necessarily the right direction to take.

Let me give you an example. Early in my ministry, I had the idea to do a local TV talk show in St. Louis. We got a group of ladies together who were well educated in the Bible, and we rented some studio space at a local TV station to do the taping. 

I was trying to do an interview show, but every time I asked a question, I’d answer it myself! I just couldn’t quiet down long enough to let anybody else respond. 

Obviously, this didn’t work because it was my plan, not God’s. In six months we received one piece of mail!

A few years later, the Lord directed us to go on TV and we didn’t have a clue what we were doing. We rented a banquet room where the ceiling was too low and some of the tiles were caving in. We placed a podium on a stage, and for a backdrop we took this blue thing that looked like a shower curtain and strung it up on a pole behind me. 

It looked ridiculous, but the very first day my program aired, we received 125 calls! That was the beginning of our television ministry, which continued to expand and now airs throughout two-thirds of the world.  

Proverbs 3:7 says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” I believe God is telling us, “Don’t think you can run your life and do a good job without My help and direction.”

Sure, we can come up with some good ideas on our own, but many times we settle for good when God wants to give us great. 

It seems many Christians struggle with making decisions because they’re afraid they won’t hear from God. However, the Lord longs to give us direction, and He desires to speak to us in so many ways…

First and foremost, He has given us His Word. The Bible tells us that God’s Word is alive, active and powerful (see Hebrews 4:12). In fact, John 1:14 says this about Jesus, “The Word became flesh.” 

So, when we read and study the Bible, we’re not just reading a good book; we are actually spending time with God Himself. And the Bible is our instruction book for life!

The Lord can also speak to us through our conscience, other people, and even the world around us. But one of the main ways the Lord will direct us is through peace. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

This is saying that just as the umpire in a ball game decides if the ball or player is “in” or “out,” similarly, peace is the umpire that decides if something in our lives should be in or out.

There have been times when I have been invited to speak at a conference or special event, and I have really wanted to accept. However, I didn’t have peace about doing it, so I decided to decline. 

Now, I may not always know why I shouldn’t go, but I have learned (sometimes the hard way) that God knows things I don’t.

I encourage you to let the peace in your heart decide with finality every question that arises in your mind. If you are getting ready to make a major decision, ask the Lord for His guidance. Remember, when you acknowledge Him in all your ways, He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:6).

If you aren’t used to praying about decisions, it may seem awkward at first. But the more you seek the Lord and ask for help, the easier it gets…and the more sensitive you will become to His presence and direction. 

Don’t settle for “good enough.” God has a great plan for your future, and as you seek Him for guidance, He will be faithful to lead you in every single decision you make.
***********

For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-teaching CD series Unleashing God’s Wisdom. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org. 
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored more than 100 books, including BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND and her newest devotional QUIET TIMES WITH GOD (FaithWords). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org.

Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Copyright © 2021 Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved www.joycemeyer.org.  

​In These Dark Times, We Have the Hope of Heaven on Earth

Author: J. Lee Grady

Posted in
Fire in My Bones

Last week I watched one of my favorite movies, The Hiding Place. I've probably watched it 50 times. Near the end of the film, Corrie ten Boom goes to the crude hospital in the Ravensbrück camp to see her sister, Betsie, through the ice-covered windowpane. Betsie can barely lift her head, but she waves and tries to smile. Corrie knew this might be the last time she would see her.

I cried at that point in the film because the scene reminded me of the last time I saw my 92-year-old mother through the glass door at her nursing home. Even though her facility is 10 minutes from my house, I'm not allowed to visit her because of a COVID-19 outbreak there.

When we know a loved one is close to death, we naturally feel sad. But I was reminded afresh that even though Corrie experienced unspeakable loss when Betsie died in that awful Nazi camp, the two sisters are now reunited. They both loved the Lord. They are together now—and there are no lice, filthy barracks or sadistic guards with whips. The sad goodbye in that horrific hellhole in Germany was followed by a joyful reunion in the presence of Jesus in heaven, where all tears are wiped away.

Have you ever wondered if you will see your loved ones in heaven? Of course you will, if they are followers of Jesus. When we are raised to life in Christ, we will still have our identities. I will still be me. You will still be you. And if we have a friendship now, we will have a friendship in heaven. And we will make many new friends from all over this current world.

Whenever life gets tough, I remind myself that something so much better awaits me. I know I have more work to do on this side of heaven, and I am praying for fresh strength to fulfill my assignment. Jesus gives me supernatural joy to face any trial here on earth. But I am also filled with hope that a glorious future awaits all who love Jesus.

I read the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn at the beginning of 2021. It's my favorite book on the topic because it clearly shows how much the Bible says about our eternal life with God after this fallen world has passed away. Alcorn writes: "If you're a child of God, you do not just 'go around once' on Earth. You don't get just one earthly life. You get another—one far better and without end. You'll inhabit the New Earth! You'll live with the God you cherish and the people you love as an undying person on an undying Earth."

Most Christians think very little about heaven. We stay focused on the here and now, until we attend a funeral and get a quick reminder of how short life really is. We lack an eternal perspective.

In previous generations, Christians sang often about heaven. Today, our music avoids the topic. That's why I've added a classic Gospel song to my playlist. Vestal Goodman's version of "The Holy Hills of Heaven" is old-fashioned, but it makes me cry every time I hear it. One compelling part of the song says: "I see loved ones over yonder/ Their tears are gone/ and their hearts are free/ and from the throne King Jesus beckons/ Oh the hills of gold are calling me."

Colossians 3:1b says, "set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne" (GNT). We should sing about heaven more and preach about it constantly. It is the greatest hope we have. One day this dark, sinful world will end, and a glorious new earth will become our eternal home.

Thinking about heaven is not escapism; it is the best kind of therapy. When I grow weary of this world—the corruption, racism, political divisions, viruses, cancer, tyranny, hatefulness and injustice—I remind myself that Jesus has defeated death and will one day recreate this world to be the sinless paradise He always intended for us.

In heaven there will be no hospitals, nursing homes, masks, ventilators or social distancing. There will be no pandemics. There will be no murders, riots or funerals. I have read the last chapters of the Bible. Revelation 21:4b (NASB) says: "There will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain."

If you are a believer in Jesus, you have the sure promise of a home on the other side. Think about that often; sing about it, and tell everybody else about it.

[Used by permission by J. Lee Grady. He is the current executive editor of Encourage, an online digital magazine published monthly by the IPHC. J. Lee Grady is an ordained minister of the IPHC. He is a friend of mine. I esteem him highly as a man of God and a gifted and talented writer.]

A Reason Isn’t a Right

Author: Bob Shafer

Today’s Scripture

"To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory" (Isaiah 61:3, NLT).

It’s easy to have a good attitude and pursue our dreams as long as everything is going our way. That doesn’t take a lot of faith. But what about the difficult times—when a relationship doesn’t work out, or you get a bad health report, or a friend does you wrong? It’s easy to lose your passion when you’re hurt. Too many people are sitting on the sidelines of life because they’re injured. Now they’re nursing their wounds, not moving forward because of what they’ve been through.

You may have a reason to feel sorry for yourself, but you don’t have a right. God promised He will give you beauty for those ashes. He said He would pay you back double for the wrongs, but you have to do your part. If you’re going to see the beauty, you have to shake off the ashes of self-pity. You have to shake off the discouragement and get back in the game. Every person has injuries. We all have wounds, but you can’t let a loss, a health issue, a divorce, or a hurt be an excuse to sit on the sidelines. Today, get back in the game. Know that your best days are ahead. Know that He is working things together for your good, and He has victory in store for your future!

A Prayer for Today
Father, I praise You for Your love and compassion toward me. Today I choose to obey You and shake off the past. I shake off self-pity and discouragement. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and begin to move forward into the good things You have in store for me. Thank You for giving me beauty for ashes and turning my sorrow into joy. I declare my best days are ahead in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Wake-Up Thought
God wants to give you beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for despair. But here’s the key: you have to let go of the ashes before God can give you the beauty. Ashes represent what’s left over after something’s been burned up—our broken dreams, our disappointments, our hurts, our failures. We all have our share of ashes, and God wants to give us beauty in exchange for them.

Arise in Prayer - Day 18 of 21

Author: Ron White

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. (Psalm 23:1-4 NLT)

The shepherd walks; the sheep follow. Imagine him speaking softly as he walks before you. He listens intently for any signs of distress or danger. Walking and talking, he leads you to provision and rest in fields, by streams, on good paths, and even in dark valleys. Try walking and praying with this image of the shepherd leading. Prayer walks get you out in God's creation. Maybe it's a simple walk in your neighborhood or around a track. Maybe it's hiking on a trail or in a park. Wherever you walk, pray. Walk and pray, for he is close beside you, listening and gently leading.

Pray for the future of Emmanuel College. Pray for more students to enroll this fall. Pray for our faculty and staff, especially for new hires to fill vacant positions next fall.

Pray every Thursday for clear vision and abundant resources to fulfill God's mission for Emmanuel College for 2021 and beyond.

​Basis for Hope

Author: Anne Graham Lotz

"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he" (Proverbs 16:20, NKJV).


When God had told Noah He was “going to bring the floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens,” He had also said He would establish a covenant with Noah and his family to keep them alive along with all the animals who would come to him (Gen. 6:17-18, 20). Noah had God’s promise that God would bring him through the Flood to new life on the other side.

Have you been in a situation that has proven to be extremely stressful? It may not have been as stressful as a nuclear holocaust or a devastating flood, but has the pressure been great enough so that consuming fear and worry have been your constant companions?

When you find yourself drowning in overwhelming circumstances, ask God to give you a promise to which you can cling – a promise on which you can base your hope. Hope that is based simply on what you want or what you feel is not a genuine expression of faith. Our hope must be based on God’s word.

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz

Copyright © 2021 Anne Graham Lotz (AnGeL Ministries) Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved www.annegrahamlotz.org. 

​Prayer for 2021 - Day 21 - Caleb Wehrli -- Confident in God (Philippians 1:6)

Day 21 is here!  It's hard to believe the last day is here. We've heard from incredible leaders from all over the world. We pray you have been strengthened and encouraged during these 21 Days of Prayer for 2021. 

Prepare to be challenged and inspired as you hear from Caleb Wehrli, Empowered21 Executive Director. 

WATCH NOW

​Unbelievable "Private" Army Museum

 This man's private Army Museum must be the best in the world.   Watch the video by Clicking Here.

This is beyond remarkable!! An Unbelievable Display of Arms.

I wonder how many square feet are in this building.

I have never heard of this place.  It's in Colorado Springs, CO. 

The guy must be independently wealthy to afford all this.

Everything in there is completely functional. Pretty Wild !!!!!

[Editor's Comment: Gay Shepherd from Elon, NC sent me this most unusual video. I watched the whole thing in amazement. I hope you will enjoy it.]

Isaiah 54:9-10  God's unfailing love, covenant of peace, and compassion

9 "To me this is like the days of Noah,
when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth.
So now I have sworn not to be angry with you,
never to rebuke you again. 
10 Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor My covenant of peace be removed,"
says the Lord, Who has compassion on you. 
NIV

There were 3 sisters living together 92, 94 and 95 years old. The oldest went upstairs one evening to take a bath. As she was getting in the tub with one foot in and one foot out, she called down to her sisters, "Am I getting in the tub or am I getting out of the tub?"

The 94-year-old decided to go upstairs to see if she could help figure out the situation. She got to the 3rd step and stopped - then called out, "Was I going up the stairs or was I coming down the stairs?"

The 92-year-old, sitting at the kitchen table, thought she better knock on wood and as she knocked on the kitchen table she said, "I hope I never get as bad as my sisters. Now was that the front door or the back door?"

My good friend June Butler, wife of my former associate pastor Wayne Butler, is my spokes person to assist me with the financial/social workers at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. She brought a lot of paperwork for me to sign on Wednesday for Greg as his father, to obtain financial assistance from the state. In addition, June mailed the signed documents and three of my letters. Greg has no insurance. He has been without a teaching position for over a year when he was insured.

June is an entrepreneur and has her own medical records business and knows how to communicate with billing agencies and financial/social workers. I really don't know what I would do without her. She has taken a heavy load off my shoulders. I praise God for friends like June and Wayne, and their daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Marcus Eason. They have a daughter named after our Stephanie. Jodi and Stephanie were like a big sister and a little sister. Jodi is a speech therapist and works with rehab patients and others. She is tops in her field. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

I was gratified to receive an email from Jodi on Sunday, the first anniversary of Melvine's death. Jodi wrote: "You taught me to pray specifically and use names when I pray. I still do that. You’ve made a great impact on me and so many others, just as Melvine did!"

It is wonderful to be affirmed by the people in the church, especially a young person like Jodi. It makes me realize anew that my labor as a pastor was not in vain.

In the providence of God, my best friend in the known world, Wesley Russ, has come back to my home to help me with making some important decisions, and helping me in my home.

I am grateful to God for this opportunity for Wesley to come to assist me in these days of decision.

​I am blessed to have a friend like Wesley Russ. He is indeed a servant leader. He does it with joy and kindness.

Dancing in the Desert

“This is an amazing and inspiring story! It is also an important book. Dr. Oxley’s willingness to open the shaded windows of her life will surprise and encourage many. Her analysis of the brokenness in American families is distressing because it is so destructive and so widespread. Thank God that she and
others stand in the gap for these families. That story will grip readers. Perhaps that compelling and emotional narrative will also take many to new depths
of prayer and action for those battered by the harsh realities of modern life.”

Dr. A. D. Beacham, Jr.
General Superintendent,
International Pentecostal Holiness Church

“As I read Dancing in the Desert, Dr. Beverly Oxley’s memoir, I felt guided by a strange and beautiful sense of hope. She welcomes readers to dance during
their own dry seasons. We can relate. Pain visits us. Questions come. Tsunamis interrupt our plans. How are we affected? How do we endure? How do we get
better? Dr. Oxley’s narrative helps readers address those questions and deal with hurts in a way that heals the spirit. Welcome to the desert. Begin to dance.
And be better from it.”

Chris Maxwell
Author, Pastor, Spiritual Director at Emmanuel College

[Editor's Comment: I have just finished reading Dr. Beverly Oxley's phenomenal book, Dancing in the Desert. I could not put it down. Her exceptional communication skills in writing captured my attention. I am amazed at the candor, honesty, and integrity this book presents. It is a memoir of the life of a special lady who overcame many obstacles to become a school teacher and earned a Ph.D. degree in psychology at Georgia State University. Her life is indeed remarkable and worthy of a wide reading audience.

When I became the third president of Southwestern College in Oklahoma City (now Southwestern Christian University) Beverly's husband, Paul Oxley, was a professor of Bible and Theology in the School of Christian Ministries in the college. I remember when their second daughter, Andeena, was born. I knew her aunt and uncle, Leon and Lorene Crosswhite, who were members of Muse Memorial Church where my family and I attended church. Later, Paul and Beverly moved to Franklin Springs where Paul taught at Emmanuel College until his retirement; and Beverly taught school in Franklin County until her retirement. I know a number of people she mentions in this book.

Beverly Oxley has been a special education teacher, a school psychologist, college teacher, and is a licensed psychologist. She is the CEO of Wellsprings Psychological Resources in Franklin Springs, GA.  Her counseling service has brought hope to many children and parents who has been overlooked.

I would like to encourage you to purchase and to read this exciting and educational book that will set your feet to dancing wherever your desert might be.

You may purchase Dancing in the Desert by ordering it on Amazon. Dr. Beverly Oxley is personally absorbing all the publishing costs of the book so that ALL PROCEEDS go to The Ark Family Preservation Center, a nonprofit 501 (C) 3 organization located in Franklin Springs, GA. If you would like to contribute to this ministry you may write: The Ark Family Preservation Center, P. O. Box 157, Franklin Springs, GA 30639. You may contact Beverly Oxley through her email address at:boxley@thearkfamily.org for more information.

Arise in Prayer - Day 17 of 21

Author: Ron White

"So don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT).

Too many of our prayers are about asking. Yes, we are encouraged to ask in order to receive, but our prayers should be balanced with expressions of love, honor, thanksgiving, praise, and simply being in His presence. And the things we need? Jesus says that unbelievers worry about this stuff, but that we shouldn't because our Father already knows what we need. Loving parents provide what their children need. So it is with our heavenly Father. He is not cruel or stingy. Have confidence that He already knows, and in His timing, we will receive. 

Seeking the Kingdom includes praying for others - the lost, the less fortunate, the discouraged, the sick; Kingdom leaders and workers; our families, our friends, our co-workers; our churches, our schools, our colleges; our communities, our states, our nation, to name a few. 

Pray every Wednesday for wisdom and common sense to prevail on our campus, throughout our communities and cities, and across our nation.

It's Time to Pray for President Joseph R. Biden

Author: Hugh H. Morgan
​
Yesterday, January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden was inaugurated as our 46th President of the United States.

I had opportunity to watch the proceedings on television in the quiet of my home. Those who planned the ceremony included people of all races, colors and creeds. I listened with interest to the inaugural speech by our new President Joe Biden. He talked about bringing unity and peace to our nation. He said he wants to be the president of all Americans, and that he will treat all alike, those who voted for him and those who didn't.

Our country is divided. Some 74 million Americans voted for President Donald J. Trump. Approximately some 80 million Americans voted for Vice President Joseph R. Biden. This election has given to our new president the White House and both Houses of Congress.  

We are now in an unprecedented time in our history and prayer has never been more needful. Only God can bring healing and unity to our nation.

The Bible instructs to pray for all in authority. That includes our president and all elected officials. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:1-4, NIV).

In These Dark Times, We Have the Hope of Heaven on Earth

Author: J. Lee Grady

Posted in
Fire in My Bones

Last week I watched one of my favorite movies, The Hiding Place. I've probably watched it 50 times. Near the end of the film, Corrie ten Boom goes to the crude hospital in the Ravensbrück camp to see her sister, Betsie, through the ice-covered windowpane. Betsie can barely lift her head, but she waves and tries to smile. Corrie knew this might be the last time she would see her.

I cried at that point in the film because the scene reminded me of the last time I saw my 92-year-old mother through the glass door at her nursing home. Even though her facility is 10 minutes from my house, I'm not allowed to visit her because of a COVID-19 outbreak there.

When we know a loved one is close to death, we naturally feel sad. But I was reminded afresh that even though Corrie experienced unspeakable loss when Betsie died in that awful Nazi camp, the two sisters are now reunited. They both loved the Lord. They are together now—and there are no lice, filthy barracks or sadistic guards with whips. The sad goodbye in that horrific hellhole in Germany was followed by a joyful reunion in the presence of Jesus in heaven, where all tears are wiped away.

Have you ever wondered if you will see your loved ones in heaven? Of course you will, if they are followers of Jesus. When we are raised to life in Christ, we will still have our identities. I will still be me. You will still be you. And if we have a friendship now, we will have a friendship in heaven. And we will make many new friends from all over this current world.

Whenever life gets tough, I remind myself that something so much better awaits me. I know I have more work to do on this side of heaven, and I am praying for fresh strength to fulfill my assignment. Jesus gives me supernatural joy to face any trial here on earth. But I am also filled with hope that a glorious future awaits all who love Jesus.

I read the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn at the beginning of 2021. It's my favorite book on the topic because it clearly shows how much the Bible says about our eternal life with God after this fallen world has passed away. Alcorn writes: "If you're a child of God, you do not just 'go around once' on Earth. You don't get just one earthly life. You get another—one far better and without end. You'll inhabit the New Earth! You'll live with the God you cherish and the people you love as an undying person on an undying Earth."

Most Christians think very little about heaven. We stay focused on the here and now, until we attend a funeral and get a quick reminder of how short life really is. We lack an eternal perspective.

In previous generations, Christians sang often about heaven. Today, our music avoids the topic. That's why I've added a classic Gospel song to my playlist. Vestal Goodman's version of "The Holy Hills of Heaven" is old-fashioned, but it makes me cry every time I hear it. One compelling part of the song says: "I see loved ones over yonder/ Their tears are gone/ and their hearts are free/ and from the throne King Jesus beckons/ Oh the hills of gold are calling me."

Colossians 3:1b says, "set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne" (GNT). We should sing about heaven more and preach about it constantly. It is the greatest hope we have. One day this dark, sinful world will end, and a glorious new earth will become our eternal home.

Thinking about heaven is not escapism; it is the best kind of therapy. When I grow weary of this world—the corruption, racism, political divisions, viruses, cancer, tyranny, hatefulness and injustice—I remind myself that Jesus has defeated death and will one day recreate this world to be the sinless paradise He always intended for us.

In heaven there will be no hospitals, nursing homes, masks, ventilators or social distancing. There will be no pandemics. There will be no murders, riots or funerals. I have read the last chapters of the Bible. Revelation 21:4b (NASB) says: "There will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain."
​
If you are a believer in Jesus, you have the sure promise of a home on the other side. Think about that often; sing about it, and tell everybody else about it.