Matt 2:19-23   The Home in Nazareth
(Luke 2:39)

19 Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead." 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 

22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." 
NKJV

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Luke 2:39-40   The Family Returns to Nazareth

39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 
NKJV

There is no doubt about it. God prepared Melvine to be my bride, and He had prepared me to be her groom. It really took a miracle for the two of us to meet. The road to that meeting in 1957 took me to Holmes Bible College and Furman University. 

I had planned to stay in Mobile, Alabama and work in the Toulminville Pentecostal Holiness Church as an assistant to the Rev. Mr. R. D. Hodges, the pastor. I had enrolled at Spring Hill College, a Jesuit college, to study psychology. I lived in the basement apartment owned by Lee and Rachel McCrory who were members of the church.

Meanwhile, through circumstances that presented themselves and the working of the Holy Spirit in my life, I felt a call to go to Holmes Bible College. That was a big step for me. I was late for the opening of school and wondered if Dr. Paul F. Beacham, the president, would accept me as a student. I had surrendered my will to do the will of God, and low and behold Dr. Beacham accepted me as a student.

I adjusted to the life of Holmes and was assigned to the work crew. We worked hard, and came in tired and hungry. I always took a shower. I met some of the finest young men whom God had called to ministry as well as me.

In the meantime, I was given an opportunity to sing in a quartet with Roland Harrell, Eddie Wood, and Willard Wagner. They needed a bass singer to complete the quartet. I was their last hope.

Daneel le Roux was filling in as a pastor of the Appomattox Pentecostal Holiness Church in Virginia. He was a school teacher. He was endeavoring to help the conference superintendent fill a pulpit. Well, Daneel requested a quartet to come for a weekend revival, and we were the quartet selected.

We had a snow storm on Saturday, but the church was full that evening as I recall. As a part of the program that evening, I played my trombone. While playing "How Great Thou Art" I saw the most beautiful young woman I had ever seen in the congregation. She had dark brown curly hair and dark brown eyes. She was gorgeous in her dress. I thought in my mind as I played my trombone, I am going to marry that woman.

That is when love hit me like a ton of bricks. I was hooked for life. From that night, I pursued a courtship with Melvine Stewart who lived in Draper, NC. Her next door neighbor was Betty Von Moore. They both were members of the Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church. Betty was dating Daneel, and Betty's father and mother brought them to the revival that Saturday night. Betty's parents were Melvin and Callie Moore. Melvine's parents were Russell and Frances Stewart.

Melvin Moore liked our quartet and he got his pastor to invite us for a two-week revival associated with a 10-day Vacation Bible School. That is when I got to see and be with Melvine each evening at church. I had opportunity to meet and talk with her parents whom I dearly loved.

After one full year at Holmes Bible College, with the approval of Dr. Paul F. Beacham, I transferred to Furman University, while living in the Men's Dormitory, and teaching Speech in the college and English literature in the high school, as well as helping Dr. Beacham in the church. I commuted to Furman for my classes, while finishing three years of Bible education at Holmes.

Across the nation, thousands of churches urge their members to begin the New Year by praying. The goal of that revival in you is for God’s glory to be revealed to a watching world that needs to know Him. When large numbers or high percentages of people are transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, spiritual awakening is the result. Communities change. Cities change. And yes, nations can change. Spiritual awakening is what we need in our nation, but revival of God’s people is a spiritual prerequisite.

Awaken is a guide to enrich your participation in fasting and prayer for a revival of God’s presence and work in your own life and church as the start to your year.

Sign-up to receive a daily email with the Awaken Prayer Guide January 1-21 by Clicking Here on this hyperlink I have prepared for you.
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Each day in this prayer guide, there are Scriptures designed to fix your focus on God and what He has to say to us through His Word -- thoughts that will challenge or encourage. May God increase your own hunger for His presence and power to such a degree that you will make every adjustment required to experience revival and awakening. I’m praying that God will increase your faith to believe Him for all He wants to do where you are. Don’t focus attention on how bad things may be around you. Get your eyes fixed on Jesus and what He can do. He is our Hope.

There are daily suggestions for prayer. Prayer is a relationship with the Creator of the universe. Jesus wants you to spend time getting to know Him and His purposes and His ways as you pray. He wants to speak to you about your life and your part in His plan for world redemption. You will notice that each day you are being asked to talk to the Lord about what you should do to apply what you are hearing from Him. Do not be a hearer only; become an obedient ‘doer’ of the word.

Fasting may be a new discipline for you. If so, do some research or ask someone about fasting. That may include denying yourself food, or it could include a fast from television or media for a season. Fasting heightens your hunger for God and your focus on Him, but it also provides you with additional time to pray. Fasting and prayer go together – as does giving. Here are some helpful guides:

    Introduction to Fasting
    Guidelines for a Daniel Fast

“Ye who now bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.”

During this time of joyous festivities, we also take time to remember those who have suffered from violence, those who are poor, and those who are marginalized. The story of King Herod seeking to kill the “holy innocents” reminds us that Jesus came because of the reality of the dark side of life – sin. He came to bring life, joy, and hope. Let us be a Place of Hope and a People of Promise this Christmas season.

Each Wednesday during Advent, our beloved Bishop Doug Beacham, General Superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, gives us a special message to think and pray about. This is the third in a series he has done. 

This video is called Good King Wenceslas. We as Pentecostals do not come from a liturgical background and are not familiar with Good King Wenceslas. It is important to learn about him and the tradition around his life. Bishop Beacham will explain it.

May I encourage you to Click Here to see and hear this third Advent message by our Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham. You will be blessed.

Grace and Guidance
By Dan Beller, D. Min.

“The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones; you
shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do fail” (Isaiah 58:11).

I had just preached at a church located an hour from where we lived. The Holy Spirit had anointed the giving and receiving of the Word. After the service, the pastor invited me to his home for a refreshment and visit. Ordinarily, this kind of gesture would have been received with appreciation but suddenly I felt a strong impression that I should drive home immediately. I explained this to the pastor who understood and I was on my way.

When I entered our home, I understood the reason for the urgent message given to me by the Holy Spirit. I immediately smelled raw gas and quickly turned off the furnace. I awakened my wife, Marie, and daughter, Dana, and led them outside to fresh air. We praised God that they were safe and their lives were not taken by asphyxiation or a terrible fire.
​
The next morning the repairman found that the furnace had malfunctioned. The main burner had turned on even though the pilot light had gone out.

After this near tragedy, I realized the blessing of God’s divine protection was given because of His grace and guidance. I had a new appreciation of the following Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). Also, I continue to give special praise to God for saving the lives of my wife and daughter.

The grace of God is so vital to every person. One meaning of grace is “Getting what you do not deserve or undeserved favor.” Another is “A desired kindness which is granted without expectation of return.”

An Old Testament concept of grace is “To pause, to stoop and to touch.”

The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, from darkness into light and even guides the
blind (John 16:13 and Rom. 2:19). The word guide is used in I Timothy 5:14 to mean “the
management and direction of a household.” Also, we are promised that God will deliver our
“household” (Acts 16:31).

Prayer -– “Father, thank You for your grace to guide and protect us day-by-day through the
leadership of the Holy Spirit.”

Concluding Thought -- “I will not depend upon my own words for God’s protection and guidance
but upon the redemptive work of Christ at Calvary.”

[Dr. Dan Beller: Biographical Sketch

Dan Beller is from the State of Oklahoma in the U.S.A. He accepted Christ as Savior at 10 years of age and later joined the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was called to preach the Gospel at the age of 18.

As a member of his denomination, he has served the church as an evangelist, Christian Education Director and Assistant Superintendent of the New Horizons Ministries Conference, pastored in Dallas, Texas, South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, Pryor, Oklahoma and Evangelistic Temple in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served for over 20 years on the General Christian Education Board and four years on the General Executive Board of the I.P.H.C.

He earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary of Pasadena, California, in June, 1983. He also received the Master of Divinity Degree from the Graduate School of Theology at Oral Roberts University, the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, and the Bachelor of Theology Degree from Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma City.

When he and his family came to Tulsa in 1967, Evangelistic Temple had 335 members with an average attendance of about 400. Under his leadership, the membership grew to 2,700 with attendance reaching 1,000 to 1,200. Eventually there were six services on Sunday, including the Spanish Congregation and the Iranian Congregation. The church in Tulsa had a weekly television program for more than 15 years. He is now Pastor Emeritus of Evangelistic Temple where he served as Sr. Pastor for over 34 years.

Dr. Beller served with Dr. David Yonggi Cho as a Board Member of Church Growth International and was privileged to speak at the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, where Dr. Cho is Sr. Pastor. He now serves as Honorary Board Member. The church there now has over 750,000 members. In 1979, he spoke at the Twelfth Pentecostal World Conference in Vancouver, B.C., with 15,000 in attendance.

In 1953 he married the former Marie Gosnell whose father, Rev. Lamar Gosnell, was a successful pastor for 49 years. Her grandfather and great grandfather were also ministers. They have one daughter, Dana, who has a Jr. College Degree from TCC & attended ORU & is married to Luis Acevedo. Luis and Dana have two daughters – Jessica, who is a graduate of Southwestern Christian University & is married to Ryan Parker, and Natalie, who has an Associate of Arts Degree from SCU and a B. A. Degree from UCO in Edmond, OK. Natalie is married to Roman Owen.  Jessica and Ryan have one daughter, Aubrey, and one son, Tristan. Natalie and Roman have a daughter named Olivia.]

A few years ago, I was flying into Amman, Jordan, about a week before Christmas. As I looked out the window, I saw both Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It dawned on me, I’m in angelic airspace right now. I was seeing these cities from a heavenly vantage. I pictured angels coming to shepherds with the Good News of Jesus, proclaiming tidings of joy. In a way, I had a divine view of the city that brought forth the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word Lord is a fitting term to use for Jesus. In the Old Testament, Lord was used as a substitute for God’s Name, YHWH. Because the Jews didn’t want to use God’s Name in vain, they’d say “Lord” instead of “YHWH.” In this context, it means the self-existent God, an inference to how God referenced Himself: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). When YHWH is used in the Old Testament text, you’ll find it capitalized as LORD.

But there’s another term used for Lord in the Old Testament, Adonai. Best translated as master or owner, Adonai was designated in the text using lowercase letters—Lord. Both words are used in relationship to God.

In the New Testament, various authors used Lord in reference to Jesus. But here’s an interesting twist, an illumination of Jesus’ divine life and mission. Both words—and hence, meanings—were used with Jesus. The Apostle Matthew, quoting Psalm 110:1, used—YHWH (LORD) and Adonai (Lord)—in relationship to Jesus: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’” (Matthew 22:44). For the New Testament authors, Jesus is both God and Master—LORD and Lord.

The use of the word Lord has several implications concerning Jesus’ divine life and mission. Let me give you three: prophecy, place and person.
Prophecy

First, Jesus’ divine birth was prophesied. In a host of texts throughout the Old Testament, we learn about Jesus’ first coming, His incarnation. One of the strongest is Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” His characteristics are described as both human and divine.

When you turn to Jesus’ arrival in the New Testament, John the Baptist told people to “Prepare the way of the LORD” (Matthew 3:3). For both Old and New Testament authors, Jesus is Lord; they foretold in prophecy Jesus’ divine birth and essence.
Place

Like Jesus’ incarnation as Lord, the place He was born gives us a glimpse of His divine nature. Micah prophesied, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (5:2). Matthew reinforced the fulfillment when he linked this verse to Jesus (Matthew 2:6). The “Ruler” is Jesus; Jesus is the Great Shepherd and Sovereign King, the One from “everlasting” (another clue as to His eternality; see John 1).

So, as I looked at Bethlehem from the airplane window, I couldn’t help but think of what occurred in this small city more than 2,000 years ago. Prophecy and place came together as shepherds worshiped Jesus and angels pronounced the Good News—proclaiming Jesus as Lord (Luke 2:11).
Person

The final point leads us back to the Person. One thing is clear: both Old Testament and New declare Jesus as Lord. Jesus wasn’t just a nice guy or just a great teacher (though He was both), but Lord of all, God in human form. The idea of Christ’s divinity wasn’t just a later development in church history but a truth woven into the Bible’s fabric. Three facts underscore this reality:

First, Jesus claimed divinity. He said He was God (John 8:58; 10:30, 33). And then He demonstrated His Lordship through His divine demonstrations (the power to forgive, cast out demons, read people’s thoughts and heal) and prophetic utterances (such as His own death and resurrection and the destruction of the Temple).

Second, the disciples recognized Jesus as divine. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas confessed Jesus as “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Thomas—and all the disciples—came to realize that Jesus was God, fulfilling His role as prophet, priest and king by rising as Lord and Savior.

Third, others claimed Jesus was God. The Father in Heaven affirmed His divine nature (Matthew 3:17; 17:5), the angels proclaimed Jesus’ Godhood (Luke 1:32-35 and Luke 2:11), and even demons recognized Jesus as Lord (Matthew 8:29). Here’s my point: Jesus claimed to be Lord and was regarded as Lord by those that knew His true identity. In the Person of Jesus is the fullness of God.
Conclusion

As my plane touched down in Jordan, I thought of it as an analogy. The Lord Jesus came to earth—touching down, if you will, from His heavenly throne. Jesus, the Second Person of the Triune God, took the form of man to redeem and restore. His mission completed, God lifted Jesus up, giving Him “the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).

That Name is the title that every tongue will one day confess: “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). He came as Savior, saving the world from sin, and as Christ, the anointed Messiah. But He also came as Lord, God in human flesh, sovereign over Heaven and earth, the King over the natural and supernatural (Colossians 1:15-20).

During this Christmas season, many of us sing a popular German hymn, “Silent Night.” The final refrain reminds us who it is we are honoring: “Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.” Prophesied in ancient times, a little town became the place of the Lord’s birth, hosting angels who gave Him honor as the most wonderful and unique person ever born: The Lord Jesus, God in human flesh. Let’s bend our knees and join our voices this year, proclaiming with the angels the birth of the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).  ©2018 Skip Heitzig

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version. 

[Skip Heitzig is senior pastor of Calvary Church. He hosts a nationwide half-hour radio program and is the author of several books, including The Bible from 30,000 Feet.]

"I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me" (Psalm 119:30, NKJV).

From the time we make the choice to open our eyes and get out of bed in the morning until we make the choice to go back to bed and close our eyes in the evening, our days are filled with a series of choices. We choose

where we go,

what we do,

what we believe,

and how we behave.

Our own lives, reputations, relationships, careers, health, future, and values are shaped by the choices we make. The choice

to lie or to tell the truth,

to seek vengeance or to forgive,

to ignore God or to acknowledge God,

determines the type of person we are. Without question, the most important choice you will ever make involves your attitude toward God and your relationship with Him.

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz

C​opyright © 2014 Anne Graham Lotz (AnGeL Ministries) Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved www.annegrahamlotz.org.

Matthew 2:13-18  The Flight into Egypt

13 Now when they (Magi: wise men) had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you Word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." 

14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." 

Massacre of the Innocents

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 

18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more." 
NKJV

The sign on the fence bordering a golf course in a southern city read: 

"Attention Golfers, We are raising small children behind this fence, so please refrain from enriching their vocabularies. Thank you!"

If I were younger, I would like to teach band in a high school. I remember my days when I played trombone in the Woodlawn High School Band in Birmingham. Mr. Gerald Smith was our band director.

These young people in the video you are about to see are disciplined, talented, courageous, mannerly,  patriotic, and inspiring.

Please Click Here to see and hear these youth without band uniforms but in casual clothes in a crowd of people in their town.

Melvine and I were relaxing in our home in Winder, Georgia, and thinking about the events of the day. Jeanette Herndon Phillips has stayed with Melvine while I was gone to Athens to have a consultation with the eye surgeon. Jeanette had gone to Farmer's Prescription Shop to get our prescribed medications.

The telephone rang, and it was my friend from Emmanuel College days back in 1952-53, Jack Shaw. He and Jane were on their way home from a trip to Atlanta. Jack asked if we were up to having him and Jane pay us a visit. I said, "Let me ask Melvine." Melvine said, "Sure, we would love to see them and have them visit in our home." 

Jeanette got back from the pharmacy with our medications.  She had come over prior to noon to prepare delicious potato soup and make us a ham and cheese sandwich with sweetened ice tea from McDonald's. That is good tea. She prepared a sugar free strawberry congealed dessert w/fresh strawberries with pound cake. It was just out of this world. So very good.

Well, Jeanette got her pots and other things, and left for her home in Watkinsville, GA. 

Melvine received a telephone call from her kidney doctor's office telling her that the lab tests revealed that the excessive potassium in her body were now at a normal level.  Dr. Pena had prescribed a new high blood pressure medication since the other one contributed to the high potassium level.

Shortly, the door bell rang. It was Jack and Jane at the door. Melvine was nearest to the door and greeted and welcomed them into our home.

I stood at my recliner chair and greeting them. 

They looked terrific. Jane has beautiful hair that is thick and full. She dresses sharply and had a Christmas outfit that was so attractive. She is blessed to have such a head of hair. Jack never seems to age. He is a sharp dresser and is always neat in his appearance.

We talked about some of our shared memories of the past. Jack team teaches a large Sunday school class at the church where he and Jane are members in Greenville, SC. He is involved with other ministries that God is abundantly blessing. 

Jack had prayer with us before they left. He prayed for Melvine's healing, for renewed strength, and blessings upon the doctors and nurses who treat Melvine. In his prayer he affirmed his and our belief that Jesus is the Healer and has the final Word. He prayed for my health and healing as well as the ministry God has given me to serve as editor of Hugh's News. 

​It is wonderful to have good Christian friends like Jack and Jane Shaw. We remembered them coming to our 50th wedding anniversary. Jack and Jane have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary with some 200 family and friends in attendance.

What a wonderful day Tuesday was.

"When was the last time you pitched your cross into the depths of your problem?"
Pastor Tim Hill challenges readers to re-examine their lives in his book The Speed of Favor. He focuses on how important it is to search your heart and ask yourself: Am I putting my ministry over my actual relationship with God?

Hill found he easily became lost in his pastoral responsibilities. At one point in his life, he hosted multiple television and radio ministries, and he hopscotched from one speaking engagement to the next. On top of that, the daily care of the church meant counseling members and attending an endless lineup of staff meetings to discuss construction for a new multipurpose facility.

Of course, this was all to the glory of God. Hill's commitment to his work was a testament to God's influence in his life. However, it got to the point when it was all performance, not power.

"I was still preaching well," Hill says. "People were being saved and the church seemed to be experiencing a good rate of growth. Yet I would soon be reminded that 'good' isn't the same as 'God.'"

Hill's experience reminds us of a sobering truth: If we speak in the tongues of men and of angels, if we have the gift of prophecy or the kind of faith that can move mountains, even if we give all we possess to the poor and surrender our body to the flames—we are nothing if we have no love. If it is all done out of habit or formality, not out of love, we get nowhere (see 1 Cor. 13:1-3).

It may seem like common sense on paper. But in practice, churches slip into placing more value on outward expressions of worship than on the heart from which it derives.

Hill says, "Some have mistakenly thought that singing faster songs, jumping higher, and shouting louder would get the job done. But I'm reminded of what Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians: 'Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?' (Galatians 3:3, KJV.)"


Hill reached a point when he walked into his office, and the idea of praying or reading the Bible for his own personal edification didn't even cross his mind. But with his head buried in work, he felt a voice deep in his spirit say:

"Shut it down. I want you back."

Stunned, Hill was prompted to take a spiritual inventory of his life. On the surface, he appeared to be in a strong place spiritually. But in reality, he felt distant from God. So much so that the words 'I want you back' felt branded on his heart. He believed God was calling him back to the passion that first fueled his ministry.
So he decided to make changes—especially to his workload. That way, he could pray more and ultimately carve out time to seek the Lord on his own. Hill turned down speaking engagements and TV and radio programs. He delegated church counseling to someone more qualified than he. He also realized he wasn't called to be a building contractor.

"I was called first to be a disciple of Jesus. Next, I was called to be a devoted husband and father, and then a pastor whose chief responsibility was to be spiritually alive so that I could better equip the church I served," Hill says.

The Speed of Favor includes stories of how Hill broke free from a powerless, status-quo Christian life and embraced a life that enabled him to make a difference in the lives of others. Building on his teachings on Amos 9:13, Hill calls readers to move to a new level of trust and confidence in God and a higher level of faith and expectation.

This article is based on The Speed of Favor: How God Exceeds, Increases, and Accelerates Your Life (Charisma House, 2019) by Tim Hill. Hill is an ordained bishop in the Church of God and currently serves as the general overseer. He is also a published author and Gospel songwriter. He travels extensively across the United States and around the world, ministering at major denominational and interdenominational conventions, camp meetings and conferences.

The Light Still Shines 

December 5, 2018

Dear Friends,
I love the Christmas season! The lights, cards, music and crispness in the air, all reflect this special time of the year. This is my first Christmas as President of Southwestern Christian University, and the Advent season has arrived. As I write this letter it is 34 degrees. The new Christmas decorations are beautiful on campus, and the students are wrapping up a very successful semester. The annual Chrismon service and the REAL meaning of Christmas was shared during our chapel service today. I had the privilege of placing a star on the Chrismon tree. The star symbolizes Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the bright and morning Star. What an honor!

I am quite sure during this Christmas season, somewhere in your home or at your church or in your decorated neighborhood there will be a star, or a star ornament, or picture with a star central to the image. The light from stars has a simple, but unique beauty.

Christmas, more than anything else is about Light. Jesus was born the LIGHT of the world. The star over Bethlehem shone brightly and guided the magi, who left their country and their comfort zone, to go worship the newborn King. The star has illuminated the hearts and minds of men and women and children ever since. The star still shines today and it is ever lasting.

The Star symbolizes so much: heavenly favor, wisdom, guidance, and aspirations. The star stands for high hopes and ideals, a hope for a blessing and to reach above oneself. It is believed that a miracle had occurred at the time of His birth. It is the light that guides and shows us the right path to travel in life. The brightness of the star is the symbols of enlightenment and victory of good over evil. On the campus of Southwestern Christian University, young men and women, our students, guided by the light, search daily for God’s will and are allowing the light of Christ to shine forth in an effort to change the world.

Our students invest thousands of hours into our community; many others go on missions trips, while others commit themselves to serving in local churches each week. There is no question that SCU students and graduates are hearing and answering the call to take the message of the cross and let the light of Jesus Christ shine to a world that so desperately needs it. As the graduates leave SCU they are determined to take the light into the work place and into the communities where they live. They cannot accomplish this without your support. The Star Still Shines!

I believe that every student should have the opportunity for a world-class, Biblically centered, and academically rich education. I believe that every student is a gift to us from God. To provide this rich education, I must have your help. Please be assured that SCU will never cease in its mission to produce graduates that are competent in their field of study, knowledgeable in Biblical studies, and Christians equipped to serve the Christian community and make known the name of Jesus Christ.

It has been said that if you want to change the culture, you reshape the minds and hearts of the next generation. You give them a solid Christian world-view, you help reshape them intellectually, morally, and spiritually. You ground them in the Gospel and equip them to serve Jesus, wherever they go. That is what the faculty, staff, and I do at SCU. Without faithful supporters like you, we simply cannot do this. Please continue to pray for SCU and assist us during this season and the end of the year.

We love and appreciate you, and we are so thankful to have you as part of the SCU Family. Let me assure you that the star still shines on the campus of Southwestern Christian University. Please assist us with your Christmas and “end of the year” gift today. I desperately need your prayers and your financial help. There is a spirit of newness at SCU—Come be a part of this New Day Dawning!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sincerely,


Tom L. Murray
​President

Dr. Dan Beller from Tulsa, Oklahoma has joined our online faculty for Hugh's News School of Biblical Theology.

Here is Dr. Dan Beller's teaching for today on Prayer, Tuesday, December 11, 2018:

PRAYER CHANGES YOUR WORLD
By Dan Beller, D. Min.

Susan Wesley, mother of John Wesley, had nineteen children but she prayed for
one hour each day. She had no private place to pray but she would sit in a chair, cover
her face with her apron and pray. The children were instructed not to bother her when
her apron was over her head.

One hour of prayer each day will change your world. Notice the one hour is less
than ½ of a tithe of your time. Giving God one hour each day in prayer equals 365 hours
per year, for a total of just over forty-five 8 hour days. Can you imagine taking off six
weeks from your work and spending that time with God in prayer?

E. M. Bounds stated, “Prayer is the contact of the living soul of God. In prayer,
God stoops to kiss man, to bless man, and to aid in everything that God can devise or
man can need.” Prayer gives eyes to our faith. In prayer we see beyond ourselves and
focus our spiritual eyes on God’s infinite power. Prayer is man’s ultimate indication of
trust in his Heavenly Father. Only in prayer do we surrender our problems completely to
God and ask for divine intervention.

In prayer, God changes you into a forgiving person. We are inspired to forgive
others when we realize how God has forgiven us. Jesus illustrates this truth by telling of
a man who had been forgiven of ten million dollars, but was then unable to forgive a
small debt of $20.00. (Matt. 18:22-35)

Prayer changed the life of Hannah. When she began to pray at Shiloh, she was
“in bitterness of soul” (I Sam. 1:10) but as she wept and desperately prayed, she stated,
“My heart rejoices in the Lord…I delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like
the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God.” (I Sam. 2:1-2, NIV).

The change in us is probably the most significant reason that God lets us seek desperately
and earnestly, for a period of time, those things which we desire. The greatest result of
daily prayer is that it changes your world.

Let us live with an attitude of prayer and see our world change. “…While they
are still talking to Me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.” (Isa.
65:24, LB).

[Editor's comment: I have known and loved Dan Beller for decades. He was one of my mentors 
when I was a pastor. His Biblical counsel was a great blessing to me. When I lacked wisdom in
certain areas I consulted Dan for help. He has served our denomination as a leader, and pastored
Evangelist Temple in Tulsa for many years. We welcome Dr. Dan Beller to our online teaching staff.]

[Editor's Comment: The honorable Allen Clark is a contributing writer for Hugh's News. Several years ago Allen and his wife, Linda, asked me to be their personal pastor. I have enjoyed a close relationship with them since April 2007. They are Spirit-filled Anglicans and loved Jesus. I am including Allen's Christmas letter to his family and friends. We are his friends so you and I are included. I enjoy reading what Allen write. He is an exciting writer and a speaker.]

"Our dear family and friends:

"Linda and I approach the upcoming Advent season with decidedly mixed emotions. Secularly, the horrendous weather conditions of the past year with its suffering imposed on its victims, the uproar of the mid-term elections, and the disquieting and sad conditions of so many in the world have been most unsettling, albeit with us in our safe and protected physical environment. But, all this is undergirded by our spiritual reminder again of celebration of the birth of our Messiah and Savior, Jesus the Christ, Who provides our personal path of peace through it all.

"Our 2018 was highlighted by Linda's visit to Catonsville, Maryland and her ministry there at a church for a presentation of her Women of the Bible dramas. She has continued her lay ministry with the initial writing of her second book, a fictional rendition of the maturation of the Christian faith of Claudia, the wife of Pontius Pilate. She has developed joint dramatic and musical programs with a good friend, retired as head viola musician with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. This new ministry is contactable at eagleswingsaloft@gmail.com.

"We enjoyed an incredible voyage across the Atlantic in late July on the Queen Mary 2. (Photo attached). The trip was enhanced with daily presentations by World War II veterans (yes, still vibrant and alert in their nineties), relating their first-hand histories of heroic, but yet, harrowing experiences during their war. For several days afterward we toured the beautiful and picturesque Cornwall coast of southwest England. We traveled also to Loughor, Wales for what might be termed a "pilgrimage" to Moriah Chapel, the 1904-1905 site of the Welsh Revival, inspired by Evan Roberts, in which it was reported that 100,000 were brought to the Christian faith, many of whom were killed in World War I.

"Allen met twice in 2018 with his Swiss-based daughter Elizabeth, who has accepted the task of bringing to completion the editing and self-publishing effort for Allen's third book, Soldiers' Blood and Bloodied Money. This manuscript reflects his Christian faith, the true history of our wars, not the revisions, and the consequent civilian and military casualties. On the book's web site one may register to receive notice, when it is published and available. (www.soldiersblood.com).

"Allen's younger daughter Christi continues to reside in Maryland with Allen's two grandchildren.

"We are looking forward to spending the Christmas holidays in Fort Worth where my Army West Point football team again plays in the Armed Forces Bowl.

"Linda and I are grateful for the continued gift of life in God's created world and the privilege of citizenry in our incomparable United States of America. May we merit our own blessings by honoring our Lord God, His Son Jesus, and our Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

I was my belief that I was to have surgery yesterday, Tuesday, December 11, 2018. However, it didn't happen. I did everything I thought I was to do. I filled out all the paperwork, about 7 pages and signed appropriately. I fasted before midnight on Monday, and until about 10:30 when I found out that I was having a consultation with the surgeon, Dr. Daniel Hwong, a Korean/American surgeon. Let me tell you about this outstanding young eye surgeon:

Dr. Hwang is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastics (reconstructive and eyelid surgeries), Asian eyelid surgery, and orbital surgery. His undergraduate degree is from Johns Hopkins University and graduate degree is from Harvard University. His medical school degree is from Columbia University.

I met him for the first time on Tuesday. My ophthalmologist, Dr. Victor Crosby, referred him to do my eyelid surgery. 

I asked him if he had ever lived in Los Angeles and he said, Yes. I asked him if he had ever heard of World Agape Mission Church and Pastor John Kim. He said, "Yes, that is a big church in Los Angeles." I told him about my relationship with Pastor John Kim, whom we call Bishop John Kim. I recruited two fine young Korean men from his church to be military chaplains, Suk Kim, an Army chaplain who is now as Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Chaplaincy. Sum Kim has a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The other fine young man is John Kwong, who became an Air Force Reserve chaplain. John is a graduate of Southwestern Christian University and Fuller Theological Seminary.  

Well, it is a small world.

Dr. Hwang told me what he will be doing and what I can expect. I will share that with you later. My surgery is to be scheduled in the near future.

Edith Ely, wife of the Rev. Dr. Bob Ely, former President of Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma, was the first person to respond to my appeal for help in transcribing the letter which President George H. W. Bush had written for the son of the CEO of IBM. 

Once again I want to thank Edith Ely for our excellent work and for coming to my rescue.

It is my sincere prayers that these principles of living which President George H. W. Bush, our 41st President of the United States, wrote will be read and copies of these principles of living will be given to children, youth, and adults alike during this Advent and Christmas season.

Here is Edith Ely's email to me:

Bro. Morgan, below is the letter of former President Bush’s advice to young people.

The letter says:

“I cannot single out the one greatest challenge in my life. I have had a lot of challenges and my advice to young people might be as follows

1.  Don’t get down when your life takes a bad turn. Out of adversity comes challenge and often success

2.  Don’t blame others for your setbacks

3.  When things go well, always give credit to others

4.  Don’t talk all the time. Listen to your friends and mentors and learn from them

5.  Don’t brag about yourself. Let others point out your virtues, your strong points.

6.  Give someone else a hand. When a friend is hurting show that friend you care

7.  Nobody likes an overbearing big shot

8.  As you succeed, be kind to people. Thank those who help you along the way

9.  Don’t be afraid to shed a tear when your heart is broken because a friend is hurting.

10.  Say your prayers!!

George Bush”

[Editor's comment: It takes a number of people to help me produce Hugh's News. I am grateful for all the help I get. Edith Ely was the first subscriber to respond to my request. Linda Thomas, from North Carolina, was the second person. I want to thank Edith Ely and Linda Thomas for their gracious response and excellent work. These two ladies have made it possible for me to share President George Herbert Walker Bush's advice to youth to you my dear readers.]