Fellow Workers for Christ

(The following was taken from “Sanctuary: Devotions for Every Day of the Year” by Dr. David Jeremiah).

“I think I ought to send my dear friend Epaphroditus back to you. He is a follower and a worker and a soldier of the Lord, just as I am. You sent him to look after me” (Philippians 2:25 CEV).

Epaphroditus was a fellow worker in the body of Christ, which is another reason why Paul was so fond of him.  Paul was without question a worker, and he was attracted to others who gave their all to the advancement of the gospel.

In the spirit of love, I must ask you the same thing I ask myself and those whom I pastor in my church:  Are you a worker?  If you are a Christian, I know you are a brother or sister.  But I want to know if you’ve moved beyond that point and become a worker for Christ.  Unfortunately, many in the body of Christ today are looking for the church that offers them the most services.  Who do they think provides all those services if not workers just like themselves?  If they do find a church offering what they are seeking, then they conclude, “This church is large and has everything all together.  They don’t need me to do anything.”  That perspective reflects a definite lack of knowledge about the church of Jesus Christ and it’s needs.

Every church needs its members to be workers.

Homesteads Apple Festival

New Beginnings will be participating in the Homesteads Apple Festival this year.  We will be selling Old Fashioned, Homemade Apple Butter.  The Apple Festival is September 24 and 25.   We hope you’ll stop by and say hello….and take home a jar of apple butter.

Onward!

Ok, it is abundantly clear to me that the enemy is very angry at what God is doing at New Beginnings. That doesn’t surprise me, though, and it doesn’t bother me either. I am confident in the God I serve! He has proven Himself over and over again in my life, and I trust Him.

The enemy is simply using some of the same old weapons he’s used against the people of God in every age: Fear, discouragement, shame. He used these tactics against the children of Israel through Goliath, and it worked…to a point. King Saul wouldn’t go out against him, he was afraid. The mighty men of war could be found hiding in fear, disheartened and discouraged by the taunts and stature of this giant-of-a man. Undoubtedly they were ashamed that they felt so powerless.

When David arrived on the scene he simply couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Here is this giant berating and challenging the armies of God and all the warriors were hiding. David went before the King and began to recall how God had used him in the past as he was taking care of his fathers sheep—a lion and a bear had each dared to take his sheep, but he boldly went out and faced those enemies and killed them. This giant would be no different.

I absolutely refuse to just lay down in fear and allow the enemy to intimidate me. Greater is He that is in me… I will not fear… I am not discouraged… I am not ashamed… There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
Today, I’d like to encourage you to stand up with me in the power of the risen Christ and let us PRESS FORWARD…TOGETHER.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Just a reminder that New Beginnings will be meeting at the Crossville Housing Authority Center tomorrow at 10 a.m.

http://mapfling.com/qn7am2t

God's Comma's

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

Someone has said, “We often put periods were God often puts a comma.” What a true statement! Many times we experience devastating situations and circumstances (be it in our families, home, church, state, nation or in the world); that may appear to be the end, and we become discouraged and disheartened. In the midst of such situations, we must learn to trust God and know He has the final word, and what looks like a period, an end, is an opportunity for God to come on the scene.

In grammar, periods and commas both perform very important functions. While the period serves to tell us to stop, or that we are at the end of a thought, commas perform a variety of functions. One of these is “to keep ‘time’ in the musical score of a sentence. To pause or not to pause? That is the question.” Commas serve to remind us that there is more to come, that the thought is not finished.

Throughout the course of human history God has moved in the lives of people in the midst of situations where it seemed a period had been placed. Joseph the son of Jacob had such a life. He ran into periods that seemed would be the end of it all, but God turned those periods into commas. Placed in a pit to die by his own brother, while on a mission for his father, sold as slave, imprisoned falsely for rape, forgotten by fellow prisoners and friends, it seems, until God’s perfect time for him to come forth. When facing his brothers after his father’s death Joseph revealed God’s purpose of all the commas of his life.

“And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:19-20 KJV).

All that Joseph faced through his life was bringing him to the place where he could be used to save his family and ultimately bring salvation to the world as an heir of Abraham and ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Job is another example of the commas of God. His wife and friends encourage him time and time again give up. They saw periods. They thought all was over when his children, home and possessions all destroyed.

As with Joseph’s life God had the last word, and turned Job’s periods into commas.
God promises to take life’s periods, and change them to commas if we will trust Him in the midst of our trials and storms. As we look at examples of those who have gone before us, who placed their trust in God, we can see how God brought them through, and we can know that He will do the same for us, too.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. {12} Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. {13} You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. {14} I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile" (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV).

This text reminds us of God’s love and care for us. In the midst of all of life’s periods—dead ends, detours and diversions—God’s plans for our lives will be fulfilled as we trust Him and walk according to His Word.

Dr. Tom Renfro's Miraculous Healing

The following video is a powerful testimony of God's healing power. I hope it will encourage and strengthen the faith of all those who are trusting God for your healing.

WHAT IF…

What if every Christian…

…Stopped thinking and speaking negative words about others and started speaking positive words of hope and promise?

…Stopped having unreasonably high expectations of others and started doing something themselves?

…Stopped living their lives based on fear and started living their lives based on faith in Jesus Christ?

…Stopped talking so much about God and started talking more to Him?

…Stopped focusing on religion and started focusing on their relationship with Christ?

The world is experiencing tremendous political unrest. Economies are declining. People are struggling. Families are crumbling. Millions of people are fearful, hurting and lonely. They are searching for peace….for something on which to hang their hope.

What would happen if every Christian were to truly model the New Testament lifestyle? How would the world (and our own families) be affected by such an attitude adjustment?

What if…we gave it a try?

Fill My Way With Love

George W. Sebren

Let me walk, blessed Lord, in the way Thou hast gone,
Leading straight to the land above;
Giving cheer everywhere to the sad and the lone,
Fill my way every day with love.

REFRAIN:
Fill my way every day with love,
As I walk with the heav'nly Dove;
Let me go all the while with a song and a smile,
Fill my way every day with love.

Keep me close to the side of my Saviour and guide,
Let me never in darkness rove;
Keep my path free from wrath and my soul satisfied,
Fill my way every day with love.

Soon this race will be o'er and I'll travel no more,
But abide in my home above;
Let me sing, blessed King, all the way to that shore,
Fill my way every day with love.

Daylight Saving Time

New Beginnings Website

We have a new online presence!  Yes, New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries can now be found on the world-wide web.  You can check it out at www.newbeginnings-crossville.org .

While the site is not complete at this time, our goal is for people who may be looking for a good church to attend, to be able to visit this site for information such as:

• · Who we are
• · Where we meet
• · What to expect on your first visit
• · What ministries we offer,
• · And much more

I invite you to check it out and offer any feed-back you might have. 

Special Announcement

Due to a scheduling conflict with the TAD Center, New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries will be meeting at the Crossville Housing Authority Center (67 Irwin Avenue, Crossville, TN) on Sunday morning, March 6, 2011.  Fellowship with coffee and donuts will begin at 9:30, and the morning worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. 

Don’t Quit

I was filing some things today and came across a poem I used in a sermon last year.  Just thought I’d share it here.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown

We Are Not Defeated!

“What is going on?” This is a question I’ve been asked several times in the last few days as we have seen a number of accidents as well as sickness in our small-but-growing church. In recent weeks three ladies from our church have fallen and been temporarily incapacitated in some way. There has been sickness in several families. If it were just one or two, we might be able to dismiss it as simply being “part of life,” but the fact that it seems so pervasive in this church, I believe, is indicative of something else.

New Beginnings has been experiencing tremendous growth in the past few months—spiritually and numerically. This growth is the work of the Holy Spirit. He is birthing in our hearts a passion for Christ. As a result, this is a congregation that is willing and eager to do the work of ministry, and we are seeking other opportunities to reach out to people in need. Of course, the enemy is going to fight back.

Someone sent me a text the other day saying, “…the devil must really be mad at our church, he is trying to put us all out of commission.” And that certainly appears to be the case. What, then, will we do? Will we allow him to gain the upper-hand? No, no, no—a thousand times no! Here are a few passages of Scripture that have come to mind:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you  (James 4:7 KJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world  (1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints   (Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV)

In spite of the adverse circumstances we face on a regular basis, we will trust in the Lord, submit to His will and go…Forward Together!

A Kind Word

The other day as I was leaving the hospital, a lady commented on my “cheerful attitude.” We talked for a moment, and then I wished her a good day. Her final comment to me was, “thank you for cheering me up.” I must confess, that made my day, too!

Too often we focus more on ourselves than on the people the Lord sent us to minister to. (I’m not always “cheerful chipper” either). In our selfishness, though, we miss countless opportunities to touch the lives of others in a positive way.

If we could just stop focusing on our own needs and desires so much we might see that people are struggling—emotionally, physically, spiritually. They are everywhere! They are the ones behind the counter/cash register in the department store, in the gas station and grocery store, in waiting rooms and gift shops. Almost everywhere you go you’ll see them. Sometimes it is very obvious, and sometimes it is not so obvious. These people may not always come right out and say, “I’m struggling,” but if you listen, the tenor of their conversation will give it away.

Let me encourage you today to pay attention to others as you go to work, school, shopping, etc. Keep a cheerful attitude and speak a kind word. You never know what impact you might have in doing so.

He Shall Direct Thy Paths

We live in a very hectic and chaotic world.  Often one can feel overwhelmed by all the “gloom and doom” and be drawn into an attitude of discouragement, frustration, and even fear. One may begin to rationalize and try to figure things out and attempt to set a better course for ones own life.

But for the child of God, this ought not to be! Our God has proven that He cares. Throughout the Scripture we see evidence of His strength and power in coming to the rescue of those whose hearts were turned toward Him. Even in our own lives we can surely recall times in which it was clearly the “strong hand” of the Lord that brought us through.

God has promised overcoming power to His children, but He cannot give it to us when we are trying to do things our own way.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths  (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

The Threshing Floor

Tomorrows sermon will focus on how to live a life of surrender and submission to the Lord that will bring His favor and blessing into our lives.  The Threshing floor, in the bible, speaks of a place of meeting, a place of purging, a place of worship, a place of blessing and deliverance. 

If you don’t have a regular church home, we invite you to join us tomorrow at the TAD Center.  We serve coffee and donuts at 9:30, and our worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Merry Christmas

Yesterday was a great day as our family celebrated Christmas together.   Every year we all get together on Christmas Eve at my parent’s home.  It is such a joy to watch all my nieces and nephews open their gifts.  They get so excited!

There are also many people who can’t be with family on the holidays, and I think it’s very important that we include them in our festivities.  Our family was very pleased to have our friend, Samuel, join us. 

I am very thankful for my New Beginnings family, too.  The kindness and generosity you have shown to me this year and this Christmas is appreciated more that my words can express.  Thank you so very much for all you do!

It is my sincere hope and prayer that you have all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, too.  This has been a GREAT year, and I’m looking forward to greater things as we move Forward Together.

Guest Speaker

From time to time, we all experience difficult situations in life.  How we deal with them is very important.  It has been said, “difficult times can make you or break you.”  Learning to trust and lean on the Lord is the key to successfully navigating any difficult situation you may encounter.  God is faithful!

Tony Cathey and his family are scheduled to be with us on Sunday morning (December 19).  The Cathey’s have experienced a great many difficult and challenging situations this past year; yet, through it all they have come to a greater realization of God’s faithfulness.  Tony will be sharing some of his story with us and it is sure to be encouraging and uplifting. 

Come join us at the TAD Center (261 Yvonne Ave., in Crossville).  Coffee and donuts will be served at 9:30 a.m.  and our worship service will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Bread of Life

We are pleased to announce that Pastor Jimmie Turner will be ministering at Bread of Life Rescue Mission on Sunday night (Dec 12) at 5 p.m.   I have known Pastor Turner for many years and I’m confident that he will have a relevant word. 

We, at New Beginnings, are thrilled to have the opportunity to minister at Bread of Life on the second Sunday and third Saturday each month.  

New Beginnings is on the Move

by Paula Snow

When God says move, don't just sit there, MOVE! Following God's lead can be a frightening decision, but only because we do not know what He knows.

Just as we read in Joshua Chapter 3, the Israelites stepped out in faith, trusting in God despite their fear of the fast-flowing floodwaters. The pagans were stunned to see that Israel's God stopped the Jordan's water.

God will stop the waters for us too. If you are facing a change in your life, such as a career move, a medical decision, school or whatever, God will stop what is in your way if you will step out in faith.

New Beginnings has outgrown our meeting facility and we must move to a larger facility. This will be a little different, and will involve extra effort; however, we are stepping out in faith as a church and we are trusting God's lead because HE has a plan.

Join us this Sunday at the TAD Center, located just behind Garrison Park off of Fourth Street. We will begin Worship Service at 10:00am. We are so excited about God's plans for us as a Church and as individuals. If we listen closely and step out in faith, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. God Bless you as you learn to trust in Him.

Missionaries to Visit New Beginnings

We are pleased to announce that David and Vickie Byrd will be with us at New Beginnings on Wednesday, November 10.  The Byrd’s are missionaries in Guatemala and will be sharing some of the awesome things the Lord is doing there.  Come join us next Wednesday night at 7 p.m. (495 Fourth Street, Crossville).

The Time for Change Has Come

Our Wednesday night Bible study last night seemed more like a Sunday morning.  There were a number of early arrivals and the largest mid-week attendance we have ever had! 

New Beginnings has experienced substantial growth since it’s beginning in August 2007, and we have outgrown our current place of worship. 

I shared my plan to move our Sunday morning services to the TAD Center as a temporary measure to accommodate growth.  As I shared, you could sense excitement in the air. 

When I opened the floor for questions and discussion, it was evident that we were all in One Accord.  We all agreed that God is leading us to a place that we can’t see yet, but are assured that  He is leading. 

Therefore, effective December 5, 2010, New Beginnings will meet at the TAD Center located at  261 Yvonne Ave. 

“It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us…”

Forward Together

New Beginnings is growing!  We have been pondering the limitations of our present worship facility and seeking direction from the Lord for some time now, and it seems as if a new door of opportunity has opened up before us.  This new opportunity will require some adjustment (as with anything new), but I believe it will be advantageous as we continue to pursue a more permanent home for New Beginnings.

We will have a brief meeting on Wednesday evening (tomorrow night) prior to our Bible Study to discuss this opportunity.  I encourage you to attend.  God has prepared great things for us and I am convinced that as we move forward—trusting Him, “[He will] do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

Back to Standard Time

Just a reminder that on Sunday morning, November 7, the time reverts from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time at 2:00 a.m.  Clocks should be set back one hour.

A Tribute to Audra Spurlin

Here is a portion of the comments I made yesterday at the funeral service for Audra Spurlin.

Audra Genell Spurlin of Grandview, TN began her journey of life 64 years ago on November 10, 1945 in Fentress County, TN. She was the daughter of Theodore and Dovie Hite Hamby.

Although I can’t really tell you about her younger years, I can tell you that as her journey in life progressed, she married Johnny Spurlin at the age of 20 (July 2, 1966). To this marriage three beautiful girls were born: Pam, Janice, and Kim. Audra loved her husband and daughters with all her heart. She told me several times that they were her life.

As her life journey continued, and I’m not sure just when, but Audra accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. This point in her life marked the beginning of a new direction on her journey. She “turned right” and kept on going straight. I remember attending the Dorton Church of God of Prophecy with her and her family when I was just a little boy. She was, in fact, a long time member of the Church of God of Prophecy and attended the New Beginnings congregation.

As in any journey, there are times when we need to take a short break from the trip. We utilize “rest areas” when we become tired, overwhelmed, or just need to get our bearings.

Audra, like all of us, had times when she needed to find a “rest area.” I know that there were times when she felt overwhelmed by some of the things she encountered on her journey, and she just needed to take a break “in the Lord.” There were times when she just needed to get her bearings. She didn’t use these “rest areas” with the intent to just stay there. She knew she had to continue her journey.

On one particular occasion, I had been preaching about worry and that we should not worry, but trust the Lord. Audra pulled over at a “rest area” to understand this better. She told me plainly that she didn’t understand just what it was I was talking about. We had a good conversation in which I tried to explain to her just what I meant by my message. Some time later, Audra came back to me and said she understood what I was talking about and that the Lord was helping her to trust Him more. She was placing some things in His hands.

Of course, with this new understanding about her journey, she headed back out. Forward with her journey.

Another time, Audra came to me and said that she was afraid to die. She didn’t have the kind of peace that I preached about. We had another conversation, and I prayed with her. Again, some time later (about 8 months ago), Audra told me that she had peace. She said something to the effect, “I don’t want to go right now, but I’m not afraid to die anymore.”

In just the three years I have served as her pastor, I have seen God at work in her life. It was He Who was giving her direction. It was He who gave her clarity about the direction of this journey. And He has done an awesome job!

On October 7, 2010 at approximately 10:50 (earth time), Audra reached her destination. The last breath she drew marked the successful completion of her journey. She now rejoices with those of her family who arrived before her: Her parents, her daughter Pam, and her brother William David Hamby.

Those she leaves behind to continue their own journey include her husband of 44 years, Johnny Spurlin; Daughters Janice Woody and her husband Keith, and Kim Meadows and her husband Bill, all of Grandview. Brothers Daniel Hamby of Evensville, TN and Houston Hamby of Spring City, TN. Sisters Esther Durham of Cookville, TN, Julie Loden of Grandview, TN, and Mary Waldo of Crossville TN. Grandchildren, Morgan Pelfrey and her husband Chris, Madison Woody, Reese Meadows and Jurnee Meadows.

To you, her family, I would rephrase the words of the apostle Paul and say, “[She has] fought a good fight, [she has] finished [her] course, [she has] kept the faith…” She has undoubtedly received her crown, that prize for a job well done (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV). And today, I believe that she has probably become part of that “great cloud of witnesses” spoken of by the writer of the Hebrew letter cheering us on.

Yes, I believe that she is right there in the cheering section along with other of our loved ones who died in Christ and they are cheering us on. And that, my friend, makes me want to break out in singing the last two verses of that old hymn

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

Onward to the prize before us,
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open
We shall tread the streets of gold.

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

The Man in the Mirror

We are in the process of going through the epistle of James on Wednesday nights. Last Wednesday we focused on James 1:19-27 and it continues to bear on my mind.

We Christians sometimes seem to get the idea that everyone else needs to change, but we do not. How easy it is to see everyone else’s faults while completely ignoring our own. We hear the Word of God and can easily see how “so-and-so” needs to apply it to their lives, but seem to be completely unwilling to even entertain the notion that we need to change, too.

James says that if we are going to be men and women of Christian integrity, we need to:

• Be “swift to hear” the Word of God. We need to concentrate our attention. Avoid distractions.
• Be “slow to speak”. The Word of God cannot speak to and change the heart of a person who thinks he/she already knows it all. Don’t argue or make excuses.
• Be “slow to anger”. We may not always like the Word we are hearing. That is because the Word of God is contrary to the flesh. The Word exposes our inappropriate thoughts and attitudes and that is not comfortable. But we need to control our anger and “receive [welcome] with meekness [mildness, humility] the…Word” (James 1:21).
• Be “doers of the Word”. Once we have prepared ourselves to hear and receive the Word of God, there must be action on our part. We must bring our thoughts and our attitude in subjection to the Word of God. It is not enough to look good on the outside. There must be an inward change. The Word of God must become the motivation, the driving force of our lives.

When we gaze into the mirror of God’s Word, God will help us to see ourselves as He sees us. The humble will receive His Word and make the necessary changes in their life. The proud, high minded person, on the other hand, will reject the Word and refuse to change, but insist that others do.

Which are you?

Arrangements for Audra Spurlin

Visitation will be on Monday from 6-9 p.m. at Hood Funeral Home in Crossville.  The service will be on Tuesday at 1 p.m., also at Hood Funeral Home.

Death Notices

Osie Lawson, Connie (Sherman) Wilson’s father, passed away on Thursday night at Life Care Center in Crossville.  The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6-9 p.m. at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be on Monday at 1 p.m.

Audra Spurlin, who has been with New Beginnings from the beginning, passed away on Friday night at Cookville Regional Medical Center.  Arrangements have not yet been decided.  I will post them as soon as I know.

We appreciate all the prayers that have gone up on behalf of Osie Lawson and Audra Spurlin and their families. 

God Leads Us Along

by George A. Young, 1903

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Update on Audra Spurlin

I just spoke with my brother Bill Meadows. He tells me that Audra has had a couple seizures this morning. They did another CT scan, but the results have not been shared with the family yet. The doctors continue to give little hope of recovery. We know, however, that God is ultimately in control.

As I understand it, Audra has had a stroke and a heart attack and there is/has been some hemorrhaging on the brain.  Her husband found her laying in the yard on Wednesday afternoon and called for an ambulance.  The doctor at Cumberland Medical Center gave the diagnosis about the stroke and hemorrhaging and sent her to Cookville Regional Medical Center where she was admitted directly to ICU.

Please continue to join us in prayer for this precious sister.

Prayer Request

Please join me in prayer for Audra Spurlin.  She has had a stroke and is currently in the ICU at Cookville Hospital.  Audra has been with us at New Beginnings since we started a little over 3 years ago and is a valued member of our congregation. 

Cumberland County Fair

Excitement is in the air!  Plans have been made and preparations are being finalized.  New Beginnings will have a presence at the Cumberland County Fair!

Coca-Cola has donated a trailer for our use and many other business have participated by way of donations.  We will be selling hot dogs, chili-cheese tots, and soft drinks to help raise funds for a new building.  We have out-grown our present facility!

Special thanks to Sherry Parks, Lisa Shaw, and Tina Blaylock who have each been  extremely helpful in planning and preparing for this event. 

Stop by and see us August 30 – September 4.

Cambridge, OH Update

The revival in Cambridge, OH was a wonderful success.  Although there were only four services, God did exceedingly more than I could have hoped for.  There were several people saved, several healed, too. 

I believe something was started in those few days that will continue to grow and expand.  I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be part of what He is doing there!

Cambridge, OH

I left Crossville yesterday afternoon at about 2:20 enroute to Cambridge, OH where we will be in revival services with Pastor Jimmie Turner.

I had originally planned to break up the trip to make it easier, but ended up driving all the way through.  Quincy, my dachshund, did really well on the trip, but I think he is a little confused.  (I told Brother Turner that bringing Quincy was one of the conditions of accepting his invitation) :)

We arrived in Cambridge at about 12:50 (ET) and checked into a hotel.  Today we went to a park and just relaxed.

I am really going to miss being in service at New Beginnings in the morning, but I am confident Brother Roger Dixon will do a wonderful job.  I am blessed and thankful to have several people who are capable of filling in when I’m away.

Lord willing, I’ll be posting updates of the revival here in the next few days.

Death Notice

We were saddened to learn that Wayne Burgess passed away earlier today.  Wayne was the husband of Margaret Burgess and father of Pam Garrison, both of whom attend New Beginnings.   We pray the Lord will give comfort and peace to all the family in this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements will be posted here when we know them.

Ministry at Bread of Life

We have an expanded schedule for ministry at Bread of Life Rescue Mission.  In addition to preparing a meal and having a service on the 3rd Saturday each month, Pastor Chip will be ministering in the service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday nights at 5 pm. We are excited about these new opportunities for ministry and trust that the Lord is going to do GREAT things!!!

Keep the Faith!

Faith--real biblical faith--will usually bring criticism, and criticism is not always easy to bear. The apostle Paul experienced opposition of every kind, yet he continued to believe God and preach the gospel. Even knowing what trouble would befall him by going to Jerusalem, he said, "none of these things move me..." (Acts 20:24). The devil will do everything in his power to cause us to become discouraged and give up. Don't do it! KEEP THE FAITH and go forward with confidence in Christ.

Revival Update

We have made a change in our revival schedule.  We will continue the revival TONIGHT (Thursday) at New Beginnings (at 7 p.m.).  Tomorrow night (Friday) we will go to Four Corners Outreach Ministries Church (1125 Clarkrange Monterey Hwy).  There will be no Saturday evening service, but we will continue Sunday through Tuesday at New Beginnings.

What God is Doing

What a Mighty God we serve!  We have been in a New Testament kind of revival at New Beginnings since Sunday morning.  The evangelist has been preaching under the power of the Holy Ghost helping us to see that we are living beneath our privilege as Children of God.  He has been calling us to a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ and a walk of holiness.  After he preaches, he calls on the people to respond to the Word—ask God to search our hearts and repent. 

Thus far, we have seen people delivered and healed, and some of our youth and children are receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  Today, I am beside myself with excitement and praise to God for what He is doing, and for the fact that He is allowing me to be part of His work.

I announced last night that in light of the mighty things He is doing, this revival will continue.  Tonight will be the last service this week, but we will continue  on Sunday morning and just see where the Lord will take us. 

I am not afraid of the working of the Holy Ghost.  When He is working everything is done properly, His POWER is manifested, and people are saved, healed and delivered. 

Don’t miss this powerful flow of the Spirit!  Get involved!  Help spread the Word.  REVIVAL HAS COME TO CROSSVILLE!!!

The Time Has Come…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19 KJV).

Jesus read this passage from the book of Isaiah (61:1-2). It referred to the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25), a time of restoration—debts forgiven, prisoners set free, Sabbath rest. Good news, indeed! After closing up the scroll, Jesus sat down and said something that was quite startling. He announced to them all, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

It had not been very long since Jesus had been baptized by John in the river Jordan. There the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Being filled with the Spirit, He returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Having triumphed by the Word of God, He returned to Galilee "in the power of the Spirit" and began His ministry.

Now He was back home in Nazareth, preaching in the synagogue, proclaiming the year of the favor of the Lord, and applying those prophetic words to Himself: "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." For the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him, as at His baptism. And He was anointed, not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the Anointed One. Messiah in their midst.

Reading through the gospels, we find that Jesus’ ministry was powerful, indeed. Even before the end of Luke 4, we see Jesus preaching the good news of the Kingdom (vv. 31-32, 43 ), releasing people from demonic oppression (vv. 33-36, 41) and healing the sick (vv.38-40). His word went forth with authority, and no one who came to Him for deliverance or healing was turned away. No demon was too great to cast out, no sickness too difficult to cure. Everyone who came, received.

And so it continues—the year of the favor of the Lord—because “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV).

Are you in need? There is good news for you! Are you brokenhearted? There is healing! Do you have a physical affliction? There is healing! Are you bound by addictions? There is deliverance! Are you a slave to lust or greed? Oppressed by fear, anger, or a spirit of unforgiveness? There is deliverance, restoration, healing, freedom, and forgiveness of sins!

Memorial Service

Audrey Justus went to be with the Lord on Sunday evening at about 6:30 following a lengthy illness.  It was my pleasure to visit with and minister to her over the past several months.

The family will receive friends at Hood Funeral Home on Thursday, June 3, from 6pm to 8pm.  A Memorial Service will begin at 8.

Please join me in prayer for Audrey’s family in their time of sorrow.

Revival--Now is the Time!

As we announced on Wednesday night, the revival is definitely scheduled for June 13-16 (Sunday night – Wednesday night) with Milton Martin as the Evangelist.  I am expecting this to be a powerful revival of deliverance, restoration, and healing.  Sometimes we become comfortable in our spiritual walk, and we begin to accept the things that come into our lives as “just a part of life.”  All the while, we become less and less excited about our relationship with Christ and more and more concerned with the things of this life. 

I believe that God wants to deliver, restore, and heal His people so that we can be what He has called us to be—individually and corporately.  I believe that if we pray and seek His face and make the necessary preparations (cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14) this revival will not be just a series of meetings, but will be a time of divine visitation! 

Please join me in prayer and make plans to attend (and invite others to attend with you).  Then, come expecting a miracle!

Revival

Experiencing God

For far too long people have gone to church to fulfill an obligation through some ritual and so are reduced to actions without meaning. Church attendance and worship is all about an encounter with God that changes who we are.

This is why at New Beginnings we believe it is time to stop just attending church, and to start experiencing God. We believe that when we come to church we have the right to expect that it will be a time of encountering and experiencing God in such a way that it forever impacts and changes our lives!

If you don't have a home church, come experience God with us at New Beginnings.

Steel to Magnets

Dr. David Jeremiah wrote the following in the April 2003 “Turning Points Magazine”

Jesus never had to worry about turn-out or attendance figures.  The crowds were never far away—sometimes eager to hear Him, sometimes wanting to stone Him.  He was like steel to magnets.  Some were drawn to Him, others repelled by Him.  But everyone knew He was there, and no one could ignore Him.

Baby Bentley

When he first arrived at UT Hospital five weeks ago, the prognosis for baby Bentley was not good.  The family was not given much hope from the doctors; however, several people began to pray and God has worked a miracle.  I am happy to announce here that Bentley came home yesterday and is doing very well. 

Updates

God is simply amazing!  On Wednesday, Audrey Justus was moved from Cookville Regional Medical Center to her home in Crossville via ambulance with an IV bag of dopamine.  The doctor said that once the dopamine ran out, her blood pressure would drop and she would die. 

I got to her house after the bag of dopamine had been depleted, and it certainly looked as if Audrey would pass on to her eternal reward.  We prayed for her and sang to her as she seemed so close to death; however, she began to perk up and talk and even laugh a little. 

At 10 pm I left to come home for the night.  When I returned on Thursday morning, Audrey was raised up in her bed, grinning from ear to ear.  Her color was back and she was quite cheerful.

As of last night, she is still doing well and enjoying being at home—without the dopamine.  Praise the Lord!

Also, I received an update about baby Bentley.  He is still at UT Hospital, but he is doing good.  He is expected to come home in a week or so.  

Please continue to pray for Audrey and baby Bentley.

Update on Audrey Justus

I went to visit with Audrey Justus again today at Cookville Regional Medical Center. Her daughter, Carol, wanted me to be there with them when the doctor came in to talk to them.

Audrey has been in and out of the hospital and nursing home since December ’09 when she had a growth removed from inside her heart. The Lord has touched her several times when it seemed she might not make it. Currently she is on dopamine to keep her blood pressure up. The doctor tried to lower the dosage this morning, but her blood pressure dropped drastically and quickly. He told her and her daughter and son today that without the dopamine, her blood pressure will bottom out and she will die. This, of course, keeps her from being able to go home, which she desperately wants to do.

Audrey assured me, both yesterday and today, that she is ready to go. In fact, she told her children today not to worry. “Everything will be okay,” she said.

In the next couple days a decision will be made about discontinuing the dopamine. We still believe that our God is able to perform a miracle for Audrey…and she believes it, too. In the face of such a grave discussion, Audrey was smiling, laughing, and speaking with confidence about her future. Please join me in prayer for her miracle!

National Day of Prayer

If ever this nation needed God, it is today! 

The National Day of Prayer is currently under attack.  A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional Thursday, saying the day amounts to a call for religious action.

For more information you can go to the National Day of Prayer website.

Update on Baby Bentley

Baby Bentley was born March 27, 2010 and was transported to UT Medical Center very shortly after birth. He has been in critical condition and the doctors have not been very optimistic regarding his condition.

Yesterday I visited with J.J. Fragiadakis and Brittany Lane (Bentley’s parents), and Auntie Connie. I am pleased to report that Bently is doing much better. He is off the ventilator, and as I understand it, they should be taking out the feeding tube soon. The EEG showed improved brain activity, and the doctors are now expressing optimism.

While he is doing much better, he is expected to be in the hospital for a couple more weeks. Please join me in prayer for Bentley and his family.

Things are not always as they appear to be

I recently read an article that contained the following story.  Although it’s several years old, I thought it was worth sharing here.

Two of the best commercials shown during Super Bowl XXXIX   were sponsored by Ameriquest Mortgage Company.  Both had the same message: “Don’t judge too quickly.”

In one ad, a convenience store shopper is standing at the counter and talking on his cell phone. He says to the person on the other end, “You’re getting robbed.” The two clerks hear those words and react by squirting the man with pepper spray, slugging him with a baseball bat, and then zapping him with an electric cattle prod.

In the second commercial, a man is preparing a romantic dinner. He chops vegetables with a large knife, while tomato sauce simmers on the stove. A white cat knocks the pan of sauce onto the floor and then falls into the mess. Just as the man picks up his tomato-splattered cat, his wife opens the door. She sees him holding a cat dripping with red sauce in one hand and a large knife in the other. The scene appears to be unmistakably horrific.

As these ads show, things aren't always as they first appear.

(This story was related by Richard Kauffman, McDonald,
Pennsylvania, as seen during Super Bowl XXXIX—2/6/05).

Back to Sunbright

Pastor Jack Lawson has invited me to minister at Sonbright Christian Center on Sunday evening, March 21.  I am excited to be able to return to the church I was privileged to pastor for over 7 years.  I have heard many good reports about the congregation, and I am thrilled to be able to go back and worship with them.

Several people from New Beginnings are planning to join me on this night, including our Worship Band.  I am blessed to work with such wonderful people in Crossville.  Their love and support mean so very much!

Gospel Singing

Jesus Loves YOU!

This is really cool!

First Time to Minister

I am greatly looking forward to our service tomorrow night!  Our very own, Roger Dixon, has accepted his call to preach and will be giving his very first sermon at New Beginnings tomorrow night.   I know he is a little nervous about his first sermon, so I ask you to join me in prayer that the Lord will calm his nerves and that he will feel perfect liberty as he shares the Word of Life!

Can you see it?

Some of us are not very observant. Something may be staring us in the face, but we cannot perceive it.

Not too long ago my mother replaced some of the art work on her walls in the living room. When my two year old nephew awoke from a nap, he quickly noticed that things were not as they were when he went to sleep.

On the other hand, when I walked into the living room (even knowing that mother had made the changes), never even noticed….that is, until Josiah started pointing around the room.

And so it is with God and God’s people. God is at work, doing a new thing, and many people don’t see it. God is at work, making things happen that have never happened before, and many of us don’t perceive it.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

These words were spoken by God—through the prophet Isaiah—to the exiled Children of Israel. He insists that they would just open their eyes and look, God is doing a new thing. He is already at work.

He cautions them in verse 18 not to allow their current situation or the things of the past hinder them from seeing what God is doing.

It is easy for us to become so engrossed in our own lives—the difficulties and challenges we face on a daily basis—that we miss out on all the wonderful things God is doing today. But He is doing a fresh, new thing today…can you see it?

The Joy of Difficult Times

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~Helen Keller (1880-1968).

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”  (James 1:2-4).

Weekend Update

We had a great time at Bread of Life last night.  In addition to the 20 or so adults, there are about 6 children there, and they are awesome!   In spite of the fact that they are at a rescue mission, they are so happy and fun-loving.  It is a joy, indeed, to be part of this ministry!

I am looking forward to a great time at New Beginnings today.   It is so good to come together with friends and family to worship the Lord together.   I see thee Lord doing such wonderful things, and we are growing in Him.  When we started New Beginnings, we had about 18 people.  We now have about 40 people attending, and I expect that we will double that very soon! 

Tonight I will be preaching at a joint service of the Oliver Springs and Petros Churches of God of Prophecy at Petros.  Pastor Slone (Petros), and Pastor Massengale (Oliver Springs) have involved me in these services several times, and I always look forward to being with them. 

Bread of Life

We are looking forward to our monthly dinner and service at Bread of Life Rescue Mission tomorrow night.   We always have ample help from New Beginnings—cooking, serving, and clean up.  I am very thankful to serve with people who are so willing to give of their time and resources to bless others!

Get a Life

From HeartLight Gallery

Tonight's Service Cancelled

While we do not like to cancel services, some of the roads across the county are still hazardous, and with the temperature in the mid to low 20’s, there is the possibility that other roads still wet may refreeze. Because we do not want to put anyone at risk, New Beginnings has cancelled services for tonight (2/17/10).

For future cancellation notices:

Listen to 102.5 WOW Country or check out their website at http://www.1025wowcountry.com/news/closings.php

Listen to Mix 99.3 or check out their website at http://www.mix993.net/news/closings.php

Of course, we will post the cancellation here, too, as well as sending e-mails and texts to those in our congregation.

Upcoming Events

Bread of Life—February 20

Open Gym for Youth/Kids—February 27

Daylight Saving Time—March 14

Five Star Jubilee in Concert at New Beginnings—March 14

Calling All Laborers

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest”  (Matthew 9:36-38).

Happy Valentine’s Day!

1 Corinthians 13

Love

¹What if I could speak

   all languages

   of humans

   and of angels?

   If I did not love others,

   I would be nothing more

   than a noisy gong

   or a clanging cymbal.

²What if I could prophesy

   and understand all secrets

   and all knowledge?

   And what if I had faith

   that moved mountains?

   I would be nothing,

   unless I loved others.

³What if I gave away all

   that I owned

   and let myself

   be burned alive? ^[a] I would gain nothing,

   unless I loved others.

⁴Love is kind and patient,

   never jealous, boastful,

   proud, or ⁵rude.

   Love isn't selfish

   or quick tempered.

   It doesn't keep a record

   of wrongs that others do.

⁶Love rejoices in the truth,

   but not in evil.

⁷Love is always supportive,

   loyal, hopeful,

   and trusting.

⁸Love never fails!

   Everyone who prophesies

   will stop,

   and unknown languages

   will no longer

   be spoken.

   All that we know

   will be forgotten.

⁹We don't know everything,

   and our prophecies

   are not complete.

¹⁰But what is perfect

   will someday appear,

   and what isn't perfect

   will then disappear.

¹¹When we were children,

   we thought and reasoned

   as children do.

   But when we grew up,

   we quit our childish ways.

¹²Now all we can see of God

   is like a cloudy picture

   in a mirror.

   Later we will see him

   face to face.

   We don't know everything,

   but then we will,

   just as God completely

   understands us.

¹³For now there are faith,

   hope, and love.

   But of these three,

   the greatest is love.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013&version=CEV

Another Beautiful Day

Here is a picture taken from my window at about 8 am.

Praise Report

We had an awesome worship service yesterday! I'm so excited about all the Lord is doing. We had 40 in attendance yesterday with a few people out sick. At the conclusion of the sermon, 2 people came forward to surrender their hearts to the Lord in repentance. How great is our God?

Forward Together

A New Year With The Lord

A new year is about to unfold
With new opportunities to explore
Doors will open for new experiences
New adventures with the Lord

Remember not the former things
The things of this past year
The Lord will do new things in us
Much more than we are aware

For He will make a way for us
As we put our trust in Him
And He will guide our every step
By His presence we have within

What God has placed within our hearts
We find we’ll be able to do
If we look for the opportunities
We’ll see the door to go through

We mustn’t let anything hold us back
But rise up and take our place
And be all that God wants us to be
With a fresh touch of His grace

© By M.S.Lowndes

Death Announcement

I just received a message that Evelyn Stringfield has passed away. Sister Evelyn was a long time member of the Church of God of Prophecy at Sunbright, TN. I had the happy privilege of serving as her pastor for 8 years. Sister Evelyn was a very kind and loving lady who loved the Lord. She will be missed!

Please join me in praying for her family as they deal with this loss. Our God is faithful to comfort those who mourn. May Sister Evelyn's children and grandchildren feel that comfort during this time of grief.

Announcement from Harvest Christian Fellowship

Special Prayer Request

I just received word today that Evelyn Stringfield, from the Sunbright Church, is in special need of prayer. Apparently, she has been in intensive care at Oak Ridge for 2 weeks already. She had a pretty serious surgery yesterday and is expected to be in the hospital for a while. Please join me in praying for her!

An Eagle's View

From an Eagle's View

Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly free,
To see the world as far as the eye can see,
To view the surroundings from high and from low,
To hear only the sound of a distant echo,
To float in the air with the wind being your guide,
To admire many rainbows that the trees tend to hide,
To see the misty mornings over a beautiful mountaintop,
To glide over a flowing river that never seems to stop,
To watch the animals from over a mile away,
Or to rise above the treetops that glisten in the day?
If you were an eagle you would wonder no more,
For it can see things you have never seen before.
Next time you look into the sky of blue,
Think of what it's like from an eagle's view.

© Stacy Smith


“As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings” (Deuteronomy 32:11).

A View from the Mountain

I went up the mountain from where I live yesterday and took a couple pics.

Just A Thought

"When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ere the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His pow’r has no boundary known unto men. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again." Annie Flint Johnson

On Sunday night, May 31, we had the first ever joint service of New Beginnings and Harvest Christian Fellowship. For over two years now, HCF has partnered with New Beginnings providing support in various ways: prayer, encouragement, finances, and other tangible contributions.

For this first "joint service," quite a number of people from HCF drove from Knoxville to join with us in celebrating what God is doing, and to offer their personal support and encouragement. We are very thankful for Pastors Ken Dyer and Sharon Faruggia and everyone at Harvest Christian Fellowship and pray God's richest blessing on them daily.

The next joint service is scheduled for Sunday evening, July 26 at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Knoxville.

A Wonderful Evening

We had a great time at the church cook out on Wednesday night. A few people who had planned to come were unable to attend--a couple were at the hospital, and others were sick. Nevertheless, there were still almost 40 who came out to enjoy a great time of food, fellowship, and singing. Yesterday I was blessed to hear from a few people who do not attend New Beginnings, yet came to the cook out. They said they felt so welcome and thoroughly enjoyed spending the evening with us!

I am thankful to everyone who helped with the food and preparations. We have a wonderful group of people at New Beginnings, and I thank God for you daily!

Church Cook Out

Just a reminder that tomorrow night we will have a church cook out at the Pastor's home. There will be NO services at the church! We look forward to seeing you!

A Week of Ministry

Well, this has been a very busy week of ministry. We have had a number of people sick and I have made several trips to hospitals. I have also had the honor of ministering to a few people who just need the Lord! It seems that every time I turn around the Lord is opening another door for ministry. It is so encouraging and exciting to see how the Lord is working!

In the midst of the joy of ministry, of course, the enemy makes it obvious that he is against us. He uses those who are weak in the faith. He whispers lies to them, and they believe them. And rather than seeking truth, they proceed to spread the lies. How very sad this is! I am reminded, however, of Luke's record of one of Paul's speeches. As he summed up the trials, challenges, and difficulties he had experienced, he stated emphatically:

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

I am so thrilled that the Lord has called me into the ministry--in spite of the difficulties. The joy is in seeing people saved, healed, encouraged, strengthened, and growing in the Spirit. I am looking forward to the greater things ahead. By the grace of God, I shall not be moved!

Church Cook Out

On Wednesday, May 20, we will not be having our regular service and meetings at the church. Rather, we will have a church cook out at the Pastor's home. Everyone is invited to attend. We will grill hamburgers and hot dogs, and have several side dishes. We hope to have great weather for this day, and we are expecting a great turnout.

Pastor Ken Dyer

I received word this morning that Pastor Ken Dyer will be going home today. On Tuesday afternoon, Pastor Ken had double heart bypass surgery. We give praise to God for the good things He is doing in and for Pastor Ken and ask that you continue to pray for full and speedy recovery.

I love you, but I hate your body

The following is something I read on Pastor Gary Langley's blog today. I just thought it was worth sharing!
--------------------------------------------------------------------

I love you, but I hate your body

If you said those words to your spouse, your marriage would be in serious trouble. In an intimate relationship, our love and affection for one another is most often expressed in various forms of bodily contact.

So why do so many people who claim to love Jesus reject contact with his body, the church?

Yes, I have heard all the reasons... the excuses.

"I can't find a good church in my area." Really? Seriously? With a dozen -- perhaps a hundred -- evangelical, Bible-believing, worshipping congregations within a few minutes of your home, you can't find one that meets your approval? You think maybe, just maybe, all those churches are not the problem after all?

"I was hurt before." Welcome to the real world. In any group or organization composed of people, it is highly likely, perhaps inevitable, that sooner or later somebody will say or do something that hurts you. If you let that keep you away, how do you survive in the workplace? In the mall parking lot, even? If you think people who attend churches get their feelings hurt now and then, you wouldn't believe how thick the pastors skin has to be! Get over it. Grow up. Go to church.

"I just don't seem to fit in anywhere." Then ask the Lord to help you plant a church for other misfits like you. Maybe what you are experiencing is "Divine discontent." The Lord might be allowing you to be an uncomfortable misfit because he has called you to a task you have resisted. Remember that story about Jonah? Avoidance is a bad strategy. Give up, give in, give all.

"Most Christians are just insincere hypocrites." Step away from the mirror, champ. You know the old cliché -- "You'll never find a perfect church, because as soon as you get there..." This excuse is among the biggest smokescreens of them all. Look, here's the bottom line: the church is not just a good idea, it's a GOD idea. It is such an important idea that Jesus gave his life for it. For you to disregard the church, avoid the church, criticize the church from the outside, or -- can we be straight here? -- just get so lazy, self-indulgent, and arrogant that you start to believe 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' should be sending up all kinds of warning alarms in your head and heart, because "you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

If you love Jesus, love his body.
Go to church.
Get involved.
Take a risk.
Allow yourself to possibly be offended or hurt again.

You can't really love Jesus and disconnect from his body. You wouldn't want to make the body of Christ an amputee, would you?

Read more: "I love you, but I hate your body - Kahu's posterous" - http://kahugary.posterous.com/i-love-you-but-i-hate-your-body#ixzz0Crps5gP3&A

Update on Pastor Ken Dyer

We praise the Lord for His goodness and His favor. Pastor Dyer came through his by-pass surgery yesterday just fine. The surgery took about 2-1/2 hours, a little less than had been anticipated. I received word this morning that he was talking and eating and that he will be leaving the ICU and going to a room a little later today.

There were a host of people who came to the hospital yesterday to offer their prayers and support for Pastor Ken and his family. At one point it seemed that almost half of the waiting room was there for Ken. We appreciate the prayers of all who prayed for Ken and we give praise to God. We are trusting the Lord, too, for a full and speedy recovery.

Easter Service

We had a wonderful service at New Beginnings today. The youth and children did an awesome Easter skit portraying the power of the resurrection. There were 65 people in attendance. This broke our last record attendance of 54 of just a few weeks ago.

I preached on the facts of the resurrection. At the conclusion, 2 people said they had confessed their sins and asked Jesus into their lives. I am so excited to have a part in the awesome things the Lord is doing in the lives of the people of Crossville, and I am looking forward to the future with great anticipation!

A Note From Pastor Ken Dyer

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I was admitted to St. Mary's hospital last week. The doctors determined that Heart By-Pass surgery was necessary.

Therefore, on Tuesday morning, April 14, at 7:30 AM I will be going into surgery. I ask for your prayers during and after this procedure.

The recovery period will most likely be 4 - 5 weeks. So, thank you in advance for your prayerful support.

May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,



Kenneth Dyer
Pastor
Harvest Christian Fellowship
www.harvestrocmin.org

Prayer Request

Please remember Pastor Ken Dyer (of Harvest Christian Fellowship) in prayer. He went to the Emergency Room on Thursday with chest pain. They did a stress test yesterday, and a heart cath today. The blockage, apparently, is such that they are planning to do surgery perhaps one day next week.

Charles Holt

I received the sad news today that Paul Holt's father, Charles Holt, passed away Sunday night. Paul Holt is the former pastor of the Arrowhead church in Knoxville. Please pray for him and his family.

12 Baptized

This past Sunday was an awesome day for New Beginnings. For the past several weeks, we have had a tremendous increase in attendance in our Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services. Our new praise band is positively AWESOME! The Lord has been doing marvelous things, for sure.

During these past few weeks, there have been several conversions and re-dedications. So on Sunday evening about 28 of us drove to the Arrowhead church in Knoxville to participate in a special "Deliverance" service and baptism. Brother Ralph Reagan was the special speaker and several others gave their testimony of God's Deliverance in their lives...including our very own, John & Shannon Barnwell.

Following the service, I went into the baptistry and baptized 10 people. Brother Barnwell and Brother Reagan baptized 4 more, 2 of whom are also from New Beginnings.

We give God Praise for the wonderful things He is doing.

Visitation and Funeral Arrangements

Arrangements for Barbara and David Morris, Tim Kendricks mother and step-father, are as follows:

The family will receive friends at Evans Mortuary on Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. (ET). The funeral service will be on Friday and 12 Noon in the chapel of Evans Mortuary.

Evans Mortuary is located at 805 North Gatway Ave. in Rockwood, TN.

Please continue to be in prayer for both families.

Special Prayer Request

I received word yesterday from Faye Kendrick that her husband Tim's mother and step father had been shot. Tim's mother was life-flighted to UT hospital in Knoxville, but the step father died at the scene. I was in Nashville when I got this news at about 1 p.m.

At about 5:30, mother and I were on our way to Knoxville. We sat with the family for quite some time. The prognosis was bleak, but the doctors were going to keep Tim's mother on life support through the night.

I received word this morning that they were taking her off life support. Please join me in praying for Tim and his sisters that God will give them comfort and strength and keep them calm in His love during this most difficult time.

A New Excitement in the Air

There is a new wave of excitement at New Beginnings! God has been doing some awesome things.

Yesterday, people began arriving earlier than usual--about 9:30. We have a time of fellowship with coffee and breakfast pastries at 10 a.m. and our worship service doesn't begin until 10:30. People just kept flowing in and filled the 40 chairs we had set out so that we had to pull out more chairs. In total, we had 54 people. Last week we had 37. For about a year our average attendance has been 18.

The worship was powerful and uplifting. It was awesome to see so many people responding to the Spirit as we lifted up the name of Jesus. Our new Worship Team is absolutely awesome! In addition to the keyboard, we now have a lead guitar, bass guitar, and drums.

The message, too, seemed to touch many people. As I gave the altar call, several people responded in tears. God is definitely doing something great at New Beginnings, and we are excited to be part of it!

Praise Report

I received an email today saying that the boy is free. His father told Gary Glover, "The Holy Spirit lead me to one place to look for my boy, and I got him."

We rejoice with this family and give God praise!!!

Prayer Request

I received an email about a brother in Nigeria whose 8 year old son was kidnapped last week. A ransom has been demanded, and the kidnappers are also making threats against the father and family. Please join me in prayer for this little boy to be delivered from these evil people and restored to his family.

A Special Day

It was a special day at church yesterday. The Spirit of the Lord was certainly present from the beginning.

The youth and children had a special program, and they did a superb job. I'm so proud of them all!

Also, we planned a little surprise. It was Bill's birthday, so we presented him with a gift--a small token of our love and appreciation for him--and had sandwiches and cake after church.

The church also presented me with a Christmas gift--new suit, shirt, and tie. I feel so honored to be serving with such generous and thoughtful people.

Christmas Banquet

We had a super Christmas Banquet last night! It’s times like this that makes a Pastor very proud. I would surely miss someone if I tried to name everyone who contributed to the tremendous success of this special event, but I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t give special recognition to two people who went above and beyond the call of duty: Kim and Lola. Kim outlined the program for the evening, decorated the tables, participated in a comedy act, directed “Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy”, a youth and children’s presentation, and helped serve our guests.

Lola was responsible for the menu and personally oversaw all the food preparation. She has worked as a caterer in the past, and her experience was evident. Lola spent a great deal of time gathering supplies, soliciting and directing helpers, as well as preparing several items on the menu herself. In addition to all that, she hosted a lunch at her home yesterday afternoon, before the banquet, for those helping her.

I am so proud of Kim and Lola and thankful to the Lord that He has placed them at New Beginnings!

Of course two people couldn’t do it all by themselves. There were a number of people helping them, and no one’s contribution is inconsequential. For fear of missing someone, let me just say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make this such a wonderful success!

We had more than 85 people in attendance!

Preparing for Christmas…

We Pentecostals have often been loathe to celebrate the Christian seasons of Advent and Lent. I have discovered several reasons for this; however, none really seem to be sound. One person has said that “[Celebrating these seasons] ...is mainly tradition, and we are not traditionalists.” (I thought that one was funny). Another said, “We need to just stick to preaching the cross.”

Sometimes it seems to me that in our quest to throw off traditionalism we have divested ourselves of some of the most important aspects of the Christian faith. Our celebrations have become so mundane it is sometimes difficult to identify the real reason we celebrate.

Advent is Latin for 'a coming or arrival'. The idea behind it is that God came to earthly life and lived among us. That is something to celebrate, because just by being in this world, God was giving the supreme blessing to His creation.

Advent is a season of preparation. In Advent, we thank God for Christ's first coming, prepare for his final coming at the end of time, and celebrate Christ's presence among us today through the Spirit. God loved us and wanted to share that love.

Tomorrow is the first of four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas day. It is the time to get ready by rejoicing that our God is not far away and unfamiliar with the struggles of human life, that Christ is here right now among His followers, that God has already begun to bring in the Kingdom, and that Christ will come again to make it clear who really runs the place.

Remember the words of Jesus: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

May the Lord bless you and your family during this season!

Thanksgiving

The Meadows Family had a wonderful day of Thanksgiving yesterday. It was so nice to have all of our family together for dinner and fellowship. Mother always makes it very special. Everyone seemed to have a great time together. After dinner, each of us read a Scripture and shared something for which we are thankful. It was good to have my uncle Ken and cousin Denae and her husband Tim with us, too!

Family is very important, and I thank God for mine! I trust each of you had a joyous Thanksgiving with your family and friends, too.

Election Day

Today is the day we will elect a new President for these United States. If you didn't have the opportunity to vote early, please don't forget to vote today. Make your voice heard.