People are Just People

Have you ever noticed how getting acquainted with someone can give you an entirely different picture of that person? I just had that to happen to me. Janis and I went to the North Cleveland Church of God Encourager's Sunday School Class Christmas Banquet tonight and it turned out that we were sitting at the table with two ladies about our age, whom we had met while we were attending the class. I thought they were fine people but figured they were just too far above me socially for there ever to be a real friendly, comfortable conversation with them. They are both widows, so I want to emphasize that Janis and I both were there at the same table with them. We had our introductory (getting reacquainted) greetings, shared two or three 'blond' jokes (one of the ladies was blond......maybe) and just talked and enjoyed our meals.

Both ladies had husbands who were successful ministers in the Church of God - one I knew from years gone by and the other I knew of and had met. This just falsely assured me that they had no interest in getting to know such a non-achiever as I and unfortunately, through no fault of her own, my wife. I must say that we all had a pleasant, yes, interesting, time of sharing. I will never see those ladies as being so socially sophisticated that they can't be friends, again.

Over time I have discovered that people are so much alike. Even those who seem so different. When you get to know someone, I think you will begin to see in some way, how they have traits and characteristics, likes and dislikes, goals and yes, faults, much like yourself. I'm glad to be reminded every now and then that I am not a total odd-ball. It makes me believe more strongly that we were all created by the same God and He has given us our uniqueness, and we should not be ashamed of what God has done.

Campmeeting Days

It's campmeeting time in Cleveland! Tennessee, that is. Yes, and I am enjoying the preaching, the praying, the singing, and the shouting. Campmeeting is not like it used to be. There is a reason for that. I need not say anything more about it. If You're under 30, I doubt you have ever seen campmeeting like some of us old-timers have seen it, but I thank God that He is still blessing and touching lives in these modern times. Thank God for campmeeting.

Long ago when but a boy, at old campmeeting time,
How my heart would fill with joy to hear the old bells chime,
Calling all the saint of God into the house of prayer,
Oh, such singing, praying, preaching, for the Lord was there.

I like the old time preaching, praying, singing, shouthing,
I like the old time reading of God's Word.
I like to hear those old time Hallelujahs, Glory,
I like the old time worship of the Lord.

Need I say more? No, I do not, but I will. I will also say that I like the new time worship of the Lord. That's right. I might like the new time worship better because the old time worship is gone and it is in the past. All I can do with it is remember it. I need something now. I want to worship now. I want to be involved in the praise now. So, when I lift my hands now and sense (lest I say 'feel') the presense of the Almighty, I like it better than just remembering the old times.

I'm calling all senior citizens in the church to a challenge. Let's just get right in there with this 'now' worship and see what happens. Oh, I know. We don't know the songs............Yet. But we will learn them. The now worship may be off our beat, but we'll get used to it. As long as we are worshiping God, let's worship NOW. We have a testimony that can only be experienced by the passing of time. We need to share this testimony with those who have not been there yet, who will listen, and who haven't lived long enough to experience what we have. One day they will, and if our testimony is fresh in there minds, it may be the help and encouragement they will need to make it through some hard times. Oh, they will face difficulties of some kind sooner or later and we know how it feels. They need our testimony, but it won't be effective if all they can think of when they see us, is an old bitter cistern or an old, ragged, worn-out bucket with holes in it. Let's rejoice about the Great and Mighty God whom we serve, even if we may not be happy about the style of praise and worship used today.

I still like the old 'Red Back Hymnal' and good old Souther Gospel, but if I'm gonna worship in church today, I'd better learn the new songs and learn to praise in the new fashioned way. I don't think it's the ways and means that matter but it's the motive and end product that counts.

Here's What I'm Doing Now

This is just an update - an overdue update. I am doing so much better these days. Just getting off the medication is an improvement. My regular doctor is keeping a watch on my liver function and my enzyme levels, and thus far all is looking good. Now that I have regained most of my strength and ability, I have accepted an invitation by the pastor of Grace Assembly to work with him at that church. It is the last church that I pastored and I count it an honor to be accepted by the present pastor and members, as an associate. I think I will be able to serve the pastor, the church and God in this capacity with a sense of accopmlishment for ministry. I do not have the desire to pastor any church these days but I do have a desire to do whatever God wants me to do. Right now, I feel like it is to serve in this position.

I am still a member of the North Cleveland Church of God and I still have an active ordained bishop certificate. I keep in touch with the NCCOG and attend some of its functions when possible and I continue to observe my financial obligations to that church. I really wish it were possible for the Church of God and the Assembly of God, and all of the pentecostal fellowships, to be united into one fellowship. That would make us, the pentecostal community, a louder voice in the world and we would be a stronger body, physically and financially, and could therefore do more for God. At least it seems that way. I believe that God is doing His work in this world and He continues to surprise me how and by whom He does it. God is an awesome God. Won't it be wonderful there?!

One of the good things that has come out of all this medical bout that I have been engaged in is a greater appreciation for the more contemporary music of this day. I really do love the music by Casting Crowns, especially the song entitled "I Will Praise You In This Storm". There are other groups that I really enjoy who would not have been accepted by my criteria at a time in my past. Really, I have been expanded, broadened, enlightened, or whatever you want to call it, by my experience. I still love the old conservative songs and good old souther gospel too. What I think I am trying to say is, "I am a better man today than I was yesterday." Let me conclude with this old number:
"We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
And then be gathered home."

I'm Tired, But That's Good

It's time to blog. Yeah, it's past time to say something. You know, I am tired. Don't feel sorry for me though. I'm not tired like I used to be when I was on that hep-c medication. No, I'm tired like a man is supposed to be after he has done some work. Yeah, I mowed my yard again today. Last time I mowed the front one day and the back the next day. Well, today I mowed the front and back. It took me about 1 and 1/2 hours, non-stop. I then rested for an hour or maybe two and by that time, Janis was home and was inspired for 'us' to do some more yard work. :( We worked out in the yard for about an hour. Then I decided I needed to get some bicycling in so I rode to Mimosa Dr., then turned around and rode past my house down to Haywood Dr., then back to my house. I know that wasn't very far but just about half of it was up hill. Anyway, I'm tired.

I had just, yesterday, told my wife and my mother that I was beginning to feel what it was like to be back at work. It really feels good to be able to do something again. You don't suppose that the medication knocked the laziness out of me do you?? Nah! I think I've still got a good share of that, but at least I'm on the road again. I'm not hauling much in my truck but I'm driving! lol

For those of you who may not know, I guess I'd better tell you something. I am an associate pastor at Grace Assembly now. That's the church I was pastoring when I 'retired'. Yeah, that may seem a little strange, but the pastor said that he would like for me to work with him and so I am. I'm still officially a member at NCCOG (North Cleveland Church of God), will still pay 'my' tithes there, and I'm still an ordained bishop in the COG but I will be attending Grace Assembly mostly and focusing my sights on the Senior Adult Ministries. How about that!? Only in Cleveland! Well, look at it like this: That's my job, and I have to work on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, as well as other times. What?? How much do I get paid?? Let's just say, that I will have a great reward when I get to heaven wheather I get material compensations or not, but that's why a retired minister would consider re-entering the active ministry anyway, isn't it? Once a man, or woman, is called to the ministry in any fashion, that call will attach itself to the called one and stay right there until the day they die. Once bent in that direction, the limb will never be the same again.

Well, that's enough for today. I've got to get a warm shower, get some clean clothes on and start thinking about the message that I was asked today to preach Sunday night. I will be speaking at the Michigan Ave. COG.....just in case you want to come! :)

Charismatic Morality

In reference to a blog by The Dawg Howse entitled "The Fuzzy-Wuzzy World of Charismatic Morality", I mad a reply that I thought I should use as a blog of my own. If you want to read the article, go to http://thedawghowse.blogspot.com/ and read his blog. The following is my reply to his blog:

I think the "fuzzy wuzzy world of charismatic morality" is getting "fuzzaier" all the time. I have watched several of these tv evangelists with admiration and a few with a grain of salt. I looked on, helplessly, as PTL crumbled. I watched the 'Swaggert confession - I Have Sinned' and was disappointed, the Bynum 'royal wedding' and was amazed, the White 'announcement' and was puzzled, and several other dramas that left me with unanswered questions. I've seen sights, inappropriate for saints to behold in our own churches, and heard 'sermons' that, in my opion, should not have been preached. I see the COG loosing it's holiness distinctive. I know that holiness begins in the heart but if it is given a chance it will show up on the body. Lest I stray from the point, let me say that we must be serious in our desire to please God and we must get serious in our practice of holiness. I know I am convicted already when I say that, but by God's grace I will do better. I still believe that it is God's desire for one man to be married to one woman, or vice-versa, and that they should be bound by their pledge, 'until death do us part'. However, there might be a few cases where..........................Oh Lord!.............Help us!

Church Teachings!

I hope no one has given up on me. I'm still alive and well. I've just been doing stuff. Now, I don't have much excuse for just sitting in front of the computer so much of the time, since I've been off the medication that I was on for about two months. My wife expects more of me now, as does others. I have also began to get involved in some other activities that require my time. I don't want to forsake my blog posts, but I have been thinking about getting one of those free web sites just to check it out, and if I like it I may try to do something with it. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.

Recently, after viewing Lee University's In Circle web site, and corresponding with some of the alumni, I thought it might be OK to blog the post that follows. This is a small portion of my 'writings' that I have on file in my computer. It may be out dated today, but it gets to the point, I think. Tell me what you think. Here it is:

"What about the church teachings? Can we really change them? What about unwritten “practices”, or should I say “teachings”, of the church. I'm talking about those personal convictions that were preached and forced upon congregations, and those church rules that were not intended by God to be His rules. If it was a sin for one man is it not a sin for all? Let me answer that like this: 'What ever is a sin against God, in the sight of God, is a sin for one and all.' But some of the things that were called sin, are not identified as sin in the scriptures.
"More should be said about that, but I am intending to get to another point; mainly this: It seems that the founders of our church, the Church of God, were able to live by the standards of the church, and there are many today who also seem to have very little difficulty accepting those standards and live by them. I truly believe most of those dear saints of God lived holy lives. There are some dear saints of God today who are also living holy lives. But there have been many changes. Changes, no doubt, that would make the early church fathers (of the Church of God) very displeased if they could see those changes.
"There is a move, I think, toward a less severe church in the area of discipline. The church today no longer sees some of the "personal convictions" of the past as sin. They no longer feel that some of the church teachings of the past, for which many were excommunicated, are sinful. The idea of a Christian committing sin was unthinkable, but today it is not impossible to hear Church of God ministers, even Church of God officials, preach that we need to confess our sins and return to God. The church used to think more in terms of being perfect, but now you may often hear from the Church of God pulpit, that we have not yet attained unto perfection. The church used to speak in terms of entire, instantaneous sanctification, but it is not unrealistic to expect to hear the minister talk of a continual and gradual sanctification.
"In my own studies and observations, I have learned that Christians do sometimes sin. Should I say "most" Christians? That is certainly the case with me. I know I am not perfect. The "Baptist idea" that we are sinners saved by grace, is not as far off track as I used to think it was.

. . . . .

"How did those early church founders live such holy lives? How did my Grandmother do it? And how did my parents do it? Why has my struggle in living holy (if keeping the church teachings is living holy) been such a chore for me? Notice, I didn't say I was not keeping the church teachings; I simply admitted that is was not always easy - especially in the area of entire sanctification.

"Here are five things to consider:
"1. The founders of the Church of God did not conform to the church teachings -- they formed the church teachings. They did not make rules that were in disagreement with their practices.
"2. Some, had a temperament and personality that fit snugly into their mold and they did not have to make any effort to keep the standard.
"3. Some, had a temperament and personality that, even though it was difficult to meet the standard, they were actually able to force themselves to do those things required of them, in order to be a good Church of God member.
"4. Some of the early church members (and leaders), actually, did not live by the church teachings. When it was discovered that they were not living by the teachings they were excommunicated.
"5. Some, claimed to live by the church rule, and it was never found out that in reality they were unable to 'keep the standard'."

It seems almost cruel to stop this blog on that note, but it's a long blog and I may add something later. I hope you still love me!!??

Have a Very Merry Christmas and don't forget who the celebration is all about. Jesus Christ Our Lord!

Whose report will you receive?

I wrote this late last night (Wednesday night) but did not post it, so here it is!

I have anxiously anticipated this day when I could give you this 24 week report. Well actually, it has been more like 27 weeks. I really expected to tell you that the virus was totally cleared and I only had 20 more weeks of treatment to go. That is not the report that I have to give, however. Really, I have two reports to share with you.

The first report is what I received from the doctor’s office today (Wednesday). There is both good news and bad news here. First, the bad news. The virus has not cleared. The report says that my viral load increased from 164,000 to 1,020,000. That’s an increase of 856,000. So, the doctor feels that the treatment is not working and there is no point in continuing with it. That brings the ‘good news’, of a sort. I do not have to continue the treatments. That means when the medication works its way out of my body I should have no more side effects and get back to ‘normal’. My hair should stop falling out, I should have less dramatic emotional reactions, and hopefully, less extreme fatigue.

If that report is not good enough, then here’s the second report. Actually, I got this one earlier but I’ll call it the second one. The past week or so I have been feeling better and Sunday was a great day. Sunday night we were standing in the church singing. I can’t remember all the songs that we sung, but I definitely remember one of them. We were singing, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”. Do you know it? Well here it is on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe65um19-bw No, that’s not our church choir but it is the song we were singing. Anyway, I was feeling pretty good while we were singing and when we got to the verse that says, “He healed my body and He told me to run on,” I just felt so strong that it was for me. I looked over at Janis and I told her, while trying to keep from crying, “He healed my body and He told me to run on.” She agreed. I just knew that there was something going on. You know what I mean? After about another verse, I felt so impressed that I should tell my Mother what I felt, that I sat down and bent over to her and said, “I’ve gotta tell you what I feel like God has said. He healed my body and He told me to run on.” I had just as much difficulty, or more, trying to keep from crying that time as when I told Janis. Now, I believe that God was trying to minister to me. He knew what the doctors report was going to be today (Wednesday), based on the blood work taken last Thursday, but God’s report came to me on Sunday, based on faith in His Word.

I’m here to tell you that God has touched my body. I am off the medication as of today and I want you to help me to believe that I am healed. How can you help me? Don’t speak any doubt to me. Say only words of encouragement, and rejoice with me. Ironically, I can say that I may die “with” hepatitis-c but I do not believe that I will die “because” of hepatitis-c. Do you follow me? I was told when I received the doctors report that the nurse said something like what I just said, and I may have revised it a little but that’s the essence.

Whose report will you receive? Whose report will I receive? I shall receive the report of the Lord. I thank God for every ounce of health in my body and for every breath of air that I breathe. If the rapture doesn’t happen first, I plan on being around for 15 or 20 more years. To God be the Glory!

Campmeeting Days Are Here Again!

Monday night was the opening night of the Tennessee State campmeeting for the Church of God. Dr. Tim Hill, the Second Assistant Overseer of the denomination preached powerfully. Each morning at 9:30 AM we have Bible Study, and after the morning break we hear from a selected minister. The afternoon is free and then at 7:00 PM we are at it again with more good preaching by Bryan Cutshall.

Campmeeting today is not like what I remember and is not like what I have heard so much about from my Mother and Dad and my Grandmother. All were ministers. I actually remember 'camping' on the campgrounds for the campmeeting. Sometimes I become weary from hearing about how things are not like they used to be, so I'll try not to complain to my decedents about it. I know things are changing. It is inevitable. Thank God for change. I prefer padded pews to wooden benches; brick walls to wood lap-siding; automated heating and cooling systems to wood or coal burning stoves and funeral parlor fans; carpet to rough wood or cement floors; all of these modern facilities to those old, inconvenient and inadequate ones.

It seems fairly easy to accept cultural differences when we think about those who worship in another country, but it is more difficult for some of us old-timers to accept the cultural changes that are taking place in our own locale. It is happening. Our parents thought we were 'going to the dogs', so to speak. Now, we look at this new generation coming up and we think, "Oh, God! What has happened? Where did we fail? Our church is going down the road to destruction!" In those old campmeeting days, the preaching was different. The music was different. The program was different. And yes, the culture was different. These people of today are not just like those of yesterday. I must allow for this new culture to be captivated by the power of the Holy Spirit and let God do what He will with them. I have a feeling that God is big enough to preserve whatever He wants to preserve and to eradicate whatever He wants to eradicate. To my peers I say, "Let go! Turn loose! Quit holding this culture back from God. God is in control. It is His church, not ours. He promised that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' - His church, not our church." I am confident that He knows what He is doing and He is doing it right.

But I do miss those "good-ole-days". There are a lot of us old-timers alive and well. We could make up quite a number if you got us all together. Now, whoever is in charge will probably, and understandably, do it their way - as God allows them to. If you're talking about a church full of seniors, there will probably be some hymn book singing and KJV Bible reading, and some "Haah!" anointed preaching. Do you know what I mean? But, if it is a church full of young people like my sons and daughters, they will do it differently. Bear with me just a moment now. We older folks could just eliminate every position for young people and require them to just sit and listen, and that might solve the problem for some folks. On the other hand, the youth could just ignore the older ones of us, and do what they please while we grasp for anything to help us survive. What a problem! The solution must be in different ministries to all the different cultures in the church. OK! We will let the youth play their worship music and we will pick-and-grin while we use the old red back hymnal. But when and where with each one? I'm telling you, pastoring is not easy, but it can be done.

I see some great, exciting leaders emerging in this generation. I believe we can expect some good ole "campmeeting" days ahead. They will probably not be referred to as "campmeeting days", but call it anything you like, just let God be in control.