Voice of Hope

In the last few weeks I have been extremely troubled at the events that are taking place in our nation? I understand the political process can seem to be complicated, but some things are easily understood.  With American citizens being beheaded and Christians around the world being murdered for their faith I am distressed at the continuing political game that is being played by the leaders of our nation. While I don't know all of the internal workings of the political parties, I know this:  America is in trouble and we need help.  However, I don't believe the help can come from anywhere other than the Lord. I pray that God will touch our leaders hearts and lives.  I pray that they will stop the political tomfoolery they engage in and pay attention.  Our freedom is on the line...its time to wake up!

As I've shared before, I am a proud citizen of the United States of America. In recent weeks I've heard a lot of disparaging remarks made about this great nation that I love, and I take exception to the attitudes displayed, and the snide remarks made about the people, and especially the churches. Not long ago, I saw one of the National Registry signs on the side of the road as I traveled to the western part of Tennessee.  I was a little surprised to see it so I just had to snap a picture.  As you can see, it marks a place where Alexis De Tocqueville visited on his travel throughout our young nation. Seeing the sign reminded me of something by De Tocqueville once said about this land that I love so much.  He is famous for saying, "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." We must dedicate ourselves to the ideas of liberty and justice for all, as well as the value of freedom over tyranny. ...

This evening I had a wake up call.  No, it wasn't from the telephone, but rather from the Holy Spirit.  As I sat to read my Bible after a long trip questions began to arise in my mind.  What verse was it that made me sit up and pay attention?  Well, I'm glad you asked. Here it is, "I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me; refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." (Psalm 142:4)  Those last six words seemed to jump of the page and right into my heart.  NO MAN CARED FOR MY SOUL .  For the next few minutes I just sat and thought.  I began to remember where my ministry began and I thought about the countless thousands of people I have come in contact with after over three decades of this work I am involved in.  I thought about those early years when the only minister who would invite me to preach was my father (a pastor) and my father-in-law (also a pastor).  They served very small congregation...

What has happened to the posts on this blog? That's a good question, now here is the answer. We have been slowly migrating everything over to the Tennessee Church of God of Prophecy State Website and more fully use the social media opportunities to help get the word out about events and happenings across the state. Although this is my personal blog, often church events overshadow what I would like to do with it...namely to post my own ministry thoughts, values and opinions.  Often my personal opinions are in stark contrast to fellow ministers whom I love and appreciate.  I don't want to endanger them or hurt their feelings by posting something that upsets them in the middle of church updates. Therefore, from today on, this page will become PERSONAL and all of the State of Tennessee Related events and news will appear on the LATEST NEWS tab on the website.  You can find the website by typing the url tncogop.com or by clicking this link provided for you:   http...

Friday May 30 Viewing 4pm -6:30pm Memorial Celebration. 7:00pm Location: Wildwood COGOP Saturday May 31 Viewing 10am -11am Homegoing Service. 11a Location: tbd

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sister Vernetta Reid. Sister Reid served alongside her husband, Bishop Winston Reid most recently at the Wildwood Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Her son and his wife, Trevor and Ailene Reid serve as the International Youth Ministries Directors. Please join us in prayer for Winston and their family, I will share information about visitation and funeral arrangements once I receive them.

Tonight, I spoke with Pastor Vernon Carruthers (Madisonville Church) by telephone and learned that his wife, Sharon is in Park West Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.  With a high fever and sever pain, she was hospitalized due to an infection in one of her knees, that had replacement surgery. She is to undergo a surgical procedure tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and Pastor Carruthers is requesting your prayers for her.  I am also asking each of you to pray for Vernon as well.