Children are a gift from God

Children are a gift from god; they are his reward. Psalm 127:3 (TLB)

What achievement in life is equal to a happy home and rearing successful children who grow up in praise of their parents? Every material goal, even if it is met, will pass away. But the heritage of children is timeless. Our primary responsibility is to be sure our children grow up in homes where God is honored and the love of Christ reigns. Do your children sense that Christ is at the center of your home?

95th General Assembly

The COGOP 95th International Assembly is now in the history books. What a great assembly it was. I believe the effects of it will be realized in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Our General Overseer, Bishop, Randy Howard, showed great strength and vision throughout the entire assembly. The "Cry" in this assembly was for us to "Awake" to our heritage, the Great Commission that Christ left us to go into all the world with the Gospel, and vision for getting the Gospel out to the world.

Let's continue praying for strength to do our part on God's timetable.

Minister in Top Ten Jobs with High Prestige

Results of the annual Harris Poll that measures the public's perceptions of 23 different professions and occupations indicates that the profession of clergy ranks in the top 10 most prestigious occupations.

Of the 1,010 U.S. adults who were interviewed in July of this year, 40 percent said that the role of Priest/Minister/Clergy had "very great prestige." The top ten occupations ranked by perception of very high prestige were:

* Firefighter: 57%
* Scientist: 56%
* Doctor: 53%
* Nurse: 52%
* Teacher: 52%
* Military Officer: 46%
* Police Officer: 46%
* Farmer: 41%
* Minister/Clergy: 40%
* Engineer: 40%

Of the 23 professions that were ranked, Banker, Stockbroker and Real Estate Agent took the bottom three spots, with only six percent of respondents saying that Real Estate Agent was an occupation with "very great prestige." It's also interesting to note that, according to the Harris Poll in 1977, the occupation of Clergy was seen as having "very great prestige" by 41 percent of those who were questioned. That number rose to 46 percent in 1998 and dropped to 32 percent in 2004.

Renewing of Wedding Vows

This is a group picture of some of the couples that renewed their wedding vows on July 27, 2008.














Another group of couples renewing their wedding vows on July 27, 2008.














Pictures of the couples holding hands renewing wedding vows on July 27, 2008

Revival

The revival for the district began today at the Dry Valley Church. The AM service was a great service. The Sunday Evening service was a combined service with the Dry Valley, Clanton, Calera and Pelham churches all coming together at Dry Valley. Each church was well represented and each Pastor was there in support of the revival. Bishop Mike Willingham preached an outstanding message that touched the hearts and spirits of everyone present. Someone said, "his message was right on target tonight." God moved and many came forward for prayer. One from the Pelham youth group reported being saved in this service. There were twenty-six from the Pelham church that were able to attend. The Pelham, Youth group, (3 DL), sang two songs and God anointed them for His glory. After the service everyone went to the fellowship hall and enjoyed a very good meal provided by the Dry Valley church.

God is moving in this district and our churches are working together for the Glory of God. We are looking forward to each night of this revival and waiting to see what God will do for those seeking Him.

God is in YOUR Corner

The Lord himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you - Deuteronomy 31:8

When I was seven years old, I ran away from home. I'd had enough of my father's rules and decided I could make it on my own, thank you very much. With my clothes in a paper bag, I stormed out the back gate and marched down the alley. [But] I didn't get far. I got to the end of the alley and remembered I was hungry, so I went back home.

Though the rebellion was brief, it was rebellion nonetheless. And had you stopped me on that prodigal path.... I might just have told you how I felt. I might have said, "I don't need a father. I'm too big for the rules of my family."

I didn't hear the rooster crow like Peter did. I didn't feel the fish belch like Jonah did. I didn't get a robe and a ring and sandals like the prodigal did. But I learned from my father on earth what those three learned from their Father in heaven. Our God is no fair-weather Father. He's not into this love-'em-and leave'em stuff. I can count on Him to be in my corner no matter how I perform. YOU CAN TOO!
By: Max Lacado in his book: The Great House of God

Clean Slate

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Did you ever have the experience in school of erasing an entire blackboard? When the slate has been wiped clean, it is as if nothing at all had ever been written on it. This is what God does for us when we come to Him, confessing our sin and trusting Christ as our Savior and Lord..... The slate is wiped clean! Only God can do that. We can't do it ourselves....
Resolve right now to allow God to wipe your slate clean by confessing your sins and letting Him give you a brand new start

I am so thankful God gives me a brand new start each time I fail and come to Him in repentance.

If you have not invited Christ into your heart.... why not do it right now. He will come in if invited!