Hope this letter finds you looking up and that you are living a life of Praise to God. Last Sunday we had an adoption service in the middle of our service. The adoption was different in that we adopted praise into our lives just like David of old did. I think the encouragement of David should be enough to help us buy into the privilege by responding to Gods invitation to praise Him. I have always said, “It is easier to shout out from underneath your burdens than it is to pray out from underneath them.” David understood the power of praise, listen again to his encouragement to Israel in regard to praising God. God has given you a personal invite to praise Him.

Psalm 119:164

“SEVEN TIMES A DAY DO I PRAISE THEE, because of thy, righteous judgment.” The Message Translation gives us even greater insight into this powerful verse. “I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians, but my awe at your words keeps me stable. I’m ecstatic over what you say, like one who strikes it rich. I hate lies—can’t stand them! — but I love what you have revealed. SEVEN TIMES EACH DAY, I STOP AND SHOUT PRAISES FOR THE WAY YOU KEEP EVERYTHING RUNNING RIGHT. For those who love what you reveal, everything fits— no stumbling around in the dark for them. I wait expectantly for your salvation; God, I do what you tell me. My instructions— oh, how much I love them! I follow your directions, abide by your counsel; my life’s an open book before you.”

Aaron and Julie Schilling gives us a good template on how to get this incorporated in your daily life.

7:00 am PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY
9:00 am PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY.
11:00 am PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY.
1:00 pm PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY.
3:00 pm PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY.
5:00 pm PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY.
7:00 pm PRAISE THE LORD...EVERY DAY.

This week for the first time in all our years of ministry, we have two of our people in Hospice Care at the same time. They are both wonderful Christians, one is man and the other is woman. I can say, as a pastor, it is one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. Each of them is filled with are living there last days with Heavenly anticipation. Their families are having long conversations with them in regard to what Heaven is going to be like. It is wonderful to walk into
the home and see the Bible open to some special passage about death and heaven. Yesterday, I visited my friend who is in what the doctors have told him is his last days, yet he speaks of death as though it is a light affliction. Each of them has said their last goodbyes. The first thing they did when I got settled in the room with them was to ask me a question about these verses their Bible was open to. They are found in the book of Philippians chapter One:

22-26 “As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I’d choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it’s better for me to stick it out here. So, I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can
start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We’ll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.” The Message Translation

I have found it to be comforting to couples like these to mention, “Just think the other half of your soul will be in heaven”. It is a beautiful thing to see people who are truly ready for the graduation day, sharing their faith with any and everyone who will listen. I visited them both on Tuesday of this week and each time I have visited, I have walked away tremendously blessed. One of our men in the church while speaking with the brother said, “I want to think that I would have the faith you have when I come to the place you are in, in life.” I think we should all want this to be our testimony as well.

Have you ever read the verse, “Death and Hell are never full?”

I have been asked many times in life after a great meal, “Would you like some more food or dessert?” My answer is this, “I can chew but I cannot swallow.” I love what Paul said as he spoke directly to death he said, “Oh death where is your sting, Oh grave where is your victory, for the sting of death is swallowed up in victory.” As I have visited my friends and your brothers and sisters in Christ, I have seen death swallowed up in Victory. They have a blessed hope that transcends this life.

Our prayers are with them today as we remember special times we have had with Ray and Holly Willis and Mike and Mary Morrow. Our lives have been enriched by their love for The Lord and their contribution to the Kingdom of God.

I write this with a tear in my heart but with a Resurrection Hope.

Your loving pastor,
Cleddie Keith

“This robe of flesh, I’ll drop and rise to seize the everlasting prize and shout while passing through the air, farewell/farewell sweet hour of prayer.”

Good morning or whatever time of day you may have found yourself reading our weekly letter, ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me.’

This week I have had this prompting in my spirit, that the world is on THE VERGE OF A TURN OF EVENTS. In 1st Chronicles 19:1, we can find a story of misunderstood benevolence.

“After David had conquered his enemies and united Israel into one nation, Nahash (king of the Ammonites) died, and his son ascended to the throne. 2 So David sent messengers into Ammonite territory to console Hanun (son of Nahash) about his father’s death. David chose to do this because his father had been merciful to him.” This is a tough one, but we need to remember that David’s grandmother was Ruth from Moab, and that David was red headed like those from Edom. The scripture is vague on this matter, so this may have been an act of politico in that day. This is a “maybe” portion of the scripture, for we do not know for sure where and when Nahash had been merciful to David. This act of mercy is spoken of and even though it is not made clear to us, we can certainly it is the beginning of a turn of events that followed. 3 “But the Ammonite chiefs doubted David’s sincerity.

(Is David really honoring your father by sending you, his sympathies? Surely these messengers are here to spy on your affairs and overthrow your government!)” 4 So Hanun humiliated David’s servants: shaved them, cut their garment hems up to their hips, and sent them away. 5 When David heard what had happened, he sent a message to his humiliated servants:

There is always a story behind the story in the scriptures and this is one of humiliation in the form of ancient hazing.

This is a shameful turn of events. In the ancient world, normally eunuchs are clean-shaven, so this is a deep insult to David and his people.

It was the same as them openly emasculating his peace corp. When this happened, David Sent a Message to his men who carried David’s condolences to Hanun, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return to Jerusalem. “Does this remind you of the humiliation of Samson, Remember Delilah found out the secret of his strength, but the Philistines did not think about what would happen when his hair began to grow again. YOU WILL RECALL IT BOUGHT ABOUT A MAJOR TURN OF EVENTS.

6 When Hanun and the Ammonites realized they had made themselves abhorrent to David, they paid a fortune to hire mercenaries from Mesopotamia, Aram-maacah, and Zobah. 7 They hired 32,000 chariots and the king of Maacah and his people (who camped at Medeba). Then the Ammonites gathered together from their cities for the battle.

8 When David heard about Ammon’s preparations, he sent Joab and all of his mighty army. Joab who was a field general, and upon realizing he was outnumbered called on his brother Abishai and they knew what to do to overcome the enemy and that was to fight together. “ONE PUTS A THOUSAND TO FLIGHT AND TWO TEN THOUSAND.”

IT WAS THE TURNING POINT IN THE BATTLE!!!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES IN THE BIBLE IN REGARD TO A TURNING POINT WAS THE STORY
OF HAMAN IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER.

I want you to remember that Haman who hated God’s people built a platform to hang Esther’s uncle Mordecai on, but God knows just the right moment for a TURNING POINT, and this is a TURNING POINT IF THERE EVER WAS ONE.

You can read this like lines in a play and the play-right was God Himself. King Ahasuerus: Now, my queen, what is your request? I promise that half of my kingdom is not too much to ask! Do not be afraid to ask for whatever you want.

Queen Esther: 7 I do want something. My request is: 8 If I have found favor before you, and if you truly desire to grant my request, would you and Haman join me again tomorrow for another banquet I will prepare? Then I will answer your question.

9 Haman left dinner in high spirits, almost gleeful, but his joy was short lived. As he walked through the king’s gate, he passed by Mordecai. It angered Haman to see the Jew unwilling to stand and, worse still, seemingly unafraid. 10 But he resisted showing his anger right then and there. Instead, he went home and spent time with friends and Zeresh, his wife. 11 Haman spent the evening bragging to them and having lots of sons in his family. He even boasted about his
relationship with the king, talking to his guests about his promotion above all of his fellow nobles and the officials of the king.

Haman: 12 And that is not all! Queen Esther invited me today to dine with her and the king. Just the three of us! And guess what? She is invited me again tomorrow. What do you think about that? 13 But I must be honest; seeing that Jew, Mordecai, as I pass through the gate makes it difficult to celebrate any of my good fortune.

14 Then his wife Zeresh and all of his friends came up with an idea. Zeresh and His Friends: You should make a wood pole 75 feet high! Tomorrow morning, have the king sentence Mordecai to be executed on it. Then you’ll be able to have a good time at the banquet with the king.

(The Persians have a particularly grisly way of humiliating and killing those they hate. A tree is cut down and sharpened to a point at one end. In some cases, the condemned are killed, and their lifeless bodies are impaled on it. Others are hung on the pole as a mode of torture and execution. It is erected in some public place as an example for others, and the 75-foot pole described here is high enough to be seen over most buildings and small trees. Soon birds and insects begin eating away at the dead or dying. Political enemies, criminals, and dissidents often end their lives this way. The threat of public death and humiliation has kept many from disobeying the law, but not Mordecai.)

“Haman thought the idea was brilliant. So, he had the pole made.” The other foot is about to fall in this providential turn of events. This story is too good in that God has No Equal for He has No Adversary. Therefore, you can read the Turning Point for yourself. Esther Chapter 7: “King Ahasuerus and Haman came to dine with Queen Esther; 2 and while they were drinking wine, the king posed his question once again.”

King Ahasuerus: “What is your request, Queen Esther? I’m willing to give you anything you want. Just make your request. Even if it’s half the kingdom you desire, I will make it happen!”

Queen Esther: 3 “If you favor me, my king, and if it pleases you, spare my life. That’s all I’m asking for—that my people and I be spared. That is my wish. 4 There are some, my king, who wish to rid your kingdom of us. For my people and I have been sold, marked for destruction and massacre. Now if the plan were simply to sell our men and women into slavery, I would have kept my mouth closed because that would not have been important enough to disturb you, my king.

Esther’s plea to Ahasuerus echoes the words of Moses to Pharaoh: “Let my people go.”

King Ahasuerus: 5 “Who has targeted your people? Where is this man who dares to do this?” Queen Esther (pointing to Haman): 6 “The man responsible for these actions is wicked Haman. He is vile, and an enemy to my people.”

‘In that moment, Haman’s joy turned to terror before the king and queen. 7 Angered, the king shoved away from the table, left his wine, and walked into the palace garden. But Haman, aware that King Ahasuerus had already sealed his fate, didn’t follow behind. Instead, he pleaded with Queen Esther to spare his life. 8 In desperation, he threw himself onto the couch where Queen Esther was sitting, just as King Ahasuerus walked back from the garden to the place where the
wine and the banquet had been set.” King Ahasuerus: “Haman, will you even violate my queen right here in the palace, where I can see you?

As soon as the king gave the order, the royal eunuchs covered Haman’s face. His fate had been sealed. 9 One of those eunuchs was Harbonah.”

Harbonah: “Look! Haman has prepared a 75-foot pole for execution in his own courtyard. He was hoping to use it to hang Mordecai, the man who spoke up and saved the king.” King Ahasuerus: Well, hang him on it!

10 “So they took Haman and killed him and displayed him on the pole he had made ready for Mordecai. And King Ahasuerus’ anger subsided.” Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury the votes are in, and I believe God is on the verge of showing
His hand. WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF A TURNING POINT I LOVE YOU, I BELIEVE IN YOU, I NEED YOU AND WE WANT YOU, WHEN WE LOOK BACK AT THE EVENTS OF THE LAST FEW MONTHS IN HISTORY WE WILL ONCE AGAIN SEE THAT IT IS HIS STORY.

THIS WEEK MARKS 41 OF THE BEST YEARS IN OUR LIVES THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO

SERVE YOU ANOTHER YEAR,

YOUR LOVING PASTORS,
CLEDDIE AND GAYNELL

Have you ever heard that one bad apple can spoil the whole bushel? What? Pray tell can others see in your life? If I was a bushel of apples you would others see in my life? They would only see what was on the top of the bushel. Someone may conclude that I am what can be seen that which is most conspicuous on top. I read once where each mortal man or woman is like barrel of apples, with an outer life and an inner life. When people see your outer life, it is in your
response to the environment, which can be a myriad of reactions from entertainment to money.

Deep in the barrel is where you find your inner life, your character the things that motivate you like, (Why do we do the things we do and who do we do them for?). As a pastor I have had more than one occasion to see what people really are, I have seen the inner bushel of people’s lives. Take a listen to the Word of God on the matter.

Proverbs 16:31

31 The hoary head (grey head) is a crown of beauty and glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).

Did you notice the, IF? Some have evidently never read this verse and make the mistake of thinking white hair is a badge of maturity.

Hosea 7:9 King James

Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.

Hosea 7:9-10 The Message

8-10 “Ephraim mingles with the pagans, dissipating himself. Ephraim is half-baked. Strangers suck him dry but he doesn’t even notice. His hair has turned gray— he doesn’t notice. Bloated by arrogance,

Hosea 7:9 The Living Bible

9 “Worshiping foreign gods has sapped their strength, but they don’t know it. Ephraim’s hair is turning gray, and he doesn’t even realize how weak and old he is.

As I read the verses in these different translations, I thought about our United States. If America were a barrel of Apples, what would other nations see? I have mentioned how I feel about what is taking place in society and the best was I can describe it, is that it is like I have a hair in my throat. Just Lot was vexed, and I think it is far within the mark when I say, I am also vexed be the filthy conversation and the chosen lifestyles of the wicked.

LET ME TAKE TIME TO SAY,
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU,
TO ALL WHO SHOWED UP IN THE MEETINGS IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS AND SERVED WITH EXCELLENCE OUR GUEST AND FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE TRI STATE WHO JOINED US FOR THESE SPECIAL SERIES OF MEETINGS. YOU MAKE US ALL PROUD TO SERVE WITH YOU IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

I would get in trouble if I did not mention,
Mark your calendars ladies: November the 12th,
The Receptions Event Center, Erlanger, Kentucky
Women’s weekend with Tracy Stewart

Thank you for your continued support of what God has called us to be as a church and do. You are in my prayers. If you have prayer request let us know and we will share them with our intercessors.

Choice Greetings:
I have a verse on my heart for you today:

Romans 12:12 TPT

“Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing continual joy. Don’t give up in time of trouble but commune with God at all times.”

In the past I have referred to this as a devotional lifestyle. For a few weeks it has been my privilege to share with you my thoughts in regard to my friend the Holy Spirit. As I have revisited these wonderful scriptures which help us to know Him better and recognize He is a person. As I have meditated on this incredible revelation of who He is as the third person of the God Head, my thoughts went to:

Philippians 1:10

“That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death”.

Here is what we know about His resurrection; Jesus was raised after He had been crucified in our place for our sins. To know Him in the power of the resurrection is to know the Holy Spirit who raised Him from the dead. Paul writes this for us to gage where we are spiritually.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives’ in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Can we say that we also want to know Him, in the Power of His Resurrection? Take a moment to think about what Paul was asking God for. I think Paul realized that he could know the available power that raised Christ from a lifeless state. He knew the resurrection was the message, which could transform people from death to life. He lived in what he knew and demonstrated what he believed as seen in the book of Acts, which Luke records for us. The spirit of the resurrection is
the spirit of life. (Romans 8:11)

Have you ever experienced the resurrection power? If you have, you now know that it was the Holy Spirit that was operating in behalf of the Godhead. I was about 15 when my mother prayed for me when I was delirious with raging fever and boils all over my body. In a moment of time I was set free, from the pain and the fever. It was the Holy Spirit who worked in tandem with the Word of God bringing life into my body. It is with this in mind, I can pray with boldness knowing
that God honors His Word above His Name. I believe that even then the Lord introduced me to the power of the resurrection, which was the Holy Spirit who also incubated the earth in creation and through Him, God worked His wonders. I never have questioned the power of the Lord to heal from that moment on my bed, with my head in my mother’s lap, when the Holy Spirit touched me. Just think about its Jesus went down into death and when He came up from
the grave, He came back with keys to hell and death. He could not have done this if it had not been for the precious Holy Spirit, bringing the Word back to life. Therein He became the Living empowered by the Holy Spirit who is your Friend and mine. Peter should not be left out of this conversation; he has this to say as found in:

1PETER 3:18

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

It is important for us to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit is to quicken the crucified Christ. Just as he quickens Christ, he quickens the believer. That being the case it is important to welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives to maximize God’s presence and enduement of power.

Luke 24:49

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

The word endue means to provide with a quality or an ability, a transfuse or to clothe. My desire and prayer for each and every one of us that God would clothe us with the Presence of God in a measure that we can operate in and in so doing bless the world around us. I want to thank you, for joining me in praying for this as well the times demand it. Paul also prayed that he would be able to know Him in the fellowship of His sufferings. What a prayer, in another passage he wrote
his grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in weakness. I believe he gives a bird’s eye view into the way that the Holy Spirit came, alongside to be with him, in the conflicts he experienced. I pray you will sense his continual presence with you at all times in the good and difficult stretches of the road before you.

HELP US MAKE IT KNOWN THAT LANCE WALNAU WILL BE HERE BEFORE THE MIDTERMS TO RALLY THE CHURCH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2022

Let’s stand together for change.
Your loving pastor,
Cleddie Keith

Summer Greetings to each of you, who we are very thankful that you have chosen to be a part of our lives,

I want to take the time in this weekly letter to continue our emphasis on God the Holy Spirit. In both the old and new testaments, God’s wish is our Spirit infilling. It actually begins in the book of Numbers 11:29, where we see that Moses wished that God would put His Spirit upon all the people. It is interesting to me the pneuma-phobia ( the fear of the Holy Spirit), when the Bible is full of references to God’s desire to pour out His Spirit upon Israel and His chosen
people, Proverbs 1:22,23. In Isaiah 30: God was grieved because His people would not be covered with His Spirit.

I think an important verse in regard to this subject is found in Zechariah 4:6, God’s source of power is the outpoured Spirit. The book of Acts of the Apostles, it would have not been a creditable book without the Spirits outpouring on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Promise of the Father with the assurance that all who obeyed would receive, Acts 5:32. In Luke 24:49 the last promise Jesus gave with instruction was the Spirit would be sent to them. Have you ever considered what Jesus meant when He told the woman at the well, true worshippers will worship Him in Spirit, John 4:23. I especially love and believe what we find in John 14: 16,17; Christ prayed that the Father would send the Spirit.

It is easy when you begin to follow the chain- linked scriptures into an understanding of what God’s ultimate intention is when it comes to the of the Father. Time and again we can see the profound emphasis of the Father, Jesus went so far as to say the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart I will send Him unto you, John 17:7. You can see for yourself how rich this subject is with the Word of God.

A very telling question is found in Acts 19:1-6, “Have you received the Holy Ghost?” Paul had a strong desire that the believers in Rome was that they would receive the Holy Ghost, Romans 8:1-16. In 1st Corinthians 12: 1-13, he prayed that believers would have knowledge of God’s gifts of the Spirit. Have you ever prayed that you would have communion with the Holy Spirit, Paul did 2 Corinthians 13:14?

My constant prayer for you is that you would have communion with the Holy Spirit. Did you know that you were redeemed that you might receive the promise of the Father through faith, Galatians 5:23? Not only did Paul speak of the promise of the Father but he admonished the Galatian church to walk in the Spirit, Galatians 5:16 and also to live in the Spirit, Galatians 5:23. It leaves little doubt how important it is to Godhead for individuals to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians it was through the preaching of Christ to the believers of Ephesus that they would be built into a habitation of the Spirit, you can find this in Ephesians 2:22. Finally both Paul and Peter write that we are chosen and elect of God through the sanctification of the Spirit.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 and 1 Peter 1:2. It is important for all of us to follow on to know the Lord and I think it is equally important to realize that life in the Spirit is available to each of us and that God is no respecter of persons. My personal testimony is that early on in my walk with God I came to know the Holy Spirit a person and not just an influence in my life.

Help us get the message out in regard to the special meetings. If you love our nation and I know you do. If you are concerned about our nation and I know you are.

Coming Events:
Labor Day Celebration- September 4th
School Starts- September 6th
NATHAN MORRIS- September 16th 17th 18th
LANCE WALNAU- September 23rd 24th

HELP US MAKE IT KNOWN THAT LANCE WALNAU WILL BE HERE BEFORE THE MIDTERMS TO RALLY THE CHURCH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2022

Let’s stand together for change.
Your loving pastor,
Cleddie Keith

Choice Christian greetings to you today and every day,

I have been meditating on the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, who is promised to each and every one of us. Over the years one of my favorite lifetime studies is God the Holy Spirit. I met Him before I was saved, for on several occasions He saved my life and even spoke to me in situations. I can honestly say that I knew Him as a person before I received Him into my life. Let me tell you how I knew Him.

I knew the Holy Spirit by observation of what happened in my family, when the Holy Spirit came into their lives. There was an immediate change in the atmosphere of our homes and the center of their conversations. The Bible became the centerpiece in their lives. It was as though they delighted in the Word of God. They could not wait until Sundays, mid-week service or revivals. I was there it was as simple as that; no questions ask. They never let up talking to me about God
and His will for my life. It was like they confronted me with their lifestyle and their character. They became a visible yardstick of right and wrong. There was never any profanity in the house I don’t even remember one curse word coming out of my father’s mouth as a child and he never became a Christian until after I was converted to Christ. Never onetime, did I have to take an empty beer can to the curb for garbage pickup. The atmosphere of my home was like going to
church, there was no difference in what I felt in our home and in God’s house. They got their prayers answered, in many wonderful ways and I observed this on a daily basis. I was taught the Word of God and knew that the Holy Spirit was promised to the believer:

Luke 24:29: “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

Acts 1:5 “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

I heard of the Holy Spirit through the preachers and my family. They taught without reservation these things about power:

• His power was Divine, Luke 4:14, Luke 3:21,22
• His power was comforting, John 16:7
• He gave us power to witness, acts 1:8 (I heard this often)
• His power was for spiritual BOLDNESS, Acts 4:31
• He Anointed us with power to speak, Acts 2:1-4

I watched as people tarried for hours, literally for hours as they sought the Divine gift of the Holy Spirit. I saw people under the power, I heard prophecy and tongues and interpretation come from common people under the power. I saw manifestations of the Spirit and watched as people were healed under the power. I heard the great stories of missionaries who attributed everything that happened in their lives to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and His guidance in
their lives. I listened as my uncle’s taught and preached the Word of God and it spoke to me when one new it but me.

I heard the Holy Spirit preached and taught about not an It or an influence or even just a power but as God the Holy Ghost. I am not sure anyone knew I was listening, but I was. There was so much to be learned, so many verses to confirm what I heard in regard to where God was taking me on my life journey.

The Holy Spirit has led me into a promised inheritance. He has been to me sweet communion in difficult times and is with me 24/7 as I follow on, to know the Lord. What Joel prophesied to the prophets in the book of Numbers 12:6 I have personally experienced. I have been purged by the Spirit as Isaiah spoke of Isaiah 4:4. It was the Holy Spirit who taught me to take God at His word. One of the most important things I have learned as I walk with and live the Spirit Filled life is to ask. Check this out:

Jacob asked for a blessing, Solomon asked for understanding, Elisha asked for a ‘double portion’, David asked for a renewed spirit within him, to be thirsty is asking and God promised to pour out His Spirit on the thirsty, Paul asked that he might be strengthened by the Spirit in his inner man.

I love the FACTS and ACTS of the Holy Spirit.

• HE BROODS OVER US, (THE FIRST TIME WE SEE HIM HE IS BROODING OVER THE CHAOS) GENESIS 1:2
• HE FILLS AS AT PENTECOST, ACTS 2:1-4
• HE CONVICTS AND CONVINCES, JOHN 16:8-11
• HE REGENERATES, JOHN 3
• HE UNITES, GALATIANS 3:2
• HE DWELLS IN US, 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19
• HE SEALS, EPHESIANS 1:13
• HE OVERFLOWS WITH BLESSING, JOHN 7:37,39
• HE INSTRUCTS i.e.: THE ANOINTING, 1ST JOHN 1:27
• HE SETS FREE; BY LAW, ROMANS 8
• HE EQUIPS, 1 CORINTHIANS 12

I hope you are benefitting from these weekly letters, as much as I am. The conditions to be met for receiving is easy to discover, first and foremost is hunger of soul Matthew 5:6 and the second is surrender 1 Corinthians 3:16, Romans 12:1.

Happy “Red Hot Days” of summer to you,

I was in Ft. Worth, Monday and looked down at the monitors on the dash, it was 105 the A/C was on low and I was perspiring. The grass in the medians was as brown as fried bacon and the pin oaks were bowing in prayer. When I flew out of DFW on my way home, I prayed for rain, to break a drought that has lasted 58 days and has caused the cattleman to have to take their stock to the auction houses where they line up for miles, with their cattle in their trailers because the
grass has dried up and there is nothing for their livestock to eat.

I was in and out of my old childhood hometown, but I left with good memories. I was on an assignment; it was just another play I ran for my coach, but this would be the last. Just like he had done so many times when I was a kid in a high school football game. He had been our coach for all four years starting at the ninth grade and he was beloved by everyone. He had nicknamed me, “Sticks” because my legs were so skinny, I had to tease the hair on my legs to keep my socks
up. We would be standing on the sideline and the game was not going our way and he would call for me. “Sticks” get in there and do something. For the last 25 years he has asked me to speak at his funeral, it was something I did not really want to talk with him about. We usually don’t want to talk about such things, do we but I agreed. It was like this when the pastor asked for me to come up the pulpit and speak it was like Coach Elo Nohavitza calling me on the
sideline saying, Sticks get in there and do something. He called me when he gave his life to Christ, he has been raised Catholic and married Anna a sweet Baptist girl whose love for Jesus and by her example, she became his evangelist leading him to Christ by her Godly life. We had stayed in touch for over 60 years and my Mom would see him she would update Coach on where I was and what I was up to. One of my friends who I played baseball with for five years, whose son happened to be the lead staff pastor the church where the funeral was held told me Cleddie, every time he talked about you, he cried. Three months after Coach had called me and told me of his conversion, he called rejoicing to tell me he had won his first convert to Christ, he was just as happy about that as he was his own salvation. His influence on me as a young man has lasted a lifetime.

This morning when I woke up I my morning muse was on Grace, these are just a few of my thoughts, It is dangerous to kid one’s self when it comes to Grace.

“The one thing that I do not want and that is someone else to define for me is grace.”

Grace is the power to love when it would be easier to despise. Grace is the strength to say, yes to hard task, when it would be easier to just ignore the reality of a need.

Grace is the disposition to love the unlovable because you understand that in different circumstances in your life you could have been dealt a different set of cards. (The Apostle Paul said it best, “But for the GRACE OF GOD THERE GO, I.”

Grace is the liberty to change my horizon and life goals for I to press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling in God. Grace is the awesome privilege of the redeemed to become a reflection of their Redeemer in the best and worst of times.

Grace is the attribute of the Sovereign God, who has given us His Grace in life. It is a tricky word for on the one hand it means, freedom, independence and liberty. On the other hand, it means, subjection and dependence. (It is like a young woman who leaves home for the university that felt she had achieved her sovereignty for the first time in her life. Her interpretation of freedom is seen in her rebellion to the house rules of her family. Her problem was that she became her
own Sovereignty and as a result her independence without subjection brought her into the dilemma of, he owns willfulness.

Grace is a wanting to please the one who has imparted His grace to you in the first place.

Grace is the ability to show up when needed or when you happen to show up and someone needs a helping hand, you pitch in and remain until a task is finished.

Grace is a wanting in your heart to obey the words of Jesus, not just to say you believe in Him.

Grace is love compelling you to go the second mile when only one is required.

Grace is the unique gift to laugh at yourself when it would be much easier to just sit down and cry.

Grace is the reminder that you represent the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and you cannot allow your emotions to be unrestrained and your mouth to defy who lives within you.

Grace is with candor to be able to say, “I know whom, I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” Grace is Yes, to I am His and He is mine.

Grace, Grace God’s Grace, Grace that is greater than all my sins,

Grace, Grace God’s Grace...

Grace that can pardon and cleanse within.

I love you; I believe in you and we need you,

Have a great rest of your week,
Yours for Souls,
Cleddie “Sticks”

Dear Church Family and Friends,
I have never written a letter like this one before where I share the notes from a previous Sunday Mornings Message, but I felt impressed to share this as we go into the upcoming weekend with Kim Wieler from Canada.

THE MOTHER OF ALL SIN’S

Galatians 5:13 Amplified Bible

For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.

Philippians 2:3,4 Amplified Bible

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Philippians 2:1-4 The Message

He Took on the Status of a Slave
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of
following Christ, if his love has made
any difference in your life, if being in a
community of the Spirit means anything
to you, if you have a heart, if you care—
then do me a favor: Agree with each
other, love each other, be deep-spirited
friends. Don’t push your way to the
front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the
top. Put yourself aside, and help others
get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with
getting your own advantage.
Forget yourselves long enough to
Lend a helping hand.

James 4:3 The Message
“You ask [God for something] and don’t
receive it, because you ask with wrong
motives [out of selfishness or with an
unrighteous agenda], so that [when you
get what you want] you may spend it on
your [hedonistic] desires.

Galatians 5:16-18 The Message
“My counsel is this: Live freely,
animated and motivated by God’s
Spirit. Then you won’t feed the
compulsions of selfishness. For
there is a root of sinful self-interest in
us that is at odds with a free spirit,
just as the free spirit is incompatible
with selfishness.

These two ways of life are contrary to
each other, so that you cannot live at
times one way and at times another
way according to how you feel on any
given day.

Why don’t you choose to be led by the
Spirit and so escape the erratic
compulsions of a law-dominated
existence? * * *”

MY JOB AS A PASTOR IS TO KEEP YOU HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION....

From week to week, I must be aware that some may have made a wrong turn on the way to Heaven.

HOW BAD IS SELF WILL?
SELF WILL, TURNED PARADISE INTO A DESERT.

So Lot looked and saw that the valley of the Jordan was well watered everywhere—this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah; [it was all] like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar [at the south end of the Dead Sea].

GENESIS 13:10
REMEMBER LOT? REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE?

SELF WILL, SHUTS OUT THE BLESSINGS OF GOD.

NUMBERS 20:11
11 Then Moses raised his hand [in anger] and with his rod he struck the rock twice [instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord had commanded]. And the water poured out abundantly, and the congregation and their livestock drank [fresh water]. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed (trusted) Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, you therefore shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

Disobedience caused the children of Israel to beg the King of Edom for water, if Moses would have only spoke to the rock as was instructed water would have flowed freely. What we see here is that Moses disobedience, created a problem for the God’s people.

SELF WILL, BRINGS PUNISHMENT
1ST SAMUEL
MOTHER OF ALL SINS: SELFISHNESS

Cleddie Alton Keith

In order to be baptized you have to be dead. I baptized people who never left their past behind. The mother of all sins is selfishness.

We were formed in our mother’s womb. Fearfully and wonderfully made. But we are selfish it is the manifestation of the human will.

“To thine own self be true.” Came from Shakespeare. Advice from a father to a son going off to college he tells him, “Son, to thine own self be true.” I see a problem in America now. Be true to greed, fame, fashion and Capitalism. Some may be true to themselves when, it is their nature to be Timid and Bashful.

ARE YOU TRULY FREE? Once again listen to Galatians 5: 13-15

“You my brothers are called to freedom. Only do not let your freedom become opportunity for worldliness and selfishness. But through love seek the best for each other. You have to take the low road. Prefer another’s best over your own.
Do nothing through factional motives or strife. For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the
best for one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].” But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.”

ATTITUDE OF SELFISHNESS VS CHRISTLIKE NATURE

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or
was afraid of losing it].” Philippians 2:3-6 AMP

ASKING WITH SELFISH MOTIVES

“You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.”

James 4:3 AMP

SPIRIT OF GOD IS AT ODDS WITH SPIRIT OF SELFISHNESS

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be
annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are contrary to each other, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on
any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence? * * *” Galatians 5:13,16 MSG

ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS: HOW TO GET TO A CERTAIN DESTINATION

You might stop and ask for directions. Today if I asked you what the shortest distance between two points it is a straight line. I have been given directions that took me the roundabout way to get to my destination.

It is my job to give you easy to follow directions to Heaven. Some give confusing directions in regards on how to get to heaven.

SELF WILL

Turned Sodom and Gomorrah turned to ashes.

Gen 13:10
1st Samuel 13:10-15

It is in this text you find the demise of Saul when he took it on himself, to make a sacrifice when it was the only the priest who were allowed to do this.

“ As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, [a]Samuel finally came; Saul went out to meet and to [b]welcome him. 11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “Since I saw that the people were scattering away from me, and that you did not come within the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, 12 therefore, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked for the Lord’s favor [by
making supplication to Him].’ So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.” 13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for [if you had obeyed] the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man (David) after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as
leader and ruler over His people, because you have not kept (obeyed) what the Lord commanded you.”

NOTE TO SELF;
You can shut down the blessing of God in your life by your own self will.

SELF WILL
1 Sam 15:23

You can be Living on your own agenda and be Punished for it. Self-will brings punishment and injury to others.

• Peter cut off ear of man who came to take Jesus away.
• Prodigal being SELF WILLED wanted his blessing before they were distributed to him at his father’s death. It was when he was eating the husk left over after the pigs had already had their meals that he came to Himself. Listen to the cry of a man who realized he had abandoned the good for what was accursed.

“I PERISH WITH HUNGER!!!”
You are perishing apart from God.

EVEN JESUS SAID THIS IN:

John 5:30-31
I can of my own self do nothing except what I see my father doing. THIS IS AGAPE LOVE IN MOTION HE WAS SURRENDERED TO THE WILL OF THE FATHER COMPLETELY AGAPE LOVE. Disinterested unselfishness. Unselfish Love is agape love.
HAVE YOU EVER READ THIS IN THE MESSAGE BIBLE? I FIND IT VERY ENLIGHTENING.

Proverbs 15:23...
“Who are the people who are always crying the blues? Who do you know who reeks of self- pity? Who keeps getting beaten up for no reason at all? Whose eyes are bleary and bloodshot?

It’s those who spend the night with a bottle, for whom drinking is serious business. Don’t judge wine by its label, or its bouquet, or its full-bodied flavor. Judge it rather by the hangover it leaves you with— the splitting headache, the queasy stomach. Do you really prefer seeing double, with your speech all slurred, Reeling and seasick, drunk as a sailor? “They hit me,” you’ll say, “but it didn’t hurt; they beat on me, but I didn’t feel a thing. When I’m sober enough to manage it, bring me another drink!”

Some reek with alcohol. Some reek with self-pity. I’ve been in a lot of churches where they reek with pit to such a degree that they should go ahead and announce their Pity Parties on Sundays and Mid-week. Forever wanting handouts. Always begging.

Who keeps getting beat up for no reason at all? They are beating themselves up.
Self-pity can be self-inflicted.
The Bible speaks of these things that should be dealt with.
Self-serving.
Self-important.
Self- Controlled
Self- Destructive
Self- Centered
Self- Pity
Self- Willed
Self- Saved man
Self- Made man

Luke 6:25
Trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself.
Not content. Pressing ahead.
I am satisfied with a Divine Dis-satisfaction
Jesus’ primary concern was his disciples. The 12 men.
My primary concern is Heritage.
Watch, so you don’t get contaminated by Pharisees yeast. People don’t know the difference
between the leaven and the unleavened.

PHARISEE YEAST

In the meantime, after so many thousands of the people had gathered that they were stepping on one another, Jesus began speaking first of all to His disciples, “Be continually on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees [that is, their pervasive, corrupting influence and teaching], which is hypocrisy [producing self-righteousness].

Luke 12:1 AMP

PHONINESS
“By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus’ primary concern was his disciples. He said to them, “Watch yourselves carefully so you don’t get contaminated with Pharisee
yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip, and your true face will be known. You can’t whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day’s coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town.”

Luke 12:1 - MSG
- watch that you don’t become contaminated by that which is not the true complete gospel. People obsessed with measuring their muscles. Some Church people never get around to doing anything for God. Don’t exercise what God put in them.

I HAVE LEARNED THE MORE I DO THE MORE I SEEM TO HAVE THE POWER TO DO.

Obsession with self is dead end. Naval gazing. Attention to God leads us to open free life. Person Absorbed in self ignores God. Ignores what God is doing. I don’t want God to ignore me. I don’t want to live a selfish life. When I was young, I fought to win. Played to win. My self dominated life controlled me. When I gave my heart to God my mother said there’s going to be times when God says, “Son, come back down with me to the potters house. And I’ll make you and shape you all over again.” OBEDIENCE to God will slay every giant of selfishness.

When I finished the message Sunday Morning. I had an unusual thing happen to me. I was reading a scripture and it was like a prescription of what God wanted from us as a church family. This is the reason I am sharing my notes from Sunday Morning 7/17/2022. Here in is the verse that came to me after the message yesterday.

Joshua 3:1-5
3 1-4 Joshua was up early and on his way from Shittim with all the People of Israel with him. He arrived at the Jordan and camped before crossing over. After three days, leaders went through the camp and gave out orders to the people: “When you see the Covenant-Chest of God, your God, carried by the Levitical priests, start moving. Follow it. Make sure you keep a proper distance between you and it, about half a mile—be sure now to keep your distance! —and you’ll
see clearly the route to take. You’ve never been on this road before.” 5 Then Joshua addressed the people: “Sanctify yourselves. Tomorrow God will work miracle-
wonders among you.”

Other translations translated it like this; set yourselves apart, consecrate yourselves. Get Ready God’s about to do something.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Heritage Fellowship.

I believe in you,
Pastor’s Cleddie and GayNell Keith