Archbishop Gregory Holley

Harry, God Sold the Cattle!

 (Since publishing this it has become the most frequently searched story from Google inquiries in this blogs logs.  I remember the story being told by my dad and then reread in a book by Robert Strand. It is a joy to my faith every time I think of it!)

Robert Strand tells the story of Dallas Theological Seminary being at the very point of bankruptcy. Creditors had filed suit on the church and school and were planning to foreclose at noon on a particular dark day. They had tried everything and nothing would come through.

On the morning of their doomsday, the faculty and board gathered in the president's office with Dr. Chafer for prayer that God would somehow provide a financial miracle.  As it is the custom in Baptist prayer meetings a circle was formed and each man prayed in turn.

When it came Dr. Henry Ironside's turn to pray, he prayed his prayer in his to-the-point manner: " Lord, we know that the cattle on a thousand hills are yours. Please sell some of them and send us the money."  When completed, the group carried on until all had prayed.

While they were in the prayer meeting, a tall Texas Cowboy walked into the business office and said to the receptionist, " I just sold two train car loads of cattle in Fort Worth. I've been trying to make a business deal go through and it won't work and I've been compelled to give the money to the seminary and I don't know if you need it or not, but here's the check!"

That little secretary reached for the check, looked at the amount, and being well aware of the critical nature of the situation, immediately got up and headed in the direction of the prayer meeting. She timidly knocked, not wanting to disturb the prayers, but needing to get somebody's attention. She kept on tapping until finally, the president, Dr. Chafer, went to the door. With great excitement she handed him the check. Dr. Chafer took the check from her hand and looked at the name on the  check and recognized it as the cattleman from Forth Worth. He then turned around and returned to the prayer meeting which he interrupted in mid-prayer, turned to Dr. Harry Ironside, and almost shouted in his excitement, " Harry, God sold the Cattle!!"

It is a matter of personal record that this story has become true time and again in this old boy's life. Just when it seems that the curtains are closing on a project or dream God shows up and once again the miracle continues! Today your miracle is tapping at your door. Write me and tell me or call like my friend who owns a downtown Houston business reeking with joy when God sold the cattle for him just this week!

www.gaylasmagazine.com www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

We Give Thanks for our Partners!

These words from Paul to the Philippians have bolstered the heart of the believer time and again. Struggle does not always mean you are out of step with God. It could mean you are being strengthened in your endeavors! Be strengthened today in your work!

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.

12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard [fn2] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. [fn3] 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. [fn4] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Anxious, Taunted, Burdened (2)

We left Hannah at the altar in the tabernacle at Shiloh. Her penitent cries could not be heard by the public for her lips moved only and no voice was heard. Only the outpouring of the agony of her anxiety, the result of 20 years of taunting kinfolk resulting in the burdening of her mind could be seen as one who was under the influence of that which intoxicates. Childless, without favor, and stricken she plowed through the mental pressures to pour her troubled soul out to the God of the ages.

Sitting beside a nearby post, Eli, the priest of the tabernacle, watched Hannah in prayer. Seeing her lips move but hearing no words, he came to the conclusion she must be drunk. Cruel opinion of an unknowing individual of the sorrows of the soul.  Eli, out of touch with spiritual reality evidenced by the behavior of his own sons,  made a terrible misjudgment.  So accustomed was he to drunkenness in and around the house of God that he immediately assumed that Hannah's silent moving lips proved intoxication.

Religious leaders have always stumbled into quick judgment of the spiritual. In the "every man is priest of his own house" mentality we have become judges of the behavior of others until we see not our own mistakes quickly.  Another's seemingly odd behavior is judged as fruitless and steps are taken to remove the offender from the "holy" things. Eli made just this mistake.

Eli soon saw that he had committed a serious blunder.  Hannah was not a wicked woman. Her intensity had been due not to intoxicants but to her sorrowful spirit.  The aged temple priest was quick to try to rectify his mistake. He bade her return to her home in peace and added his own petition to hers that God would grant her request.

Hannah went away relieved.  The sadness left her counteness. Food tasted good again, Her heart sang with happiness.  No baby yet.  Anxious moments around Penninnah, her nemesis.  The taunting continued.   But the burden was lifted.  God was going to give her a baby boy!

"Has Hannah now lost her mind?"  Oh, the fuel for the bonfire of criticism and judgment was offered by her lips of faith and lit by her detractors! But she could not be deterred. The Anxiety, the Taunting, the Burdened had given way to a cruel rebuke by Eli which gave way to her miracle!

Would a baby be actually born and the miracle realized?

Anxious, Taunted & Burdened (1)

The book of Samuel opens upon a family living in the village of Ramah in Samaria, about twelve miles from Shiloh, the seat of the Tabernacle or we call it, the Church. The man of the house, Elkanah, was a member of the tribe of Levi and an honorable devout man. His first wife, Hannah, was childless; his second wife, Peninnah, was the mother of several sons and daughters. Herein lie the problem for daily Hannah cared for children that were not hers and it seemed that her personal fulfillment would not be realized. Her childlessness provided her with ample moments of anxiety.

Annually this godly man with his household went to Shiloh to worship in the Old Testament way sacrificing to the Lord. On such occasions Elkanah gave to his second wife and their children proper portions of the sacrificial feast, but to Hannah he gave a double or worthy portion as special token of his love for her.

Such a situation must inevitably produce unhappiness and discord. Peninnah, jealous of Hannah because of Elkanah's preference for her, taunted Hannah with her childlessness. Not once, but repeatedly did Penninnah provoke her rival, especially at the annual feasts. The Bible says, " And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret,because the Lord had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so he provoked her, therefore she wept, and did not eat. (I Samuel 1:6-7)

The thrusts were too much for Hannah, already burdened with the heaviest affliction that could come to a Jewish wife, and she gave way to her feelings in loss of appetite and in tears. Elkanah, fumbling and rather awkwardly, sought to comfort her and commended himself by intimating that he was worth ten sons to her. While we admire him for his effort, he just could not understand why no children and why all the fuss.  After all, he loved her just as much or more as the fruitful Penninnah.

Anxious in soul, taunted by reality, burdened by inability, Hannah was ready to pray. No one can pray until he realizes his own helplessness. A past generation loved the saying: "Man's extremity is God's opportunity."  The story concludes in yet another post for the result is not our focus this day. Our focus is in anxiety, the taunting, the weight of the burden...

In bitterness of soul and with much weeping, Hannah poured out her heart to her God,calling upon him to consider her affliction and remember her, and vowing that if He would give her a baby boy she would give him to the Lord's service all the days of her life. This outpouring of her soul continued to move her lips long after her voice was silent.  For the burden of the soul could not be trusted to be heard by those who increase her anxiety, taunt her increasingly and burdened her as buzzards circling the prey.

Would she be heard?

Thanks Mama Joyce!

We were in Atlanta, Georgia at an Italian Restaurant when this picture was taken.  Another table, another place to fellowship in a usual fashion of the family.  I was introduced to the family at her table in Bloomington, Illinois and no matter what table we sit at until this day hers is still special to me.  For it was at that table that I met her lovely daughter, Gayla. Thanks Mama Joyce!

Cooking is her expression of love.  Always a new dish.  Always a glimmer and a shimmer in the pan and  a splash on the table.  This lady knows how to entertain.  I ate things with names I had not heard of.  I brought my man sized appetite to the table with 4 men and two ladies and she fed us all, day after day, week after week. Thanks Mama Joyce!

Her daughter is her joy.  Her fingerprints are on her until this day. I see her love in her daughter.  I married her! Thanks Mama Joyce!

Her prayer life is consistent.  Her walk with the Lord famous.  Her righteous life exalted.  Her example flawless. Thanks Mama Joyce!

Her husband is her mission.  She stands by his calling and desire to follow God in ministry. She has followed him from a nice church parsonage in America to a mud hut in Liberia with 4 small children in tow to live 50 miles from the nearest motor road!  She prays for his success! She is a supporter! Thanks Mama Joyce!

On this day let it be known that this lady is a saint.  A model of womanhood.  The mother of my wife, my girlfriend of 30+ years. A friend.

Thanks, Mama Joyce!

Christ, Also Loved the Church

Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesus writes an almost deafening roar of enthusiastic support for Jesus Christ. I quote, " Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."  This is the absolute reason why after 2000 years, after the shocks of time, in spite of schisms and heresy and the assault of enemies within and without, the Church survives.   It seems that even now in the midst of the struggle there are those of us, like Christ, who still love the Church.

Not the perceived building or groupings of believers couched upon the doctrinal sofas of like minds. Nor the swelled crowds of the enthusiastic. Or the cloistered holy folk in the monastery. These are those who love the prophetic, mystical body of Christ which has evolved in the earth since the very first drop of sinless, guiltless blood fell on Golgotha's hill.  These are those who give all for the saving of one more into the skirts of the beloved. Those who love as He loved and give themselves for it.

Paul speaks of "the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Everyone speaks of His love for the whole, wide world. Even, Paul speaks of the atonement of Christ, in its universal application,  "Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; ... whether they be things in earth or things in heaven."  Yet, Paul speaks so powerfully, "...the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  This is the foundation of a love that requires a "giving" of self.

Now and then I meet people who are interested and profess love for the body yet do not love the Church.  In the end they part company with Christ for He loved the Church. He founded it upon the rock of His complete deity and upon the confession of Peter proclaimed, "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." He endued the Church with the Holy Spirit, gave it the promise of his never-to-be-withdrawn presence, and the assurance of a final and glorious return!

Oh, and it has made enemies. Even before its beginning.  Pharaoh  sought to drown the prophetic church in the Nile, slaying countless in an effort to halt the love of God en route. Herod, sought to slay the male babies again in Christ' time seeking to slay the prophetic church with the sword. The Roman emperors sought to suffocate the infant Church, smothering it in its own blood through the horrific feeding of the lions and untold tortures. Throughout history the political despots and tyrants have feared the Church and sought to destroy.  And even in this day the Muslim world seeks to silence the Church.  Yet the Church survives because there are those who are willing to give their lives for it.

And to the end we go preaching, sacrificing, giving all. A missionary called today $1000 dollars short of buying a vehicle for the remote missions and explained that it was  badly needed.  And the day found the Bishop short about $40,000. Yet, I could not deny, so the pledge was made and vehicle bought, for it is the Church! It is the way we do things. There is no looking back. Christ also loved the church, and gave his life for it!

And I see John in a apocalyptic vision seeing an angel flying in the midst of the heavens crying, "...having an everlasting gospel to preach." Ah, the angel still flies and we still preach! Do you love the Church?

Bishop

AWOL

Thinking today about those who have walked away from Christ in the past 35 years of ministry was a sobering thought.  Just walked away.  Some in the midst of struggle. Others in the midst of sickness or sadness.  However some just walked away after being blessed tremendously!

They call it attrition in the church number counting business.  The number of folks who just walk away in a given space of time.  A fancy name for desertion, disappearance or as the army calls it, AWOL.

Absence without official leave.  That's the proper military definition but sometimes they just call it 'over the hill.' But in court martials the proper charge is desertion.  Desertion is the abandonment of one's duty or post without permission.

The Apostle Paul was a man of intense feeling and sometimes could be quite sharp in his comments and his rebukes. When Mark forsook him on the his first missionary journey and turned back at Pamphylia, Paul was so incensed that he would not take him with him on his next missionary journey, and the dispute with Barnabas, Mark's uncle, over this very issue led to their separation. But there was a time when there was no argument, no healing words, just plain facts.

Had it not been for the words that Paul uttered this follower would have gone down in history as faithful follower of Paul's and of Christ. He is one on the fellow laborers mentioned in the Paul's letter to Philemon.  "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Luke, Demas, my fellow laborers." Or mentioned in the end of the Letter to the Colossians, "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."  Words of endearment, faithfulness.

To be championed as one of the fellow prisoners of the greatest writer of the New Testament.  To be found impressive enough to be a fellow laborer.   And then the bombshell.  The follower is nowhere to be found.  He who was always there is gone. An empty seat.  An empty voice in the din of fellowship. Gone.

So, penetrated so deep in his heart, Paul utters the definition of desertion by a brother. He speaks of the AWOL fellow prisoner.  And the words go down in history and we read them today, " Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world."  There it was, no fanfare, just aptly said.

So to all those who have walked away from Christ. Come home.  The door is open.  You are loved. You are missed.  You will be welcome!

Time to Get Going!

Joshua got going at once! We could focus on many that came in rapid fire succession as he marched on ideas that had been in his thoughts for a decade. With the authority, the consecration, the honor and the integrity plans were laid to set foot on the land unobtained until now.  Canaan would be the new Israel and there was no time to waste.

Off to Jericho he sent two of his most trusted men and they have been labeled spies by the writer. But I like to think of them as opportunity ambassadors.  There was a city to be taken. There was a strategy to be produce. They were chose to find the way to get into this place.

They needed an inside person in Jericho and were befriended by Rahab, a local prostitute. Now what would men of integrity ever tell the folks back home that the safety of the future military operation against Jericho depended on the word of this new found friend.  And I hear Jesus  being rebuked for being friends with sinners and such.

This was not a time to preserve tradition or care what anyone would say.  It was time to take a city and the road must lead the opportunity ambassadors to a victory. Promising this women safety in the ensuing takeover that was to come they headed back to the desert headquarters of Joshua to report that all was in order. 

Military strategy was not their obligation. The armament was not of their affairs or in their expense budget. The route, the dress, march did not interest them. Their job would soon be over.

And what was that job really?  They were to bring a faithful word to their leader. A purposeful report was expect and they would deliver what Joshua would ask for. True and reliable information that he would use as his springboard to victory.  After all Joshua had sowed the seed of this exact request in the life to Moses.  He had shown by example what he expected of these men.

They delivered.  And Joshua, armed with his info, understood perfectly the word of the Lord to him. "March around the city ...."  The rest is history as Jericho was delivered into the hands of the congregation of Israel all because one man got two men going and they ushered in the understanding of the plan of the Lord to bring about a 40 year old prophecy!

Let's Get Going!!!

Following the Servant of the Lord

"Moses, my servant is dead." It was the Lord God addressing Joshua as the succession was established. Three times after the death of Moses he is called the "servant of the Lord." Even though Moses was 120 years old, his eyes were not dim, nor his natural life weakened. The Bible says God buried Moses and kept the place secret.  And now Joshua is told the following is over and he must lead.

No one knew better that Joshua the difficulty in following Moses but he was not following Moses.  Moses had taught him to follow God.  He would have to look to God for direction and strength to handle the task ahead.  The command was brief. 

He was to take the people across the Jordan River into the land God had given them.  The land had been given but they could not be actually their possession until they had set foot upon it.  The gift had no strings attached but the Israelites must make it their own before they could possess it.

"Joshua, be strong and of good courage and follow the example of Moses. If you do this no man will be able to resist you all the days of your life and I, Jehovah will never fail you as my chosen leader."  What an assurance!  What an inauguration of authority and trust!  Joshua, God is on your side!  O and by the way  " Joshua, never let the word of the law depart out of your mouth day or night and meditate for this is the road to real happiness and the way to good success!" (Joshua 1:8)

And with this Joshua was off to set rapidly in motion the power of a man working 'with' God.  He would still be following the patterns of life he learned at Moses feet.  He would still follow the guidelines of scripture.  But he was assured that  the Lord God would back him up in any struggle.

And is this not what we all look for?  The Leaders of the Lord that we have followed?  But even with all the good that has been poured into the lives of today's Christians we must not forget that this is a personal experience with a personal Savior.  The leadership of mentors is great but only established when the next generation walks in the pathways established and begins building the pat for those that follow.

Do you feel the guarantee of the Lord in your life?  Is He not there for you? Does He not call for you to be strong and of good courage in the midst of all your battles? Have we not been called to follow our elders and never let the word depart out of our mouth?  Then the road to real happiness and the way to good success will be ours!

In Answer to a Prayer

I have been lost in the life of Joshua for a few days now and hope to bless your day with a highlight or two on the day the season changed for Joshua. A faithful servant to Moses he served without thought of the future leadership role that would be demanded of him. The season of loyalty was good for him and he tested his own strength against the enemies of Israel both human and societal. Then came the day.

Moses, growing old, seeking wisely a new leader for Israel turned to Father God for guidance.  It had been made clear to Moses by Father God that he would not enter the land they were traveling to called Canaan.  Moses begged God to select a man would go in and out before the congregation so that the people would not be as sheep without a shepherd.  The Father directed Moses to lay hands on Joshua, whom He had qualified in spirit to lead the people.

Moses called Joshua before the priests for consecration and the priest presented him to the congregation as the choice of God to lead them into the Promised Land. Rising into the air was the applause of approval for Moses and his grand selection and their general approval for Joshua.  And with this Joshua was set apart for his work.  He was a leader awaiting his propulsion into the task!

A pause for a moment to consider where you and I are in the scheme of God's plan. Seasons and times cause us to reach for the apex of life continually. Down in our hearts we know that our day will come and we will be as, Joshua, thrust into the harvest.  Yet I have come to realize that at each level of trust I am at there is a level of thrust as well!  It is easy to ignore the present stage never realizing that it is the platform needed to be ready for the ascension into the next season of our task!

We do not know how long the days were between the consecration of Joshua and the death of Moses.  How many agonizing days Joshua stood by ready for the magnificent moment when sadness for the loss of a father in Israel and the freshness of leadership achieved is not known.  But what we do know is there was an excitement for the future! Joshua would be able to go back to Canaan and this time take his 6 million family members with him and eat the fruit of the land.

It was but a prophetic environment and soon it would become reality. Down deep in his spirit, Joshua knew they could overcome the Canaanites and settle the family into a rhythmic prosperity!  Let these thoughts carry you this day as you seek the environment you know in your spirit God is leading you too.  Let nothing deter you for what you have been consecrated for you will achieve!  Have a blessed day and God bless you!