Hello Folks,
     This past week Ruth and I went to Birmingham, Al to attend the Mid-Year Leadership meeting of the National Assn. of the Church of God.  I must tell you that it was a great time of refreshing.  We were able to stay Tuesday and Wednesday.  The services were filled with great worship and powerful preaching.  Pastor James Marshall preached on Tuesday night and the presence of God was among us.  Dr. James Earl Massey preached on Wednesday night and God continued working through the messages.  As Brother Massey said:  "It is not over until it is over" and went on to remind us that we are in the battle until it is finished and it is not finished as long as we are in this world.  I guess I needed that reminder for my life as it was of great impact in my thinking.  If you wanted that sermon you might be able to get it through Charles Myricks who is the Chief Operating/Development Officer or Miki Merritt who is the Presiding Elder of the National Association.  I know that it was recorded and offered for those who were there.  Dr. Cheryl Sanders and Dr. Diana Swoope were the speakers on Thursday but unfortunately I had to come back that morning and did not get to hear them. 
     The sermon topic of "it's not over until it's over" was of great importance for the followers of Jesus as it seems that some of us would like to stop and take it easy.  We have fought the fight and we are just tired about 20-30 years of ministry and we want to have someone else take over the leadership.  My friend, should we not remember that we are to complete the race?  Should we not be committed to fighting the fight until it is really over?  Maybe you need to just consider that it is not over until it is over and not turn aside or look for others to take your place!  We are engaged in this warfare until it is over and God will use us for His glory if we will continue the race!


Have a great day,


HGRudd