House of Restoration Blog

Presidential Proclaimation on the National Day of Prayer

2009-05-08T09:20:00.005-04:00

DISCLAIMER: The following post is not politically motivated, but flows out of the heart of a child of God, grieving for his nation.

Below I have posted the Presidential proclamation on the National Day of Prayer. Controversy arose a few days ago when the White House announced that it would NOT observe the National Day of Prayer (a legal national holiday), publicly as has been the case for the last eight years. I believe this should grieve the heart of every believer, regardless of political persuasion.

It is a tragedy when the President of the United States will publicly observe Cinco De Mayo, but gives no such respect for the day upon which prayer is emphasized. Some say he is endeavoring to curb criticism, or avoid offending those of other faiths. The question in my mind is, "Is prayer that offensive to the nation that exists because of it?" There is, of course, many underlying issues that I will not get into here. Suffice it to say that this may be the beginning of a new era of persecution of believers.

May I point out four things in the following proclaimation. Firstly, it places more emphasis on the work of our forefathers than it does on the importance of God's intervenion in our Nation. While I hold dear, and thank God for, the work and sacrifice of our forefathers, they are secondary to the hand of God upon us. They were, in fact, tools in the hand of God to preserve our freedom.

Secondly, this proclamation includes a statements that is strategically placed to keep this document politically correct, noting that people can "worship or not worship, according to the dictates of their conscience." This is contrary to the truth of the sovereignty of God. God judged old testament kings when they followed the dictates of their conscience, and did what "seemed good unto them." This statement suggests that we create our own right and wrong, and promotes personal righteousness. Our righteousness is as filthy rags.

Thirdly, the proclaimation seems to call America to peace and goodwill before it calls America to prayer in the second to last paragraph. Has our nation forgotten that without prayer there is no peace? Has our nation forgotten that the only person who brought peace and goodwill to earth was Jesus. When he was born the angels gave their own proclamation. "Luke 2:10-14 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Fourthly, the President has not necessarily done a noble thing by publishing this proclamation, as some suggest. According to law, until it is changed, the President of the United States is called upon to make this proclaimation every year.

The Church in the world needs now, more than ever in history, pray for the United States of America. For when our leaders crowd God out of every part of society, surely we will incur His judgement.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In 1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the balance.

It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.

On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience.

Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.

The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a "National Day of Prayer."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2009, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon Americans to pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and blessings and to ask for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection for this land that we love.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

Easter Sunday 2009, A Day of Harvest

2009-04-13T14:11:00.003-04:00

Every Easter, people everywhere gather in houses of worship to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord. Preparations for this day include shopping for new outfits, hunting Easter eggs, attending Resurrection breakfasts, rehearsing Easter dramas and cantatas, and the like.

Easter is proverbially the day the unchurched feel obligated to attend. When Easter Sunday morning comes, churches fill up with people coming to pay their honor to the Christian faith, many of which will not give the Lord a second thought until much the same festivities accompany Christmas, again pointed the masses to the work of Christ.

For the believer, Easter is the crescendo of everything we have celebrated all year. We prepare for larger crowds. We enhance the appeal of our buildings. We pull out all the stops and put our best foot forward. But what do we expect as the aftermath of Easter Sunday? Normally, once the excitement of the day has past, the masses return to ignoring God and the church returns to faithfully serving.

I submit to you the obvious. Easter Sunday is not about dramas, breakfast meetings or egg hunting. These are presumably only tools to draw the masses. Easter is about the harvest. Easter Sunday is perhaps THE day when the harvest presents itself for reaping! It is the moment then the unchurched willingly grace the doors of our churches to do the decent thing. If we miss this opportunity, Easter has been of none effect.

I rejoice to declare that eight people made decisions for Christ this Easter at the House of Restoration. Those eight people were worth every hour spent cleaning, every egg filled with candy, every song sung, every word preached, every minute spent preparing for the day. Easter is a day of harvest. All over the country churches reported salvations taking place in their services. Heaven won a great victory. A mighty army was reached for the Kingdom. To God be the Glory!

Milford Revival Featured in General Overseer's Blog

2009-04-09T11:49:00.005-04:00

Recently Dr. Raymond Culpepper, General Overseer of the Church of God, featured the Milford Revival in his blog. Click here to read the post in its entirety.

Dr. Tim Hill Visits the Milford Revival

2009-04-08T13:28:00.003-04:00

Sunday evening, Dr. Tim Hill, 1st Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God, visited the House of Restoration in the 5th month of the revival. Dr. Hill shared, "We have heard about this revival in Cleveland, Tennessee..." He expressed that he was honored to be a part of what was happening, and stated that he sensed a "purity" to the meeting.

Dr. Hill preached a powerful message about Jesus' healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the daughter of Jairus. He proclaimed that when Jesus healed the elder woman, it symbolized the fact that it makes no sense to heal the younger generation first, only to turn it over to a sick older generation. He said, "The church has to be healed of its issues."

I believe that this visit was a divine appointment, and that God used Dr. Hill to confirm things that have already been spoken, as well as prophesy progress over the meeting. Thank God for continuing to give His divine direction.

Dr. Hill's message is available on CD, and can also be viewd in archived video.

HofR Webcast Goes Interactive

2009-04-01T00:13:00.002-04:00

This Friday night at 7 PM EST, the HofR live webcast will go interactive. You will now be able to engage in live chat with a moderator present in the service, as well as follow live Twitter updates. The moderator will be receiving praise reports, prayer needs and similar info via the new chat box found below the video stream. Twitter updates will appear below the chat box, and on the footer of each page in the website.

Additionally, thehaven youth ministry has a new live student webcast page in the student ministries section of the website. They are broadcasting every Wednesday night at 7 PM EST.

We look forward to interacting with you!

God has chosen the House of Restoration

2009-03-24T09:14:00.002-04:00

When I say, "God has chosen the House of Restoration," I am not saying or implying that we have exclusive rights to the power and presence of God in any form or fashion. I would like to take a few minutes, however, and explain to you what I AM saying.

There are many churches in our area that have a variety of ministry strengths. All of them are doing a great work for the Kingdom of God. Any local church body that endeavors to spread the Gospel is valuable and precious. Thank God for a group of believers that will submit themselves to be used of God to reach out to people, regardless of their label or religious affiliation.

Unfortunately, some churches are making a shift. The shift involves eliminating everything from their worship services that offend the unbeliever. That means that they remove all references to the Blood of Jesus, they no longer have altar time, they no longer allow the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit, all in an attempt to draw the seeker. Again, it is not for me to judge the method as long as the message doesn't change. However, it seems to me that some churches are denying the power of God.

I believe that God has called the House of Restoration to be that church in our area where you can still experience the distinctives of Pentecost in the worship service. He has called us to be the church where the gifts of the Spirit flow freely, and He is not put in a box. He has called us to carry the baton of His power and presence in a time when its not popular to be radically saved. The House of Restoration is the church that is not ashamed and will not apologize for being 100 percent Pentecostal!

Again, let me clarify. I am not saying or implying that we are the ONLY church in our area that is true to its pentecostal roots. I'm simply saying that I believe God has called us to raise that banner and declare it uncompromisingly. We must never give up ground. We must never retreat from that stand. We must never be afraid to shun conformity to the world, or even what is religiously normal. We have been endued with God's power, and are changed as a result!

Revival Continues, Format Changes

2009-02-19T10:31:00.002-05:00

We are continuing to enjoy the move of the Lord at the House of Restoration Worship Center. For thirteen weeks, God has poured out His Spirit upon a hungry believers that have met together in this place. Beginning March6, 2009, we are changing the format of the meeting. Rather than having service Sunday through Wednesday each week, we will meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This change is brought about by the direction of the Lord, and I am looking forward to stepping into the next level of His presence.

We are taking next week, the week of February 22nd, off to rest and to attend Southern Ohio Prayer Conference. The following week, the week of March 1st, we will have service on Sunday night, and then resume revival meetings on Friday night the 6th. I look forward to seeing you there. Blessings!

Winter Weather Halts Services But Not the Spirit of Revival

2009-01-28T14:51:00.002-05:00

To my dismay, I have had to make the decision to cancel revival services the last two nights due to the winter storm that has hit most of the Midwest and Eastern U.S. After being in service 5 or more times a week for 10 weeks, I've found myself extremely uncomfortable having free time during the inclement weather. While we have not been able to gather for worship, the Spirit of revival continues to live on! Many are expressing excitement concerning what the Lord has done, an anticipation of what He will do as we embark upon week 11. Keep praying, keep seeking, stay hungry, and the Lord will keep pouring out His Spirit!

Kicking Off the New Year in Revival

2009-01-03T01:28:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I pray everyone has begun this new chapter of their journey focussing on faith and hope, and anticipating the best year of their lives! We did not set out to do so, but given the move of God that we have been experiencing since mid-November, we have kicked off the year having revival at HofR! Each week I am asked the question, "Is revival continuing?" and every week my answer is, "It continues until the Lord gives us the release to do otherwise." The real question is, "how long will we stay hungry enough to attract the presence and blessing of God?"

Keep coming, keep watching, keep listening. We have just stepped over the threshold of a new season, and the momentum is building. Blessings for a prosperous New Year!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T20:09:00.001-05:00

I just sat down at my laptop for a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. today I am reminded of how blessed I am with family. Of all the things the Lord entrusts to us on this Earth, family is surely the most important. In all your thanksgiving today, take time to give thanks for the people around you who love you the most.

"For unto us a child is born in the City of David, which is Christ the Lord."

Live Streaming Video

2008-12-18T17:59:00.001-05:00

We have now made it possible for anyone to watch our revival services anywhere in the world! Beginning this week, live video of all services at the House of Restoration are being streamed on our website. We are still working out several technical issues, but so far we have had a lot of positive feedback.

The broadcast schedule is listed on the homepage of the website right about the video box. Help us spread the word! Tell your friends and relatives they can be in service with us from anywhere! All they need is an Internet connection.

Revival Continues into Fourth Week

2008-12-03T16:56:00.001-05:00

Revival at the House of Restoration will continue into its fourth week, Sunday, December 7th to Wednesday, December 10th.

I will be preaching the Sunday morning service and Bishop Joel Talley will continue the revival Sunday night through Wednesday night. As we seek the Lord for His direction for the future of this meeting, this will be the format.

The Lord has directed me to return to the pulpit in Sunday morning services, as the sheep need to continue to hear the shepherd's voice even in the midst of a season of revival.

The thing that the Lord is doing in this revival is unexplainable. The experiences we are having as we gather each service are experiences that you cannot buy, fabricate, duplicate or work up. Last night, for example, supernatural things took place. I wish I could find the words in the English language to explain what I saw, heard and felt. I must simply say that you have to have the experience for yourself.

I look forward to seeing you here!

Revival in Second Week, Third Week Announced

2008-11-24T15:04:00.001-05:00

If you haven't experienced the revival that is currently unfolding at the House of Restoration, there are no words to describe it to you. All we know is that revival began with Bishop Joel Talley on 11/16/08, was scheduled to run four days, and is now in its second week. Sunday the decision was made to go ahead and call a third week, and it is unknown what will happen from there.

If you were to ask, "What has made this revival so successful," I'm not sure anyone could recite a list of events to which success could be attributed. We have simply experienced an unusually strong visitation of the Holy Spirit in the services. I use the word "unusual" because what we are experiencing is not normal, predictable, containable or deniable. The hearts and minds of people are changing. The elements and situations of lives are falling into alignment. Financial situations are being supernaturally stimulated. The list goes on!

These words cannot justly describe what is going on. You must come and see for yourself!

Vision Banquet 2008

2008-10-22T10:10:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the break in posts. As you might imagine, things have been a little busy. A huge THANK YOU to those of you who made the 2008 Vision Banquet a success. I have had many positive remarks, including those that say it was the "best vision banquet I have ever attended at the House."

I'm not sure how Craig Lowe is going to top this year's food at next year's banquet. I am equally unsure how to keep the pastor from being so long winded (poking a little fun at myself). Debbie Payne and Debbie Lowe completely amaze me with their ability to take a youth and children's room and turn it into a five-star ball room! You guys and your crew are the best!

The Lord is truly doing a new thing. I am grateful for a congregation that is not afraid to embrace the future with the wisdom and experience of the past. Not only did we share in the excitement of the work of the Lord among us, but we had a great time, also! I can't wait until next year! The wheels are already turning.

In the coming days there will be several banquet items in the media section of the web site including powerpoint, pictures, and videos. Keep checking back.

Remembering 9/11

2008-09-11T11:27:00.001-04:00

Today is September 11, 2008. Today is a solemn day. Today, on this seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, we remember the heroism and sacrifice of countless Americans, and reflect upon how our great country, and the world, has changed forever.

As today cable news networks replay heart wrenching footage of that fateful day, and recount the events that unfolded, and as thousands attend memorial services at all three crash sights, let us never forget. Let us never forget how one nation under God, turned to Him in that time of monumental tragedy. Let us never forget that on that day we were not marked by our religious beliefs, political persuasions, cultural opinions, or spheres of influence. On that and many days that would follow, we were all Americans. One nation under God.

It didn’t take long for America to return to its Godless reasoning and rhetoric. What seemed like a genuine, national cry for God, proved to be only a temporary acknowledgement of the need for Him that is so persistently resisted in the hearts of people. However, let us never forget that we have always been and will always be ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

Take time today to pray for the United States of America. May God send revival to our great country. May He pour His Spirit out upon the streets of our nation. May the next spiritual awakening not be a reaction to a national crisis, but a realization of the power of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Haven Students Perform at National Teen Talent Competition

2008-08-09T07:28:00.003-04:00

Last Thursday at 2:30 pm, our students performed at the International Teen Talent Competition in San Antonio, Texas. We had second row seats in the auditorium, and were so proud that cheering, yelling and applause could be heard from our section when they anounced our group. They did an AWESOME job! They did not win an award, but represented the House of Restoration and Southern Ohio proudly! Many of you watched the live streaming video of the performance, as I received phone calls to that effect. Today they are on a plane headed for home. When you see them, be sure to let them know how proud you are of them. They certainly come home changed!

Teens Go To General Assembly

2008-07-29T13:33:00.001-04:00

One week from today the Haven drama team will be on a plane headed for San Antonio to compete in the international Teen Talent competition. I want to say thanks to everyone who gave and supported the fund raisers over the past few months. Please cover them in prayer as they travel. I am confident that they will represent the House of Restoration well.

Posted with LifeCast

Our Sincere Thanks

2008-06-06T09:44:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday my family and I were overwhelmed by the acts of love, appreciation and generosity displayed by our church family. Your kind, encouraging and affirming words, whether spoken in person or written in a card, were deeply felt and will be treasured for times to come.

Especially touching was your gift to our children. When a pastor's children are honored, the pastor and his wife are likewise honored. They have grown to anticipate Pastor Appreciation Day in much the same way they do Christmas!

Our vocabulary is deficient to adequately express the feelings in our hearts for the church family God has blessed us with. Scripture comes to mind. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you," Phil 1:3 (KJV).

A Call To Repentance

2008-05-28T13:38:00.001-04:00

I encourage you to listen to the podcast of my recent three part series entitled, "The Day of Cleansing." The Lord has called the House of Restoration, and perhaps His entire church to a season of repentance. History proves that every great move of God is preceded by repentance or solemn assembly. I sincerely believe that God is preparing us for another supernatural, extraordinary manifestation of Himself.

As you read this blog today, I challenge you to follow the example of the psalmist. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV).

Teen Talent Winners

2008-04-18T14:08:00.001-04:00

Just a couple of weeks ago, a group of our students competed in State Teen Talent in Columbus. They brought home five trophies, and had a great time. The Haven Drama Team took first place in the Drama division and have the opportunity to represent the House of Restoration and the Church of God in Southern Ohio at National Teen Talent in San Antonio, Texas in August.

I just want to say that I'm proud of you guys, and feel blessed to be your pastor. You are all very special, and are marked for greatness. Keep up the good work.

HofR Welcomes Victor & Rachel Lawwill

2008-03-27T15:43:00.001-04:00

I am pleased to announce that, after much interviewing, praying, fasting and agonizing, I have hired a Youth Pastor. Victor & Rachel Lawwill are from the Dayton area, and come to us from North Carolina where they served as full-time youth pastors at the Coastal Cathedral Church of God.

I believe the Lord has sent Pastor Victor & Rachel to us by divine appointment, and He is going to use them to take Youth Ministry to the next level. They have a passion for students and are excited to begin their journey with us.

Pastor Victor & Rachel have four sons, Payton, Gavin, Brody and Jackson. They will be officially joining the team this Sunday, March 30th. Please plan to attend their welcome reception at 5:00 PM Sunday in the Youth & Children's room. We are excited to have them onboard!

Awesome Easter Drama!

2008-03-23T20:18:00.002-04:00

I just want to post a quick note to compliment our Music Ministries for an awesome Easter drama today. Everyone involved did a great job. Thanks, Pastor Jamie and Staci, for your leadership, enthusiasm and encouragement. The House of Restoration is blessed to have you on board!

It's Sunday Morning, and I'm Not In Church!

2008-03-09T11:54:00.001-04:00

It's Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 11:29 in the morning. I'm sitting in my office, when normally I would be preaching. A building that is always buzzing with a multitude people is silent. It feels very strange. Of course, this variation from the norm was caused by a blizzard that started Friday night, and lasted until late last evening.

The snow plows are not even out this morning, which is odd given the fact that the main roads are still snow and ice covered. Not to mention the subdivisions and side roads, many of which have not seen a snow plow since the storm began.

Its interesting how people's reactions to bad weather are so diverse based on where they live. Here in Cincinnati, people are hunkered down, very few vehicles on the road, a general "fear" has swept over the land. However, about 150 miles North of here, its business as usual in most places!

All but a few churches in our area canceled their services today. We are having service at 2:00 this afternoon, but may still only have a fraction of our regular attendance. I pray I am surprised!

So this is what it feels like to be somewhere other than in church on Sunday morning! :)

The Fierceness of Fruitlessness

2008-02-13T12:12:00.001-05:00

2 Samuel 17:8 says, “For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field…”(KJV). The aforementioned chapter is an account of Absalom conspiring against his father, David, to continue to overthrow his authority, steal his following and take his life. There must be no greater heartbreak for David than to suffer these attacks at the hands of his own son. The end of the story is that the Lord intervened on David’s behalf, gave him victory and restored his authority.

In the process of restoration, a looming attack was thwarted by the hand of God through a man named Hushai. He was a trusted spiritual advisor to Absalom, but was secretly funneling information to David to keep him one step ahead of his would-be attackers. Verse 8, above, is a portion of the advice that Hushai gave Absalom. What Absalom didn’t know is that the advice would give his father the upper hand and provide a way of escape from the assault. You know the end of the story.

There is something interesting imbedded into the words of Hushai. He uses a metaphor to describe David’s state of mind and that of his men. He equates them to a mother bear that has lost her cubs. Why? Because it describes the fierceness of these warriors. Hushai is basically saying, if you go after your father, he and his men will attack fiercely like a bear that has been robbed of her cubs. The sorrow of loss is turned into rage and violence. Proverbs 17:12 also speaks of the fierceness of a bear that is robbed of her cubs. This is the “fierceness of fruitlessness.”

Focus on the metaphor used in scripture. I believe that a person born of the spirit has a need to multiply spiritually, or bear fruit. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Just as the bear that has no cubs is fierce and full of sorrow, so can God’s people be when there is no fruit present in their lives. It indicates that there is a deficiency in their connectedness to the will and purpose of God for them.

Fruitlessness in a person’s life can cause them to be like that bear. They begin to push away those who try to come near. They take out their frustrations on others. They can be fierce in their communications, their relationships, their attitudes, and in many areas of their personal lives.

I challenge you to be a decider. Decide that you are going to stay “grafted in” to the true vine. Decide that you are going to yield to the life of God flowing through you, and bear much fruit. After all, “a tree is known by its fruit!”

House of Restoration Announces "RCM 2008"

2008-01-18T01:49:00.001-05:00

Last year the House of Restoration Worship Center hosted the first annual "Restoration Camp Meeting." The week-long event featured guests such as Mark Abbott, John Childers, Dennis McGuire, and Lavern and Edith Tripp, to name a few. The response was wonderful, and the manifestation of God's presence was awesome.

In light of the success of last year's conference, plans are now being finalized for Restoration Camp Meeting 2008. Mark your calendar for May 2-4. Two of the guests we have confirmed are Alton Bristow, Administrative Bishop of Southern Ohio, and Tom Madden, Assistant International Director of Youth and Christian Education.

Pictures and audio messages are available from RCM 2007 in the media section of our website. Once all plans for RCM 2008 are finalized a full promotional packet will be available.

We hope to see you here!