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I've included a few of my inspirational articles, most published in the Church of God Evangel during recent years. I hope you enjoy them. Click on the titles below to read the articles: Moving Forward with Pioneer Vision
by Louis F. Morgan "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24, NIV). Spring has arrived, and the world around us has awakened from its slumber. The whole earth is breaking forth in a song of praise to God. The cheerful chirping of the birds, the evidence of new life springing forth in the bright colors of flowers and budding trees, and the renewed warmth of the sun are all reminders that winter's long night is quickly ebbing. With winter past, summer is just ahead; but for now we bask in this balmy stage of transition. Such is the state of our natural world, but are we still battling the cold blizzards and gray days of winter in our spiritual lives? It's time for a springtime of renewal in our inner selves as well. How can we come to that point in our lives in Christ where we walk with Him in the sunshine and enjoy the refreshing breezes of His love? How do we learn to rest in the assurance that all is well, knowing that we are secure in Him? Grace for Both Sinner and Saint Christians readily agree on the need for sinners to surrender their lives to Jesus but too often fail to recognize the depth of God's grace that brings personal assurance of His presence and sufficiency in their own lives. Sadly, we often accept only a partial measure of grace, feeling that we must perform some great service to merit our salvation and atone for past sin. It's true that we should desire a lifestyle of service to God and mankind; and when we do surrender ourselves unreservedly to God, good works will indeed flow out of our lives. But good works themselves can never pay for our past sins. There is absolutely nothing within our human abilities that can ever be a suitable recompense for our wrongs. Christ's provision alone has brought for us victory over sin through His shed blood on the cross (Psalm 103:12; Galatians 3:13, 14; Colossians 2:14). When we sincerely surrender our lives to Christ and fully accept His grace, He enables us to live victoriously. We need to realize His grace is greater than our guilt. When we allow Him, He removes the heaviness of sin, the bondage of guilt, and the dark clouds of winter that have covered our souls. The heavy darkness will be replaced with the exhilarating freshness of a spring morning as we embrace God's provision for a better outlook and way of living. Life in Abundance Jesus came that we might have abundant life (John 10:10). Since that is a stated purpose of His coming to earth and giving His life for us, how happy we make our Lord when we live up to our fullest potential in Him. Because of Christ's victory over death through His resurrection, we have assurance of this same victory over death, as well as the would-be hindrances in our spiritual lives (1 Corinthians 15:57). Yes, we have been given the wonderful privilege of experiencing springtime in our souls. Trials, guilt from past sin, feelings of worthlessness, painful memories, hurtful relationships, or even religious routines rob Christians of their peace and joy in Christ. He stands ready and willing to bring us into a new season if we will trust Him. If He can breathe new life into a lump of clay, He can certainly bring us spiritual renewal. God wants our lives to blossom in Him. Even when it seems that the spiritual seed that was planted when we first believed has gone into a dormant stage, the cold of winter may be only a time of strengthening. Be assured that when our souls reach "springtime," the seed will grow into beautiful, colorful, joyful creations that will bring pleasure to God. We will be showered by rain, and the storms will come, but God has promised to keep us through difficult times. These serve not only to strengthen us in our Christian walk but also to enable us to encourage others who will experience the same trials--either from within or without. May we continue to seek the Lord and allow Him to cause the winter to pass and springtime to fill our souls. (Published in the April 2003 issue of the Church of God Evangel.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Louis F. Morgan Growing up in rural Mississippi, my usual past times were playing in the woods and racing my bicycle down a seldom-traveled street. But those things were secondary; my favorite thing to do was spend time with my great-grandmother. “Granny” was my best friend for as long as I can remember. As a child, I could never imagine life without her. When I was five years old Granny moved into our home and became my roommate. About a year later she moved into a trailer next door, and I spent most every weekend with her until I entered high school. Granny and I were a pair. Each day following school she had a snack awaiting me. We talked about our day’s activities as we ate, and then we watched television together. After that I listened as Granny shared stories about her life’s experiences. Through Granny’s love for me, the Lord let me experience a measure of His unconditional love. I am forever thankful. Granny also taught me many things, such as how to cook, buy groceries, plant trees, wash clothes, research genealogy, balance a checkbook, and thousands of other things. I often drove her to town, the doctor’s office, or for rides in the country to her old home place. To say the least, I was her pride and joy. She always called me her “heart.” She also encouraged me to live for Jesus. I remember her evening prayers and our discussions about the meaning of certain biblical passages. Too, I preached my first sermon for Granny after she became unable to attend church regularly. Using a bookmark I found in her Bible for my outline, I preached on the plan of salvation. Of course, she was already born-again, but one would have thought my name was Billy Graham the way she told people about that sermon. (Granny always did brag on me—too much, I know.) Yet, she always knew how to build my confidence, and she always believed that I could do anything with the help of the Lord. Granny was a caregiver to me, which caused me to feel guilty when she moved into a nursing home. Even though it was her own decision and I was attending college 500 miles away, I wished I could help her nonetheless. Initially, we talked for about an hour every Saturday on the telephone, and she told me how good they were to her at the nursing home. That made me feel better, and hearing her voice was reassuring. Too, I always looked forward to our visits on my return trips to Mississippi. As the years passed I saw Granny growing weaker, and I often wondered how I would make it when the Lord called her home. After her eightieth birthday, she began telling me that she would leave for Heaven one day. I always told her that she could not leave me yet; I still needed her too badly. During a visit when she was 94, she told me, “No tears when I go now! No tears.” I told her that was one promise I could not make, and, besides, I could not let her go just yet. Strangely, shortly after that visit I dreamed that Granny came to my bedside and told me, “I sure miss home.” Uncertain, I questioned, “Which home?” With a longing look on her face Granny replied, “Where ever Jesus is.” I then told her that I hoped she would soon get to go home, and with that I awoke from my sleep. One Saturday evening following, I wiped the tears from my face after my evening prayer. I thanked God for blessing me with such a loving Granny, and I asked Him to let her go on and be with Him. She was so eager to go to Heaven. I received a call the following Monday afternoon and learned that the Lord was answering that prayer. Quickly I made the 7-hour drive from Tennessee to Mississippi. Granny was still holding on when I arrived, but it was different from my previous visit. Then we had talked, shared a joke, and expressed our love for each other, but now she was unresponsive and unable to look around. It was odd not hearing her welcome me with a hint of surprise. It seemed like she should be saying, “Look who I see!" When I reached her bedside, I was grateful the Lord had let her live until I arrived. I took her hand and spoke to her, and she began to groan in response to my voice. Through my brokenness and tears, I told her how much I loved her. And those were not just words that I felt were momentarily appropriate. That was, and is, a feeling overflowing from deep within me. Ours was a unique friendship— an inseparable bond between a boy and his Granny. That last night with Granny was perhaps the longest of my life, and, ironically, it passed much too quickly. As I sat at her bedside, I remembered the many times I had stayed with her through the years. Through the flood of memories, I realized that the time had finally come. Never before had I been willing to let her go, but I knew that I had no choice this time. The Lord was ready, and Granny had been ready for so many years. It was unfair for me to desire that she stay with me. I prayed for the Lord to give me strength. About 11:15 the next morning, still at Granny’s bedside, I knew it was time to let her go. I brushed her hair with my fingers and took her by the hand. I told her that it was okay to make her passing. She had done all she could do for us here, and the Lord was ready for her. It was okay for her to go and be with Jesus. I told her that we loved her—that I loved her. And then, she grunted loudly. “Yes,” I said with a quivering voice as tears streamed down my face. “I know you love me—more than anybody else ever has. But you go be with Jesus now and we’ll be behind you soon. We will see you in the morning.” Those were surely the most difficult words I have ever spoken, but I knew it was right. I knew it was time, and I knew Granny heard me and understood. The day continued with family members and nurses periodically checking in. My grandmother and great-aunt remained with Granny all day long. By early evening, all the visitors had gone. As my grandmother, great-aunt and I were sitting with Granny something happened inside me, and I knew that Granny was leaving. I jumped from my chair and rushed to her side. My grandmother placed Granny’s hand in mine. Fifteen minutes later we noticed a difference in her breathing and color. I kissed her hand and then her forehead. The three of us were beside Granny when she took her two very deep and final breaths. Still holding her hand, I yelled out to her that I loved her—most certain that she probably did not hear me but that she knew it nonetheless. And when her spirit departed, it seemed as if something inside of me left too. Next to the Lord, Granny was the best friend I ever had. I wish I could put into words the impact that Granny had on my life. I was born a child with special needs but was always full of big ideas. She managed to nurture those “fancy thoughts,” build confidence in my ability, and help me accomplish many childhood goals. There were times in my youth that I needed a good friend. Granny never failed to be there for me, and now I realize that my presence was just as helpful to her. Today I thank the Lord for such a Christian example. No matter where I go or what I do in life, a part of Granny will always remain with me. My memories of her are many, and I will forever carry her love in my heart. Too, I have the assurance that I will see Granny again in Heaven. And, I have the opportunity to make the same difference in the life of others who need encouragement and friendship. That would make Granny very happy. [My great-grandmother, Dessie Pittman, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2002. She's in my future now, and I look forward to meeting her again in Heaven.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Louis F. Morgan It had been a difficult seven months. The summer workload was extremely heavy, finances were desperately low, and six close relatives had passed away. Needing both inner healing and a vacation, I soon found myself standing on the South Carolina coastline. I peered across the Atlantic, watching the reflection of the sun shining over the water while silently praying to God to use this time to comfort my grieving spirit. Broken Ones The waves sweeping back and forth over my feet and the gentle breezes blowing across my face refreshed me. As I waded through the incoming tide and walked through the sand, I noticed many beautiful shells. While some were similar, each had its own unique pattern and shape. My troubles diminished as I focused on my newfound happy-- shell searching! I became determined to locate the largest, brightest shell to take back and display on my office desk. It didn't take long, however, to discover that most of the shells were broken. I'm not looking for broken shells! I thought. I want one that is pretty and whole. As quickly as my mind processed the words, I heard the Lord speak to my spirit: "But I long to receive those that are broken." Now I understand that the Lord is not interested in "shell searching" but that He seeks to heal hurting people. It matters not to God whether a person's brokenness is spiritual, emotional, financial or even physical. He longs to receive those who have nothing to offer but their brokenness, for it is through such weakness that His strength and power are made perfect as He brings restoration. Losing the Perfect Ones In the midst of my revelation, I suddenly caught a glimpse of a prize shell! It was larger than the others nearby and the colors were radiant. There was just one problem: it was rapidly being carried away in the tide! No sooner had I seen the shell than it was gone. It had been within my reach just seconds before, but suddenly it was swept away. Maybe I was just being "superspiritual," but I immediately related the loss of the shell to the death of my relatives. One week I had spoken to my aunt over the telephone; the next week I attended her funeral. Ot maybe it was like the loss of a lifetime dream. Some people live their lives with hopes and desires that seem to never actualize. Perhaps they come very close to taking hold of their dream, only to watch it vanish before their eyes. Often devastation and brokenness remain. Yet, we have no need to doubt that God loves us, will restore us, and will transform our pain if only we allow Him. I walked onto that beach with a heavy heart and grieving spirit, but God answered my prayer and brought healing to me as I searched for shells. I listened as the Spirit of the Lord reminded me that He is seeking those with a broken and contrite spirit, and that He has called me to be an instrument of hope and encouragement to others with brokenness in their lives. Sure, I will miss my relatives, but they left me with the assurance of seeing them again in heaven. Work and finances might be stressful, but I can rely on God's promise that His children will never be forsaken (Psalm 37:25). I understand that my light affliction is but for a moment and is working in me a far greater "weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). When I returned from my vacation, I did not bring back a large, beautiful shell to display on my desk. Rather, I returned with wonderful memories, a renewed spirit, and a pocketful of broken shells to remind me of my true purpose and ministry--to do my prat in helping restore others who are broken. How about you? Have you been searching for shells lately? Editor's note: When not working as archivist at the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center, Louis Morgan enjoys traveling and visiting friends in South Carolina. (Published in the June 2001 issue of the Church of God Evangel.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Moving Forward with Pioneer Vision by Louis F. Morgan Pioneers are individuals who brave fierce obstacles to enter new territory and prepare paths for others to follow, and "Aunt Mollie," as she was affectionately known, was truly a pioneer. At 105, she was the oldest Christian I knew. She was also the oldest Pentecostal in my hometown. Pioneer Passion One of the first people to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit in the area where my family and I lived, Aunt Mollie was a Pentecostal pioneer who blazed the trail for multitudes that followed. Eighty years later she was still overflowing with zeal for the Lord and a passion for souls. She spent countless hours in intercessory prayer and constantly told others about Jesus. What was the secret to Aunt Mollie's maintaining her pioneer vision and press-forward mind-set, even at her advanced age? I have no doubt that it was because she constantly walked in a fresh encounter with God. At a time when many had grown cold in their experience with God and had settled for tradition rather than relationship, one woman could not forget her initial encounter with God in a meeting under a brush arbor. Indeed, it was so powerful she could not be content to let it end there. She frequently explained that God continually drew her nearer to Himself and revealed even greater truths and understanding as she walked obediently before Him. Although she most humbly submitted herself to the godly counsel of those over her in the Lord, Aunt Mollie was not governed by the philosophies of individuals. Rather, she searched the Word, devoted herself to prayer, and sought to be led by the Holy Spirit in all her actions. Revering the Past We are right to look back on our heritage with genuine respect and admiration for the profound way those before us served one another in love. But we must not, we dare not, fall into the trap of attempting to live in the blessings of yesterday. The Holy Spirit directs men and women now just as He has in the past, and He wills that men and women continue to move forward in the freshness of His Spirit--a freshness that produces clean hearts and equips the church to reach the harvest. At the turn of the century when R. G. Spurling organized numerous churches in the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, he was moving against the current of organized religion's lethargic creeds and the status quo ideology of many of his neighbors. He pressed forward and broke new ground as directed by the Holy Spirit. Insisting on the importance of fellowship within a local congregation and the New Testament as his only rule of faith and practice, Spurling was as a voice on the mountainside crying for a revival of unity and love within the Body. His vision included returning to the basics of the Bible and maintaining a personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit used Spurling in carrying out His plan to move the church forward in spiritual liberty and truth--much like the Anabaptists, martin Luther, John Wesley, and others before him. Had Spurling felt less passionately about his God-ordained mission, the Christian Union, which gave birth to the Church of God, probably never would have been established. God found in Spurling an obedient servant; consequently, other men and women received the vision and continued to press forward against the tendency to exchange relationship for inert religion. Appropriating the Example Learning from the powerful examples of the past, the church must continue to move forward with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ until all have heard the wonderful story of His grace. Just as the pioneering R. G. Spurling did for his generation more than 100 years ago, it is imperative that the church move beyond the focus of yesterday's tradition and align our sights on Christ. As we enter a new millennium, it is necessary for us to gain an appreciation for diversity in all areas of ministry--which may not look or sound exactly as it did yesterday. But neither did it at the beginning of this century when our forebears embraced holiness and Pentecostalism. neither did it when the Charismatic renewal spread throughout the world during the 1960s. It is evident, however, that each brought renewal to the body of Christ, and together they are now the fastest-growing force within Christianity. Sincere seekers must never be satisfied with tradition that has become stale, for it is in the freshness of God's Spirit that transformation is accomplished and the Great Commission fulfilled. We cannot afford to remain still and become lost in this era of constant change. By reaffirming our dependency on God, obedience to the Word, consecrated devotion, Spirit-led living and earnest prayer, the body of believers known as the Church of God must rise to the task that lies ahead. Through proper training, godly counsel, and walking in unity and love, the ministry (both laity and clergy) can be better prepared to overcome any physical or spiritual obstacle that would hinder the work of the Lord. Aunt Mollie has since passed on to her eternal reward, but she left a powerful testimony and example for others. The Church of God, to which she was devoted, can gain from her testimony. A Fresh Encounter It is good for the Church of God to reflect on its past blessings, but past blessings will not sustain us! We must be thankful for the powerful way God has revealed Himself to us in the past while moving forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. Like the pioneering vision that birthed our fellowship and has victoriously guided us until now, we must maintain the compelling force to move forward. Our future ministry of effectively winning souls to Christ depends on the decisions we make today. We must not allow ourselves to become sidetracked in the routines of yesterday or by debating nonessential issues. Rather, let us maintain a movement mentality, walking in a fresh refilling of God's Spirit and pressing forward with the goal of winning the world for Jesus Christ. Editor's note: Louis F. Morgan has a keen appreciation for the church's heritage while welcoming the refreshing winds of change brought by the Holy Spirit today as he serves as archivist at the church's Hal Bernard Dixon Jr. Pentecostal Research Center. (Published in the September 2000 issue of the Church of God Evangel.) |