CRH/BSPM/BSPOPP AND CoyRH/SEATC Clerical 2024 Fall Holy Days NewsletterMAIN STUDY–AT THE END OF THE TRAILShalom alechem from the Hub City (or as I’ve recently grown to call it–my new Rome!!)!!! Here’s trusting that you and yours are found blessed, well, and whole in EVERY area of your life today as the seasons both outside as well as in our lives once again change and our thoughts once again turns homebound bound towards His holy throne and eternal Kingdom that shall never end and that will be the future home of those who truly love and trust Him.I still gawk in disbelief that it’s already been around six months already since I took the leap of faith by my chinny-chin-chin to formally move from the Malta of two years that I lived at south of Floydada to Lubbock to serve as my new official home city and international headquarters. It hasn’t been easy by any means–and there’s still plenty of struggles I face that are still present as challenges that must be overcome (marginal homelessness and transportation challenges and problems being among them). But considering where I was at this same time last year, I now overall find myself in a similar position to another spiritual traveler that the physician Luke describes this way in the last 20 or so verses of the Book of Acts:Paul Arrives at Rome11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”21 They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. 22 But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”23 So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,26 ‘Go and say to this people:When you hear what I say, you will not understand.When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’[h]28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”[i]30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.It had been definitely a long journey for the Apostle Paul/Rav Shaul to finally get to the city gates of Rome–and not just in miles neither from his initial starting point in Jerusalem. Of course, his whole life up to that point from when he got struck blind on the road to Damascus and even the years right before that had basically been preparation for what now lied ahead for him in this new city. All you have to do is check out what he himself wrote to the church at Phillippi:Philippians 3:1-10 New Living TranslationThe Priceless Value of Knowing Christ 3 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God[b] are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,…and also to the Believers at Corinth in his second epistle to them to get the full effect of how Paul/Shaul generally approached life up to that point in time…2 Corinthians 11 New Living TranslationPaul’s Many Trials 16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. 19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! 20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. 21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.[c] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 31 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying. 32 When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. 33 I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.NOW this rockstar rabbi who was a disciple of the great Jewish sage Gamaliel and who would eventually become his Meshiach’s personal emissary to the Gentiles–THIS rabbi who went through so much as he approaches the Rome city limit sign finds THIS sight awaiting him at the city outskirts:Acts 28:11-15 New Living TranslationPaul Arrives at Rome 11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.ESPECIALLY make sure that you note verse here:Acts 28:11-15 New Living Translation Paul Arrives at Rome 15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.Those of us who have been on long journeys away from home usually find a sense of excitement, relief, and pleasure in either getting to the final destination we planned to go to and/or seeing the most familiar landmarks of our hometown after being gone from home for a long time. Paul by the longings of the Holy Spirit/Ruach Ha’Kodesh had been anticipating getting to Rome. Now here he was to a place he had never been before. How now would his thoughts and reactions be after so long a journey? And what does that have to do with this year’s Fall Biblical Festivals?If there’s one thing that’s self-evident about this time of years, it is what this same Apostle wrote to the church at Thessalonica:1 Thessalonians 4 New Living TranslationAgain, the Apostle admonished us–The Hope of the Resurrection 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.Again, the Apostle admonished us–18 So encourage each other with these words. BUT WHAT, pray tell, MIGHT THOSE WORDS BE? And how might he after getting this far to the end of this particular trail be thinking and wanting to write about to the rest of his brethren throughout the known world at that time? In my humble opinion and analysis, here’s a quick short list of things he probably had on his mind upon seeing the city lights of Rome for himself for the first time in his life:(1.) He probably didn’t have it too far from his mind about what all it took just to get here in the first place. All those times he had to constantly run for his life and leave trusted friends and brethren behind suddenly without notice…Oh–he sure didn’t forget those people who whipped his back real good with a cat-of-nine-tails those 40 lashes save one. Times in prison, times he went cold and hungry; persecuted constantly by just about everyone and everything he knew because he dared to believe that Jesus/Y’shua was the Messiah and unashamedly proclaimed Him without compromise to the entire world. I’m sure those things were still pretty fresh on his mind as he looked out in the distance to the dominating Rome city water tower and skyline ahead of him.(2.) He remembered all the people and places he had encountered along the way. You probably wouldn’t blame him if he were still a bit steamed and soreheaded and desperata\ely desiring to give certain people a piece of his mind. BUTINSTEAD you’d probably be just as amazed to find out how easily he probably forgave all of those people who in the past did him wrong, left the judgment and results to his God, and hopefully entreated his God to open their eyes to these wrongs, come to repentance, and be reconciled to God.(3.) But even as he thought about those who did him wrong, his thoughts also probably turned towards all the saints and believers he met and got to know in all the places he was blessed to travel to through the years. He probably thought of brethren he remembered such as that Lydia in Thyrtira who took him into her home and graciously spent times of sweet fellowship with him and his traveling colleagues or those Berean brethren who received what he preached, took the time to give him a fair hearing, and examine the Scriptures themselves to see if the things Paul/Shaul told them were truly so.He also most likely thought of his compatriots such as Apollos and maybe even Peter himself that were also doing the exact same things he was doing (and whom Paul even dared to call on the carpet a time or two when Peter got a little offbase theologically on something). He kept in mind other standup folks he knew such as Priscilla and Aquila and also thst guy Epiphroditus who bent over backwards for him to see that Paul while he was in prison got all that he needed thanks in part to the supplies the Believers in Phillippi arranged to send him. Coming to the end of this particular trail was probably for Paul/Shaul not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of his most valued friends and partners who make the necessary sacrifices to help Paul get to his eventual destination. (4.) He would probably remind us of a similar time coming down the road for all of us that he wrote the Thessalonians about13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.He might also like to remind us that this life is not all there is. Just like Paul finally getting to Rome, he’ll probably tell you that there will be a time where we’ll also soon be going to a place that we all have never been before–but that will very much also feel like our final true home and destination. And when we finally get to THAT place, we’ll never have the desire ever again to leave, stray, or wander away …because at that time for us, there will NEVER truly be ANY place like THAT Home.(5.) Then Paul/Shaul would recommend that in the meantime while we wait for that opportunity to go to that final place, we first consider the advice he would have given to these same believers in Rome that he wrote to before he got here:Romans 12 New Living TranslationA Living Sacrifice to God 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.3 Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,”[g] says the Lord.20 Instead,“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”[h]21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.And then with a wistful smile and twinkle in his eye, he’d probably tell us–”And if you do these things, you will do well in pleasing the Master and in doing all the things He said and commanded us to do before He left us.”(6.) It would be at this juncture that Paul’s traveling companion and official physician Luke might jump in and remind us of something interesting about the way he specifically ended his account of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. “Have you noticed something about the way the Lord had me to END that book?” He’d especially try to point out with his finger the LAST two verses of Chapter 28:0 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.We’d then clearly see for ourselves one big thing about the particular story about Paul/Shaul and the other Apostles. The book of Acts is written in such a way where there is NO CLEAR-CUT DEFINITIVE ENDING! IN FACT–the story STILL continues WITH ALL OF US…i.e.--the story hasn’t quite finished for us yet. After all of this, I think Paul/Shaul once he met the Roman brethren and entered the city gates for himself wouldn’t say that it was actually the END of his current journey–but only the BEGINNING! Then he’d probably turn around and say to us as he now officially starts his “contending in Rome” era–”Thank you, Lord, that You FINALLY got me here to this place. It’s definitely been worth every mile of the trip. Now, it’s showtime–time for me to get busy and get down to business and to work!”Just like it wasn’t the end of Paul’s story getting to Rome, so it is with our story pertaining to us. While we all await His final Glorious Appearing, let’s all remember during this Fall Feast season that His final overall redemption story for all mankind wil not for now en WITHOUT US involved in some way within it. Let us do our part while we still have time and opportunity to do so to make His Name famous in everything we do. That way, we’ll have no regrets when He finally lets us arrive in that place we’ve never been before…but that will serve as our final Ultimate Home and destination for the most ultimate of wedding suppertimes.Then as Paul gives us one last look before we part ways with him for now so that he can finally get settled here in Rome, he’d one more time reemphasize the following final reminder from our state department of highways:The Hope of the Resurrection13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.May THAT day AND place come speedily–even in our own days…Wishing you all the best to you and yours during this special Fall Festival season in THAT Matchless Name of Him who is now helping me contend in my new Rome….Coy RHSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1.) I’d especially like to ask those led to do so to join me in appropriate intercession and prayer not only for Israel and its people in its current state of war against both Hamas and Hesbollah, but also in particular those in East TN/western NC affected by the foods that were the result of Hurricane Helena. One of my cousins just happens to live in the Asheville area in a town that’s about seven miles north of Asheville proper. When I texted him immediately upon hearing about those floods, he told me that he himself was fine personally save for losing some of the back treeline around his property–but that there were a number of his neighbors and people trapped in their homes and still waiting for water, power, and cell service to come back on. He told me that overall the scene out that way was sheer devastation. I urge people that wish to help in the disaster relief efforts due to road closures still prevalent right now to consider monetary contributions to such organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, and Kenneth copeland Ministries who are usually very active in various relief efforts as these as you might be led to do so.(2,) Here's a friendly reminder from your state department of highways that you can still get your copies of all four of our current releases available through BSPOPP such as “Walking From Lockney to Jerusalem”, “A Message from Siberia”, “sowing In Tears”, and “A’Wise and A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land”. Keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds of the sales of all BSPOPP books after basic expenses are paid goes to help various restorative justice ministries stay financially strong and prepared for futrure ministry. You can get more detailed information on all of our current BSPOP releases at https://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking and also access our Amazon pages through our good friends at texashighplainswriters.com through their “member Books page tab. On the member books page, just simply click on to the picture there of “Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem” to jump immediately to all of our BSPOP book Amazon pages. (And please don’t dforget to consider patronizing some of our distinguished West Texas author colleagues while you’re there on the Texas High Plains Writers site…)(3.) We leave for you two different special Sukkot gifts this time…the first is actually a new song the Lord just happened to get me to write just now about our featured topic of today’s MAIN STUDY. The second is our latest photo just for you courtesy of the good folks at Circle J photography here in lubbock who we happened to recently encounter at the West Texas Small Business Summit that was held here in Lubbock just a few weeks ago. Enjoy and have a great Fall Holy Day season!!!AT THE END OF THE TRAIL Lyrics(Music:) Think Southern Gospel–along the lines of the the style of Jason Crabb and the Crabb Family) (Start the song a cappella on the first verse, then add instrumentation as you go along…)(Verse 1:) It’s been a long hard journey From Jerusalem to here I can’t believe I finally made it After all these many years The Lord so many years ago Said to me loud and clear This was the place I needed to go to To finish my race of years…(Chorus 1:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome Is now where I find myself No longer wanting to roam As the city lights are calling me And summon me towards His throne To a place that I’ve never been But they say is just like home…(Verse 2:) To all the ones who caused me trouble And persecutions galore I say, “Father, please forgive them– They know not what they’ve done…” And for all my friends and partners Who helped me along the way It’s for their sake I got here And by his grace one thing seems clear…(Chorus 2:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome The trials and tests I suffered Are now just memories It’s only by His grace that I survived And by His love He saw me through As I come closer finally Towards a place I might call home…(Bridge:) The city limits sign And the city lights all beckon me I throw down all my burdens And hug my loved ones so dear…(Chorus 3:) At the end of the trail In a place I’ve never been The shooting wars all are over I’m finally safely in His den It’s a feeling I’ve never had Since I don’t know when Here at the end of my trail In a place I now call home.{Final Ending:] It’s here I will finish my course And at this point I’ll stay At what is now the end of my trail At this place I now call home.(Repeat last two lines–then end by singing lines–”Lord, I’m home…I’m finally home…I’m home….I’m finally home…”)© October 3, 2024; music and lyrics originally written by Coy Reece Holley and property of Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing and Productions. All rights reserved.
BROKEN AND SHATTERED PROMISES MINISTRIES 2017 PESACH/FUB E-NEWSLETTER
Shalom alechem from the flatlands of West Texas as spring shows its face once again to all of us. I saw an interesting story posted recently on Facebook courtesy of Eagle Mountain International Church that piqued my interest so much recently that I also decided to share that story on my own personal timeline there to pass that on to the people. That’s because it seems to at times sum up the overall picture of what happens to be my current personal situation.
Have you ever wondered like I have whether or not (despite your best efforts otherwise to change the situation) ANYONE’S listening? …that is—TRULY listening to you and the problems you’re facing right now, much less caring enough to possibly decide to help in some way DO something about it???? Then check this story out for yourself and see what you think about it: [(Special Note:) What follows is a very loose paraphrase of the story as I first heard it.]
One day, a Christian had a need. [Oh, by the way—Coy was his name.] In fact, Coy had several needs facing him all at once. But alas—he didn’t have the resources he needed to see that those needs were met. So he prayed to God and asked Him to meet those needs.
Now we all know (or do we?) that our God whenever He’s asked to meet those needs could if He wanted to snap His fingers and do what was necessary Himself to meet Coy’s needs. But since He has to deal with a fallen world with people in it, He insteads chooses to work through the hands of people.
OK—back to Coy for a minute…Coy asks God to meet His needs. So God goes to this certain believer and asks him, “Will you help meet Coy’s needs?” He tells God, “NO!” So God asks another believer—“Can you help Coy?” She says, “NO!” God continues this process with about several other believers and gets the exact same response every time from them. One sadly even went so far in answering God, “H-E-(double hockey sticks) NO!” (Can you believe the unmitigated gall of all of these folks? They ACTUALLY had the nerve to tell the Creator of the Universe “NO!!” to something He might ask them to do!)
Meanwhile, Coy’s having some trouble with what seems to be at best continued delay and silence from the Almighty. He starts doubting and wondering if something’s wrong. “Abba Father—have I done something wrong against You? Is there some sin in my life that I need to confess before You? Have I been disobedient to You? Did I pray wrong? TELL ME—is there something I’m not doing right that’s keeping my prayers from being answered?”
What’s Coy to do? Will Coy’s needs be met? Has his God turned a deaf ear to his prayers? We’ll hear the REST OF THE STORY (as Paul Harvey would have said) and see how Coy’s story relates to this upcoming season of Pesach during this session’s MAIN STUDY AFTER (sorry, campers…) some important ministry and business announcements...
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BUSINESS & MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(I.) SPECIAL UPDATE ON BSPOP BOOK PURCHASES
Here’s yet another friendly reminder from your state department of highways to let you know that all of the books that my God has had me to write throughout the past 20 years are still AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE RIGHT NOW on Amazon.com as well as directly through Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing--”Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem: My Life In The Worldwide Church of God”; “A Message From Siberia”, “A’Wise And A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land: Detailed Bible Studies For The Believer”, and "Sowing In Tears". How can you do so? SIMPLE...Just do one of the following things to get your copy of each of these books in your hot little hand--
1) ) Stop by the Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing website to see a brief description of each book, download FREE sample intro chapters to each book to get a little taste of what each of them is like for yourself, and then get details on how to order each of these books-- http://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking (no www. necessary on the URL) [FYI--You can also type in to any search engine “Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing” or my name to find the website in case the above link isn’t exactly right...] Then, click onto the top tool bar to find the appropriate part of the site you may specifically wish to access, click onto a specific link, and the necessary information will come up before you on how you can order any of the above books through BSPOP.
2) ) If you absolutely otherwise can’t wait to get them yourself, then by all means go directly to http://www.amazon.com and type in the search engine “Coy Reece Holley” to get a listing of all books available. [Note: If you purchase directly via Amazon, the prices might be a little higher--but ALL books WILL be available in both print (paperback ONLY--sorry, campers) and also (except for “Sowing In Tears”) e-book form for those willing to subscribe to Amazon Kindle. And you WILL NOT be able to take advantage of the special book prices we’re offering here at BSPOP.]
3) ) (UPDATE:) For those that don’t have computers and/or Net access, they can also call, write, and/or email me to pre-order each of the books directly from myself/BSPOP (paperback version ONLY--which I will be more than willing to assist you in obtaining as needed) at the following addresses and/or phone numbers: (NOTE: Please note new changes in my phone numbers due to a recent additional phone number I have added AND NOW OUR BRAND-NEW business and ministry mailing address...)
Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing
P.O. Box 1501
Plainview, TX 79072
Email: CoyRH_SEATCBSPM@yahoo.com
(806) 587-3667 (cell)
PLEASE by all means feel free to print and send copies of the enclosed order form and even this newsletter to those you know in your own circle of influence that wouldn’t otherwise have access to this information so that they can also have the opportunity to be blessed themselves by the information presented in each of these books.
[Special Note:] (A.) If you attempt to call me on my cell (especially for a book order), please leave a voicemail if I do not answer right away due to the fact that it is one of my methods of how I must currently screen my calls and make efficient use of my limited cellphone minutes. Also, (especially since I’m currently having to deal with some challenges with both my own hearing as well as cellphone clarity), please speak VERY slowly, LOUDLY, and DISTINCTLY as is possible to make sure that I am able to hear your information and then attempt to call you back.
(B.) Those who contact me directly to do your book purchase should also note that individual books can also be ordered directly from BSPOP for $20 each INCLUDING all applicable Texas state/local sales taxes and shipping/handling. Please see the attached book order form for more detailed instructions on how you can order any and/or all BSPOP books. Those who are either outside the U.S. OR who are inside the U.S. who desire faster PRIORITY SHIPPING should add another $20 (U.S. dollars) to the total price of the order to help defray our required costs for additional shipping and handling charges.
SPECIAL NEWS FLASH—Thanks to our friends at PayPal, we can now offer you an ADDITIONAL EASIER AND FASTER way to pay for your BSPOP purchases ONLINE. You can do that by first following the steps mentioned above. THEN—send your money for the amount of the purchase to us by going to this URL: http://Paypal.me/CoyRHSEATCClerical . Once there, when the page directs you to enter in what you wish to send us, enter the EXACT amount of the purchase (for example—to purchase a full set of BSPOP books, enter $80). Then follow the instructions given to you from there to complete the monetary part of your purchase. Afterwards, PLEASE email us at CoyRH_SEATCBSPM@yahoo.com to let us know the books you’re purchasing and the total amount you are sending so that once we receive your money we can process your order right away. And you DON’T even have to have a PayPal account to complete the monetary transaction! The link to send money to us not only will accept PayPal, but also most major debit and credit cards INCLUDING Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AND EVEN American Express!
Whatever way you decide to order any and/or all of these books, I feel that you will be truly blessed as you join me in each of these unique literary journeys my God has taken me on over the years and gain new practical insights and concepts about the Word of God and on some current issues facing the universal Body of Christ that you may have not previously considered. And if you like some things of what you find in each book, please don’t keep the words to yourself--but instead encourage others to take the following advice I’ve recently suggested to others about these important books--”Do like they do in Chicago...buy early and buy often...buy for friends, buy for neighbors, buy for strangers if you must--BUT by all means, BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY!!!!” (I’ll end my obligatory commercial message this right there at this point...hah, hah, hah...)
(II.) BSPM/BSPOP UPDATE:
If you haven’t checked out our website mentioned above [ http://coyrhseatcbspm.wix.com/walking ], check out how everything is now linked to the website so that we will not have to rely so much on cumbersome email to communicate business and ministry messages. If you haven’t already done so, please stop by the website from time to time for vital updates not only on book purchases, but also for the plans and direction the Lord may be taking this particular ministry.
And don’t forget our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/brokenandshatteredpromisesministries ! You can also use the search function on Facebook as well to look for either “Coy Holley” or “Broken and Shattered Promises Ministries”. Our Facebook page is now the QUICKEST way to keep an eye between Newsletter editions on what’s going on as far as BSPM and BSPOP. Those who are more social-media inclined are more than welcome to stop by, give us a like, post comments, questions, etc. about anything related to BSPM or BSPOP.
At times recently on the technological front, it has seemed like we've first taken 3 steps forward, but then 2 3/4 steps back as we've lost cell phones and/or had things go wrong with our available technological devices. But our God has helped us to gain back some of the ground we've lost technologically, but are even in the process able to go further than we have been able to do recently. For instance, we still praise God for our recently PAID-FOR and DEBT-FREE “new-to-us” laptop computer and also new smartphone to boot. Even though we don’t have the smartphone anymore, we DO have a BRAND-NEW phone number AND even (at least for now) FINALLY HOME-based Net service available to us and still working to also do much more than that on top of it!
What the Adversary has tried to steal from us, our God is right now more than restoring! Now only a few things still remain on this particular front before we can finally declare that we are fully functional on the technology end (including getting two remaining pieces of software still needed for the desktop and maybe getting either a new tablet and/or smartphone working and operational). As Joyce Meyer has said, "...I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be. I'm OK and I'm on my way."
On the CoyRH/SEATC Clerical front, we have throughout a good bit of this year attempted to also get the word out about our clerical and notary public services endeavors through a directory ad in the Plainview Herald. Due to more pressing recent financial obligations and a current lack of response to the ad, we were forced to call a temporary halt to the ad efforts. We do hope to resume them again after New Year’s as finances permit.
We have, though, discovered something interesting going on in the Texas Legislature in the form of two new bills that, if passed, would have an overall POSITIVE impact on the existence of CoyRH/SEATC Clerical. Check out our most recent Facebook announcement on this--
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Shalom alechem to all… Rarely would I get directly involved in matters dealing with the TX Leg., but there are currently according to the American Association of Notaries two bills (HB 1217 and HB 2254) that have been recently filed in the House that if passed would not only be critical to the survival of my notary public practice, but would also allow me to become one of the first in Texas to offer YOU—the general public—a brand-new service that can allow me and you to take advantage of a new wave via the technology of the future—electronic notarizations via the new official designation of “electronic notary public”.
I urge you to first check out the respective TX House and Senate websites for more detailed info on these two bills. But the basic summary of each is like this—HB 1217 would officially remove what amounts to be a cap on my ability via the current “maximum fee” I am allowed to charge for certain notary transactions and instead allow me more freedom to more adequately charge for my services in a much more fair and reasonable manner. But what would be MUCH more beneficial to you in the general public from my particular standpoint as a commissioned notary is what would be a brand-new official designation as an “electronic notary public” that creates new standards and requirements here in TX about first ALLOWING the concept of “electronic notarization” to be possible in the first place here in TX and then how said electronic notarizations are done.
To give you a further idea of what I mean, here’s the email letter I formally submitted to Senator Charles Perry about these two bills:
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Dear Sen. Perry: I am personally in the process of attempting to start some business enterprizes in which one major feature includes my current commission as a notary public. I have just been informed by the American Association of Notaries about the recent filing of HB 1217 and HB 2254 which would if passed have a SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE impact on the development of the notary public portion of my business. Living in a rural area such as Plainview, ever since I received my notary commission a couple of years ago, I have found it next to impossible to appropriately establish a quality notary practice due to two major factors--one, in attempting to compete against other notaries in my area who are virtually GIVING AWAY their services for FREE (which I absolutely cannot do due to financial reasons); and two, a lack of ability to market and make available those notary services to potential clients in my area in a way that can possibly distinguish me uniquely from the rest.
I personally wish to note that if you and your colleagues in the Senate vote for passage of BOTH 1217 AND 2254 after first passing the House, these bills would possibly give me a fighting chance to establish a more profitable notary practice in a couple of special ways: one, in taking the limits off of what currently is a maximum fee that doesn't adequately insure appropriate opportunity to reap the potential rewards of my labor; and two, by allowing me through the new official designation of "electronic notary public" to potential clients here in my local area and thereby allowing me to provide yet another potential avenue of revenue stream to come in to my notary practice.
I thereby urge you that if HB 1217 and 2254 are allowed to come up for a vote in the Senate to consider first the notary public services not currently available in rural areas like ours--then make the quality choice to vote IN FAVOR of both 1217 and 2254 and do your part to encourage your colleagues to vote in similar fashion so that new struggling notaries like myself can have a fighting chance in the marketplace and offer innovative services to those in our rural areas that would not otherwise have them.
Sincerely yours,
Coy Reece Holley
CoyRH/SEATC Clerical and Notary Public Services and Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing
I ask that if you would like notaries like myself to be able to have a fighting chance for survival out in the marketplace here in TX AND SIMULTANEOUSLY be able to offer additional beneficial services in a cost-effective and quality manner that you CONTACT your state rep and senator about House Bills 1217 and 2254 AND URGE THEM TO VOTE FOR BOTH BILLS if and when they come up for a vote in each Leg chamber so that notaries like myself living in rural areas can not only have a fighting chance for survival, but also offer an additional service that will be much more gravely needed as more and more people use various means of electronic technology. [Note: As of this writing, both bills have been referred to their respective committees for consideration according to the Texas House website at last report. The current 85th Session of the TX Leg goes “sine die” (loose translation from the Latin basically meaning the end of the current session) at the end of next month!] Thanks in advance for whatever help you might be able to personally provide in this effort!
ALSO--Work still continues on baby steps towards formal incorporation and other more pressing concerns of BSPM. There’s still a few more things that will remain before BSPM is incorporated as the 501(c)(3) that it will need to be--but the journey continues to proceed as finances permit and our God graciously permits and allows. We are still also hope to work with one source for the development of the necessary ministry/business logos that will be required to operate and pictorially represent the essence of what BSPM, BSPOP, etc. plans to become as soon as finances permit us to do so.
As for our past attempts to do initial organizational meetings, we have decided to shelve those plans for the present time until a more convienent and expeditious time that He might later let us know about comes up. BUT if you still have a desire, leading, and/or calling of the Lord to join us on the ground floor of this brand-new and exciting ministry endeavor, please keep an eye on our BSPM Facebook page for further updates and/or call or email us for more information on how YOU as a part of the Body of Christ can truly make an impact on those affected by the criminal justice system.
(III.) ANOTHER WALK OF FAITH—UPCOMING COLUMBUS, OH TRIP
One of our primary emphases in recent months have still been on recent efforts to further increase book sales and obtain critical financial underwriting for both our business and ministry projects. The road for this as of this newsletter’s writing and publication will soon lead in just over a couple of weeks from now to Columbus, OH. Later in the month, we will basically be taking advantage of another opportunity to attend a Gary Keesee conference for Christian entrepreneurs at Bro. Keesee’s home church in Columbus called Faith Life Church. We also hope to while in Columbus take advantage of another opportunity available to us at World Harvest Church pastored by internationally known evangelist Rod Parsley.
We not only hope that these opportunities in Columbus will yield some fruit for our future efforts at BSPOP, CoyRH/SEATC Clerical, and BSPM; but also hope to serve those of you in a special way that might not otherwise have the unique opportunities that would be available to us in Columbus. BUT—there’s STILL some major things that need to be wrapped up BEFORE I can get back on the Greyhound bus and head to the Buckeye State. THAT IS WHERE YOU CAN COME ALONGSIDE US AND HELP!
For this particular special Columbus trip (besides food and incidentals, of course), we have been able to thanks in part to another good income tax refund that came our way AND some unexpected deals on our bus ticket (imagine getting a ROUND-TRIP ticket DIRECT from here in Plainview to Columbus AND BACK for just a grand total of FIVE bucks—well, it happened to us for sure!) AND our hotel (with ONE night out of four already taken care of and paid for) to have just about all of our projected trip expenses EXCEPT FOR the remaining three nights of hotel that will be necessary during our stay there.
BUT we URGENTLY need help still as He allows NOT only on the remaining nights of motel expense while in Columbus, BUT ESPECIALLY on some BIGGER things DESPERATELY needed back at the homefort—one of them called RENT! The amount currently available to us is NOWHERE NEAR what we need to keep up with current expenses at present. And much as we’d like to, additional budget cuts, etc. are at this point simply NOT feasible! IN FACT, JUST to be able to survive at an even minimal functional level, we’ve actually had to ADD some expenses via things that HAVE to be added (Net service in particular not only for our operations here, but also necessary for my current personal employment on my one remaining part-time job). The need is great to not just take care of this upcoming trip—but to keep things going here at the homefort until I get back home from the trip. Here’s the major expenses that simply MUST be covered from now until I get back from Columbus:
(1.) RENT/UTILITIES—THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BIG ONE RIGHT NOW! I now at present need upwards of at least $700 to $1000 just to keep the landlord happy and paid and to avoid the dreaded eviction ax even into May and through the summer months ahead!
(2.) COLUMBUS HOTEL EXPENSE—Note that I am NOT staying at some sort of ritzy four-star hotel…but in fact at about the cheapest and most feasible place possible within my personal situation while in Columbus. We project that it would take just $200 to finish out the amount necessary to pay the remaining amount of our hotel bill. We would also like to see any help possible in the area of extra money for food and incidentals during all parts of this upcoming trip.
(3.) UPCOMING BUSINESS AND MINISTRY PROJECTS that we would like to get going ASAP, but are hindered in doing so due to the lack of finances
In thinking about both the upcoming Pesach season AND ALSO what would be the theme of the conference we’ll be attending in Columbus, we feel that the Lord is leading us to call for a few special PESACH PROVISION PARTNERS that for a LIMITED time could give us some special help for the above and give us some breathing room to operate and start focusing on long-term needs instead of constant financial survival mode!
WHAT IS A PESACH PROVISION PARTNER? From now until Pentecost in June, we’re calling for some special folks to step up to the plate and help us at BSPM and BSPOP get these urgent needs met so that we can go into the upcoming summer months with BSPM and BSPOP FULLY OPERATIONAL and running smoothly and with also my own personal financial needs met. Part of the story of Pesach itself says something about the importance of provision for journeys and travels: (from the Bible in Basic English translation; emphasis mine)
Exo 12:26 And when your children say to you, What is the reason of this act of worship?
Exo 12:27 Then you will say, This is the offering of the Lord's Passover; for he went over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he sent death on the Egyptians, and kept our families safe. And the people gave worship with bent heads.
Exo 12:28 And the children of Israel went and did so; as the Lord had given orders to Moses and Aaron, so they did.
Exo 12:29 And in the middle of the night the Lord sent death on every first male child in the land of Egypt, from the child of Pharaoh on his seat of power to the child of the prisoner in the prison; and the first births of all the cattle.
Exo 12:30 Then Pharaoh got up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians; and a great cry went up from Egypt; for there was not a house where someone was not dead.
Exo 12:31 And he sent for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Get up and go out from among my people, you and the children of Israel; go and give worship to the Lord as you have said.
Exo 12:32 And take your flocks and your herds as you have said, and be gone; and give me your blessing.
Exo 12:33 And the Egyptians were forcing the people on, to get them out of the land quickly; for they said, We are all dead men.
Exo 12:34 And the people took their bread-paste before it was leavened, putting their basins in their clothing on their backs.
Exo 12:35 And the children of Israel had done as Moses had said; and they got from the Egyptians ornaments of silver and of gold, and clothing:
Exo 12:36 And the Lord had given the people grace in the eyes of the Egyptians so that they gave them whatever was requested. So they took away all their goods from the Egyptians.
We have TWO levels of this new PESACH PROVISION PARTNER status. The first involves those that can help us with a special gift of at least $50 to $100. Those that can help with these urgent immediate needs will receive as our special appreciation gift ONE of our BSPOP books now currently available on Amazon. For those who can do more to our second level of $200, we’ll do even better than ONE book…in fact, you’ll get a WHOLE set of BSPOP books on the house with an ADDITIONAL special gift of a specially designed BSPOP reusable shopping bag that you can put that set of books in to let folks know what we’re up to at BSPOP and BSPM and/or use at other times to take things on the go wherever life may take you. The bag includes pictures of each of our current BSPOP releases and also has our website and Facebook page emblazoned on it as well.
Please note, of course, that your gifts to us here are at present until further notice otherwise currently NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE according to IRS standards. But they WILL be helpful in keeping us going both in Columbus and also at the homefort, too. AND you in turn will at least for your trouble get some books that will help ground you further in the things of our God…and even in some cases (hopefully, but no guarantees by any means on this) save a few cents as necessary at the grocery store, too. We ask that those that are led and are interested in participating with us in this special PESACH PROVISION PARTNER opportunity either call, email, or post us to let us know your willingness to help financially in this special way. You can even either mail your special gift and/or use our new PayPal payment link (see previous sections for details) to get the money to us faster. BUT PLEASE HELP US IN THIS WAY NOW—for this special partnership opportunity ends on Pentecost!
We are ALSO STILL are in DESPERATE need for people to contact us for book sales. We urge not just to pray about this--but as opportunity may permit for you, even consider contacting us about purchasing your own copies of any and/or all of our recent BSPOP releases. Then once you've made your purchase and received and read your books, help us spread the word to others if you like what you have read and encourage others to contact us as well to purchase their own copies. Doing this at present is the absolute best way to support our ministry and business efforts at present until such time where these ministry efforts can be supported by other means.
(IV.) PRAYER REQUESTS--
We might also ask in turn that as you might be led to do so join with us in believing Him for the following prayer requests and needs via Psalm 20:1-5 and Ps. 126:
(1.) Lynda Holley (my mother), Billie Lam (now living in Corpus Christi), Vera Jo Bybee
(2.) Emmitt Tipton—Healing from kidney disease and other medical problems (currently having to receive dialysis three times a week for this)
(3.) Montford Unit--Desperate need for volunteers for various ministry opportunities in the Psychiatric Unit (and if you're in the LBK area and have an interest yourself in getting involved there, please feel free to contact us and we'll be more than glad to help you get in touch with Chaplain Claybrook about those opportunties) [Also--Chaplain Claybrook has let us know that for the next fiscal year, TDCJ due to the recent state budget process has sadly once again decided to give the Chaplaincy Department a sum total of ZERO...a department where ironically the need is the greatest because at times it is the ONLY rehab program available to offenders on all units across the state. Please pray and believe God with us that this situation will be rectified and that the Texas Legislature and other state officials will change their minds about this madness and see that some sort of additional funding for the TDCJ Chaplaincy Dept. is appropriately provided so that the valuable work of chaplains statewide can be continued in some form.]
(4.) Several others that have recently lost loved ones (time and space here will not allow us to go into specifics here)
(5.) BSPM/BSPOP--(a.) URGENT MAJOR financial provision and open doors on our upcoming Columbus trip both for things here at home [(Ex.) Rent and current expenses here] and also on the road [(Ex.) Bus tickets and other transportation expenses; hotel/motel rooms; and food and other necessary trip]
(b.) Continued Divine intervention on funding and other things needed to complete the transition of all ministry and business endeavors to fully financially functioning entities to where I (Coy RH) can eventually devote my full and primary attention and efforts towards these business and ministry efforts
(c.) I am also right now as I write this seriously contemplating the creation of a FIFTH book. Prayers for appropriate wisdom, discernment, and Divine revelation as needed to bring what will be some new challenging insights to both believers and non-believers alike as a result of this upcoming book to life on the printed page will especially be appreciated in this process.
(d.) In the meantime, we STILL are in DESPERATE need for people to contact us for book sales. We urge not just to pray about this--but as opportunity may permit for you, even consider contacting us about purchasing your own copies of any and/or all of our recent BSPOP releases. Then once you've made your purchase and received and read your books, help us spread the word to others if you like what you have read and encourage others to contact us as well to purchase their own copies. Doing this at present is the absolute best way to support our ministry and business efforts at present until such time where these ministry efforts can be supported by other means.
(ALSO: WHILE we’re on the subject of prayer requests AND the Columbus trip, we’d like to also SERVE YOU while we’re there in a unique way! HOW? We’d like to present to appropriate folks there at the churches we are planning to go to a special list of the needs of the people while we’re there so that they can be in agreement with what you might be seeking from the Lord right now! And there are absolutely NO STRINGS attached to do this, either! You DO NOT have to become a PESACH PROVISION PARTNER OR make a book purchase with us in order for us to put you on this special list!
ALL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR YOU to be put on this special list is for you to do one of the following: (1.) either email your prayer request to us at CoyRH_SEATCBSPM@yahoo.com ; OR (2.) post it on one of our Facebook pages (either on the Coy Holley personal page OR the Broken and Shattered Promises page) BEFORE the end of business APRIL 24th so that we can have time to make up that list and print it up to submit to appropriate officials at each place there! The reason we offer you this opportunity to do this is because of the realization of the great chance we have to be in some of the most prominent churches in this nation and that there are people who might never have the opportunities we might have to do something like this! So we’re willing to serve the people of our God in this way and let them feel that they are NOT alone in the personal struggles they face—but that there are others in the universal Body of our Lord that will join them in believing prayer in accordance to Psalm 20 that our God would send help to them SPEEDILY for whatever they might be seeking from Him! SO GET THOSE PRAYER REQUESTS TURNED IN TO US TODAY so that you can join us in spirit in Columbus!)
(MAIN STUDY OF THIS NEWSLETTER IS ON A SEPARATE PAGE…PLEASE CLICK ON THE BROKEN AND SHATTERED PROMISES MINISTRIES LINK ON THE TOP TOOLBAR TO FIND THE SECOND HALF OF THIS NEWSLETTER!)