Motivational Messages/Speeches

In the Book of Deuteronomy the law that Moses shared with the people was God’s instructions to love Him and others. We best get this correct. In Luke we discover the story on the Jericho Road. The first two walked right on by…...

The Books of Deuteronomy and Mark have much to say about our relationship with Jesus Christ.This message talks about hate. It deal with the subject and what should be our disposition about hate and demonstrating our love for God.

In the Book of Galatians , the Apostle Paul shares about his calling and the reason why he is a follower of Jesus. In Luke chapter 9 we learn all about putting our hands to the plow.

Wedding Day…officiating the wedding of my friends is always the greatest honor.Congratulations to Jacob and Kerri McKissack on their love for each other and their commitments to walk throughout all of life’s events, together.

So you want to go West…but the Holy Spirit says no. You want to go North, but the Spirit says no. God has other plans..are you willing to say no to your plans and yes to His?

When the Jewish leaders discovered that non-Jews were receiving Jesus as their Savior, they were so upset. HOW COULD THIS ME? Peter heard the voice of God saying go and make no distinction between them and us. That is God’s love for sure.

“Firehouse Chat” is a program of the Office of Chaplain, for the Bell County Volunteer Fire Department. Chaplain Tim H Mills and Assistant Chaplain Samuel R Griffin have designed this short 15 minute or less, devotional to encourage firefighters in our Department and firefighters everywhere. This Firehouse Chat is the first (1st) episode and the thoughts come from Exodus chapter 30, verse 12. The Israelites were required to pay a ransom to the Lord for their lives. What value do you place on your life? If you can’t place a dollar amount on your life, God can and already did.

This message shares the happenings on the first Sunday after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here from the disciples and their testimony from the Book of Acts and then the first hand account from the Book of John. “So”, “why are you here”, what testimony are you telling?”

Mrs. Bertha Girdner Logan, 98, of Heidrick, the widow of Randolph Girdner and Glenn “Bud” Logan, passed away Easter Sunday morning, April 17, 2022 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. She was the daughter of the late James Matt and Cora Evans Bennett born on August 24, 1923 in Knox County. Bertha was one of 13 children.Bertha was a wife, mother, sister, grandmother and local business woman. She and Randolph owned and operated Girdner’s Restaurant and Grocery in the Heidrick community. Her chili was loved by many and even today people still ask for the recipe. She was an avid antique collector and for many years operated an antique store. Down through the years, she also invested in various rental properties in Barbourville and Heidrick, something she continued to do until her passing. She was a member of the Little Poplar Creek Baptist Church.In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Emily Jean Hale; a grandson, Randy Hale and 11 siblings.Survivors include her daughter, Shirley McCreary of Barbourville; two stepsons, John Logan and Dennis Logan both of Bryants Store; a sister, Sarah Shields of Heidrick; two grandsons, Paul Hale and partner, Michael Grayson, and Christopher Messer; several nieces and nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends.Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Friday, April 22 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Tim H. Mills and Rev. Jimmy Siler officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Doolin Cemetery.Casket bearers will be beloved family and friends.

Many have asked and others, no doubt still wonder, what’s the big deal about Easter? This message will answer that question and wonder. Jesus Christ so loves you, and Easter demonstrates that perfectly.

ObituaryMarion Croley Forester, 68, of Harlan, Kentucky, unexpectedly “slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God” on Thursday morning, March 24, 2022.Croley was born on January 11, 1954, in Jeffersonville, Indiana to Ralph and Wauneth Forester. His family soon returned to Harlan, where he attended Harlan Independent and graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 1972. Croley then attended the University of Kentucky before beginning a lifetime of government service.Croley was recruited into the United States Air Force, where hisexpertise in mobile radar operations took him all around the world, fueling a love for travel and culture. He was stationed in Germany, where he also played football for the Air Force, Key West, and Seattle, where he played football for a short time with the Seattle Seahawks. He served 8 years altogether, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Air Force, Croley served as an assistant Air Traffic Controller in the FAA, and later served as an Air Operations Drug Interdiction Specialist, Senior Inspector, and Range Master for US Customs. In 1996, Croley brought to light some serious national security issues at Miami International Airport, leading to a congressional investigation, a White House Task Force, and, ultimately,sweeping changes in airport and airline security. During his 24-year career with Customs, Croley was responsible for the confiscation of over 15,000 pounds of cocaine and received more than 30 commendations for exemplary service. In 2010, he retired from a lifetime of service and returned home to Harlan where he became involved in local politics and service projects such as river clean-ups. He served as a Harlan City Councilman, President of the Harlan Rotary Club, and member of the Bishop’s Blue-Ribbon Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington. Croley was also a founder and the first director ofHarlan’s Appalachian Challenge Academy.Croley will always be remembered as a loyal friend and patriot. He loved rock and roll, fast cars and motorcycles, and his Chow dogs.Croley was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Forester, and leaves to mourn his loss his mother, Waun Forester, brothers Frank (Jennifer) and Ed, and scores of family and friends around the world. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm Tuesday (March 29) at the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home. Celebration of Croley’s life will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Tim H. Mills officiating. Music will be provided by Dr. James Greene. The family suggest memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://woundedwarriorproject.org/ in memory of Croley.

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 lay the foundation of urgency. When something is urgent, it means now. God’s love is required now. Luke 15:1-3 - the BOMB SHELL! Jesus is different. Luke 15:11-32 a familiar story possibly with a Genesis relationship. This message is powerful for reflection, evaluation and for action setting goals. Give the message an ear and let’s see if we too will follow the example of God through Noah.

History is an important teacher and opportunity is the change agent to demonstrate what we believe. The people were thinking because some bad stuff had happened, that gad stuff only happens to various people. Just is going to clear up that attitude.

This message explains from the Book of Romans and Luke what the big deal is about the Season of Lent and the importance of Jesus in the desert for 40 days. Who is the Son of God?

2 Corinthians chapter 3 and Luke chapter 9 lay out in scripture clearly, it is Jesus, the chosen and we would do well to listen to Him. To remove the veil, we need turn to God and follow.

It is easy to think we know more than someone else. Obedience is the key to unlocking God’s blessings in our lives. For Simon and his fellow fisherman, Jesus said go out deep and cast your nets. Because they followed His instructions they had more than they could have ever imagined.

How mad would you need to be to want to kill someone? What would need to have been done for you to get that mad and out of control?

Luke 4:14-21 tells the story of Jesus returning to His hometown to read from the Prophet Isaiah in the Synagogue. Do you identify with God’s 4 groups from Isaiah?

The events at the wedding st Cana haver many thoughts to consider. What was the bridegroom thinking when his wedding ran out of wine? What did Mary, the mother of Jesus expect Jesus to do about the situation? The bridwgroom got the credit from the Chief Steward, but those who drew the water from the jars know who.