Monday, April 23, 2012
Good Afternoon!
I am taking a moment to say hello to those who are still looking at this site. I'm sorry, but I have nothing profound to say today! Maybe tomorrow!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
It's me again!
I know that you have probably wearied of my neglect on this blog. All I can say is I'm sorry. This has just not been a priority! This year has been interesting to say the least. I am blessed to have family and friends who love me and share with me their encouragement and opportunity to fulfill the plan of God for my life.
I walk each day as though it may be the last. I have found that we just really don't have a clue as to when this life will come to a close, so I am challenged to make the most of the life that God has provided for me.
Ministry is a priority to me and during these past few months I have had the joy of spending time with young pastors whose ministry is reaching out to their communities with compassion and love. We have laughed together, wept together, strategized, restructured, and refined their dreams in the light of nearly a half century of ministry experience. Most of the time, I remember the frustration of the things that they are experiencing for themselves. I would like to shelter them, and guard them from such things, but each of us must be strengthened by fire to fulfill the furture that God has for me.
As I sat across the table from a dear friend several weeks ago, I listened as he talked about the situations that he was facing. As I sat there, I remembered the thoughts that I had earlier concerning this young gifted brother. I remembered when he assumed the pastorate of the church that he now serves. It seemed that his ministry had skyrocketed past the humble beginnings of most of his peers. But as I sat listening, I realized that he had come to this place in his life through many sorrows. Things are not always as they seem. We preachers have learned how to put on a fascade that hides the pain of our lives.
It takes a real and genuine committment to serve people. Bishop T.D. Jakes shared this morning a message that included this statement: "There is only One Master! The rest of us are mere servants!" It is easy to become arrogant in our positions of leadership. It seems that the light shines upon us and we get accustomed to the limelight. If it happens to fade for one reason or another, we start tunning toward the light, so that we can be showered with the "attention that we so richly deserve"!
But we must realize that we are mere servants of the Master! John Maxwell shared in a conference a few years ago, that He had come to look into the crowd and ask the Lord to allow him to see the people the way that the Master viewed them. It is amazing how Jesus will allow you to see the hearts of those that are in the audience.
Our churches are filled with people who are struggling with the issues of life every day! They are not just facing the reality of life on Wednesday, but they are facing the challenge of life every day. They feel the pressure of performance on the job, in the home, at the church, and among their friends. They paint the picture in as friendly a fashion as they can, but life is an continuing saga. We face hardship as well as blessing. We endure pain as well as we enjoy victory. We cry in anguish as well as we wipe tears of joy at the birth of a child. Life is complex!
There is only one thing that will balance it all. That is an intimate walk with the Master! Jesus is our Mentor, our faithful Friend, and our living Savior. Make this the prayer of your life for today:
Dear Lord Jesus, I want to live my life with joy as I serve you and those who are around me this day. Forgive me of my sin, renew my faith in You and enable me to be a blessing to those who surround me by displaying the love of God. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Yesterday I sat with a friend in a restaurant having lunch. Our waitress was very inattentive to our table and every time we needed a drink refill we had to ask. When we would ask, she would grunt out, "You'll have to wait your turn!" We looked around and there were 25 empty tables and 3 full tables. So we patiently waited our turn. When we went to leave, we both made it a point to leave a generous tip for her. As we checked out, she said, "I overheard your conversation and wondered what church you attend". We responded with our information. Then we were amazed as she told us that she was a faithful believer of a sister church in the area. It actually stunned us as she identified herself as a believer. As we walked out, I told my friend that it was a good thing that she told us that she was a believer. We would not have known by any other way. How will those people that you meet today percieve your testimony? Serve the Lord with gladness!
Just a thought.....
By the way, Merry CHRISTmas!
I walk each day as though it may be the last. I have found that we just really don't have a clue as to when this life will come to a close, so I am challenged to make the most of the life that God has provided for me.
Ministry is a priority to me and during these past few months I have had the joy of spending time with young pastors whose ministry is reaching out to their communities with compassion and love. We have laughed together, wept together, strategized, restructured, and refined their dreams in the light of nearly a half century of ministry experience. Most of the time, I remember the frustration of the things that they are experiencing for themselves. I would like to shelter them, and guard them from such things, but each of us must be strengthened by fire to fulfill the furture that God has for me.
As I sat across the table from a dear friend several weeks ago, I listened as he talked about the situations that he was facing. As I sat there, I remembered the thoughts that I had earlier concerning this young gifted brother. I remembered when he assumed the pastorate of the church that he now serves. It seemed that his ministry had skyrocketed past the humble beginnings of most of his peers. But as I sat listening, I realized that he had come to this place in his life through many sorrows. Things are not always as they seem. We preachers have learned how to put on a fascade that hides the pain of our lives.
It takes a real and genuine committment to serve people. Bishop T.D. Jakes shared this morning a message that included this statement: "There is only One Master! The rest of us are mere servants!" It is easy to become arrogant in our positions of leadership. It seems that the light shines upon us and we get accustomed to the limelight. If it happens to fade for one reason or another, we start tunning toward the light, so that we can be showered with the "attention that we so richly deserve"!
But we must realize that we are mere servants of the Master! John Maxwell shared in a conference a few years ago, that He had come to look into the crowd and ask the Lord to allow him to see the people the way that the Master viewed them. It is amazing how Jesus will allow you to see the hearts of those that are in the audience.
Our churches are filled with people who are struggling with the issues of life every day! They are not just facing the reality of life on Wednesday, but they are facing the challenge of life every day. They feel the pressure of performance on the job, in the home, at the church, and among their friends. They paint the picture in as friendly a fashion as they can, but life is an continuing saga. We face hardship as well as blessing. We endure pain as well as we enjoy victory. We cry in anguish as well as we wipe tears of joy at the birth of a child. Life is complex!
There is only one thing that will balance it all. That is an intimate walk with the Master! Jesus is our Mentor, our faithful Friend, and our living Savior. Make this the prayer of your life for today:
Dear Lord Jesus, I want to live my life with joy as I serve you and those who are around me this day. Forgive me of my sin, renew my faith in You and enable me to be a blessing to those who surround me by displaying the love of God. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Yesterday I sat with a friend in a restaurant having lunch. Our waitress was very inattentive to our table and every time we needed a drink refill we had to ask. When we would ask, she would grunt out, "You'll have to wait your turn!" We looked around and there were 25 empty tables and 3 full tables. So we patiently waited our turn. When we went to leave, we both made it a point to leave a generous tip for her. As we checked out, she said, "I overheard your conversation and wondered what church you attend". We responded with our information. Then we were amazed as she told us that she was a faithful believer of a sister church in the area. It actually stunned us as she identified herself as a believer. As we walked out, I told my friend that it was a good thing that she told us that she was a believer. We would not have known by any other way. How will those people that you meet today percieve your testimony? Serve the Lord with gladness!
Just a thought.....
By the way, Merry CHRISTmas!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I wonder....
ID protection is a major enterprise in our technical world today. I hear horror stories about identities being assumed and life history being infiltrated to the point of destruction. You have probably seen the commercial that talks about the guy whose identity was stolen and the thief bought a home, a vacation resort, three LED big screen TV's and a car. His life changed to a defensive mode to try to regain his identity. It would take a great deal of time, expense, and energy to regain all that had been violated by the intruder.
It is hard to imagine that all this could happen, often as a result of a scrap of paper, or an internet purchase, or someone hacking your personal computer while you were totally mesmerized in the caccoon that is know as your world.
Shane and I discussed David and Michal as we drove along today. You remember David's wife, whose claim to fame was her response to David as he danced before the Ark of the Covenant. David was so excited that he had been able to return the Ark, that he danced without his kingly robes.
2 Sam 6:16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
It was to most an awesome act of worship. But Michal, who had been rejected and betrayed by David and wounded emotionally by his immorality, was disgusted with the double standard that he displayed as openly he danced and behind the scenes he reveled! David became known as the "man who pursued God" in Acts, but he had other interests at one stage in his life and it left Michal, wounded, rejected and bitter.
Purity is a choice. Often I hear the stories of men who have failed and broken the heart of thier spouse and family with their failure. Several come to mind as I ponder these thoughts today. I guess what I want to say today is this: DO JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY, and WALK HUMBLY before God! Don't become a statistic in the devil's strategy book!
I don't think Michal rejected God, but she was sure fed up with David. Notice the word said that she despised David! "How can you dance before the ark, David, when you have broken the Law of God and violated your committment to me?" I wonder.....
Much can be said and written regarding this, but an important thought is that we each have a responsibility to be consistent in our walk with God to a level that men will not become distracted from HIM but rather drawn to HIM by our actions.
Carry On!
Keep the Faith!
It is hard to imagine that all this could happen, often as a result of a scrap of paper, or an internet purchase, or someone hacking your personal computer while you were totally mesmerized in the caccoon that is know as your world.
Shane and I discussed David and Michal as we drove along today. You remember David's wife, whose claim to fame was her response to David as he danced before the Ark of the Covenant. David was so excited that he had been able to return the Ark, that he danced without his kingly robes.
2 Sam 6:16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
It was to most an awesome act of worship. But Michal, who had been rejected and betrayed by David and wounded emotionally by his immorality, was disgusted with the double standard that he displayed as openly he danced and behind the scenes he reveled! David became known as the "man who pursued God" in Acts, but he had other interests at one stage in his life and it left Michal, wounded, rejected and bitter.
Purity is a choice. Often I hear the stories of men who have failed and broken the heart of thier spouse and family with their failure. Several come to mind as I ponder these thoughts today. I guess what I want to say today is this: DO JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY, and WALK HUMBLY before God! Don't become a statistic in the devil's strategy book!
I don't think Michal rejected God, but she was sure fed up with David. Notice the word said that she despised David! "How can you dance before the ark, David, when you have broken the Law of God and violated your committment to me?" I wonder.....
Much can be said and written regarding this, but an important thought is that we each have a responsibility to be consistent in our walk with God to a level that men will not become distracted from HIM but rather drawn to HIM by our actions.
Carry On!
Keep the Faith!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Remembering.....
I drove in from South Carolina last night. For some reason, it was very important that I get home. As I drove, I reflected on the activities of the week. It had been very busy.
It began this past Saturday as Glenda and I drove to Paducah, spending the night in a hotel in Metropolis. We were there to have a day of ministry on Sunday. Sunday morning, we would be at Full Gospel Tabernacle, the church that my father had served as pastor for more than 28 years. It would be the first time that I had been there in several years. I felt honored to visit there with many of the people that had been friends for most all of those years.
We had moved to Paducah in 1959, and as boy, I remember the excitement that came from moving to the city! But for my father, it was the realization of the calling of God. He often said that he was called of God to Paducah, to preach, pray and love. So it was! He fulfilled that calling with over 28 years of faithful and committed service.
As I walked into the sanctuary of FGT, I could see his hand in every facet of the building. He had turned the first shovel of dirt on the property that he had claimed over and over in prayer, symbolically walking the perimeter of that entire block morning after morning, day after day, asking God for favor so that the church could be built and established. I remembered.....
As I ministered in the service Sunday, it was a stirring message springing from the Book of Habakkuk that spoke of a vision that was so clear that those that read it could run. Vision is often spoken about, but most of us really have little understanding that the vision that we receive is just the tip of an iceburg, so to speak, of a greater picture of the design of God. My portion of that vision is only a part of the greater plan of God. I read from the story of the Israelites passing across the Jordan, each tribe taking a stone with which to build a lasting memorial to the realization of arriving at the promise and all that had happened through the many years of their relocation from Egypt to the Promise Land. Really this memorial was more than just a remembering place; it was a place to decide where and what would Israel do from that place to possess the promise.
The service ended Sunday morning with the entire congregation gathering to renew a commitment to the greater vision, to not dwell in the shadow of the past, but to rise up with a new awareness of the providence of God and the call of God on all of our lives to "run this race with victory"! God sealed this moment with His Presence as I washed the feet of a dear brother, representing a brokenness, and humility of the heart. It was at that moment that many of the hurts of the past were lifted from my heart regarding the "yesterdays". Thank God!
Then Sunday evening, Glenda and I were blessed to minister with Pastors Larry and Judy Starnes of the Oasis Christian Center in Paducah. We always feel welcome with the Starnes' and the people that make up that fellowship. After the service, the Starnes' invited us to join them for fellowship. We sat and visited, remembering... Jason Brand and Brian Shelton had joined us there. These young men represented the past and the future of what GOd desires to accomplish in the days to come in Western Kentucky, no doubt.
I see in Pastor Starnes many of the attributes that were birthed in his heart during the years that he had sat under my father's ministry. Others have had a great influence, but much of the foundation was laid during those years at FGT. It was just part of the greater plan that God has designed for that great city.
It was 22 years ago, today that my family and I took my father for his last road trip to a small cemetery near Crossville, Illinois. As we gathered there on the hillside, it had begun to snow. It was a painful day for all of us. But to me, it was the most painful day of my life. As I carried that casket along with my two sons, and my brother-in-law, Jim Baldwin, I realized that I had lost my father, my mentor, my confidante, as well as the dream of what could have been, and was, at least for me, the loss of what represented my future. But again, my view of the vision is small compared to the greater vision of an Eternal God.
Today, a dear faithful, friend will be taken to a small cemetery. His life of 98 years has affected the lives of hundreds, even thousands of young people. He spent most of his years serving people in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennesse. He and his wife established many young preachers with love and encouragement. Today, the Milton family mourn, but Bro. Floyd and Sister Eulah rejoice together. We will miss him, as we have missed her.
Yes, the I woke up long before the alarm this morning...REMEMBERING!
I remember the last conversation that I had with my dad, in the hospital, on Monday, December 14, 1987, moments before he slipped into a coma. He said, "Son, remember that God has a place for you in His master plan that no one can alter, except you! Carry on in what God has called you to do!" In less than 20 minutes, he slipped into a coma, and at 5 pm, Dad left this life.
So, if you are wondering what I am doing, I'm pressing on! Forty four years ago, I began a walk with God, preaching my first message at a Tuesday night service lead by Irene Harper. Sunday night, I preached the most recent message in my career at a church whose pastor is the son-in-law and daughter of Irene Harper. The best is yet to come!
It began this past Saturday as Glenda and I drove to Paducah, spending the night in a hotel in Metropolis. We were there to have a day of ministry on Sunday. Sunday morning, we would be at Full Gospel Tabernacle, the church that my father had served as pastor for more than 28 years. It would be the first time that I had been there in several years. I felt honored to visit there with many of the people that had been friends for most all of those years.
We had moved to Paducah in 1959, and as boy, I remember the excitement that came from moving to the city! But for my father, it was the realization of the calling of God. He often said that he was called of God to Paducah, to preach, pray and love. So it was! He fulfilled that calling with over 28 years of faithful and committed service.
As I walked into the sanctuary of FGT, I could see his hand in every facet of the building. He had turned the first shovel of dirt on the property that he had claimed over and over in prayer, symbolically walking the perimeter of that entire block morning after morning, day after day, asking God for favor so that the church could be built and established. I remembered.....
As I ministered in the service Sunday, it was a stirring message springing from the Book of Habakkuk that spoke of a vision that was so clear that those that read it could run. Vision is often spoken about, but most of us really have little understanding that the vision that we receive is just the tip of an iceburg, so to speak, of a greater picture of the design of God. My portion of that vision is only a part of the greater plan of God. I read from the story of the Israelites passing across the Jordan, each tribe taking a stone with which to build a lasting memorial to the realization of arriving at the promise and all that had happened through the many years of their relocation from Egypt to the Promise Land. Really this memorial was more than just a remembering place; it was a place to decide where and what would Israel do from that place to possess the promise.
The service ended Sunday morning with the entire congregation gathering to renew a commitment to the greater vision, to not dwell in the shadow of the past, but to rise up with a new awareness of the providence of God and the call of God on all of our lives to "run this race with victory"! God sealed this moment with His Presence as I washed the feet of a dear brother, representing a brokenness, and humility of the heart. It was at that moment that many of the hurts of the past were lifted from my heart regarding the "yesterdays". Thank God!
Then Sunday evening, Glenda and I were blessed to minister with Pastors Larry and Judy Starnes of the Oasis Christian Center in Paducah. We always feel welcome with the Starnes' and the people that make up that fellowship. After the service, the Starnes' invited us to join them for fellowship. We sat and visited, remembering... Jason Brand and Brian Shelton had joined us there. These young men represented the past and the future of what GOd desires to accomplish in the days to come in Western Kentucky, no doubt.
I see in Pastor Starnes many of the attributes that were birthed in his heart during the years that he had sat under my father's ministry. Others have had a great influence, but much of the foundation was laid during those years at FGT. It was just part of the greater plan that God has designed for that great city.
It was 22 years ago, today that my family and I took my father for his last road trip to a small cemetery near Crossville, Illinois. As we gathered there on the hillside, it had begun to snow. It was a painful day for all of us. But to me, it was the most painful day of my life. As I carried that casket along with my two sons, and my brother-in-law, Jim Baldwin, I realized that I had lost my father, my mentor, my confidante, as well as the dream of what could have been, and was, at least for me, the loss of what represented my future. But again, my view of the vision is small compared to the greater vision of an Eternal God.
Today, a dear faithful, friend will be taken to a small cemetery. His life of 98 years has affected the lives of hundreds, even thousands of young people. He spent most of his years serving people in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennesse. He and his wife established many young preachers with love and encouragement. Today, the Milton family mourn, but Bro. Floyd and Sister Eulah rejoice together. We will miss him, as we have missed her.
Yes, the I woke up long before the alarm this morning...REMEMBERING!
I remember the last conversation that I had with my dad, in the hospital, on Monday, December 14, 1987, moments before he slipped into a coma. He said, "Son, remember that God has a place for you in His master plan that no one can alter, except you! Carry on in what God has called you to do!" In less than 20 minutes, he slipped into a coma, and at 5 pm, Dad left this life.
So, if you are wondering what I am doing, I'm pressing on! Forty four years ago, I began a walk with God, preaching my first message at a Tuesday night service lead by Irene Harper. Sunday night, I preached the most recent message in my career at a church whose pastor is the son-in-law and daughter of Irene Harper. The best is yet to come!
Friday, November 13, 2009
November, a time to be thankful!
My son, Shane, and I drove across the Wabash and down to Evansville, and now I am sitting at Borders sipping on a strawberry Fruitkula. As I sit here looking out at the beautiful fall afternoon, I am reminded of the this great and beautiful picture painted by our awesome creator.
So many of us are weighted down with the cares of this life and with the current events of the day, the political climate, and every one looking about themselves wondering what is next, it is now time for us to stop and begin to return to the God of our fathers, who yet remains to be Fiathful and True!
While I am not where I want to be, doing what I long to do, I walk in such blessing that it is simply amazing! Where does one begin to recognize the many blessings of life that we enjoy? It would be hard to enumerate them all!
Johnson Oatman, Jr penned these powerful words in an old hymn of the church:
So many of us are weighted down with the cares of this life and with the current events of the day, the political climate, and every one looking about themselves wondering what is next, it is now time for us to stop and begin to return to the God of our fathers, who yet remains to be Fiathful and True!
While I am not where I want to be, doing what I long to do, I walk in such blessing that it is simply amazing! Where does one begin to recognize the many blessings of life that we enjoy? It would be hard to enumerate them all!
Johnson Oatman, Jr penned these powerful words in an old hymn of the church:
"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be disheartened, God is over all;Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be disheartened, God is over all;Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done!"
Make it a habit! Start it today! Don't wait until later! BE THANKFUL!
Keep the Faith!
Carry On!
Friday, August 7, 2009
On Friday, August 7, 1970, I was blessed to be united in marriage with Glenda Kaye Parnell. Glenda 
was the daughter of Reverend D.L. and Edna Parnell. She had spent the past 5 years in evangelism traveling with her parents. She is the mother of three precious children, Shane, Tanja, and Jimmy, and the grandmother of nine beautiful grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Jaxson, Jake, Juliet, Chris, Tripp, Johnny, and Madellyn. She is a talented musician, and an anointed handmaiden of the Lord. She has been faithful to me throughout these years, assisting me, encouraging me, and loving me! I could never imagine life without her. I love her today more than I could have ever thought on that hot August evening in Paducah, KY!
was the daughter of Reverend D.L. and Edna Parnell. She had spent the past 5 years in evangelism traveling with her parents. She is the mother of three precious children, Shane, Tanja, and Jimmy, and the grandmother of nine beautiful grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Jaxson, Jake, Juliet, Chris, Tripp, Johnny, and Madellyn. She is a talented musician, and an anointed handmaiden of the Lord. She has been faithful to me throughout these years, assisting me, encouraging me, and loving me! I could never imagine life without her. I love her today more than I could have ever thought on that hot August evening in Paducah, KY!Monday, August 3, 2009
I Can't Believe It Has Been So Long!
It has been so long since I have posted here, I had almost forgotten how to do it! But this week is a great week for me.
Thirty nine years ago this evening, I left a revival in McAlister, OK to return to Paducah, KY to marry my beautiful wife! I was traveling with D.L and Edna Parnell, and with Glenda, conducting tent revivals during the summer of 1970. Glenda and I left after church on Monday evening, driving to Paducah. It was a memorable journey. Then on Friday evening, Glenda became my wife! WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW! What a difference she made in my life!
Thirty nine years, three children, nine grandchildren later, I love her more today than I did then! She is the sunshine of my heart!
Thirty nine years ago this evening, I left a revival in McAlister, OK to return to Paducah, KY to marry my beautiful wife! I was traveling with D.L and Edna Parnell, and with Glenda, conducting tent revivals during the summer of 1970. Glenda and I left after church on Monday evening, driving to Paducah. It was a memorable journey. Then on Friday evening, Glenda became my wife! WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW! What a difference she made in my life!
Thirty nine years, three children, nine grandchildren later, I love her more today than I did then! She is the sunshine of my heart!
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