I have been encouraged by several people to post some of my Quiet Times on my blog. This morning in my Quiet Time, God was so very present it was almost unreal. The fact that He promises His presence makes me know He is here. I read Psalm 145 and it came alive so real. What a time of private worship! This is copied from my Spiritual Journal as recorded this morning at 6:00AM. Had I not written this down I would not be able to share it with you. That is why I always encourage people to record their Q.T. These thoughts would have been lost.

(1) I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. (2) Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. (3) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

As I read this, several things flood my mind like the hurricane waters hitting the Texas coast line 2 days ago. First of all the song, "I Exalt Thee" flashes bright as light through my mind. It has got to be one of my all time "favorite few words song" that always causes me to EXALT HIM. I just pause and lift my hands up and sing and then sing these 3 verses back to the Lord. I pray them back to you Lord in honor of YOU in WORSHIP OF YOU. I worship YOU LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!

I think about the words in another song, "Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise...: and I exalt YOU! My mind flashes to the song, "I Exalt Thee", and I sing "For thou O'Lord art high above all the earth. Thou are exalted far above all the gods. Thou above all gods. I exalt Thee, I exalt Thee, O'Lord, I exalt Thee!! I think about Psalm 57, Psalm 97 and the words there. Then I think about the greatness of God again and my mind just goes on and on and I rejoice in YOU! I worship YOU LORD!
Then I think about the statement in verse 3, "his greatness no one can fathom", and I know that I have had just a taste of His greatness. Last night a long time friend called us from Nashville that we have know in for 42 years. We were talking of how far God has brought us from the 60's,when we were all as wild as could be and far from God and how He saved us from a life bent toward hell, a life of self destruction and where he has us today! I reminded her of a day in 1979 when she called and said, "Jim & I met a close friend of yours & His name is JESUS. Phyllis & Jim had just gotten saved and knew we had been praying for them for years. WOW!!! We just rejoiced together and this morning I know that I have "fathomed only a tiny portion for which I am thankful for. I EXALT HIM WHAT A DAY OF REJOICING THIS IS! (another song)
Because of where God has brought me, I can do as verse 4 -7 says, "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. (5) They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. (6) They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. (7) They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." Because of what I have experienced,I have, I am, and I will pass on the generations behind me. I made this commitment years ago and want to continue it all the days of my life!

I read through the promises God gives me in this Psalm. I realize there is so much more in this Psalm that I have, can and will experience, I could write all day. I am grateful LORD for the opportunity to read and record these thoughts. If I don't write them down, I lose them. WOW, HOW AWESOME IS MY GOD!!

Apology

I thought about beginning with a title that would get every one's attention, but after a second I don't want to do that (not today anyway). I have been on vacation and haven't written anything since before I went on vacation so here goes! Well honestly, it has been longer than that. Someone asked Eric yesterday if I was ever going to write again so I suppose there is at least one person who reads my blog. So I apologize for the lack of attention to it.

While on vacation, Becky & I spent time alone with the Lord and some time together with Him and in doing so we were not only refreshed physically and mentally, but spiritually renewed. ( We actually know for sure now that God is in California, although some of the things that take place it makes me wonder). On Tuesday after we got there, we slept in ate breakfast and went to lay by the pool to have our Quiet Time read and rest. This Quiet Time that was so awesome that I want to share some notes from it. If you have had one like this I would like to hear from you in the comment section. I was reading Psalm 135 when tears began to roll down my face as I heard the Lord speak to me (almost audibly).

"Hallelujah! Praise the name of the Lord. Give praise, you servants of the Lord 2 who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to His name, for it is delightful".

I kept reading it over and over again and crying and crying. The thought of being God's servant is so wonderful, and made me feel special. I felt that when the words, "Hallelujah! Praise the name of the Lord. Give praise, you servants of the Lord who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God" was for me because I have the privilege of standing in church each week and not only praising the Lord, but proclaiming His Word.

As the tears flowed, I thought, "why am I crying"? Then it was as if God said, you can praise me with tears of joy as well as with smiles or shouts of joy! I then remember other special times that tears of joy streamed down my face. I was reminded that I can praise God in many different ways and any where anytime, even in Newport Beach by the pool.

It is good to have a vacation, but it is great to be home! Hallelujah! Praise the name of the Lord.

Unsure Future Makes the Gospel Urgent

This last week I was asked to visit a man in the hospital who was new to Brownwood, scheduled to have surgery at 7:00 the next morning. He has stage 4 cancer which means unless God intervens, he is terminal. At 51 years old, he wanted to know for sure he would go to Heaven if he died. He prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior. I suppose that stage 4 cancer will get most people to the point they think about their future off this earth.

The next morning before his surgery, he told Dr. Dan Locker that he received Jesus into his life. Dan had talked to him about the Lord and asked if he wanted a pastoral visit. That is how I came to visit the man. Thank God for Christian doctors who are concerned about where people will spend eternity! We are blessed to have three physicians who are strong Believers at
Southside.

As I left the hospital at 10:45 that night the thought came to my mind that if the Lord takes him home soon he will have missed so much not to be able to grow in Christ. I just took time to thank God for saving me as a young adult and all the years He has given me to learn about and walk with Him. My thoughts continued as I drove home about those who know Him already but don't take time to allow God to grow them. As I closed my eyes to go to sleep, my thoughts were on those in the hospital just like this man who future will not be in Heaven. What a task all of us as believers have!

I suppose I say all this to make sure that evangelism and discipleship are always on my heart.

REFLECTIONS OF FATHERS
This is the first year without my Dad being alive so I could call him and thank him for being my earthly father. I miss my Dad, but I rejoice that he is with Jesus. He was never happy after my Mother died two and a half years earlier. I reflect on the things I learned from my Dad and the first thing is a great work ethic! He worked harder than any man I have ever known. I learned honesty, integrity, treating people like I want to be treated and so much more. He is in Heaven, but I honor him this special day! For those who read this, I trust that you have thanked God for your father. Even for those who don't have good memories of their father, they should thank God for that father that gave them life.

I think of Becky's Dad, a godly man, who has been with the Lord for 28 years. He was a man of God committed to his Lord Jesus and was an example of what a father should be. The 19 years I had the privilege of knowing him, he marked my life forever. He had many of the same character qualities my own Dad had and he loved me like I was his own. His tenderness toward others is one of the things Becky & I both remember him for.

One other reflection of a father who marked my life forever was my maternal grandfather. I have often said publicly, that he loved me like a son! He had so many good character qualities of my own Father and Father-In- Law. His influence on my life was greater than even my own Dad or any other man in my childhood! One way he spelled love was TIME! He spent quality time with me. He was never too busy to spend for me.

I thank God for these three FATHERS and honor them today! PRAISE THE LORD, MY HEAVENLY FATHER!!!

Becky & I had a great week at Willow Creek Community Church at the praise & worship (arts) conference with Eric and 6 members of our Worship Team. We appreciate all who helped with the "fund raisers" to enable us to go. We appreciate the time away. We came away with ideas that we will explore in the future to enhance what God is doing at Southside.

I must share the highlight of the trip was yesterday when Becky & I took a taxi to the airport. The driver was a nice young man in his 30's and when we told him we had been to Willow Creek, he was familiar with the church. He immediately said he needed to get his 6 year old daughter in church. God open the door for us to share the Gospel with him and he was so open and is ready to come to Jesus. We got to the airport took quick, but we gave him contact information and he is supposed to e-mail us. We believe with all our heart that God is drawing this man to Himself! Pray for him, his name is Brian.

I say all this to say that there are so many out there that are waiting for you and me to share Jesus with them!

61 Days of Faith

Today concludes our 61 days in Proverbs and last Sunday should have concluded our series of sermons on FAITH. However this study has really meant so much to me, God has given me two more sermons. I don't know about those who have listened to the messages, but if people got 10% of what I have gotten out of the study, they have grown in Christ! It has been great for both Becky & me! We had to depart from I Timothy but will conclude it during the month of June and then move on. Our next study which will be another book of the Bible. I am torn between 3 books. Sure would like to have some input without you knowing which books I am considering. I will decide next week. I know the Spirit will lead me there, maybe by using your input! God speaks to us sometimes throught Godly men & women who walk with Him!!!

As I read Proverbs 31 today, I thanked God for Him giving me a wife that matches up with that description. (I don't suppose blogs are restricted from a man praising the Lord for His gift of a godly wife.) I reflected on Becky ending her career as a secondary school teacher and spending most her life caring for our children, grandchildren and of course me. She served as a Youth Minister on staff in the late 1970's for three years, but other than that it's been volunteeer work. In these 25 years of vocational ministry she has always worked as a volunteer along side me in Christian Education, always making me look good! ( I need all the help I can get) She volunteers for so much and still fulfills the description of a "noble wife" as Proverbs 31 describes.

I also reflected on my Mother and Becky's Mother- both are with the Lord, and thanked God for their example. I thanked God for all those women at Southside who measure up to Proverbs 31. Any wife, working, staying at home, volunteering, raising a family, "empty nest" or no children can and should use Proverbs 31 as a goal!

I hope those who participated in daily reading of Proverbs have been blessed and grown in Christ Jesus as I have. A number of different groups were challenged by someone who attends Southside to read through with them. There was a work group that read & discussed Proverbs . One class at the Women's Job Corp was challenged to read Proverbs and did it with their teacher who is part of Southside. (What a ministry this lady has at Job Corp and other places as well as at Southside)

I have had quiet a bit of feed back during this 61 DAYS OF FAITH, but would like to hear more. Put you comments on this blog, e-mail of better yet, tell me in person or call me.

WITHOUT CHRIST?

Each morning this week in my Quite Time with the Lord, I asked Him for an opportunity to share Jesus with someone. Yesterday I received a call for an appointment with someone I didn't know. This morning that young woman who grew up in this church and is now married with a family came in the office for that appointment. During our conversation the Holy Spirit led me to ask her the two most important questions a person could ever be asked. I inquired if she minded if I asked her two question. She replied, "sure".

Have you come to the point in your life that you know for sure if you died today you would go to Heaven? Her answer was "No I know I would not".

I didn't need to ask the second question at that time. I then asked her if you would like to know how she could know this. In an excited manner she said, "Yes I really would"! To make this short, I shared with her what the Bible says about how to get to Heaven. With tears in her eyes, she said would like to to what the Bible says so she could go to Heaven. I led her in a prayer asking God to forgive her of her sins and asking Jesus to be her Savior. When she finished praying, I asked her the second question so she would have assurance of what she had just done.

If you died right now and God asked why should He allow you to enter Heaven, what would you say to God?

With large tears rolling down her cheeks, a peace in her voice and assurance on her face, she replied, "Because I asked God to forgive me of my sins and He did". I told her that is all I or anyone else could say.

Last night Patty Baker our Children's Minister met with a child who had expressed to his Mom he wanted to have Jesus in his life. Patty in her wisdom explained how he could do that, made sure he understood what sin was and who Jesus was and what he did on the cross. The child prayed to receive Jesus in his life. This Mother was sensitive to her child and therefore was instrumental in her son coming to Christ!

Just this week one of the men I mentor asked me to pray for a 19 year old man with whom he shared the Gospel. The young man wanted to receive Jesus, but decided to wait. Join us in praying for him.

I write this first of all so that you can rejoice with this young woman (although you don't know her) and with this child and his mother and with Patty and me. Secondly, I share this to challenge Believers who may read this blog to pray for those around you who may not know Jesus as Savior and Lord and then share with them. People are all around us who are looking for the way to Heaven! People of all ages are waiting on us to share the Good News with them. Who will you share this Great Wonderful News with?