A number of years ago I was making my way to the back of an auditorium where I had just completed ministering in concert and in word.
About halfway back a young man stepped in front of me and asked, “After all these years, what keeps you going?” Without a moment’s hesitation I responded, “The image of a man on a cross!”
Should we compare ourselves to the apostles? Are we called as saints to shape our lives like the disciples?
“In whirlwind and storm is His way. And clouds are the dust beneath His feet.” Nahum 1:3 On Saturday, April 13th I left Lindale, Texas, my hometown, to travel to San Antonio, Texas, for a couple of ministry opportunities on the 15th. I had been watching the weather report for a few days and they […]
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good except God alone.” Mark 10:18 We know intellectually that God is good, for scripture assures us He is. But do we know experientially that He is good, when we find ourselves in the midst of bad or difficult circumstances? The last Praiseletter I […]
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 I wrote 2019 on something the other day and once again I was caught off guard as to how swiftly the previous year had flown by. A new year suddenly stretches before […]
Just recently I was re-reading the chapter entitled “Waiting” from my book, Words of Hope and Comfort. I mentioned in the book that Waiting is one of my personal favorites of all the songs I’ve written. However, I couldn’t remember (and still can’t) exactly when, where or why I wrote it. I did surmise, after […]
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save (Fanny Crosby; William Doane) I am writing this edition of the Praiseletter on the 17th anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks, September […]
I recently had the privilege of speaking to a missionary organization. As I was preparing for our time together, I thought of the many missionaries we have known through the years. I reflected with great joy on the missionaries we have been privileged to support through the years in such far away places as China, […]
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NAS) No, Tula is not some sort of acronym for the previous scripture. It’s actually the nickname my mom was most known by to family […]
Just the title of this Praiseletter triggers thoughts, emotions and a broad spectrum of doctrinal beliefs within this readership. Some may jump for joy as they anticipate a discussion of spiritual giftings, miraculous manifestations and what a “spirit-filled” life should look like. Others may begin to get a little nervous, fearing that we may embark on a discussion of some of the aforementioned topics.
Thus, I write this letter, most simple and yet profound in its implications as we consider just a couple key issues concerning the Holy Spirit and us.