Up early this morning. There are seasons in my life when I sense the movement of God in unique and intense ways. This morning is one of those mornings. I can either lay in bed, wide awake, or get up and jot my thoughts down and process what I believe the Lord is saying to me. So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that "You're my God."
The Passing of a Dear Friend
A friend informed me that a dear saint in the Lord went home to be with Jesus this week. The funeral is later today. I have appointments but will do what I can to rearrange my schedule in order to be there and honor a life well lived. I met Harold Garrett when Annette and I were planting River of Life Community Church in Brownwood, TX in 98'. It was a time that was both blessed and difficult. I had never been a senior pastor nor had I ever planted a church... that's the perfect storm for the school of hard knocks.
Harold used to attend our little church off and on and he would come and visit me. Over coffee we would have extended conversations about the Kingdom of God and it's implications for life in this world. I was always struck by his zeal and youthful enthusiasm. Though he was well into his 70's it was like talking with a 24 year old new believer!
My first thought when I got the news was, "He's home with his Abba Father now." I will grieve our loss here on this earth, but will also celebrate his home-going! Someday, we will see each other again and perhaps we will laugh about our "Kingdom Conversations."
Reconnection
Dr. Jack Taylor has always been a hero of sorts to me. Back in the mid 80's I was a university student at Howard Payne in Brownwood, TX. My hunger for all things Kingdom was intense and I was searching for a deeper experience in God. Someone passed along the book, "The Hallelujah Factor" and I was captured by the author's vocabulary and writing. It resonated deep in my soul. That writer was Dr. Jack Taylor. He was from my denomination and yet refused to be limited by the traditions and norms of our "system."
As I read that book and "After the Spirit Comes" I pursued a more profound experience with the Holy Spirit. My life was changed forever. A few years ago I invited Jack to speak at my church and he graciously came and poured life into our congregation. He and his precious wife even washed mine and Annette's feet before our congregation as a show of honor. We were deeply touched.
Life happened and I lost touch with Jack. I even fell into a three year funk (mid-life crisis perhaps?) and my isolation caused me to not put forth the effort to maintain our relationship. Recently, I was thinking about Jack and his willingness to "Father" this fatherless son and I called him. Hearing his voice was like hearing the voice of a lost and yet familiar friend. It was such a joy to catch up and we have committed to stay connected and not let time pass.
New MSCC Website
Check out our new website at www.mscc.tv. We have changed web hosts and have opted for a more streamlined and simple layout. I tend to operate by the "KISS" method, "Keep It Simple Saint."
Blessings,
Jimmy
Kinda amusing for a person, as long as it's on the positive side.
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