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Campmeeting Days

It's campmeeting time in Cleveland! Tennessee, that is. Yes, and I am enjoying the preaching, the praying, the singing, and the shouting. Campmeeting is not like it used to be. There is a reason for that. I need not say anything more about it. If You're under 30, I doubt you have ever seen campmeeting like some of us old-timers have seen it, but I thank God that He is still blessing and touching lives in these modern times. Thank God for campmeeting.

Long ago when but a boy, at old campmeeting time,
How my heart would fill with joy to hear the old bells chime,
Calling all the saint of God into the house of prayer,
Oh, such singing, praying, preaching, for the Lord was there.

I like the old time preaching, praying, singing, shouthing,
I like the old time reading of God's Word.
I like to hear those old time Hallelujahs, Glory,
I like the old time worship of the Lord.

Need I say more? No, I do not, but I will. I will also say that I like the new time worship of the Lord. That's right. I might like the new time worship better because the old time worship is gone and it is in the past. All I can do with it is remember it. I need something now. I want to worship now. I want to be involved in the praise now. So, when I lift my hands now and sense (lest I say 'feel') the presense of the Almighty, I like it better than just remembering the old times.

I'm calling all senior citizens in the church to a challenge. Let's just get right in there with this 'now' worship and see what happens. Oh, I know. We don't know the songs............Yet. But we will learn them. The now worship may be off our beat, but we'll get used to it. As long as we are worshiping God, let's worship NOW. We have a testimony that can only be experienced by the passing of time. We need to share this testimony with those who have not been there yet, who will listen, and who haven't lived long enough to experience what we have. One day they will, and if our testimony is fresh in there minds, it may be the help and encouragement they will need to make it through some hard times. Oh, they will face difficulties of some kind sooner or later and we know how it feels. They need our testimony, but it won't be effective if all they can think of when they see us, is an old bitter cistern or an old, ragged, worn-out bucket with holes in it. Let's rejoice about the Great and Mighty God whom we serve, even if we may not be happy about the style of praise and worship used today.

I still like the old 'Red Back Hymnal' and good old Souther Gospel, but if I'm gonna worship in church today, I'd better learn the new songs and learn to praise in the new fashioned way. I don't think it's the ways and means that matter but it's the motive and end product that counts.

I'm Back In The Saddle Again!

I was out of the saddle and down on the ground. The ropes were wrapped around me. I had lost control. I still held the ropes and pulled hard on them, but I knew that something was not happening like I thought it should. I was pulled from side to side, wondering if I’d ever be able to lift myself from the dust and stand with pride to face the crowd. Thanks to those who knew how to help me, I suddenly realized that the rustle and tumble of life was slowing, and I was coming to my senses again. Though I wanted to lie on the ground and nurse my wounds and bruises, I was driven to shake myself, rise to my feet, face the peering mob about me and lift my hands as a symbol of victory even if I felt like disaster had fallen my lot.

Now I miss the old rough ride that I had for so long, and sometimes feel that I am doing it again; but I am not in the same saddle and I can tell that my ride is not the same. Adjusting to the new style is quite a task, considering all the changes that have taken place since I last rode a normal steed, but there is hope for a safer journey, now that we have the assurance that the spurs are not under the saddle anymore. I can only drive as I have known to drive, even though my skill has improved by my last treacherous upset, so I will continue to head in the homeward direction. The sun is falling low in the East and I know that I will soon be arriving at my destination. For now, I can say that I am just happy to be Back In The Saddle Again.

Here's What I'm Doing Now

This is just an update - an overdue update. I am doing so much better these days. Just getting off the medication is an improvement. My regular doctor is keeping a watch on my liver function and my enzyme levels, and thus far all is looking good. Now that I have regained most of my strength and ability, I have accepted an invitation by the pastor of Grace Assembly to work with him at that church. It is the last church that I pastored and I count it an honor to be accepted by the present pastor and members, as an associate. I think I will be able to serve the pastor, the church and God in this capacity with a sense of accopmlishment for ministry. I do not have the desire to pastor any church these days but I do have a desire to do whatever God wants me to do. Right now, I feel like it is to serve in this position.

I am still a member of the North Cleveland Church of God and I still have an active ordained bishop certificate. I keep in touch with the NCCOG and attend some of its functions when possible and I continue to observe my financial obligations to that church. I really wish it were possible for the Church of God and the Assembly of God, and all of the pentecostal fellowships, to be united into one fellowship. That would make us, the pentecostal community, a louder voice in the world and we would be a stronger body, physically and financially, and could therefore do more for God. At least it seems that way. I believe that God is doing His work in this world and He continues to surprise me how and by whom He does it. God is an awesome God. Won't it be wonderful there?!

One of the good things that has come out of all this medical bout that I have been engaged in is a greater appreciation for the more contemporary music of this day. I really do love the music by Casting Crowns, especially the song entitled "I Will Praise You In This Storm". There are other groups that I really enjoy who would not have been accepted by my criteria at a time in my past. Really, I have been expanded, broadened, enlightened, or whatever you want to call it, by my experience. I still love the old conservative songs and good old souther gospel too. What I think I am trying to say is, "I am a better man today than I was yesterday." Let me conclude with this old number:
"We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
And then be gathered home."