I didn't really take Jerry Jenkins seriously when I first heard of him. It was a rush to judgment. All I knew about him was that he was the co-author (he would say "author," no "co-") of the Left Behind series (It was Tim LaHaye's idea; but Jenkins' writing). But then I read Jenkins' book Hedges. It was good reading and spiritually enriching. But I did not expect that I would end of reading another book by Jenkins. Ever. Primarily, he writes inspirational novels and contemporary biography. I don't read much of either one of the genres. So while I...

My sermon preparation was in limbo the whole week. Last Sunday, I preached Ephesians 1:15-19, intending to follow it up with a message on the final part of the passage (vv. 19-23). But I was not sure if I would get to do it today. Months ago, I preached for Dr. "Fill-in-the-Blank," who was scheduled to be in town this weekend. And we discussed him coming to preach for me today. And when I saw him again not too long ago, we confirmed that he would preach for me today. However, we didn't talk again until yesterday. So I wasn't...

I have had a weird feeling all day long. And I think I am just putting my finger on what it is. It's midweek - Wednesday - and we are not having Midweek Service at Mt. Sinai. We have "gone dark" for the month of August. And we are to resume our regular schedule at the beginning of September. I intend to continue my exposition of Psalm 119 then. But today there is no service. And it feels downright strange. There are weeks when there is midweek service here and I am not here. But that's the point. If I...

Last night, I began the first of three nights of preaching (8/8-10) at the Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas. Pastor Terrance Floyd is the organizing pastor of this young congregation, which is about four years old. This is my third time here for Mt. Gilead, I think. I was invited several years ago to preach for them during the Simultaneous Revival here in Wichita. It was a great experience and a wonderful honor to minister the word to this infant congregation, which may have been about a year old. I was truly grateful for the privilege and...

Yesterday, I concluded our study of the "Hymn of Grace," recorded in Ephesians 1:3-14. I closed the mini-series with a message on Ephesians 1:11-14, entitled "Our Inheritance in Christ." Originally, I intended to do this extensive passage in four messages. However, it ended up taking me six messages over a 7 or 8 week period to finish. This has been an enriching study fore me. And I hope the congregation has been blessed by the messages that I have preached. I was concerned that I would spend to much time explaining doctrine that I would miss the heartbeat of the...

In an interview published in the Summer 2006 edition of Leadership, United Method Church bishop and noted author William H. Willimon makes the following comment about ministering to "felt-needs" in preaching: "Jesus doesn't meet our needs; he rearranges them. He cares very little about most things that I assume are my needs, and he gives me needs that I would've never had it I hadn't met Jesus." Wow!!!

Last week, I participated in a conference for pastors and other spiritual leaders that dealt with the spiritual "storms" ministers experience in Christian service. I was assigned this topic to address: "The Healing after the Storm." Early in my pastoral ministry at MSMBC, I went through an extended period of congregational conflict. Of course, my experience does not make me an expert on the subject. However, I am still serving the congregation where it all took place. That a least makes me a "survivor," whose story may be of some value to others who are in the storm. So I...

I am in Corpus Christi, preaching a "citywide" meeting for three nights. I was originally invited by Pastor Kevin Pullum and the Friendship Baptist Church. And he graciously expanded his plans to include other local congregations. The meeting is now taking place at St. John Baptist Church, which is led by Pastor Derrick Reaves. The meeting opened well last night. I like preaching in Corpus. And I enjoy being around all the pastors that I have met here over the years. And so I really had a good time in worship with them last night. And the fellowship with the...

It has been a rather busy week or so. Last week, I preached the citywide revival in San Diego California. The meeting was Monday through Thursday. Friday morning, I flew to Beaumont, Texas to close out the family conference for Pastor John Adolph and the Antioch Baptist Church. I preached Friday night and flew home Saturday. I mostly rested Saturday and goofed off with Crystal and the kids. Sunday, I continued our exposition of Ephesians with a message of 1:8-10, entitled "The Mystery of his Will." We had a good day. I have been in the office most of the...

I am in San Diego this week preaching the annual citywide revival of the local Baptist Ministers United group. Pastor Willie J. Smith is both the president and the host, along with the Calvary Baptist Church. I am preaching each evening with Dr. David Kelly who pastors the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. The meeting closes this evening. It has been a good week of worship and fellowship. And I praise God for the lives that have been touched and changed by the ministry of the word this week.

Thank you for praying for my family last week. Crystal is feeling much better and is getting stronger every day. Praise God for that. I appreciate all of the cards, phone calls, and expressions of concern. God bless.

I am in Louisville, Kentucky. I am preaching at the 137th Annual Session of the Central District Baptist Association. Pastor Bernard Crayton, of the Little Flock Baptist Church, is the moderator. And Pastor Gregory F. Smith and the Hill Street Baptist Church are the hosts. The meeting began on Sunday night and ends tonight with the moderator's address. I brought the closing message during the preaching conference yesterday afternoon. And I also brought the message during the youth session last night. I have one more message to preach, this afternoon, during the Women's department session. Though no one really knows...