Happy Birthday Crystal! I am not good at surprises. But I did a pretty good job this weekend. I sent from my niece Harriette, who is very close to Crystal, to visit for the weekend while I am away. I think it is the best birthday gift I have ever given Crystal. I am writing this post from Chicago. I filled in this Sunday for my friend, Romell Williams, at the Lilydale Progressive Baptist Church, as he is recovering from surgery. Romell has bailed me out on many occasions. It was a privilege to return the favor. Romell and his...

Great day of worship at Shiloh today. Grateful for all the guests who were in worship with us today. As usual, our children choir did a great job singing in worship today. Praise God for those who were baptized today. I had the opportunity to chat with several new members today. Very encouraging testimonies. I preached from Psalm 3. I called the message, “It’s Not As Bad As It Seems.” The point of the message: Things are never as bad as they seem, if God is on your side. Outline: I. Bring your complaints to the Lord (3:1-2). A. He...

It was so good to be home with my church family this weekend!Last week, I was in Antigua and Barbuda, speaking for the Eastern Caribbean Baptist Mission led by Dr. Jensworth W.C. Jonas. Crystal joined me on the trip. And we had a great time. I look forward to future Missions partnership with Dr. Jonas and the ECBM. Saturday night, John P. Kee was in concert on our campus. John P. Kee! John Kee did not see “Jesus is Real.” What’s up with that? One of my favorite female Gospel voices – Lejuene Thompson – was singing backup. I wish...

Crystal and I are in Antigua & Barbuda. I am here to preach for the East Caribbean Baptist Mission led by Dr. Hensworth W.C. Jonas. The Central Baptist Church, one of the oldest Baptist congregations here, celebrated its 46th church anniversary this weekend. Tryells Baptist Church and Covenant Baptist Church, which are plants and extensions of Central on different parts of the island, also celebrated almost 20 years of ministry. This is Antigua’s Harvest Celebration, which seems to be similar to our Thanksgiving. It is a time when the people here give thanks to God for his provisions. The various...

We have a blessed day of worship yesterday at Shiloh. Thanks to all our volunteers who served in any way over the course of the weekend. You make is happen! We distributed our 2011 Annual Report to the church yesterday. It was our first time undertaking something so detailed. I pray it will be received well by the congregation. We did “Blessed Assurance” corporately. I love that hymn! As always, I am grateful for the guests who were with us in worship. I preached from Psalm 46. I entitled the message, “A Safe Place in God.” The point of the...

Good day of worship yesterday. The congregation sung “Holy, Holy, Holy” as our hymn for the day. Wonderful. We celebrated the Lord’s Table yesterday, as is our custom on 1st Sundays. Always a great time of worship and fellowship. We sung “Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee” during Communion. I learned a new verse to this hymn in Pensacola last week. I really like it. It says… “I do believe, I now believeThat Jesus died for meAnd by his blood, his precious blood I shall from sin be free.” Grateful, as always, for the guests who were in worship...

Today was a good day of worship at the Shiloh Church. 5th Sundays are like a box of chocolates… I led a questions and answers session with my New Members Class today. They had some provocative questions. Thanks to all of our volunteers. You make it happen! Today is Reformation Sunday. We introduced it with a brief video clip about Martin Luther and the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Wish we could have just shown the whole video!We sang, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” It was a new hymn to many. But it was great to hear the voices of...

We had a blessed time of worship yesterday at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church. Thanks to all of our volunteers for your service yesterday. You make it happen! Our ensemble, Forgiven, led the musical praise yesterday and did a wonderful job. It was a good time of worship. We had a great Fighter Verse this week – Proverbs 1:10: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” This weeks verse(s) is Proverbs 3:5-6. Grateful for all the guests who were in worship with us yesterday. The world famous BrothaRollins was in the house! I met a family from Canada...

This past week we hosted our first Fall Church institute at Shiloh. It was a great week of study, worship, and fellowship. I have received many good reports on the classes. And Pastor John Adolph ministered the word in a strong way each night. Praise God for blessing this step of faith! Today was a good day of worship. I enjoyed teaching my New Members Class today. I have been out for a few weeks. Glad to be back at it. It was a great joy to lead the congregation in corporate praise to God. We celebrated the Lord’s Table...

It was a long but good day. I praise God for all that he is doing in and through the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church! Throughout the day, my thoughts have drifted back to the tragedy that took place 10 years ago today. Remembering. Grieving. Praying. I had just fallen to sleep after finishing a sermon for a special prayer meeting we were to have that night. I was knocked-out on the coach. The phone kept ringing. It was my mom, calling to tell me to turn on the TV. Do you remember where you were when you heard the news...

What a great day of worship at Shiloh! I love the Lord Jesus Christ! I love the word of God! And I love the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church! I led a Q&A session during our Bible Study Fellowship hour today. I had a great time teaching my congregation in dialogue. We had a special time of worship and fellowship during our Lord’s Supper observance today. I am grateful for all of the guests who were in worship with us today, including friends from Detroit and the Williams family reunion. God be praised for all our volunteers who served today. The...

I am writing these words from London, where it is Monday morning. When I finish typing this post, I will help to the airport for my flight home. I had a great day of worship with the Loughborough Baptist Church in Loughborough. The city is about an hour’s train ride outside of London. Saturday evening, I stayed with Michael and Katie in their home. Michael is the secretary for the church. Michael and Katie were wonderful hosts. They have been married for 47 years, having met at a Christian youth camp. I enjoyed the conversation. Michael and Katie were shocked...