Musings of the Minstrel

Harold Bell Wright wrote the great classic "The Shepherd of The Hills" many years ago and what a story it is. This tale of love, mistakes, bitterness, anger and forgiveness has touched so many people through the years. At the center of the story is Dad Howitt...."the shepherd". If you haven't read it, you owe it to yourself to take the time to read it. While revisiting this story recently, my mind went to the role of shepherds in the scripture.

Shepherds are found everywhere in the scripture... I began to think about their significance and what they represent! When one goes down the path of scripture looking for shepherds, one cannot help but notice the sheep. We are the "sheep of His pasture" and we are in need of a shepherd.

The "throw-it-all-away" version of Pentecost doesn't care for shepherds. Oh, they like their blogosphere spiritist , and their "web-celebrity God experts" but an old-fashioned shepherd is not of much value (I don't think goats like shepherds either).

Running with people that do not like shepherds is to associate with quite a list of undesirables. Remember in the OT, where the scripture said that "to the Egyptians ALL shepherds are an abomination"...wow! Think about that a moment!

Do you remember the time that David was about to fight Goliath and Saul wanted him to wear what was "relevant" (lol). Hey, it made sense to Saul....oh, I forgot....he was no longer in proper alignment with God....hmmmm! David said said "I can't wear this stuff" and took it off. Have you ever noticed what David did? The first thing he did was...he picked up his "shepherd's staff". Look again at the old story of David & Goliath...what did Goliath mock? He took one look at this young man coming toward him and said...."Am I a dog to be chased by a staff". Goliath recognized that it was a shepherd coming to confront him. The giants that we are presently confronting are no different than Goliath of old. They still mock the shepherd.

Think on these things while "disposable Pentecost" is mocking the out of touch garb of the shepherd!

Video courtesy of MD Wood

PEAK 09 was a smashing success. It is now Tuesday and I am well on my way to recovery. I was totally wiped out when PEAK ended. I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who worked so hard to make it happen. There were so many volunteers who stepped up and "got her done". I want to especially thank Pastor Guy Godwin for all of his help, he did everything from shuttle service, found mechanics, took offerings, loaned pulpits, took care of evangelist. Guy Godwin is a great man. Thanks bro....

All of you who helped lead worship, you were great. Ben Vandiver, as always you did a spectacular job.

I should not begin to name names for fear of forgetting so thank you to everyone.

Bro Pullen, thank you so much for all your help.

Bro Switzer, thank you sir!

Bro Stringfellow, thanks for preaching. You did a great job. "Let's Get It Right This Time"

Bro Morton, what a timely message.

Youth Council, thanks for your work, passion and friendship.

God bless

Well I just got back to the room after the first night of PEAK 09.  It was an incredible night.  The young people started worshipping God on their own 30 minutes before service ever began.  By the time the service started there was already a tremendous move of God's presence in the arena. Bro Stringfellow did an incredible job of preaching to young people about "Getting it Right This Time".  What a great start.  It is going to blow up!

We had over 3,500 in attendance .  It was rockin tonight.

If you are in the area, come join us...

Hey Everbody, We are only one week from PEAK 09, Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year the convention is being held at Spirit Bank Arena. It is going to be a great time. Our evening evangelist is Jonathan Stringfellow. If you have never heard his ministry then get ready, you are going to be blessed. It all begins next Wednesday (22) at 7:30 pm. This year the theme is "VERTICAL". We are reaching up to the heavens to find the pattern for living on earth. I want to personally invite all of you to come and be a part of this move of God. Let's put on our "garment of Praise" and see if God will show up. When He does....anything can happen!

See ya there!

Here I am sitting in a hotel room in Calgary so I'm checking email and responding when I decided to google "apostolic preaching". My search led me to Nathaniel Urshan III preaching at NO LIMITS earlier this year. As I started listening, my hotel was bathed in the sweet presence of God. My heart was pounding in my chest as Pastor Urshan told of Old Testament Sarah and her beauty. He skillfully made the connection to this apostolic message that has been given to us and I was overcome with thankfulness for such a clear message from my dear friend.

In this day of relevancy and emerging trends, the sound of a truly apostolic message is so refreshing. Pastor Urshan thank you for painting the picture so beautifully. Truth is gorgeous. What a timeless, transcendent message from a great man. If you were not there then you owe to yourself to listen to this message.

To all my friends on the northern border, I am coming to Canada this weekend. I am excited about heading back to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Calgary, Alberta. The only thing more beautiful than the Rockies in the distance beyond the Calgary skyline is the King family and Truth Church. The Kings are my extended family and I am looking forward to laughing talking and being touched by their incredible ministry. I am pumped to get to see the newest member of the family. Mark & Star, can't wait to see ya. Pastor King I can't wait to see you in a pair of cowboy boots...! "Nan"...you are now a grandma'...wow!

Truth Church, you are a special bunch of people and I am looking forward to ministering in song and word this weekend?

P.S. Somebody tell Joey Tomatoes I am on my way!

Happy 4th of July to everyone. Thank God for the liberty that we have here in the United States of America. Over the last year over 70 different nations have been represented by visitors to my blog. Many of the visitors have been from countries that do not have the freedom and liberty that we are blessed to have here in the USA. On this 4th of July I am not only saying prayers of thanksgiving but I am also offering up petitions to all of you that are living under oppressive governments. Lets agree together in prayer for the nations that the gospel of Jesus Christ would penetrate the bondage and bring freedom for lost souls. Many of you have come to this blog from Muslim countries. I am praying for you. There is a great revival of Christianity taking place in your part of the world. Keep crying out to God. His name is Jesus Christ. I am reading many new reports of Muslim people who are having dreams and vision of Jesus Christ. Reach out for him, he is as close as the mention of his name.

Repent of your sins, be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You can have eternal life. God loves you unconditionally! You can receive his love now , on this earth.

I am praying for all of you that are trying to find truth. Truth has a name = Jesus.

This is the freedom that goes beyond the boundaries of nations. The bondage of men cannot stifle the freedom of the soul!

Happy 4th of July!