Six Decades On September 9th
On my sixtieth birthday, I feel that I am standing on the threshold of life for many reasons.
First, my relationship with the Creator-Savior is more thrilling each day. I certainly concur with the following hymn writers:
Ev’ry day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before, Ev’ry day with Jesus, I love Him more and more; Jesus saves and keeps me, And He’s the one I’m waiting for; Ev’ry day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Robert C. Loveless
Sweeter as the years go by, Sweeter as the years go by; Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter, Sweeter as the years go by. Lelia N. Morris
Second, Lynn and I are in our fourth decade of marriage. She has consistently provided stability and advice.
Third, Becky and Bobby are happily married and doing well. By graduating from College Lakes Christian Academy and Bob Jones University, they experienced the finest academic training in the world.
Fourth, you protect me from would-be snipers and assassins. Only God knows how many verbal bullets have been diverted by good men like Ed Smith, Gilbert Jones, and Sam Hobgood.
Fifth, due to the endoscopic sinus surgery in 2000, my quality of life is better than it has been since my twenties.
Sixth, Father has healed me from the debilitating, traumatic experiences of childhood.
Seventh, the teaching-preaching preparation and delivery are more rewarding than ever. Each sermon title begins with the word "how" because God’s Book is THE INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL for every aspect of life.
Eighth, few pastors enjoy a quality church staff as I do.
Ninth, I intend to spend my remaining time in being the best pastor possible. Of course, the day will come when I will not be the pastor. Just as the Lord prepared me to succeed the Reverend Ralph Osborne upon his retirement, He is preparing the right person to follow me.
I summarize my life by saying, "I am a Christian first, a husband, a dad, and a pastor–in that order.
Obviously, this article could take up several pages. I will close by going back to the opening paragraph: I feel that I am on the threshold of life because I am closer to visibly seeing the Lord Jesus Christ than ever before. My, my, what a future experience! Carnie S. Breck expresses my excitement in her hymn, "Face To Face":
Face to face with Christ my Savior, Face to face what will it be; When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me? Only faintly now I see Him, With the darkened veil between, But a blessed day is coming When His glory shall be seen. What rejoicing in His presence When are banished grief and pain, When the crooked ways are straightened And the dark things shall be plain. Face to face! O blissful moment! Face to face to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so.
I Timothy 1:12, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;"