The Next Chapter

For the past 16 years I have been a pastor of a local flock. Those flocks have changed over those 16 years. We have established many wonderful relationships. We have so many fond memories. It is a little strange to find myself in a spot where I have no flock to shepherd and I am not scheduled to preach anywhere until a Tuesday night in October at FBC Zavalla, TX.

The Lord instructed me to step down from Faith Community Church after six years. Brenda and I are both at peace with this new direction. Neither of us know what God has for us. People have flooded us with opportunities from as far south as Corpus Christi and as far west as Fort Stockton. We honestly have no idea where God is leading us.

We sit before the Lord very available. Is 6:8 is the verse we stand on during these uncertain days. While I do feel called to pastor at this time I am open to travel, to supply preach, to interim pastor, to teach the Bible. I am as surrendered as I know to be.

I know our gracious God will guide us through this season. He will supply our needs. He will strengthen our faith. He will also use us in some capacity somewhere. I have as much peace as I can remember though the future is so unclear. He is a good good Father. Today I choose faith over fear.

Headed Home

It is 6:15 a.m. I am packed and about to walk out the door of this hotel room that has been my home for the past week. I am heading home. I have not been there in a week and a half. It feels like a life time ago.

This trip has been an amazing adventure. I decided before I ever left I would not charge one penny on a credit card for gas or food. I decided to trust God for each meal for me and the Atens. God provided beautifully. We never went without. God used people like the Kerrs before I ever left home. He used people like the Chambers to make this week possible. He used the Mills, the Hughes, Littles, and of curse Miguel and Misti Urguidi to provide several meals. He also used Juan and his wife Vicky. He used Hector and Blanca to provide the sound system . I thank God for each and glorify His name.

This whole adventure has been one step of faith on top of the other. My faith is stronger as a result of it. I am thankful for the Atens willingly and joyfully walking this adventure with me. O the stories we could tell. The memories that have been made. The testimonies we can give.

Now it is time to go back home. The Atens will minister at FBC Seminole Sunday morning. I will be back at Faith Community Church for the last time.

What is next? Only God knows. I do believe He has called me to pastor. I wait for that open door and for the next chapter of our adventure in folliowing Him to begin. You can rest assured I will write all about it.

My burden for Kermit will not end with my leaving in a few moments. I will pray for this town and these pastors.

Now it is time to head back east. I look forward to reuniting with Brenda, Taylor, Tanner, Tucker, and Turner. I might even reach down and pat Annabelle, the dog, on the top of the head. After a week and a half of sleeping in different beds I am ready to go home. Even though our home is temporary as we wait to see what God has for us next.

To all of you who prayed thank you. To all of you who sacrificed to make this dream possible thank you. To all of you who walked by our side and volunteered your labor this past week thank you. To God be the glory.

Kermit Shake The City - Last Night

It was 101 when I pulled up to the tent tonight. At first it was just the Atens, one new lady, and Miguel. Slowly people started drifting in. I did not count them. We had as big a crowd tonight as we have had all week and this time all the people but one were from Kermit.

The worship tonight stirred my soul. Especially when we sang Victory In Jesus and The Blood Covers Me. The new attenders were very enthusiastic about the worship. Tonight felt like a touch of what Heaven will be like. Once again, I did not want to stop singing. I felt close to God. I felt drawn to His throne. We filled the tent with our singing. Those anthems were carried on the breezes to neighboring houses. We mixed in old songs with a few new ones. It felt like we could have kept on singing for hours. God used Sherman and Tammy again. He certainly used them to prepare my heart.

For the first time since the first night I got to preach again. What is even better is the people were hungry for truth and interacted with the message. I also noticed a lady living next to the tent outside in her backyard. She acted like she had work to do but I think she listened intently to the message. I sure made sure I preached loud enough for to hear every single word. I felt alive. I felt the hand of God on me delivering His powerful truth. He spoke to people. He gave hope to them. He stirred hearts. Tonight felt like a touch of revival.

During the altar call I had the chance to pray with several people. Tonight proved to be the best night of the entire week. The atmosphere felt different than previous nights. People were excited to be there. I saw a dad praying with his teenaged son. I got the chance to pray with a pastor friend from Odessa who drove over tonight. I prayed for a grieving mother mourning the loss of her mother. I prayed for a young couple who literally drove in from vacation and came to the meeting.

This week ended upbeat. To top the night off we went to eat at Miguel's and Misti's house for a late night supper. They also had us over for lunch earlier today. They have continually gone out of their ways to bless us all week long. A real bond occurred between all of us. A bond in Christ Jesus that will reach far beyond this week. Though we are all going in different directions it would not surprise me for our paths to cross again this side of eternity. They have both been a blessing beyond explanation though they have a large family and a cross country move looming in one week.

Much fellowship happened after the meeting. People stood around under the tent talking for at least 30-45 minutes after the service ended. What a joyful night. While I know my part of the work is over for now, I do expect the work God is doing to continue.

In the morning the tent company is coming to take down the tent. While we cannot boast of great numbers and no salvations, Sherman told he is leaving upbeat. I feel the same. God worked this week. He is building something. I do not expect the burden for this town will lift with my leaving in the morning. It would not surprise me if I come back to Kermit someday to minister again.

Tonight alone was worth all the prayers, all the faith steps, all the trips back and forth, and all the sleepless nights spent in intercession. Yet Kermit did not get revived. Awakening did not happen. I am at total peace that my role on this trip is over. I obeyed and leave contented in that. Yet the burden remains. Kermit still needs a great move from God. There is much work still to be done.

I trust God will empower His shepherds in this city to do the great work of harvesting lost souls. I trust God will strengthen their weary hands for the task. I trust He will also keep the fire burning in these faithful servants for true revival. A move so strong it sweeps over the entire city.

Satan will not loosen his grip on Kermit without a struggle. The kingdom of darkness will only be defeated by fervent prayer and bold gospel witnesses. I do believe that day will come when God breaks through. Until then, may the faithful remnant not give up. Who knows? One day God will break loose like the days of old.  I believe Him for it. In Jesus mighty name.

Kermit Shake The City - Day 5

The thermometer read 104 at 6:15 last night. The wind blew pretty hard again. It has never felt unbearable under the tent any night. God has been gracious to us in that respect. Earlier this summer Kermit had an entire week of temperatures around 105. I count ourselves blessed this week.

We worshipped last night in english and spanish. While I did not know the spanish words I did enjoy listening especially to Great Is Thy Faithfulness. At one point I stopped sining and listened. I heard several of the children singings with beautiful voices. Such worship blessed my heart. Such pure, unreserved worship had to honor God. God has received praise this week.

The message burned on my heart last night was about prayer and faith. Again we dove into the scriptures enthusiastically. We ended our time praying for several different needs of the people. We prayed for healing. We prayed for God to give an addition to a family. We also prayed for the children of a family moving to West Virginia in about a week. We asked God to give them new friends. We prayed for lost family members.

I had the chance to share several testimonies of answered prayers and the way God provided for the tent for our meetings. In hindsight when I look at al God has done in my life in answer to prayer I am humbled and unworthy. I love to testify of His faithfulness. I think back to Sherman and Tammy leading us in two songs that captured that theme last night. How Great Is Our God. Great Is Thy Faithfulness. That sums it up. God has been faithful.

If I took the time just to write about all the ways He has provided this week alone the blog would be lengthy. Suffice it to say we have not walked alone. We have paid cash for the tent, hotel rooms, gas, and our meals have either been provided by someone or we had the cash to buy them. Our hotel serves a full breakfast every morning. Blessing on top of blessing. When I finally got back to my room last night I had a text from Miguel inviting the Atens and me to their house for lunch. Blessing on top of blessing. Praise and glory to Jehovah. He is sufficient and an ample provider.

My faith has been stretched on this adventure but I have not found my Heavenly Father never lacking. He has walked with us every step of this journey. He has revealed Himself through music. He has shown us His character through His word. He has encouraged our faith. He has renewed our trust in Him.

I left home nine days ago on this adventure. While I knew the broad plan I also knew every day would have new twists and turns. I could not have known how deeply we would fall in love with Miguel and Misti and their six children. We have spent more time with them than any of the other attendees. They have been a greater blessing to us than we could have possibly been to them.

My heart goes out to the pastors who live and labor in Kermit. They labor in the midst of an oilfield town where the money flows plentiful and so do the drugs, immorality, and other sins. These faithful servants of the Lord love their flocks and proclaim the gospel week after week. They have planted their lives, their families, and their hearts in this west Texas town. They preach their hearts out. They pray fervently and unceasingly. Often times without seeing the results immediately. They do not give up. They press on. They need all of our prayers to keep fighting the good fight. I met one such pastor from the Church of God who has devoted a decade of his life in this community. May he and all the fellow pastors keep running the race set before them with endurance not getting entangled and tripped but looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

I am humbled to play a very small role in the overall landscape of what God has done, is doing, and will do in the future of Kermit, TX. Once again I ask you to pray for Kermit.

Kermit Shake The City - Day 4

I received a text the night before at 3:22 a.m. Miguel sent the text reading, "Be encouraged brother.  We are praying for you." He and Misti have been the most faithful servants and supporters of these revival meetings. I thank God for them. When they move to West Virginia next week they will leave a large void in Kermit.

Yesterday was the hottest day since we came here. Sherman told me his temperature gauge registered 100 around 6:30 p.m. Even the breeeze under the tent felt more like a blow dryer than a cool refreshing wind. When I arrived at the tent a new couple sat there for the first time. Mr. and Mrs Day.

I sat down to talk to Mrs. Day while Mr. Day went to the Sonic to get them drinks. She told me she had been following my blogs for two years. As we talked we are not sure how she even got connected with them. She mentioned someone from Littlefield. I do not know one person from there. She began receiving them through email two years ago. I have no control of who receives those blogs through email. It is a mystery but because of the blogs her and Mr. Day came for the first time last night. She encouraged others to come through Facebook.

Last night was different. For one thing we had three different churches represented last night. We would have had four but Juan had to minister with his body last night. The worship felt more intense to me. I especially connected when Sherman and Tammy sang The Revelation Song. I could envision myself before the throne of Jesus pouring out my praise in awe of who He is. He is worthy of all power, all majesty, glory, and honor. I could not give Him enough of those things last night.

Just like the night before, just as my heart delighted and enraptured in praise, it was time to get into the scriptures. I do not know how long I went. Time has not mattered this week. I poured my soul out from the book of Acts. When I get into the word I forget about the heat, time, and the distractions of cars driving by. People interjected some testimonies as well.

One such testimony especially moved me from a lady named Rose. Rose moved to Kermit from Longview, TX when she was only four weeks old. She has lived here ever since. Her dad started a church in Kermit. He began in their home and eventually they secured property and built a building. He served that church and labored for the souls of Kermit for over 50 years. She testified she could remember days when people could be seen hurrying down the sidewalks to get to the worship service. She remembered salvations. She remembered life. She recalled life transformation not only in their church but also in the city. She testified she lived days of revival.

Her dad died back in the early 2000's. Sadly she reported Kermit changed over the years. She saw days of revival. Her testimony fascinated me. I wish I could have met her dad. I wish I could have heard him preach, pray with him, and talk to him to gain insight. In a way we have all taken the baton from him like runners in a relay race. We are to keep carrying this gospel baton in labor and intercession for Kermit.

Like I said earlier, I don't know what time I finished. It seemed longer than 30 minutes. Once again we prayed for Kermit. Miss Rose's prayer especially stirred me. There is fire in that woman. Old fashioned Holy Ghost fire. Her prayer so stirred me when I prayed I let loose.

I know God loves Kermit. He loves the drug user and the drug pusher. He loves the fornicators, the adulterers, the hypocrites, the religious, the self righteous,  the holier than thous, the abused and abuser. He loves the children. He loves teenagers. He loves adults. He loves senior adults who are forgotten. He loves Kermit.

I wrestled all yesterday with canceling the rest of the meetings. The attendance has not been strong but last night something changed in me. Something felt very different. Last night was hotter than any service all week. That was not the difference. I felt God's heart for Kermit. He is not done. He will not release me.

THE REVIVAL MEETINGS WIL CONTINUE! All of this with only 14 people in attendance last night. 6 of the 14 there were 14 years of age or younger. Everyone there was a Kermit resident. I sat down and taught instead of preached for the third night in a row. That did not matter. I sensed God with us. He is not done. He is up to something. He is slowly building something. So we press on.

COME FROM NEAR AND FAR. THE MEETINGS WILL CONTINUE AT LEAST THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. I WILL SEEK FOR A FRESH WORD. EACH NIGHT IS AN ADVENTURE. COME FROM KERMIT. COME FROM NEIGHBORING TOWNS. COME FROM TOWNS FAR AWAY. JUST COME AND TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. WE WILL BEGIN AT 7:00 P.M. UNDER THE RED AND WHITE TENT AT 1101 S. POPLAR STREET IN KERMIT.

Miguel and Misti took us out to eat again after the service. I am not sure what happens after the service but each night when we go and eat the fatigue settles on me. I felt more tired than hungry. We got back to the hotel after 10:00 p.m. I fell into bed at 10:23 p.m. and slept soundly through the night.

I awake eagerly today anticipating what God will do next. I anticipate a fresh word from Him. I anticipate  more breakthrough. I anticipate a new encounter tonight. The revival meetings continue.

Kermit Shake The City - Day 3

I sat alone under the tent lost in thought and prayer before the start of the meeting. I lost track of time. Sherman got my attention as he mounted the makeshift stage made out of rows of square bales of hay covered with plywood, and a thin layer or carpet.

The wind blew stronger last night than at any time the rest of the week. It blew so hard we were not able to put up the screen for the words to the songs. That did not seem to matter. People sang and worshipped enthusiastically. Outside in near 100 degree temperatures we worshipped. I have never felt hot the entire week under that tent. God has graciously sent a breeze each night to keep us cool. I went back and forth between singing and praying.

Like so often happens the praise and worship went by way too fast. It felt like we had barely begun and then it was time to declare the word of the Lord. So many people writhe in agony during worship no matter the kind of music sung or the duration of the praise and worship time. Not me. I love to sit before the throne of God and to sing to Him. He deserves the praise. More praise than we can ever give Him in any worship service.

I do not go into these kind of events knowing up front what I will preach. I trust God each day for the day's message. The inspiration came as I walked around a track next to the Kermit Junior High in the morning. I used John 8:32-36 as the text. and Mark 7:5-7.

We dove into the scriptures. In those moments I am consumed with the truth. I lose track of time. God's word feels like molten lava burning in me and like a volcano I erupt in Bible truth. It is like time stands still as I share God's message with others. Those gathered last night seemed hungry for God's truth. They opened their ears and hearts to the Holy Spirit and the word of God.

If I were to characterize our time last night I would say it was sweet. I did not have a harsh tone though the scriptures had hard truth. I certainly did not want to come across as being some expert on revival or a Bible scholar. I'm a fellow pilgrim on this journey with Jesus. At times I transparently talked about my own journey and the struggles  I've had along the way. I highlighted how people can be in bondage to sin as well as to the traditions and opinions of people. There is bondage in man made religions and rules. There is freedom in a relationship with Jesus. He still delivers and liberates people today.

I honestly have no idea how long we met last night. We are free to meet as long or as short as we need to. People had the freedom to testify. I did not feel rushed like some churches make you feel wanting to start and be done in an hour. Nobody seemed in a hurry to get through the service last night. We met in freedom to stay as long as dictated by the Holy Spirit.

Think of it. One hour to meet with God in far too many churches. On the other hand, countless hours are spent being conformed to the world through multi and social medias. This week we have been free to meet with Jesus as long as He wants to meet with us. I especially enjoyed the testimony of a mother talking about her daughter embracing Jesus for herself and forming her own convictions even if they are different than the morality and convictions of her generation.

It has been a joy to watch God speak to the students and children this week. We have not watered down truth for them. They have sat right beside adults to worship and hear the word of God.

All ten of us. Yes you read that right. There were only ten of us gathered under that red and white canopy last night. If you subtract the revival team that leaves only seven. For the second time this week we sat in a circle and I taught a Bible study as opposed to preaching a sermon. I can confidently say we have not been used to shake the city of Kermit. It would probably be a stretch to say we have given Kermit even a nudge.

We must have met for a long time. As we have done  each night, after the service, we get a bite of supper. We walked into the Huddle House after 9 p.m. Sherman, Tammy and I discussed the meetings at great length.  I did not make it back to the room until close to 10:30 p.m. I am wrestling with tonight being our last night of ministry here in Kermit.

I am at peace I followed what I believe to be a clear leading from God to do this. I have tasted true revival and what we have experienced this week is not it. Our times have been refreshing.  I am blessed to have met some other brothers and sisters in Christ. I love them. We cannot say we have experienced revival. I knew coming in only God to do that. Thus far He has chosen not to turn the hearts of Kermit residents back to Him. At least not through this tent meeting.

I will seek the Lord for clear direction.  I will also seek for another message. Whether I preach or teach that message I want to honor God with my best. Thank you for praying for us.

Kermit Shake The City - Day 2

When I arrived at the tent around 6:45 my heart sunk. Sherman and Tammy were there. Miguel was also there. Only three people.

Miguel's family came a little later. So did a guy named Juan and his wife Vicky. Both Juan and Miguel are true servants. Each night they have helped set up the sound system and then take it down to store it. I have grown to love these brothers. Both are humble men.. They have been a blessing to me.

The Carters came from Seminole  before we started. An older gentleman showed up a little late. I learned after the service when he came and shook my hand, his name is Dudley Mullins, the pastor of First Baptist Church here in Kermit. In all we only had 17 people in attendance. It did not feel like a revival meeting. The Atens brought us before the throne of God in worship. Without us ever talking many of the songs went right along with the message I had.

I prayed as to what to do. Standing before such a small crowd and preaching did not seem appropriate. I decided instead of preaching the message I would teach it in a Bible study format. We circled the chairs and I taught the truth. I asked questions and got feedback. 17 of us gathered under a tent that could easily seat 200 holding a Bible study. The texts were John 3:20-21 and John 15:18-27. The whole point of the message focused on how the world has always hated Jesus from the time He was born and King Herod wanted to kill Him. The hatred continued with the religious leaders of the day. The world detested Jesus back then and nothing has changed today.

Jesus is a threat to sinners because He brings evil deeds into the light. He exposes sin and calls people into account. He is a threat to the worldly system and its mixed up priorities and morality standards. While some are trying to rewrite the moral code of right and wrong, Jesus stands forever true on the law of God's moral code. He does not give into political pressure. He does not bow to the prevailing public opinions of the day. He is a threat and the world hates Him.

Jesus's teachings are a threat. His miracles are a threat. His death and resurrection are a threat. He is threat to the religious who prefer ritual and routines over relationship. Religious people fight for control as they bind heavy burdens on people through legalism. Jesus rebuked the religious people of His day. He does the same today. He is a threat to their status quo.

Likewise, His true followers are hated on this earth as well. We are also a threat. In the last decade over 900,000 Christians have been murdered for their faith. Let that sink in. 900,000. Do the math.That is 90,000 people a year. Just shy of the populations of Odessa, TX. That is 15 times the size of Kermit. Each year. Followers of Jesus brutally, savagely, tortured, and horrifically slaughtered.

The world hates Jesus because He is a threat. The world hates Jesus' followers because we are a threat to the status quo. So they killed Jesus. They persecute His followers. Yet, the kingdom of God keeps expanding. In nations like China, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, India, Iraq, Syria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The fame of Jesus keeps expanding. The dedication of His followers, even in the middle of threats, violence, and death does not deter His true ones from spreading the gospel message.

In the midst of such hostility Jesus still changes lives. He still uses people as His instruments of change. Even if there were only 17 of us gathered under that tent studying His truth.

We ended the evening by dividing into two groups to pray for Kermit and anything else we felt prompted to pray for. I ended up praying with the Carters. They also had a friend from the Ukraine with them. The highlight of the evening fell on that prayer meeting. Mike and Julie prayed. Katcha prayed in her native tongue. Though I did not understand the words I did understand her heart. Kross prayed. Channing prayed. I concluded our prayer time.

I want Jesus to get more of all of us. I want Him to consume our deepest passions, capture our imaginations, and fill our hearts with the deepest affections for Him.

I did not leave the tent defeated last night. I left upbeat. Sure having only 17 disappointed me. I have known all along I could not control the attendance. I am supposed to be here and I will do the work put before me. No matter the size of the crowd or the offerings.

I remembered a story I relayed to Miguel as we packed up for the evening. Duncan Campbell got invited to preach a revival meeting in a small town. The first few meetings were lackluster at best. After one such meeting Campbell and the pastor were about to walk out of the building when they were stopped by a young man who said, "The Holy Spirit is hovering over us and is about to breakthrough. Stay and pray with me."

They prayed. Nobody knows for sure how long those three interceded. They were interrupted in those prayers some time later by a knock on the back doors. When they opened the door they were surprised to see most of the town gathered outside. Though the hour was late they had all been drawn to come to the building.

What followed is the tale of another miracle revival story. Many were saved true revival broke out and spread.

When I awoke this morning my heart continued to be weighed down for Kermit. I wonder if the Holy Spirit is brooding over Kermit even as I write this. I wonder if He is hovering waiting to breakthrough at any minute. This is not the time to lose heart. This is the time to go back to war in prayer. This is the time to preach with more conviction, more anointing, and more passion. This is the time to double down on why we are here. I did not come to Kermit for some meetings. I came to Kermit to see Jesus start a revolution that sweeps through the town. No time to have a pity party. There is much work to be done before we gather under the tent again tonight.

Kermit Shake The City - Day 1

Yesterday felt like a whirlwind day. I started the day preaching in Odessa at University Park Fellowship. God moved. I counted 14 people at the altar during the invitation. I am humbled that God still chooses to use me.

After a quick lunch I headed to Kermit and checked in my room. I spent the rest of the afternoon moving and setting up chairs under the tent. I am thankful God sent Miguel, a local Kermit servant, to help me. It took us almost two hours to complete the task. Then we set up sound equipment and the generator. By the time we finished all of that I had one hour to shower and get back to the tent.

It was a busy afternoon. It felt good to slow down, pray and meditate before the start of the meeting even if it was just an hour. The day did not unfold as I hoped it would. I wanted more time for prayer before the meeting. More time to slow my mind and still my thoughts only on Him. I did not get back o the tent until just before 7 p.m.

I wish I could report the tent was full. I guess there were between 30-40 people in attendance. That did not dampen my enthusiasm. I know I am supposed to be here. Before all is said and done I believe God will glorify His name through these meetings. I still expect a mighty move from Him that sweeps across this town.

We worshipped. We got into the word. There were no manipulated emotions. I loved the purity and simplicity of the meeting. Worship and the word. Those in attendance make up some of the faithful in Kermit from different churches around town. They were true servants. Most of the men stayed behind to help take down those things that needed to be taken down for security reasons over night. They did all of it would joy and humility.

After a late supper wit the Atens I walked back into my room around 10:00 p.m. The fatigue of the day suddenly weighed on me. It did not take me ten minutes to get ready for bed and lights out. I slept soundly until 2:37 a.m. More prayer for Kermit consumed me.

I believe God is building something this week. Like a swell in the oceans tat crests into a great wave as it nears shore. God began the swell years ago. It has been moving rapidly toward this season and I trust it will crest into a great wave impacting the lives of Kermit for all eternity. I am humbled to get to be a part of it.

I truly expect more in attendance tonight than last night. I awoke with a scripture in my mind. I believe it is the message for tonight. Please keep your prayers for Kermit coming. We need a breakthrough.

23 Days- Revival Part 7

Even as I write this it is hard for me to believe we met for 23 straight days. The church marque said it all. “Shake The City Revival Continues.

Sherman and Tammy had to leave to go to another scheduled meeting. They returned after that meeting and picked up where they left off. Our worship pastor, Sean Decker and our musicians stepped in. We did not miss a beat. The revival was not about personalities. It was about God reaching down to kiss Seminole in a very special way.

Those services lasted for two to three hours each night. People kept showing up. I kept asking God if we were trying to manipulate something. Such was not the case. God touched us. The people kept hungering for more.

A few from other churches attended some of the meetings. One guy heard about what God was doing and drove one hour from Odessa to attend the services. He came back one other time with a few people from his church.

For twenty-three days I prayed and I pleaded for another message. At some point during that day God inspired a new message. Sometimes it was early in the morning. At other times I did not receive the message until late in the afternoon. I studied. I prayed some more. Each afternoon a couple of hours before the service began I went home to rest briefly,  shower, and change clothes. I returned to the church  for a prayer meeting with a several men before the services. Then we pursued God in worship and through His word night after night.

Looking back I stand amazed that God kept giving me fresh messages. Twenty-six in all over that span over those 23 days, when you count in the two sermons for the three Sundays with two services on those days.

Each sermon had a different feel. Each sermon addressed something different. We never knew exacly what God would do from night to night.There were many nights of repentance as God refined His bride. Some nights were evangelistic. Some nights were encouraging. In hindsight so much of that time feels like a blur. 

The longer we kept meeting my prayers were directed in a couple of different directions. I wanted the Lord to keep moving and the work to spread well beyond our church. I also wanted to be sensitive that we not prolong the meetings longer than God intended.

When the Atens finished their ministry in the other church they returned to minister among us again. The transition seemed seamless. God used their music to stir our souls. Like I already said, I have never heard such singing .

One song they led us to sing became an anthem of the revival. “I Will Never Be The Same Again.” We sang that song multiple times over those days. Another song God used in a special way was “Days Of Elijah.” To this day if I ever hear those songs I am taken back in my mind to those revival days.

I could go on writing trying to describe in detail what happened during all those days. It would fail. Though it is an old cliché I am only able to say you would have had to be there.

I have been a pastor for nearly twenty-one years. Those days are still the highlight of my entire 

ministry. I did not take those days for granted then and I cherish their memory now. 

Twenty-three days when God came down and kissed Seminole in a very special way. 
     
        I know pastors who have prayed more than me, labored harder than me, preached with 

more fire and anointing than me but they have never tasted revival like we enjoyed back in the

summer of 2010. Those who experienced those days enjoy a special bond. That revival did not

touch everyone. It did not even revive every member of First Baptist Seminole. It did transform

many lives. A group of ladies began meeting early in the mornings to pray during that revival. A 

number continue those prayer meetings to this day. 

          I still enjoy a special bond with the Atens.  They were my first choice to lead the worship at 

the Kermit Shake The City meetings. I will never forget those 23 days. Yet I am not satisfied. 

I am not content to live on what God did in the past when I know we need the same things in 

other communities ad churches all over the land. 

       With all this in mind I am packing my bags later today to head west for what I hope and pray 

is another mighty move of God in west Texas. I am packing in preparation to stay longer than 

the scheduled meetings for six days. I am prepared to stay 23 days or longer. We only have the 

tent until July 31.  If God wants the meetings to continue He will provide the place for the 

another meeting spot. I prepare to leave later today on a great adventure. 

        What God did in Seminole back in 2010 He is more than capable of doing in Kermit the 

summer of 2017. For four years I have devoted much prayer for Kermit. Now it is time. The first 

meeting is only 3 days away. I feel like a racehorse in gates before the start of a race. I leave 

today not knowing what all awaits and all the different ways I will encounter God. I go with 

nothing to offer but Jesus, God's words, my prayers, and the messages God gives me. Ready or

not Kermit here I come. 

When Heaven Kissed Seminole - Revival Part 6

            I got up early the day of the first revival meeting to pray some more. Down the way someone was reading through the last of Revelation. In time people arrived  for Sunday School. I stayed shut up in my office in prayer as long as I could pleading with God to send a great move.

            When coach Herb Rios walked out on the stage read through Revelation 22 there was electricity in the air. People came with high expectations. After coach Rios finished and andbprayer was offered, Sherman stepped to his keyboard and Tammy sat at the piano. From the first notes of the first songs I knew this was not a typical Sunday morning service. I felt the weighty presence of God. 

            The music sounded heavenly. A mixture of hymns and new songs. Seamlessly woven together to make a beautiful worship service. I could have kept on singing for hours. I never heard such singing as I heard during those days. Very powerful. Very moving. Encouraging. Thrilling. Celebratory. Reflective. Most important of all God was thick in the middle of all of it. We were performing religious rituals. No. We were truly worshipping at the throne. 

            When I stepped behind the pulpit to preach I felt God’s power flowing through me. We were off and running. While memory fails me now in recalling what I preached I know God seemed to take over. I felt He was working. I could see signs of His moving among the people. They were as hungry and invested in these meetings as me. We all wanted more of God. We pursued Him relentlessly. 

            Let me summarize what happened over the next few days. GOD SHOWED UP! I saw and experienced things I can never forget. I cannot go through all of it. I saw people saved. People repented. People wept over their sin. They testified before the congregation night after night. Long time church members were saved. A Sunday School teacher got saved. Sins were confessed. The laters were full night after night. And that was just the beginning. Heaven came down for those special days and kissed Seminole. 
        An anthem of that revival became the song I Will Never Be The Same Again. Each time Sherman led that song we encountered God. We did not just sing words. We sang our testimonies. The more God poured out His presence among us the more we hungered for more. More of Him. More salvations. More worship. More revival. He did send more. Much more than many ever anticipated. More on that later. 

Cleansing The Temple- Revival Part 5

            One week prior to the first service we did one other thing. We put out a sign up sheet for people to come into the sanctuary and to read through the Bible out loud in thirty minute increments. The people joined in enthusiastically.

            We started with Genesis 1:1 and read all the way through to Revelation 22:21 People started reading in the sanctuary at 6:00 a.m. They read all through the day and night until 10:00 p.m. We started over the next day. We read right up to start of the first revival service.

            Someone read through the Sunday School hour. One of the most special memories I have of those days is that we started the first service with a coach coming out and reading the last chapter of Revelation.  I have chills going through me just writing about that moment.

            Many testimonies came out of that cleansing the temple experience. Many showed up thirty minutes early to pray before their time of reading. Some stood at the pulpit and read out loud. Others sat in a chair and rad. Some signed up for more than one segment at a time Some read for an hour. Many signed up for more than one reading during the week. 

            It would be easy to read all this and think this is the formula for revival. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are no formulas for revival. Revival only happens when God chooses to send it. I have been a part of other meetings where there was just as much prayer and they did the cleansing of the temple but no mighty sweeping spiritual awakening came.

            Christian leaders are always looking for shortcuts to success. There are no shortcuts in the pursuit of God for revival. He sends such moves where He chooses. We know that such moves are often preceded by intense periods of prayer and personal repentance of sin.

            This is not intended to be a shortcut to revival. This is meant to ignite a passion in people to pursue God first. From that pursuit my hope is that groups of people will feel compelled to ask God for more of His work in their churches and communities.

            God chose Seminole for a special outpouring. I don’t know why. I certainly do not know why He chose me to be a part of such sweet season of spiritual refreshing and renewal. I also think God has chosen Kermit for reasons beyond my understanding He has chosen me to lead this movement. I do so humbly and with a great deal of soberness.

            I am flawed vessel. I can see no reason why God chose to work through me. Out of all the pastors who have served FBC Seminole why me? Dozens of faithful men served that church before me. They prayed. They sought God. They surely wanted revival as well Why didn’t He send it through one of them? Surely their prayers laid the foundation for what got to experience. Stay tuned. There is more to come.