God's Word Stands

The flying has stopped for now. After all the dust has settled, I have ended up in Los Angeles. The next tour starts tomorrow and I am looking forward to spending this time in California. I had a great time in Canada, but was relieved to get back to a warmer climate. All of this running around that I've been doing is taking a tole on me mentally and physically. However, the Lord is providing strength and grace in which I am undeserving.

Yesterday was my birthday and I received so many call and messages from friends and family that were really a blessing and encouragement. I am getting old fast. Today is my grandfather's birthday and I along with the rest of my family misses him because he died last August. So today was tough on my family. So the occasion reminded me of something that happened during his funeral.

My Dad had asked me to open up the funeral with an introduction and prayer. In the time leading up to the start of the funeral I was carrying around my Bible reading little verses and talking to family and friends. I believe the Lord led me to a chapter in Psalms. I had written down some things I wanted to say to everyone that was there. I thought I could maybe preach a little sermon, but Jesus had other plans. When things started and I began to speak. I said a couple things welcoming and thanking all for coming, then believed the Lord moved me to abandon my plans and just read the scripture. God's word would change people and stand forever with lasting effects. The tears and emotion began to build up and shortly overflowed beyond my control. I could not say what I wanted and with tears flowing asked the pastor to read this (bear with the length, for it is worth it).

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O LORD, save me!"

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."

And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD- in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Praise the LORD.

Psalm 116

Thanks for reading, all five of you.

Love