A Special Night

Last night we went to church in Hudson, TX and was so blessed to be there. When I walked in I felt so warm inside, because of the welcome extended to us by Pastor and Sis. Smith and the saints of God. The warmth I felt was not only because of the people who attend there, but God met me when I walked in. We had a wonderful service! Bro. Elzine Strong, an old warrior was visiting and he blessed our hearts as he spoke for a few minutes. Then, Bro. Vernon Neely, another warrior gave a testimony about the healing power of Jesus, and we were once again blessed! As I sat there I thought, "We are sitting in a heavenly place!" Not too many people in this world have the privilege of hearing elder minister's expound on the Word of God in one night. I loved hearing both of these men!

The service was also blessed with some TBC students. They were wonderful to have in service. They worshipped with all their hearts, and I was so proud of them! TBC student, Clint Long brought the main message and did a real good job delivering his heart.

While he was preaching I glanced across the aisle and this is what I saw.Look closely and you will see Bro. Strong was taking notes while the "young man" preached! What a picture! I know the "young preacher" was most likely nervous preaching while these "old warriors" sat in the audience, and I wanted to tell him he was preaching to his greatest supporters!

Here's a word to you, young preacher's....The "old preacher" wants to see the "young preacher" succeed! They want you to feel that familiar anointing they have felt through the years! They want you to preach it with all your heart, without fear or favor! They want to see God bless you as He has blessed them! Go ahead and PREACH, young preacher! It's beautiful watching from a distance as you run beside those who have carried the torch of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for so long.

Young preacher, run slow enough so you don't leave the elder behind. You can learn from him as you stay beside him. Listen close, listen intently. If you will stay attentive, through the deep breaths he's taking to stay in the race a little longer, you will hear instructions on how to run this race.

One day while you're running you may notice he is no longer there. It's okay to pick up your pace after you take him to his resting place and pay honor to him...but if I understand life...when you resume the race, you will catch up to another elder who needs to hear the words of a "young preacher" encouraging him to "keep running the race that is before him." Let him know you will be by his side helping him carry the banner of truth!

As the years go by....one day....you will glance to the side...and YOU will see a "young preacher" running beside you, and you will hear these words...."Come on, Elder! You can make it! Keep running! Keep preaching! We want to hear every word you have to say! You have been running a long time....please talk to us!"

Then...you will sit down on the pew to hear the "young preacher" preach. You will take notes of what you're hearing, because the Word of God never grows old to the "old warrior" who has given his life for this precious Gospel!

And the cycle goes on....and on....and on............