Sunday Words of Encouragement October 16, 2011

This morning we were blessed with a guest minister/singer, John Starnes. John spent a number of years as a singer with the Jimmy Swaggert Ministries.  He gave a bit of testimony sharing how he had his life all planned out - he'd sing at his job for 30 years or so, then retire; his daughters would grow up in the Swaggert school, then attend college and go into missions.  When the Swaggert ministry crashed in scandal the lives of many of the teachers, assistant ministers and others changed drastically.

Over the years John discovered that God had a different plan for his life - one he would never have imagined.  John became part of the Walk Through the Bible ministries hoping to have a new career in taking the program to various churches. This past year John was directed and blessed to bring the Walk Through the Bible program to the Florida Prisons... as a volunteer program (unfunded).

John reminded us not to put God in a box.  God will always open a door where He wants us to go. We just need to recognize that it may not be a high door, but a low door.  In my words: it might not be a mighty ministry Cathedral door with golden trim but rather a lowly prison gate of bars.

John sang some good songs (lovely voice!) including this one which he wrote
and was made popular by the Gaither Band.

I'll be Singing with the Saints.

Verses for Today:

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)  

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart

   and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways submit to him,

   and he will make your paths straight.

Thank you Brother Starnes for reminding us that we are on a journey and we should always allow God to be the guide!  I'll be praying for you, your family and your ministries.
Learn more about John Starnes at his website and check out the Timothy's Gift program.