May 2, 2020 (Saturday)
We went back to 1939 in yesterday’s blog and then, on our way back, made a stop in 1970 before returning to May 2, 2020.
Now that I am old I do a lot of reminiscing. I find myself rehearsing a few old painful memories, but I try to the best of my ability to think about good things that happened along the way. There are plenty of good memories for me to think about. I try to do what Paul said to do:
Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. (Philppians 4:8 TLB).
Some of my sweetest memories are about doing the Lord’s work in churches. I was only 18 years old when Brother Olen Waldrip, who had been a chaplain during World War 2, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck, Texas, asked me to serve as his Associate Pastor (leading music and youth). And I was only 19 when I began having conversations with deacons at Oletha Baptist Church, 15 miles southeast of Groesbeck, about becoming their pastor. They ordained me in November of 1951, at the age of 20. At the time, it seemed perfectly natural, but looking back today, I’m sort of amazed that I was professionally involved in church work at such an early age.
I should have felt like Solomon when he became king and said, “I am only a child” (1 Kings 3:8), but I didn’t. Later, in the ensuing years of ministry, there were times when I felt I lacked knowledge and wisdom as I attempted to work for the Lord. I recall a day in Dallas, when I visited the sanctuary on a day when no one was around and literally fell on my face praying for the Lord’s help. The ministry turned out to be a learning experience all the way to today. I suppose that’s because life is like that.
Thanks for letting me share my memories. They are many. Some good. Alas, some not so good. But I’m thankful that the Lord has allowed me to have a part in what He is doing and looking forward to seeing Jesus face to face.
Face to Face with Christ, My Savior
Words by Carrie E. Breck
Music by Grant C. Tullar
1898
Refrain:
Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!
Verses:
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;
Death is swallowed up in vict’ry,
And the dark things shall be plain.
Face to face–oh, blissful moment!
Face to face–to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so.