I just got home from a men’s yearly conference fellowship at IBC [1] in Port Angeles, Washington. It was an awesome time with the Lord while sharing His presence with around 300 Christian men through our worship.

Our teacher for the two days was none other than Dr. D.A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical University School. His list of credentials is impressive and garnered our immediate respect. His messages lived up to his creds. Over the two days, he taught three lessons from the book of the Psalms: chapter 1, chapter 32, and chapter 73.

Whenever I am down and out, I head to the Psalms for encouragement and edification. I do not remember, however, in my 75 years of living, anyone actually preaching from this marvelous book of the Bible. Oh I’ve heard teachings on single Scriptures but none contextually to that verse. They say that what you are looking for, you’ll find. In other words, when you look for the meat, you’ll find the meat – instead of milk. I’ve since then learned that there is a lot of meat in the Psalms. All I have to do is look. (Of course it helps to be a professor with years of seminary and experience. 🙂 )

This last week has been a time in my life when I really needed this weekend. I thank God for His perfect timing and personal attention paid to me in my desperate and depressed frame of mind and moments of need. I am sure, however, that I was not the only man there whom God was talking to at the same time. Just as I am sure that I was not the only man there who needed these pertinent and timely messages. Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit through Dr. Carson. The worship time also spoke to me and my soul. Thank you Jesus.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. [Psalm 73:26 NLT]

Those of you, who know me, know of my plight. For those of you who don’t know me, my answer is the same; I choose NOT to be bitter, discouraged, or depressed, for the Lord is my Shepherd and my Rock. He is my Salvation and the one in whom I trust. It took me a whole week and a men’s fellowship to get to this point. I am so very sorry Lord. Please forgive me that I dropped the ball for that week. I DO love you Lord.

Let the King of my heart be the wind inside my sails. You’re never gonna leave me or let me down. You are matchless in grace and mercy. You are a comfort for every heart that mourns. I will sing of all that you have done. Your heart moves with compassion. Nothing can come against me for you lift me up. Where there is death, you bring life. Where there is fear, you bring courage. When I am afraid, you are with me. You are worthy of every breath I could ever breathe. I live for you oh God. My soul thirsts for you oh God. It may look like I am surrounded, but I am surrounded by you oh God [2].

Not only did Dr. D.A. Carson speak to my spirit, but the chosen worship songs rattled my cage where the enemy temporarily had imprisoned me for a week. Thank you Jesus, Dr. Carson, worship team, and OPMF [3] for a great weekend and for getting me back on track.

This last week leading up to the OPMF fellowship, it appeared that the enemy had taken everything from me. I was sick, depressed, and not coping or doing well. Then the fellowship came. I have news for the enemy; I am NOT going to let him take anymore from me. In fact, he CANNOT take everything from me because I have Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

The older we get, the more we think about our mortality, and I confess to you that, at 75 years old, I have had my share of thoughts on that subject lately. I’m not afraid because I know where I’m going. So now, when the enemy says, “You’re going to die!” I respond to him with, “Great, that’s the best news I’ve had all day!”
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[1] IBC: Independent Bible Church
[2] These are some stanzas taken for the following songs: King of My Heart; God with Us; Build My Life; and Surrounded
[3] OPMF: Olympic Peninsula Men’s Fellowship