FIRST BLOG IN THE PAST WEEK?! WHAT'S GOING ON?

Painted dogs at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. They look as awake as I feel.

Yes, I had been posting three blogs a week for a while, and the past few weeks have me missing some, a trend that doesn't look like it will change.

I've had twice as many interviews from January to April '24 than that same period last year (6 compared to 3), and if I post one interview between May and December this year, I will have posted more than I did in the last 8 months of '23. I have I believe three interviews waiting for completion, and I have a list of others I want to interview, but it will be at least a week before I'm ready to post it.

Another common type of blog are my book and music reviews. As far as book reviews, I'm crawling through several books, so again, I won't be ready to review any until at least next week, maybe longer. When I do a music review, I listen to the project and then write a review, and that takes less time. However, currently I just want music on in the background instead of listening to something to review. Also (if I'm wrong, correct me), I always feel I do a better job reviewing books than music. 

Yes, I have other blogs too. I just have to take the time to write them. (This is a quick off the cuff).

The fourth type of blog I want to have are guest blogs. If someone wants to join in, I'd be happy. Not the first time I've suggested it. But none yet.

Please pray for me. I do have health problems (I have a new doctor to see in a couple of days), and not a lot of energy. There are things I'm doing (being a beta reader for one of my favorite authors, preparing prayer prompts for all the Kingdom Come Festival '24 artists and hoping to finish before the festival starts, cleaning out an e-mail box that I'm getting close to being in the 4 digit range, work, leading a Bible study, being in a D-Group at church, and running sound, and probably more). Pray that I have wisdom to know what to do and what not to worry about. Maybe the time for this blog is over. Maybe not. Please pray.

Thank you for reading this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll follow the example of the painted dogs above and take a nap.
 

GUEST BLOGGER BECKY REYNOLDS: PRAYER FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP

 This is a first for the blog, and one that I hope comes more often: A Guest Blogger! And that first guest blogger is my wife, Becky! 

Technically, this was not written as a blog. The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is meeting in a solemn assembly this week, and Becky wrote this as a prayer to share with friends. I asked if it was okay to post it in my blog, and she agreed. So below is her introduction and prayer.

Friends, I am sending this to a diverse group in every sense, except for our common faith in Christ, "worked out in love."  (Galatians 5)  I am uncomfortable with saying "too much," but I want you to be able to pray with me and others. (smile)

The 26 members of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is meeting this week in a "solemn assembly," with a couple of men known to seek God. Years ago, Dr. J. V. McGee said we need to put behind "sins, sorrows and blunders" Some of you already know of this very important week for the Executive Committee, but I mention it so that each of us can join in prayer (in the power of the Holy Spirit) and have our own faith, courage and joy increased. May we hear God's word, believe Him, obey Him, and bear the life of  the Spirit.Here is a start of prayer for us.

 

"Every day I thank You, Father, for Your grace that is real and personal!  God, may I believe You and believe fully Your sovereignty, goodness and grace. May I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. May I allow You to be God alone, first in my thoughts/meditations, meaning/purpose, will/choices, relationships and affections. May I grow in gratitude/thankfulness, character/truthfulness,wisdom/understanding and forgiveness/mercy. May my disciplines and schedule be strengthened as I hear Your word and trust and obey You. 

 

"As Dr. Charles Stanley says, I know that obedience is doing what You say, when You say it, and the way You say to do it. Every bit of faith and knowledge I have is from small acts of obedience, and repentance when I disobey. Father God, only Your Spirit gives joy! And joy always, always follows obedience.

 

"Father, experienced people have said that revival must begin at the top for it to last. I am thrilled that these men and women have set aside time in order to put behind the past, to hear You, and to know where You are and what You are doing. That investment of their time will bear dividends in the leadership of Southern Baptist churches, but not only SBC churches, but the American church as a whole, and then beyond. I ask that You protect their investment from the enemy of the gospel, and establish this as a marker in the life of the church of Jesus Christ for generations to follow! 

 

"Please cause holiness and love to increase. Give power to the word of God, to church leadership, church planting, and relationships at churches across this nation and the world. Cause  holiness and power to increase and give power to my local church. The generations after us will become desperate to hear 'It is written.' Let us give young families, young adults and children what they need and deserve -  the word of God lived out in truthfulness and love. 

 

"Thank You Father for the Lord Jesus and for Your Holy Spirit!My hope is to give You joy, Lord. 

 

"In Christ, Amen."