Sounds of Hope

I remember a long time ago reading a book, Prison to Praise by Merlin Carothers.  It is considered a charismatic classic. It has a simple message, thank God in all circumstances. It's been a long time since I read it, probably 30 years. Over the years, I can't say I've been good with this concept. I tend to be negative at times. I also find that there are times that while I know in my head that I have much to be thankful for, even in the rough times, I still need to vent sometimes. I need to express my pain. Have you ever noticed this in the Psalms? Many of them follow this pattern. I'm in a mess, I am in pain, everything has gone wrong, I have no friends, my enemies surround me and that it is as if the switch of faith gets turned on and you find the psalmist praising God. It is almost schizophrenic. I am sure that you have been watching the coverage of Haiti. Have you noticed the spontaneous worship services on the beach by people with nothing left? Have you noti...

I’m probably going to step on some toes.  I have thoughts, and since I put them on paper, I suppose it is inevitable to step on some ones toes. I feel I should apologize in advance if I do. Nevertheless, my intent is not to step on your toes but cause us all to have thoughts, thoughts about what it means to be human and to be Christian. I have seen a lot of prophetic ministry. I rather like it. I have had people speak into my life through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and it can be life changing. A word in due season, how good it is (Proverbs 15:23). I have ministered to others declaring things I only knew through the Spirit. I know it has blessed and edified people. There is another understanding of prophetic ministry.  I remember when I first considered going to graduate school. I was accepted at Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School. Over one of the doors, it says “School of the Prophets.” I rather laughed; I thought what do they know about prophets and the prophet...