DEDICATED TO MISS LAURA JOHNSTONE... A FRIEND

“I have had many things in my hands and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” (Martin Luther)

“Preach the Word, David! Preach the Word… and with that our 13 year conversation came to an end.

The conversation had begun some 12 years and 10 month previously. I had just left the platform of this assembly after preaching for the second time that busy January 17th evening. After apologizing for not properly having time to prepare for the second sermon I was forcibly spoken to and reminded, “Never underestimate the power of the Word of God for the Salvation of man. Further, never apologize for the Word for it is the power of God unto salvation.” The words were clear and the message heard. Preach the Word, David! Preach the Word…

Throughout our time together opportunities came and went and we, like war weary combatants through the years contended for the faith. (Proverbs 27:17 KJV “As Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” And without a doubt she was my friend. Preach the Word, David! Preach the Word…


We discussed the effect of the new emerging post modern culture on the landscape of the church and the challenge of cross-generational communication without losing the cross in the communication. We argued about the error-filled messages that were being taught in the latest worship chorus and the error-filled messages communicated in some of the old ones. But faithfully we always came back to the way, the truth and the life. Preach the Word, David! Preach the Word…

Many hours of precious time were spent talking and correcting the views of this upstart, headstrong, maverick but always with love. There was always a sense of respect for who I was and I have never sensed a more complete acceptance than when I sat with the tea cup in my hand and the Word of God on our lips. Never have I ever sensed that someone had my back covered more than when I was being taken to task for the song sung or the words spoken. For somewhere in the midst of the quiet, thoughtful discussion the love for who I was came screaming through. Preach the Word, David! Preach the Word…

May my heart of reflection today encourage you to venture into the difficult terrain of the lives of those who… “simply… should know better…” For if you do, they will. If you speak they will listen. If you reach out they will reach back to you. Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Preach the Word, David! Preach the Word…yes…I will.