I just wanted the world to know, or at least the people that read this, that today is my dad’s 69th birthday. As a tribute to my dad I wanted to post a portion of a letter that he wrote me during a trying time of transition in my life. I thought that there may be somebody out there that may need some encouragement.

“Son, you are in one of the Lord’s most difficult training programs. It is therefore imperative for you at this time to stay at the altars of the Lord. For it is here you will begin to hear His instructions to you. The most frustrating part about this time is to not know what the Lord wants from you. That is compounded by the fact that we can not hear Him talk to us with our ears. How do we get to know His purposes if we can’t understand? Right now you need confirmations, plain leadings and directions. In addition you need comfort from the Holy Spirit for emotional stress and pain.

Son I know this sounds simple but take my word for it. There is a purpose for this season and it is to draw you near to Him. His word says, “Draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you”. You are now at the crossroads of the most important part of the course, learning the voice of the Lord. Your heart is broken and your spirit is low and now you are contrite before the Lord. He knows your condition and will lead you if you will follow. The Bible says, “A broken and contrite spirit, I will not turn away.”

Now is the time for you to turn to the altars of prayer and tell Him just how you feel. Tell Him of the hurt and pain that is going on in your heart. Then it is important that you listen, not with your ears but with your heart. He is trying to talk to you but your attention is on the hurt and pain. Thoughts will begin to enter your mind as you pray. In the beginning you will perceive them to be yours, but will later to discover they come from the Spirit within you. These thought will bring you to a place of understanding, from understanding will come peace.

Son, I am speaking from and through experience. His voice is in your heart because He is in your heart. Just be still and meditate on the visions you will see in your mind’s eye. It will soon dawn on you how the Lord’s voice comes to you personally. Hide His words in your heart and treasure these moments of surrender as they are very precious. The more you listen the more you hear His voice. Listen only with your heart when you are in communion with Him. His word will also speak into your life.

Be careful also as Satan knows how you feel and will try to get you to feel sorry for yourself. But the Lord is your Shepherd. Don’t allow frustrations to overcome you, but “…pray lest ye enter into temptation.”

Looking back I know those words (in the King James translation HAHA) of wisdom helped me get long past that moment in time. Thanks Dad for pouring into my life in many ways other than just this letter. I am a better man, husband, father, child of God and pastor because of you. I love you Dad, Happy Birthday!