Author: thesingerschapel

“Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” Psalm 68:4-6

One of the best things about being a child of God is that logically puts us in the family of God. He is our Father. We have brothers and sisters . We are family. JAH, contraction of Jehovah, the One True God, is our Father. In that, He is our protector. We live in His presence and he dwells with us. These verses name two types of people who are described as solitary; fatherless and widows. HE is with the lonely. The Psalmist is encouraging the defenseless and alone that the Almighty God has not left us alone. He is with us. We have a family. If we have family that is alone we should act like a proper family and let them know with our presence that God is not the only one who is there for them. God set ‘the solitary in families’ for a reason. Let us fulfill our role in that reason.

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1

We have all sorts of concepts about what a wife and mother does in the home. Wisdom says that a wise woman builds her house, not the structure, floor, walls, and roof necessarily, but the family. That is what home really is, just like the church is, the people. What builds people? Instruction, encouragement, training, coaching, loving, correct correction. What ‘plucketh down’ people? To pluck means to pinch off one bit at a time.  Discouragement, criticism, demeaning, sarcasm, incorrect correction. The floor may not rot. The walls may stand for hundreds of years. The roof may hold out every drop of rain, but destruction, the destruction of the people may come from within. Careful. Wisdom says be very careful to build and not pluck down. Wise or foolish?

“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” Psalm 36:7

Historians would tell us that when a king conquered another king, the victorious would take the robe of the defeated and have it sown to the end of his own. It appeared as and was referred to as his wings. In ancient times a king would spread his kingly garment over someone to protect them as they came under his authority. The King of kings will protect us under the shadow of His wings.

“Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.” Proverbs 8:33

“Wisdom” speaks directly of ‘herself’ through the whole chapter. I wondered why in verses 1-3 that Wisdom was referred to as ‘she.’ Could it be that Solomon learned so much wisdom from his mother? Possibly. Wisdom is explained as the instructor of all who will hear, the hater of evil, the strength of kings, the source of riches, the leader unto righteousness and sound judgment, and supplier of treasure. Wisdom was possessed of the LORD in the beginning, ‘before his works of old.’ Creation was worked by Wisdom. To those who will hear, Wisdom will be a blessing to those that keep her ways.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

It appears that Winter intends to make sure everyone knows that it is cold on purpose. If the northern states will grant some grace to the south we’d appreciate it. We shut ‘er down, stock up on milk and bread and make dirt-clod contaminated snow men. We make the most of it. More about that in a bit.

January was a tremendous month of renewal and rededication to the highest purposes for the church and Christians. We had a little lighter schedule than the past year but the quality of our opportunities was strong. We greatly appreciate pastors Graham, Rouse, Raynes, Smith, Turner, and Cornutt for welcoming us to their services. These January meetings have proven to be for me a time of energizing to propel me into the new year. I would encourage anyone to find the recorded services of Fellowship Baptist Maryville TN, Progress Baptist of Hendersonville NC, and Teays Valley BC of Hurricane WV for a wealth of heaven sent preaching from some of God’s choice men. As we slide into February there are many miles to go so we appreciate your stedfast prayers.

We have been asking the Lord to work in our heart His wishes and will for expanding our reach and effectiveness in these last and tumultuous days. Paul’s admonition for Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5) to have a ‘Full Proof Ministry’ has been ringing in our soul. He has already begun to reveal some avenues to do just that. We intend to Make The Most Of It. I believe fully that if we will be obedient to every biblical and individual instruction that the Lord gives us, He will Make The Most Of It for the sake of eternity. The years are zipping by at an astounding rate. It is difficult to understand how we are already in February of 2026 when just yesterday we were figuring out our holiday schedule for 2025, Each day that passes the clock is relentlessly logging spent hours, minutes and seconds. Too often I look back and ask myself if I have done enough. I will reserve my answer as you answer for yourself. All that we have is what lies ahead. Let us all decide to Make The Most Of It. Don’t Stop Praying!

“They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” Proverbs 28:4

Last breath. Last heartbeat. Last moment of pain. Last experience in the flesh.

Eyes Open. Healed. More Alive Than Ever. In The Presence of Almighty God.

4 years ago this morning I sat at the red light waiting to turn in the parking lot of Northside hospital Gwinnett. I could see Angels room on the 6th floor. I prayed.

“Lord, I’m not mad at you. I just don’t understand. You are right and You are good. Help me and our girls. How am I going to raise them on my own? Please, if she has to go, please promise me that it will be worth it somehow. Let people get saved because of her testimony. Let marriages be strengthened and children appreciate their parents because of the reminder that life can end before it’s expected. Help me keep going and make right decisions.”

I debated on whether or not to bring a remembrance to the events of 4 years ago but when I have tried to suppress the grief or ignore the reality, that proved to be a terrible holiday season decision. It would have been our 25th wedding anniversary on 12/16 and Christmas and Thanksgiving are always difficult. Grief will work its way out like a splinter if it is not given its due. SO, I remember.

Today was the day that the doctors tried one last thing after they showed me images of Angel’s brain and explained that the 4 tumors had not only not been affected by the gamma-knife radiation but was growing aggressively and uncontrollably. It would only be a matter of time. The only thing to try and slow the growth was one last radiation treatment.

It was a Wednesday that they transported Angel by ambulance across the street to a radiation office. As the staff prepped her for the treatment, the radiation oncologist shook his head and gave me the most honest report I had heard. Without the radiation she would have a couple of weeks or a month at the most. With the radiation she might get double that but there were no guarantees, no other options, no hope. Angel would not make it. She went into that tube and the radiation was given one last time. She had done this so many times now that it hardly phased her but the reality was setting in.

They got her back into her room in the ICU and got her settled. She was so weak and sluggish. The hospital was making me leave at 8pm. As I got ready to head to my hotel room I held her hand and kissed her, told her I loved her. She said she loved me too. “Ok, Love you. See you in the morning.” Those were the last words we said to each other.

Four years ago tonight Angel entered the final days of her fight. We headed to the ER about this time.