Years ago, just before my 18^th birthday, I turned every part of my life over as completely as I knew how to the Lord Jesus. I answered His call …

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. We have so much for which to be grateful. Betty and I are spending the next few days with our son, Randy; his wife, Debbie; and their four children. Our daughters, Robin and Rhonda, are joining together with their families in Oklahoma. We will likely be all together for Christmas. I hope you are enjoying time with those you love.

When I consider all the things for which to give God praise and thanksgiving, the list is endless. Let me share just a few:

There are some dates you will never forget. September 11, 2001, is remembered as the day the Twin Towers fell in New York City. The whole world felt it. Many watched. None forget.

God has not only called me to preach, He has called me to prayer. It is important to note that Jesus commanded His disciples to preach, but He taught them to pray. The ministry God gave me was birthed and bathed in prayer and I am grateful that millions have heard the Gospel proclaimed and professed their faith in Christ.

Betty and I are encouraged by this week’s election results because they seem to indicate that Americans recognize we have been heading in the wrong direction. We see all positive change as answered prayer. But if people believe that a mere shift in leadership will somehow save us, they are dangerously mistaken.

The majority of Americans believe next Tuesday’s election is one of the most important in recent history. For me personally, I am convinced that our nation is absolutely headed in the wrong direction with a government out of control. Rather than wisely responding to present challenges, our national leaders and the general population have reacted foolishly and with extremely negative decisions.

Several years ago I shared a message God burned into my heart. I called it, “We Have a Choice: Humility or Humiliation.” What I shared remains, in my opinion, very important truth. We will either bow before God, or be broken before God. We will come to Him in humility as individuals, the church and the nation, or we will witness humiliation.

Jesus said, “Man loves darkness rather than light because his deeds are evil.” Our nation and much of the church gropes in darkness, stumbling in the pit of defeat, despair, depression and destruction. God is anxious to lead us in His light to reveal His ways in order to bless us and bless through us. He is inviting everyone into the light of His glorious presence.

Modern life affords many opportunities, but along with it comes many challenges. Adversity has the potential to overwhelm us. This is where America finds herself at this very moment. We seem to be adrift on an ocean of uncertainty, with a crew that we don’t trust fighting for control of the ship. The passengers rightly ask, “Who can correct our course?”

Everyone is aware the housing market has crashed. For many, it was the loss of their hopes and dreams, as well as investments, construction businesses and a huge labor force. As I drive through various subdivisions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I frequently see homes for sale. Some of them are magnificent structures, others are very modest.