This evening, I will preach my final of three messages at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Grand Prarie (TX), where Christopher Taylor is the pastor. I have preached this meeting for Pastor Taylor a four or five times over the years. And all I can say is that Morning Star is a great place to preach. Last night, I preached a message that I really didn’t intend to preach outside of my own pulpit. But I felt such freedom in preaching at Morning Star, that I took a shot at it. And I believe it was received well.

There have been quite a few pastors and preachers who have shared in the services each night, which has been very encouraging. And I have had the opportunity to fellowship with Pastor Reginald Reid of Texarcana, for whom I am to preach later in the summer. It’s been good getting to know him. Likewise, as I stood to preach last night, I saw a woman sitting in the congregation and I said to myself, “Wow, that lady looks just like…” – a member of our worship team and a lead singer in our choir at MSMBC. But I immediately dismissed the thought and tried not to stare at her. Come to find out, it was who I thought it was. She is in Texas for work, heard that I was in town, and came out to support her pastor. My wife, Crystal, warmed me to take this as a reminder to be on my best behavior wherever I am. She’s right. It’s a small world. But I thank God for familiar faces in strange places.