frank & Dr Cliff Barrows - BGEA
Present at the luncheon were some of the most respected and recognized individuals around the Globe for evangelism. In attendance, were Evangelist Junior Hill, Dr Bailey Smith, Dr Rick Gage, Dr Frank Page, Dr Roy Fish and countless others who have not only run the race but en route to finishing strong. The highlight of the luncheon for me was when Evangelist Junior Hill introduced a man in Christian circles who needed no introduction. Our keynote speaker was Dr Cliff Barrows whom served as Minister of Music for 65 years with Evangelist Billy Graham. It was noted that Dr Billy Graham has spoken to more people in person than anyone in history. That being true, it would make sense that Dr Cliff Barrows has sung more in person than anyone in the history of humanity.
Cliff Barrows humbly reached the podium and shared a powerful message to a packed audience the importance of not only starting strong but Finish Strong. He reminded us to Preach the Word, Exude Humility and Integrity, Offer an Invitation following the sermon and worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. As a boy, I had the privilege to see him minister in person about ten times at various Billy Graham crusades and watch him now almost every Saturday night on TBN as they re-air Billy Graham Classics but to finally meet him was a true treat. What was most impressive was not the fact that he is in his mid 80’s or that he could still hold a note or even the humbling realization that he is now legally blind. His wife literally reads the Bible to him daily and he relies on memorization for study, devotion and preparation for future sermons.
What touched me most was not the fact that he Started strong, Stayed strong but his Swan Song was sacred and strong! My friend, Bob Smith is a well respected soloist in music circles and at the conclusion of the program he led the music and was singing Chris Tomlin’s “How Great is our God.” However, at the very end he placed the microphone in the fragile yet faithful hands of Cliff Barrows and one more time the giant of the Gospel conducted us in the powerful chorus of “HOW GREAT THOU ART.” To see this senior saint come alive like he did countless times at crusades on every continent with Evangelist Billy Graham was priceless. Cliff Barrows was in his element and not a dry eye was in the room. He may have not been able to see us with his deteriorated vision but God sure saw him and all of us did too.
Rarely, in life does one have the opportunity to see someone who was the best at what they did and yet, at the very end still giving their all and finishing their race with faith and fervor. What a testimony! All of us have dropped the proverbial ball or baton but today is a new day and may we experience God’s grace, fresh forgiveness and move forward by faith and run the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1-3). One of my friends, Michael English loves to take the old and new and combine them and as he likes to say: “Put a ‘lil ENGLISH to it.” The classic clip from one of my all-time favorite bands - NEWSBOYS is ironically, one of my favorite songs. May the life of my Lord and the Christ-like example of Cliff Barrows and song below remind us all to not only Start Strong but “STAY STRONG.”
Just flew back tonight from preaching twice yesterday at a REVIVAL in South Carolina at Sandbridge Baptist Church and it never gets old bringing the Word to the world. In the past two weeks, I have been blessed to visit Punta Cana, Dominican Republic / Miami, FL / Charleston, SC / Charlotte, NC and I preach this Sunday, November 8 in Baltimore, MD at 11 AM and then catch a 2 PM flight to Chattanooga, TN to preach that evening and then fly to Birmingham, AL on November 14-15 to preach at two pentecostal churches. While on the road some random thoughts come to mind and I would like to share this two part series on how to Respect and Recover from Rejection. I pray it will bless you and remember your situation is temporal but Salvation is ETERNAL!
It’s ironic how the words: Rejection and Dejection both have the word EJECT in them. Ejection as you know resembles the seat in a fighter plane that is “tossed or thrown out” before the plane crashes below. One flip side about being “ejected” in a plane is that at least you graduated off the ground before being dismissed. Sadly, so many shackled on the sidelines will never know the view from above. In basketball terms if you were “dejected” or REJECTED that means that your ball was not only blocked but usually followed up with some good old trash talk as to say: “Get that outta here and stay out!”
All of us can relate to rejection. For some it was being picked last for a game in recess back in elementary school. No one wants to be picked last but at one time or another all of us can relate to being by-passed for someone or something else. Some have endured a rejection in a relationship, some know the trauma of enduring a divorce or in job circles hearing the all too familiar words: “You are not qualified for this position.” Sometimes, I wonder what is worse - being not qualified or “over-qualified” for the job. Either way you still walk out without work and perhaps that is a polite way of saying “no thanks” or rejection.
The people that I admire most in life are not those that became a success but endured setbacks. Perseverance probably is my middle name and I would like to think that encouragement and evangelism are a close second, respectively. The above video highlights some classic cases of folks who failed forward. The blessings about falling is that if you can fall forward you are still progressing in a positive direction. We can learn much from a cat - notice that they almost always land on their feet. They know the art of how to BOUNCE BACK.
Boxers know firsthand what it means to dangle on the ropes and/or fall backwards. The key to being knocked down is to regroup and get UP. The METRO train by my house is a powerful force. It has the potential to carry hundreds of people from point A to B and back. However, after observing them closely for a couple years while working in Washington, DC I noticed something peculiar. The massive train always goes backwards briefly before moving foward.
QUESTION: How many times have you entered a fitness gym and after a week quit because your muscles were screaming, your body was burning and your spirit was barely breathing? Tempted to throw in the towel (your mind starts talking to you). This is too hard. It must not meant to be - I am going backwards not forward.
We must realize that sometimes in life we have to temporarily lose in order to win. Often we find ourselves going backwards before progressing forward. Consider the sling shot - The greater the resistance equates to the greatest DISTANCE! The adversity you face today just might be God preparing you for His VARSITY tomorrow! I have always said that those that have come the furthest go the farthest. Adversity is a hidden helper. Sometimes man’s rejection is God’s PROTECTION!
Plus, rejection never has to be permanent. Unless, you allow it. Some corporate leaders want to deny you initially just to see what you are made of. Major League Baseball coaches remind players NEVER to swing at the first pitch. My Uncle Bobby Shelton played three seasons with the Detroit Tigers organization in late 1960’s and was playing AAA with them in 1968-1969, the year they won the World Series. My cousin, Missy’s husband, Mike Butler was drafted by the California Angels in the early 1990’s after being the pitcher for NC State with a 96 mph fastball. Ironically, my Uncle Joe hit a 500 foot home run at old Griffith Stadium (home of Washington Senators) and the late, great Ted Williams at the game said that was one of the hardest hit balls he had ever seen. It’s AWESOME when the “big boys” brag on you.
Some rejection is good. Women with class will tell you that in dating, they are known to “reject” a man initially just to see how he handles criticism and will he have the courage and confidence to come back and try again. Because if he is too weak to handle a “no” now he will most likely buckle later in a long term relationship.
In closing, take heart and glean hope from the following initial failures who became lifelong leaders. Evangelist Billy Graham was thrown out of Bible college. Michael Jordan cut from varsity in high school before gaining a gold medal in Olympics and winning SIX championships in the NBA. “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books were rejected 134 times from publishers before selling $1.3 Billion and Hollywood actor Harrison Ford was initially fired from Columbia Pictures and was told: “You will never make it here.” Well, after playing Han Solo, Indiana Jones and portraying the President on “Air Force One” he did alright.
If you have been rejected - you may be on right track! The blessing about rejection is that it keeps us humble in the long run. Secondly, it makes us more determined. Third, it gives us a laser like focus that only “failing” can bring. Perhaps most important, when you succeed it is not to gloat and scream “look at me” but praise God - look what He did because we know now that had God not stepped in we still would have been left out (rejected). But the beauty is that with rejection comes RESPECT for those that endure, run your race, stay in the game and win or lose live with class, act like a champion and realize that “if God be for me - who can be against me?”
Praise the Lord! Thank you friends for all the prayers, well-wishes and kind comments regarding my recent appearance on NITELINE TV in Greenville, SC.
It is an honor to share the Word with the world what Jesus means to me. God doesn’t need me but how I need Him. If you missed the two hour program last night as it aired across South Carolina on cable television they just posted a link for you to watch it in its entirety by clicking here - http://www.dovebroadcasting.com/niteline.php
My last post I shared part one of the two part interview on TCT - “REJOICE” in Marion, IL and it aired on DIRECTV earlier last year to some 500 Million homes. The second set was a blessing and its always a JOY to brag on Jesus.
Check back in near future as I post my interview with a SURPRISE Christian artist. My heart beats to promote the Lord and promote others. One of my pet peeves in ministry and in life is that as Christians we promote the Lord but for some reason fail at promoting others without feeling threatened. Zig Ziglar was correct: “What you do for others - God will do for you.” Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Without question, I believe until you can celebrate the success of others personally you will never go or grow to the next level professionally.
Blessings on you as you walk and talk with God. You are never alone when you go with God.
South Carolina Flag
That evening I preached REVIVAL at Double Springs Baptist Church on Saturday night and both morning and evening services on Sunday. Pastor Kyle Caudell is the pastor and his associate Joshua are doing an amazing job and the church is absolutely gorgeous nestled in Townville, SC. My new friend, Chris Stephens is a young man with a heart for God and desires daily to play the piano and preach the Gospel. He is from SC and I asked him to play two of the three services of our recent revival. It is so exciting to see young people on fire for the Lord and I try to promote folks wherever I go.
On Monday afternoon, I was blessed to be the guest on NITE LINE TV for the full two hours. It will air all throughout South Carolina on television tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16 from 8-10 PM EST and they will re-air it on Thursday morning from 8-10 AM. You can also watch it online by clicking this link on the above mentioned times and watch it LIVE - http://wggs16.com/
The south is great for several reasons. The hospitality is like their iced-tea: SWEET. I love the folks down south and while in town I got to visit most of my favorite restaurants: FATZ, O’Charleys and Cracker-Barell. Check back later this week as I post my radio interview with a surprise Christian recording artist.
The past three weekends have been busy on the road preaching in Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina. It is good to be back home and please pray for the souls that recently made commitments to Christ as they begin their journey with Jesus. I love that Stephen Curtis Chapman song: “No Better Place on Earth than the Road that Leads to Heaven.”
In the interim, the video clip below is my appearance last year on TCT - “Rejoice” and it was taped LIVE in Marion, IL and aired world-wide to some 500 million homes on DIRECTV. This is part one of a two part series and I pray it will bless you. God bless you today and all your tomorrow’s.
Evangelist Billy Graham praying for souls at invitation
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, the famed scientist reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.
The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are! I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.” Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.” Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going??’”
Having said that Billy Graham continued, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? In his deep baritone, southern drawl he said: “This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: “I not only know who I am…….I also know where I’m going!”
Friends, one day you will read in the local paper that “Billy Graham is dead.” Don’t believe it for one second because I will be more alive then than anytime in my life when I stand before Jesus.” Friend, do you know where your going when you die? Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and click below to learn more about how to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior http://frankshelton.com/christian.html
Frank & Grammy Winner Andrae Crouch
Since the passing of Michael Jackson last week countless stories have broke and been broadcasted around the Globe. Some true, others speculation, most exaggeration but God only knows what is fact and reality. One story that has surfaced is that Grammy Winner Andrae Crouch met Michael weeks before his death in his rented mansion in California. It is true that they met, talked about Gospel songs and Michael was curious to learn of the Holy Spirit and anointing that comes from folks that have a personal relationship with the Lord. Recently, I read in several accounts that they prayed together but God only knows if Michael trusted Christ as his personal Savior before breathing his last.
From my last post, it is evident that my prayer along with multiplied millions of others hope that Michael Jackson accepted Jesus before departing Earth. It has been said: BIBLE is “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” May we all ponder with greater clarity and urgency that the world is watching our every move for those of us who are Christ followers (Christians). No one knows when those in our presence will die. The fact is we don’t even know when our time is up to stand before Almighty God. One thing that has haunted the beloved Evangelist Billy Graham for nearly five decades is when President John F. Kennedy phoned Dr Graham and asked him to come to the White House. The President (whom was Catholic) had some questions about the “Second Coming” for the Protestant Preacher and renown evangelist.
Dr Graham had been struggling with a bad cold and kindly asked the “Commander in Chief” if it would be possible to reschedule and they talk about spiritual matters at another time. Dr. Graham never dreamt that it would be his last chance to speak with the world’s most powerful person on the planet because shortly after JFK, was shot to death in downtown Dallas. As Christians, I agree that we need to “sow seeds” and be “salt and light” while walking out our Christian faith daily for a lost and dying world whom is watching our every move. However, it is imperative that we be cognizant of the fact that since the world needs Jesus, we must be mindful that we just may be the only Bible that some will ever “read,” the only Jesus some will ever “see” and like never before we must do our best to lead the lost to the Lord.
It was said by a wise farmer: “You will never see a Harvest until you water your crops.” Sadly, the reason countless churches and Christians have seen very little fruit in leading their friends to Christ is because they haven’t lost sleep over the souls of their friends en route to Hell without Jesus. Question: When was the last time you lost sleep, crying and petitioning God in Heaven for the salvation of your lost friends souls?
The legendary General Booth, founder of the SALVATION ARMY had a passion to see souls saved. In its conception, the Salvation Army lived up to its name. It provided food, shelter and clothing to the destitute and its officers were in the “Lord’s Army” leading the “lost” to the Lord. A friendly reminder is that one is “lost” who has never trusted Christ to be their Sacrifice for sin and their Lord and Savior. Christ alone is the only way to eternal life and it is because of His death on the cross and His bodily resurrection that we have access to know Him intimately and as our Substitute. Because He died we can live for those trusting in Him.
Some of the younger officers employed with the Salvation Army were doing their best to win souls for Christ but with very little results. They wrote to their general at the national headquarters and asked him how he effortlessly saw scores come to the Savior. They asked his secret hoping to apply it in their personal lives. The General wrote back two words: “TRY TEARS.” Again, until we weep for lost souls we will never see the Harvest or “revival” we all say we want and need.
Friends, may we take our faith in Christ seriously. May we be about our “Father’s Business.” God had but one Son and He was an evangelist. The Bible is clear: “He that winneth souls is wise.” In sports circles, many believe “defense wins championships.” But in larger matters, I am convinced that “Offense builds the Kingdom.” As kids of the King, children of God and disciples of our Lord; may we die trying and live crying for the lost to be found in Christ before its eternally too late. No, we cannot reach everyone but each one can reach one. Souls are won - one at a time and for those of us in ministry, I rather be a “used car salesman” than a preacher who closes a sermon without inviting folks to trust Christ as Savior. Why? At least the salesman cares enough to ask you for the sale before you walk off his lot. Keep in mind, I am don’t evangelize because I am an evangelist but because Christ commands and compels all born-again believers to get off the sidelines and into the game for God’s glory. Evangelism is not a spectator sport but required for those whom call themselves saints. Evangelism is everything in ministry. When the Lord comes or calls us Home; may we all be busy “leading the lost to the Lord.”
In my last post I shared with you about our recent experience while visiting the Lone Star State. It was our honor to visit the brand new $1.1 BILLION dollar baby of Cowboys owner - Jerry Jones. The three themes that kept ringing in my head like a bell from Baltimore were: “Succcess, Simplicity & Salvation.”
Last post, I talked at length about “Success” and the need for “Salvation.” Today, I would like to touch briefly on the subject of “SIMPLICITY.” You have heard it said: “KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid.” Well, to honor that phrase and if I may quote what Larry King said to his eighth wife and Elizabeth Taylor said to her seventh husband: “I LOVE YOU but I won’t keep you long!” - LOL
During the country concert last weekend at COWBOYS STADIUM, Ruth and I, were really impressed with living legend George Strait. In 1995, I went with my parents to see George - “IN CONCERT,” in Virginia and now a decade and a half later he now is considered “The King of Country.” To his credit, he has amassed 57 NUMBER ONE HITS! Loved by multiplied millions and he actually ministered to me when he walked out on stage at the massive 100,000 venue in down-town Dallas recently to perform.
George Strait walked out wearing his trademark Wrangler blue jeans, a white, ironed dress shirt, Cowboy boots, white Cowboy hat ( I always wanted to wear the white hat), belt buckle and his guitar. What I have learned over the years that those who have it in most cases don’t “flaunt it” and those that don’t do. I admit, even I have failed in this regard. We are all a work in progress. It has been my observation that not only are the “Greats Gracious” but when one has been to the mountain, climbed the corporate ladder, paid your dues, have a few successes under your “country belt” it is apparent that one feels very comfortable in their “own skin.” I also noticed that less is more. When George waltzed out on stage, gave a grin as wide as Texas and his pearly white teeth danced on the jumbo tron I was almost sure that the place was going to erupt. He humbly bowed, the crowd roared and he reminded me and many others that Texas night that we don’t have to be flashy, or even first but be grateful, gracious and genuine.
Ironically, George Strait entered Country Music some three decades wearing a white dress shirt, Wrangler jeans, Cowboy hat and boots, adorned with a belt buckle and his guitar. Nothing more - nothing less. In leadership, politics, business and even ministry, we can easily fall into the trap of being more “show” than substance. We can (intentionally or not) offer hype more than hope. Worse, promote self more than the Savior. Too often in preaching circles, I have seen pastors try to “impress” their flock more than INVEST in them. Secondly, regardless out of insecurity or accidentally - many ministers have tried in vain to show the crowd (congregation) how much they know but failed to reveal how much they care.
Friends, pertaining to the Gospel - “GOOD NEWS” it is indeed a simple message of Salvation. After preaching now for over two decades, I learned long ago that we need to “keep the cookie jar” low enough where even the “little hands” can grasp it and enjoy. Preaching too deep is like speaking in tongues without an interpreter. You are going through the motions but its like riding a bicycle without a chain (only with the congregation in tow). The answer here is not are you following me but is the congregation following you? Pastors constantly talk about “exegesis” but if you fail at execution and helping folks apply it to their daily lives we are failing in the pulpit. We must always keep the “Main thing - the main thing. Those in attendance really don’t long for titles but a living testimony of God’s grace, love and fellowship.
In closing, years ago I heard a wonderful story told by Dr. Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral in California when Evangelist Billy Graham came to speak at his church. Dr Schuller noted: “The car carrying Billy pulled up and I met him on the curb of our church.” Dr Schuller went on to say: “I must admit, I was quite surprised and impressed. Dr Graham came alone with no security detail, press agents, special assistants, and no extra personnel. What impressed me most was the fact that it was just Billy Graham and his Bible.”
That day, Dr Graham got up to preach wearing a nice, white dress shirt, navy blue suit and with Bible in hand and when he smiled the crowd roared and he humbly but boldly preached the Word of God.” Today, all these years later and despite the accolades, accomplishments and applause from folks around the world; it is still just George Strait and his guitar and Billy Graham in his Bible. May we all (regardless of what our vocation in life) be mindful that “success” is found in service to the King but also staying SIMPLE, true and loving what you do and why you do it. Trust me, the crowds will not only love you for it but Christ all the more.
God bless you and go with God.
Visit www.FrankShelton.com