Free Book & a Hurting Heart
Sunday Night Check-In June 22, 2025
Hey Friends, it’s time for the Sunday Night Check-in. Welcome to two new subscribers this week! Glad to have you aboard. How about a free book?
FREE FOR A FEW DAYS: LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER: Prompts and Prayers through the Psalms. Get it for yourself and share this info with friends! I’ve given away almost 500 copies today! I hope that many people will enjoy reading these prayers from all 150 Psalms! I suggest you order the JOURNAL that goes along with the book (LINK HERE). I think it will enhance your journey through the Psalms! My Amazon page says Lord, Hear My Prayer is #1 in Christian Prayer Books (Kindle Store), #1 in Christian Devotionals (Kindle Store), and #4 in Christian Spiritual Growth (Kindle Store). Of course, those rankings change rapidly!
I’m going to break my usual format to share some thoughts with you about man who was a giant influence in my life and who has gone to be with the Lord. Last week was the “Fathers Day Edition.” In that post I wrote, “I’m grateful for the spiritual fathers that God placed in my life over the years. They have no idea how important they were and are.” I’m sorry today that one of my spiritual fathers is now with our heavenly Father.
When I arrived at Magnolia Bible College in Kosciusko, Mississippi at age 17, Cecil May, Jr. was beginning his time as President of the college. It was under his academic leadership that the school attained accreditation status (a blessing to all the students who went on to other institutions). But more than that, Brother May brought a spirit of serious ministry, kind devotion to God, and compassion for the students (like me) who were still trying to figure out who they were.
Once, after I hd graduated from the college, I had a question on my mind I couldn’t settle. I was living in the Mississippi Delta and I called him. He always had time for me. On that occasion we met in Greenwood, Mississippi and talked over lunch about the issue at hand. I’m still blessed that he was willing to drive to meet me to discuss something that, to him, was probably pretty basic.
Throughout his ministry he sought a sense of balance. I witnessed a meeting in Grenada, Mississippi where some “attack dog editors” attempted to label, smear, and destroy him. They had already published papers calling him into suspicion as a false teacher. He calmly explained his position on the questions they asked. He did not treat them the way they treated him. I had nothing but admiration for him. He was equally at home in gatherings like the Christian Scholars Conference and Gospel Meetings in small conservative Mississippi churches. Everyone could find someone to admire in him because he focused his attention on teaching the Bible without trying to attack others. I think the believed that the exposition of truth both edified and educated without his trying to take on the role of judge himself.
When John Robert died, he called me. He said that he and Winnie had cried together and prayed for us when they heard the news. That meant a lot to us. I hurt for him when Winnie passed from this life and rejoiced with him to find Janice to accompany him in his last years.
Attending a small Bible college for four years gave opportunity for many relationships to develop. Cecil’s children became my friends. My first semester was Cecil May, III’s last semester. Cecil and Patti are great servants in the church and I love a close connection with them. Roslyn May Miller was around my age in college days and our friendship extends to today as I appreciate the work in the Kingdom she and Andy do. Richard May was younger than me when we met but we became friends anyway and the marriage ministry he and JeannaLynn have is encouraging. Betty was the oldest and was not living in Kosciusko, but over the years we have become acquainted and I have enjoyed meeting she and her husband on several occasions. So, even as I regard Brother May as a spiritual father, his children are my brothers and sisters and friends.
It’s too soon for an obituary, but when it is posted I’ll come back and link it here. I can’t think of anyone I respect more than Cecil May, Jr. Thanks for letting me share a few remembrances with you.
FORSYTHE
At Forsythe Church of Christ this morning we began a new series called HOLY HABITS from 2 Peter 1:5-7. Today’s topic was Goodness and the notes/audio are available HERE. In the month of June we are collecting for Wellspring Women’s Shelter. They have a new pet kennel so women do not have to leave their pets behind. Our Wishlist is HERE if you would like to participate.
LISTENING
Ben Fuller and Carrie Underwood singing If It Was Up To Me…
WATCHING
We have finished LOST season five (that last episode was a stunner!). One more season to go! We caught ALONE this week (Thursday nights, History Channel). That’s pretty much it for me.
READING
This week I finished reading Lance Mosher’s Topical Bible Studies, Volume 1. Goodreads tells me I’ve read 30 of my 100 book goal. In our Bible reading we are in Luke’s Gospel this week. I’ve got some good books I’m not quite through with yet - will share those after I’m through!
OTHER STACKS
In Case you Missed It, Exercising a Repentant Heart capped off a series of posts about repentance that I have been posting for several months. Links are in that post.
Joel Miller’s entertaining and educational post Chickens? A Bigger Deal Than You Would Guess!
Beatitudes: Game Plan for Success or Failure? by Ava Pennington.
Will Norrid writes Seeing What (Really) Matters.
The Holy Lens is winding down to a transition I’ll share more about in a few weeks. But there is plenty more to read. This week you can read posts by
and and me.
Stay tuned for NEW BOOK NEWS from The Holy Lens authors!
There is a lot of military activity in the world. I pray for peace for all. I know the world leaders are going to do their thing without consulting me! But my concern is for the innocents, the Christians, the powerless, and those mourning losses around the world. I’m not a very political person, but I think all can agree that peace is best for the world in which we want to live.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. —1 Timothy 2:1-2
The night owl has done his work. Night owls and early birders all welcomed here. Take care, friends. Work hard, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you.
Brother May was indeed special.
I'm reading through your book on grace as time permits.
I was born in Mississippi and in some ways, it still feels like home.