The familiar task of traveling to Wake Forest NC is now over. Friday morning just a little before noon Seminary President Danny Akin conferred on me the degree Doctor of MInistry and we as a family headed home. I have had a lot of travel in pursuit of this mark of achievement and without God's call in my life to venture forth on this journey I would not have been successful.
There are three treasures on the photo so take a minute to hear the stories of how they were won.
First of course is the diploma. Lots of hours in the class room reading over a 160 books and writing till my fingers hurt. Plus surveys completed by 60 police officers and 18 officers discussing a most difficult moment in their career when they had to use deadly force. There was much effort by many.
Second is the certificate on the left and it has Kathy's name on it. She earned it. It is a PHT or Putting Honey Through degree. I was proud of her certificate and went to get a frame and then did the unthinkable. I had put it on top of the wardrobe int he hotel room so that she would not see it until I was ready to give it to her, but when we left I forgot it. What a dummy on a day that I am being awareded a degree for smartness. After graduation I ran back to the hotel and thank the Lord it was still there and the treasure was retrieved.
The third treasure is not directly related to the task of school but will always be remembered as part of this travel. In my last article I wrote about Brian and Bethany's engagement and on this trip we had the opportunity to meet Bethany's parents and sister. Jerry, Barbra and Emma met us as a family (minus Brett, Ashley, Leslie and Bethany) at O'Charleys. Their gift of the coffee mug that has engraved Dr, Scotty Davis on the side was a nice and much appreciated gesture on their part. What I value from this is the greatest treasure I have on this earth, my family. The Lord has blessed with 4 wonderful children. and two wonderful daughter in laws. Now as I completed my education God will once again add tot he family with another daughter in law, and she like the others is truly a treasure.
I am so thankful to all who have encouraged and helped me along the way in the process, and for my families love and support for the task. Of course most of all I am thankful to God for his call on my life. Dr James Merritt talked about the call in the commencement message. He took me back to the moment in 1989 on the side of the road in Smyrna where I said yes to the call. Thank you God for your love and forgiveness to bring me along a long road. Thank you Lord for continuing to bless and equip me for the ministry task that lie ahead. These earthly treasures are nice, but will all perish one day. The heavenly treasure that God gives by allowing me to serve in the ministry will be the ultimate honor of a lifetime. What a joy to think of having a crown of life to lay at the Savior's feet. It all belongs to Him and only He is worthy. I have a piece of paper that says I am smart but in the day I see him face to face it will mean nothing. But His robe of righteousness, will cover me, and allow, me to be in the presence of God. Hallelujah!!!
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