Many of you may remember the story of Samuel and Eli in the Old Testament. Samuel’s mother had been unable to have children and promised God that if He would give her a son that she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Samuel was brought by his mother to the Temple to be raised by the old priest, Eli, to learn to serve in the Temple as Samuel grew older. One night as he lay sleeping, Samuel heard someone calling his name and since Eli was old, he got out of bed and went to Eli asking what he needed. Eli replied that it was not him who called and to go back to bed. Over the night, this same thing happened a couple of times, until finally Eli told Samuel, that perhaps it was JEHOVAH GOD calling him and Samuel should answer, “Yes, Lord, I am here.”

  Later in the night, Samuel heard his name being called and he answered as Eli had instructed him. That began a life of service and prophecy for the country of Israel. And he was still a young boy. As time went on, Samuel anointed the shepherd boy, David, as the future King of Israel which began the lineage leading to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. And it all began with a young boy saying to God, “Here I am, Lord.”

  When I was a young boy, I did not consciously hear God speaking, but I felt the impression from Him that I needed to be serious about piano and use it for His ministry. Music had always spoken to my soul and it seemed like a natural progression to use a gift of ministry. However, 52 years later as serving as church musician for several churches, medical issues keep me from playing. It was a very difficult decision to have to give it up and I am still struggling with it, but know that God will lead me in a new way.

  Some twenty years ago, I began to write short stories and such, but once again I felt an impression from God to write for people to help them understand that God loves them … as they are … warts and all. And so, I began with a blog “Be God’s” and adopted the tagline, “And this is the gospel according to Jimmy.” That was because the words I wrote were just my thoughts and observations according to what I felt God was leading me.

  Then, I was blessed to begin a relationship with The Henry County Times to write columns on the Religion page and, many years later, they are still allowing me to share their publication. And, I am blessed to do so and have met many people along the way.

  Now, back to Samuel. Are you one of those people who think God only speaks to preachers and teachers and missionaries? Does God only speak to the “Holy” people in the world? Does God speak only to older folks who memorize a lot of Bible verses, hymns, and praise songs? Can God only use you if you have a Seminary education and grew up in the church? The only answer I can give is a loud and resounding, “No!”

  Samuel was a young boy. David was a shepherd. Rahab was a prostitute. Many of the disciples were smelly fisherman. Matthew was a hated tax collector. And on and on and on. The point is that God can use the most unlikely people that we can hardly imagine being a messenger of God. We just need to be receptive. And that definitely includes me.

  And so, for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.