I continue to pray for you. When I read Carolyn's post today - well, how can I describe what I feel? I love you Lynn! Carolyn's faith is so strong. God has given you peace and strength to face the most difficult battle of your life. You both are amazing. I can't wait to see the video interview on the Oak Hills Church website.
Three times, just this week, I told stories about you. Yo
u are so full of Jesus. You taught me, pastored me, guided me through stormy weather. And when the weather cleared, you taught me even more.
You opened your heart to me and I'll never forget it - so affirming, encouraging - so wise and understanding - filled to the measure of the fullness of Christ! I will never pastor you like but I am a much better pastor because of you. I smell like sheep Lynn. I smell like you and I like it because you smell like Jesus. I esteem you so high. Paul said to esteem others higher than yourself - well, that's easy to do with you. You are so much better than me in every area. Your leadership, influence and preaching - man, you can preach! You've touched thousands and thousands. There are so many people who feel like I do. We look up to you, admire you and love you. Just look at your guest book - page after page of stories, expressions of love and warm affection. And why? Because you loved us with the love of Jesus.
You preach like Apollos, write like Paul, lead like Moses, fight like David and love like Jesus. You are my hero.
I knew you before you knew me. I read your books - I ordered your tapes - I guess I've listened to a 100 (no, far more). Whenever I had the privilege to hear you in person, I was on the front row hanging on every word.
Then, I met you in CA. Nice restaurant, beautiful view of the Pacific sitting at a table with about 12 preachers. It was so fun. We laughed so hard I thought I would bust. Afterwards one guy said you and Lynn really hit it off. Yes, we sure did! I was so happy to know that it was ok to be normal in the presence of a great man like you.
Since that time we've shared more than laughs. You've seen my tears. When I fell into sin and came back to the Lord, you hugged me and kissed me in front of everybody. I walked in five minutes late because I had just finished my session across campus and I rushed to yours. You had already started preaching but you stopped when I walked in. You motioned for me to come down front and hugged me and gave be a big holy kiss on the cheek. I felt like the prodigal son who came home. Then you smiled real big and turned me around to face your audience and introduced me. You told them that I had a story like Joe Beam and you said some other nice things that I remember well but I'm not going to share. But the Holy Spirit filled my heart with such joy and when I sit down I thought "Lord, how could you be so good to me after what I have done. I was ashamed to walk into room but Lynn showered me with your grace (tearful as I write).
I've seen your tears too. I've seen them well up in your eyes when you talk about Jesus and God's awesome power. I've seen tears in your eyes when you talked about Carolyn and your children and the people you love. And in that San Antonio hospital where I visited you. I remember what you said about the big "C" word. You explained that the the big "C" was not cancer. The big C's were Christ, Carolyn and Children. God gave you that and I could see how it strengthened you. Right now my heart is so full. Full of pain as I think about your battle with the little "c". But full of faith as I think of your strength and courage and the way you fight. You inspire me. I pray God gives me courage like you.
Now, please say a prayer tonight for me and our church. You would love our church Lynn. If you were able to come and preach I know they would love you. And you would love them. Pray that God will keep blessing us and that I will do a good job as I pass on to others what you gave me - Jesus.
I love you brother!
Jeff
u are so full of Jesus. You taught me, pastored me, guided me through stormy weather. And when the weather cleared, you taught me even more.
You opened your heart to me and I'll never forget it - so affirming, encouraging - so wise and understanding - filled to the measure of the fullness of Christ! I will never pastor you like but I am a much better pastor because of you. I smell like sheep Lynn. I smell like you and I like it because you smell like Jesus. I esteem you so high. Paul said to esteem others higher than yourself - well, that's easy to do with you. You are so much better than me in every area. Your leadership, influence and preaching - man, you can preach! You've touched thousands and thousands. There are so many people who feel like I do. We look up to you, admire you and love you. Just look at your guest book - page after page of stories, expressions of love and warm affection. And why? Because you loved us with the love of Jesus.
You preach like Apollos, write like Paul, lead like Moses, fight like David and love like Jesus. You are my hero.
I knew you before you knew me. I read your books - I ordered your tapes - I guess I've listened to a 100 (no, far more). Whenever I had the privilege to hear you in person, I was on the front row hanging on every word.
Then, I met you in CA. Nice restaurant, beautiful view of the Pacific sitting at a table with about 12 preachers. It was so fun. We laughed so hard I thought I would bust. Afterwards one guy said you and Lynn really hit it off. Yes, we sure did! I was so happy to know that it was ok to be normal in the presence of a great man like you.
Since that time we've shared more than laughs. You've seen my tears. When I fell into sin and came back to the Lord, you hugged me and kissed me in front of everybody. I walked in five minutes late because I had just finished my session across campus and I rushed to yours. You had already started preaching but you stopped when I walked in. You motioned for me to come down front and hugged me and gave be a big holy kiss on the cheek. I felt like the prodigal son who came home. Then you smiled real big and turned me around to face your audience and introduced me. You told them that I had a story like Joe Beam and you said some other nice things that I remember well but I'm not going to share. But the Holy Spirit filled my heart with such joy and when I sit down I thought "Lord, how could you be so good to me after what I have done. I was ashamed to walk into room but Lynn showered me with your grace (tearful as I write).
I've seen your tears too. I've seen them well up in your eyes when you talk about Jesus and God's awesome power. I've seen tears in your eyes when you talked about Carolyn and your children and the people you love. And in that San Antonio hospital where I visited you. I remember what you said about the big "C" word. You explained that the the big "C" was not cancer. The big C's were Christ, Carolyn and Children. God gave you that and I could see how it strengthened you. Right now my heart is so full. Full of pain as I think about your battle with the little "c". But full of faith as I think of your strength and courage and the way you fight. You inspire me. I pray God gives me courage like you.
Now, please say a prayer tonight for me and our church. You would love our church Lynn. If you were able to come and preach I know they would love you. And you would love them. Pray that God will keep blessing us and that I will do a good job as I pass on to others what you gave me - Jesus.
I love you brother!
Jeff 
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