LIVING ON PURPOSE - All glory to God for this milestone

I wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate you, the reader, for taking time each week to read “Living On Purpose.” I’ve written sermons, songs, and books, for over 40 years, but only started this faith column in January 2016. Each of my columns have file numbers, and as several editors have noticed, this week is number 500. It’s hard to believe that 10 years has gone by so quickly. We know that 500 weeks of messages is small compared to many pastors and teachers who have presented thousands of sermons. Sharing my heart with you is very special, and this week I’m celebrating God and grateful to Him for making it possible. 

The inspiration to write began in the eighties and nineties in the form of writing Christian music. While in my twenties, I was working in our church as a praise and worship leader. In this particular style church back in the early eighties, they called us song leaders or ministers of music which is fine. I’ve always enjoyed playing and singing, but after a few years of singing what others had written, I began to write my own songs with a passion to express what I wanted to say. I traveled around and played them when doors would open, and I eventually recorded several studio albums and later some compact discs. Occasionally I will offer them as a free gift.

I rarely plan what I’m going to discuss each week, I just go into my office, pray, and begin to communicate what comes to me. There’s a sign in my office that says, “You do not write because you want to say something; you write because you have something to say.” I’m not implying that every word I type is God speaking, but I am mindful about what I relay. I have my own opinions and interpretations like everyone else, but it’s also interesting to note that if we are dedicated truth seekers, it’s not impossible for us to change our views after analyzing a particular subject. I’ve come to the conclusion that none of us really know as much as we think we do. This is proven by the amount of differing ideas and opinions there are about the same Bible passages. It’s said, the more we learn the more we discover we do not know.

In the late nineties I enrolled in a 2-year Bible training school, and from there I applied and was accepted into Christian Bible College and Seminary where I completed 3 degrees there including a doctorate of divinity in Christian Counseling. I then earned a doctorate in Christian Education from Andersonville Theological Seminary. As time went on, I felt compelled to write a book about worship. With years leading congregations, along with my personal Bible studies, I sensed the Lord was revealing that worship is more than singing songs, it’s developing an awareness of His constant presence. The personal intimacy was something I believed God was more interested in than the public programs. So, in 2015 I released, “A Lifestyle of Worship – Living in The Awareness of God’s Presence.” Two more books followed, Convictions and Considerations – Encouragement for the Soul” and in 2021, Receiving Our Healing -  Going to War on Our Knees.” Also in the last 5 years I’ve completed a PhD in Church History and one in Biblical History from Northwestern Theological Seminary. 

I also want to express a special thank you to all the editors and publishers that present the column in your hard copies and websites. I also want to say I sincerely appreciate those of you that send encouraging letters and emails. With the column going to 1100 publications each week, the last I checked, it’s being published in multiple papers within 37 states. This does not include the giant global news agencies that pick it up from newspapers and post it for their subscribers to read – for free of course. Yes, this means my weekly readership is in the millions, but 98 percent of the papers that publish my work do not compensate me. I’m currently a magazine content coordinator for Best Version media, the chaplain for our County Fire District, a singer and actor in our local theatre, we distribute food through our non-profit charity, and I’m honored to help with baptizing and serving communion in our local jail ministry led by Mrs. Barbara Burton. And, of course I’m happy and excited to continue with this column for as long as the Lord wants!

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com. Email psalmz103@gmail.com