Hello There, We do well to sing together. A reader felt moved to share 
after we used
Rejoice, the Lord is King last week. It was the first congregational hymn 
sung at her husband's memorial service, and she has asked it to be so done at 
her services.

During the Olson's visit with us, music was discussed. Becky recalled having 
sung with Jeanene and myself and Keith Davis adding the bass part. Roger 
mentioned my hymn for today, and described it as one of the great statements 
of theology ever set to song. It too, is a Charles Wesley hymn. 

Allow me a personal reference-I was at a Bill Gothard pastor's day in 
Detroit. Ford Motor Company allowed this as the only event other than the 
annual stockholder's meeting to convene in this private auditorium. As 1600 
men raised their voices And Can It Be That I Should Gain was imprinted on my 
heart.

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN AN INT'REST IN THE SAVIOUR'S BLOOD?
DIED HE FOR ME, WHO CAUSED HIS PAIN? FOR ME, WHO HIM TO DEATH PURSUED.

HE LEFT HIS FATHER'S THRONE ABOVE, SO FREE, SO INFINITE HIS GRACE!
EMPTIED HIMSELF OF ALL BUT LOVE, AND BLED FOR ADAM'S HELPLESS RACE.

NO CONDEMNATION NOW I DREAD, I AM MY LORD'S AND HE IS MINE.
ALIVE IN HIM, MY LIVING HEAD, AND CLOTHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS DIVINE.
CHORUS: 
AMAZING LOVE! HOW CAN IT BE THAT THOU MY GOD SHOULDST DIE FOR ME?
AMAZING LOVE! HOW CAN IT BE THAT THOU MY GOD SHOULDST DIE FOR ME?
The song was written to be sung slowly and majestically. When so sung, the 
moving chords of the chorus literally hurl the words of the verses to 
heaven. 

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in 
the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness 
of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" Ephesians 1:6&7. This is 
the ending of the verse not the sentence that continues through verse 12, 
hence the semicolon.

NOT ALONE-We are on the journey with Earl and Lois Wilikinson of Arab, 
Alabama. These folks are in the folder of my mind that is marked, "Can be 
depended upon". Friends of myself and all other pastors. Both had work 
(Earl at GM and Lois in schools) that allowed them to retire rather young in 
life. Using their own means, health and time, they are probably headed 
somewhere to help somebody do something.

RICH BY E-MAIL-No, I get the same scam offers that you get. I mean really 
rich, like the person recalling a camp where Jeanene and I ministered in 
1984. I recall them as a good counselor and that it was 107 degrees most all 
week. They recall a special time when they said "yes" to Jesus when they 
were challenged to be a "doer". It led to a youth ministry in their small 
town that touched well over one hundred youth. Twenty were called to bear 
arms during Desert Storm-all twenty returned unscratched. This "thank you" 
testimony was wrapped around an anniversary congratulation. 

AUTHORITY-On Oprah. How can it be?-I've never watched her. That does not 
hinder fools like me from commenting about a spinoff-Dr. Phil. I am reading 
reams about Phil McGraw. You know what?-He is one of those "What is" folks I 
mentioned to you. Only he says, "Get real". I don't want to sound smug, but 
I have already read every good thing he says-lots of times. The Book of 
Proverbs should be required reading at some education level. I will make no 
observation nor prediction about upcoming broadcasts (CBS is betting a 
fortune on success); but "Read Along With Ron" may be the next blockbuster.

AN EXAMPLE-"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the 
power of thine hand to do it". (Proverbs 3:27.) I am going to skate on thin 
ice and talk about money. Please be aware of the areas of this principle 
that prevent us from what I call, "holy chain letters". Those who know me, 
have heard of my "cycle of blessing". God has money just "floating around". 
If any lands at your house, pass it on. Jeanene and I sent funds to some we 
felt were among "whom it is due". Our money?-technically, yes; spiritually; 
no. We were blessed unexpectedly, and don't want to break the cycle. There 
is no such thing as "extra money". Amount? None of your business!

HOW BEST-To observe this anniversary week of 9/11/01. I am moved to ask you 
to join me in prayer. "Father, we first pray for America (1 Timothy 2:2). 
I pray that you will use me significantly this week. I cooperate with The 
Holy Spirit in whatever it takes to "stir up the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6) 
that is in me. The task may seem to be small, but please allow me a glimpse 
of the supernatural. Help me to regard each day as "seven small slices of 
eternity". In Jesus' Name, Amen."

I WENT TO SEGUIN-And life is fuller. You have never been to Seguin, TX? 
This very small town about 55 miles from here was included in some 
realignment of high school athletics. Our Freshman grandsons (the twins) are 
on the varsity tennis team. Their mother drove us to the match. 91 degrees 
here with a nice breeze and good covered viewing areas made the time 
enjoyable. As beginners at this level, the boys learn to lose graciously in 
spite of playing well.

Their father was here for breakfast Friday(I believe that Randall can smell 
muffins when Phil brings them home from work) and shared some good news. 
Collin had a really good opportunity to share Christ in the team van as they 
returned home. It seems that a Senior boy had a very open heart. Collin's 
twin, Owen, was sitting up front with the coach/driver who was saying "amen" 
as the conversation could be heard throughout the vehicle. We seem to have a 
bold witness on our hands. HALLELUJAH!!

His,
Ron Krantz

P.S. We are receiving needed rain here in Austin. Though central Texas had 
flood conditions in early July, our soil dries out very quickly. Gulf storms 
rumble near enough to give us rain in Fall. Now, please Lord, turn the 
spigot off before we flood again.