In consideration of a tribute to my own father, I am reminded of David’s direction to his son Solomon concerning a permanent house for the Lord. Though there were many accomplishments in David’s life, his great desire was to build a temple for God. The enemies of Israel were defeated; giants fell; the nation’s economy was secured; the kingdom was subdued. David set up a government of peace where even the prophets and priests were welcomed. The scripture details David’s great passion for singing and dancing. Worship in all forms set the precedent in the most beautiful way.
Yet the Temple was his main focus though David would not live to see it come to pass. That task was given to his son Solomon, who built a glorious temple. However, I submit that one would not have occurred without the other: Solomon built what David saw. Solomon completed the vision of his father. They worked in tandem to offer God something of enduring value.
The attributes and actions of David are that of my own father. Dad was and is a worshiper. He danced on regular occasions. He sang and led songs continually while we were growing up. In fact, his singing always made it’s way into our church services. My father’s great desire was always centered around building a church for the sake of the Lord. In those early years of his ministry, dad promoted a revival church where miracles, signs, and wonders occurred. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost and baptisms in Jesus’ name were the high priority. And finally, Worship and the Word became the blueprints of everything we did.
Dad fought many battles and when he retired, he left me and my siblings something greater than gold. He left us a vision of the House of God. This house, New Life Fellowship, is based upon that vision filled with singing, dancing, worship, and giving. This house hosts baptisms in Jesus’ name and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost; miracles of healings of all sorts; healthy families and lives and so much more. We are a generational church positioned for revival.
This is the heritage of my father, or as the scripture said, 1 Kings 7:51 So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole