Please don't tell the Bishop. He's never had a Methodist preacher in this situation before.

I don't know what got into me.

A church member has been after me to do it - but you know what Jesus said about temptation.

Don't fall into it, he said. And don't let anyone lead you there.

But I didn't fall, I tell ya.

I - did - not - fall.

I was pushed!

"Just try it!. It won't hurt you any to try it."

"That's what they always say," I said.

But I finally gave in.

And a few weeks ago I showed up at the place where this all goes on. I had no idea how many would be there.

I was shocked by the number or cars around the place - and from all over, too - all over Texas and several other states.

I got there early, but the line already stretched out the door and along the side of the building. There were some 400 in all. Many of the men - and some of the women - wore hats. And almost all were young.

I guarantee you I was the only aging, paunchy preacher there!

I kept watching the streets, to make sure my District Superintendent didn't drive by and see me.

Then, or course, I had to wait a week for the results.

Now I've got the results, and I'm in a heap o' trouble.

I got picked! I got scheduled!

I made it through the auditions, and on September 18, at 7:30 p.m., I will be singing on the Johnny High Gospel Review in Arlington.

I've sung in church all my life - but this is different. I've never sung with a live band behind me - and Johnny has one of the best in the business. He runs a big show with legendary associations.

I'm as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. But I do love to sing the Gospel. I love to sing it - preach it - share it every way I can. This is one more chance.

However it is proclaimed, the Gospel has the power to lift us.

I'm expecting some of that Gospel power to kick in when I walk out on that stage next Friday night.

And it better.

I need all the help I can get!

(Be in church somewhere this week. Experience Gods love in your life.)