Each Sunday I cannot wait to hear what I have to say! I know.....that sounds terribly egotistical. Well while I am not above such, it isn't intended in the statement. I mean I really believe God works with me to the extent He holds back a lot of His good stuff until we are up there preaching. He and I co-preach and we've done it for years. Should anyone think this to be rather radical, I would remind you that God is the One who said we labor together...II Cor. 6:1.
When I first began to preach I took the baton from Him and ran my own independent race. The messages were shallow as well as distracting. The Word continues to express His desire that we team-teach. For years now, I have studied more intensely. The difference is I learn with an ear for His input.
Today I have a message which is quite different in form than my usual three or four biblical texts and subsequent points. I'm slightly nervous about me....but not about Him. I would never have thought of such a presentation on my own. This causes fleshly nervousness and spiritual excitement.
The joy I find in preaching escalates week by week. He is so sharp I feel I am just getting started. God has groomed me to understand that on my own I am an embarrassment to the church and to myself. With Him, though, I am an acceptable and useful vessel. Success is not dependent upon my personality. It is totally dependent upon the truth that in all we try to do God participates.
4 comments:
Terry...I can hardly wait to find out how it went...don't keep us in suspense. God has the most fantastic way of directing us ever so gently and most advantageously!
As Terry approached the plate the bases were loaded - he hit a grand slam.
A Homer??? Wow...I think you probably hit one every time you open your mouth, Terry! I pray for many more like you...
I am so grateful that you allow God to use you always. He always speaks amazing words through you. I can't wait to here them first hand in a couple of weeks!
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