Everyones wondering...
What's up, Dave? Why the light posting, Dave? WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, DAVE? DAAAVVEE!!!!!
Or something like that.
Anyway, last week I was caught up in sermon prep and job search stuff. Both endeavors paid off: I wrote a sermon and found a job.
First, the sermon: I preached on forgiveness in the light of the Amish school shootings. It was actually kind of painful. For the first time in a long time I felt that I biffed it. All through worship I felt confident and sure. Once I got behind the podium, I went blank. I couldn't even follow my notes. People I trust told me I did a good job, so I have to assume that God poured out his grace on the situation. I think I'm going to change some aspects of how I prepare and study. I think I'll sharpen up my outline making process a little and lay off the tequila. Just kidding. My outlines are just fine.
Second, I got a job! Yea!!! I'm working as a sign installer/customer rep for a sign company in the north metro area. The fellow I work directly with turns out to be a Christian, and we share a lot of the same beliefs and politics. This is a real blessing for me.
Also, the job is a considerable step up from what I've done it the past. The people all seem professional, the place is clean, and NO WELDING! Yup, I've finally transcended out of welding and into a more customer focused career. I think this is going to work out well for me.
Well, gotta go. Once my schedule smooths out, I'll return to more consistent posting.
Or something like that.
Anyway, last week I was caught up in sermon prep and job search stuff. Both endeavors paid off: I wrote a sermon and found a job.
First, the sermon: I preached on forgiveness in the light of the Amish school shootings. It was actually kind of painful. For the first time in a long time I felt that I biffed it. All through worship I felt confident and sure. Once I got behind the podium, I went blank. I couldn't even follow my notes. People I trust told me I did a good job, so I have to assume that God poured out his grace on the situation. I think I'm going to change some aspects of how I prepare and study. I think I'll sharpen up my outline making process a little and lay off the tequila. Just kidding. My outlines are just fine.
Second, I got a job! Yea!!! I'm working as a sign installer/customer rep for a sign company in the north metro area. The fellow I work directly with turns out to be a Christian, and we share a lot of the same beliefs and politics. This is a real blessing for me.
Also, the job is a considerable step up from what I've done it the past. The people all seem professional, the place is clean, and NO WELDING! Yup, I've finally transcended out of welding and into a more customer focused career. I think this is going to work out well for me.
Well, gotta go. Once my schedule smooths out, I'll return to more consistent posting.
Posted by Surly Dave on
Monday, October 16, 2006
Concerning the sermon. God might be teaching you a lesson there. It is not your eloquence that preaches Christ. It is God speaking through you. Keep preaching brother!
Re the sermon, don't sweat it; I always feel as if I've blown it after speaking to the men's group. My concern is usually that it was too much "me" and not enough God (which is a good thing to be on guard against) but I usually get some kind of confirmation afterward that it was the right word at the right time. Our pastors have told me that the the feeling I have is normal and that they've had to deal with it as well.
One thing, however, is that I believe God will at times challenge us to rely on Him and not our own "knowledge" and study lest we think the message is something we created, or we start to make a formula out of our preparation, e.g., "I can't preach unless I've put in 15.7 hours of prayer and study." We have to be on guard against our "religious" natures.
The last time I spoke to the men I had something really different happen. The message came pretty easily (it usually does) and I had a clear outline and everything flowed really well. When I got to the end I had had a couple of other ideas that had occured to me during the teaching that I wanted to throw in, and then suddenly the "anointing" lifted off of me. It was very tangible! The flow was gone and I knew it was time to stop. I felt bad as if I'd failed or done something wrong, but it immediately became clear that God wanted to move on the men there. One of the other leaders came and began to pray for different men and the results were powerful. It was awesome to be part of it.
Today I was asked to take the Wednesday night service in a couple of weeks, and I'm looking forward to see what God is going to do next!
After a couple days of reflection, I realized that I fell short in my preparation. See, usually I show up on a Sunday with two or more heavily researched sermons, not sure which one I'm going to preach on. Once it's time for the message I just go where I'm feeling led and end up sharing points from everything I've brought together. This time, I wrote the sermon that I wanted to share instead of waiting on the Lord for what He wanted me to share. Then I just kind of expected Him to bless it.
I may not have explained myself well enough here, so let me put it this way: Over all, I want to be a vessel that God would use to pour out of into the lives of the congregation. It is my desire to see the body encouraged, empowered, and edified. I, in myself, do not have the ability to do this. Naturally, I am very fearful of public speaking. The only reason I continue to get up in front church and preach is because I know God wants me to. The only way I can do it is if I totally depend on Him. I have to be obedient to pray, read, research, write, pray some more...Go where He leads me. This last Sunday, I picked my own topic and tried to make it happen on my own.
So I repent. I ask forgiveness for my disobedience, and pray that I've learned a lesson: Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (I know, taken out of context, but you get my point)
I'll you know my schedule as it becomes availible.
Dave, do you have any of your services on tape we can listen to?
Surly: you open that day, we should meet up for dinner.
I can't do dinner, but I can do cake and coffee afterwards.
I'll see if I have and CD's of past messages around, otherwise our sound guy might have them. I perfer not to keep a paper trail.