Sermon Preparation – From A Pastor's Heart

Returning to the Place I Meet with God and Study His Word: How blessed to be able to take advantage of the grace gift of a place to study and prepare messages for each Sunday! A place of no distractions, very limited cell service, a place to be still and listen to the voice of God speak through His Word and in prayer. Why do I go there? The greatest burden I bear each week is the preparation to preach the Word on Sundays and Wednesdays. My wife asked me yesterday, “When have you stepped out in faith?” I said, with a chuckle, “When I married you!” And that is the truth because we have had to lean on the Lord every day of our married lives. Then I followed it up with a more serious answer, “Every week when I prepare to preach.” Handling God’s Word is no light assignment, and I want to give the sheep I shepherd good grain each week. Therefore, this new place of study has become very, very dear to me.

Pastor’s Pals: For years I’ve had the children in the Sunday morning service come up front and sit on the floor with me while I share an object lesson, work with Buddy Bear, sing songs, and teach truths for life. How precious are these kids . . . many of whom are now in college and/or married. What an awesome privilege and responsibility it is to minister to these little hearts. My passion is for them to serve the Lord today and to grow up to be more than just good. I want them to see them be godly and follow the Lord all their days!

A Day With My Wife Getting Our “Batteries” Recharged: Since coming back from our August Sabbatical, the ministry calendar has been full of the expected as well as the unexpected that is not unexpected with the Lord. Having planned for this day back in the summer, it came at a great time. How wonderful to go to one of our favorite get-away places, Dollywood, and hear good Southern Gospel music from two of my favorite groups, Greater Vision and Karen Peck & New River. How our hearts were stirred and revived as we listened to music that pointed us to Christ, His atoning work on the cross, His power to save and heal, as well as the promise of Heaven. One song, among many, that encouraged my heart was written by Rodney Griffin. Here are the lyrics and a link if you desire to listen to it. As a pastor, you’ll understand why it ministered to my heart.
Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is
Preacher,I’d say it’s been a while since you heard this request,
but my spirit is tired and I need rest.
I want to hear from Heaven a clear word from God,
A sermon of conviction straight from the heart.

(verse 2)
I’ve been hearin’ other preachers say I don’t have to change.
The most eloquent of speakers tell me I’m okay.
But it hasn’t eased my conscience and I know it’s not the truth.
So when you stand before us, can I count on you?

(chorus)
Oh Preacher, you say you want to be my friend,
don’t be afraid to call my sin what it is.
And Preacher, tell me I can overcome,
but it’s only by the blood of the Lamb.
Don’t tell me like I wish it was, Preacher tell me like it is.

(verse 3)
So open up the Word and let the Spirit lead,
Preach until I’ve heard God speak to me.
Don’t worry ’bout my feelin’s, don’t worry ’bout my shame,
Just preach the cross of Jesus and that I’m to blame!

(chorus)

(bridge)
Life is quickly passing, the world is fading fast
and the foolishness of preaching is the only hope we have.

(chorus)

http://www.letssingit.com/greater-vision-lyrics-preacher-tell-me-like-it-is-7d3h74r#ixzz4NgBsMm6S

YouTube video: Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is

Just continuing to clip “grace coupons” every day!!!

A Place to Meet with God and Study His Word: Since returning from our time away in August, I have rearranged my schedule. As a pastor who has been preaching the Word for 41 years, it would be real easy to coast along in sermon preparation. Recognizing the need of keeping my heart on fire and hearing directly from the Throne of God, I have made it a point to give Monday and Tuesday to digging in the Word, sitting at Jesus’ feet, seeking God’s face for my messages. I do not want give the congregation I love so dearly “leftovers” or a “fast-food” sermon. My sheep need good grain that comes from the hand of God. So, with that in mind, the Lord has graciously provided a place that has become very dear to me. A place where my cell phone has almost a non-existent signal; a place of extreme quiet; a place removed from the distractions of home where my study is located; and a place that causes me to be very intentional. This is a huge grace coupon!!

Mentoring: Our neighbor’s two children attend Pioneer Club, our Wednesday children’s ministry. If a child has to miss a night, they can make it up during the week. So, what a thrill to help my little buddy next door with his assignment. I had a hard time holding back the tears. He is so precious, and like a grandson to us. He is all boy!!! Thank You, Lord, for another grace coupon!! God, you are so good to me!!

Country Living: Our home is a genuine gift of God’s grace. The story behind it and how He has used it in these three years for ministry has been and is awesome!! Here’s the view yesterday morning. I never tire of the quiet, the cattle across the way, the sunrise, and the time spent in prayer and in God’s Word . . . here in the country!! Love those grace coupons!!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).