This morning I think I actually awoke from dreaming about myself working on my message for Sunday. I don't know if that's a good thing or not. I recently finished reading Communicating for Change, by Andy Stanley. Any coincidence that I'm asked to speak for our main service the very next week I finished that book? Well, as Andy would say "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
Pastor Fred is a great man of God who not only loves preaching but lives for it. I consider it a great honor and privilege for him to ask me to speak after only eight months on staff. Along with not wanting to ruin my opportunity, I'm feeling a greater responsibility as I approach this Sunday's service. I'm very particular about who I allow to speak to our students. Pastors have to be even more particular about who they allow to speak to the church at large.
As I prepare a message normally I don't do a large amount of stewing and rewording. I've never been able to figure out why or how God chooses to use me so I just try to get out of the way. For this weekend however, I'm doing all I can this side of Heaven to prepare. I'm using many of the principles and guidelines I learned while reading Communicating for Change. It's been enormously helpful. I have a tendency to over inform when I do a lot of prep work for a message. These tips have helped me skim away the needless information which will give more emphasis on the life changing truth that only God can reveal.
Please pray for me over the next few days and if you're in the area, come by Northwood Church for 8:30, 10, or 11:30 am service to hear it live. Don't forget to set your clocks forward this weekend or you'll oversleep. As for me..."I'm to excited to sleep!"
I will definitely pray for you my man! I know that you'll blow em away, though! Just be you, and get out of God's way like you always have!! You've gotta call me and let me know how this experience goes! I love you, dude!
Posted by: Randy Loveless | March 05, 2009 at 07:28 PM