Comments on: 111318939834152468

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 02:49:00 +0000

So true. Praise be to God that He is not limited by our weaknesses and frailties. May you and all of us always be available to God’s spirit that He may be preached always

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 10:32:00 +0000

Thanks to all of you for these words. I especially benefitted from realizing (again) that others in their vocations — doctors, stay-at-home parents, teachers, etc. — often have a sense of inadequacy. God working in us, through us, and despite us is a great mystery of the gospel.

By: Dwayne

Dwayne — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 04:57:00 +0000

Mike…just wanted to say “thanks” for the lively discussion on your blog. I’m a church planter through Kairos located in Salem, Oregon (you may or may not remember me meeting you at the gym in Abilene), but have found the dialogue on your blog interesting. I appreciate your honest reflections. Gotta love the “web” of blogging connections.

By: David

David — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 23:27:00 +0000

Mike,

It seems to me that preaching in “the zone” is when a prepared mind integrates with a humble heart in the awe inspiring presence of an Almighty God. As a result, listeners open their minds and hearts because they sense the presence of God.

IMO, you are the Michael Jordan of preachers!

By: David Michael

David Michael — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 23:27:00 +0000

Mike,

IMO, you are the Michael Jordan of preachers!

By: Thurman8er

Thurman8er — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 21:37:00 +0000

I’m still early enough in my “preaching life” that I will sometimes be simultaneously speaking and thinking, “Whose words are these? This is great stuff! I wish I’D written it!”

OH, the Spirit is awesome!

By: Kevin Harper

Kevin Harper — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 20:13:00 +0000

Good post, Mike, I’ve been there before.

On the other hand, there is no Biblical requirement for a sermon-giver or a sermon slot every Sunday or at any particular assembly of the Lord’s people. It’s certainly not wrong, and we do a good work when we bring a message of encouragement to an audience. But there is also nothing wrong with simply saying “Today we are going to pray to God Almighty and sing praises to Him and read straight from His Word.” How refreshing that would be if more congregations did that more frequently.

By: Beaner

Beaner — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 19:51:00 +0000

A visual image that we use for our Worship/Praise Team is that we are reaching out our hands to the “audience” & pulling them not to US, but past us to God. That way we can keep pur focus on Him & not on us. When we get caught up in the notes or the words we often need to refocus by reminding ourselves of this:

“It’s all about YOU, Jesus. And all this is for YOU; for your glory & your praise. It’s not about me, as if you should do things my way. For you alone are God & I SURRENDER to Your will.”

By: Beverly

Beverly — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 18:29:00 +0000

It seems to me that there are times we serve in triumph and victory, and times we serve out of humble obedience, trusting God to use us in the midst of our humanity. Perhaps those are the times he can use us the best, in that we are most genuine and genuinely reliant on Him. We serve a trustworthy God. For that, I am ever grateful.

Thanks, Mike for sharing honestly. I wasn’t there Sunday–I was home with our 2nd round of pink eye with our 2 year old. So, while I have no doubt that God answered your heart’s prayer, I am moreso reminded of my responsibility to pray for our leaders. It is not often that we get to know your needs specifically, but with a little imagination, it would not be difficult to pray relevantly.

Thanks to SG–there is nothing I can add to what you said re: being a mom, though I am challenged to remember to take my mothering to God, daily.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 15:50:00 +0000

I’ve been preaching for five years now and I pray the same prayer with my congregation at the beginning of every sermon: “Father, at this time I pray that you speak through me or in spite of me”.

Your post captures my emotions perfectly. Peace, Ryan Inlow

By: Joel Quile

Joel Quile — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 13:40:00 +0000

And God delievers weekly.

Some “preachers” don’t preach. They don’t let God’s Word have it say.

You do. Thanks for preaching Mike.

By: SG

SG — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 13:14:00 +0000

I do the same thing everyday as a Mom. I look at my kids needs and potential and I think “Am I ready for this?” Sometimes I think God over estimated me when he blessed me with these kids. Can I really be the mother they need? I pray for the right words, the right love, and the right understanding, fully knowing only God knows exactly what I need to do and be for my kids. Only God can fill the gaps and flaws in me so that I measure up to the task. And then, from time to time, God gives me these magical moments when I see the little person my child is becoming. In those moments I know God is molding them into exactly who they need to be. He must be doing the same thing in me, even when I feel more like a spectator than a facilitator. God lets me mother beyond my abilities. It’s incomprehensible, but I count on it daily!

By: Jana

Jana — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 12:50:00 +0000

You are such a gifted teacher, Mike. Thanks for sharing honestly, and letting us know that there is sometimes struggle behind the words you speak.

By: Jenni

Jenni — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 12:45:00 +0000

Mike - it is good to hear that preachers are human like the rest of us! I know that it is easy for us to assume that, because you get up there and teach us all, you’ve got it all together. I truly appreciate your allowing us to see “behind the scenes.” After being away from Abilene for nearly 6 years (after hearing you preach for 8 years through my high school and college days), I still feel like you are “my” preacher. I consider it a blessing and a joy any time I get to hear you speak.

And I love that you beg God to pour through you His gift of preaching before you start. It is a reminder to us all that you are the messenger, but He is the message.

By: Frank Bellizzi

Frank Bellizzi — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 12:29:00 +0000

Mike,

Another great post. And so very familiar. I have to be careful, because just about the time there’s preaching that passeth all preparation, I start thinking, “Maybe I should back off on getting ready to preach.” Next Sunday, it’s mediocre at best.

What still surprises me is how TIRED preaching makes the preacher (but nobody else, I hope). Some Sunday nights, I feel like I’ve been running all day.