Our world is so full of stresses, Father, may we strive to pause, think, and then love with all our hearts – both You and others. Love conquers all! (That phrase isn’t in the Bible but the concept sure is!)

1 Corinthians 1:17 (<<click here to read the passage)

Growing up I don’t remember ever thinking that I was going to be a preacher. I never felt led to do anything but serve in the church (my degree is in Church Music), but my plan was to only be behind the pulpit leading worship or singing a solo on occasion.

I am grateful that the Lord says in Isaiah 55:8-9,

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
….neither are your ways my ways,”
……..declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
….so are my ways higher than your ways
….and my thoughts than your thoughts. NIV

My life has not gone the way I thought it would but, God knows best!

That being said, I do enjoy preaching. As my churches are well aware, I almost always rework another preacher’s sermons. (There are multiple sites where preachers share their sermons, and others are encouraged to use them how they will.) Being bi-vocational has its challenges. I never preach a sermon verbatim, but work through it, changing and tweaking it to reflect who I am and how I communicate – all under the watchful guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For myself, and for that matter, all of us, The Apostle Paul’s statement in verse 17 needs to be adhered to. He emphasizes the fact that Christ sent him “to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” NIV

My Life Application Study Bible states that Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say but against those who try to impress others with their knowledge or speaking ability. He stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners: He wanted them to be impressed with his message, not just his style. You don’t need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the Good News effectively.

I love speaking but I always must keep in mind that I am just a simple vessel through whom our great and mighty Lord shares His message. I don’t want to be guilty of emptying the Christ’s cross of it’s power… What truly changes us to the core of our being is the power of the cross of Christ. The persuasive power is in the story, not the storyteller. (emphasis mine)

Sept 25th, 2023, Mon, 12:37 pm