About three years ago I had the privilege of talking to a pastor while calling for my seminary's "phonathon". I had met him several years before, while I attended the university across the street from the church he served. After thanking him for his recent contribution to the seminary, I told him that I had heard him preach several times while I was in college. He was a magnificent preacher who extended the gospel from the pulpit as if it were the most precious gift to behold. After we talked awhile, I asked him how he brought his sermons to life week after week for 37 years. He told me, "The best gift you can give to yourself and to the people you serve in ministry is to read something significant everyday and write everyday."
I wrote what he said down and it has sat in my Bible as a reminder since then. Although I have not succeeded in achieving daily reading and writing (and doubt I will anytime soon), I am on the journey, picking up bits and pieces of the grace and mystery of God around me and reflecting on them when I allow myself to utilize the gift of time to capture for more than a moment God's closeness to me and the world.
I hope that in beginning this blog, I will capture my thoughts more consistently, and that God may even use this space as a place to be encountered and draw close to others. I am thankful to Pastor Wade, who impressed on me the value of the Word and words. He said, "Look to the verbs, the power is in the verbs!" May our being, doing, living, laughing, mourning, hoping, praying, eating, drinking, playing and loving be a reflection of the One who has given all in all to us in Jesus.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
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2 comments:
While randomly looking for good blogs I cames across yours. What that pastor said is incredibly true. Reading and writing are key to keeping the preaching fresh and to be honest worhtwhile for those who gather to worship and hear the word of God. That is why surf the blogs occasionally looking for other christians whose writings and inspirations will most likely never make it to a book, but are incredibly valuable to hear.
As a pastor for the last 8 years i learn this more and more. So to you i hope the blog is a great way to grow and express yourself. - From someone you will never meet - God be with you
It would be a good thing to keep a journal of sorts, to bring clarity to your thoughts. By writing them down you are giving concreteness to your vague ideas. If you can compress it as much as possible into one- liners it shall carry more effect. It may be very demanding but with practice it ought to be worth the effort.
I am speaking from my experience.
benny
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