Inspiration
I woke up early Sunday morning (earlier than normal) because I wanted to pray through my message and get the main thoughts in my head.
It turned out as I was praying through the already written message that unrelated thoughts (the already written message) began to pour out on paper.
45 minutes later I found myself with another message.
The dilemma? I was uncertain if I was supposed to deliver the new message or stick with the previously planned message.
The solution? I shared both messages.
What’s a preacher type to do in such situations?
Please tell me you didn’t use the phrase, “Church, I have a few thoughts to share with you today.”
We had a preacher who when he used that phrase nuked many a roast that was meant for a 30 minute sermon.
My farming grandfather loved farm stories as it relates to preachers. In this case, he would have said, “Son, you don’t know how long the winter’s going to be. You probably aught to put that other bale back in the barn.”
Makes me think of the comments I wrote down, in the form of a letter, to read at my retirement party last week! (I had to read them in order to not have to 1) look at everybody all the time, and 2) remember what I wanted to say!) I began with “I’ll make this brief.” I closed after a 2-1/2 page letter with “Imagine what this would have been like if I wasn’t being brief!”
I’m sure BOTH messages were truly inspired.
I’ve changed many a sermon based upon those “random” thoughts!
From Greg’s blog this morning, we know how he feels about long sermons….
I find myself continually modifying the sermon I’ve written (especially after I’ve preached it once in first service and it bombed!), though I don’t remember adding a complete second sermon.
If we really do believe that the Spirit is involved in the preaching of the Word, we need to allow for a bit of guidance and re-direction.