Monday Preaching Blues 6/25/07
Posted on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 11:31 am
When I arrived home yesterday at about two in the afternoon, I asked my wife “Does it seem to you that my sermons are getting progressively worse?” She assured me that they weren’t (I figured that meant that they had always been that bad) and always does what she can to help me to remember that it is not me who does anything on Sunday.
The second service started out as a nightmare. I mean a real nightmare. I am always so afraid that I am going to mispronounce something or say something in such a way that it is scandalous. As I started the invocation yesterday that very nearly happened. I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was awful and was a second and a half of silence (while I was trying to figure out what I had said and what to do to fix it) seemed like an eternity. But, like dropping a lid to the communion set, life goes on.
I take great comfort in a line from John Piper: “God will hide much of the results of our preaching because he wants to glorify himself and not us.” I believe that and that is what keeps me coming back each week to take another swing at it. While I am not a home run hitter, every once in a while God allows me an infield single. I come to the pulpit hoping for one, but knowing that anyone in the stands who is really moved, is moved by the wind of the Spirit, and not the wind of the bat.
Glory to God Alone,
DSL
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Comments
1Laura K.:Tuesday, June 26th, 2006 at 7:58 am
I enjoy reading your thoughts, Dr. Sam - I appreciate your honesty, too, about the mess-ups… always encouraging for someone who drops things too and sometimes (often?) has her words not come out quite the way they were in her head. It’s good to remember that it’s NOT about us and our competency - but it’s all about God and the glory He receives when He works in spite of our INcompetency. Thanks for the reminders.
2Chickie Alexander:Wednesday, June 27th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
You have no idea how God is being glorified and how much he is using you as a vessel to teach all of us! Your sermons have been incredible and we are so grateful and thankful to the Lord for raising up a teacher of His word like you. I am praying and so are others that God calls you as our Teaching Pastor. You have a very down to earth relateable way about you that encourages each of us. Your sermon this week on Divorce was a hard subject I am sure for people to hear as are some other topics, But God truth must be heard. God hates divorce ( Malachi 2: 13- 16) and marriage should be honored by all. We need to uplift in prayer and council people to seek forgiveness, soft hearts and reconciliation and not be comformed by the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. God calls us to be different from the world. We are all praying for you. God Bless you and thank you for all you are doing in Dr Kenedy’s absense.
3Ryan Brasington:Thursday, June 28th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Hey, Dr. Lamerson. “The wind of Spirit, not the wind of the bat.” That’s really encouraging insight for me this week. Thanks.
4Winnie:Thursday, June 28th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Undeniably - you DO make a difference. Your words of wisdom come to my mind several times during the week. Your humble nature causes me to think about my prideful times. We are so blessed to have you and Warren in the pulpit during this difficult time. Your style of teaching is much appreciated. It’s wonderful to have God’s Word explained so clearly and then brought forth to challenge us.
Do not be discouraged. God will continue to uphold you and I pray He will quiet your troubled heart.
God’s Blessings! And thank you for who you are.
5Genevieve:Friday, June 29th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
To think that you are doubting yourself is not possible, but then it is an awsome task that you have accepted. I am truly grateful and thankful that you are in the pulpit to guide us in these difficult times. All I here around me are praises about your preaching and you are truly appreciated.
May God bless you and may you find peace in Him.
Thank You!
6Gordon:Saturday, July 7th, 2006 at 12:25 am
I am a former member of the Church and Choir at Coral Ridge or Choral Ridge as some people refer to it. I don’t live close enough to ever attend services these days but I was corresponding with a present member of the Church and her comment was that you were doing “Great” and she recommended that I take a look at your web page. I won’t mention her name but thought I would pass the word along. I pray that God’s Will will be made clear to the church leaders and that Coral Ridge will emerge from this time of trial stronger than ever proclaiming God’s Truth. God bless you and Coral Ridge.