Listening

I’ve had a sheet of paper in my possession for the last few months.  Ripped from a Christian magazine, there is a website indicated to get to podcasts from Beeson Divinty School (www.beesondivinity.com/podcast).

I happened upon Sinclair Ferguson’s podcast with Timothy George.  In the midst of listening (and I’m not a regular podcast listener), Sinclair is talking about preaching.  He says that some days the worst sermons he preaches, from his perspective, are the ones that touch people.

I had one of those times recently.  When I got up on Sunday I had already told the operator of our PowerPoint that I wasn’t sure what I was going to say.  I had a script, but it was missing something.  I knew it.  And time marches on, regardless of  who you are or what you feel! 

So I stood and preached on hope – the first Sunday of Advent , November 28th (you can find the sermon through our church website – www.kindersleyalliance.com – check out the sermon tab).  I found myself being passionate and strangely found the listeners listening.

After service I placed the sermon on the internet.

I decided to listen to it. 

Once again. 

I seldom do that.

Listening to what I said confirmed some things I truly believe.  From my heart and not just the script.  I’m  glad I listened!

Sometimes the unscripted moments are the ones we need to go back to.  To look at our passions.  To realize that our weakness is God’s strength.  To listen to what God has placed on our hearts.

Go back to the time you compassionately spoke to your child about their future.  The time you said sorry because you really were.  The time you leaned forward in your chair to make a point. 

Go back to the unscripted times and see what God was saying to you and through you.

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