Every day I start my morning with my time in the Word, reading and rereading a passage or chapter, praying that God will let me see/hear/comprehend/set-to-heart whatever it is that I need to see/hear/comprehend or set-to-heart. I then type a bit about that, nothing too long hopefully, on here as a jumping off point for others. The hope is that maybe, somehow, whatever it is that God sees fit to let me see/hear/comprehend/set-to-heart will impact someone else either that day, or some time in the future (since the internet is forever) for His sake. 

My usual rotation for reading has been to read a book from the Old Testament, a chapter a day, beginning with Genesis, then after I finish that book, I jump to the New Testament, read a Gospel (in rotating order) and then read, Acts, all the Epistles and eventually Revelation. After that, I jump back to the OT, read the next book, and repeat the cycle. 

Each day, reading and rereading the chapter, praying over it, and asking God to help me see what I need to see to grow in Christ and seek out His will & purpose. I ask Him to correct any wrong ideas and thoughts as I read, echoing David’s prayer in Psalm 139, that He would search my heart, correcting me and leading me in His path.

It’s an easy formula to follow and I thoroughly enjoy it.

But today, I jump off from my normal course of action and regular devotional plan. Today I begin my sabbatical, not just a time of refreshing for my own soul, but a seeking of where God is leading me for all my time in the pulpit for the year to come. And while I have started praying well in advance about this, dedicating my heart and mind to the task, I also need to remember to be open, to listen and see/hear/comprehend/set-to-heart whatever it is that He is leading me to…
Because this isn’t about me. In my daily devotions, it isn’t about me. In my sabbatical and planning, it should never be about me. This is about how He wants to lead me and use me to impact and change others. It’s about His will, His Kingdom and His glory and to lose sight of that is to focus on self and derail the whole process. 

This is all always about Him. I take the words of John the Baptist very seriously when he simply said of Jesus, “He must become greater. I must become less.” (John 3:30)

I also know that my role as a preacher/teacher is a very serious thing, and I do not take it lightly. James 3:1 makes that abundantly clear. “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, for you know that we will be held to a stricter judgment.” It is in grace that I move and speak daily, and I am glad for that, but the seriousness of what He chooses to do should never evade my mind or heart. 

So, as I am beginning my sabbatical, my postings here will probably be much less regular over the course of the month. I am concentrating on different things, and giving myself (hopefully wholly) over to the effort. 

 

God bless & see you in September.