Last night I had the opportunity to preach at a special Sunday night service at my church. Today I feel like a truck backed over me. Preachers affectionately refer to this feeling as the "holy hangover." I normally go to bed around 8ish when i have to get up for work the next morning at 4:15 AM, but I was keyed up after preaching and couldn't settle down until about 11 PM. Add to that the fact that I woke up at 3:38 AM and couldn't go back to sleep.
Okay, enough whining...the truth is I had a ball. When I have the opportunity to preach, there is a part of my spirit that comes alive in a new way. I spent weeks wrestling through what to teach about and after several hours of prayer, study, and discussion with my friend Alan, it all came together in a beautiful way last night. Our small group pitched in Sunday afternoon and helped us get the chairs ready as well as arranging candles and bringing luggage for our set design. Alan and Elaine did an amazing job leading worship. There were moving moments at the altar and through the message. People were challenged to quit playing god and let God be God in their lives. I believe that many were listening. My prayer is that they live out that challenge today and beyond.
It has been almost eighteen months since I preached in a church service. I made a deal with God earlier this year. I promised Him that I would not take any message for granted, and that I would preach every sermon the rest of my life like it might be my last. I hope last night wasn't the last one, but if it is, I know in my heart that I did everything I could to let God speak through me and that I gave my best effort to honor Him with the words He placed in my mouth.
Even though I am completely wiped out right now, I'd do it all over again next Sunday if I could!
I hope it was not your last, because I missed out! I wish I would have realized that you were speaking as I would have made the effort to come. Nolan, God has very much given you a gift to speak out His truths. Daron and I are praying for you. There is something that God is up to with you man! You and your family! You all are wonderful in the eyes of the Lord and in my eyes too. We miss you all very, very much. Press in and press on!
Posted by: Jamie Koch | October 27, 2008 at 09:32 PM