April 16, 2019 SHARE: Reading time: ONE minute (Holy Week!) Did you ever step into the pulpit thinking, “This sermon is not ready. Dear Lord, send your Spirit to bless this mess. Amen.” I have. To one degree or another, I’ve felt that way and prayed that way about 4,000 times, every time I preach. It’s Holy Week. It’s time to surrender. As you’re putting the finishing touches on all of your preparations for preaching and worship, and as you’re feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, please remember that there are no perfect sermons because there are no perfect preachers. Jesus wants you feeling inadequate, unprepared and completely dependent upon him as you step up to preach. It’s in our weakness that his strength is on display. Don’t get me wrong; there’s no excuse for lack of preparation. I hope you’ve been planning ahead and giving your best effort to your sermon preparation, but remember your place. And remember his grace. Anointed for service in your baptism and sent into ministry at your ordination, the blessing of God upon all you are and all you do is the only power that really matters. If anything good happens in worship this week, it’s because of the efficacy of the word of God and the movement of the Holy Spirit. My prayer for you this week is that you would prepare for your tasks through hard work, but ultimately through rest, prayer and humbly placing yourself into the hands of the Lord. That’s a good place to be! You’re in my prayers. Thanks for reading. Our ministry is made possible by the generous donations of people just like you. Click here to discover how simple it is to make your gift of any size to Grace Place Wellness. Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming a major benefactor to sponsor a retreat in your area? Our President/CEO Randy Fauser would love to hear from you today!