When I prepare, I like to leave lots of time and space. Time to turn things over, to mull and let thoughts come to fruition. Space for God to work in me, and I know he does, and will again. He surprises me again and again, bringing a different thought, a new perspective, occasionally a completely different angle on the passage or theme. I love these.
When I was training, my first year tutor was Peter Kefford. Peter’s churchmanship was (I think) very different from mine, but his love of Christ shone in everything he did and said. And one thing he said to us was:
“Every time you open this book, you will find something that excites you or moves you. If that isn’t happening, why on earth do you want to preach?”
And you know, all these years later, it’s still true. I open the book, and I find something, every time. I just don’t open it often enough!
Bless you.
