I'm such a Jackass...biblicaly speaking.
Let me explain.
I am a pastor/preacher/teacher (whatever you want to call it). Not because I hold a position at a church and not because I have been given a title but because that's what I am. It is the gift that God gave me. I say God gave it to me because I hate public speaking with a passion. If I have to stand up and speak in front of any amount of people I lock up (deer in the headlights). I have panic attacks, I get the sweats, I can't think...you get the idea.
So when I felt the calling to become a pastor I knew it had to be God because NOTHING in me ever wants to do any of what a pastor has to do.
I preached my first sermon a few years back. I was a nervous Nelly. I practiced and practiced and practiced so that my fear of forgetting everything wouldn't come to pass. I almost didn't do it. But on that day I got behind the pulpit and prayed, not for the sermon and not for God to speak through me or any of that kinda thing. I prayed for ME. And I have to say that things went better than great. I was absolutely flabbergasted. There was a peace on me during the sermon that was supernatural.
When it was all over I stepped down from behind the pulpit and talked to everyone there and over and over again everyone told me how good I did.
Modestly I thanked them and gave all the glory to God but deep inside I really enjoyed all of that praise. Which leads us to where I'm going with this ramble.
I read the 21st chapter of Matthews gospel last night. I want to share the section that made me remember this event.
"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."
This is where Palm Sunday comes from. Everyone laid their clothing and palm fronds on the ground and praised the Savior on His triumphant entry to bring peace.
My original statement was derived from this moment in the scriptures.
On the occasion that I deliver a sermon I will always receive praise. And deep within I accept it as if I had done something wonderful, when really I am just an ASS bringing Jesus to the place He needs to go.
Imagine that day if the Donkey had thought all that praise was for him instead of for Jesus.
So I guess I can say that I am proud to be such a Jackass...biblicaly speaking
HEE HAW!
Let me explain.
I am a pastor/preacher/teacher (whatever you want to call it). Not because I hold a position at a church and not because I have been given a title but because that's what I am. It is the gift that God gave me. I say God gave it to me because I hate public speaking with a passion. If I have to stand up and speak in front of any amount of people I lock up (deer in the headlights). I have panic attacks, I get the sweats, I can't think...you get the idea.
So when I felt the calling to become a pastor I knew it had to be God because NOTHING in me ever wants to do any of what a pastor has to do.
I preached my first sermon a few years back. I was a nervous Nelly. I practiced and practiced and practiced so that my fear of forgetting everything wouldn't come to pass. I almost didn't do it. But on that day I got behind the pulpit and prayed, not for the sermon and not for God to speak through me or any of that kinda thing. I prayed for ME. And I have to say that things went better than great. I was absolutely flabbergasted. There was a peace on me during the sermon that was supernatural.
When it was all over I stepped down from behind the pulpit and talked to everyone there and over and over again everyone told me how good I did.
Modestly I thanked them and gave all the glory to God but deep inside I really enjoyed all of that praise. Which leads us to where I'm going with this ramble.
I read the 21st chapter of Matthews gospel last night. I want to share the section that made me remember this event.
"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."
My original statement was derived from this moment in the scriptures.
On the occasion that I deliver a sermon I will always receive praise. And deep within I accept it as if I had done something wonderful, when really I am just an ASS bringing Jesus to the place He needs to go.
Imagine that day if the Donkey had thought all that praise was for him instead of for Jesus.
So I guess I can say that I am proud to be such a Jackass...biblicaly speaking
HEE HAW!
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