Today's Word for Pastors...

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32

Today's Preaching Insight...

Praying Preachers

The dire need of today's church is for preachers to become praying people in order to harness the resources of heaven and become channels of blessing. If society is to be impacted with the presence of the Lord, Preachers must have a vivid knowledge of the Holy One. That is discovered "in the shelter of the Most High" and "under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

As William Longstaff wrote in poetic eloquence, it takes effort to be holy by spending "much time in secret with Jesus alone." It is a lonely vigil but the most rewarding experience this side of heaven. A joyous presence envelopes us throughout the day after experiencing the satisfaction of worshipping Him. According to the Psalmist, it is a place of stillness where we know God (Psalm 46:10). We can only hear Him speak to us when we are quiet before Him.

God hears us when we leave the tumble and rush of the world for the quiet hour. That is illustrated by Jesus who often went to a mountain to have a night-long conversation with His heavenly Father. This was also true of Elijah. He was strengthened by food prepared by an angel and traveled alone for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the Mountain of God. During that journey he enjoyed companionship and fellowship with the Lord (I Kings 19:5-8).

(To read the entire article "Praying Preachers" by Ernest V. Liddle at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Tact

In a classic "Peanuts" comic, Charlie Brown is warned that all the girls are angry with him. The girls confront him with many complaints and then ask, "What have you got to say for yourself?" Rather than arguing, Charlie says, "Nothing. You girls are absolutely right, and I'm glad to hear you feel this way." After they leave he turns to look at the reader and says, "My soft answer hath turned away a whole flock of wrath."

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