This has been an unusual week for me (I will spare you the details), but to say the least it has made sermon preparation difficult. Although every week varies, I typically spend 25-30 hours of sermon prep total for 2 sermons. I find this much time necessary because I am a slow learner and because far be it from me to casually stand before my sheep and just “shoot from the hip.” I take very seriously the ominous words of James 3:1: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” and Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account…”

I share all of this with you because up until this morning I have been struggling and wrestling with two passages that just kept eluding me no matter how much I studied and prayed(if you must know, they are 1 Kings 22:41-53 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-26). Praise be to God, however, who has in the past few moments helped my unbelief! A quickening light has diffused the darkness and I cannot help but sing his praises!

My Raptured Soul
Taken from the Gadsby Hymnal #268
Words: John Berridge, 1716-1793.

If Jesus Kindly Say,

and with a whispering word,

‘Arise my love and come away,’

I run to meet my Lord.

My raptured soul will rise up,

and give a cheerful spring,

and dart through all the lofty skies,

to visit Zion’s King,

to visit Zion’s King.