When I sat down from preaching last night, a strange feeling came over me. It was that sense of relief I feel after the third sermon I preach in most revivals. It’s the feeling that my work is done and it’s time to go home. Then it dawned on me that I have three more sermons to preach before I can go home. And relief then turned into fatigue. I am so physically tired, last night I think I could feel every footstep I took. But spiritually, I am being revived, encouraged, and strengthened.
This has been a great week, so far. Since I arrived here Monday, I have been in seven worship meetings. I have preached three sermons, and have four sermons. Well, that’s not exactly true. I actually missed the sermon at the noonday service on Tuesday. My ride came to pick me up. But I had changed rooms. And he asked for my room number at the front desk, rather than my name. And so he waited for me in the lobby and I waited for him in my room. Finally, he left me. And I called a cab to take me to church. But the cab didn’t know where he was going. And by the time I got to church, the sermon was over. I was so upset (not to mention embarrassed). But I picked up the CD and listened to it as soon as I got back to my room. In all, I have heard messages by Brian Carter (He’s the new pastor of Concord Church in Dallas, where the late E.K. Bailey was the pastor). I have also heard messages by Betrain (“Choo Choo”) Bailey, David Bullock, and Roosevelt Bradley. I have been greatly encouraged by all of these messages. Every message I have heard, so far, has reflected sound and conservative theology. And these have all been from young men. I praise God for that! God still has many preachers who have not bowed their knee to Baal!
Today, Theron Williams from Indianapolis will preach the noon message. And President Stephen Thurston will bring the late-night message. On tomorrow, there will be four services. Dr. L.K. Curry will bring the message at the breakfast service. C. Dennis Edwards will bring the noon message. And I am scheduled to bring the late-night message. So I am supposed to preach twice tomorrow night. Pray that the Lord will give me strength. Beyond these messages, I have quite a bit of work to get done for this weekend. This Saturday, I have a message to bring at a men’s conference, when I get off the plane. Then, I am supposed to close out my series on the Ten Commandments on Sunday, and continue my series on the “one another” commands in Sunday School. My mother has been fussing at me, telling me to miss some of the mass services, so I can get some rest. And I have agreed with her each time. But the fellowship is so sweet, and the preaching is so good, I just can’t bring myself to miss anything. And I will not be in any setting quite like this for the rest of the year. As much preaching as I do, it is good for me to sit under the word of God. Preachers need preaching, too!!!