Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. – Colossians 4:2-4
This week (September 18-20, 2018), the Cutting It Straight Expository Preaching Conference will take place at the Shiloh Church in Jacksonville (FL), where I am privileged to serve as pastor-teacher.
This is the fifth year of Cutting It Straight. We are grateful for all the Lord has done in and through us to train, model, and promote biblical preaching and teaching. And we are looking forward to a rich, full, and blessed conference this year!
I am excited to host those who will attend this year’s conference. But whether you will attend or not, I have a big favor to ask all of our ministry friends and partners. Please cover Cutting it Straight in believing prayer over next three days!
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Pray for safe passage for those who will be traveling to Jacksonville this week from all around the country. Hurricane Florence has disrupted flights and other travel plans for people around the country. Please pray for the Lord’s mercy and grace for those who will press their way to Cutting It Straight.
Pray for all of our guest speakers, who are scheduled to teach, preach, or lead during the conference. We have sessions for preachers, student ministry leaders, Christian education workers, ministers’ wives, women’s ministry leaders, and worship leaders. May the Lord guide, strengthen, and use each speaker to his glory!
Pray for our conference team, church staff, and Shiloh volunteers who will labor in love to lead the conference and serve our guests this week. It is a long week for us. But it is also one of the best weeks of ministry fo us. We are excited!
Pray for pastors, leaders, teachers, ministers, and all who will attend. Some will attend for the first time. Others have attended each year of the conference. Mayer have sacrificed much to be with us. May they go home spiritually equipped, challenged, and refreshed.
Pray that all that takes place during this conference will honor the word of God, exalt the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, and bring glory to the name of God the Father! This work is not about us. It is about the Lord. We pray the Lord would use Cutting It Straight as a small spark that ignites a revival of biblical preaching and teaching.
Finally, I please that you remember me in your prayers. I have the privilege of speaking regularly at preaching and pastor conferences. And I can tell you that speaking ten times at a conference is nothing compared to hosting that conference.
I carry a heaving burden, hosting this conference. Last year, by the time it was time for me to speak, I was so out of gas that I did not think I would have the energy to stand up to preach. I was able to preach, with God’s help, but my voice was gone.Pray that the Lord will be give physical strength and spiritual energy to serve our conference attendees well this week.
In advance, let me thank you for your prayers, participation, and partnership in the gospel!
It happens after prayer!