Thoughts on Preaching

I am preaching on James 3 this week. Here are some thoughts and feelings floating through my head:

• I am constantly trying to find ways in which I can convey the excitement and nutriment I receive from preparing for a sermon to those who will hear me deliver the sermon.
• I love to explain and teach, but sometimes I don't have to because the passage is clear enough on its own. When this happens I feel a little lost and am not sure of my place in the "preaching event."
  
• I long for a sermon preparation format, regiment or routine (maybe this is the problem) that lets the Holy Sprint move freely through me. I feel I can produce sermon manuscripts that are confining.
  
• I love details...almost to a fault. I sometimes miss the big picture. I can't see the forest for the bark.
• I tend to write in propositions, statements of fact, rather than in evocative language.
• I never feel more purposeful than when preaching God's word.
• I struggle with sermon preparation and delivery, but love the fight.
• I know that I am most attacked, spiritually, befor preaching.
• I am nervous every time I preach.
• I am more concerned about being wrong in my understanding and interpretation of Scripture than I am my "delivery."
• I believe the purpose of preaching is life change (for me and those who listen). My quest is to understand how my presentations of God's word can aid in this endeavor.