When preparing sermons, both Randy and I do not find it hard to come up with messages, for we are passionate about the Truth of God’s Word. What is hard is narrowing down what all CAN be said to a few simple, understandable facts of Truth that will help others know Jesus more with ways to follow his teaching. (Never present a should without a how.)

If we realized, like Paul passionately said to Timothy, “God is looking over Your shoulder”, the notes of our sermons might take on new meaning, our preparation more intense, our presentation more passionate! Wow, just think about it, God IS right there with us. This is NOT just a Sunday morning exercise of our faith! It is a HOLY moment of God holding us up, looking over our shoulder, being our strength, giving us the right words to say, at the right time, in the right Spirit of love. Go deep. Keep it simple. Remember WHO is really doing the talking through you!

2 Timothy 4, The Message

1-2 I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.

Reflection:
–This passage should be posted on the computer screen of everyone who seeks to help others find Christ through the messages they will prepare for next weekend.

–Keep it simple. Keep it challenging. Keep it Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, Sometimes it takes a lot of words to get us to understand the importance of what You are really trying to say to us. Today, it only took a few sentences to stir our hearts. What a mighty God you are, to be everywhere at once, to look over our shoulders, and give us exactly what Your people (and us first) need to hear and take to heart. Thank you. Just thank you. Help us to listen, trust, obey and to keep it simple.
In Jesus Name, Amen