But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not go weary, they will walk and not be faint.  – Isaiah 40:31

When I first made myself available to God to preach His Word, I didn’t really think He would take me up on the offer.  It was one of those things that I kind of hoped He would give me credit for my willingness, but not actually make me do it.  As it turns out, He has given me opportunity after opportunity.  Before I would deliver messages at churches, I used to go to the auditorium at Tamassee-Salem Middle/High school, turn on the sound system, and preach to the empty seats.  I would preach my heart out.  God’s power would be all over me and I just loved those times in that auditorium when it was just Him and me.

I say this because my heart has always been for my hometown.  I’ve always wondered if God would find a way for me to preach there.  It is looking like I may have the opportunity to preach in that very same auditorium that I used to practice. As I’ve been thinking about this for months now, I’m asking myself what it should look like.  The last thing I want to do is more of the same and more of what is already available.  I don’t want to do the Sunday morning, sing three songs, and then hear a message thing.  I’m not saying there is anything at all wrong with that, it just seems that we have made that a formula that you would swear is straight from the Bible.  

What I’m thinking (and praying that God is leading the way in this) is a Saturday afternoon service, like a 4:00 pm service.  I’m thinking that instead of playing songs that anyone can worship to on the radio, we sing songs that specifically help us learn and memorize scriptures.  Maybe we even sing the same song for weeks until that Word is drilled into our hearts, and we can worship to it from memory.  I’m thinking there is always room for testimonies . . . always a platform for people to tell what God is doing in their lives.  I’m thinking just how much I would love the opportunity to let the Holy Spirit freely flow . . . and I’m not saying that I know what that looks like.

I’m not going to even pretend that I know what I’m doing, I’m just throwing this out there and asking for any input and feedback.  I’m not saying anything will start next Sunday, but I am saying that it is a decent possibility for 2023.  Would you come?  Do you know people that would?  After attending a 4:00 Saturday service in Texas this past weekend, I think a lot of people might appreciate it.

Lord, use me for Your glory.  I’m willing and I’m available.  Amen.