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My heart, it begins to race, my palms they begin to get moist and the sound begins to either completely go away, or robs my own attention and focus from me. Each Sunday morning this happens. Some of you that know me, know that when I get up in front of people, I get nervous. If I am going to read something, then this is really a problem, because, well my eyes, they dart from place to place and I can not "grab" the word or sentence off of the page. This is not a good thing for a preacher. Whether it is in my head or what, the fact remained, getting in front of people was a problem.

Hear the Good News, as we experience trials or problems, we must remember that we are not alone. King Nebbie called Rac, Shac, and Bennie to floor and told them they were going to have to renounce God. This was a problem for them, yet they had faith that God would see them through. Preaching has been quite similar for myself. Each morning I have to ask God to be with me and to help me as I am in front of other people. Am I nervous, yes, but I am able to do that which I would not be able to do without Him. My eyes, though they still area problem, I am able to share the Gospel. And for preaching, believe I am being freed from focusing on my manuscript and focusing on the people and the Gospel from within.

Gracious Father, when the storms of life and the problems of the world begin to close in, You are there. Help me to focus on your presence, in order that I might see Your hand at work, instead of seeing only the road block and barriers. Far too often we focus on the road block or barrier instead of just moving past them. Give me the strength and courage to carry on all off my days. Thank you Father, for all You have done and all You will continue to do in my life. Amen.