Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Preaching Through Trials


Psalm 1:3 (KJV) - And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

I was on the phone earlier talking with a representative from Wordsearch (wordsearchbible), a Bible Software Company with headquarters in Austin, TX. He was giving me pertinent information relative to a new set of digital commentaries by Rod Mattoon.

While reading Mr. Mattoon's treatment of the above verse, I was arrested by his reference to a single page in John Wesley's journal. It reads:

Sunday A.M., May 5—Preached in St. Ann's; was asked not to come back anymore.

Sunday P.M., May 5—Preached at St. John's; deacons said, "Get out and stay out."

Sunday A.M., May 12—Preached at St. Jude's; can't go back there either.

Sunday P.M., May 12—Preached at St. George's; kicked out again.

Sunday A.M., May 19— Preached at St. Somebody Else's; deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.

Sunday P.M., May 19—Preached on the street; kicked off the street.

Sunday A.M., May 26—Preached out in a meadow; chased out of meadow when a bull was turned loose during the service.

Sunday A.M., June 2—Preached out at the edge of town; kicked off the highway.

Sunday P.M., June 2—Afternoon service, preached in the pasture; 10,000 people came.

- Mattoon's Treasures from Treasured Psalms, Volume 1

Mr. Mattoon further stated that "there is consistency in the life of the godly man. He is not up and down all the time. Life does not wither away the person of godly character because he draws his strength from the Lord." John Wesley drew his strength from God in difficult trials.

I don't know about you, but it blessed me so, I had to share it with you. The resiliency and rewards of God's people rest in the hands of Almighty God and our faithfulness to His word.

7 comments:

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

WOW what a blessing

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

Thank you for sharing this. You are a wonderful brother!!

Pastor Kraig L. Pullam said...

Wow McGhee, you have done it AGAIN. Your blogs and your gift for the English language have not yet ceased to amaze me. More importantly, the nuggets I have gathered from your blog. Keep them coming. This is good stuff.

Avery Minor II said...

Such a short story, but a powerful message! Nice!

Pastor Steve N. Wagers said...

Andrew,
Thanks for your kind words brother. Your blog looks great as well. Keep up the great expositional work.

I have just added a new feature to my blog. Instead of emailing them, I will be posting my weekly sermon notes to the blog. You can click the link, and open it up in Adobe.

Bless you brother.

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

That is great! I really enjoyed reading this, what an encouragement.

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

Wow... Enough said.

Kevin