I have a confession to make. I feel like I was in a speaking slump the last quarter of last year. I was going in too many directions. And I was simply dusting off old messages. I feel like I was speaking from left-brain memory instead of right-brain anointing.
Coming into 2009 I resolved a couple things. I want to be a better steward of every speaking opportunity. If that means speaking less so I can put more into each opportunity, so be it. I'm not going to dust off old notes. I'm not sure I can document this, but I remember reading a book by best-selling author Tom Peters probably a decade ago. Something he said inspired me. He determined that 80% of his content for his seminars would be new material. He refused to use old material. That motivated me. And it obviously stuck with me.
I've always been convicted and challenged by something R.T. Kendall wrote in his book, Yesterday's Man: "A person with a tremendous anointing yesterday can continue to see the momentum of that anointing continuing to manifest itself. He or she may hastily conclude that 'the anointing is still with us' when it is but the momentum of yesterday's anointing. If I do not experience a fresh anointing every day, it is only a matter of time before I become yesterday's man."
Here's some good news: if you keep praying and keep learning, you'll always be tomorrow's man.
Coming into 2009 I resolved a couple things. I want to be a better steward of every speaking opportunity. If that means speaking less so I can put more into each opportunity, so be it. I'm not going to dust off old notes. I'm not sure I can document this, but I remember reading a book by best-selling author Tom Peters probably a decade ago. Something he said inspired me. He determined that 80% of his content for his seminars would be new material. He refused to use old material. That motivated me. And it obviously stuck with me.
I've always been convicted and challenged by something R.T. Kendall wrote in his book, Yesterday's Man: "A person with a tremendous anointing yesterday can continue to see the momentum of that anointing continuing to manifest itself. He or she may hastily conclude that 'the anointing is still with us' when it is but the momentum of yesterday's anointing. If I do not experience a fresh anointing every day, it is only a matter of time before I become yesterday's man."
Here's some good news: if you keep praying and keep learning, you'll always be tomorrow's man.
11 Comments:
I think that God gives us messages that we can preach multiple times to multiple audiences. I once heard an instructor of mine at bible school say.." A sermon isn't at it's best until it's been preached 50 times."
I do understand getting something fresh and new - but, I also like to read books over and over to get everything I can. I have read "In a pit..." several times. Each time something new comes out at me.
Preach on man!
It is so true especially for preachers, when we begin to rely on our own strength and previous experiences... it could be a costly assumption.
Keep on blogging sir!
Great point, Mark.
As a pastor, I sometimes struggle with the same thing. Glad to know I'm not the only one.
I wish you well as you continue moving forward in your ministry!
David
A Pastor In South Carolina
Mark
Stumbled onto your blog after I started reading your book "In A Pit...". a week ago. Just finished this morning. It has blessed my wife and I so much! Believe it was a Divinely Appointed find. "Yesterdays Annointing" What may be repetitous can sometimes be a first time blessing to others. Perfectionist's tend to concern themselves with always hitting the ball out of the park. I remember reading about Tony Quinn a few years ago. He struck out thousands of times in between all the long balls. It did not diminish the fans expectations the next time he came up to the plate. I do appreciate your desire to keep it genuine and real.
Great post Mark. Very challenging; to continue seeking God, His direction, and His will for each day.
I need fresh Breath from God! So true.
Sean
I agree with you, Mark, 100%. I don't have near the speaking schedule you do, but can attest that nothing beats fresh from the heart. The analogy coming to my mind is fruit. Which is better, frozen or fresh?
Great word though next what I expected. I only clicked on the title in my reader thinking it was your thoughts on Obama's inauguration. Boy was I wrong! I was surprised (in a good way) by the content but it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Hooray for Holy Spirit movements!
Loved this post! I have been working at being tomorrows man for a while now. This was an encouragement!
That's good. I appreciate these thoughts. I'm a preacher and a worship minister. The same is true in both areans. Do I pull out that song that gave everyone goosebumps last time or follow where I feel God is going?
I want today's anointing! Thanks again,
Thank you for your transparency! Sometimes I feel the same way and at times have dusted one off, renamed it and changed a few points...I've even preached from your book, "In a Pit.." and one of my members said, "Hey, isn't that from Mark Batterson's book?" I didn't he was that well-read!
Great points Mark...have a dear friend who is a senior pastor out west. He has never used a sermon series twice in 20 years. He was just telling me that God was calling him to pull out a specific message and he was struggling with that decision. Any ways...I love that you continue to stretch yourself and set new goals.
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