Have you ever began a new job as a food service waiter/waitress? Do you remember how nervous you were and how little you knew about the menu? How many orders did you goof up? Did you forget any drink orders or mistakenly order the wrong item for your guests?
I remember! And, I remember how aweful my first weeks were at the new job. You simply won't know every wise pearl of wisdom or instruction to impute to your new or future flock. As for myself, I intend to go slow; very slow. Learn as much as I can before embarking, publicaly to preach and teach the Good News!
My calling began years ago in the Navy. Charlie and I were attending a large church just north of Chicago while at Great Lakes Service School Command. Charlie had the slow southern draw of Mississippi. He was joining the reserves so his time at our school would be much shorter than mine.
The seminary deacon was also the church softball coach. Both of us were approached as possible leaders in their ministry to sailors. Both of us came down to the pulpit in front of hundreds at this large church and committed ourselves to the service of our Lord.
I had resisted my calling for many years. And brothers and sisters it is very well true that, "... For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Prov 3:12 I have full faith that My God will now begin to fill my mind with every knowledge He wishes me to instruct, inspire and bring to salvation.
