But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 3:18 NRSV)

In seminary the professor of preaching said that for every five minutes of a sermon a pastor needed five hours of study. Such preparation means the pastor will read commentaries, books and other study materials. The same professor said that illustrations are the windows of a sermon. Every pastor spends hours and hours of searching for just the right quip, quotation or story for the sermon.

One of my favorites:

A group of war refugees was planning to escape over a rough and devious route. The leaders hesitated about taking a mother and her little girl because they feared the girl would not be strong enough to make the journey. They finally decided that the men in the group would take turns carrying the child.

The refugees had walked for three days when the terrain became more difficult. One old man became weary and unable to keep up. He begged the others to go on without him and let him die.

The group grudgingly agreed and started out again. But the mother ran back and placed her child in the old man's arms. "You can't quit," she said. "It's your turn to carry my little girl."

She left with the others, but looking back, saw the old man walking determinedly after them with the little girl in his arms.

Growing in grace is growing in love and with that a renewed dedication to our Lord who died for us and saved us. Loving one another means a willingness to sacrifice for others.

God’s Wisdom: The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends. John 15:13 God’s Word Translation

Worldly Wisdom: "A wise man changes his mind, a fool never". Spanish Proverb