Should have gone to Specksavers!

I've been really challenged in my own life the last couple of weeks as I've been preparing for this new series. Often the struggle with sermon preparation is finding the correct material; in actual fact the hardest aspect is applying this material on a personal level and living it consistently. A few weeks ago, a couple of staff from CFC and myself had the uncomfortable privilege of sharing 40 minutes of conversation with George Verwer (the founder of Operation Mobilisation). I say 'uncomfortable' because the man simply exudes Godly purpose and incredible humility. During our time together he spoke more about his shortcomings than his life of significant missional achievements and in this context he mentioned, in passing, a book entitled 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee (like me) by John Fischer. I mentally noted the title and later ordered the book; the result has been devastating! Written with style and poise, it carries a message that cannot be ignored for anyone who sincerely wishes to be Christlike. So as I prepare, my own Pharisaical tendencies have been particularly obvious, and the act of sermon preparation has become quite personal. So let's make this blog for next couple of weeks a recovery group for Pharisees and litter the site with any humble notes of self observation you may have.