Random Reflections On Writing

Today, ThePreachersWord has achieved another milestone in the world of blogging. This is post #2300.

It’s difficult to believe. Something that began as an idea 8 years has grown, expanded and reached audiences we never imagined. ThePreachersWord has been read in over 200 countries and territories around the world

Our 2300 posts are neatly categorized under 175 different topics for our readers future reference. In addition WordPress has a good search engine that will help you find a specific topic you’re looking for.

We’ve learned from our readers that our posts have been reprinted in bulletins. Published in newspaper articles. Printed and distributed to friends, relatives, and co-workers. Used as Wednesday evening talks. Served as seed thoughts for sermons. Become a resource for sermon illustrations. Reblogged on other blog sites. Quoted by fellow bloggers. Used as Bible class material. And a source for Lord’s Supper talks from our column “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming.”

Our goal has been to write posts that would encourage, edify and uplift Bible believers. We wanted to offer hope in a world that has lost its way. To buoy the spirits of those who’re suffering . To embolden fellow Christians to “be of good courage.” To cheer the faint-hearted. To stimulate us to love and good works. To revive the weary. To energize Believers to deeper devotion, greater faithfulness and higher aspirations. And to challenge us to keep on keeping on.

We’re thankful for the wonderful reception by our readers, some who’ve been with us from the beginning. Thankfully, we continue to add new readers on a regular basis. We’ve noticed that readership has spiked upward this year and dramatically so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apparently, it’s serving a useful purpose during this time of “sheltering in place.”

Writing has always been a part of God’s plan.

Moses was instructed to write down God’s commandments on tablets of stone. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel were specifically instructed to “write all the words that I have spoken to you.”

Luke determined to write to Theophilus an “orderly account” of his “eyewitness” account of Jesus’ life so that he might “know the certainly of those things in which (he) was instructed” (Lk. 1:3).

Paul, as well as the other apostles, reminds us that what he wrote was by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and revealed to us so we can understand God’s will for us (Eph 3:3-5).

While we obviously do not equate our meager human efforts with divine revelation, it is an honor to write about spiritual truths. I’ve always enjoyed religious writing. From the earliest days of publishing a church bulletin, to submitting articles for brotherhood papers, to the modern day blog posts, we have continued to write. I trust we write not just for the sake of writing, but to inform. To edify. To exhort. And sometimes to warn. To rebuke. Or reprove. All of which are focused on making modern applications from God’s ancient oracles.

I’ve often been asked, “How do you come up with so many ideas?” The answer is simple. The Bible is an inexhaustible supply of material. Additionally, in a complex world with so many problems, challenges and concerns, there are more issues to address than we have either the time, space or capacity.

Another question that arises is, “How long do you plan on publishing ThePreachersWord?” I don’t know. So far, with the benefit of a few breaks during the year, the well hasn’t run dry yet. So, we’ll see what happens. Hopefully, at least, for the foreseeable future. Although recent events humbly remind us that no one knows what the future holds. And to make our plans with the caveat, “If the Lord wills.”

This milestone reminds me of the power of persistence. Of the importance of just doing what little you can do each day. And of simply sowing the seed and allowing the Lord to provide the harvest.

Here’s a big THANK YOU to all our readers who continually encourage me. And for your kind words of commendation. Also I appreciate your questions, suggestions and critiques from time to time. Thank you so very much.

For whatever good that has been and will be achieved by our little blog, “unto God be the glory.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman