One of the things I learned in my studies of the art of preaching is that the first thing a preacher ought to write out for a sermon is the conclusion. This differs greatly from traditional public speaking studies which would take a more linear approach.
I thought about the greater applications of "writing the ending first" and what these would look like in a day to day application. Instead of planning my day as a checklist from first to last (a traditional approach), what if I considered the desired ending and worked to achieve it by every activity on my schedule? What if I wrote the conclusion first?
For instance, today's schedule for me looks something like this:
1) Pray
2) Read memory Scriptures; Acts 7 (a chapter I am currently memorizing) and 2 Thess. (review of memorized book)
3) Read newspapers
4) Check emails and voicemails- respond as needed
5) Study time
6) Exercise
7) Read "Bible in a year" chapters
8) Church services
9) Family time
10) Bible and prayer with Antioch
11) Devotions and prayer with Brittany
That is my "linear schedule" but what is my desired conclusion? In "church-ese" it would be sanctification. Simply put- I when I go to bed tonight I want to be in a better relationship with Jesus than when I woke up this morning.
So, my written conclusion is to "grow in my relationship with God." Now, I need to write my schedule accordingly and ask the question, "How will I grow in God by...."
1) Prayer- seeking His path for me today. Listen for the ways He wants to sanctify me today. Commit to obey.
2) Reading memory Scriptures- Search for new insights. Apply a new truth today.
3) Reading newspapers- Pray for those whom God puts on my heart. Pray for Jesus to heal the hurt of the world.
4) Checking email and voicemails- Be slow to speak. Ask God for the right words and blessing on my conversations.
5) Study time- Seek, by the power of God, to be a flowing river of wisdom and not a dead sea.
6) Exercise- Strengthen my mind by meditation on God's Word as well as working the body.
7) Bible in a year- Be diligent to slow down and let God speak to me through His Word.
8) Church services- Go to seek God to minister to me as I go to minister to others.
9) Family time-Tell (and show) my wife and son how much I love Jesus Christ.
10) Bible and prayer with Antioch-Take time to talk with my son and answer his questions about God and pray for his personal concerns.
11) Devotions and prayer with Brittany- Take time to talk with my wife and pray for her personal concerns.
