First Baptist Church has graciously allowed us to take time away during July to rest and refresh. The church allows us to determine when we take the time away. They only had one requirement when they instituted the policy–don’t be gone during the height of hurricane season!

I appreciate those who will be leading the church in teaching and preaching during July. For a look at these outstanding individuals, follow this link. http://waylonbailey.com/?p=309.

Martha and I are enjoying this time.  We have a number of goals we hope to accomplish.

Our main goal each year is to take the time to rest and get away from our weekly requirements for preparation.  After all, this is why the church set up the policy.

Second, I personally use this time to read through the New Testament.  I have been blessed over the past few years by this yearly reading of the Gospels and the other New Testament
books.  It’s amazing how easy it is to read through the New Testament.  My plan is to read nine chapters a day for thirty days. I pick a different translation each summer.

Third, I also use the time to read both scholarly works and to do fun reading.  So far, I have read a book on Christianity and capitalism, and I have several other good books to read.  I also have a couple of novels and a couple of books related to football.  (Football season will be here before we know it).

Fourth, this time is great for planning my preaching for the next year.  The most difficult part of preaching for me is actually deciding what to preach.  Having a plan to follow keeps me from spinning my wheels.

Over the last few years, I have learned the value of a long term plan for preaching. I highly recommend series preaching. When you have a plan, all of your reading will help prepare your preaching. I keep a file folder of all the upcoming sermons. Any time I read something that might relate, I slip it into the file. Even with most of my preaching following biblical books, this is still a very helpful approach to both the congregation and to me.

Finally, Martha and I both have writing projects.  Martha hopes to have her second book published early next year while I am working on a devotional book to be published in time for Christmas. My working title is: “Life Apps: Applying the Word of God to the Difficulties of Life.”