The preacher shapes his sermons, each week from A to Z;
In clear and forthright language, and aims them straight at me.
And when he gets to preaching, I look around to see,
If there might be another deserving more than me.

But every soul looks saintly, the hearts to Heaven turn,
While I, in my conviction, can only sit and squirm.
You know, I often wonder, if I should miss a day;
Would he, without his target, have anything to say?

(From The Sword of The Lord, April 3, 1998)

 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:2