I stepped up on the burgundy carpeted platform.  As I approached the pulpit I sensed the presence of the Lord to my left in the corner of the room.  The old feed store didn't look a thing like it once had.  We had stripped and gutted it then recovered and renovated the old building from ceiling to floor.  I walked to the massive birch desk made by one of my carpenters.  There were lots of folks here today. 

With my plum colored jacket and pink shirt it was obvious to see I was the best dressed in the house.  I opened my Bible and laid it on the desk, took out my notes, adjusted the lapel mike on my tie, and cleared my throat as I prepared to speak.  I hesitated.  I took hold of the sides of the desk and again cleared my throat.  Then I glanced sheepishly to my right, toward the same corner I had noticed earlier.  I sensed the Lord was still there and wondered why he was so distant.  I squeaked out a short, lifeless prayer and felt my nerves beginning to unravel.  Cold sweat began to pop out on my forehead.  My mind began to race for opening words but none would come.  Finally, in desperation I dropped my right hand and half turned my body to the corner. Ignoring the Church, I spoke to Him with my inner voice, "What are you doing over there, Lord?  Why aren't you over here?"  The people only knew I was starring off into the corner.  As the Lord began to speak to me a cold shudder went up and down me, "I came to hear you preach?"  The weight of what the Lord said almost doubled me over as I asked, "Why Lord?"  He continued, "You've been taking all the credit any way, so I thought I would come and just see how good you really are." 

His words broke me like a twig.  I wept bitterly.  The frailty of my life and depravity of my soul became crystal clear.  In desperation I cried to the Lord to please return.  The words of Jesus in John 15:5 resonated in my heart, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (KJV)  I shook like a leaf in the wind and began to melt down.  As broken repentance enveloped me I sensed the Lord respond.  Suddenly, a mighty sense of His presence fell upon me.  Instead of recovering and stabilizing me the presence touched my inner depths.  Appreciation and thanksgiving broke me again.  Sobbing I confessed, "I'm sorry.  Please forgive.  I won't ever take the credit again Lord.  I need you more than anything.  I love you more than life.  Please don't ever let me sense this disjointed distance ever again.  Thank you... Thank you.. Thanks Lord..  The impact of this lesson has never had to be repeated for me.  I live desperately dependent upon Him.