Expect the Unexpected

You never know what’s going to happen during a worship experience on Sunday morning. This week we had an unexpected guest. A young woman in her late twenties or early thirties became disruptive about halfway through the service. She started laughing inappropriately and shouted some profanities while I was speaking. From my perspective she did not appear to be dangeruous so I continued delivering the message.

When the service was over I made my way to where she was so I could talk with her. There was no way I could evaluate in a few minutes what was going on in this young woman’s life, but there is one thing I could do. I could let her know she was loved and accepted. I wanted to make sure she wasn’t shamed, embarrassed, judged, or rejected because of her behavior. I hope I was able to get that across. At the end of our unusual conversation she hugged me and said, “you are a very nice person.”

Here’s what I know: Jesus attracts the broken and the broken-hearted. The more we follow Jesus the more broken-hearted people He is going to send our way. It is essential that we treat all people with honor, dignity and respect. We are to love them as Jesus loves them. This woman made her way to our church. Why, I don’t know. But I do know that what she experienced while she was with us could affect her thoughts, perceptions and actions after she left.

This was a valuable learning lesson for me. I am a reflective person and looking back there are some things I wish I had said but just didn’t think of at the time. Jesus has also shown me it is imperative that we put a plan into place to help people who come to see us with special needs. And this is exactly what we’re going to do. We may not be able to handle their problems, but we can do everything possible to make sure they experience God’s love while they are here.

I thank God for what He has revealed to me through this unexpected encounter, and I pray that this young woman experiences the love that Jesus has for her, feels His touch on her life and receives the help she needs to be the person God created her to be.

Whine Experts: The Challenge

It seems like everywhere I go lately, I run into complainers. People who will offer their advice and opinion on why something can’t be done, won’t happen or ever change. They are determined to view life and the world with a negative mindset. They savor the flavor and the taste of a good whine. I have often said that I want to keep a wedge of cheese on my desk, so that when complainers come my way I can point and say, “Here, have some cheese with your whine.”

I was encouraged when I read an article in the paper about the Unity church that was offering a challenge to cease from complaining for twenty-one days. The idea has caught on and received national attention. If you actually go the distance and don’t complain for twenty-one days you will receive a certificate of happiness.

I would like to take this idea to a higher level. I challenge everyone to follow Jesus for twenty-one days. Read one chapter a day from the Gospel of John using The Message translation. Follow Jesus during His life and ministry. Listen to what He says. Do what He says do. See the world and everyone you meet on a daily basis through His eyes. Think about how He would respond in every situation you encounter.

At the end of the twenty-one days, sit back and reflect on your life. What did you experience? How do you feel now? Take the challenge and let me know what happens. This just might be the most exciting three weeks of your life!

A Psalm 139 Experience

You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother’s body. When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed, (Psalm 139:13-16a, NCV).

I had the opportunity to see Bodies: The Exhibition on its run here in Tampa. Yes, I know there is controversy about displaying the bodies of human beings, but this was done in good taste and was a fascinating experience. I found myself becoming even more excited about God. It is obvious that we are created beings, designed and shaped by extrordinary hands. Chance doesn’t even come close to entering the picture. So much love and care has gone into our design. God created us and has given us incredible bodies so we can experience this thing we call life. I’m so grateful for this gift. I want to know as much as I possibly can about the One who made this all possible. I want to hang with and learn from the Creator of the Universe!