I have always wanted to say I was able the "bring the house down" with my preaching. Actually that is my ego talking and in my heart of hearts I know it's what God has to say that is important. However, still there is a small voice which whispers wouldn't be great if just once.... Well, it finally happened I brought the house down while preaching. But true to God's sense of humor not exactly as I had hoped. Preaching away my peripheral vision caught.sight of something flying toward my head. Without thinking I quickly stepped aside just in time to miss a flying piece of ceiling tile. The congregation gasped and began to shout "what is God trying to tell you?!" I thought to myself what is God trying to tell YOU (the listeners). Instead I gathered myself together, picked up my stand and notes and said, "I'm going to move down with you (the congregation) which I did. Later I quipped that perhaps next week I would bring a "hard hat" just in case. We all had a good laugh, even God I suspect.
The Lord has a way of bringing me in. Not that God is in the "tile" business but I think situations sometimes cause us to rethink about who is in charge of this thing we call "life". While preaching a funeral sermon I thought I have to "keep up with the young pastors" so I pulled out my phone to read the Old Testament reading. The scripture was there and just as I opened my mouth to begin sure enough someone called. There I was with the choice to ANSWER or DECLINE the call, thankfully the phone was on vibrate. My mind raced as I tapped the decline side and continued reading. No one knew but my bell had been rung. Romans 12:3 and James 4:6 are good reminders.
Prayer: Let us humble ourselves before you O God. Let our pride melt away with the morning sun as we give thanks for another day in your kingdom. May I accept your gifts of grace. And may I always seek to serve you with love and life. And oh yes, thank you for your gentle and often humorous reminders.
