Look at the Day
Up doing the middle of the night thing, which seems to be a normal occurrence when you get older, I opened Jesus Calling. The entry title was "As You Look at the Day."
It was 3AM on a Sunday morning and the first line read, "As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions. You wonder how you can possibly find your way through the maze."
I chuckled because that describes Sunday mornings for us as a pastor and his wife. It's unbelievable what all goes down on a Sunday morning. Stop right now and pray for the pastors and their families at your church. For that matter, we have a BIG God. Let's pray for God's stamina, guidance and protection over all those in ministry.
Yes, I am always with you, you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
A passion of mine in ministry is the offering of hospitality. On a Sunday morning that plays strongly into our ministry of greeting. In training our greeters we encourage them to avoid the greeting "How are you?" because we all tend to lie with the rapid response, "Fine."
I've used greetings like "Are you ready to praise the Lord?" "Expect a blessing this morning." "Your smile makes my day brighter."
One fail was asking at Christmas time "What is your favorite holiday scent?" Most were appropriate, but one man's reply was NOT and left me wide eyed.
At most churches the flood gates open 10 minutes before the service begins and the masses flow in, so you only have seconds to get your greeting out. The Spirit challenged me this particular morning to pose an open ended question this morning in my greeting, How were you blessed by the Lord yesterday?" Now most are not going to want to stop long enough to contemplate and answer, because they have to get to their preferred seating, but hopefully that will stir their line of thinking. Try it next Sunday! Point others towards gratitude.
The Song
"God of All My Days" Casting Crowns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYkZE8AogDE
