I observed this at a place of service yesterday, on a Monday morning! There was a sense of excitement! The entry door was opened continuously as individuals came for the service. People were talking in tongues and others, as it should be, were interpreting! Hands were stretched out! Individuals were generously giving of their money, even gladly adding above what was required of them! Folks were coming out of their shoes! A lesson could have been taught about washing people’s feet! Everyone who came in the door arrived with expectations and most of them walked out feeling better than when they came in! Expectations were met or exceeded! The attire was casual, but there was order! People were kindly ushered to their seats! The diverse mix had people from various age-group generations, young to old! Everyone had their eyes on the persons in charge of the service, but there was dialogue taking place! The dynamics kept my attention, as you can tell. I saw people with a common purpose, and I saw genuine fellowship! Compliments were given from one person to the next, an act of building up each other’s self-esteem! The service was short! When the people left, they seemed to be confident that they would impress somebody with what people would observe about them, the change that had been made because of their visit! Many promised, “I’ll be back,” as a show of loyalty! They walked out with smiles, as if Jesus washed their feet! Now most of what I have mentioned, from my observations, you would want this at your church’s morning service!
But there were a couple of things missing! There was no sent word being spoken! There were some comments made like, “I’m blessed,” but there was not one Bible or Bible app opened! And to top it off, the place did not have a sign that had any scriptural connection. All the sign said, was “Nail Shop.” Yes all the behaviors I observed as I waited for my wife was at a nail shop and not a church. But before you figured out it was a nail salon, didn’t you think, “I want some of this at the next morning worship I attend at my church!” Well, those things can take place at your church, especially if you keep going through this week appreciating all God’s blessings, developing a hunger for a chance to be in the service once again, building up your expectation to go to worship and exiting better than you came in! When you go, already be thinking about building up someone else’s self-esteem or encouraging that person. Those compliments that you have sealed in your mind and never spoken aloud and get ready to share some kind words with others. You can get excited, not about your nails, but by the mere mention of the name of the One who was nailed to the cross to save you and save me! Have a great Tuesday! We may be smiling right now, but let’s do more of that today! I had intentionally did not have an opening verse but learn from the supportive closing verse! There is a word from the Lord this morning! Be blessed!
“So, here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three’s the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you’re saying. Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself. And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart. Take your turn, no one person taking over. Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other. If you choose to speak, you’re also responsible for how and when you speak. When we worship the right way, God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches—no exceptions.” (I Corinthians 14:26-33 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King