Something happened, and this potential devotional was stored a few years ago in "My Documents" on my computer, and was just re-discovered now. Perhaps it was for such a time as this!

An upsetting experience happened in the local Anglican church one Sunday morning. A boisterous man entered the sanctuary and interrupted the service of worship. He began to march up the centre aisle carrying a huge banner with an inappropriate and blasphemous message on it and started shouting. Some men wrestled the sign away from him, but he continued to shout through the reading of the Scriptures. Such shouting continued until it was time for the sermon, but the minister just stood there, so the supply organist (my husband) began to play the introduction to The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord — unannounced and unplanned, but undoubtedly inspired! With the background of the mighty full organ, the congregation immediately rose and sang with such gusto and conviction as I've never heard in that church before! I couldn't help but wonder what was in the backpack that he wore. This is as close as I've ever experienced to an uncomfortable circumstance — to say the least! Talk about prayer — on the spot for the visitor and for the Lord to be honoured.

As I sat in the back pew, praying, praising, and observing the escalating scene, the thought flashed through my mind that any or many of us might be taken to meet our Lord on the spot. In the Scriptures, we are warned to be ready to meet the Lord without a moment's notice.

Matthew 24:42-44 – Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (NKJV)

How fitting that God's people were found faithful in praising Him in the midst of a startling event.

Something to ponder: Are you ready? If not, what are you going to do about it now? Don't delay, for one never knows!

Prayer: Dear all-knowing heavenly Father, we thank You that our lives are in Your hands. Thank You for experiences that alert us that we are finite beings, that our days are numbered, and that we need to be ready to meet You at any time. Thank You for Your great love which surrounds us. Help us to seek Your face daily and to honour You at all times and in all places, so that we may be found ready at any time to go into Your nearer presence. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen!

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About the author:

MaryLou Tompkins <bmltompkins@icloud.com>
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
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