My 10:02 alarm went off in my sermon.

30-Second Version For Busy People

When Christians get better, everyone gets better. And right now, the world needs Christians who respond to interruptions like Jesus did.

To improve, we need to focus on our thoughts and actions. Jesus showed us that interruptions aren't obstacles – they're opportunities to show God's love.

• Better Thought: Interruptions are opportunities to be more like Jesus than before.

• Better Action: Next time you're interrupted, pause and ask yourself: "How would Jesus see the person in front of me right now?"

Remember: The way we handle interruptions reveals what we're really made of. For Jesus, it was love. What will it be for you?

Full Version

I was preaching on Sunday morning when my phone alarm went off.

Yep, right in the middle of my sermon – 10:02 on the dot.

And before you think I just forgot to silence my phone (rookie pastor mistake, right?), I actually had set the alarm to go off.

Our church has been on an amazing 30-day journey of praying for our “one”—that friend or family member we'd love to share Jesus with and maybe invite to church.

Why 10:02?

It comes from Luke 10:2, where Jesus talks about how there's a huge harvest out there but not enough workers.

His advice: pray earnestly.

So when my alarm went off, I didn't do that panicked phone-fumble we all know too well. Instead, I just stopped right there and prayed for my "one."

I told my church family exactly what I'm telling you now—you will never be disappointed if you you are inconvenienced to pray.

BETTER THOUGHT

Today's Better Thought: Interruptions are opportunities to be more like Jesus than before.

One of my favorite qualities of Jesus is the way He responded to interruptions.

And wow, did Jesus get interrupted a lot in the Gospels! There was that time when He and His friends were heading into town, and suddenly a desperate woman – who'd been suffering from an illness for over a decade – pushed through the crowd just to touch His cloak.

Another time, He was already on His way to heal someone when word got around. Next thing you know, a panicked father runs up because his son had stopped breathing.

Most of us (myself definitely included) get frustrated by interruptions. We see them as obstacles getting in the way of the "real work" we're supposed to be doing.

But Jesus? He saw it totally differently.

When Jesus was interrupted, He didn't see inconveniences – He saw people in need.

Loving people wasn't just another item on His to-do list or something He tried to squeeze into His schedule. For Jesus, loving people WAS His life's work, and whoever stood in front of Him at that moment became the most important person in His world.

Interrupted moments reveal what we're made of. For Jesus, it was pure love.

So here's a question worth sitting with: What do your interruptions reveal about you?

BETTER ACTION

Today's Better Action: 3 ways to start seeing interruptions through Jesus’ eyes.

1. Create a "Pause Practice"

When someone interrupts you today, take a quick breath before responding. In that tiny moment, remind yourself: "This person matters more than my schedule." It's amazing how this small mental shift can change your whole reaction.

2. Look for the "Divine Appointment"

Start treating interruptions like they might be God-arranged meetings. That coworker who "always" catches you right when you're busy? That neighbor who wants to chat when you're rushing to your car? What if these aren't accidents, but opportunities?

3. Set "Interruptible" Margins

Here's something I'm working on: Building small buffers into my day. Instead of booking myself solid, I'm leaving 15-minute gaps between tasks. When interruptions come (and they will!), I'm not instantly stressed about falling behind.

Bonus Challenge: Pick one day this week to intentionally track your interruptions.

Write down:

• Who interrupted you

• What you were doing

• How you responded

• What need they had

At the end of the day, look back and ask: "How could I have been more like Jesus in these moments?"

Remember: Jesus' greatest miracles often started as interruptions to His plans. Your next opportunity to show His love might come disguised as an inconvenience.

What interruption might God use through you today?

BECOMING A BETTER CHRISTIAN

When Christians get better, everyone gets better. Here are a few ways I am getting better this week.

• I've slowed down my reading. I am still working through Steinbeck's East of Eden on Audible and dabbling in a couple of other physical books. I plan to work through most of C.S. Lewis’ work in 2025. In suggestions of where I should start?

• The NBA season tipped off, and my Oklahoma City Thunder have an undefeated record. Maybe that's why my reading has fallen off over the last couple of weeks. Regardless, Thunder Up⚡️

• This is the last week our church is praying for our “one.” Is there one person in your life you'd like to have their heart soften to the Gospel? Pray for them by name.

Hit "reply" and let me know what you're doing!