“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it.” Ezra 7:10
It’s Sunday morning and you’re getting ready to go to church. You’ve prepared your hair, prepared your breakfast, and prepared your automobile. If you’ll take a few minutes to prepare your heart, you’ll grow in God by leaps
and bounds. Here are some tips to guarantee a great time in the Lord.
Make Church Attendance a Priority
“I’ve set my affection on the house of my God…” I Chr. 29:3
Your unwavering, non-negotiable commitment to church attendance speaks volumes to your children, neighbors, and co-workers. It also keeps you focused on what matters in life. Read Ps. 73:13 (the burn-out-syndrome psalm) and realize that being in God’s presence brings a proper perspective.
Enjoy the Family Reunion
“I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Ps. 122:1
Many of you know the joy of a family reunion. Getting reconnected with family members, weeping and rejoicing over recent life experiences, is wonderful. Well, by divine design, the Church is also a family reunion. The family of God. Reach out to those you worship with and get involved in their lives. It will benefit you spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Bring Your Bible, Notebook, and Offering
“Study to show yourself approved unto God…” II Tim. 2:15
“Bring all your tithe into the storehouse…” Mal. 3:10
Good students arrive at class prepared with their books and supplies. Isn’t the church also a school? Aren’t we students of God’s Word? Let’s train ourselves (and our children) to come prepared with Bible, notebook, and offers. Tommy and I both had mothers who insisted we take an offering each Sunday. Tommy’s mother stopped him at the kitchen door to check, and mine put a quarter and offering envelope on my dresser each Saturday. What terrific training!
Arrive Early. Stay Late.
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” Col. 3:15
“Beloved, let us love one another…” I Jn. 4:7
Prevent frazzled nerves and harness agitated emotions by arriving fifteen minutes early. That gives you time to find the restroom, the nursery, or your special friends. Learn to sit quietly in your chair for a few minutes before the service and consciously release your chaotic day to the Lord. Focus on His goodness and enjoy His presence. When the church is over, stay a few minutes to swap phone numbers, go thank a nursery worker or offer to help a widow to her car. Visitors rush out, but members mingle.
The church is not just another social club, but a spiritual bonding of His people for His purposes. Let’s make the most of our special times together.
The Most Important Question
“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him…and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6
What are you expecting Jesus to do for you at church today? If you’ll ask yourself that question as you’re driving to church, God will do amazing things in your life. Be very specific such as, “Courage for Tuesday’s medical procedure, direction for the soccer team schedule, patience with my step-daughter…”
Respond to Spirit-Led Invitations
“Bring My people to the altar and I will meet them there.” Ex. 20:24
The Holy Spirit leads each service through the pastor. Respond quickly when he invites you to lift your hands in worship, greet one another, come to the altar, or contribute to a special offering. At our church, Pastor Tommy frequently opens the front altar area, and hundreds come because they’ve learned that their pastor is led by God’s Spirit.
Come Prepared to Give and Recieve
“Let him who is taught the Word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Gal. 6:6
When you’re new in the Lord, the objective of attending church is to get blessed, blessed, blessed. Me-Me-Me! But, as you grow in the Lord, you’ll experience the joy of the Father using you to reach out to others. Recently, an eight-year-old church friend wrote me a prophetic note and I received a big time.
The church is not just another social club, but a spiritual bonding of His people for His purposes. Let’s make the most of our special times together. Can I get an Amen? Amen!
