Desperate for our Attention

"We were out late last night."

"My child has a game this morning."

"It is my only day to sleep in."

"This day is set aside for family time."

"I can watch it at home on TV."

"I work 3rd shift."

Sunday morning comes and the excuses flow.  We find reasons not to attend a church service.  Satan plants these excuses in our minds.  We find every little piece which supports our decision to stay home.

I drive past ball fields and see kids preparing to play ball when God so desperately wants their attention.  He cries out for us to spend time with Him.  How awesome!  Our Maker, the Creator of all things, our Counselor and Healer longs to hang out and create a friendship with us. 

We must praise Him for all we are given.  The church provides a safe home to learn His Word and be taught how to spread Truth to those you encounter each day.  

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) 

Seek Him first and all things will be given.  He will allow time to complete your 'to do' list for the day.  Sports can be played later.  Spending time with Him brings nourishment to your soul and rest to your body which no amount of sleep can provide.  Watching sermons on TV is great, but no fellowship can occur.  We need a family of believers to worship together.  Wherever two or three may gather, there He will be (see Matthew 18:20).

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:8-10) 

I cannot imagine a better way to spend Sunday morning with my family than at church.  It is so important to pray together as a family, learn more about Him as a family and reach out to other families to share in the joy of serving Him.  As you worship with a family of believers, God reveals Himself.  You can share struggles with one another, pray for one another and help each other see where Satan is attacking.  If we continue to stay in our home on Sunday, place our activities above time with God or come up with excuses to not step out of bed; Satan gains a bigger foothold. 

All week we run from here to there.  Sunday services allow us to refuel with fellow believers and give praise to God.  Find a church family to teach and guide you to His Truths.  Don't let Satan gain a foothold in your faith.  God is always first.  Be aware of allowing excuses to replace time with Him!

God thank you for this day.  Thank You for my church family.  I feel so comfortable in my church home and I pray that each person may find somewhere to belong.  May they find somewhere to feel accepted, a safe place to learn about You.  Continue to use our church leaders as vessels to teach, guide, love and support all of Your Children.  Protect our church leaders so Satan cannot tear them down.  I know Satan works hardest on the ones being Your hands and feet on a daily basis.  He wants all churches to fail.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig