Time Apart from Worldly Influences

Why do you go to church?  Or, do you go to church?  If not, then why?

These very personal questions need immediate and constant evaluation.  We need to keep a check on the reasons we attend so to not become idle in our worship, drift away slowly, feel forced to attend or simply go through the motions every Sunday.  God desires a relationship with us and loves to hear from us apart from worldly influences.  This day is ONE hour that we can shut out our busy lives, give all our anxieties to Him and delve deeper into His Word.  God uses church leaders as vessels to teach Scripture and spur others to learn more throughout the week.  As we take the messages on Sunday and apply them to our lives Monday thru Saturday, we see the mighty work of God in our lives.  We feel a closer bond as we cling to Scripture and take the points God wanted us to hear from the message. 

I urge you to find a church home.  Commit to a family of believers, led by those who seek God wholeheartedly.  God will use your church family to comfort, guide, teach and build friendships that last through Eternity.  He first desires a relationship with YOU, then would like to increase the circle of friendship.  How?  Attending a church broadens that circle and helps strengthen your knowledge of the Bible.  Knowing more about the Scripture helps to follow God more closely.  Wisdom helps you understand what is expected and asked of a follower.  Fellow believers help sharpen the tools required to spread Truth everywhere He leads (see Proverbs 27:17).

So, what wakes you up every Sunday and why do you travel to church? 

Or, what keeps you from church?

Habit?  Were you taken as a child and now simply go because it is all you know?  Or, did you stop in rebellion because you were taken as a child?  Idle minds become lazy and cannot by used to further His Kingdom.  Rebellion creates a bigger wedge between you and God.  

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:14)

To receive a check mark?  Do you arrive to church only to keep perfect attendance in God's grade book?  Do you attend only to please another family member?  This time each week is not for anyone else.  It benefits YOU to spend that precious time with your Father.  To serve Him, we must be still and listen, desire to learn and avoid pleasing everyone in our lives.  Follow His Will, not man's will. 

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

(Galatians 1:10)

Clean the slate?  Do you attend to do your "time" for the previous week's sins?  My friend, He already forgives you.  Entering a building does not wash away all your sins.  The blood of Jesus shed for us while we were still sinners cleans us!  Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior just as you are and you will be washed white as snow.  Works count for nothing without God as your leader.  He will use you in mighty ways if you accept His free gift of grace.  God frees us from our sin as we repent and seek His heart. 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

So, why does God desire a relationship, committed followers and for us to spend time with Him?  For God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to wash away all our sins.  He loves us.  The Bible states it so clearly.  God desires a relationship with His children just as you desire with your children or loved ones.  Think back to a time when a loved one sought to learn from you, hugged you with full force, displayed appreciation and love, spent quality time with you or showed you off to their friends.  Well, God desires exactly the same.  His face shines upon you as you spend quality time with Him, learn from Him, receive His love, praise Him for your blessings and show Him off to the world.  Join fellow believers to be encouraged and work together for the betterment of His Kingdom. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the chance to spend today serving You.  I pray for the leaders of churches around the world to continue seeking You for advice and teaching.  I pray they let their words be Yours and their actions be pleasing to You as they serve every Sunday.  Use them as vessels to spur fellow believers to seek You every day and every moment given here.  Thank You for the relationship we have together and I pray I can grow closer to You each day.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig