Preparing for Church…
Exd 16:5 “And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”
It is amazing how we will prepare for many things as a normal part of living. We prepare for our meals every day. We prepare for going to school or work the next day. We even prepare our gardens before we plant. Surfers prepare for the surf by having all their equipment ready, swell charts studied, tides worked out and even the time of the changing wind conditions…..all before hand.
May I encourage you today to prepare for church tomorrow, read ahead the text you know we will be studying together. Seek God’s understanding of it and prepare your heart to have God speak to you about it in your life and current situations. Prepare by praying for those with whom you might sit or meet for the first time. Ask the Lord to give you the words to give in comfort or exhortation. Prepare to go out of your way to greet some of the children, and ask the Lord to give you discernment to any one who might be struggling or going through a tough time that you may comfort them with prayer and support.
But especially prepare your heart for worship by having nothing between you and your Lord, ask Him to cleanse you and confess anything you know you need to get right with Him.
Finally, prepare to come and worship, to praise and exalt the Lord of lords and the King of kings.
Prepare to be early and prepare to serve and let this time with the Lord and His precious Church be all that it can be – glorious!