Sunday Is Approaching...

In a few days, Sunday, the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break the bread, will be here. There will be one of two reasons you will assemble with the saints: (1) just going through a non-productive routine because it is Sunday or (2) it will make a huge difference in your life!

Some approach their worship of God with no real expectations. They show up, slouching, expecting little as they go through a ritual the same way they have done for many years. They offer nothing and gain nothing. They can sleep a little or maybe just plain bored. It is simply, "going to church" for them. No reaching out, no embracing the realities of the Almighty. Maybe some take 'potshots' at a missed note, a missed word and "please, get this lesson over with so we can go eat" attitude. A non-productive routine that God must watch with disgust. They leave quickly and as empty as they came.

Some approach their worship of God to make a huge difference in their life! They want to express gratitude, awake, alert as they are aware of the very presence of the Almighty! They don't just pop a cracker in their mouth and sip some juice. It means life to them and they express it. The covenant comes into focus. The fruit of their lips offer a sacrifice of praise. The prayers have deep meaning and the message from God is accepted with gratitude to effect a change in their heart to be more like Christ. (Even if the message lacks, they still are looking to gain.) The assembly motivates, sharpens and helps them focus on the realities of eternity to prepare them to face another week. Some in their worship are facing difficulties, others may have the sorrow of the loss of a loved one but in all this, the assembly of worship makes a huge difference within them. They leave full, joyous and thankful.

Sunday is approaching! You will have one of these two attitudes and they will determine everything about who you are and where you walk. Take a serious moment, examine yourself and ask, "why do I do what I do each Sunday?" It might scare you that you offer little and you need to take a serious look at your relationship with the Lord but I pray it will thrill you. It should for we belong to God and He is not ashamed to call us His people!