Getting Ready

I thought about how much we get ourselves ready "physically" to meet with God's people this morning. We spend time brushing our hair (if we have any), we make sure the ties are straight, the pants and shirts are ironed, the make up is on just right (for the ladies), the children are dressed in cute clothes...

I wonder if we prepare ourselves "spiritually" with as much time and energy and focus?

My first thought...I doubt it.

Meeting with God's people is such a gracious aspect of the work of God's redemption. He saves us and places us into a local community of believers for mutual fellowship and accountability and love and service.

Yet, our coming together to worship God collectively and serve one another in love seems to be a "second thought" instead of a first thought in our preparation.

Have we stopped to pray for the bible study classes...what about the teachers for those precious children...what about the children and youth...what about the worship service...what about asking the Holy Spirit to move among us for His glory...what about the leadership that God has placed among us?

Have we stopped to pray for ourselves and how God would us to serve others today through love?

Have we sought to confess and repent of any sins that might grieve the work of the Spirit among the body?

How are we getting ready today?