September on My Mind- Sunday's Best
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”- Hebrews 10:25
It is summertime, but part of me is gearing up for the fall season. September is our VISION MONTH and to get us ready for all God has in store I will be sharing weekly emails about something stirring and to get excited for. One of the phrases I have uttered countless times with great conviction is this, “Nothing compares to being in God’s PRESENCE with God’s PEOPLE!” This powerful combo has brought me such strength, boldness, encouragement, and comfort over the years. No matter the season I am walking in or the struggle I am wrestling through, if God’s Spirit is speaking to my heart and I am surrounded by other brothers and sisters in Christ, I am good. As Psalm 133:1 declares, “How good and pleasant it when God’s people live together in unity!” Based on this reality I want to convey a personal invitation and an important reminder to JOIN US ON SUNDAY MORNINGS.
It seems that less and less people are making church attendance a priority, while more and more people are finding reasons to miss a Sunday, or two, or three each month. I totally get that “life” happens with work, an unexpected illness, an out of town trip, and even kids’ ballgames. But being present on a Sunday morning is kind of a big deal. Your being in service means there is an opportunity for God to meet you in a personal and special way through the worship, prayer, and teaching of the Word. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Your being with others means there is an opportunity for you to connect with people, sit next to someone who is new, pray with someone who needs support, and to contribute through serving.
One of our three church pillars is JOYFUL EXPECTATION. We believe that God will meet us and move mightily every time we gather together. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in My Name, there am I with them.” One of the ways we are going to see this lived out this fall is to MAKE ROOM for what the Holy Spirit desires each Sunday morning. We want to give more space for testimonies; for God to speak through spiritual gifts; for responses to the message; for altar calls and praying for people’s needs after service.
We do not just want a meeting on the calendar; we want to encounter God!
We do not just want to check off we attended a Sunday service; we want the chains of our lives to be broken and change to take place deep within!
We do not just want bigger numbers; we want personal decisions for Jesus!