Dear Ones,
Hope you are keeping warm, especially those of you in the south who aren’t used to this cold weather. Emoji Friends in Arkansas emailed pictures yesterday of 8″ of snow there. Today I plan to do food prep, later we have Bible Study, and then making a call to sing to our granddaughter on her birthday.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Why go to church on Sunday is a question many ask today. Why not stay home and just watch online or go out on the lake with your fishing rod and enjoy nature. I grew up in a home where it was never a question on Sunday morning, we all went to church and began preparing the night before to have everything ready. Things have changed in our fast-paced society and sadly people don’t realize church is gathering with other believers to worship and as it says in Heb.10:25, “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
I read an article by Pastor Sarah Coleman, and I’d like to share a few reasons she gives as to why going to church will improve our week. Remember even Jesus purposed to attend church, as it was His custom, and it is certainly good for us too.

When we are gathered together to offer praises in worship we sense God’s presence in a powerful way. He inhabits our praises! We also receive revelation as we listen to the Word through the pastor’s sermon or through scriptures read or testimonies given.  We get connected with other believers as we worship together, have coffee and fellowship and grow in the sharing of our lives. Sarah also says church is an opportunity to see outside ourselves and to serve others. It’s not just “bless me!” but in helping others we are also refreshed. Church helps us find answers to questions we may have, and it may not come only through the pastor, but others there who have been through similar situations. Studying the Word together and sharing our lives can help us make sense of things. ‘

Church is also a place that provides a moral compass. Truth is found in the Word and as we hear truth and study it we can become people who live truth. Studies also show that church just might help us live longer. Sarah shares that the New York Times says it boosts our immunity and actually lowers our blood pressure and going regularly may add years to our lives! WOW! Church helps us keep our priorities straight and as we put first things first, other things seem to fall into place. The Lord is to be in first place always!

The last reason Sarah gives is that church puts us in an atmosphere of faith. Our hearts are encouraged as we gather with other believers, and we find doubts and fears replaced with hope. May you take time to go to church and be blessed and encouraged and ready for what’s ahead.

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to open your heart to receive from Him what is offered through your church.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy