Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you!  We had a fun Birthday party here yesterday and a very full house! Today I plan to clean the apartment and do some writing and baking.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
A question many ask today is, “Why go to church on Sunday?” 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 world, and sadly people don’t realize church is a gathering with other believers to worship. 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 worship as it was His custom, and it certainly is good for us too.
When we are gathered 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, through scriptures read or testimonies given. We connect 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 they may not come through only the pastor, but also others 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 and study it, we can become people who live truth.
Studies show that church just might help us live longer. Sarah shares that the New York Times says it boosts our immunity and lowers our blood pressure. Going regularly may add years to our lives! Wow!
Church helps us keep our priorities straight: 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 we take time to go to church and be blessed, encouraged and ready for what’s ahead.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to open your heart to receive from Him what He offers you through your church.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy