While some folks still emphasize that we don’t “go to church,” because we are the church, our decision to assemble is a matter that should capture our attention.  I recently came across a poetic piece that is worthy of our mediation.  Someone wrote:

“Some go to church to take a walk;

 Some go to church to laugh and talk;

 Some go to church to meet a friend;

 Some go their time to spend;

 Some go there to meet their lover;

 Some go there a fault to cover;

 Some go there for speculation;

 Some go there for observation;

 Some go there to doze and nod;

 Some go there to worship God.”

Look back over that list and be real honest as you consider these three questions:

1. Do you consciously really prepare or give thought as to why You assemble?

2. Have you ever assembled primarily for some of the first nine listed interests for you  gathering? (Some of those nine are also good reasons to gather.  They are not the primary reason to gather).

3. If you do gather “to worship God” have you ever made a list of “Why(?)” we are to worship God?  Such a list might help us to always prepare to worship Him: ex. He is the Maker and sustainer of heaven and earth; He is the source of our being able “to live, move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) each day; He through Christ is “our Father” (Galatians 3:26,2; Matthew 6:9); He supplies the air we breathe by night and by day (Acts 17:25); He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17); etc.

 I hope to see You at the next assembling time (read carefully Hebrews 10:24-31), as we both gather to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24).