Exodus 23 - Church Life

I have to tell you that this is a subject near to my heart. The 10+ years at my current church I have seen people come and go. Sunday School numbers fall. Lots of excuses are made as to why people aren't at church regularly.

Sports - Either you are tired from sports, traveling for sports or practicing sports

Tired - You worked a long week. You deserve a day to rest. Sunday is your only time to sleep in late.

Lots to do - You need to buy groceries, go to brunch, clean the house, do some work for school or your job.

Family Time - You are busy all week and you just want to spend some time with the family.

Fun Saturday Nights - You were out late at a sporting event/concert/dancing/movie and you just need a day to catch up on your rest.

Well, guess what? God doesn't want to hear your excuses. He wants you to be in church sharing the spiritual gifts that he gave you with his body of believers.

I am sure this steps on lots of toes but as my friend Allo would say, the truth hurts.

You must surround yourself with other believers. Worship must be a part of your week.

Jeffrey and were talking on Sunday after church. Someone mentioned how busy and overwhelmed they were and how that keeps them from church.

We both agreed that the 2 hours we spend each Sunday morning refreshes us, renews us for the week. We always here something that touches us and encourages us a the body of Christ. How are you going to experience that if you don't show up? I can't imagine the blessings being missed by those who don't put God first.

I know that I am not perfect and there are lots of areas in my life I can improve on when it comes to giving him my everything all of the time.

Here is what today looks like. Pretty typical for me. Multiply this time 5 and add in Saturday to do housework, appts, chores and shopping. Oh and all the stuff I don't get done at school throughout the week.

4:30 am - 5:30 am Bible Study/Prayer Time

5:30-6:50 Cook breakfast, get kids up, get everyone ready and out the door.

7:00-3:30 Work. Throw in a meeting at another school from 11:30-12:30 and my assistant is out today.

3:30-4:30 Meeting at another school about 20 minutes from my school.

5:00 - Come home and get kids in the car to head off to Youth and GA's at church (Tonight during this time I will be preparing for a 5 week long bible study I will be leading in a few weeks)

7:30- Home for homework, showers, packing lunches, necessary chores that can't wait

9:30 - Hopefully in bed asleep and ready to do it over again tomorrow.

At some point today I have to fit a trip to the gym in....

So when you tell me you are tired and overwhelmed, over worked and just need a day to rest I hear you. Me too!!!

Will I be tired on Sunday morning? YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will I go to church and have my mind, body and spirit renewed? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

Church must be a priority in our lives. If we start making excuses we stop going.

I will end with this. A few Sunday's ago Laura was complaining that she was tired and we should just stay home and rest. I told her that in this house, that is not an option. As long as we are well we will be in church. If we can commit to the rest of our schedule, we will commit to being in church. #NoExcuses

If you don't have a church home, find one.

If you are unhappy with your church home, find another one.

If you feel like you don't need to go to church, read these passages listed in the First 5 Devotion today.

Hope to see you on Sunday!