Midweek Encouragement - "Do You Love Your Church?”

^{I love my church, but I wasn’t there this past Sunday. I was celebrating a homecoming service with a church of twenty attenders 100 miles away. After watching my church’s worship service on Facebook, I wish I’d been there because it was obviously a Christ-centered, Spirit-led, God-honoring service.}

^{How was your church’s worship service this past Sunday? In asking you that, I hope you found some joy and blessing in all that took place—even if the worship service may not have been the greatest. If you were there, why not use these questions to evaluate your experience:}

^{Did you pray to hear God’s voice before you entered the service? If you did, take some time to meditate on what the Lord said to you. Don’t let any negatives drive out God’s voice. If you didn’t pray that prayer, make a commitment to do so before this coming week’s worship service.}

^{Could you worship God without feeling that your life was threatened? If so, you had a blessing many in the world don’t have. Some worshippers were imprisoned or killed this past Sunday because they worshiped Jesus with others. Don’t forget that reality.}

^{Was there something going on in your life that clouded the way you experienced worship this past weekend? Was it unconfessed sin in your life? Were you worrying about something? Were you angry or impatient? Were you frustrated because of unanswered prayer? Whatever it was, other things can always distract us from seeing God when we attend worship. Be honest with yourself if that was the case for you this past weekend. Start to prepare your heart on Saturday so you’re ready for worship on Sunday morning.}

^{Did your worship leader and pastor honor God? Even if you think they didn’t do everything as well as Franklin Graham, I hope you’ll keep praying that you and they will keep growing in the days to come. The worship leader and guest pastor at Mt. Laurel brought me into God’s presence even as I watched a prerecorded version of worship. Now that’s honoring God!}

^{Did you encounter other believers who genuinely and humbly love the Lord? Even in the messiest churches, God has His people. Don’t miss them. And don’t take them for granted. Thank God for them! They’re the bright spots in any church family.}

^{What one part of that time with other believers was most meaningful to you? I hope, if you went to worship with the right spirit, that you didn’t go looking for something not to like. I hope you felt the Spirit’s presence at some point. Linger there in your mind.}

^{Did you hear the Word of God preached this past weekend? Maybe you wished it was presented more clearly or passionately, but you were privileged if you heard any of it at all. Jesus is largely unknown among 4.6 billion people, and more than 3,000 people groups around the world haven’t yet been reached with the Good News yet. Only God’s grace made it possible for you and I to hear His Word proclaimed with boldness this past weekend.}

^

^{Do you love your church? Have you communicated that love for your church family and those who lead her? Don’t take those worship leaders and pastors for granted from week to week. Even though they’re very human, they stand between you and a powerful God. Be thankful they’re willing to risk their lives so you can love your church!}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.