The Lord's Day is nearly upon us. How prepared are you to rejoice in the presence of our Lord along with the rest of the saints? How many of us have entered into His courts, not with praise and thanksgiving, but unprepared? We wonder why we don't get anything out of the sermon. How can we wonder about such things when our heart has not been made ready to receive the Word? Are you abiding sin in your life? Do you come to the Lord's table under conviction, or with reverence and joy? James' words ring true, "putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted" (James 1:21).
For many of us Saturday is busy; filled with yard work, chores, and time with family. The temptation to squeeze all that twenty-four hours can yield is compelling. Before we know it the Lord's day is here, and our heart is not prepared. Beloved, along with your family, make your heart ready to meet God this Lord's Day. It need not be a laborious task. Examine yourself, confess sin, pray, read the Word, and meditate in your heart. Ponder the privilege that is yours to ascend into the heavenly places, as it were, in worship. Instead of pulling God down, as in man-centered worship, we are lifted up in God-centered worship. Spurgeon wrote:
Though some of us are separated by many miles, even oceans, let us be joined together this Lord's Day through prepared hearts, worshipping our God and King.
For many of us Saturday is busy; filled with yard work, chores, and time with family. The temptation to squeeze all that twenty-four hours can yield is compelling. Before we know it the Lord's day is here, and our heart is not prepared. Beloved, along with your family, make your heart ready to meet God this Lord's Day. It need not be a laborious task. Examine yourself, confess sin, pray, read the Word, and meditate in your heart. Ponder the privilege that is yours to ascend into the heavenly places, as it were, in worship. Instead of pulling God down, as in man-centered worship, we are lifted up in God-centered worship. Spurgeon wrote:
You have but one day in the week, as it were, devoted to these things; one day of building, and six of pulling down. With many it is one day’s storing, and six days scattering. It is but a slight advance that we make towards heaven.
Though some of us are separated by many miles, even oceans, let us be joined together this Lord's Day through prepared hearts, worshipping our God and King.