Worship Start Day 2
DEVOTION 2 – You Are Welcome in This Place
For the past 18 years, I have served on a church staff. I have been a part of good churches, struggling churches, disappointing churches, and dynamic churches. What I love most about the church that we have here in Farmers Branch is that our focus is first and foremost seeking God.
If we gather in our own name, with our own strength, honoring our own preferences, and focused on our own problems, we are missing the point of church. We are a gathered group of believers who are knit together not by city, community, color, or cause, but by our confession that God loves us, died for us, and made a way for us to be with Him.
So, it is only appropriate that we start our service each week by inviting God into this place of worship. This invitation is not required, as Jesus taught us:
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20)
Yet it is purposeful. We do not want to forget why we are here. We are here to connect with God.
We invite God, both individually and as a congregation, to make His presence palpable among us in that moment. For some, this is the only time and space given to God during the week, so we must remember that He is the reason we are here. For others, this is a sweet time to connect with like-minded followers, but the glue that holds us together must be the God we worship.
My challenge to you today is not to wait until Sunday to invite God into your life. Invite God today into your home, your workplace, and the school across the street. Recognize the fingerprints of God even in the simple and mundane areas of life.
What would it look like if God were welcomed into the places you live? Would it make a difference?
Remember these words to Joshua as he began leading the nation of Israel:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
The Lord is with you wherever you go, yet there is power in inviting His presence and power to work in the spaces you inhabit.
