I’ve attended church for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I dreaded “big church,” because I felt the sermons were long and boring. I enjoyed the music, recitations, and the announcements, but (much like my children) had difficulty focusing on the sermon. Sometimes I would remember a referenced verse or a humorous example, but listening to a sermon was not my reason for attending the worship service.

As I have matured, I realize the value of listening to someone who has studied God’s word, prayed over God’s word, and prepared God’s word to share with (sometimes unwilling) listeners. Sermons teach us—and speak to us when we are open to hear. Many times, I feel the sermon is directed straight to me—as if Pastor Charles knew the thoughts circling in my mind and the doubt in my heart.

His words are no surprise. God ordains his sermons, and He knows the minds and hearts of the congregants who will be attending worship. Attending worship without a sermon is like eating a sandwich without the meat—you still feel hungry and empty.

As you go through your week, take time to pray for the message Pastor Charles will present—that you will have an open mind and an open heart to hear the message as God intends.

One great way to weave worship into our daily lives is to fill it with music that helps focus our hearts on our great God. Here is a Spotify playlist that has all the songs our worship team has led us through in the last month’s Sunday evening services to get you started. http://bit.ly/GBCPMThisMonth It’s updated weekly, so “follow” it to keep fresh worship music in your life.