How are you going to prepare to worship AND worship on this Independence Day Weekend?  Many Americans see worship as one option among many, and when a holiday weekend comes, the number of options multiplies.  But if we are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (See Matthew 6:33) then corporate worship is part of that first priority, and not an "option."  Because of the holiday weekend you may be hundreds of miles away from New Life (or whatever your home congregation may be).  As I've said in previous Saturday posts, then worship God in a local congregation where you are, or put together a family worship service.

You say, "But I'm visiting relatives who don't attend worship."  Really?  What a great opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to Jesus, and invite them to join you. If you're really proactive, you can do a little research and find a great church in the area you're visiting, and invite your hosts to join you there.  Then, they may find out that church is better than they remember it--if they used to attend worship in the past--or that it's a lot better than they thought it would be if they've never been part of a church.

If you have friends in for the weekend and they aren't church goers, invite them to join you, or let them sleep in and go to the early service.  Either way, you once again show your family or friends that Jesus is the first priority in your life, and give them something to think about for theirs!  If the reason they came to town is a Sunday morning activity, then find a Saturday evening service to attend.  Northway Christian Community (5:30 p.m.), Allison Park Church (6:00 p.m.) & Victory Family Church (6:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.--young adult service) are all great churches that have Saturday Evening Services in our area.

We become what we're committed to in life.  Corporate worship is one commitment of growing followers of Jesus.  I hope to see you at New Life tomorrow at 8:45 or 10:15 a.m.  If not, I hope you'll exercise your freedom as an American and worship somewhere  because our first citizenship is in heaven, and as citizens of heaven, one our first opportunities and responsibilities is to worship Jesus!  Have a great holiday, and join us tomorrow as we focus on the them Blessed Is the Nation...

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father,  Thanks for the opportunity to worship you everyday, and to join with brothers and sisters through Your Son, Jesus, to worship each weekend. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may worship You in Spirit and in truth, today and always.  This we ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.