On Tuesday afternoon at our Worship Team meeting, I shared from Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest, a devotional he entitled “Leave Room for God.” As many of you are home from work and school today and probably tomorrow,  enjoying some time off, or at least a change of venue maybe, it’s a great opportunity to “make room for our Daddy in Heaven.” Here are some of the insights Oswald Chambers shared:

“As servants of God, we must learn to make room for Him – to give God “elbow room.” We plan and figure and predict that this or that will happen, but we forget to make room for God to come in as he chooses. Would we be surprised if God came into our meeting or into our preaching in a way we had never expected Him to come? Do not look for God to come in a particular way, but do look for Him to come, but not in a certain way. No matter how well we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that He may break in at any minute. We tend to overlook this element of surprise, yet God never works in any other way…Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising power can break through at any point. Live in a constant state of expectancy, and leave room for God to come as He decides.”

How do you live your life? Are you expecting God to “break in” at any time? He is the God of surprises! He certainly surprised an elderly Sarah with a newborn! He transformed Saul’s life on a road trip! His greatest surprise was the one He played on Satan that first Easter Sunday morning! Does He still show up and surprise us? Absolutely! If we’re looking for Him. How do you prepare for worship on Sunday?

I’m convinced we often experience what we prepare for. Do you get a good night’s rest Saturday night? Do you get up and spend some personal time with the Lord? Do you pray for your pastors, staff, Sunday School teachers, fellow believers, guests and yourself before coming to worship? Do you ask God to prepare your heart to receive from Him? Do you come ready to serve? If you do, I know you’ll never be disappointed! First Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! That begins with us. Are you “leaving room for God” in your life? He’s ready to meet with you now. Just ask Him.

Blessings!
Mark

P.S. Congratulations to Sean and Melissa Walker on the birth of their son Ryan Andrew Walker! I was there when he arrived at 2:48 on Wednesday, weighing in at 6 lbs. 3 oz. and 18.5“ long. Mom, Dad and son are all doing well!

P.S.S. Please be sure to check the website and TV channels for Sunday morning worship information. Remember, If Kirk and I can get there, we will have church! I’ve got a gift for everyone who comes this Sunday, as well. Please use your best discretion concerning road conditions.