Good to Be Awake

I came within an inch of not going to church this morning.  I overslept.  After verbalizing that excuse, the next one came very easy.  I was tired.  In "two shakes of a rabbit's tail" I had added a few more.  Then it happened.  From two different directions, a single verse of Scripture arrived on the front burner of my brain, or maybe it was to the door of my heart.  The verse was from Hebrews 10:25 which says a word about "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some..."  Actually, I knew it was not just the habit of some, but my habit as well.  

So, I went.  Arrived late.  Very late.  It was not too late to receive a blessing I would not have received had I stayed midst the sheets.  I would say that I know the importance of "not forsaking the assembly" as the King James Version renders it, but then there was this morning.  I grew up in a home where worship on Sunday morning and Sunday night was not optional.  As I began to build my own spiritual foundation, I came to understand and appreciate the value of what I was taught as a child.  Some would say that as preacher, I had no choice but to be there each Sunday; yet, it is also true that I was one of those diehards who never gave up offering Sunday night worship for those who would come.  Gathering with other believers is important.   

At the worship service I almost missed this morning, my heart was warmed by witnessing and sharing in the excitement of one baptism after another.  I watched as people came forward to be a part of the future of the church through membership.  I got to hear "Victory in Jesus" one more time.  I heard a sermon on doubting Thomas which the Holy Spirit applied to my heart in a new and fresh way.  Thanks be to God that I did not sleep at home or in church this morning!