Where does God want you to be?

There are many important things to do and places to be in this world. But when one considers the big picture, where truly does God want you to be? The world will distract us and strive to prevent us from even asking the question. The world will find many places where we should be and many ways we should occupy our time. Just consider how Martha was distracted by all the busyness of life which kept her from sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His word. Consider also what Jesus said how what Mary had chosen was better (Luke 10:38-42).

It is imperative that you attend worship regularly. It is important because in church, in the Divine Service, God blesses you in amazing ways. He blesses you through the Word, the Sacraments and the fellowship of the church. Here in church you have opportunities to confess sin and have your sins forgiven. Here the forgiveness Jesus won for you upon the cross enters into your life. Here God speaks to you through His Word. Here you are strengthened in the faith that Jesus died and rose so that believing in Him alone you may have eternal life. Here you are reminded of your baptism and you are able to have your family and children and neighbors baptized. Here you can receive the sacrament of Holy Communion as Jesus gives to you His true body and blood shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins. In the fellowship of the church you can encourage one another. Others can be a blessing to you and you can be an encouragement and a blessing for others by your presence, your listening ear, and your words of encouragement.

Of course, you would expect me, as your pastor, to say you should be in church. But don’t just take my word for it. Listen to what God says to you. Let Scripture speak for itself. Read the following passage and as you ponder these passages ask yourself, “where does God want me to be?”

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” Exodus 20:8-10a

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listing to the truth and wander off into myths." 2 Timothy 4:2-4

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

“So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” 1 Corinthians 11:33

“Oh, come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.” Psalm 95:6-7

“O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.” Psalm 26:8

As you ponder the will of God, the Word of God, and the blessings God gives to you in the Divine Service, these seasons of Advent and Christmas and Epiphany are a great time to begin a new with your lives dedicated to faithful and regular worship attendance in the Divine Services. I look forward to seeing you there. May God bless all of us through these sacred services.

Pastor Schoenfeld