Pastor recently preached a sermon where he spoke about how Moses and the Israelites had to prepare themselves to come into the presence of God. They consecrated themselves for two whole days!  Today, we don’t really give much thought about getting ready for church except maybe what we are going to wear.  Consecration, or setting ourselves apart, has more to do with the heart than the outward man. After consecrating themselves for two days, God showed up in an awesome way.  I wonder how many church-goers even expect God to show up in a service. They look forward to seeing friends and family, but do they look forward to being with God?  Do we come into our services with hearts that are ready and looking forward to an encounter with the Almighty?  Most of us are just thankful we got the family there at all, and if we are on time before the first song begins, well, that’s an added bonus.  This Sunday, especially since we are nearing the celebration of the Christian’s most important day, the Resurrection Day, set aside time to prepare your hearts.  Think of all that you can be thankful for by what Jesus accomplished on the cross for you and let that be at the forefront of your heart. Know that God wants to meet with His people. Enter into His presence with a heart ready to worship the King of Kings!

¹⁰ Then the LORD told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. ¹¹ Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Exodus 19:10-11 (NLT)

¹⁶ On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. ¹⁷ Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. ¹⁸ All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. Exodus 19:16-18 (NLT)