Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s the first day of a new week and although it was too cold for comfort on the front porch this morning, I spent a few minutes outside embracing the Gift of this new day. I “praised His Holy Name” – I “proclaimed His righteousness” – I “made a joyful noise” – I allowed Him to “search my Heart” – I lifted up my hands “to the Holy place” and I blessed the Lord. Without another living soul around, I had church with just me and my God from a front porch in Virginia. Nothing compares to the quiet Time I spend with the King of all kings when He and I “have church” on our own. Isn’t that the way it is for you too?

It can be so easy for people of Faith to rely on the formality of a church service to do their heavy Spiritual lifting, but it’s not supposed to be that way. Preparing the Heart for all that God has for us, in and out of the church, is the Key to fulfillment and Growth and that’s something we must do on our own. Having a “personal relationship” with Jesus Christ is just that…it’s personal. It’s during those times, when it’s just you and your God, that He will do the Heaviest Work on the Heart and it’s those times that Prepare the Heart for the more we Receive in a gathering at church.

The Bible tells us “do not forsake the assembling” – but our “assembly” time is intended to Strengthen us, Encourage us, and Grow us for the Journey we should be striving to walk on our own. The people we assemble with are intended to love us, encourage us, and yes, hold us accountable…never just a social circle of nice people in a country club environment. The songs we sing and the music we hear is intended to get our Hearts in a place of Praise for the King so we’re ready to Hear His Word…not to entertain us in concert style…and it shouldn’t be subject to critique. The Word we receive from an Anointed one is intended to reinforce the Journey for us…not spoon-feed us with the ONLY Truth we ever hear. It’s our reliance on the King of all kings and our Personal Relationship with Him that matters more than anything else and that isn’t “found” in a church, it’s Found in the Heart.

I had an amazing Spiritual Time at daybreak with the One who died for me and our Time together was too Rich for words and my Heart has been Prepared for whatever I face today. I had church with the King this morning and my Personal Relationship with Him is Stronger than ever before. I’ve done my part…now it’s time for me to Live on the outside what I Know on the inside!

How about you?