Great Expectations

What are you doing this weekend? Are you expecting to have fun? Planning to relax. Preparing to enjoy the beautiful crisp fall days here in the Carolinas? There are times over the weekend that you can really enjoy yourself without doing one of these three things...expecting, planning or preparing. However, not too often do you stumble into a good experience...especially if your attitude is poor and you are not expecting to enjoy yourself.

How do you approach Sunday morning? Do you come expecting a great worship experience? Do you come planning to learn and be touched by the Encounter Service? Do you prepare yourself and your family for the best possible morning?

Here are some quick hitters that I think can help make your Sunday morning the best it can be EACH Sunday!


Be prepared and get everyone together so that you can arrive 15 minutes BEFORE the service starts. Arriving late makes you rush. You don't have time to talk to friends, get a cup of coffee and hear the opening songs that always sets the tone for the service.

Come expecting to hear from God about the topic. Whisper a prayer like this..."God, today we are learning about how to prepare our kids to be successful adults. Speak to me specifically about what I need to know." One reason we advertise what the service will be about is so you can come expecting to be impacted.

Plan to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker. The anticipation level goes way up when you know you have an unchurched friend with you. You personally know that the stakes are high and you are prayed up for your friends.

Come expecting a great morning. Your attitude will directly effect your enjoyment of the morning. However, even if the morning does not go well on your way to CSF....whisper this kind of prayer.."Lord, you know this morning has been a nightmare. My head tells me to just give up and stay home...however, my heart knows I need to Encounter you this morning, so I am going to go and I am in need of your grace and love today! NOW!"

Even a desparation prayer like that shows that you expect God to touch you in a special way.

Be prepared, plan ahead and come with Great Expectations! Bring a friend and we will see you Sunday!

Psalm 8:1-3

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."

Last thing....GO BUTLER!