Easter Preparations, Pt.2

In order to honor God during this holy week I do some very practical things to make sure I am ready to give God my best on Easter Sunday.

Remember, this Sunday is not LIKE ANY OTHER SUNDAY ALL YEAR.  Not because we actually celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, hopefully if you are in a church, that is happening every Sunday.  THE REASON THIS SUNDAY IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER ALL YEAR, IS BECAUSE OUR AMERICAN CULTURE ACTUALLY CHOOSES TO RECOGNIZE THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST MORE THAN ANY OTHER TIME.  Sure, they may not actually believe that Jesus came back from the grave in order to save them and love them; but they are more open to this possibility!  This Sunday is the best Sunday all year to invite unchurched friends and family to church!  Your invitation could lead to someone else’s salvation!

Here are some practical things I do in order to prepare for Easter:

1. I get as much done as possible before Sunday arrives.  I don’t leave anything to chance on Sunday.  I am not just talking about our weekend programming, but even my morning routine.  I lay out all of my clothes the night before (I actually do this every Saturday night) – you would be amazed by how much time you actually save by doing this, not to mention the mental stress you free yourself from.
2. Easter morning will be chaotic, just bank on it.  Not only is it difficult to get a family ready for church (which my wife bares the load of each Sunday morning) but all of hell’s forces are fighting against you this Sunday.  Hell knows that heaven is about to lay the smack down this weekend!  Since, we know this Sunday will be a battle, make a decision now, not to let anything get in the way of how God wants to use you this weekend to lead others to Him!
3. I make sure my alarm clock is set to the right time.
4. I put my bags and other items I need for church by the door the night before.
5. All of my ministry tools are ready to go on Saturday, so nothing is left to chance on Sunday morning.  Sunday is just too important not to plan and prepare in advance.
6. I eat breakfast.  This may seem silly or obvious, but don’t get on the most important race track of the year with no gas in the tank.
7. I spend time with Jesus in the morning, not just reviewing my message, but mingling my heart with His.  My goal is that He would speak through me.  God does His best work in me, when I allow Him to work through me!
8. I spend time in prayer on Saturday night with my wife and family.  We pray for God to move in a mighty way, we pray for God to bring lots of people to church so they can meet Jesus and experience real & lasting change!
9. I look for every opportunity to share Jesus and invite those far from God to our church this Sunday.  I believe once people put their faith in Jesus and get involved with our church they are in the best possible place to experience real & lasting change!
10. I trust God with the results.  As a team we have prayed, we have worked hard to prepare and lay a strong foundation for growth; but ultimately God is responsible for changing human hearts.  We simply get to partner in that process.

Dear Jesus, may you exceed our expectations. May we attempt great things for You, and may we expect great things from You!  You are able to do far above all that we ask or think.  May you humble us by your harvest! May we take on the responsibility of cultivating your community of faith! Amen