Devotion 1: Preparation

“Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” I’ve heard that quote my whole life from coaches and mentors urging their teams to prepare for the next game or season. Preparation was never optional; it was the difference between success and failure.

As I think about the phrase “consider” in Hebrews 10:24, I can’t help but connect that same idea to how Christians prepare for gathering with the church. The Greek word used here carries the sense of intentional thought, careful attention, and purposeful preparation. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging believers to come ready—mentally, spiritually, and relationally—before gathering with the saints.

What would it look like if we truly prepared before walking into the gathering?

Let’s take it one step further. Scripture reminds us that believers need one another. Ephesians 3:18 tells us we are strengthened as we grow in Christ "with all the saints." We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. We are designed to walk this life together within the church.

Now, let’s tie these ideas together. I prepare before gathering, knowing that someone in that room may be strengthened and encouraged simply because I am there. That sounds surprising, maybe even a little unbelievable, but it’s true.

I remember a conversation with a friend after COVID. She said something that stuck with me, “I need to get back to church. I know someone there needs me.” At first, I was taken aback. It sounded almost arrogant, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized she understood something deeply biblical. She saw church not just as a place to receive, but as a place to strengthen others.

When we prepare our hearts with the awareness that God may use us to encourage someone else, it changes how we “consider” the gathering. Church becomes more than attendance; it becomes ministry.

Before gathering this Sunday, consider praying:

· God, prepare my heart to be changed by something that happens in the gathering today.

· God, prepare someone else’s heart to strengthen me today.

· God, prepare my heart to strengthen someone else today.

Come ready. Someone is depending on it.