On Saturday evening we gathered together for the fellowship meal. Paul spoke to the people and kept on speaking until midnight, since he was going to leave the next day. Many lamps were burning in the upstairs room where we were meeting. A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window, and as Paul kept on talking, Eutychus got sleepier and sleepier, until he finally went sound asleep and fell from the third story to the ground. When they picked him up, he was dead. Bu Paul went down and threw himself on him and hugged him. "Don't worry," he said, "he is still alive!" Then he went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. After talking with them for a long time, even until sunrise, Paul left. They took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

Acts 20:7-12

After you work long hours on a Saturday it is possible to fall asleep in church on Sunday. But sometimes our religious leaders should give thought to what they are going to say, so we won't fall asleep. We, in the pews, also have a responsibility. Plan your activities so you can stay awake, and then listen for the message. We can have a fresh vision of God's greatness and love, plus a renewed desire to do His will, if we make proper preparation for worship.

Worship on Sunday morning should begin on Saturday night.

Our Daily Bread - January 11, 2003