Instantly, a dozen sparrows from around the backyard feeder headed for the trees and disappeared. They orchestrated their departure to perfection. Was a hawk lurching in the neighbor's yard? Whatever it was, they were alarmed. The predator, however, would have been hard-pressed to find the one bird he had keyed into from afar. So, as a group, they flew in perfect synchrony away from danger. (photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
The simple display of the sparrows flying away in unison reminds us how important it is for Christians to stick together. Knowing this makes us less vulnerable. The Enemy will never miss the chance to lead us into greater isolation.
As children of God, God has built us for community. It seems to be an innate instinct within the animal world as well. With technological advances, however, humans have created an alternative to the exhortation in Hebrews 10:25. Online church is very popular. And long after churches have reopened their doors, a significant percentage of churchgoers still choose to worship from home.
One day as I was visiting with a woman in a small African village, I sat in silence as she carried on her daily chores. I spoke a sentence occasionally, but my grasp of the language was far from literate. I felt awkward every time I opened my mouth. Yet at the end of the visit, she told me what a lovely visit it had been because I had honored her with my physical presence.
What would happen in our churches if we had the same attitude as those in this small African village? What if, when we looked face-to-face with someone, we saw their presence as a gift?
The interaction of fellow believers promises God's presence and protection. God says that where two or three gather in His name, He is in their midst. So, whether it's a small group meeting in a home or connecting with a friend over coffee, the eyes have it. The appeal in Scripture is clear that meeting together as believers is imperative.
How can you place greater importance on meeting together with others?"
"Not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Let's pray-
God's built us for community, as well as the animal world. Some have created an alternative by stayng home and watching from their internet connection, therefore not obeying God's instructions to gather together for the preachinig of His Word. We're missing out on fellowshipping with other believers and serving the church in some way, and thus, failing to honor the Word of the Lord Jesus to not forsake the assembling together. (Hebrews 10:25).
"Not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)
#9 Testimony- Cathy
Randy Clark- "I hope this book (will) make you hungry for more—hungry for an impartation of apostolic love and compassion, hungry for an impartation of the gifts needed to be more fruitful in your ministry. I believe you are hungry! . . I believe God sees your hunger and wants to touch you. . . It has been my experience that those who have received an impartation are those who are most ready to serve in the kingdom of God and who have the most joy while serving."
Felicia Dawson - "No matter our age, when we have faith in and trust God, our milestones can become steppingstones to deepen our relationship with God. We learn to rely on His power to do His work, whatever He calls us to do. God will equip us, and we can know He will finish any work He begins in us."
Upcoming posts:
18th- WHEN YOU'RE WEAK- Karen Huang
25th- GOD HAD OTHER PLANS- Tim Gustafson
The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,
located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,
broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15
You can view past services too.
Sermon listing:https://www.
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