Verse of the Day
“We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer.” Hebrews 10:25 ERV
Lesson of the Day
We covered studying God’s Word, praying, loving God, praising God, and living for Christ. That’s five of the seven things we discussed that is necessary to activate the Holy Spirit. Next on that list is going to church and spending time together with like-minded Christians. This verse addresses that. It is important to find a church home or a christian group to join. A good church home is a place where we can learn more about Jesus, praise God, build relationships, and pray as a community. This is how we build up our faith muscles. We get together with likeminded Christians because iron sharpens iron. That means that we will teach one another, pray for one another, and hold one another accountable. Just as important, hearing the Word of God builds our faith in God. That’s what a preacher brings to the community. He hears a word from God and shares it with the congregation who in turn increases faith. That is why it is important that we do not be secluded from other believers.
Encouragement
Sometimes this walk with Christ feels heavy. The enemy attacks and most often he uses someone close to you to distract you and try to kill your joy. That’s when you need someone who can remind you of who you are and who God is. Jesus says that we will have troubles in this world but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. We must have faith that Jesus is who He says He is and that He can and will do what He says. The enemy wants us questioning God and what He promises. We know that we can trust God, but sometimes He seems so far away. Those are the times when life be Life-ing. One bad thing after another comes and hits us hard. That is when we need strong faith. We must wait out the storm and that is where a Christian friend or a pastor can help. They encourage us to look at Jesus Christ and all that He promises us and not the circumstances of the storm. Stay connected. We all need to.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for thinking of everything that we needed to navigate this life on Earth. You gave us instructions to stick together because You knew what the enemy would try. You gave us all the tools that we need for this Christian life. Lead us to some upstanding believers in You. Give us a community where we can grow our faith and partner with likeminded Christians. Forgive us when we seclude ourselves from the Christian community. Give us the courage to share our fears and struggles with someone who will encourage us with Your Words and Your will. Cover all of us as we fight to keep our faith. In Jesus Christ’s precious name, I pray, amen.