One More Reason We Need One Another

There was a lot going on last night. So much so, I considered cancelling Life Group on Thursday morning. There were a few folks who weren't going to be able to make it due to other commitments, and I wasn't sure how effective the group would be with just 3 or 4 of us in attendance. The Holy Spirit impressed me not to, and it turns out God had other plans.

The majority of the group have been put "through the ringer" these last several days (if not weeks), and yesterday seemed to be the final straw. It was the time when we most needed one another. Ironically, the theme for last night's study was "encouragement through the Church."

I just love when God meets us right where we are and brings a Word of encouragement or reminder of His love and faithfulness to us in the midst of our storms. If I had cancelled the group, we would not have had the opportunity to encourage one another, pray for one another, worship together, laugh together and cry together.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

When you read these two passages, you cannot escape the essential fact that God wants Christians to be connected intimately together - and that means meeting together often. I know of so many Christians who aren't plugged into a church. What is that about? How does a Christian rationalize this behavior when it is so blatently against God's will for their lives?

There are approximately 85 churches in Culpeper County. Find one and get plugged in - there's plenty from which to choose.

Am I irritating you? Well consider Hebrews 10:24...

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

In the original language, "spur one another on" can be translated as "incite one another" or "irritate one another". If my irritation causes you towards obedience in Christ and a deeper walk with Him, then hooray for the power of the Holy Spirit working through me! I'll take that any day of the week.