Monday, January 22, 2024
When my relationship with God blossomed, I immersed myself in Scripture and studies of God on such a personal level that I began to truly know him as my Abba, Father. Yet, I was still fighting against some of what he wanted me to do. One of those things was assembling with other Christ followers.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m one of those people who has to learn things the hard way! I once read a joke that really spoke to my way of living. It had a smiling, little cartoon-like character on it and said, “I've learned from my mistakes, so I'm thinking of making a few more!”
Thankfully, God is persistent and broke down every argument I had. When I finally chose obedience and began gathering with others who claim Jesus Christ as their Savior, I grew exponentially on both a personal and spiritual level.
Ecclesiastes: 4:9-10
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Loneliness is lessened when Christ followers gather together and shine the love of God on others. Our humanity often prevents us from saying and doing the right thing. But, because of our salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, those who follow Christ uniquely have in common one very important thing—we share in the forgiveness of our sins. We live amongst the few, saved by grace through faith, but we also live amongst the many who are still lost.
So, it is important to gather together in community to build each other up in him.
Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
We need to encourage each other, to serve the community at large, and to praise and worship our Father—always placing him first in our lives and loving others as we love ourselves. We must also remember that the members of God's church are at various stages of spiritual growth, so we need to meet each person where he or she is at. And although we are at different levels of spiritual maturity, we truly are one in his Spirit.
Questions:
Do you attend church regularly?
Do you obey God by assembling with other members of his church?
Do you have people close to you who are fueling your progress?
Do you have people close to you who are fighting your progress?
Next Steps:
If you don’t attend church regularly, set a goal to do so.
Check out the Groups directory and take a next step to assemble with other members of God’s church.
Identify the people in your life who are fueling your progress in building a relationship with God. Let them know how much you appreciate them.
Identify the people in your life who are fighting against your progress. Pray for God’s guidance on how to move forward in those relationships.
Plan to attend Prayer and Worship Night at your campus on 1/28 from 5:30-6:30pm.
21 Days of Prayer: Day 15—Dependence (Psalm 121:1-2)
Today’s Prayer Focus: To Declare my Dependence on Him
Prayer:
Dear Lord, when things become difficult, I know you walk beside me. You will cross the desert and weather any storm with me. When things become unbearable, I know you will carry me to the other side. Today, I declare my dependence on you. You give me my strength and are the only one who can truly replenish my weary soul. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
2 Peter 1:3
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
This post was written by Linda Repka, a regular contributor of the Living it Out.