THE MYSTERY OF LIFE AND DEATH

EDITOR’S NOTE: This prayerful reflection was first shared at a service that was held for people gathered to mourn the loss of five music students from Indiana University who died in a plane crash on April 20, 2006.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 NIV)

Oh Dear God, we come to You because we do not know where else to go. We come to You with more questions than affirmations. We want to ask, "Why?", "Why now?" "Why them?"

We can not accept the glib answer that You need them for some angelic choir more than we need them here. It is not so. We can not - we will not believe that it is some direct act of will on Your part that these young persons should die so soon. You would not tease us with promising futures, only to snuff out these lives before any fulfillment of their dreams. We want to quarrel, but must confess that the mystery of life and death is beyond our mortal minds.

But we still come, in spite of questions, in spite of anger, because our pain is such that we need Your love and need Your comfort and need to feel Your presence more than we need answers that will not satisfy. Hold us close to You, close to each other and close to those we have lost.

Even as our own grief seems too much to bear, we remember those for whom these deaths are far more personal. We pray for their families, for those for whom life will be forever changed, where empty chairs and empty rooms and silent instruments will be constant reminders of their loss.

But, we also come to be reminded that we live in the light of Easter. We have proclaimed that Christ is risen, that death has been conquered, that life continues beyond the event we call death and we claim the promises made that in life and in death we belong to You, brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus Christ and therefore Your children always.  Amen 

-- Joe G. Emerson, Teaching Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Bloomington, IN

#6042

PASSIONATE WORSHIP

"How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed faints for the courts of the Lord." (Psalm 84:1-2)

Vibrant, fruitful, growing churches offer Passionate Worship that connects people to God and to one another. People gather consciously as the Body of Christ with eagerness and expectancy; encounter Christ through singing, prayer, Scripture, preaching, and Holy Communion; and respond by allowing God's Spirit to shape their lives. Lives shaped by God's Spirit become the nucleus for congregations with extraordinary warmth, graciousness, and belonging. People are searching for worship that is authentic, alive, creative, and comprehensible, where they experience the life-changing presence of God in the presence of others. 

-- Robert Schnase in “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” 

#6041

EXPRESSING PRAISE IN WORSHIP

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who is the Maker of heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 134:2-3 NIV)

Our entire being is fashioned as an instrument of praise. Just as a master violin maker designs an instrument to produce maximum aesthetic results, so God tailor-made our bodies, souls and spirits to work together in consonance to produce pleasing expressions of praise and worship. When we use body language to express praise, that which is internal becomes visible.  

-- Lamar Boschman in “A Heart for Worship” 

#6040

A WAY OF LIFE TOGETHER

When we look at the early church we get a picture of small communities of people who followed Jesus together. The Book of Acts, especially Acts 2:42-47, gives us a great picture of the early church and the components of biblical community, which encompassed both the "temple courts" and "house to house."

These believers engaged in life together through teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer, miracles, radical generosity, and corporate worship. They spent time together eating, learning, celebrating, proclaiming the Good News, and supporting each other. In addition, the 50-plus "one another" verses in the New Testament flesh out other aspects of this community. For example, it was a place where people loved, forgave, served, bore burdens, encouraged, exhorted, prayed, equipped, spoke truth in love, confessed sins, and treated each other as precious members of one body.

God never intended for us to live the Christian life alone. How can we apply these "one another" references unless we are in intentional, close relationships with each other? God calls us to love, not in an abstract or superficial way, but in a deep, face to face, life-on-life, transformative way -- which is difficult and inevitably messy.

In our modern culture, small groups are often viewed merely as a program or a fellowship ministry within the church. But for the New Testament church, it was a way of life, encompassing every area of their lives. Their relationships with one another were critical to their pursuit of Jesus, their growth in Christ, and their witness to the Good News. It would be impossible to experience biblical community apart from spiritually significant, intentional relationships with other believers. Relational structures like small groups, therefore, are an integral part of "being" the church and not just "doing" church.

-- Carolyn Taketa in “Making a Case for Small Groups”

#6039

GOD’S COMFORT

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV)

God provides comfort in many ways, but the Greek word for comfort in this particular passage is paraklesis (pronounced: par-ak-lay-sis). Which relates to the word paraclete or “one who comes alongside to help.” This word is also used as a name for the Holy Spirit. Paul, the writer of this letter to the Corinthians, was specifically talking about how God comforted him by helping him – providing him strength, boldness, and courage through the many trials he faced in his ministry.

The Holy Spirit helps all believers in the same way He helped Paul – strengthening us through the trials we face in our own lives. But God’s comfort doesn’t stop there. We who have been comforted by God’s great mercy are able to comfort others who are suffering and facing difficult situations. 

– Lauren Ibach in “The Bible in a Year: A Reading Plan Focusing on God’s Character”

#6038

THE PRIMARY MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”  (Mark 8:36 NKJV)

At the height of the Civil War the need for hospital facilities became so great that many schools and other public buildings in Washington, D.C., were made into temporary medical centers. Dr. Phineas Gurley, pastor of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, determined that the sanctuary of his church should be turned over to such needs, by placing a "floor" over the pews upon which hospital beds could be placed.

When Dr. Gurley announced to his congregation that there would be no more church services in New York Avenue until further notice, President Lincoln was present. Though not a member, Lincoln worshiped at that church most Sundays. The announcement was hardly complete before Lincoln stood to his feet. "Dr. Gurley," he said, "this action was taken without my consent and I hereby countermand the order. The churches are needed as never before for divine services." Needless to say, the President's order was obeyed. 

Mr. Lincoln realized that when mankind's needs are greatest, no need is greater than one’s spiritual sustenance. The most pressing problems of a critical time do not take precedence over the primary ministry of the church; they only accentuate its importance. For what is our profit if we have gained the world -- or saved our lives, economy, and health -- and have lost our souls? 

-- J. Ellsworth Kalas in the newsletter of First United Methodist Church of Madison, Wisconsin on May 4, 1972, www.ellsworthkalas.com

#6038

COMMUNITY AND MUTUAL RESPECT

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.”  (1 Corinthians 13:4-6 NRSV)

It is essential to remember that our differences do not make us superior or inferior to one another – in churches, in communities, in politics. As members of the human family, we must strive to understand the other, reducing our tendencies to be arrogant or rude. Each of us has unique gifts to offer and roles to play, and it is through recognizing and valuing these differences that we can foster a sense of community and mutual respect.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:21, "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'" This powerful metaphor illustrates the importance of interdependence and collaboration. In politics, as in life, we all need each other to create a harmonious and functioning society.

Arrogance and rudeness often stem from a failure to acknowledge our interconnectedness. When we appreciate the diversity of our gifts and functions, we are drawn into a deeper understanding of our common humanity. Let us strive to approach political discourse with humility and respect, recognizing that every voice and perspective has something to offer. By doing so, we can build a more compassionate world. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

#6036

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
 
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

(Verses 1 and 2 from “A Might Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther)

Like many, [Martin] Luther’s behavior did not always reflect his theology. Still, his discovery in Scripture that people by God’s grace can have a right relationship with God vastly changed his outlook on life. Having that fundamental relationship secured, he believed that a joyful and loving life would follow.

During a period in 1527 when he suffered from dizziness and from a disease occasioned both by high fever and physical weakness, Luther succumbed to a feeling of psychological abandonment. The prayers of his wife and friends sustained him in his despair. During this time he composed “A Might Fortress Is our God.” A clue to his faith lay in his admission that “the prince of darkness grim” raged in his life. Luther surmounted these personally trying times with the assurance that he need not fear the devil’s onslaughts because “one little Word shall fell him.” That Word is Jesus Christ. The reformer survived his rough moments by naming and clinging to Jesus Christ. 

-- K. James Stein in “Spiritual Guides for the 21^st Century”

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His Truth to triumph through us;
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little Word shall fell him.
 
That Word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s Truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

(Verses 3 and 4 from “A Might Fortress Is Our God” by Martin Luther)

#6035

THE POWER OF GOD

“When I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”  (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV)

When living in our own strength and “lofty speech,” as Paul puts it, it points people back to us. When we are owning our weakness and therefore dependence on Christ, God's power inherently points people back to Him. When Peter and John healed a lame man, and people stared in amazement, the apostles quickly redirected the credit to God. Peter asked, "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12)

When human power is displayed, it might impress people. But the gospel's call goes much deeper than mere admiration; it requires humility, amazement, and awe at a power from a divine source. Only God's power, revealed in us, can accomplish this. It liberates us from our weaknesses, equips us to do His will, strengthens us to become like Christ, and provides a powerful witness to those around us. 

“’Not by [your] might nor by [your] power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”  (Zechariah 4:6b)  

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry

#6034

THE GIFT OF CREATION

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”  (Genesis 1:1,31a NIV)

Now there are several words to describe what God has done with His creation as outlined in the first chapter of Genesis, but I know of none that says it better than grace. This creation is, for sure, unmerited favor.

Soon after we finish the first chapter of Genesis we learn that we humans have not done well by this initial gift of grace… But what we humans have done to this creation doesn’t diminish the grace that first inspired God to make it or to trust it to our care. If anything, our fumblings only underscore the wonder of grace.

Someone recalls an evening a generation or two ago at a summer resort -- the kind that maintained a row of rocking chairs across the grand front porch of the hotel. The vacationers watched the sunset -- especially a somewhat overweight, unromantic-looking man who never moved his eyes from the scene. Another vacationer noticed his intentness. “You certainly enjoyed the sunset. Are you an artist?” “No, madam,” the man replied. “I’m a plumber, but for five years I was blind.”

I struggle often with the worst failure of vision, my dullness in realizing the wonder of creation that surrounds me. I’m grateful, mind you, but generally in a preoccupied and imperceptive way. Only occasionally do I recognize that the creation is a gift of grace. I haven’t earned any of it… All of it is unmerited.

But when I ponder the gift, I realize I must care for what is here and I must seek to restore what my ancestors and I have messed up. Because while grace is a gift, those who receive it are obligated to cooperate with its mood. 

– Excerpted from “Grace in a Tree Stump: Old Testament Stories of God’s Love” by J. Ellsworth Kalas

“Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of Your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
You inspire shouts of joy.”  (Psalm 65:8 NLT)

THE SUPREME ACT OF KINDNESS

“…God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”   (Ephesians 2:7 NLT)

Jesus is God’s kindness, God’s big gift of kindness that came in a small package of swaddling clothes, a baby sent to save us. God is so kind that Jesus did not count equality with God as something to be grasped and therefore emptied Himself of His place in heaven (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus became flesh (John 1:14). His very enfleshment personified kindness.

Jesus represents the kindness of a God who became one of us. Religions have famous teachers and prophets. Religions have teachings about God. But only the Christian faith professes that God became flesh as the supreme act of kindness toward His creatures. He came to us so that we could come to Him. God’s loving gift of Jesus to you is a miraculous act of kindness that sets the tone for your life.

In fact, that is what Jesus does. He shows you God. In order to help you become the-best-version-of-yourself, Jesus will guide you home. He will embody in Himself who and what you are called to be. He is the Word of God made flesh, living right here among us.  

-- Allen R. Hunt in “Nine Words: A Bible Study to Help You Become the Best-Version-of-Yourself” 

#6032

UNMASKING MYSELF

Many years ago I read an article in a denominational newsletter that referred to "the Masking Disciples 2000 Leadership Team." While "Masking" was a typo and should have read "Making," it made me wonder if that isn't what we in the church might be doing sometimes.

We go out as good people doing good things in the community to make it a good place to live so that we can make good people feel good. That is masking, or covering up, what we really should be about. We are followers of Jesus Christ who are called by Christ to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." (Matthew 28:19-20a NLT)

What I need to be about is unmasking myself and letting the world know that the good that I do is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, not because I'm a good person. Jesus said, " Let your light shine before [others] in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 AMP)

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry

#6031

NO COMPARTMENTALIZATION

“Blessed is the one
     who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
     or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
     and who meditates on His law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
     which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
     whatever they do prospers.”  (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)

The story of God doesn’t make room for compartmentalization. It doesn’t speak of moments of being influenced by the Word, but having our imaginations fixed on it, meditating on it day and night. It doesn’t speak of producing for God in separation from Him. Rather, living a life being planted in Him. Jesus doesn’t say, apart from Him we can’t do religious things very well. He says apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5)…

When the psalmist says “whatever they do prospers,” I don’t think he means “whatever religious activity they do.” The story that God is inviting us into changes everything. From the heart, to the home, to the church, to the city. The more you dive into God’s story, the depth and breadth of His grace begins to tear down any divides that could lead to compartmentalization. He wants your all. 

-- Excerpted from Lo Alaman in “Wake-up Call” 

#6030

EQUIPPING THE CHURCH FOR MINISTRY

“Christ Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;…”  (Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV)

The task of the ministry is, not to undertake some specialist activity from which the rest of the faithful are excluded, but to pioneer in doing that which the whole church must do.  And the ministry itself is no originator, but receives its task from Christ.  The ordained ministers only exercise the ministry which Christ Himself has first exercised, and which He continues to exercise through them, and through their activity in the whole church also.

 -- Anthony T. Hanson (1916-1991) in “The Pioneer Church” 

#6029

ENGAGING IN MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

This verse beautifully captures the essence of mentoring. Just as iron sharpens iron through friction and contact, mentoring involves a mutual process of growth and improvement.

When we engage in mentoring relationships, we not only impart knowledge and wisdom but also receive insights and perspectives that refine us. It's a dynamic exchange where both the mentor and mentee are shaped and strengthened.

In the context of faith, mentoring is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and for making disciples of Jesus Christ. It allows us to share our experiences, encourage one another, and hold each other accountable. Through these interactions, we become better equipped to navigate life's challenges and fulfill our God-given potential in Christ.

Remember, mentoring is not just about teaching; it's about walking alongside someone, offering support, and being open to learning from them as well. As we invest in others, we too are sharpened and enriched, reflecting the transformative power of God's wisdom in our lives. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6028

WHAT WE NEED WHEN WE NEED IT – Part 2 of 2

Remember the Lord’s Prayer? “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)

What we really wish is that it said weekly or monthly or yearly bread. That way we wouldn’t have to depend on God on a daily basis! But that’s when God has us right where He wants us. Spiritual maturity is not self-sufficiency. In fact, our desire for self-sufficiency is a subtle expression of our sinful nature. It’s a desire to get to a place where we don’t need God. We want God to provide more so we need Him less…

Everyone wants a miracle, but no one wants to be in a situation that necessitates one. But you cannot have one without the other. So God gracefully puts us in situations where enough isn’t enough. We find ourselves in a situation where we need to feed 20,000 people and we have two fish to our name.

-- Mark Batterson in “The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible” 

#6027

WHAT WE NEED WHEN WE NEED IT – Part 1 of 2

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

Few people have witnessed more miracles than George Müller (1805 – 1898).

Along with pastoring one church for sixty-six years, Müller established the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. He cared for 10,024 orphans while establishing 117 schools for their education throughout England. Adjusted for inflation, George Müller raised $150 million dollars for those kingdom causes. This is an incredible sum of money by any standard, but what makes it even more remarkable is the fact that George Müller never asked anyone for anything – not a single penny. He made a covenant to ask only God. Müller figured that God knew exactly what he needed and when he needed it, and God could make provision for it. It is estimated that Müller experienced thirty thousand specific answers to prayer, as recorded in his journal. Time and time again, food would be dropped off on their doorstep right when they ran out, a donation was made right before a bill came due, or a plumber offered his services right when a problem needed to be fixed.

I live by an Oswald Chambers maxim: “Let God be as original with other people as He is with you.” So I’m not prescribing George Müller’s methodology across the board. I think it’s okay to verbalize a need or ask for help, but shouldn’t we put it to prayer first rather than last? And why do we take matters into our own hands when we can put them into the hands of God? Few things are harder than letting go and letting God, but that’s what George Müller modeled. And I can think of thirty thousand reasons to follow his example. 

-- Mark Batterson in “The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible” 

#6026

EVERY CHRISTIAN A WITNESS

Jesus replied, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8 NIV)

Every Christian is a witness for Christ.  We cannot bear the name Christian without indicating by our words and deeds what Christ means to us.  We are empowered by our faith.  We also invest the word Christian with meaning by the way we live our faith.  The only gospel some of our friends will ever know will come from their relationship with us.  We are bearers of the best news in the world.  And we owe it to those we love to cultivate our abilities at sharing this news with them.

-- Harold K. Bates in “Witness for Christ”

#6025

GOD GIVES PERSEVERANCE

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”  (Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV)

Clearly, we need perseverance in order to run the race God has set before our lives. We especially need perseverance to keep the faith and keep running when the world feels out of control. Importantly, though, you and I do not need to be the source of that perseverance. In fact, we shouldn’t be. We can’t run very far or keep going very long on our strength alone.

That’s why God gives perseverance to His followers. As we determine in our minds to keep the faith, He fills us with all that we require to keep going – to keep running.

There is an amazing promise found in the book of 2 Peter that I want to make sure you know about: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (1:3 NIV). Right there in black and white, God has promised to give you everything you need to live an authentic, impactful life as a member of His kingdom. And one of those things you need is perseverance. 

-- David Jeremiah in “Keep the Faith: How to Stand Strong in a World Turned Upside Down”

#6024

COMMUNITY IN CHRIST

“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. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT)

The Spirit is inviting, inviting us to overcome our shyness and to discover anew what community in Christ is really meant to be.

The Spirit is inviting us to set aside our idealized images of community, because true community in Christ involves us in all the realities of human relationships.  The Spirit is inviting us to attend once again on faithful practices and on being stretched and on our steady, prayerful need for grace in the life we share together.  In essence, the Spirit now bids us to enter a form of being and acting that has no limits.

It is calling us to grow in our life with the community that is both fashioned and led forth by the Living Christ.

-- Stephen V. Doughty in “Discovering Community”

#6023

CHILDLIKE FAITH: RECKLESS JOY

So, exactly what is a “childlike faith?” For starters, it’s something not to be taken lightly. In Matthew 19:14, when the disciples rebuke those who have brought little children to Jesus, what does Jesus say? “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Clearly, Jesus is big on children. He sees something special in them. He defends them… But what is it about children’s approach to faith that’s so engaging? Though Jesus doesn’t get specific about that, the answer is in their approach to life. As children, we are not jaded by the sophistication of the world. We’re real. We’re humble. We’re willing to admit our needs and trust that others can help us. We’re unpretentious and adventurous. We’re lighthearted and imaginative. And we’re fearless, willing to take a risk -- a juvenile version of what the early twentieth-century Bible teacher Oswald Chambers calls “reckless joy.”

And then, of course, we grow up. And what happens? In many cases, we get jaded by the world. Instead of being real, we rationalize behaviors. We learn to put our personal spin on our shortcomings rather than deal with them. We become pretentious. We throw ourselves into all sorts of physical adventure but are cowardly regarding relationships, flitting from one person to the next, lacking the courage to commit.

We hide our needs from others. From God. From ourselves. We play it safe, settling for too little in life. Rather than live by faith, we embrace one of the many forms of legalism, be it a secular or religious version. Rather than try to please God with simple faith, we complicate things by trying to prove to Him how worthy we are by our works. We’re full of fear, but we mask it with everything from busyness to addictions to rationalization, as we desperately seek to convince ourselves that we’re content. In reality, we know little of Chamber’s “reckless joy.” 

-- Bob Welch in “52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful Life”

#6022

A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

Making a proactive decision about your church attendance can yield significant spiritual benefits. The Bible emphasizes the importance of Christians gathering together to support each other’s growth. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” Whether it’s a formal church service or an informal small-group meeting, gathering isn’t about adhering to a strict rule; it’s about embracing a vital opportunity for spiritual development. We never know when God might move powerfully in a gathering where two or three or more are gathered together in Christ’s name (Matthew 18:20), touching our hearts and transforming us from within. If we adopt a casual attitude and think, “It’s raining today, so I won’t go to my small group,” or “we’re on vacation, we don’t need to go to worship,” we risk missing out on God’s potential work in our lives.

I’ll admit that throughout my life I have attended numerous church services and small groups where it seemed nothing extraordinary was happening within me. However, I’ve also experienced moments in similar settings where my heart was profoundly changed, or as John Wesley testified “strangely warmed,” and my life was turned around. There’s no way to predict when God will choose to use a gathering of His people, the teaching of His Word, corporate worship, or personal testimonies to impact us uniquely and powerfully. Only by deciding in advance to consistently join with other Christians can we ensure we’re in the right place at the right time to receive God’s gifts of grace, guidance and growth. Now that’s a New Year’s Resolution worth making and keeping. 

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry

#6021