"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Monday, October 13, 2008

The Blessing of Fellowship

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 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 10:24-25

Fellowship is an important part of our lives. It is not a good idea to be a lone-ranger Christian. We need the encouragement of other believers to spur us on to a deeper faith. Going to church is an important part of the fellowship that we need. But at times we need other opportunities as well. For many years we have not had the opportunity to fellowship with other Christians on a deeper level. We have taught Bible studies through the years and have been blessed with the fellowship through those as well.

I haven't realized until just recently of the blessing of a deeper fellowship with other believers. It isn't that we haven't desired this in our lives. We actually have, and prayed for it for many years, but God did not bring anyone in our path that had the deep yearning like we did, until just recently. Now our lives are blessed with a deep friendship with another family that too has this desire. We also are a part of a small group of several families that desire to get together and spur each other on to a deeper level of faith. Despite the struggles and problems that we face, it is encouraging to know that we have friends (brothers and sisters in Christ) who are willing to stand in the gap for us. To be there in the happy and sad times, to encourage, inspire, challenge and confront when needed. I can't help but feel that this is what God had in mind in this verse from Hebrews.

When was the last time that you fellowshipped with other believers? Perhaps you can make plans today for a time to meet together.

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