Welcome to part 2 of our new devotional adventure, called "Shelter Me in Place". I pray this will be an encouragement and blessing to you.
What we are (and have been) experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic is the most unique and unconventional time in the life of Jesus’ church! Please keep reading to learn why...
Scripture for today
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:23-25
While there have been localized situations in the past that have caused churches not to gather for a short season, this time is different. With almost every church in America complying with our state and federal mandates about large gatherings, this is the first time in history that Christians of our country (and around the world) have not been able to physically congregate to this extent.
And with churches around the world all doing what we’re doing, it's the largest virtual gathering for church worship of anyone at anytime, ever! Isn't it ironic that the word "church" means a called-out group of gathered people, and we now can't gather physically?
Although, we're all shut-in, we're not shut-out from worshiping the Lord. And we're making history as we gather together virtually!
Today, we’re worshiping together because of three little phrases in Hebrews 10.
1. “Let us hold fast the confusion of our hope...”
Maybe more than ever, our world, and this situation is tugging at us to lose sight of the promises of God, isn’t it?
We need to still meet so we’re reminded that God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. He will never leave us! In that, we have hope and confidence!
2. “...let us consider how to stir up one another...”
You’ve got to admit, if someone had told us a few weeks ago that the only way for us to encourage one another was by making a phone call, by sending a text, or by jumping on our computers to send an email or watch our online worship services, we'd have all thought “That’s ridiculous!” wouldn’t you have?
3. “...not neglecting to meet together...”
Never underestimate the power of worship, even if it is through video.
And never underestimate the power of together, even if it is virtual.
These two are dynamite that unleashes power in our lives.
Read the passage again for good measure:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:23-25
Let's remain focused on the power of God to move as we gather virtually, throughout the week and especially on Sundays.
Prayer for today
Jesus, we gather together because we need You.
And we need each other.
We will gather together because You rose from the grave.
Receive our praise as we sing alone and together.
Speak to us from Your Word.
Keep us knit together as Your family.
Thank You that there’s a BIG day approaching.
Prepare us for it; even as You’re preparing it for us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
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