August 27, 2009
~Denise Grant
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the Apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
______________________________
Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? Paul had such a longing to see the Christians at Philippi. His love and affection for them was based not merely on past experiences, but upon the unity that comes when believers draw upon Christ’s love. All Christians are part of God’s family and thus share equally in the transforming power of his love. Don’t you feel a deep love for fellow Christians or friends who share your same interests or goals?
Paul’s fellowship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He had cared for them and loved them – so much so that he even cried over their needs. Can you think of a time when a situation a friend was going through, brought you to tears?
We are encouraged to build strong relationships with other Christians by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing and praying with them. Can you share your burdens with fellow believers? Do you make it easy for others to share their joys and sorrows with you?
If you neglect Christian fellowship, then you choose to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and strengthen each other in the Lord. As we get closer to the day when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles, tribulations, and even persecution. In the last days, anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Life difficulties should never be an excuse for missing church or any outing where you have opportunity to engage in fellowship with like believers. Rather, make an even greater effort to be faithful.
God desires fellowship with us. But because of our sin, we are often afraid and ashamed to have fellowship with Him. Sin breaks our fellowship with God, but through Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the way has been opened for us to renew our fellowship with Him. God longs to be with you. He is actively offering you His unconditional love.
As I’ve journeyed through the last – ahem – nearly 50 years, one belief has stuck strongest to my soul – there is NO way I could have ever made it through my lowest valleys and strongest storms, had I not had the fellowship, companionship, encouragement and most definitely, the prayers of other believers.
“And we urge you, beloved, …encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Father God,
May the encouragement I receive from You flow through me to others. Help me to sense when others need help and support, then Help me be an encourager and show me how to pray for them Lord, that they might receive Your overflowing love. Thank You Lord, for Your unending supply of hope in the midst of uncertainty and failure. We place our hope in You Lord. I would rather walk with You in the dark than by myself in the light. In Jesus name, Amen.
Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment