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.
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
“Going to church” isn’t very attractive phrase to many folks. This reality shouldn’t surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn’t very popular and often isn’t easy. Plus, doing things for others doesn’t always fill our hearts with joy — although it probably should. On top of these realities is another spiritual reality that may be even more important: “going to church” is a concept nowhere found in Scripture — church is not a place we go, but something we are! The Holy Spirit’s message in our Verse of the Day reminds us that WE need to be with God’s people because they need us to encourage, bless, and motivate them! Church is a gathering of Jesus’ disciples to honor him and bless each other. The LORD would prefer us to think of encouragement, comfort, and exhortation as being church rather than gathering in a box we fill to worship him. But don’t misrepresent this truth. The Holy Spirit isn’t saying we can skip out on gathering together. He is commanding the opposite. “Assemble! Don’t quit meeting together,” the Spirit commands us here. Where we meet isn’t nearly as important as gathering together and blessing each other when we regularly meet. Each of us needs encouragement to keep living for Jesus as his return grows ever nearer!
Video Commentary…
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My Prayer…
Father, please bless the group of Christians with whom I regularly meet. Bless them through my words, attitude, and influence as we walk beside and encourage each other to honor you. Stir me to bless your disciples and encourage them to live for Jesus as we await his return. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
