Daily Devotional ~ Fellowship
Worship: If you'd like to play a song before you begin or while you read, may we recommend "Church (Take Me Back)" by Cochren & Co.
Daily Verse: Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.
☆ 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 NLT
Let's Talk About It: I'm not sure there's ever been a time in history, other than the time Paul wrote this, that Christian's could fully conceive and comprehend what Paul is feeling here.
He wants to see his brothers and sisters in Christ. He wants to hug their necks, and kiss their cheeks. He wants to fellowship. He wants to catch up. He is missing his church.
Can you relate?
With all that is happening, the thing I am beginning to miss most are the missing interactions.
I miss visiting my mom (she has an underlying condition).
I miss going to church.
I miss my church family.
I miss going to the springs (Rock Springs is our fav).
We are all mourning the loss of something right now; whether that be a family member due to covid19, a job, a graduation ceremony, prom, a business, our church, or extended family during this passover time. We all have one thing in common, we miss our "normal" life.
Can I encourage you that though things are not the same as they were this time last month, God is still doing a good work; in you and for you.
I know it may not feel like it. But this is why we don't walk by what we feel and see-that which is tangible to us-but by faith. God is still moving. He's still working. Christ is still on the throne. He will strengthen us. He is faithful.
And when we feel like we just can't go on, we can trust that Jesus is right here with us, offering a hand to lift us from the deep waters.
Additional Reading: But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
☆ 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT
Prayer: Father God, thank you for today. I don't understand all that is going on Lord, but I know you do. I know nothing takes you by surprise. Thank you for your protection, and for your sovereignty. Thank you Lord, that even though we cannot gather today as a fellowship of believers in person, we can do so in spirit, as well as have the technology to worship and come together in spite of social distancing. Lord, there are so many man-made systems that you have allowed to be disrupted, and I pray that your will concerning this will be done. Father, I believe you have a greater purpose in all of this that none of us are able to comprehend because your ways are higher than our ways. And thank you that those plans God, Your plans, cannot be stopped. Thank you for encouraging us today Jesus, that even when the sea becomes rough, and we're not sure we will make it, you ride out the storm with us Lord. Not all storms are calmed, and I'm ok with that Abba, as long as you are with me in the midst of it. With you, God I know all things are possible and I thank you for a growing Kingdom, even in the midst of this pandemic. Thank you Jesus, for never leaving me nor forsaking me. I love you Lord, and in your name I pray, amen.