Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
It is so easy to give up, or to move on to something different when I am tired or discouraged. Sometimes it is necessary to do so. But in my relationship with God, there should be no room at all for complacency. With me, complacency is likely to lead to inactivity. Church family, friends and family around us who are believers- these are people we need to hold close. These are people who keep me from becoming complacent in my spiritual life. I am accountable to them, to live up to and “lean in to” this Christian life. This does not at all mean that friends and family who don’t share my beliefs are somehow “less”. They are vitally important to me as well, and I have a responsibility to them. They also keep me from becoming complacent.
Holy Lord, you have set me down in a world (and a family) of believers and non- believers. They all play a role in my life, and I in theirs. Help me to avoid becoming complacent with the little that I do, but lead me forward to do more. Amen
Becky, transforming
Friday, October 25th, 2024
Hebrews 10:24-25
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.
Consistency is always behaving or happening in a similar, especially positive, way. A consistent person follows through on their commitments, promises, and their actions. They are dependable and trustworthy, and others can count on them. Becky and Tom are perfect examples of this scripture , exemplary in their committed leadership in our transforming Bible study,. On the other hand complacency is a feeling of satisfaction with one’s own abilities or situation, that prevents…
I , too, thought of the situation during the pandemic. So much was stripped away, but despite this, the faithful found ways to meet…sitting far from each other on a lawn, sitting in cars outside churches to listen to services….they found a way to meet. It was encouraging to hear this acts of faith.
Heavenly Father, help me to lift and encourage others daily, to prioritize time to share with others in faith and to be unafraid to share my faith in this complicated world. Amen
Hebrews 10:24-26
The words—not giving up meeting together—were what jumped out to me today. Since 2020 and Covid many churches broadcast their services. This was vital to us all then, as we could not worship together. I am not blaming Covid for declining church enrollment, but it has contributed to it somewhat. Broadcast services do serve a wonderful population unable to attend but I think it often allows someone to just relax and stay home and listen to a screen. That person misses so much—adding their voices to a song, catching up with friends before the service, being part of the planning for some ministry, and fellowship over coffee. It is those times that afford us the chance to enc…
Hebrews 10:24-25
This passage brings to mind the horrific damage done to so many churches in the wake of the COVID outbreak. So many people in so many churches fell right into the trap of “giving up meeting together,” making Sunday morning without worship a habit that has never changed. This habit has bred a complacency that devalues the spiritual benefits of worshipping as a community of faith. Only time will tell if individual churches will recover from this, but we have been promised the the Church writ large will stand forever and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her.
Prayer - Restore Your Church, Lord. It will likely look and feel different to those of us who…