Encouraging One Another

Scripture: Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 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.

Observation: I have heard many parishioners and clergy say, "If we could just get everybody together at one time we would have a big crowd." I say, "For What?"

Application: I guess I am reacting a little to some complaining that was going on the other day with no solution for the problem being offered. It is a pet-pevee of mind--you know--complaining without a solution to the problem being offered.

But I am thinking today and remembering too, which is really dangerous on both accounts for me. First I was thinking of the complaining and what to do about it since we are to encourage one another and support one another in our worship and our relationship with God. I have this young couple for example just getting started in life. They have three children one of which is a new born. I remember Deb and I when our family was younger and how hard it was to get up and get out on Sunday mornings to get to church. It would have been easier if the dress code had been different, and if there had been someone there who could have taken the younger ones so that we could worship, and sing, and pray without having to be the parent for a few minutes. And that is just considering my own feelings without consideration of Deb and the kids and how they felt abou the whole situation.

There was one time though after I had gone into the ministry and we had three churches everyother Sunday morning. My youngest, Sam, said to me as we were on our way to the third church, "Dad could Carrie, Daniel and I just sit in the car this time?" I answered, "Why?" Sam said, "Dad I think we have had enough church for one Sunday morning." Nevertheless, we had to make some arrangements and compromise from that poin on.

But what if something could be done to bring worship to where these irregular folks are so it would fit their schedule. What if worship and Bible study could come to them? What if they were given the opportunity to worship with their giving in a different way than what is "normal" and "routine"? Small groups meeting close to their home or in their home is one solution--not new by any means--but still out there. But who will lead, who will organize, who will make sure it happens? Those are the question to answer now.

Prayer: Lord, help me find a way, and help those who complain find an answer so that we might work together to encourage one another to be "the church". Love Stephen

Yeildness: I will not judge others situations, I will simply try and find a solution with God's help.