The writer to the Hebrews says we should have "utter sincerity," "absolute confidence," clean hearts, and an unswerving profession (Heb 10:22-23). Does that discourage you? When we see God's expectations together with our weaknesses, it can seem overwhelming. Nonetheless, the Lord will do the job, and all we need do is let it be done to us according to His Word (Lk 1:38).
The Lord will use every circumstance to bring us into His full holiness. He will especially use other Christians. Thus we should "encourage one another" (Heb 10:25). "We must consider how to rouse each other to love and good deeds" (Heb 10:24). We must assemble to rouse, bless, love, heal, and serve each other, because the devil can easily defeat a one-man army. A stray sheep is easy pickings. The disconnected member of the body has limited power. Jesus constantly calls us together while Satan tries to scatter us (see Jn 10:10).
When you're having hard times, did you ever notice how the devil tries to take away your interest in fellowship? Don't fall for it. When you don't feel like being with other Christians, that is when you need your Christian brothers and sisters more than ever. "Where a lone man may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken" (Eccl 4:12).
| PRAYER: | Father, make me a family man or woman. May my "I," "my," and "me" change to "we," "our," and "us." |
| PROMISE: | "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides." –Mk 4:24 |
| PRAISE: | Tired and weary after working all day to provide for his family, David saw God give him strength and energy to lead and inspire a large group of teens during a weekly youth meeting. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College