Weekly Devotional by Lisa Brown

“Throughout my 57 years of living on this earth, I have never known a time of greater uncertainty. What took so many of us by surprise mid-March continues to drone on and on without an end in sight. Not only is there no end in sight but problems continue to multiply daily. In addition, our family has experienced our own personal challenges greater than we’veever known before. I only know one way to cope – keep my eyes on God, remember who He is, and trust in Him. Time in prayer and reading the Bible help me stay strong but there is a third leg of the stool I rest on, without which I would topple over – Christian fellowship. Sometimes, I don’t feel strong. I feel weary, worn out, down hearted. It always amazes me how after meeting with other Christians – even through Zoom or a phone call, I am energized, strengthened, and encouraged.

Recently I was working through a devotional I found on my phone in the YouVersion Bible app called Knowing God’s Heartprovided by Craig Denison and First15. This quote that stood out to me:

“One of the chief ways God reveals his heart to us is revelation through fellow believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “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.” God has given us the ability to encourage one another—to literally fill the hearts of fellow believers with courage to pursue fullness of life in the kingdom. He’s given us the ability to “stir up one another to love and good works” that we might fill one another with wholehearted devotion to Jesus both in word and deed.”

I have had my heart stirred when I meet with others to pray, to discuss God’s Word, and for pure fellowship and prayer in our small group. Christian fellowship, that spirit to spirit connection, is a gift of God I cherish. It fuels, energizes, strengthens, and encourages me. Christian fellowship keeps me strong.

Prayer: Faithful God and Abundant Giver – thank you for the sweet gift of Christian fellowship to stir my heart and keep me strong no matter how great the storms of life. In Jesus name I pray, amen.”

– Lisa Brown