#930 Giving Thanks – For Christian Friends

First published November 21, 2012

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Throughout our lives God places Christian individuals in our pathway, many for purposes known only by Him.  One may be to lead us to the Lord, while another may be to provide us guidance in the Christian maturing process.  These individuals may come, go, and never have further or continuing impact; however, we are especially blessed by God when He provides Christian people who become close friends with us throughout our life journey.  As members of the body of Christ, we are all loved by Christ and should share that godly love as we fellowship with one another; Paul did so by always giving thanks to God for his Christian friends, further addressing fellow believers with the special term of affection, “beloved.”  As we take time to give thanks to the Lord for the blessing He has given us of Christian friends, this may also be a great time to let our friends know we feel blessed to have them in our life.

Have you stopped to give thanks to the Lord for your Christian friends?

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.”  (Philippians 1:3-4)

May God Richly Bless You Today

#855 God’s Response to Spiritual Concerns – Neglecting Public Worship, continued

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the previous couple of days we have glanced at some ramifications of neglecting public worship, whether it is with a fellowship of believers meeting in a home or with a larger fellowship in a formal church building.  Another situation that should be considered when being tempted to neglect public worship is the ability of larger unified groups to experience a wider range of ministries than an individual, couple or even a small group.  We have probably all heard of a church that has gone through a bad stretch with division, strife, and members leaving; during that period of time many ministries of the church, especially in missions and evangelism, either having been lost completely or gone dormant, and opportunities for new ministries not available due to small numbers willing to serve.  God uses individual Christians to spread His Word; however, He can more widely use a unified, loving fellowship of believers ready to faithfully serve Him together.

When you are tempted to neglect public worship, consider what the early church did as a unified, loving fellowship of believers, and what the Lord can do to and through you as you serve Him faithfully with your fellow believers!

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”   (Acts 2:46-47)

May God Richly Bless You Today