Embers

READ: COLOSSIANS 3:16; HEBREWS 10:23-25

Have you ever sat by a warm fireplace on a cold winter day? When the weather is stormy and harsh outside, a well-tended fire seems especially bright and comforting. But what happens when an ember is removed from the fire? That lone ember loses its glow and warmth. It needs to be tossed back in with the rest of the burning wood in order to ignite again.

The same thing can happen to us as Christians when we don’t regularly gather with other believers. That’s why Hebrews 10:25 urges us not to give up meeting together. Worshiping God and learning about Him with other Christians helps us feel the warmth of His love. It helps us remember that we belong to Him. Whether in a church building, a home, or somewhere else, we can gather with other believers, not only to worship God together, but also to encourage one another, experience communion and baptism together, and pray for each other. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can remind one another of God’s love and shine His light in the world together.

And, because everyone who has put their trust in Jesus has the Holy Spirit, in a way we actually embody God’s presence with each other. We are God’s hands and feet for one another—and for the world. Jesus died and rose again to unite us to Himself and to the entire family of believers. So, when we don’t meet regularly with a group of Christians, we lose out on these wonderful gifts God has for us.

Now, some people are elderly or sick and can’t go to church gatherings. But we can trust that the Lord provides other ways to keep the embers glowing. Even if we have to stay home or in a hospital room, often we can still spend time with other believers in person, over the phone, or through video calls. We can still pray, sing hymns and worship songs, share Scripture, and listen to sermons together. And we can also send messages or letters.

But if we are able to attend regular church gatherings, getting in the habit of skipping church means we miss out on so much richness and community. We need the warmth and light that God offers us in being with His people. • A. W. Smith

• Do you attend a local church? If so, how has church helped you grow in your faith?

• Gathering with believers outside of church services to sing songs, read the Bible, talk about Jesus, and pray can also help encourage us in our faith. Who are some Christians you could do this with? If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify people in the future.

And let us not neglect our meeting together…but encourage one another. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)