Gathered, encouraged for a new year!

“… not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25


What a joy it was just a few days ago to greet the first day of the new year over brunch with my wife and two other Christian couples!


There was thanksgiving on many levels, not the least of which was the fact that our hostess was healthy enough to prepare a delicious meal and welcome us into her home. The challenges of her walk on this side of Eternity include the often debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, which she has endured for many years but particularly in the past two years.


All three of the couples gathered this New Year’s morning share longstanding relationships built around Sunday teaching and worship, Bible studies and home groups. This morning, however, was particularly rich for its timing and the spiritual rewards each of us received as we gathered in the name of Jesus, our God and Savior.


There have been health issues among us, and of course we all wrestle with “the ravages of time.” Our prayer time included thanksgiving and prayers on each others’ behalf as our desire is to be as healthy as possible as we seek to do His will. Those prayers included prayers to embrace and savor the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23).


Inevitably, however, our precious time with the Lord moved to intercessory prayer on behalf of folks who were not in the room: immediate family and our extended “family” of fellow believers, near and far, as well as those whose hearts have been hardened to the life-saving grace of the one and only true God.


As has been the case since the introduction of sin on earth, this world provides overwhelming opportunity to be discouraged, even angry and hopeless (less TV/internet in 2020). It was wonderful on this day – this first day of a new year – to embrace the alternatives of hope and confidence in our all-powerful Father. May our walks be “in tune” with the Father’s loving desires. May we move courageously in His inspiration and strength, filled with the love of Jesus, “the way, the truth, the life.”