This Day in History: 0000-01-23

January 23 – Hebrews 10: 23-25 

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. 

Do you sometimes get so bogged down by the trials in your life that the idea of leaving your house early on a Sunday morning and choosing to be around other people seems like pure torture?  It can become so easy to convince ourselves that we don’t need other believers.  To focus on the countless faults of our brothers and sisters and decide we’re better off alone with God.  To decide that we’ll just study the Bible on our own and spend time in prayer.  To decide that’s all we really need.  Sounds good…  except this one thing; it just doesn’t line up with Scripture.  We were created for relationship. God did not design us to “go it alone.”  We need each other! 

Let’s decide today to treat each other as God intended.  To be the church these verses describe.  Let’s remember who it is that we serve.  Let’s recognize that His promises never fail.  Let’s remind each other to hold tightly to the hope that is born of such ridiculous faithfulness!  Let’s steady one another in that hope so that it does not waver.  Let’s find ways to encourage, motivate and challenge each other so that we never stop finding new ways to do good in this selfish world.  Let’s love one another with such genuine, selfless, pure affection that the world will take note and want to be a part of it!  We are not promised a tomorrow.  As each day passes and the end draws nearer, let’s develop a sense of urgency to be obedient to God’s commands.  We are His own body, and He asks us to spend time together, to help each other, to love like a family.  Let’s set aside our own comfort and our selfish desires and instead choose to obey!