“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.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I had the opportunity a few weeks ago
to go deep sea fishing with some guys that deployed with me overseas. We
laughed and remembered stories from the deployment and each one of us shared
the events from our perspective. Then one guy spoke up and said that he didn't
like being around anyone but Soldiers anymore. I thought about what he said and
strangely enough, I understand what he meant. We had become our own community
where we have a common story and a common language, and anyone who is not a
part of this military community will not understand us. I guess this is the way
it should be in the church. We should not want to isolate ourselves from the
world as my buddy did from anyone that was not military, but we should have
such a strong connection to one another that it is evidenced by our love for
one another. The writer of Hebrews understood this and encouraged us to keep
our community alive and vibrant by spending lots of time together. As we gather
to worship our risen Lord, we are professing a community that has stretched
through the ages. I hope that you feel the power of Christian community in your
life today.
IronMaker’s Daily
Challenge: Set aside time this fall to be a
part of "The Forge" on Wednesday nights at Central. This will allow
you to step into our community of IronMakers.
Prayer: Almighty God, You created us for community. Allow me to live Your
love in this community of faith.
John
Branning
Lead
Pastor, Central United Methodist Church
Chaplain (MAJ) 185th
Theater Aviation Brigade
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