Notice on a slight format change:

Except for July 2012, these are mostly a collection of current devotional notes.

July 2012 is a re-write of old quiet times. My second child was born Nov 11, 1987 with multiple birth defects. I've been re-reading my QT notes from that time in my life, and have included them here. They cover the time before the birth and the few years immediately after the birth. They are tagged "historical." I added new insights and labeled them: ((TODAY, dd mmm yy)).

Monday, September 30, 2024

QT 9/30/2024 Heb 10:23-25, Do we even understand what Fellowship really is?

Hebrews 10:23–25 (ESV) —

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 

NOTE: Why do we neglect (don’t consider important) to meet together in fellowship? My years of observation has shown me that most people have never experienced Christian fellowship. They go to church and small group; they talk about work, sports, hobbies, and family, all the time thinking that they are fellowshipping. Real Christian fellowship is one thing I saw in a parachurch organization that I rarely see in the church body. In the parachurch, we were mostly new believers. We were excited about the new things God was showing us. We would share verses that we had memorized or new thoughts about God from our quiet times. We were on fire, and our fellowship energized others to know God more deeply. I saw real-true-Christian fellowship that STIRRED UP people to walk with God more closely. For the most part, I have been disappointed in most church bodies. Some bible churches seem to show a little bit more of that spirit, but most denominational churches fail. I am seeing it a little more at the current denominational church I attend. I think it is a product of an emphasis on discipleship, devotional life, and memorizing scripture, and I am encouraged. As we get into the word of God more, it is a natural byproduct of a deepening relationship with God.

 

PONDER:

  1. What characterizes my fellowship? Do I talk about work and sports, or do I talk and ask questions about what God is doing in my life and others?
  2. Am I in the word daily? If not, I will have nothing to fellowship about other than work and sports. My conversation (fellowship) with others reveals the extent of my commitment to knowing God.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see and understand this important truth. We are missing out on the joy of true Christian fellowship by going through the motions of church. Help us to break out of this and commit ourselves to a deepening relationship with you through your word.

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