Pensamento:
Para a maioria das pessoas, “ir à igreja” não é um atrativo. Mas, isso não deve nos surpreender. Fazer algo como um ato de disciplina não é muito popular. Fazer algo para os outros não é visto como algo necessário. A mensagem do Espírito Santo, no entanto, lembra-nos que precisamos estar com o povo de Deus porque eles precisam de nós – para encorajá-los e motivá-los. De fato, eu acho que o Senhor preferiria enxergar o culto como “sendo” igreja ao invés de “indo” à igreja.
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Going to church" isn't very attractive phrase to many folks. This reality shouldn't surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn't very popular and often isn't easy. Plus, doing things for others doesn't always fill our hearts with joy — although it probably should. On top of these realities is another spiritual reality that may be even more important: "going to church" is a concept nowhere found in Scripture — church is not a place we go, but something we are! The Holy Spirit's message in our Verse of the Day reminds us that WE need to be with God's people because they need us to encourage, bless, and motivate them! Church is a gathering of Jesus' disciples to honor him and bless each other. The Lord would prefer us to think of encouragement, comfort, and exhortation as being church rather than gathering in a box we fill to worship him. But don't misrepresent this truth. The Holy Spirit isn't saying we can skip out on gathering together. He is commanding the opposite. "Assemble! Don't quit meeting together," the Spirit commands us here. Where we meet isn't nearly as important as gathering together and blessing each other when we regularly meet. Each of us needs encouragement to keep living for Jesus as his return grows ever nearer!
Oração:
Pai, por favor, abençoe o grupo de cristãos com quem me reúno semanalmente. Abençoe-os através das minhas palavras, atitude e influência quando nos juntarmos para honrá-Lo e encorajar uns aos outros. Obrigado por me dar pessoas com quem posso compartilhar minha jornada cristã. Em nome de Jesus. Amém. || Veja a imagem http://www.iluminalma.com/img/il_hebreus10_25b.html
My Prayer...
Father, please bless the group of Christians with whom I regularly meet. Bless them through my words, attitude, and influence as we walk beside and encourage each other to honor you. Stir me to bless your disciples and encourage them to live for Jesus as we await his return. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
