Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Celebration”
Our Bible verse for today: “If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.” 1 John 2:9-10 (NLT)
Our thought for today: “Christian gatherings are cause for celebration when everyone gets along.”
Yesterday I wrote about how sharing meals together is a form of Christian fellowship and celebration. Today I want to focus on Christian gatherings in general as celebration. Again I have in my mind a picture of what it’s like when the folks of Oak Hill Baptist come together at different times throughout the week. There are smiles and words of greeting, handshakes and hugs, laughing and joking. There is joy and warmth and love. It’s a reunion of people who genuinely care about each other and who enjoy being together. That’s a celebration and it happens on a regular basis three or more times every week.
But how is that kind of rich fellowship and Christian love maintained over time? The editors of the Daily Walk Bible offered some helpful guidance in their commentary on the little book of 1 John. In that editorial the editors stressed the importance of every individual intentionally protecting and nurturing both their one-on-one fellowship with God, and their fellowship with their Christian brothers and sisters. Let me just quote for you what they wrote:
“Fellowship with God is not a vague, nebulous experience; it can be an objective, daily reality as believers forsake sin, obey God, and love one another. John offers three tests that serve as a “fellowship barometer” for his spiritual children in their walk with God; (1) Have I confessed my sins to God? (1:9) (2) Am I walking in obedience to the light of God’s Word? (2:4-5) (3) Am I demonstrating a love for other Christians? (2:9-10)”
My point, for the purposes of this devotional, is that if we as individuals first must bring with us to our gatherings a deep and mature personal relationship with God and second, a genuine love for our brothers and sisters. Then our gatherings will always be times of joyful celebration.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 