Saturday 8 December 2012

A mighty gathering around the table.................

Tight squeeze, but we managed it and the three courses that graced it!

What am I talking about?  About 20 of us gathered around a couple of dining tables enjoying some wonderful dishes (we were spoilt for choice) and laughter fuelled banter.  I had never played a 'Texas secret Santa' before, but will certainly be repeating it.  I must think of a way to relieve Alison of my gift, or was it Jennie's gift, before it became my gift and then Alison's!  Confused?  So was I........

WHY ENGAGE IN FELLOWSHIP?

We’re instructed to. Hebrews 10.25 tells us to assemble with other believers.

We are all a part of God’s family – we are the body of Christ. Romans 12.5 and Ephesians 2.19 talk about how we all need each other in order to function properly.

We all need encouragement, especially during difficult times in our walk. Read Hebrews 10.24.

Fellowship provides accountability. When we decide to live the Christian life on our own, we easily open the door to doing things we shouldn’t do, or entertaining ideas that can hurt us spiritually. Good Christian friends will warn us when they see these things, but if we don’t have these friends, we won’t hear the warning.

To get away from the negative influence of the world. Spending time with other believers help us refocus. Our friends will affect you, whether positively or negatively. Choosing to spend time with Christians and limiting time with friends that distract us or are negative influences is a sign that God is working in us and that we are willing to surrender. The Bible tells us it’s not bad to break off bad friendships, even though it may be difficult and we might feel mean or disloyal.

We need the opportunity to share struggles and joys. We need friends, and Christian friends are more likely to identify with the spiritual struggles and joys we experience.
                                                                                                                                     M. Schmidt 2005

Fellowship is a must for life and I am thankful today (day 347) to have been able to partake of some, in lovely company.

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