Separated

 

 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV(emphasis mine.) 

From the shadows a deer leapt across the road in front of me and into the trees edging the road. As I drove past, I saw her join two others in the sunlit pasture, watching, listening, unsure. Their peaceful beauty picturesque. Why had she risked her life crossing the road in front of me? Was she fearful for the others? Did she need the protection of the group? Had she lagged behind and become separated?  

I dare say, she had become separated. When the noise of the car alerted her, she bounded in the face of danger to unite with the others.  

How is it we think the grass may be greener on the other side? Or our plan is better and we can go it alone?  

I think about the time I wasted as a young wife and mother, away from God and the protection of the church. I struggled with depression and worry and self-confidence because there was no one to encourage me in the Lord. Neither, could I encourage anyone, though I was a Christian.   

After I came out of the shadows of this world, rededicating my life to Christ, I was able to influence my husband to come to Christ. We gained a church full of encouraging friends who allowed us to work with them. They cared for us like family because we were part of the family of God.  

The church calls each of us into God's Light. How can we pray for one another? Help one another? How can we shine the Light that will draw others from the dangers of the shadows of this world?  

Hey Kids: 

Do you have Christian friends you can count on?  

Take (or draw) a picture of you and at least 2 other friends. 

How can they help encourage you in the Lord?  

How can you encourage them?  

Do each of you have a testimony of salvation? Do you know a time and place you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and make you a new person in Christ? 

How can you pray for one another? 

How can you be accountable to one another? Accountable- that's just a big word that says, "Keep an eye out for me. If you see me going in the wrong direction, gently nudge me back on the path." 

Could you share your ideas with your Sunday School class? 

Blessings, 

Gail