When the Shut-in Gets Out

“let us consider one another order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. -Psalm 122:1

 Such a simple concept, assembling together to worship. Yet, this simple concept is so integral to our success. Last Sunday was the first Sunday I was able to attend worship services in the past year.(7/5/15)  I will not even attempt to describe how much I am encouraged and my family is encouraged when I can attend. Being successful and remaining faithful to our Christian faith is so difficult to do alone. As individuals, we need support and encouragement that only comes from worshipping with others.

There is something that goes beyond words when we come together. When desperately missing the worship assembly, I could tune over the internet to live services occurring at other congregations. It was good to be able to watch and listen as others worshipped. As beneficial as those broadcasts are to me, it is not the same as being in worship. From years long since passed, I have memories of our worship services at Westside and that period of time before worship would begin when without any admonishment, the auditorium would get very quiet and still.  When I am there with my brethren, I find great comfort and joy as I look across the auditorium and see the faces of those who have worshipped with and stood by us over the last 21 years.

In Hebrews chapter 10, just before the verse often quoted regarding forsaking the assembling verse 24 reads “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” plainly stated, our Association together is to be an encouragement to doing what is right. Being around good people makes you want to do good things.

Please brethren, please do not take the privilege of worshipping together for granted.  ~ T. Keese

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. – Psalm 27:3-5