Community - Can't Live Without It

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Are you a loner, or do you thrive when in a crowd of people? Do you value your friendships, or do you prefer to spend time alone? It does take all kinds to make the world go around, and neither is better than the other. It is simply a matter of personality and perhaps even our environment.

An extrovert is energized when interacting with lots of others. There can be an adrenaline surge or a euphoric high when in front of a crowd. When the event is over you often find yourself craving more, you have been fed by the interface. An extrovert enjoys 'people-ing' and seldom tires of it.

An introvert is energized by alone time. They can function quite well in crowds, even enjoy the experience, but when it is finished, they are ready to crash. The introvert is reenergized by silence or stillness.  An introvert is not necessarily shy, and often likes people, but more on a one-on-one basis.

But whatever your personality type might be, community is important. We grow from our experiences with each other. We are transformed by the community we keep. This is why it is vital we regularly attend church -- where we can help each other. This happens in worship, in our small groups, and in our smaller circle of friends.

"Two heads are better than one" as my grandfather used to tell me. A cord of three strands is not easily broken, as scripture says.


Hebrews 10:24-25

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”

Psalm 33: 12-22

This week our theme is “Transformed by Community”.  Today’s reading causes us to take a broad view of this theme by looking at how Israel encountered God as a nation and how he transforms them through deliverance.  While the focus is Israel, the writing can readily apply to our country and our citizenship in it.

My study of Psalm 33 suggests that this is a “Liturgy of Praise” and was probably used as a responsive reading in worship.  It is believed that this Psalm was written in response to God’s deliverance of Israel from an enemy. 

June 6 was the 75^th anniversary of D-Day.  Many of us paused to consider the magnitude of this battle both in numbers and significance, and the deliverance God provided for the United States and all of the allies.  Think how many times our country has encountered God through His deliverance from her enemies.  Think how many sacrifices have been made throughout our history so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.  Think of the men and women who work and sacrifice every day to protect the freedoms God has granted.  

Like the writer of Psalm 33 we should say “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.  Let us pray for “transformation” as individuals and as a country as we consider God’s love and the “community” of people He has used in the past and present to preserve our nation.
   
Please consider reading Psalm 33:12-22 again and think of the United Sates, our citizenship, and those who have, and continue to sacrifice to protect our freedom.  And think, especially, of our loving God and the many protections He has provided.  “May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”

Choosing Obedience

Acts 9:10-19   

Have you ever turned God down?  Sorry, Lord, but I can't do that.  You've got the wrong man/woman.  No way no how.

That's what Ananias tried to do (see Acts 9:13-14 - not this guy, Lord.  He hates christians!  You don't know what you're asking!).

God's response leaves no doubt he disagrees with Ananias:

“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel." (v. 15).

So Ananias went.  I imagine he went kicking and screaming, certain that he was being lured into a trap.  Fearful of death itself.  And yet, he greeted Saul, the man who had just days before vowed to persecute every christian, man, woman or child, he could find, as "Brother."  

My friends, God honored Ananias' obedience.  Paul indeed became God's instrument to the Gentiles and their Kings - and to the Jews.  

We always have a choice.  We can choose obedience, or we can choose sin.  In my life, sin sometimes wins.  I'm tired.  I don't want to talk to anyone else about the Lord.  I don't care.  I don't listen.  And the results are that I'm not blessed. I miss opportunities that would result in deepening my faith. 
Listen to what Joshua said when his people were turning from God:

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15).  Yes, we always have a choice.

One of my favorite verses is found in Daniel 3, when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego face the fiery furnace unless they denounce their faith:


17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Even if he does not - even if he does not - we will not disobey.  Oh, Lord, give me the heart of these young men!  Give me God's heart for the lost.  He can use me if only I am available.  Who do you want me to serve today, Lord?