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

Shine the Light of Trust as you Walk Around the Block

Do you find it easy to trust? Do you need to be friends with someone before you trust them? Or, are there stages of trust. There are most likely as many differing responses to these questions as there are situations where trust was born or broken.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

In recent years, I have found it easier to trust people and share some of my life with them. There are some people who seem naturally to be trustworthy. There is a chemistry when we meet and it doesn't take long before there is a feeling like we have been friends for a while. Comfort is in their words and conversation is easy.

Those of you who know me have heard this part of my story. How there was a time I didn't have any friends and I didn't want any.  That was much of my life. Then, someone I trusted, (a few someone's actually), introduced me to Jesus and He became a reason for mto go on. And over time, I started to crave meaningful relationships.

Remembering my past, from where I came, is helpful now as I want to help someone else find that special relationship with Jesus. The thing is, it will begin with a relationship with me.  Sounds like bait and switch doesn't it? But in the best way possible.

The trick is for me to keep my eyes open to anyone God may be placing right in front of me. That someone who doesn't know it yet, but just might become a real friend. Then with prayer and my trust in the Holy Spirit, we will move around that Discipleship Block one step at a time.

Matthew 5:13-16

Hebrews 10:19-23 - Jesus, our Great High Priest

There was a time when I just wanted to be alone.  For years I existed, lived in this world alone.  If I could have gone off to a deserted island somewhere I might have.  It was just so much easier to be responsible only for myself; it was so much easier to be responsible only to myself.  But, it was not a happy place.  While I felt safe, the truth was, I was anything but.

Years of struggles have brought me to realize there is so much more to life than feeling safe. Living a life outside the world, away from God's loving arms is not safe, it is dangerous. Rejecting friendships insured my isolation. While I don't live in a world of regrets, I can't help but wonder on occasion what life would have been like had I embraced the God whose arms were extended to me.

Let us draw near to God... (Hebrews 10:22)

Today, living a different life, enjoying others, and basking in God's grace and blessings every day is a wonderful experience.  Walking in His presence is comforting even when things around appear to be crumbling.  There are days when this comfort is all we can cling to.  And it is enough.  When the head hits the pillow at night and evening prayers are thought, restful sleep awaits.  Having lived the day in His presence, having walked alongside the Light of the World, peaceful slumber happens.  Let us draw near to God...

Read Hebrews 10:19-23

Listen to Hebrews 10:19-23

Philippians 2:12-30

Philippians 2:20-22 (MSG)
 I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy's the real thing. He's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the Message.

If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all. But, if there is much good to tell, by all means, shout it from the roof tops. There is nothing better than to acknowledge a special friend, a unique relationship existing in a time of testing.

Paul isn't shy about singing Timothy's praises and bragging up his loyalty and compassion. Actually, there is nothing quite as comforting as a very good friend. Real friends take time to know and understand you. They aren't easily put off because they know you well and recognize your heart. They are able to appreciate you even when you aren't at your finest.

Based on Paul's compliments of Timothy, I think I would like to meet him. Paul calls him, the real thing. Some of us might interpret that to be--what you see is what you get. There is nothing phony or unreal about Timothy. He probably tells it like it is, never hedging the truth or responding in a wishy-washy manner. Timothy can be trusted.

Not only should we look for individuals with these qualities to call friend, we should be this type of person to others we relate with. Not everyone we meet will become a close friend, but we can be real and genuine with everyone. Close friends don't always think and act alike, in fact some are downright opposite, but the commonality rests in the heart.

Read Philippians 2:12-30 here


Listen to Philippians 2:12-30 here