Meeting Together

Good Morning,

Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 (New Living Translation)
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Most of the time...(almost all of the time?)...this short verse of Scripture us used by pastors and others to point out how important it is to attend a local congregation regularly. Now, I agree that this verse definitely DOES point us in that direction and I also agree with the importance of the use of "encourage" as we read it here. Here's the thing, though: This verse ALSO is vital to our "meeting together" not only as congregations of believers, but equally important to our meeting one on one, one with another, you and me, just two people getting together; being together; talking together; helping each other; and, of course, encouraging each other.

So, having said that, let's ask ourselves this question: Have I been meeting together with people I used to? Further, do I call or communicate with people I did not long ago? Some time ago? Even, in times long past?

You see, even though it is vital that we meet as congregations for what those meetings bring to ourselves and to others, I believe that it's even MORE important that we meet together with our brothers and sisters in Christ one on one. (And, we'll not even broach the subject of Small Groups in this short message!)

One on one get togethers for a cup of coffee with a brother or sister can be the MOST important thing that you and I might do in any particular day. THIS, just two people chatting and being together, can bring knowledge and understanding of Scripture, the world, and innumerable other things. This intimate, informal meeting together of two or three people, in my humble opinion, is where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak, as far as opening up and being able to be totally honest with someone about ourselves and our needs and our dreams and our desires and, yes, our problems.

If this message speaks to you, then I urge you to contact that someone with whom you know you can open up to and just be with for a special, maybe wonderful, time of sharing.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David