Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.
Reading: Hebrews 10:19–25
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
"Let us hold fast... let us consider how to stir up one another... not neglecting to meet together." The Christian life is relentlessly communal. We're called to hold fast to hope—but notice we do it together. We encourage one another, stir each other up to love and good works, and meet consistently. Why? Because isolation is the enemy's playground. When we drift from community, faith withers. The author warns against "the habit of some" who were neglecting gathering—it was already a problem in the first century! Satan hasn't changed his strategy: isolate, discourage, deceive. But God's strategy is equally consistent: gather, encourage, strengthen. As we "see the Day drawing near," the need for community intensifies. We're not meant to survive spiritually alone. Your presence matters. Your encouragement strengthens others. Your consistency inspires faith. Where have you been absent? What would it look like to re-engage fully? The church needs you, and you need the church.
Where might you be drifting from community, and what is it costing you spiritually?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Ask God to help you re-engage with community and to use your presence to encourage others.
- Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.
Faith Steps:
- Recommit to regularly gathering with your church or small group this month.
- Encourage one person this week through a message, prayer, or intentional conversation.