The following is a message I shared today with my local body of believers. I believe the Lord would have me share it here with you for your edification:

Brothers and sisters, a word of encouragement I felt compelled to share with you all.

“Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

– 2 John 12

Yesterday wasn’t a real good day for me personally. I saw the news out of KISD and it was incredibly disheartening. It just seems like there is so much ever encroaching darkness all around us, it’s hard not become disheartened.

If I can encourage you all, as much as it is possible, and I know it’s not possible for us all; come to church. Whenever you possibly can, come up to our building and sit with your brothers and sisters face to face.

I don’t fully understand what the Lord was trying to convey to us when he instructed us to meet with one another regularly, or be with one another “face to face” but I do believe there is something there that he wants to bless us with.

We were made for communion. Fellowship with our Father, his Son and the the indwelling Holy Spirit. And more than that. For communion with one another.

I can’t tell you the number of times that I have been really beaten down by the world, disheartened and discouraged and then I’ve gone to church, I’ve seen the smiling faces of my brothers and sisters, we’ve worshipped in song, we’ve poured over the Scriptures with one another, shared and encouraged one another in the goodness and faithfulness of God and the darkness that was so heavy has been eradicated by the light and life of Christ in his body the church.

If you can make it on Sunday morning. Come. Worship with your brothers and sisters. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you and build you up through your brothers and sisters.

If you can make it on Wednesday night. Come. Search the Scriptures with your brothers and sisters. Let the elders among us encourage us and build us up in the nurture and admonition of Christ.

Men I can’t tell you how blessed we are to have the faithful leaders we do. If you would join them and sit under there teaching and know their fellowship you would be greatly encouraged in the Lord as you go about your week. I know I am.

Ladies, I’m sure the Lord will bless your time together as well.

I know it’s not possible for everyone, some of us have burdens that are too great. Please don’t let this be a burden to you, but only a word of encouragement.

If you are one of these people who really just can’t make it because your burden is too great. Would you prayerfully consider letting us come to you, that we might share your burden with you? Not for something long and drawn out but only to see you face to face, if even for a little while. To pray over you and to encourage you in the Scriptures that you too might be built up and encouraged in the Lord.

If you would like me and another brother to come and see you, please feel free to send me a PM. It would bless me to bless you.

Again, there’s no burden there. Only a word of encouragement.

In love, grace and peace to you all in Jesus’ name.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

– Romans 15:13