2021 Daily Devotion - Day 458

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When Ken retired, I planned a trip around the U.S. which would take us through 30 states in a two month period. One of the things we were determined to do was to find a worship service each Sunday. We were interested in finding fellowship with other believers in different parts of the country. We weren’t interested in sticking to one denomination, and so we witnessed a variety of worship experiences. We found churches where Christ was exalted, and the people were warm and welcoming. We also found churches which felt more like a social gathering, and we were “crashing the party”. A church in Sandusky, Ohio, exalted its auspicious history and architecture as only a handful of congregants gathered in this great cathedral. Our most memorable experience came in a small Texas town where the Gospel was preached, and the people embraced us as part of their family.

During the pandemic of 2020, it has been difficult to be in isolation on Sundays. While we are grateful for the streaming worship services, we long for the fellowship and oneness we experience as the family of God. We miss the personal touch of the handshake and the hug. We want to blend our voices with those around us in song as we share in worship. As churches are now opening their doors, and more people are being vaccinated, we are cautiously going back to corporate worship with a new appreciation of what it means to gather as the Body of Christ.

May we never take for granted the privilege of worshipping together as the family of God. Pray for our church and its leaders. May the Gospel message of Jesus and His great love always be proclaimed, and may we reach out to those in need. Let us welcome the weary and comfort those who mourn. We are grateful for Mount of Olives Church and the joy we feel in being a part of this body of believers.

Colossians 3:16
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Pray with me:
Dear Father, help us as a church to be a lighthouse in this world of darkness. Thank You for our pastors and leaders. May we all be faithful to Your calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Nancy Reynen
Small Group Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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