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Burning Brightly
Friday, November 15, 2024 by Rick Stockwell
Burning Brightly
READ Hebrews 10:19-25
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 (NIV)
I love going on fall retreats with men from my church. There’s usually a particular theme for the weekend, such as becoming a better father, husband, or church leader. After morning meetings, a time of worship, and an opportunity to consume large quantities of unhealthy food, we’re usually given the afternoon off. During our free time, we might go on a hike, play frisbee golf, shoot arrows at a target, or even go canoeing.
One year, after having dinner and attending a meeting, we gathered around a raging bonfire sharing stories. At one point, a log fell away from the fire. I watched as its glowing embers gradually faded in intensity until the log’s light went out. I was struck at that moment by how that fading log is a metaphor for the Christian who’s out of fellowship with God and fellow believers.
There were times during the COVID-19 pandemic when I felt myself becoming alternately wacky or depressed, likely due to a lack of fellowship with others. I tried keeping in touch through online church and Zoom-hosted Bible studies, but that wasn’t the same as being there in person. Fortunately, that challenging period in our history has passed. The smoldering log illustrated for me that apart from God I can do nothing (John 15:5), and that apart from other believers my light fades.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Together, we burn brightly; apart, we don’t burn at all.
Prayer: Father in heaven, please help us to burn brightly for you.
Prayer Focus: MEN’S MINISTRIES
Rick Stockwell
Rick Stockwell is employed as an IT Program Manager. He teaches Sunday school for kindergartners, is an elder at his church, and is the author of two Christian novels: THE WALL and THE BATTLE. He's been married for thirty-four years, and has two children and five grandchildren.
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07HQ8G3MJ
Comments
Mark & Darcy From Litchfield Ct At 11/16/2024 12:07:03 PM
John 15:5 is our Wedding verse. Thanks for re centering us today. HE is our Vine- We are the branch. Stay "plugged in". Apart from God we can do nothing. Will tie in to this weekends Sermon WELL. Humbly, MarkReply by: Rick Stockwell
Agreed. Thanks, Mark.John Carmon From Avon At 11/16/2024 7:18:57 AM
great metaphor and message TUReply by: Rick Stockwell
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