I like driving. For some reason, I can get in a car and drive for hours and it can relax me (except when there are a ton of teens in the vehicle screaming like a bunch of wild turkeys, being chased by a cougar, in the deserts of Arabia). Trust me that is what it sounds like.
It’s a good thing I like to drive because, although most summers are crazy, this one took on a new kind of craziness. Most of it was of my own doing…
Between 2 mission trips, one to Omaha and another to Mexico, 3 family trips to Omaha and a trip out to New York, we have logged quite a few miles. Our trip to New York was such a great time, Susie and I were able to reconnect with friends from a previous church who we had not seen since 2003. It was a great time to laugh together, and even though many years have passed, it was easy to pick up where we left off.
During those times, that's when you realize how important friendships really are.
Hope Church is encouraging people to get involved in Lifegroups (small groups). These are such an important part of how we can grow in our walk with Christ.
Scripture tells us to encourage each other as believers:
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
We were never called to live the Christian life by ourselves. God calls us to come alongside each other, encourage and lift each other up.
As we head into this new school year, I want to encourage each of us to consider how we can stir up one another in love and good works, and how Lifegroups fit into that plan.