For the next few weeks, we’ll take a look at “building blocks” for soul growth. Today we’ll have one last entry on the theme of Connection, then move on to the building block of Quiet Time.
Today’s scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Deb Doty):
One wintry evening, Ben was sitting in front of his fireplace, silently bemoaning the fact that he was feeling abandoned and alone. His mind meandered back to a time in his life when he had felt involved and wanted. Life had been good. But then he lost his job.
His friends were very supportive, but he was so angry about losing his job, he kept pushing them away. He was intent on making his old boss pay, and he was sure his friends would only try to talk him out of his plans for revenge. In fact, one day, when his best friend visited him, he had erupted with anger, “Get out of my life! I don’t need you!”
A log popped loudly, bringing Ben back to the present. He watched as an expelled ember glowed on the hearth, orange-red heat undulating, then fading, fading, fading…. Ben coaxed the ember back into the flames, where it sputtered then reignited.
Suddenly, he knew what he had to do. He picked up the phone and called his friend; they made arrangements to meet. By the time Ben hung up, he could feel the warmth returning to his soul.
I think of this story whenever I read Hebrews 10:23-25.
I also think of our Oasis groups when I read this passage from Hebrews. Oasis groups are the places where we cooling embers can be reignited by the warmth of people who know us and care about us.
The truth is this: the world can be a cold place, and when we remove ourselves from those people who provide warmth and encouragement, the hope, the love, the good all begin to flicker and die. And world gets that much colder.
Global warming gets all the press these days, but it’s global cooling that kills your soul.
Thought for the day: Are you feeling cold? An Oasis (or a like-minded group, if you’re not local to Jesus MCC) may be just what you need to get warm.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.