February 24-28

"What Are You Waiting For?"

"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." – Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

In one small church, there was a well-known member who was always the last to arrive—so much so that he earned the nickname “The Tardy Turtle.” One Sunday morning, as the doors were about to close, he finally burst through them, breathless and apologetic. The pastor, seizing the moment with a twinkle in his eye, shouted, “What are you waiting for? We’re already stirring up love and good works without you!” The entire congregation erupted in laughter, and that playful rebuke became a cherished reminder that delaying our gathering robs us of the blessings found in community. (Source: Inspirational Stories Weekly)

Pastor Jim reminded us that Hebrews 10 is not a suggestion but a call to action. It challenges us to reject passivity and to actively stir one another to love and good works. As we see the day drawing near, we are urged to be proactive in our fellowship, ensuring that our corporate worship is both vibrant and life-giving. Christ’s promise to be with us always gives us the courage to step forward without delay.

Reflection Questions:
1. What opportunities are you missing by waiting too long to engage in church activities?
2. How can you begin to spur both yourself and others into deeper, more active faith this week?

Suggested Prayer:
"Lord, help me to overcome hesitation and step boldly into Your calling. Ignite in me a passion to connect with others and live out Your love every day. Amen."

"I Will Connect"

"...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some..." – Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)

A true account from Faith & Technology Journal tells of a man whose phone call repeatedly dropped due to a poor signal. After several humorous misdials and accidental conference calls, he finally experienced a crystal-clear connection that left him in awe of the difference a reliable link can make.

Genuine connection is the bedrock of our faith. Just as our Savior set aside time in the early hours to seek solitude in prayer, we are called to connect—with God in personal prayer, with one another in corporate worship, and by nurturing our daily walk with Christ. These practices ensure that our spiritual lives remain robust and that our community is a true reflection of His love. This week, intentionally carve out time for personal prayer and seek opportunities to build deeper relationships within your church—whether by joining a small group or simply reaching out to a fellow believer.

Reflection Questions:
1. Who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ through a genuine connection with you?
2. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are regularly investing in your relationship with God and others?

Suggested Prayer:
"Father, thank You for the gift of community. Teach me to connect deeply—with You and with those around me—so that my life may radiate Your love and truth. Amen."

"I Will Grow"

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." – 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works..." – Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)

In the book "The Screwtape Letters," C.S. Lewis uses the analogy of a gardener and his garden to illustrate the process of spiritual growth. He writes, "The safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."  

Lewis's analogy is a powerful one. It reminds us that spiritual growth is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. It is a process that requires us to be intentional and diligent, just as a gardener must be intentional and diligent, just as a gardener must be intentional and diligent in caring for his garden. The Word of God acts as our fertilizer—guiding, correcting, and training us in righteousness. When we invest in our own growth and help others along the way, we contribute to a flourishing community of believers.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel the need for growth?
2. How can you actively support the spiritual development of someone in your community?

Suggested Prayer:
"Lord, help me to nurture my faith with the care of a dedicated gardener. May Your Word deepen my roots and empower me to encourage growth in others. Amen."

"I Will Serve"

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” –Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

John Newton (1725-1807) was an English slave trader who underwent a profound spiritual transformation. His early life was marked by rebellion, profanity, and involvement in the horrific slave trade. Through a series of dangerous experiences at sea and a growing recognition of his own sinfulness, Newton experienced a radical conversion. He came to faith in Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically changed. He went on to become an Anglican clergyman and a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery. He is best known for writing the hymn "Amazing Grace."

God saves each one of us for a purpose and we have a job to do. Service is the practical outworking of our faith. God has uniquely equipped each of us with talents meant to be shared for His glory. Serving—whether through volunteering, outreach, or sharing our personal testimony—is a tangible expression of our love for Christ and our neighbors. By stepping out in service, we actively participate in building His Kingdom here on earth.

Reflection Questions:
1. What unique talents or gifts has God given you that you can use to serve others?
2. How can you step out of your comfort zone to actively participate in ministry or outreach this week?

Suggested Prayer:
"Lord, thank You for the gifts You have bestowed upon me. Guide me to serve others with humility and joy, that through my actions, Your love may be made known to all. Amen."

"Live Out Your Faith"

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." – James 2:17 (ESV)

Imagine a sailor stranded on a deserted island. He carries with him a tattered map of the world, a compass, and a small, well-worn book of sailing instructions. He spends his days poring over the map, meticulously tracing the routes, and memorizing the compass directions. He even recites the sailing instructions aloud, convinced that this knowledge will one day lead him back to civilization. However, the sailor never attempts to build a raft, signal for help, or even try to find edible plants. He remains convinced that his knowledge of sailing will miraculously transport him home.

This sailor's situation mirrors the concept of faith without works. He possesses knowledge, a belief system, but without action, it remains inert, and ineffective. True faith, like a skilled sailor, requires both knowledge and action. When we connect with others, grow in our understanding of God’s Word, and serve selflessly, our faith comes alive and makes a difference. James reminds us that genuine faith is proven through our actions.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways have you been like the sailor in your faith?
2. How can you overcome any hesitation and integrate connection, growth, and service in your daily routine?

Suggested Prayer:
"Lord, empower me to live out my faith boldly and authentically. May I be a living testimony of Your love by connecting, growing, and serving in every area of my life. Amen."