The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Staying Connected" for Friday, 10 February 2017 with Scripture Hebrews 10:19-25

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Staying Connected" for Friday, 10 February 2017 with Scripture Hebrews 10:19 So, brothers, we have confidence to use the way into the Holiest Place opened by the blood of Yeshua. 20 He inaugurated it for us as a new and living way through the parokhet, by means of his flesh. 21 We also have a great cohen over God’s household. 22 Therefore, let us approach the Holiest Place with a sincere heart, in the full assurance that comes from trusting — with our hearts sprinkled clean from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.[Hebrews 10:22 Ezekiel 36:25] 23 Let us continue holding fast to the hope we acknowledge, without wavering; for the One who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 And let us keep paying attention to one another, in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other.
And let us do this all the more as you see the Day approaching.
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Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.[Hebrews 10:25 (CEB)]
I was responsible for maintaining a large aquarium at our church. Recently, because of a busy schedule, I became negligent in the regular care of the fish. Many of them had sickened and died, and the few remaining were less active and alert. Immediately I scooped them up, put them in a bucket of clean water, and began the process of cleaning the tank and the filter mechanism. Finally I began refilling and restocking the tank.
While tending to this work, I turned to God. “I’m sorry, Lord,” I prayed. “I’ve neglected this tank, and the fish have paid the price.” I realized then how important it is to pray and read the Bible daily so that we do not lose contact with God. Failing to join in weekly worship and fellowship isolates us from our family of faith. To be faithful disciples of Christ requires constant care and attention to our connection to God and to our family of faith. Without these connections, we are in danger of dying spiritually and missing out on all that God has in store for us.
The Author: Floyd Twilley (Maryland, USA)
Thought for the Day: Moving toward others with love is moving toward God.
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for your abundant care and love. Help us to remain true and faithful, always ready to serve you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those without a church home

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