It’s Monday again. The only reason I know that is because yesterday was Sunday and the third Sunday in a row, we’ve been able to attend church in person. Getting the week started has always depended on that event. Physically attending church and watching it on a device are definitely different. Part of the experience of worship is a time to fellowship with others who share your faith. It can be an opportunity to encourage and be encouraged – to share your physical, mental and spiritual struggles – to praise, thank and honor God in his house. When you sit in front of a screen in your pajamas, with a cup of coffee and a Danish, it just isn’t the same as singing praise to God with others in a sanctuary designed for that.

There is a lot to be said for corporal worship. The sound of many voices, singing in harmony or not, still inspires me. Even though my body is reaching the end of its run, I love to watch the little children as they listen intently during the children’s message. My heart applies the truth of the Word of God and sets me on track for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, life often gets in the way and pushes me back to Friday – longing for that fellowship time.

God knew it wasn’t good for man to be alone – that he would need a helper, a comforter, an encourager. So, He created woman out of the man’s rib. How significant is that? The ribs are designed to protect the heart and other vital organs. He didn’t stop there. Mankind reproduced and populated large communities and eventually covered almost the entire world. Even when mankind fell into sin, God gave everyone a way out.

The fellowship shouldn’t end on Sunday but continue throughout the week. The pandemic isolated the world for three years and we saw the result of that. We became guarded, closed in and lost the ability to communicate face to face – the human touch of a hug or handshake – the lack of inclusion, camaraderie and togetherness. I pray that we never become creatures of our environment, but still realize that God is with us all the time. We don’t have to worship in a church. We can do so anywhere. His Word can be shared on a daily basis within our homes. We can see His beauty in creation and praise Him there. We can sit around a campfire, toasting marshmallows and enjoying the closeness of friends and family. The truth is, God is with us, in us and among us always. He has promised never to leave us and He always keeps His promises.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!