Devotion: Family Of God

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Romans 12:5

After experiencing the joy and pain of child birth with my second daughter; the sleepless nights and toddler transitioning, it was so precious to me that my loving church family came through blessing us with dinners and sweet prayers. The love of giving, sharing and serving was so evident in those women and especially Mimi, Papa and Nana for all their help too. The gift of love and assistance was dearly needed and appreciated in the trying times with our newborn and toddler. There have also been times when the kids and I are sick and feverish, the house is a mess, hubby is out of town and exhaustion has set in, when Mimi would come through yet again.

God's brilliant plan for the body of Christ was devised to bless, fellowship and share. When you may not have your biological family close by, it is amazing to know that your sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers in Christ are there for you and all around.

How many of us know that going to Church doesn't make us a Christian? Although that is true, "let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near," Hebrews 10:25. The blessing of having a family of God is priceless and I wouldn't want to be without mine. Sometimes our pride can hinder us from receiving the blessings from others in our family. God provides us with rich friendships and fellowship in our family of believers. Let us also bless, encourage and give back, knowing our family of God is forever.

Action: If you aren't involved in your church, write down some ideas to help you get more involved so you can develop relationships. Also write down some names of those in your church who could use a helping hand and blessing; a "family of God" encouragement.

Prayer: Thank you God for blessing me with my church family and biological family. I know that we need each other and thank you for your provision and blessings. Help me not deny your blessings with my pride and help me never to be too embarrassed to ask for help. Help me to be a blessing and encouragement; equip me to reach out and help others.

Growing in our walk with God can be fun, especially if we take along our family of believers.