“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30 NKJV The Lord is faithful in times of joy and sorrow. As He is the beginning and the end He is well aware of the challenges and trials we will face on earth. Nothing catches the Lord by surprise even in human trial and error attempts to mimic Jesus. To circumvent attempts to isolate oneself the Lord provides solid fellowship of the brethren to walk hand in hand with, edifying and encouraging one another through life. “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” I Peter 5:9-10 NKJV As we have an inward desire of belonging, we must be surrounded by Holy spirit filled people in pursuit of Christ. If left void the need for belonging will drive one to groups and assemblies that solely satisfy the flesh but never the spirit, leaving an inward yearning that can only be quenched by the Spirit of the Lord. Fellowship of the brethren in times of joy and trials strengthen us to maintain and be in constant pursuit of the Lord. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV Have you ever traveled outside your native country and noticed your country’s embassy? Embassies are located in foreign countries filled with one’s native country’s customs and people serving as comfort, security and familiarity to the traveler. If trouble arises one can find refuge and support within its country’s embassy. In this same manner living in the world but not one with the world, the Lord has provided an embassy of believers for fellowship, prayer and counsel. One is never alone with the vertical relationship of the Lord coupled with the horizontal edification of the brethren. This is true brotherhood and sisterhood. “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 NKJV “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” I Peter 2:17 NKJV “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 NKJV Fellowship Question How did you locate your place of worship, small group or sisterly fellowship? Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 Bible Reading: Proverbs 29 Devotion: Fellowship & Sisterhood Chrystal
