The Apostle Paul writes to the church, “LET US HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE WITHOUT WAVERING, FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL; AND LET US CONSIDER HOW TO STIMULATE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS, NOT FORSAKING OUR OWN ASSEMBLING TOGETHER, AS IS THE HABIT OF SOME, BUT ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER; AND ALL THE MORE AS YOU SEE THE DAY DRAWING NEAR. HEBREWS 10:23-25

The metal of our faith is best tested and shown in difficult times. The weak fall away while those who are determined persevere all the more through hardships. When the days darken is when we should strive to hold fast to what we claim to believe; when times are difficult we should look for ways to lighten the load of others. When it is costly corporate worship becomes all the more valuable. We must not forsake community when community becomes difficult; there are aspects of our spiritual growth at are fostered only when we come together; Jesus said that when we assemble, even in just two or three that He himself will meet with us there. That cannot happen to the same degree when we seek Him alone, otherwise He would not have made the point to so instruct us to gather together to experience His presence.

Faithful attendance or lack thereof is largely priority and habit; regardless of circumstances, we do what we value. We find a way to do those things which are important to us; we forsake the things which are a matter of duty.

As even more difficult days lie ahead, we need one another all the more; we need fellowship as never before, we need the strength that comes from experiencing Him together, as never before. I cannot be an encouragement for you if we are absent from one another, nor can you be an encouragement to me.

Let you and I carefully consider what it means to be a disciple of Christ; let us count the cost; let us weigh the options and let us walk according to His word, in Jesus Name for His name’s sake Amen!