“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:20, CSB
We are saved in Christ alone, and we come together to call out sin to lead each other to repentance in the power of the Holy Spirit and with the direction of His Word.
Looking at a daily devotional, I couldn’t help noticing that our American day of Tahnksgiving falls on the 333rd day of the year.
My mind immediately thought, “That’s funny. Our holiday is only half-evil,” going from the traditional understanding of “666” being the number of the Antichrist.
Naturally, that took my mind to Scripture:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-21, ESV
The world is a crazy place with more sin than we can fathom being celebrated, yet we can come together in thankfulness for our Lord who is redeeming the world and will soon return in glory.
Let us encourage each other in Christ, especially on a day like Thanksgiving but also throughout the year. Enjoy times with each other as the Church, and love your family and friends.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good … even when the world is half evil.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV
The Light of the world moves in and through us to the rest of the world. May we then gather as His Church to encourage each other to grow in love and good works, to shine brightly in the hope of eternity and Christ’s return.
Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Psalm 47:1, ESV
Our God became one of us to save us from our sins and restore us to relationship with Him. Let us celebrate His goodness and grace together, worshipping as His redeemed Church.
O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
Psalm 144:3-4, ESV
Looking at our world, it’s easy to see humans are relatively insignificant and horrible to each other. Therefore, we gather together in Christ to remind each other that the Creator loves us, saves us, and lifts us up by His Spirit.
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14, ESV
We have been tasked with calling out sin by the authority of Christ. We bring each other closer to Christ and remind each other of the hope we have in His coming.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!