Over time we meet so many people who come into our lives and as the years progress, often we lose contact with those we formed relationships with because of many factors that influence how we stay connected. As we have moved forward in the 21st century, we can keep in touch through social media, but even with this advancement in technology; the personal relationships seem to be distanced. Landlines, cell phones, ipads, facetime, zoom, and other forms of communication are available and somehow the connection is not the same. Those of us who are in our senior years remember gatherings spent together in Church socials, visiting family and friends when everyone brought their favorite dish to share, and just good times of fellowship when there were no threatening concerns of contacting a deadly virus. Those closely connected events have seemed to fade away over the years and is affecting each of us in ways that may be hidden. Just like the enemy comes to pull us into a tangled web over time when not paying attention; we may find ourselves disconnected from each other. The separation has grown, especially over these last seven months of a pandemic that seems to be changing course worsening instead of lessening. Nevertheless, we must keep our faith walk connected to Our Lord and Savior and to each other in the Body of Christ. May we find time for fellowship even in a pandemic as we stand together on the promises of our Lord and Savior.
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." [Jude vv. 20-21]
During these days of division between people because of racial tension, politics, and religious beliefs; people are becoming increasingly distanced from one another. I am praying for re-connection of estranged family members, acquaintances, and getting back to our roots of who we were made to be, not who society is trying to make us to become - desensitized to what is happening around us. May we stay connected to JESUS and each other through prayers, faith, love, and determination to withstand the "wiles of satan's attacks." "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [Ephesians 6:10-11] Remember that we are stronger in number. Do not withdraw yourself from those who you have grown to know from the past and present - keep the connections thriving despite what is going on around you.
May you have a blessed week filled with spending time to fellowship with those who bring your spirits up and remember to keep JESUS as your connector.
Love-in-Christ, Apostle Joni A. Kindell
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
[I John 1:7]
Additional Scriptures for encouragement: Joshua 23:5-11; Matthew 18:20; John 17; I Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 2:1; Hebrews 13:16; I John 1
It is very easy to lose touch with God's intended love for all in the mist of COVID and political and social disarray. This is something I have to consistently remind myself, we are all God's people. Thank you for broadcasting the Word on this topic. Very insightful!