Togetherness
by Pastor Gene Wickman

“And let us consider how to [stir up] one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”  Hebrews 10:24-25a

One of the great gifts of baptism is that we become sons and daughters of God. This means that we become a part of a family. Jesus taught us to pray not “my” but “Our Father.” This means that we can never be Christians alone.

We all know the old sayings… “A family that prays together, stays together.” – or, “A family that plays together stays together.”  Since joining Ascension I have seen and been involved in many examples of God’s family worshiping, praying and playing together. Our intentional investment in many of the opportunities that we have at Ascension to come together to worship, grow, care and share the Good News is the key!  The joy of investing in worship, education programs, prayer, outreach, witnessing, music offerings, Bible or other small group studies, administration, fellowship, (the list goes on and on), serve to bring us together as a family and enhances our relationship with God, our brothers and sisters in Christ and with ourselves.

What a privilege to belong to the family of God.  What a privilege to belong to this Ascension Lutheran Church family.  What a privilege to be able to encourage and stir up one another to love and good works.  This Lenten season let us all be challenged by Hebrews 10:24-25 to love one another, do good works, and gather together.  Let us proactively reach out and encourage those so as to strengthen our family bond.  May all that we do be done to the glory of God!

Dear Gracious God, I rejoice in Your love and Your forgiveness that makes us a family.  Help us work together toward a genuine concern and love to be effective witnesses to our faith community and to the world.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.