Lenten Devotional: March 29, 2023

Connectedness

by Elsa Houtz

One of the greatest blessings of this Lenten season has been reading the daily devotional messages written by members of our church family. It’s like an Easter basket overflowing with spiritual insights!

Gaining these glimpses into the hearts of my brothers and sisters in Christ—many of whom I haven’t even met—reminds me how important it is for us to make connections with each other. I’m thankful for our church’s many small-group ministries and other opportunities to grow and learn together: Sunday school classes, Bible studies, committees and boards, hands-on work projects, outreach missions and so much more. I believe it’s in these small groups, working together for God’s kingdom, that we experience the rich connectedness He wants for us.

First Church has given me some wonderful traveling companions on my spiritual journey. Together we share our joys and trials, delve deeply into God’s Word, and enrich and support each other by the gift of fellowship. My prayer is that each member of our church family would be so blessed.

Meditation:

Do I take advantage of the opportunities for growth, learning and fellowship the church’s small-group ministries offer? Am I doing my part to encourage and support others by participating in these ministries? Or am I satisfied to walk my spiritual journey alone?

Scripture:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)