Social Distancing should not lead to Spiritual Distancing.
Dwell in the Shelter of the Most-High while you Shelter-in-Place.
"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
You are the Body of Christ, and each one of you a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27
We have a couple of new words that we have learned recently: Social Distancing & Shelter-in-Place. We have been ordered to stay home for 3 weeks & maintain social distancing, which means keeping 6 feet of distance from other people. The church isn’t gathering together physically as we normally do, so we are now broadcasting via online/streaming while the church members individually watch from their own homes. We thank God for the technology to be able do this because it will help us to stay connected during this pandemic. Though nothing can replace the gathering of ourselves together, we must do everything we can to stay spiritually connected with God & the church.
During the Shelter-in-Place order, let’s make sure we are also “dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High”, because He is our Refuge & our Fortress- our God, in whom we trust. (Psalm 91). It is in His Presence we will find rest, peace & protection. In His Presence, fear fades away & faith rises. Let’s not allow ourselves to become spiritually distant from God or let it become our custom to be spiritually distant from our local church body that we belong to.
When we are together & connected, we are mutually encouraged, edified & equipped. Assembling ourselves together is an essential part of our faith journey we are told not to forsake. There is a special dynamic & synergy that cannot be replaced when we gather together- even if it’s only online for now. I encourage you to intentionally stay connected to God & your church family.
The Scriptures teach us:
God inhabits the praises of His people. Psalm 22:3
Where two or three are gathered in my Name, I am in their midst. Matthew 18:20
Nothing can replace the beauty of the Body of Christ coming together to express & experience what we have been living out individually. We worship in song, pray together & for the needs among us. Moreover, nothing can replace the proclamation of God’s Word by an anointed servant. I encourage you to take advantage of as many opportunities to stay connected as you can.
Our church is working to stay connected digitally during this time of physical separation. Last Sunday, we did our first ever online only service without a congregation present, I have started a daily devotional which we are distributing to our congregation, we will do a midweek Bible study either live or recorded, we are looking at videoconferencing Bible Studies & Prayer meetings, & other ideas are being considered.
Stay tuned . . .
Much Blessings & Love, Amazingly Graced, Your Servant,
Pastor John Masis
