“But encourage one another daily as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13

Many of you know my story of how this whole blog thing started. Last December, my sweet friend and coworker, Chrissie, started texting our 4th grade team a scripture verse every day. We got a daily verse from her every morning. It was such a blessing.

Sure, there are lots of devotionals out there that I read and have access to. I even receive a “verse of the day” from the Bible app on my phone. But getting a special verse from a dear friend every day who I respect and know personally just meant the world to me.

And God used Chrissie to plant a seed in me.

I began texting a few of my friends a verse each day. And they began to text verses back to me. Then the verses turned into little devotionals of what God was teaching us. A few friends sent me praise songs that went along with the verses I sent them. Others sent me articles or ideas of books to read. I was learning so much– through others.

It has been an unbelievable blessing in my life.

We learn so much more when we share Christ TOGETHER.

The other night I was reading “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. I really think he explains what I am learning through this experience so well. I am going to share some quotes from chapter 17, “A Place to Belong.”

“We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. While your relationship to Christ is personal, God never intends it to be private. In God’s family you are connected to every other believer, and we will belong to each other for eternity.” (p.130)

“We discover our role in life through our relationships with others.” (p. 131)

“We need more than the Bible in order to grow; we need other believers. We grow faster and stronger by learning from each other and being accountable to each other. When others share what God is teaching them, I learn and grow, too.” (p. 134)

“’Mind your own business’ is not a Christian phrase. We are called and commanded to be involved in each other’s lives.” (p. 135)  *See note in the comment section.

“God wants you to love real people, not ideal people.” (p. 137)

“Real spiritual maturity shows up in relationships.” (p. 134)

(Warren, 2002)

Isn’t that good stuff? We need each other. Life is better together.

And with all the trials, difficulties, and bad news all around us every day, we are in desperate need for encouragement. And what better encouragement is there than the inspiration that comes from God’s Word??!!

I don’t ever want this blog to be about me.  I would love for you to share with me too.  What is God showing you?  I want to grow with you.  I want to learn from YOU.  Have a blessed weekend! 🙂