The Gift of Community

Tonight my front door will open with the excitement of a dozen or so women ready to dig into God's Word. We are going to be studying the book of James. We will gather each week to laugh and to pray and to study and to learn. I have learned over the years that the blessings that will come from each study cannot be fathomed on the first night. We meet with anticipation. Waiting to see what God will do.


I began doing Bible Study on a regular basis when my oldest was a baby. We had a group that met at our church every week. We began to do inductive, in-depth studies. The Bible became living and real to me. We learned and study and prayed together for years. 


About 8 years ago, the Lord began to prompt me to open my home for Bible Study. I had met several women that really needed that time of accountability and fellowship. So we began to meet on Wednesday nights while our children were at church. It was the perfect time frame. My house is about 3 minutes from our church. Except for the fact that my poor neighbors have to endure all of the cars every week, the timing has been a blessing.


There is something about meeting in a home. It brings about a feeling of belonging and safety. As we squeeze into my den each week, no one complains about being crowded. We huddle together. Bonded by a common belief. Warmed by a common Love. Held captive by a Word that never returns void.


I have been blessed beyond measure by these women over the years. Their faith has challenged me. Their stories have pierced me. Their resolve has strengthened me. Their transparency has humbled me. Their hearts have warmed me. And their love for Jesus has made my heart smile.


I encourage you to find community. We were created to be in relationship. We sharpen each other when we gather together. We are better spouses and better parents and better friends when we open our hearts and our minds to others. And if you need a place to gather on Wednesday nights, my front door is always open!

Let us consider how to stimulate one another 

to love and good deeds, 

not forsaking our own assembling together, 

as is the habit of some, 

but encouraging one another. 

Hebrews 10: 24-25