Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, January 20, 2017

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."¹

Yesterday we pointed out three more benefits of a good church: friendship and a sense of belonging; personal care; and discovering a sense of inner peace and strength.Regarding the latter, one hard-working electrical contractor explained his feeling this way, "I was tired of the everyday grind. I really felt all along that there was something missing. I went to church as a youth just about every Sunday. I went to boot camp. And then I lost it. I couldn't put my finger on it, even though I tried and tried again. My children started going to Sunday School, my wife started, and I said, 'Maybe this is what I'm missing.' So I tried it, and it was."²

Finding God and His will for your life. There are many more benefits gained from belonging to a good church, not the least being: learning about God; experiencing meaningful worship; finding inspiration and help for daily living; and having an opportunity to use your abilities to serve others.

Perhaps the most important benefit of all is that in a good church one can find God ... and His will and direction for one's life.

The Gallup poll mentioned earlier also brought out an interesting facet of American life. At the time of this poll 61 percent of all Americans aged 18 and above want to follow God's will.

With God, life (even with all its hurts and frustrations) becomes more meaningful and purposeful. Furthermore, with God one can find forgiveness for all his sins and wrong-doing, make his or her peace with Him, and receive the hope of eternal life.

Belonging to a good church is so beneficial for both individuals and families that it is well worth finding a church where leaders and members not only love God and believe and teach His Word, but also where they are loving, accepting, and non-judgmental; where they present grace with truth; and where they are committed to ministering to one another's needs. That's why God designed the church.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You above all that in a good church I can find You. Thank You, too, that a good church gives me a safe place to learn more about You, study Your Word, discover Your will for my life, share my struggles and failures, grow in maturity, faith, love and every grace, and find an opportunity to serve You by serving others. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV).
2. Why People Join the Church, p. 105-106.

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