SCRIPTURE

So now we must cling tightly to the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises! Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning. - Hebrews 10:23-25 TPT

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PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

You have placed hope within me, not to merely let me rest in it, but for me to share the joy of this hope with others. While it would be easiest to pull inward and practice only self-care during this period of isolation, you have made it clear that your idea of social distancing is one that includes fellowship in new and creative ways. Help this family of faith to use all the resources available for encouraging others, to gather together safely and remotely, to keep one another accountable, and to continue loving our neighbors through prayer and acts of kindness. I pray that in the new day dawning, when we come together in the same space with our brothers and sisters, we will stand hand in hand, united in worship for all that you have done.

Amen.

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JOURNAL REFLECTION

What creative ways have you kept “meeting” with others during this time of quarantine? Or have you pulled inward? How can you urge others onward, encourage acts of kindness, and express God’s love to your neighbor?

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CALL TO ACTION

As we begin a new week, let us be reminded of the countless opportunities we have as Christ-followers to encourage and connect with others. Today’s prayer reminds us that we have the chance to impact others by demonstrating God’s love no matter our physical circumstances and limitations. Take time to pray about how you can connect and share God’s love with others during this time of isolation.