Do You Know the Power of Fellowship Beyond Church Walls? (It’s Fantastic!)

To my wonderful subscribers, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you.

I used Canva to make this fitting image.

I’m getting out this Wisdom Wednesday post a little late today. Tommy and I are in travel mode, and it’s a bit of a challenge to get in my writing time. We’re currently in Sheridan, Wyoming, at the Jackalope Campground. It feels more like a parking lot than a campground, but we were happy to find a spot. The Sheridan Rodeo is this weekend, and many campgrounds are full. I’ll fill you in on how we wound up here in my Sunday post.

Today, I wanted to bring you some wisdom from Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I had always assumed this scripture referred to church attendance alone. As I’ve grown in my relationship with Christ and spent a lot more time with like-minded people, I’m keenly aware that it means so much more than that.

When we left California and our business, Johnny’s Bar & Grill, in the rearview mirror, we also left our home church. We are staunch believers in having a home church to attend, which helps keep you strong in the Lord and nurtures relationships with Christian brothers and sisters. We were thrilled when we settled in the RVICS Village in Smithville, Texas, and found the Abundant Grace Church. We missed regular fellowship so much while traveling full-time.

We often found a church to attend on Sunday, but it’s not the same as having a home church. In a home church, you feel connected, like you were a missing piece in a puzzle, and it’s not complete without you. That’s how our Abundant Grace family makes us feel. Our pastor, co-pastor, and deacon have all reached out to see how we’re doing and let us know they miss us.

If you have never attended a church that you wanted to call home, or you stopped attending one during the COVID-19 pandemic, get out there and find the right one! You’ll be so glad you did. The Church is not a building. It’s God’s people joining together to make a difference in the world by introducing Christ to others. The best way to do that is by telling them what a difference the Lord’s made in your life. I was so excited to share what God did for my husband and me that I wrote a book about it.

Born Again in a Biker Bar is available on Amazon.

However, you don’t need a book to share your story. You need to open your mouth when presented with the opportunity to share your Jesus story and let God do the rest. He might surprise you. He’s done it for me so many times. On my walk in our last campground, I saw a man on a motorcycle setting up camp in the tent area. I stopped and asked him how he managed to transport all the equipment on a motorcycle, and it led to a pleasant conversation.

Being the ex-owner of a famous biker bar gave me plenty of material to talk about. When I mentioned my book, he enthusiastically offered to buy one. I went to our motorhome to get him one, and when I returned, he handed me two tiny Jesus statues. He said, “It sounds like you have plenty of Him, but I wanted to give you a little more Jesus.” I’m sure I’ll be presented with an opportunity to give them to someone who needs a little Jesus in their heart.

He also shared a flyer with me for the 5th Annual Rally & Ride Out of the Darkness event, which raises awareness for suicide prevention. It’s held in Florida in October. Christians and charity runs go together. This wild and crazy guy is riding his motorcycle back to Florida after he and some friends ride through Montana and over to the Oregon coast. He said they ride about 500 miles a day. I think he’s nuts. We don’t even drive 200 miles a day in our motorhome.

The point of this story is that there is an undeniable connection among believers, one that transcends everything. Across this country, we’ve forged incredible friendships, united by the bond of Christ. It’s camaraderie like no other. When you share a relationship with Jesus, you become comrades instantly. Before I renewed my walk with Christ and reconnected with a church family, I believed nothing could rival the loyalty I witnessed in the biker world, where people have each other’s backs no matter what.

But now, as I look to Hebrews 10:24-25, I’m convinced that the world would be transformed if Christians stood together with that same fierce, unwavering commitment. Imagine a world where the Church had each other’s backs like that; what a difference it would make. I’m praying for it daily.

It’s harvest time, folks. People are hungry for Jesus. I hope you have a great church with an outreach program where you can be involved. Nothing feels better than sharing your faith.

Thanks for coming along. Your time is valuable, and I’m blessed that you shared it with me. Until Sunday, be blessed, ride or drive safe, and get out there and share your Jesus story.