Knock! Knock! Koinonia Calling!

Still thinking about a brief conversation before church this evening that I had with the woman sitting behind me. She asked about our move, and we got to talking about fixing up our houses. She's a widow and mentioned that she would like to use her home for Bible studies during the week. She says she's not a teacher, but she would love to have people in and share hospitality.

Whoa! Knock! knock! Why isn't the church hearing this lady's desire to exercise her spiritual gift of hospitality, to share her home in such a meaningful way? I'd be the first to sign up! There are three small group studies going on that meet at our church during the week, and I've attended one of them, but meeting in the home opens up entirely new dynamics for deeper level relationships that just don''t happen at the church house. I've been to both over the years, and there's no comparison to those that meet in the homes. None.

This is another reason that I'm looking forward to our move. We've already found a church in our new location that has small group gatherings that meet in homes throughout the area during the week. They discuss the pastor's message from the previous Sunday, talking about how to live out the truths of Scripture as they build true relationships with one another. They call them K-groups. 'K' is for koinonia in the Greek, true fellowship. Looking forward to it!

I do hope that this dear lady is given the opportunity of sharing her home in such a meaningful and life-changing way. All would surely share in the blessing.

Painting ~ The Visitor, Arthur Hopkins 1848-1930
Wiki Commons public domain

Coming Uncorked

My mind keeps going back to the gathering we attended on Saturday. Thinking that I talked way too much. Ever feel like that when you put your head on the pillow? 

I know why. I've been bottled up. Here was true fellowship, heart-to-heart interaction with fellow believers who have a deep, deep yearning for knowing, worshiping, and glorifying God. I came uncorked. 

There were six families there. I knew only two of the families before we gathered. By the time we left, I felt a kindred spirit with many of them. We all did a lot of talking... and a lot of listening. As one of the moms said, it was so good to be with people who "got it" when she talked about her innermost desires, her fears, her aspirations toward holy living. Yes, we all "got it."

We were being ministers of grace to one another, helping each other see God's hand in our struggles and His light on our paths. Reminding one another that it's Jesus who makes all the difference.

Hoping to gather with them again. And thankful for others in my life who point me Godward.

Keep looking upward, dear one. And be a godly friend--pointing others there, too.

Painting ~ Julia on the Terrace 1909, Daniel Ridgway Knight 1839-1924

Wiki Commons public domain