“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

“For where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20 ESV)

You know something? I almost didn’t go to church last night. Why? Things kept coming up, I just didn’t feel like driving that far, blah, blah, blah. Guess what! I went anyway! And what a great service it was! I am so glad I went!

What was so special about it? God showed up. He touched lives last night. He healed people. Not just physical healing, but spiritual too. I got a touch all the way back in my little corner. Ask Pastor Rita. She asked me a question and I could barely put 2 words together that made sense. It was such a great night. God is so good.

But you may ask why do we have to go to church? We don’t. God created us with free will so the choice is yours. But guess what? I don’t have to go to church! I GET to go to church. Think about it. We have the privilege, at least for now, to freely go to whichever church we want.

Try that in China. See how far you would get. You could be jailed for claiming to be a Christian. Wonder how many of us would claim to be Christians if we faced imprisonment, or worse?

Back to last night. We had a small group, the regulars showed up. Where was the rest of our congregation? I get it if you have to work nights or have kids in school. Kids and bosses can be grumpy. But in these last days we all need to make an effort. As it says in Matthew 18:20: “For where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (ESV) So let’s join the 2 or 3 and make those numbers grow. Let’s show the devil who he is trying to take out.

Kathy Keller