Daily Devotional for September 4, 2021
Keep the Fire Burning
“Camping is so much fun!” Elijah said as he roasted a marshmallow over the campfire.
“Yeah,” said Jasmine. “I wish we didn’t have to go home tomorrow. Can’t we stay until Sunday, Dad?”
“I’m afraid not,” said Dad. “I agreed to help serve coffee and doughnuts at church on Sunday.”
Elijah sighed. “It seems like we always have to rush home from fun things so we can go to church on Sunday. I don’t really see why it’s so important to go every week.”
“Hmm,” murmured Dad. He took a long stick and pushed a burning piece of wood away from the crackling fire. “Keep an eye on that while you finish your marshmallows, and then we’ll talk about church.”
“It’s gonna burn out,” Elijah said. He was right. When the kids finished their treats, Elijah pointed to the wood. “I knew it would quit burning.”
Dad nodded. “An ember removed from a fire loses its glow and its warmth, and the same thing can happen to Christians who don’t regularly meet with other believers. Worshiping Jesus and learning about Him with other Christians helps us feel the warmth of His love. It helps us glow with His light by reminding us we belong to Him.”
“But lots of people are old or sick and can’t go to church,” said Jasmine. “Does that mean they lose their glow and warmth?”
“Good question,” said Dad. “I think the Lord provides other ways to keep the embers glowing for those who can’t go. Can you think of some?”
“Well, listening to sermons online might help,” said Elijah. “Our church does a podcast of our morning service so people who can’t come can listen anyway.”
“Reading the Bible and praying would help too,” said Jasmine. “We should all spend time with Jesus on our own.”
“And sometimes when we’re on vacation, we kinda have our own church service,” Elijah said. “We sing and read the Bible together and talk about God.”
Dad nodded. “Yes, all those things help keep the embers of our faith glowing. But those of us who are able to attend church should not get in the habit of skipping it.” He flicked the cold piece of wood back into the fire. “We need the warmth and light being with God’s people offers us.” -V. Louise Cunningham
How about you?
Do you go to church regularly? It’s an important part of the Christian life. Church is where believers can worship God together, encourage one another in their faith, and pray for each other. It’s where your brothers and sisters in Christ can remind you of God’s love so you can shine His light in the world together. Keep the fire of your faith burning bright by going to church.
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