Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
* * * * * * *
In conversation with the volunteers who are have been coming in waves on mission trips into our community to help it rebuild, I have asked them individually why they are here. The answers vary, of course, but they have a similar theme: relationships. "I am here because my roommate invited me." "I came because our group of friends has been doing this for years and we have a blast together." "I came because my son asked me." "I came because you needed me." "I came because it just seemed like what God wanted me to do." Sometimes we need to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Even the most gentle poke of one person to another creates a connection that the spirit travels and fires up the flame of love, encouragement, hope, joy, laughter. You never know what God can do with a simple invitation or a heartfelt poke.
* * * * * * *
Holy God, may the cross of Christ encourage our hope. Amen.