“7So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.” This scripture from Philippians Chapter 1 (NIV) takes my mind and my spirit back to last Sunday morning and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that we all felt as we gathered together in prayer. Our fellowship as a congregation is an intimate fellowship and I believe that is a direct reflection of our intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ by the power of The Holy Spirit.
Our congregation is not much like any others. We have walked with one-another through some very wonderful and very difficult times. As a result, we do not shy away from talking about such times with each other and asking for help through such times from each other. Yes, this can be uncomfortable for someone visiting us for the first time, but I truly believe that church cannot be conducted any other way. I also believe that if someone is invited into our midst by the Holy Spirit, it is for a reason and I always pray that the person opens their heart and receives the fellowship that is offered. As I was once told by a very wise man – If we can’t do this for one-another then what’s the purpose of being together? I agree. Like Paul, you all have special places in my heart and I love you very much.