​Humans are creatures of habit, and studies have shown that it takes approximately 66 days to establish a pattern in our brains. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing protocols, many of us have developed habits that have significantly affected our social lives. One of these habits is isolation, which has made it challenging for some abled-bodied Christians to return to Collective Fellowship. Some have cited watching services on Zoom as an alternative, while others have admitted to lacking the motivation to leave their homes. Some have even attempted to return to their home Fellowship, only to feel like visitors since they have been away for so long. However, like returning to work, we must create a "new normal" and condition our brains to adapt to this change. To return to Collective Worship, we must break the habit of isolation and form one conducive to social integration. Although it may feel different initially, persistence will help us establish a "new normal" for Collective Worship. The Scripture tells us in Proverbs 27:17 that "as iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend," which means when believers commit to spending time together, we both gain from the refinement and sharpening that comes with a mutually beneficial relationship. In addition, Hebrews 10:25 urges us to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but encourage one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching." We cannot encourage each other when we are apart; we need to be together for the mutual benefit of all. It's time to break the habit of isolation and return to Collective Worship. We eagerly anticipate your return with open arms.

At times we may feel a strong connection to God, while at other times, that connection may seem distant. However, this does not mean we have lost faith, or God abandoned us. Our human state sometimes prevents us from feeling that connection, leading us to sense a separation from God. In this passage, the writer is reaching out to the Lord, seeking Him with all their heart, and asking not to stray from His commandments. We can maintain our spiritual connection with God through prayer and studying His Word. Even when we cannot feel His presence, we can remain in His presence by investing in prayer and reading His Word. Remember, the Lord is faithful, compassionate, and always ready to draw us closer to Him.
​
Scripture: Psalm 119:9‭-‬12 KJV
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes." 

Jesus teaches us that we must be born of water and Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God. The miraculous work of the Spirit transforms us, but we can't fully comprehend how it happens. Jesus compares the Spirit's work to the unseen wind, which we can feel and hear but don't know its source or destination. This example is a simple yet profound explanation. Let us continue to be transformed by the Spirit's power, becoming more like Christ.
​
Scripture: John 3:5-8 NKJV
"Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."  

​As followers of Jesus Christ, we must showcase His qualities through our actions and words. This way, through us, God can reveal the need for a Savior to a lost and dying world. To achieve this, the Holy Spirit must guide our speech and actions to have the desired impact. However, we often struggle with our speech, and that's why the Apostle reminds us to always season it with grace and salt, which is the work of the Holy Spirit. Let's pray that the Lord refines our speech to reflect His qualities. 

Scripture: Colossians 4:5‭-‬6 NKJV
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Displaying compassion towards others reflects God's love, and it can be challenging to remember this without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even though we may be leading busy lives, let's consciously show compassion willingly and without hesitation this week.

How do you intend to showcase God's compassion through your actions in the coming days?

 Scripture: 1 John 3:17-18 KJV
 "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

In times of darkness and fear, we can always rely on God and hold onto His steady hands. This psalm reminds us that when we put our trust in the Lord, fear fades away and is replaced with unwavering faith and confidence in Him. His light illuminates every corner and banishes all darkness. It is essential that we make it a daily habit to trust in the Lord and seek refuge under His protective shadow, especially when we feel afraid.

Scripture: Psalms 56:3-4 NKJV
*"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?"* Psalms 56:3-4 NKJV

​Participating in collective worship offers numerous benefits, including the safeguard provided by Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. By remaining in groups, we reduce the possibility of being targeted by the enemy, who is known to be a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Lions are known for their patience, they wait for their prey to stray from the herd before attacking. Similarly, when we isolate ourselves, we become vulnerable to attack. Therefore, let us remain united in love and support one another to stay protected by the Good Shepherd. May the Lord bless and keep you in His peace.
Scripture: I Peter 5:8 NKJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

As believers in a Holy God, we are called to live a life that reflects His holiness. However, we are only human and can be vulnerable to the temptations of our sinful nature. Thankfully, God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us live a pure life. Without this help, it is impossible to please God. When we give in to temptation, we can repent and restore our relationship with God through Christ Jesus. It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is our constant companion, and we must strive to walk in purity to keep Him in our lives. The story of Samson serves as a reminder that even those anointed by God can lose His power if they live in disobedience. Therefore, let us always seek the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.​

Scripture: Judges 16:17-20 NKJV
"... that he told her all his heart, and said to her, “No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.” When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the Lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has told me all his heart.” So the Lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hand. Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him."