Assembling
Assembling
God works all things for good for those of us who have been called according to His purpose. God gives grace when we are needy. I am grateful for the many ways God has met me and our family in the past few months. However one big thing I miss is assembling together with God’s people.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV)
God knows we need Him and we also need each other. Jesus made a remarkable promise: “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20 ESV)
When we gather in the name of Jesus, we are not only encouraged by being with each other, we encounter the living God. He is present among us.
Be Creative
We may have to seek God to give us creative ideas for gathering. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to “think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24) We may be led to begin small gatherings in our neighborhoods. We may want to consider fellowshipping with one or two families in our homes. Let’s ask God for ways to motivate one another to love and good works.
All the More
Last winter I was asking God whether to host a men’s weekend retreat for fathers who had children affected by a disability. I was also considering cooperating with our PA state homeschool organization (CHAP) to have a one day event to encourage parents. As I prayed, I felt God quicken the words from Hebrews 10:25: “All the more.”
We are not to meet less in these troubling days, rather, our times of connecting with God and God’s people, should be on the increase.
One Idea
I will be at Spruce Lake Retreat Center from August 17-20. If you and your family would like to join me and other families of like precious faith, come up for a day, two days, or the whole week. We will enjoy each other and God’s presence. Or if you live near Northeast Pennsylvania, commute and join us for one or more days!
Our family has attended Spruce Lake for many years and love the facility, the staff, and the area. If you like camp fires, wagon rides, star gazing, hymn singing, swimming, hiking, mini golf, disc golf, shuffleboard, horse shoes, and a variety of other activities, come and join us. To learn more, browse their website for information on rooms and activities.
Call the Camp
To make a reservation, you have two options. If you would like to stay for the whole week, you can click here and book your room yourself with the online form. If you can only stay for a few nights, call the camp (800.822.7505) to reserve your spot. If you stay at least two nights there is a summer discount rate in effect until September 3.
If you can’t make it during this particular week in August, there are plenty of rooms open for the rest of the summer. Gather a few families and create your own family camp. Check out the facility at sprucelake.org.
If you want to come earlier than August 17 or stay later, feel free. Spruce Lake is a wonderful place to be refreshed.
Questions
If you have questions please email me or call Spruce Lake. There is more information about the rate structure for the whole week and individual nights on this PDF.