ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON “HAPPILY” FELLOWSHIPPING WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS?

SCRIPTURE:
“But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, 
then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood 
of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin.”  
(1 John 1:7)

MEDITATION:
Have you discovered any scriptures 
that describe how Jesus did some things that were hidden?
I guess you could say that He was hidden when He went off to Himself 
to pray, but He wasn’t hiding anything, He just wanted 
some alone time with His Heavenly Father.
The truth is, Jesus “lived in the light”, didn’t He.
He had no hidden agendas 
or anything that He would be embarrassed for others to see.

Another question: “Does it ever seem that other believers 
are enjoying being a Christian more than you are?”
You can see the happiness they have when they are together, 
but you feel like you are kind of on the outskirts of their fellowship.
There could be a reason you feel excluded 
(whether or not you are really excluded). 

The scriptures tell us there is a simple process 
for enjoying fellowship and joy with other believers.
The process is to “live in the light” in the same manner that Jesus did.
Of course that means that we would feel comfortable 
if all facets of our life were exposed to the public.

Sorry, but for all believers who have decided church worship is not for 
them, it also means living in the open with other believers.
How could anyone expect to have “wonderful fellowship and joy 
with each other” if we aren’t “with” each other?
Living in the light does not mean 
worshipping in a silo, at home, by ourselves.

It also doesn’t mean avoiding God’s House 
and worshipping with other believers.
If that is what someone chooses to do, then they should not expect to 
enjoy fellowship and joy with other believers 
(to a “wonderful” degree, per the scriptures).

It might not sound pleasant to the ears, 
but refusing to meet together with other believers, 
as commanded in God’s Word, is blatant and willful disobedience.
The scriptures tell us to do it and when we don't, 
how could it be anything else but disobedience?

The scriptures also tell us where our focus should be 
if we want joy and happiness, or anything else.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, 
and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
It is a simple question, “Do you expect to enjoy the blessings 
of those who obey the Lord, when you choose not to obey Him?”
It just doesn’t work like that – at least not according to God’s Word.

One last thing, would you like confirmation 
that your sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus?
The scriptures tell us that we can have assurance 
when we “live in the light (as Jesus did)” 
and “enjoy wonderful fellowship and joy with other believers”.

Only God can solve the complicated problems that people are dealing with. 
Without the Lord living in the hearts of people, 
we will not have the ability to truly love each other.
Christ can give super-natural love, which enables us to love 
even those whom we otherwise could not love.

ACTION:
How exposed are the things in your life?
Are you enjoying wonderful fellowship and joy with other believers?
If not, are there some things (priorities) you need to change in your life?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I want to enjoy fellowship and joy with other believers. 
Help me to start living a life that I would not be ashamed of if it was 
exposed for all to see. Teach me to live in the light as Jesus did. Convict 
me of any areas where I have chosen to ignore (and consequently disobey) 
any of the commands You have given to those who identify themselves as 
Your children. I want (need) the assurance that my sins have been covered 
by the blood of Jesus. Thank You, Father for the changes I expect to see 
in my life, with Your help.”