It happened again last night. Three couples gathered on our back porch and had a special evening of fellowship, exhortation, encouragement, edification, laughter, tears, and sharing.
What made it such an awesome evening? Was it the back porch setting? How about the beautiful sunset? Perhaps the delicious cake and coffee? Could it have been the stories that were told? Indeed, all of these things played an important role.
So, what was the ingredient that made the evening so rich? Simply this . . . three couples gathered around the Word of God.
It happens every week. We open our Bibles, read through a passage of Scripture, and then work our way through the verses letting the Holy Spirit teach us in context, observation, interpretation and application. Never do we share “what we think the passage says,” but as the Author intended for us to understand. As the leader, I simply ask questions, explain some words, and guide the discussion, but it is the Word does the work.
Our lives have been so enriched by the Word! We have come to relish our familial relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ through the Word! The honesty and transparency has risen each week because of the Word! Then our time of prayer is one of precious communion prepared by the Word!
Whether you are involved in a small group or it’s just you and your spouse or your family or with your co-worker at lunch or in the church building on Sunday, the best gathering is always around the Word of God!
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11)
Already looking forward to the next time we gather . . . around the Word!
From A Pastor's Heart 
Pastor Cunningham,
I enjoy and am blessed by your writings. We enjoyed our visit and are considering a visit this fall.
God bless.
Hey Keith!
Thank you for reading and for your encouraging note. Indeed, we hope to see you again this fall! Press on, brother!
dale
I would imagine it’s hard to be transparent, but it would be so helpful to record one of these as a tuitorial. When this type of setting doesn’t come easy it could be really helpful 🙂 Beautiful scenery!
Hey Marcy!
Thanks for reading and for your reply. I wish I could record one, but as you know, that would hinder the honesty and transparency of the group. Suffice it to say that last night at the very beginning, one of the members shared how he was convicted about an area of lack in his life in last week’s meeting and subsequent correction and change in his life on a daily basis since then. We have seen this happen over and over again. The Word works!