Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (KJV)

Genesis 35:7 And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. (KJV)

Why do you fellowship with other believers?

Your fellowship may be in a virtual meeting, on a conference call, or in a building. You may have many reasons for participating; out of duty or obligation, to get your needs met, to feel good, to be inspired, because you have a function to perform during the service you are attending, etc. Because the rules, regulations, environment, and etiquette for Christian fellowship have become more causal, believers often use it as a networking venue. If asked, would you say you are going to meet with the Lord or “Meet Up”? Do you have an expectation to encounter the presence of God? Do you anticipate hearing the Lord speak to you? Do you look for God to transform your life, or do you come and leave the same? Do you really want to be changed or do you just want to be able to say you fellowshipped today? Here are some reasons for you to consider.

• To learn and better understand Scripture. It increases your growth on your walk of faith.
  Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ live in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts! (The Passion Translation TPT)

• To get wise counsel.
  Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory. (Amplified Bible AMP)

• To create the right atmosphere for the presence of your Lord.
  Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.” (Amplified Bible AMP)

• To share with, encourage, teach, love, help, etc. other believers.
  Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, 25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

• To keep from being isolated and becoming easy prey.
  Proverbs 18:1 He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. (Amplified Bible AMP)

Don’t allow your time to be some sort of non-spiritual activity where you get a temporary lift until the next time. Jacob built an altar (Genesis 35:7) because he had an experience with the Lord that changed his life forever. In fellowship with believers, you can have the same type of transformation. The next time you decide to take part in a time of fellowship with other believers, prepare your heart.

Give God praise and ask Him to meet you because He is Ruach Elohim [roo-auk el- ō-hēm] (The Spirit of God)

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, in Your infinite wisdom, you have taught us that coming together to fellowship with believers does not have to happen in a building. I have many reasons for participating in fellowship. Sometimes I have to sing, intercede, or someone asked me to preach the word. There are times when I have had a responsibility in the service as an altar worker, a greeter, or usher. Anyone could ask me why I was taking part in fellowship or going to church. My answer would have been one of those reasons. I never got up and said I’m going to the house of prayer to meet the Lord; I’m going for my life to be transformed; I’m going because I expect to be changed and never be the same. I repent because those should have been my answer. I give You praise, glory, and honor because they are my answer now. I want to go to fellowship to meet You with my brothers and sisters. I want You to change me every time. Add something that I don’t have, develop something that is weak, remove something that is not like You. When I am in Your presence, I never want my life to remain the same. If I am changed every time I am in fellowship with other believers; I will see a manifestation of Your glory in my life and as I live on this earth. Your presence, fortified by other believers, will ultimately transform me into the person You ordained for me to be…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.