Have you ever felt lost on your spiritual journey? Like you’re wandering in a vast wilderness, unsure of which direction to take? You’re not alone. Many of us experience this feeling, especially when trying to deepen our relationship with God. The truth is, we weren’t meant to walk this path alone. We need fellowship – a community of like-minded individuals who can support, encourage, and challenge us on our journey.

Small group gatherings, centered around the study of God’s word, provide a unique space for spiritual growth. They offer an opportunity to connect with others who share similar desires, to learn from one another’s experiences, and to gain a deeper understanding of scripture through open discussions.

I’ve been blessed to be a part of a men’s study group called #ArmyofLove, which meets every Saturday morning at Neil’s house. Each week, we come together to explore a passage of scripture, share our reflections, and pray for one another. It’s become a source of strength and encouragement in my life, reminding me that I’m not alone in my pursuit of God.

Let me take you through today’s gathering as an example of the power and impact of these small group meetings.

Cultivating Gratitude: Our Devotional

We started our time together with a devotional reading from Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: 365. The entry for November 23rd focused on developing a heart of thankfulness. It reminded us that God plants “tiny treasures strategically placed along the way” to brighten our days. We just need to open our eyes and hearts to recognize them. This resonated deeply with our group, as many of us have been making a conscious effort to practice gratitude in our daily lives.

Engaging with Scripture

Our Bible study session was from the Army of Love module, and today’s topic was “Praying to God and Meditating on His Word.” We explored the idea that grace isn’t opposed to effort. We can actively pursue God’s grace through prayer and the study of scripture. These practices help us to hear from God and to align our lives with His will.

Here are some of the key scriptures that guided our conversation:

  • Romans 8:38-39 – A powerful reminder that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
  • Psalm 4:7-8 – Speaks to the peace and security we find in God.
  • Philippians 4:11-13 – Paul’s declaration that he can face any circumstance through Christ’s strength.
  • Revelation 8:4 – The beautiful imagery of our prayers ascending to God like incense.
  • Luke 11:14, 24-26 – This passage highlights the importance of filling our lives with the power of Jesus after casting out negative influences.
  • Galatians 5:19-21 – A list of the “desires of the flesh” that contrast with the fruit of the Spirit.

Talking Points and Reflections

As we discussed these scriptures, several insightful points emerged:

  • Our friend Ruben shared a powerful reminder: “When God says no, he is protecting us, when he says wait, he is preparing us, when he says yes, he is blessing us”. This simple statement resonated with the group, helping us to reframe our perspective on unanswered prayers.
  • We were also struck by the imagery in Revelation 8:4, where our prayers are described as a “fragrant aroma” rising up to God. It’s a beautiful way to think about the power and intimacy of prayer.
  • As we read Luke 11:14, 24-26, a question arose: Why does the demon find seven more powerful demons when he returns? The answer: he was cast out, and he knows he needs more power to avoid being cast out again. This led to a discussion about the importance of not only removing negative influences from our lives but also filling that void with the power of Jesus.
  • We also reflected on a verse from Philippians: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). This prompted a conversation about relying on God’s strength rather than seeking help from others.

Why You Need Your Tribe

As our gathering came to a close, I was reminded once again of the transformative power of fellowship. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this group. It’s a constant reminder that we are not meant to walk our spiritual journey alone.

Here’s why finding your own fellowship group is so essential:

  • Encouragement and Support: Life is filled with challenges, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. Having a group of people who understand your struggles and can offer words of encouragement can make all the difference.
  • Accountability: We all need people in our lives who can help us stay on track with our goals and commitments. A fellowship group can provide that accountability, gently reminding us of our values and encouraging us to live in alignment with them.
  • Growth Through Shared Experiences: Iron sharpens iron, as the proverb says. When we gather with others who are also seeking spiritual growth, we learn from each other’s experiences, insights, and perspectives. This shared learning process can accelerate our growth in ways that we might not experience on our own.

Finding Your Fit

It’s important to note that finding the right group might take time. You might need to explore different options and be open to new experiences before you find a community that truly feels like “home.” Don’t be afraid to try different groups until you find one that resonates with you.

If you’re feeling lost or alone on your spiritual journey, take heart. Don’t give up on finding your tribe. Explore different groups, be open to new experiences, and allow God to lead you to the community where you can flourish. Remember, you were never meant to walk this path alone. Your tribe is out there, waiting to welcome you home.

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