Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 4

3 Simple Steps to Connect with God

The fiasco on the mountain was truly a pathetic scene. 

Desperate to prove the superiority of their false god, the prophets of Baal worked themselves into a frenzy. They danced. They sang. They called out.  

After hours of such nonsense, Elijah’s patience with their theatrics wore thin. He began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened” (1 Kings 18: 27) 

Humiliated, the prophets renewed their efforts to attract their god’s attention. They cried louder. They cut themselves until the blood ran in rivers down their arms. 

And heaven’s voice was silent. No thunder clap from the clouds. No bolt of lightning. No booming voice declaring their god’s presence. Just silence. And, perhaps, a snicker from the lone prophet who watched their antics with disdain. 

This big-screen showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is a familiar story. Captured in all its glorious detail on the pages of 1 Kings 18, the epic battle (which wasn’t a battle after all) between the God of the universe and the gods of this world ends just as we expect it to. God displays his power with miraculous signs and wonders, vanquishes his enemies, and leads even the unbelieving to testify, “The LORD – he is God! The LORD – he is God!” (v. 39). 



But what prompted God to show up? A two sentence prayer from Elijah: 

“O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again” (vv. 36-37). 

Two sentences comprised of mostly one- and two-syllable words. A simple, heart-felt plea from one of God’s children. 

If you, like I, find God’s willingness to respond to simple prayers amazing, we’re not alone. The prophet Amos also marveled at how available and accessible God is. “He is here: the One who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man” (Amos 4:13). 

He is here. 

Think on this for a moment. The God who forms the mountains and creates the wind . . . is here. Where we are. With us. 

But it gets better. 

Have you ever sat in a room with someone who is physically here, yet a thousand miles away? Shrouded in mystery and silence, their thoughts were as incomprehensible as a Supreme Court brief to a first-year law clerk. 

But, wonder of wonder, our God isn’t like this. He doesn’t require us to employ dramatic and extreme measures to get his attention or discern his thoughts. Our mighty, all-powerful God is not only with us, but also, in the words of Amos, “longs to reveal his thoughts to us.” 

What other god is like this? 

If you, like Elijah (not the prophets of Baal) would like to experience God’s power, and if you, like Amos, want to understand God’s thoughts, it’s not hard. 

First, seek God earnestly. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Second, talk to him in prayer. Prayer isn’t elaborate or ostentatious. It’s a conversation. Moses talked to God “face to face,” and we can, too, (even though, for a time at least, we’ll have to imagine God’s face). 

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145:18-19). 

Third, allow God to speak to you through his Word, the Bible. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). 

As we approach God earnestly, talk to him in prayer, and allow him to speak to us through his Word, we’ll come to understand his heart and mind. No shouting, dancing, or bloodletting. Just a conversation with the God of the universe who longs to reveal his thoughts to us. 

Imagine that. 

Do you live within driving distance of Honea Path, South Carolina?

I’d love for you to join me at Princeton Baptist Church’s 5th Annual Spring Luncheon,

Saturday, May 3, from 10:30-1:30

18832 Hwy 76 W, Honea Path, SC

RSVP at (864) 940-9374

The post 3 Simple Steps to Connect with God appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

              Related StoriesEaster’s Over, but the Hope of the Resurrection Lives OnSimple Tips for Teaching Little Ones to PrayIs it Okay to Be Honest with God? 

Easter’s Over, but the Hope of the Resurrection Lives On

“Eleven steps.”

I glanced to the side as I approached the front entrance of the hospital. An elderly man, gaunt and grizzled, climbed the stairs beside me. His faded jeans were cinched together at his waist. A flannel shirt, faded soft, was tucked neatly into his waistband. His leathery skin told me he’d spent years in the sun, and his Army veteran cap told me he’d spent years serving our country.

His eyes were down, focused on the stairs. “I’ve walked up and down these eleven steps thirty-one times. But today’s the last day.” He glanced at the couple to his left, and then at me. “She’s gone home.”

I was hustling up the stairs, in a hurry to visit my dad, who’d been in ICU.

Then I felt the Spirit’s nudge.

Slow down.

I did—so quickly that the woman climbing the stairs behind me swerved.

“That’s wonderful,” I said, matching my steps to his as we entered the atrium. “That she’s going home.”

“It is wonderful,” he said. “For her.” He took a breath, winded perhaps from the climb. “But not for me.” He paused. “Sixty-two years we were married.”

His words settled between us.

“Oh, sir.” I said. “I am so sorry.”

I stopped, and he did too.

“May I pray for you?” I asked, and he nodded, then took off his hat.           

“Please do. I shore need it.”

“Tell me your name”

“Leroy,” he said.

“And what was your wife’s name?”

“Mabel.”

“Did she know Jesus, Mr. Leroy?”

For the first time, a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. 

“Know Him?” he said. “She loved Him.”

I placed my hand on his shoulder. Through the flannel, I could feel the rounded curves of his bones. We bowed our heads as people swirled around us and the automatic doors swooshed open and shut. In a holy hush, the Spirit of God drew close.

“Father, thank you for giving Mr. Leroy and Mrs. Mabel sixty-two years together. Thank you that she didn’t just know you, she loved You. We know she’s in your presence today, and this is powerful comfort. Thank you for Mr. Leroy’s faithfulness to care for his wife all the days of her life. Now, Lord, please care for him. Comfort him as he grieves, give him strength and courage to face each day. Draw ever closer to him and meet his every need according to your riches in glory. Help him know he’s not alone. In the strong name of Jesus I ask, amen.”

“Amen.”

I looked into his eyes, now moist around the edges and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. Another small smile, and we parted.

Alone in the elevator, I drew a shaky breath. “Thank you, Father,” I whispered to the ceiling. The tears I’d blinked back spilled from the corners of my eyes. “Thank you for the hope of the resurrection. For the comfort of your Spirit. And for Jesus, who made it possible for us to live forever—with each other and with you.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.

John 11:25

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?

If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the paIf you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE or at the top of the page.

 

The post Easter’s Over, but the Hope of the Resurrection Lives On appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

              Related StoriesSimple Tips for Teaching Little Ones to PrayIs it Okay to Be Honest with God?Sharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day 

How to Stay True to Christ When You’re Tempted to Deny Him (a Lesson from Peter)

“What do you think happened to Peter?” I asked my husband. “Why did he deny Christ?”

I was reading the account of the Passover week, and Peter’s loyalty to Christ stood in sharp contrast to his subsequent betrayal. At the Last Supper, Peter declared he was willing to die with Christ. When the mob came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, he bravely defended Jesus. He swung a sword and chopped off a guy’s ear. Yet a little servant girl scared him so much that he swore and said he never knew Jesus. 

What happened? 

“Peter was willing to fight,” my husband said, “but he wasn’t willing to surrender his life.” 



Some days, I am Peter. 

I share the Gospel bravely. Defend Jesus with passion. Pledge my allegiance to the cause of Christ, and declare, “As for me and MY house, we will serve the Lord.” I want the guts and the glory.

But I’m unwilling to lay down my life. 

I want revenge when someone wrongs me. 

I expect praise when I serve unselfishly. 

I think others should set aside their preferences in favor of mine. 

I’m surprised when people mock my faith. 

I feel like God has betrayed my trust when pain and trials enter my life. 

I, like Peter, am willing to fight for Christ, but I’m not always willing to surrender to him—especially when life doesn’t turn out like I expected.

Trials and hardships? I didn’t sign up for this. 

Sickness and death? Can’t I just pray and God will spare us?

Animosity against me because I’m a Christian? I don’t deserve this. 

Disappointments, hurts, and betrayals? This happens to the unsaved, but Christians should be exempt. 

Yet what does Scripture say?

About trials: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 

About sickness and death: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psa. 73:26). 

About persecution for our faith: “Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘The servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). 

About disappointments, hurts, and betrayals: “I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting” (Isa. 50:6). 

Surrendering to God’s will, as Peter discovered, is much more difficult than fighting for God’s cause. Cowards can fight, but only the bravest surrender. 

And only when we surrender our will to God will we discover what it really means to live. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mat. 10:39).

Peter discovered that people experience the greatest joy imaginable when they surrender their lives to Christ. Listen to his words in 1 Peter 5:6-7: 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 



Peter learned that to truly fight for Christ, we must surrender to him. No holding back. No hedging our bets. No escape clause. No emergency chute. 

All in. 

All out. 

All His. 

Three times the gospels describe Peter’s actions: “He followed at a distance” (Mat. 26:58, Mark 14:54, Luke 22:54).

Following at a distance caused Peter to deny Christ. 

“Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ . . . And he went outside and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:60-62). 

Today, will you join me not only in defending Christ, but also in surrendering our lives to him?

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?

If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the paIf you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE or at the top of the page.

The post How to Stay True to Christ When You’re Tempted to Deny Him (a Lesson from Peter) appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

              Related StoriesSimple Tips for Teaching Little Ones to Pray5 Ways to Conquer the Sin that Defeats UsIs it Okay to Be Honest with God? 

Simple Tips for Teaching Little Ones to Pray

Greetings, Refresh readers! It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my dear friend Julie Lavender as our guest contributor today. I know you’ll fall in love with her. Her tips for cultivating a heart of prayer in our little ones are spot on. ~Lori

When our kids were young, David and I argued each night over who would pray with our second-born, Jenifer. Jokingly, of course, because prayer time with our kids was and is always sweet. Whereas our son Jeremy’s prayers were focused and to the point, precious Jenifer rambled exhaustingly long … at least, it felt that way when I was anxious to finish the dishes for the night, work on the last load of clothes, or complete homeschool lesson plans. 

Jenifer prayed for family members and sunshine and friends and socks and breakfast.

These days, as a mom of adult kiddos, I often long for bedtime routines with little ones that include sweet, genuine prayers uttered in the precious voice of a child. I miss that stage of life when little toes stepped on my feet and small hands reached for my arms and my heart.

Just last week, I welcomed an opportunity to pray with my six-year-old grandson, Benaiah. Cuddled in his bed, surrounded by darkness and the scent of his freshly-washed blankies, we prayed fervently for his baby brother. 

“Dear God, please take Maverick get well and let him come home soon,” Benaiah’s little voice whispered. I added prayers for Maverick’s parents – my now-grown Jenifer and her husband Adam. “Please let Jenifer and Adam get some rest tonight and help the doctors and nurses know how to care for Maverick.” 

Benaiah had lots of questions about his brother and hospitals and procedures, while his little hand remained cupped inside mine. Though my daughter’s kitchen needed attention because they’d rushed my six-month-old dehydrated grandson to the hospital the night before with a severe stomach bug, and more than one load of crib sheets and infant sleepers needed washing, none of that seemed important now.

A sweet time of conversation with God – that was what mattered most.

Do you pray regularly with your children or grandchildren? One section of my newest book, Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys of Faith and Character, coauthored with my husband David, emphasizes the Bible’s admonition to “pray without ceasing.”

First John 5:14 (NIV) reminds us, “This is the confidence we have I approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Here are a few tips we include in the book to instill the practice of a vibrant prayer life in your little one’s life. 

*Establish a quiet-time routine where you help your child pray regularly and with focus. 

*Encourage them to express short prayers throughout the day, like prayers of thanksgiving for a rainbow in the sky or requests for wisdom before a test. 

*Pray with your child in the morning before they leave for school or start homeschool lessons, at bedtime, and before meals, encouraging them to give thanks for God’s provisions and to request help for those who are hungry. 

* Help your child learn that prayer time is the avenue to a strong, healthy relationship with God. Consistent prayer helps us discern God’s will and follow God’s path. And regular prayer time can lead your child’s heart to a personal relationship with Jesus. 

I couldn’t help but think about my prayers with Benaiah. I wonder if God will use our sweet prayer time to plant seeds to ultimately lead my grandson’s heart to a personal relationship with Jesus. Answered prayers for his baby brother Maverick might be some of the building blocks toward a strong, healthy relationship with God. 

Maverick and his parents spent two nights in the hospital. Benaiah welcomed all three with open arms when they arrived home. 

And this grandmommy? I treasured the opportunity to pray with a little one again, and my prayers of gratitude for healing just might have been exhaustingly-long that night.

Julie Lavender’s newest book, Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys of Faith and Character, releases in early April and is available for preorder now. She’s also the author of Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime and her first picture book, A Gingerbread House. Julie is married to her high school and college sweetheart, David. They are the parents of four kids, two sons-in-love, and three grandchildren.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?

If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the paIf you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE or at the top of the page.

The post Simple Tips for Teaching Little Ones to Pray appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

              Related StoriesIs it Okay to Be Honest with God?Sharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch DayEncouragement from Prison — How God Speaks in Unexpected Ways 

5 Ways to Conquer the Sin that Defeats Us

A few years ago I was the unhappy middle man in a collision between an SUV and a Porta-Potty truck. It wasn’t funny at the time, especially because the accident preempted my plans for a Chick Fil A lunch and sent me to the doctor instead. Thankfully the only real victim was my 2005 Toyota Corolla.

When my husband, David, replaced our crumpled car, I was delighted. The same model as our dearly departed, this Corolla was only two years old and in great condition.

Except for one thing. The upholstery was disgusting.

I’m amazed that neither of us noticed the problem. I guess, when we rode in the driver or passenger’s seats, our eyes were either on the road or on the instrument panel. But when I climbed into the back seat to allow David and a friend to ride up front, I saw stuff I hadn’t noticed before.

It looked like someone had shaken up a Coke and popped the tab. Spots were everywhere. Then I saw oily spots on the front headrests, seat backs, and arm rests. And nasty brown stains on the upholstery.

 “Ewwwww!” I said, “the inside of this car is gross.” My husband sprang into action. He grabbed a can of cleaner and the carpet shampooer and went to work. An hour and a half later, the interior of the car looked three shades lighter.

“My hero!” I proclaimed, and hugged him hard. After the seats dried, I checked them over. Much better.

Until the next afternoon, when I spilled a bottle of water in the passenger seat. “No worries,” my husband said. “It’s only water, It’ll dry just fine.”

But it didn’t.

The water had left a giant stain. “How can clean water leave a brown stain?” I asked my husband in dismay.

“There still must be gunk under the upholstery. On the surface, it looks clean, but when water soaks in, what’s hidden inside comes to the top.”

Apparently people and upholstery have a lot in common. 

I’m a classic example. On the surface I look clean. Pastor’s wife, Christian speaker, inspirational writer, Sunday School teacher. But then something happens.

Like the spill on my car’s front seat, what’s under the surface rises to the top, and it isn’t pretty. I display gunk like impatience, selfishness, and unkind words. It stains my heart and my relationships.

The only treatment is to clean deep down, under the surface. 

God’s Word provides a solution:
1. Invite God to search our hearts every day. 

Pray Psalm 139:24-25: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me.” When we allow God to examine our hearts and reveal anything that displeases him, we begin to change.

2. Agree with God instead of making excuses. 

For years I dismissed my sin of impatience by hiding it under the label of productivity. But putting projects before people never honors God. When the Lord convicted my heart of this sin, I owned up and asked him to transform me. Often. The Bible calls this repentance, which simply means agreeing with God about our sin (Isaiah 30:15).

3. Recognize Satan’s tricks. 

Once the Lord brings a sin to light, it’s important we don’t allow Satan to beat us over the head with it. We’re often tempted to give in to guilt and condemnation, but neither come from God. They’re tricks from Satan, who lies to us to keep us defeated. If he can paralyze us with guilt or render us powerless with condemnation, we’ll wallow in our sin instead of conquering it.

4. Make a biblical plan. 

God’s Word tells us to confess (agree with God about our sin), repent (express our desire to change), and forsake (turn our backs on our sin) (1 John 1:9). Unfortunately, this isn’t usually one and done. We have to repeat the process every time we slip back into our destructive behavior.

Memorizing specific Bible verses related to our sin will give the Holy Spirit extra cleansing power. Eventually we’ll grow so sick of our sin that we’ll hate it. This allows us to turn away and replace our negative behavior with positive choices.

5. Rely on God’s power, not our own. 

Within ourselves, we’re powerless to change. But if we’ve trusted Christ as our Savior, we have the power of Christ living inside us—the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11). This is some serious muscle. Moment by moment, day by day, we can rest in his strength to do what’s right.

Father, within myself I’m powerless to conquer this sin. Help me claim the power that raised Christ Jesus and say no to ungodliness. Enable me to recognize potential to sin before it traps me. Empower me to close my mouth, avert my eyes, or walk away. Help me replace my sinful choices with wholesome ones so I can bring glory to your name. When I fall back into my old ways, help me confess, repent, and forsake. No matter how many times it takes. In the mighty name of Jesus I ask, Amen. 

When our attempts to clean (really clean) our car’s upholstery failed, we called on an expert. He gave us a solution that penetrated the layers of gunk hiding in our seats. We saturated the seats, gave it time to work, and scrubbed away the dirt it brought to the surface. I haven’t spilled any water yet, but I’m confident if I do, nothing yucky will appear.

Unfortunately, battling sin is a little harder than battling dirty upholstery. With God empowering us, however, we can be victorious. When we submit to the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, use the sanitizer of God’s Word, and apply the muscle of Christ living inside us, we can be as clean on the inside as we are on the outside. 

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?

If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the paIf you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE or at the top of the page.

The post 5 Ways to Conquer the Sin that Defeats Us appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

              Related StoriesIs it Okay to Be Honest with God?How To Give Thanks For EverythingSharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day 

Simple (and Life-changing) Ways to Extend Biblical Hospitality

The Swanson family collected stray cats and stray people. I was one of them. I was sixteen years old, the new kid in school, and lonely. But the Swansons were kind, and when their son brought me home, they adopted me into the family. 

For three years, I ate meals at their table, watched television in their living room, and even joined them on an occasional family vacation. When they invited me to church, I said yes. They’d won my heart with their kindness, and I wanted to do everything the Swansons did.

Before long, I was attending church every time they attended. Two years in, God cracked open my heart. I realized I was a sinner in need of a Savior. Glory hallelujah, I surrendered my life to Christ and promised to follow Him with all my heart.

Across town, another family was extending hospitality to another “stray.” The Smoak family was sitting in the second row when seventeen-year-old David walked to the front of their church during the invitation.

His long hair touched his shoulders, and his eyes still held a hint of the alcohol he’d consumed the night before. But he seemed sincere. Desperate to change his ways, he knew he needed Someone more powerful than himself to take control of his life.

“God, help me,” he prayed that day, and God did. Soon, like the Swansons had “adopted” me, the Smoaks “adopted” David.

Not everyone is in the position or has the desire to adopt people like our friends did. Some of you can. But even if you can’t, 1 Peter 4:9 encourages Christians, “Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” God calls us to “share with the saints [Christians] in their needs; pursue hospitality” (Romans 12:13). The rewards are great. “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

Angels? Wow.

Thankfully, we can live out God’s command to practice hospitality in ways as different as we are. Remember—there’s a huge difference between entertaining and hospitality. Entertaining usually involves fancy dishes, silverware, and expense. Hospitality can be as simple as takeout pizza on paper plates.

If God is nudging you out of your comfort zone and into greater obedience in the area of biblical hospitality, consider these five simple ways to practice it.

5 Simple Ways to Practice Biblical Hospitality
1. Invite a younger woman over for tea or coffee and your favorite cookies.

When a young Christian woman and her husband moved in next door to us, in the spirit of Titus 2:4–5, I reached out and invited her over for tea and cookies. We had a lovely conversation, and God gave me several opportunities to share life experiences and (I hope) wisdom. 

Although we’ve never made a “formal” mentoring commitment, we get together at least once a month, always spontaneously, for tea and conversation. As we’ve gotten to know each other, our friendship has grown and our conversations have deepened. She often asks my advice on parenting or marriage issues and allows me to be a Titus 2 “older woman” in her life—over a pot of tea and plate of cookies.

2. Ask a neighbor or friend to take a walk with you.

We often think of hospitality as inviting someone into our home, but God has used my walks with friends and neighbors outside the home to accomplish some of the sweetest purposes. Whether we plan ahead or I send a spur-of-the-moment text, God does something when we walk together. 

Some of my walking buddies are believers. We share snippets of life interspersed with prayers as we log our steps. Other friends don’t know Jesus yet, so we spend our walking time sharing life, concerns, and thoughts. God always gives me an opportunity to sprinkle some spiritual “salt” into the conversation if I watch for it.

3. Take food to a sick, grieving, or hurting person.

As I mentioned above, hospitality doesn’t have to take place in our home. Sometimes it comes in the form of carry out. One day, I was sick with the flu and a kind friend texted me. “I’m dropping off Chick-Fil-A soup and crackers at your door. I hope it helps you feel better. I’m praying for you.”Oh, my goodness, that warm bowl of soup tasted like heaven. It nourished my sick body and ministered to my weary soul. Knowing someone cared enough to go out of her way to minister to me brought almost instant healing.

Hospitality in its purest form is seeing a need and meeting it. When we make it complicated, we hinder ourselves from ministering.

Hospitality in its purest form is seeing a need and meeting it. When we make it complicated, we hinder ourselves from ministering. Do you feed the neighbor kid alongside yours? That’s hospitality. Drop off a freezer meal to a grieving family for after the funeral casseroles are gone? Hospitality. Send a gift card that will feed a friend when she doesn’t have the heart or energy to cook? Jesus-inspired hospitality. 

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40).

4. Ask a visitor or new member out to eat after church.

It’s hard attending a new church for the first time. Everybody knows everybody else and visitors feel like they don’t belong. But when someone introduces themselves and invites them for lunch? Oh, my!

At least once a month my husband and I plan either to eat lunch out after church (if the budget allows) or invite someone in. If we’re eating out, we choose an inexpensive restaurant near the church. If we’re eating in, I put a simple recipe in the crock pot, toss a bagged salad into a bowl, and arrange homemade or store-bought pastries on a plate. Voilà! I’m ready to welcome someone into our home. 

One Sunday we invited a couple with two teenage boys. I don’t remember what I served or what we talked about, but later they not only joined the church, they became some of our dearest friends. Thirty-eight years later, we’re still enjoying simple meals and warm conversation around the table.

5. Invite someone into your heart.

Inviting someone into your home is nice, but inviting them into your heart is heavenly. Despite (or probably because of) all our devices, people today are lonelier than ever. When we extend hospitality of the heart, we touch them in a supernatural way. Sharing bits of our life and genuinely caring about theirs is one way to be Jesus to them. 

Friendship involves effort. It costs us in time and resources. Sometimes we even get hurt, but it’s so worth it. The women who have most impacted my life have done so because they opened their hearts and invited me in. As I watched them live their faith lives honestly and transparently (notice I didn’t say perfectly), I grew in my love for them and in my love for God. As my love grew, I felt a desire to share that love with others, and the gift goes on . . .

Who might God be calling you to extend hospitality to? What might He be planning to do? 

In 1983, I met David when mutual friends invited us out on a double date. We ate pizza, shared our salvation testimonies, and marveled at God’s grace. A year later, in front of our church families, along with the Swansons, the Smoaks, and our double-date friends, we said, “I do.”

This summer, David and I celebrated our forty-second and forty-fourth spiritual birthdays. On December 28, we celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary. 

These joys and others too numerous to count happened because kind Christians extended biblical hospitality. It’s a ministry we hope to continue until Jesus comes back or He calls us home.

Pray, plan, and prepare to marvel at what God will do as you obey his command to practice biblical hospitality.

This post appeared first on ReviveOurHearts.com and is shared with permission.

Lori’s Latest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?

If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the paIf you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE or at the top of the page.

The post Simple (and Life-changing) Ways to Extend Biblical Hospitality appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

               

Strengthen Your Prayers with These 10 Powerful Truths

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”

My introduction to prayer came at the age of seven. I was spending the weekend with my grandmother and had slept beside her, snuggled deep into the covers. As the early morning light filtered through the curtains of her bedroom window, the sound of her whispered prayer broke through the fog of my fading sleep.

I listened as Granny prayed for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I heard her ask for forgiveness and the power to forgive those who had sinned against her. And I heard her conclude with the soaring words, “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever, amen.” She ended her prayer, and we rose to a breakfast of Portuguese doughnuts and juice.

In the years since then, I’ve learned much about this sacred privilege. Today, I’d like to share ten truths I’ve sought to apply in my own prayer life. 

1. Prayer is a privilege.

History describes how Abraham Lincoln’s son Tad would bypass his father’s secretary and dozens of constituents waiting for an audience, fling open the door to his office, and crawl up into his father’s lap. At any time of the day or night, no matter what important business the boy interrupted, Tad knew he had immediate access to the president because he was his son. 

I can’t walk into the Oval Office and strike up a conversation with the president. I don’t have the freedom to approach my governor, senator, or even my family doctor without an appointment. But I can talk to God any time I want because I’m one of His children. 

2. Prayer is simply talking to God.

Sometimes we forget that God is a person—a holy and extraordinary Person—but a person, nonetheless. From the moment He created Adam and Eve, He has communicated with His people. He walked and talked with them in the garden. He spoke to the Israelites from a fiery pillar and a bright cloud. Now He speaks with us through the Bible and prayer. We can share our dreams, hopes, fears, and needs with Him and rest in confident assurance that He hears every word we say—whether fancy or frantic. 

3. Prayer isn’t about saying the right words; it’s about sharing your heart.

Memorized prayers have their place, but Jesus offered what has become known as the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, not a text to be memorized and repeated mindlessly. The Bible is filled with examples of simple, heart-felt communication between God and people:

“God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). 
“I do believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
“We do not know what to do, but we look to you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). 

Thankfully, we don’t have to have a big vocabulary or pray eloquent prayers to get God’s attention. He just wants to hear what’s on our hearts. Some of the sweetest, most faith-filled prayers I’ve ever heard have come from the lips of young children.

4. Prayer is a two-way conversation. 

For years I thought prayer was about me talking and God listening. Then I learned God has much to say if I stop talking long enough to hear Him speak. As with any other conversation, prayer dialogue should go both ways.

While He seldom speaks audibly today, we have a sure-fire way to hear God’s voice—through His Word, the Bible.

While He seldom speaks audibly today, we have a sure-fire way to hear God’s voice—through His Word, the Bible. If we want to know God’s will, we can find clear direction on the pages of Scripture. Combining prayer with Bible reading creates the ebb and flow of dialogue that characterizes any good relationship. 

5. Prayer isn’t designed to change God’s mind.

For many years I assumed I had to pester God into giving me something He wasn’t inclined to give. I thought if I badgered Him enough, he’d change His mind and give me what I asked, like a kid pestering his mom for a cookie before dinner.

I’ve learned, however, that prayer is less about changing God’s mind and more about changing mine. The glorious line from the Lord’s Prayer, “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” captures the essence of how we should pray. We should invite God to do His will in every situation. I’m still free to share my (limited) perspective and desires with God in prayer, but ultimately, if I trust Him as my heavenly Father, I will want His good and perfect will to be done in every situation. 

6. Prayer is powerful.

Through prayer, God has given us the ability to invite His mighty power into even the darkest situations. Scripture records how prayers offered in faith and humility have opened prison doors, conquered cities, healed the sick, and raised the dead. Modern day prayers have released persecuted Christians, brought salvation to pagan towns, and protected God’s people from evil forces. As the angel told Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). 

7. Prayer is a Christian’s secret weapon.

In 1962, an outcry arose from believing parents when the United States Supreme Court ruled that prayer in public school was unconstitutional. Although public schools are still allowed to have a “moment of silence,” organized prayer can no longer take place in classrooms. Thankfully, no court can take away a Christian’s ability to pray. Because the Holy Spirit lives within us, we can talk to God whenever and wherever we are. Sitting in a public-school classroom? Pray. Standing before a hostile group of unbelievers? Pray. Alone in a hospital room? Pray. 

8. Sin can hinder our prayers.

The psalmist said, 

If I had been aware of malice in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened. (Psalm 66:18)

His observation reminds us that we’re less likely to pray the kind of prayers God is pleased to answer when our relationship with Him is at odds. When we’re disobedient, we tend to avoid prayer conversations and hesitate to ask Him for help. Or we ask for things we shouldn’t ask for.

Just as sin affects our fellowship with each other, it also impacts our fellowship with God. The good news is that He graciously forgives us when we confess and forsake our sin (1 John 1:9). When we learn to recognize and confess sin immediately, we can develop effective prayer lives.

9. Prayer helps us fight fear.

Paul taught the Philippians how to battle fear and anxiety. “Don’t worry about anything,” he wrote, “but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6–7). Learning to bring our concerns to God in prayer whenever we feel fearful gives us a powerful strategy to control our emotions and tap into God’s power.

10. Prayer grows our faith and trust.

When we pray, we discover God is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives and delights to answer our prayers according to His will. Watching God work through prayer helps us learn to trust Him, and our faith grows.

My grandmother’s whispered prayers opened the door to my lifelong pursuit of God. Prayer has helped me grow to love and trust Him. I hope these ten truths will help you as you also to grow in faith and trust.

This post first appeared on Revive Our Hearts.

Have you read Lori’s story-driven devotional, Refresh Your Prayers? It’s on sale now on Amazon. Solid, practical, and empowering, this 60-day devotional will energize your prayer life! CLICK HERE to read more about Refresh Your Prayers.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?


If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the page.

The post Strengthen Your Prayers with These 10 Powerful Truths appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

              Related StoriesIs it Okay to Be Honest with God?How To Give Thanks For EverythingSharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day 

A Proven Strategy to Draw Closer to God When He Feels Far Away

Don, my former pastor, faced a difficult visit.

A beloved church member had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

“What can I say to her?” he asked his wife, Susan, at the breakfast table. “I’ve never walked through a serious illness. I can’t imagine what she’s feeling. And I don’t want to just throw Bible verses at her.” He covered his face with his hands and sat, overwhelmed with the magnitude of her illness and his inability to make it better.

“When my grandmother was dying,” Susan said, “Miss Mable, her oldest and dearest friend came to visit. “She knew Granny had a rough road ahead and would need all the comfort she could get. She said something that carried her all the way through her last days.”

Don raised his head from his hands, a hopeful glint in his eyes. “What was that?”

“She told her, every day, to look for evidence of God’s love and care for her.”

“That’s it?”

“Yup. That’s it. Super simple, but it made a world of difference.” She gazed out the window, transported for a moment back to the little house in the country. “Every time we’d visit Granny, she’d say something like, ‘Let me tell you what God did for me today,’ and then she’d launch off into a description of how she’d received a Get Well card in the mail or enjoyed a visit with a friend. Even when she got really sick, she could always find some evidence of God’s care for her.”

Tears filled Susan’s eyes. “She taught me that no matter how dark the path is before us, God is always there with us. But sometimes we have to look a little closer to see Him.”

Asaph the psalmist understood that God’s works provide indisputable evidence of God’s nearness.

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For your wondrous works declare that Your name is near,” he wrote in Psalm 75:1.

In ancient days, the phrase God’s name” was synonymous with God Himself. If God’s name was there, then God was there.

In order to give thanks to God, we must first learn to recognize God’s fingerprints on the details of our lives. James 1:17 helps us recognize that even the smallest treasures, like a Get Well card or a visit from a friend, come from God’s hand.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

When we recognize those good gifts (the cool breeze that tickled your face, the cookie with just the right balance between nuts and chocolate chips, the undisturbed night of sleep) and express our gratitude to God, we recognize that God is near.

I don’t know about you, but I can walk through just about anything with the Lord Almighty by my side.

My friend Josh, who struggles with claustrophobia, was dreading his upcoming MRI. He worried about panicking once he got into the machine.

“When you feel the walls of the machine around you,” I said, “close your eyes and imagine those are the arms of God holding. God promised never to leave us or forsake us, so it’s not a stretch to say that when you slide into that MRI machine, God goes in with you.”

He texted me later that morning to say he was so relaxed during the test that he almost fell asleep. Only God can provide a peace like that. We both praised God for His wonderful works and His presence with Josh that day.

Let’s be real. Sometimes we all feel alone and abandoned. Circumstances overwhelm us and God seems far away.

But He’s not.

He’s as near as your heart. As Asaph reminded us, His wondrous works declare that He is near.

Today, if you’re struggling to experience God’s presence, look around for evidences of His love and care. Acknowledge them aloud and thank God for them.

I’ll go first:

Thank you, God, for the coolness of the morning. For the food that fills my belly. For the pillow I laid my head upon last night, and for the promise of new morning mercies. Thank you, most of all, that you have numbered all my days and promise to fulfill your good purpose in my life. Thank you for your unfailing presence.

Then rest in the comfort of His presence and the warmth of His love.

Now it’s your turn. Leave a comment below and share the evidences of God’s love all around you.

Do You Live in the Columbia, SC area?
Please Join Me for This Very Special Women’s Event!

Trinity Baptist Church’s Truth and Tea

2003 Charleston Hwy, Cayce, SC

Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10-12

Food, Fellowship, Fun, and an Inspiring Message from Lori Hatcher

Admission is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more information, CLICK HERE.

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?

If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the paIf you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word subscribe HERE or at the top of the page.

The post A Proven Strategy to Draw Closer to God When He Feels Far Away appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

               
CommentsA Proven Strategy to Draw Closer to God When He Feels Far Away by LoriAHatcherGossip — 5 Surprising Things You Might Not Know by LoriAHatcher6 Reasons Why We Need the Church by LoriAHatcherIs it Okay to Be Honest with God? by LoriAHatcherA Fool-Proof Prescription for the Sick and Tired by LoriAHatcherPlus 5 more...Related StoriesIs it Okay to Be Honest with God?How To Give Thanks For EverythingSharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day 

Gossip — 5 Surprising Things You Might Not Know

“Did you hear what happened with the Smithsons? I suspected something was going on, but I never imagined it was this bad.”

Gossip is everywhere—break rooms, coffee shops, the gym, and, sadly, even in the church. Sometimes it’s obvious, like the example above. Other times it’s much more subtle.

“Jean, I want to share a prayer request. Did you hear that John’s fallen off the wagon again? We’ve got to pray for him and Chelsea. I’m so afraid he’s going to lose his job. And then how will they keep the kids in Christian school? I heard that they’re paying $8,000 a year to keep them there. . . and I think they had to take out a second mortgage to buy that new minivan last month.”

Google defines gossip as “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.”

Scripture has a long list of names for it: slander, backbiting, betraying a confidence, whispering, and tale bearing. However you define gossip, the Bible clearly warns us of its destructive power.

Here are five things you need to know about gossip: 

When we gossip, we break God’s greatest commandment, the call to love one another. 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).

2. Gossip hurts our witness to the unsaved world.

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:25). 

Wounding other believers with our speech (gossipy “prayer requests,” whispered “I’m concerned about so-and-so,” and behind-the-back conversations in the spirit of “care and concern” doesn’t demonstrate an accurate picture of how sisters and brothers in Christ should act toward each other. The world sees this, takes note, and determines that “believers” are no different than unbelievers.

3. God holds us accountable for every idle word we say.

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Mat. 12: 36-37).

If we’re true, born-again believers, we have the assurance that Christ took the punishment for our sins, even the ones we haven’t committed yet, on the cross. So when the Bible talks about being judged, it’s talking about a different type of judgment. This judgment may involve a loss of rewards (because gossip is certainly “wood, hay, and stubble” that will burn) or experiencing the natural results of being a gossip, like loss of trust and broken relationships.

4. Gossip will cause you to lose friends. 

 “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Prov. 16:28).

The most obvious way we can lose friends is to gossip specifically against that person. When word gets back to them, and it will, your relationship can be permanently damaged.

Another reason gossip parts friends is because sharing gossip, even if it’s about someone else, destroys our friend’s confidence in our trustworthiness. If Cara hears you gossiping about Shelby, then she’s naturally going to wonder what you say about her when she’s not around. Because trust is the foundation of any deep and lasting relationship, without it, our friendships will be superficial and stunted.

5. Gossip will find its way back to you. 

“What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs” (Luke 12:3).

The very nature of gossip requires passing along information. When that “information” makes its way to the person being talked about, rest assured, the tale-bearing breadcrumbs will lead straight to your door.

Now that we’ve examined these five scary truths about gossip, here are six questions we should ask ourselves before we speak:

Is it true? 
Is it kind?
Does it need to be said? 
What is my motive in sharing this bit of information—to build someone up, or tear someone down?  Look deeply into your heart and examine your true motives.
Would I say this if the person was standing here in front of me? 
Do I have a right to speak on this matter? Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?

One of the best ways to break the gossip habit, according to Chip Ingram in his Bible study, Five Lies that Ruin Relationships, is to listen more and speak less. This is sound advice, straight from the Bible: 

“When words are many,” Proverbs 10:19 says, “sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

I want to be known as one who uses my words to help others, not hurt them. I suspect you have a similar desire. As we pursue this noble goal, may the words of Ephesians 4:29 guide us:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Now it’s your turn. Why do you think almost everyone struggles with gossip? What steps have you taken to help break the destructive speech cycle? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Do You Live in the Columbia, SC area?
Please Join Me for This Very Special Women’s Event!

Trinity Baptist Church’s Truth and Tea

2003 Charleston Hwy, Cayce, SC

Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10-12

Food, Fellowship, Fun, and an Inspiring Message from Lori Hatcher

Admission is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more information, CLICK HERE.

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?


If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the page.

The post Gossip — 5 Surprising Things You Might Not Know appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

               
CommentsGossip — 5 Surprising Things You Might Not Know by LoriAHatcher6 Reasons Why We Need the Church by LoriAHatcherIs it Okay to Be Honest with God? by LoriAHatcherA Fool-Proof Prescription for the Sick and Tired by LoriAHatcherHow To Give Thanks For Everything by LoriAHatcherPlus 5 more...Related StoriesSharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch DayEncouragement from Prison — How God Speaks in Unexpected Ways4 Simple Steps to Take If You’re Not Feeling Grateful This Thanksgiving 

6 Reasons Why We Need the Church

My husband and I became Christians in our late teen years. Led to Christ through the efforts of caring, soul-winning members of two different local churches, we were immediately adopted into God’s family. These kind people who loved Jesus also loved us. They overlooked our rough edges and immature ways and took time corporately and individually to teach us what it looked like to live the faith life. 

We’ve walked with God for almost forty years. Second only to accepting Christ as our Savior, being active members of a local church has been the single best life decision we’ve ever made. 



Here’s why: 

1. Church helps us gain wisdom and discernment. 

My Toastmasters club teaches me how to speak effectively. My dental hygiene study club keeps my professional knowledge up to date. An occasional nutrition class reminds me to make healthy food choices. Only the church helps me learn how to make wise parenting decisions, live peacefully with my spouse, care for my aging parents, pray with power, share my faith, and make God-centered life decisions. 

At every new stage of life, God met our family’s need for wisdom and knowledge through his Body, the church. In the early days of our parenting, godly couples several years ahead of us invited us to a Bible study. “Bring your baby,” they said. “She won’t be a problem.” How did they know we were lonely, overwhelmed, and struggling? Maybe they didn’t, but God did, and he opened their hearts to invite us. That study, and the fellowship and friendship it provided, gave us the hope and help we desperately needed. 

A Growing Kids God’s Way class taught us that strong families begin with strong marriages. A Let Prayer Change Your Life study cracked the door on the power of prayer. A Love and Respect study helped us identify sources of conflict that had troubled our marriage since its early days. In every age and stage of life, the church has met our need for guidance through a class, a resource, or a relationship. 

2. Church helps us connect with like-minded people and those with similar goals and values.

In a church, certain standards of thought and conduct are understood. Parents look out for each other’s kids and blow the whistle if they see something concerning. They’re not afraid to challenge our kids if they hear words or see behavior that contradicts God’s Word. 

They provide invaluable reinforcement in the weary trenches of parenting. They bolster our faith with their examples of standing for righteousness even when it costs something. They provide a peer group for wholesome activities and meaningful pursuits. 

3. Church attendance is good for your health. 

Laura Rowley, in her article, “5 Surprising Scientific Reasons to Attend Church” writes, “Tyler J. VanderWeele, an epidemiologist with the Harvard School of Public Health, conducted a study of regular church-goers over two decades with his colleagues. He found that people who attend religious services at least once a week enjoy better blood pressure, healthier cardiovascular, immune and endocrine functions and less coronary artery disease than those who don’t attend at all”. 

The article also notes, “People who go to services regularly are less likely to be depressed. A survey of nearly 100,000 women over 50 who attended religious services found they were 56 percent more likely to have a positive outlook on life and 27 percent less likely to be depressed, according to a study in the Journal of Religion and Health. 

4. Church knits people’s hearts together unlike anything else. 

Because we share the same Holy Spirit, our friendships are deeper, our conversations more intentional, and our time together richer and more life-changing. We’ve discovered the collective joy of serving our community, each other, and the Lord. Nothing builds a friendship like packing and inspecting 2,600 Operation Christmas Child boxes in a single afternoon. Or packing and delivering 100 Thanksgiving food boxes. Or volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center or a homeless woman’s shelter. 

The satisfaction of working together on projects like these makes shallow, self-centered pursuits pale in comparison. At the end of the day, the shared experience of laboring together for a cause greater than ourselves builds eternal relationships.

5. Church is there for the good times and the bad. 

We’ve celebrated new babies, graduations, and marriages together. We’ve mourned job losses, cancer, and death. When our family received word while out of the country on a mission trip that my sister-in-law had died of a triple brain aneurysm, we couldn’t make it back in time for the funeral. Members of our church helped make funeral arrangements, fed the family, and stood beside our loved ones in our absence. For one daughter’s wedding, friends baked cakes and pies, tied a hundred bows, and cleaned up late into the night. We’ve done the same for them, with joy. It’s what family does.

6. Church gives us something bigger than ourselves in which to invest our lives. 

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, “He who has been given a trust must prove faithful.” Each of us have been entrusted with a measure of time, talent, and treasure. One day we’ll give an account of what we did with it. And while there are a thousand good causes, there are also a thousand empty pursuits. 

Christ gave believers one assignment—to build his kingdom by pointing others to himself.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;” (Matthew 28:19-20).

God’s kingdom is the only one that promises eternal rewards and endless joy. Every time we give, teach, pray, and serve in God’s name, we invest in people—people who will live forever. When all is said and done, this is the most meaningful and significant way to spend and be spent. 

These six reasons why we need church are a small sample of the hundreds I could describe. I’d like to conclude with perhaps the greatest reason: We need church because God is there. Yes, God lives in us, so, technically, he is present wherever we are, but when we gather as a body of believers for the purpose of worshiping him, his presence is almost palpable. He speaks through the music and the preaching. He draws us to his side through the collective prayers of his children. He inspires us through stories of others’ faithfulness. We are stronger, wiser, kinder, sweeter when we sit in our Father’s house, surrounded by our brothers and sisters, for the sole purpose of drawing closer to Him. 

Why, oh why, would you want to miss this? 

If you regularly attend a church, don’t stop. If you don’t, or if you haven’t gone back yet, perhaps it’s time. What do you have to lose? And what might you gain?

Now it’s your turn to share a reason why we need church. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you’re reading by email, visit Refresh online and leave a comment.

Do You Live in the Columbia, SC area?
Please Join Me for This Very Special Women’s Event!

Trinity Baptist Church’s Truth and Tea

2003 Charleston Hwy., Cayce, SC

Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10-12

Food, Fellowship, Fun, and an Inspiring Message from Lori Hatcher

Admission is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot or for more information, CLICK HERE.

Lori’s Newest Devotional, an Amazon #1 New Release!

Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

Have you subscribed to Refresh?


If you’d like to receive Lori’s weekly 5-minute devotions to help you rediscover your passion for God and His Word, subscribe here or at the top of the page.

The post 6 Reasons Why We Need the Church appeared first on Lori Hatcher.

               
Comments6 Reasons Why We Need the Church by LoriAHatcherIs it Okay to Be Honest with God? by LoriAHatcherA Fool-Proof Prescription for the Sick and Tired by LoriAHatcherHow To Give Thanks For Everything by LoriAHatcherHow to Pray the Right Way by LoriAHatcherPlus 5 more...Related StoriesIs it Okay to Be Honest with God?How To Give Thanks For EverythingSharing Fun (and Behind-the-Scene Pics) from a Happy Launch Day