January 14, 2021

What's In Our Name? Mid-Month Moments by Connie Inglis

Mid-Month Moments are back for 2021!

What are Mid-Month Moments? Well, they are past devotionals written by Connie Inglis that she shared each week when she was InScribe's spiritual advisor. (Originally called 'Mid-Week Moments') As you can guess, over the years that she served in this capacity, quite a collection grew. Fortunately, a few of us who enjoyed her messages managed to save all or most and so we are reposting them here, with permission, in the middle of each month. Enjoy this post from 2018 which actually fits nicely with this month's theme.

Do you know what I like about InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship? Well, there are many things actually, but today I'm mentioning its name. Its name? Yes, its name - because I like the word, "Fellowship." We're not called an organization, or an association, or a guild, even though we are those things. No, we are a fellowship - a "koinonia" of believers who are writers.

This especially hit home to me this past week because last week, when I asked for prayer, the response from all of you was overwhelmingly encouraging. You all prayed - and I could feel your prayers.

That's koinonia, the Greek word meaning, "Christian fellowship or communion, with God or, more commonly, with fellow Christians." (English Oxford Dictionary)

The first use of the word koinonia is found in Acts 2:42 (NIV). "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." And to prayer - that part of fellowship that should never be neglected or ignored.

Of course, this verse is referring to the New Testament church. And it is a reminder to us all of the importance of the local church and the fellowship that we need with other believers. We, as an organization, are not a single church. But, as individuals, we are an extension of the local church - fingers and hands with a unique calling and ministry to the writing community. 

At the closing of conference a couple of years ago, when I began praying a specific passage of Scripture for each InScribe member, a word picture came to mind. It was the picture of all the members at conference. Each person was like a little fire, a flame of passion for Jesus and for writing. Then, I saw each flame jumping, like fire does, from conference back to their homes to burn in their home area. After that, I not only spoke each of your names when I prayed, I also spoke your hometown - as a reminder to me of where you all are burning for Jesus.

My prayer for all of you this week is that you will burn bright for Jesus where you are. And that you will experience the koinonia, the fellowship, that we all need as believers. It truly is a gift from God - to be a part of Jesus' bride, His church. He knew we would need encouragement and help and spurring on. If you don't think so, do a study on the "one another" verses in the New Testament.

And thanks again for your prayers for me and my family. God is answering in His time - because He is a good God.

Humbled by His grace and mercy,

Connie

May 30, 2018

13 comments:

  1. Thank you Connie! I love the word, 'fellowship.' Today it makes me think of all the in person fellowship that I am missing and oh... how I miss it. What a blessing your prayers and scriptures to me and still are. Yes, I will do. my best to burn bright for Jesus.

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    1. Yes, we were made for relationship--for fellowship. I'm missing it to. And thanks.

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  2. I, too, love the word 'Fellowship' in our name. thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement! You have been - and still are - such a blessing!

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  3. Thanks Tracy. And thanks for regurgitating (hehehe) these devotionals.

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  4. I don't mind reruns if they're good. And even indirect fellowship is better than nothing. That's why I loved the virtual Fall Conference so much. We need to meet again on Zoom, even if it's merely a social gathering. We can all see each other in spite of the vast distances between us.

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  5. You're right, Bruce. Reruns of interacting with people helps.

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  6. Just as relevant today as it was 2 years ago. Thank you Connie! We sure do need each other.

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  7. Thanks for your encouragement, Connie. I agree with those above who said we do need each other, especially at this time when we can't meet face-to-face. Thanks for sharing the vision God gave you: "Each person was like a little fire, a flame of passion for Jesus and for writing." And thank you for your faithful prayers for all of us. God has blessed you for your role in developing our spiritual lives.

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    1. Thanks Sandi. All God's doing--all the Holy Spirit's moving. I was honoured to be a tool.

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  8. An extension of the Church - perfect!!

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