"Your words have been arrogant against Me, says the Lord. Yet you say, What have we spoken against you? You have said, 'It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the Lord of hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also test God and escape.' Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name. And they will be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." (Malachi 3:13-18)

This has involved two very encouraging times with small groups/spiritual families. I feel that both of these experiences correllate with this passage of scripture from Malachi somehow. In the midst of a wicked group of people there is a select number that still fear the Lord. Isn't it interesting how those people are described?

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another."

This group of people were in relationship with one another. Relationships are important! It is not vain to serve God, to be honest after spending time in my mission field I can see where it is easy to start thinking that it is vain to serve God. But then Tuesday night comes and I gather together with my small group and I speak with them and we share our spiritual journeys and once again I am reminded about the importance of following God and that there is a group of people that I am in an authentic community with that are walking the journey of life with me. This group encourages my soul as I encourage them and together we sharpen one another to follow Christ and to pursue His mission.