Every now and then, I have the opportunity to share a devotion by another writer. This devotion was written by my friend, Barb Depew. With the exception of the verses, italicized text has been added by me. I hope you are blessed by this devotion as much as I was!
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The TP’s of Fellowship
T – Tribe
A teepee has an outer layer, traditionally made of animal skins. Your tribe is like the covering, the enclosure that is all around you. Therefore, your tribe is likened unto your church family for they cover you.
- In prayer
- “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
- “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” – Ephesians 6:18
- In edification (building up)
- “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace and things wherewith on may edify another.” – Romans 14:19
- In admonition (correcting in love)
- “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” – Romans 15:14
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:16
P – Peeps
A teepee is supported by the sticks within it. Your peeps are your close friends. The ones you go to for instruction, for guidance, those you hang out with, that you teach, that help you in times of trouble and who you help when they have a need. These are like the 3 close companions that Jesus had here on earth – Peter, James and John. He spent extra time with them and entrusted them with his heart, mind, and time.
- “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
- “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
S – Soulmate
A teepee is bound together by ropes. Like the rope that binds the teepee together, God binds us all as one in Him through His sufferings, His Word, His love, and His Holy Spirit. Every believer has a soulmate. Not only the married people, but all believers. Our soulmate is the Lord God Almighty. The closer we draw to Him, the tighter He binds us to one another and strengthens our hearts to Him.
- “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God…” – I Chronicles 22:19
- “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” – Psalms 42:1
Are you building your teepee? Is there an area that is lacking? One that may need strengthening? Find your tribe, your peeps, your soulmate, and cling to them. Start today and choose to adorn your teepee with love, goodness, kindness, and praise.
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You will notice we say brother and sister ’round here
It’s because we’re a family and these folks are so near
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod
For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
(from “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither)