* Gathering

A happy heart is good medicine, but low spirits sap one’s strength.
Proverbs 17:22 CJB (Complete Jewish Bible)

The enemy of our soul would like nothing better than to divide and conquer us. It's what he does best. We get busy, this practice, that practice, this deadline, that deadline, and always what are the first things to go? Church and family time. Yet the writer of Hebrews tells us in 10:24-25 (CJB), "And let us keep paying attention to one another, in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds, not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other. And let us do this all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Are you part of a small group or Life Group within your church? Oh, how we grow when we are accountable to others. We cannot afford to stop gathering together - to encourage one another, to exhort each other to keep following the Lord with our WHOLE hearts, not just as an afterthought or quick-fix therapy. We cannot afford to stop gathering together - to reinforce the ties that bind us together and to God. We cannot afford to stop gathering together - our burdens are lighter when shared, and our joys are multiplied! 

We are stronger together than we are apart. The joy of the Lord is our Strength. Come, let us gather together and celebrate the Lord!

Prayer:

Father,
           You are so good to give us hearts for each other and to love us and give us laughter. Father, we are so grateful to You for family and friends who make us laugh - who love us and encourage us and strengthen us through the tough times! Bless them, Father, this we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen