Together In This

Philippians 2:1-8 tells us,  Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Prayer:

Father,

         Strengthen us to take the encouragement from belonging to Christ, the comfort from His love, the fellowship together in the Spirit and keep our hearts tender and compassionate.  Lord, we want to follow You by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind. In unity together, In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Gathered Together +

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:19-21 NKJV

The church I attend has small groups ministry, designed to encourage stronger bonds of faith and friendship. And there we were - Eleven women gathered together around one table. Good food, good fellowship, great God! Laughing, telling stories, and testifying of the goodness and the faithfulness of Almighty God! 

Always it comes back to what God has brought us through. As I looked around that table tonight at the faces of these dear friends, I remembered their testimonies - all the laughter and tears and the solid foundation of knowing that God will ALWAYS see us through. What a joyful time! We could feel the presence of the Lord in our fellowship, just as He promised. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them...

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for making Your presence felt tonight. Thank You for the love that we share one for the other - love that only You could birth in us. For all the many blessings too numerous to retell, we give You our highest praise - in Jesus' Name. Amen

* 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