The Gathering, Devotional by Alexis Goring

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The Gathering

A devotional written by Alexis A. Goring

Shopping a few days after Christmas with my Mom at our favorite mall, I noticed a big crowd congregating inside a store, poring over the latest technology. I looked up and saw that the store was nameless. There was no visible sign to describe what it was, so I turned to my Mom and asked, “Is that an Apple Store?” My mom immediately said, “Of course. What other store brings people together like that?”

A light bulb turned on and I made an instant connection between that reality and our reality as mere mortals living in a fallen world. It is very common for people to crowd into an Apple Store and pore over all the latest technology. However, it is very uncommon for people to flock to church, fill the pews from the front to the back of the sanctuary, and press into Jesus Christ, allowing His restoring love to pour into our broken hearts.

Why is it that we’re so quick to get the latest technology and stay up to date with it at an Apple Store, but so reluctant to read a Bible and stay in touch with the Author (God)?

I know that we all may be guilty of not spending enough time with God. But think about it. We make time for what matters to us and God should matter most.

People gather religiously at sporting events, favorite stores, cafes, restaurants, and movie theaters. Why don't people flock to church to gather together before the Lord?

Jesus brings people together. His Gathering is of greater purpose than The Apple Store. Why pore over new technology like your life depends on it when you can pore over God's Word and be transformed from the inside out? Most importantly, our life does depend on it.

When Jesus Christ ministered here on Earth, large crowds gathered to hear Him preach about the now and the not yet. He told stories that taught kingdom principles—God's Kingdom principles.

Jesus served food that never faded. He served heavenly manna (Matthew 4:4), words of wisdom to help get you through this life on Earth. His words can help you get into heaven.

Best of all, Jesus is not just a Bible character. He is real. Those characters whose stories are told in the Bible are dead now but the Lord still lives! And He is constantly wooing our hearts to His. He wants us to gather around Him, learn from His life lessons, then go tell the world about Him and His saving grace.

“Jesus is Coming Again” is more than a church hymn. It's a promise. And He keeps His promises!

So won't you gather before the Lord in His church? All He asks is for you to meet Him there once a week. But He does not want church to be your only interaction with Him. He wants you to daily spend time in His presence, read His Word (The Holy Bible) that’s better than all the latest technology, and follow His instructions.

Most of all, He wants you to tell the world about Him because His Gathering is all-inclusive. He wants everyone to be saved.

I found that going to God’s Gathering refreshes my soul and renews my spirit. I can get from God what I cannot get from the Apple Store. I can get peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), complete joy (John 15:11), and guidance from this life to the next (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Won’t you go to God’s Gathering? He’s waiting to welcome you with open arms!

About the Author: Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

Who We Are in Christ ♦ Today's Scripture Promise

Today, when I opened my Bible to read today's Upper Room devotion, this list was stuck into the sane page: Matthew 4:18-22.

So, thinking of God’s Perfect Timing, I thought posting it here today would be the thing to do.

WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST

1. We have been transferred into the kingdom of Jesus. (Col 1:13)
2. We have been redeemed. (Col 1:14)
3. W have been forgiven. (Rom 5:1)
4. We have been justified. (Rom 5:1)
5. We have been made holy and blameless in God's Sight. (Eph 1:4)
6. We have been made righteous. (Eph 4:24)
7. We have been adopted as part of God's family. (Rom 8:15)
8. We have been cleansed from all sin and guilt. (John 1:7)
9. We are seated in heavenly places. (Eph 2:6)
10. We are co-heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:17)
11. We are transformed into Christ's likeness. (Rom 8:29)
12. We are new creations. (II Cor 5:17)
13. We are complete in Christ. (Col 2:10)
14. We are more than conquerors. (Rom 8:37)
15. We are God's ambassadors. (II Cor 5:18-19)
16. We are God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. (I Pet 2:9)
17. We have peace with God. (Rom 5:1)
18. We have Christ's love. (Rom 8:35)
19. We have the mind of Christ. (I Cor 2:16)
20. We have the will and power to obey God. (Phil 2:13)
21. We have access to God. (Eph 2:18)
22. We have a spirit of power, of love and calm, a well-balanced mind, discipline and self-control. (II Tim 1:7)
23. We have eternal life. (Rom 5:23)
24. We can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. (Phil 4:13)
25. We are overcomers. (Rev 12:11)
26. We can drive out demons. (Mark 16:17)
27. We can speak in tongues. (Mark 16:17)
28. Jesus intercedes for us. (Heb 7:25)
29. We cannot be separated from the love of God. (Rom 8:35)
30. God transforms our mind. (Rom 12:2)
31. God will carry on His good work in us to completion. (I Pet 5:10)
32. God gives us His Holy Spirit. (John 14:16)
33. The Holy Spirit lives with and in us. (John 14:17)
34. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus said. (John 14:26)
35. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and tell us what is to come. (John 16:13)
36. The Holy Spirit will never leave us. (John 14:16)
37. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. (Rom 8:26)
38. The Godhead lives in us. (Col 2:10)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phil 4:8)