Matthew 18:19-20. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” NIV
Praise the Lord for all those who are turning again to God
through Jesus Christ. We are at a time of embracing love over evil. On
television, we see great numbers gathering in the name of Jesus, praising His
name, singing to the glory of God, and praying as a multitude.
Churches are congregations of people who gather together for
fellowship, worship, and prayer. Some congregations are small, while others fill
mega-churches. Today, I am lifting up the small, rural church where fewer and
fewer attend due to waning farm life. Economic pressures, like the enormous
price of farm land and the equipment necessary for operation, coupled with a
very low profit margin, account for the shrinking family farm. The rural church,
located a mile up the road, has been experiencing a decline in attendance. That
isn’t bad. It’s a blessing. They are part of the root of the church and gather
in faithfulness and love.
The anchor in the lives of many people, is the church family.
The church holds the stories of Mr. Friendly’s constant service to others, because
of his love for the Lord. The church also provides the echo of Mrs. Lovely, who
taught your third-grade Sunday school class and brought the face of Jesus into
your midst.
I lift up praise for the bursting fellowship of believers,
and the small church where “two or three,” or twenty or thirty, are gathered
together in Your presence. For we are all the root, ever faithful to gather
together to praise His name, and to pray for others in need. Blessed be the name
of the Lord. Let us pray:
Holy Father, God of all, we praise your name. May your
Kingdom come at your timing. For this day, we ask that you strengthen the will
of all those gathered in your name. Your presence is felt in churches, large
and small. Actually, there are no small churches. Since you are there in the
midst of worship, there cannot be anything small about it. Forgive us when we use
numbers to evaluate your followers. For Your presence is miraculous, whether
two or two thousand are present. To you we give all glory and praise. Amen
Doris
Doris Gaines Rapp
