We Are the Root

 

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