Flicker! Flicker! A candle flame flashed before my eyes, set upon the kitchen counter. As the name portrays, I inhaled the sweet smell of “Cozy Gathering”. Ahh! Unlike the idealistic candle theme, the body of Christ isn’t supposed to publicly gather together in most places right now. That doesn’t mean that God isn’t alive; working in and outside of His people. Jesus says, “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20 GW). Although we aren’t supposed to gather with large groups of people to worship our God, we can come together with our families for Jesus’ namesake and His Spirit will be there with us.
The Application
After Jacob witnessed a glorious vision, Genesis 28:16-17 records, “Then Jacob woke up from his sleep and exclaimed, ‘Certainly, the LORD is in this place, and I didn’t know it!’ Filled with awe, he said, ‘How awe-inspiring this place it! Certainly, this is the house of God and the gateway to heaven!'” Are we awe-inspired like Jacob by the knowledge of Jesus’ presence? Do our jaws drop as we gather with our families around the kitchen table to pray? Just think, God is there among us and we often disreguard His presence!
Remember, He is the same God who created everything, including you and me. He “used his mighty hand and powerful arm to bring [the nation of Israel] out of Egypt. He used spectacular and awe-inspiring deeds, miraculous signs, and amazing things” (Deuteronomy 26:8). Everything is possible with Him (Matthew 19:26). “He is a great and awe-inspiring God” (7:21b) Apply these Bible stories and promises to your life by gathering with your family frequently to pray and read God’s Word, especially during COIVD-19.
Family Time With God
Spending time in prayer, thanksgiving, and the Bible doesn’t only grow us closer to God, but to our families. These relationships, connected by the Holy Spirit living inside His children, are heavenly treasures that will last into eternity (Matthew 6:19-21). Put God at the center of your family, serving Him collectivly and gathering together for His purposes. In any circumstance, God’s plan will be accomplished. It already has because of Jesus. Yet, He invites us to participate in the work He is doing, and we have faith that He will do above and beyond anything we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). From now on, don’t doubt the power behind a cozy gathering for the sake of Jesus’ name with your brother and sister, mother and father, or spouse and kids. Be amazed and overwhlemed by God’s presence.
Works Referenced
1.7 Million Stunning Free Images to Use Anywhere – Pixabay. pixabay.com/.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., www.biblegateway.com/.
“GOD’S WORD Translation Bibles and Outreach Resources.” God’s Word Mission Society, godsword.org/.
