Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
As you receive this message today our leadership team and many of our coordinators are packing their suitcases to come gather together for our annual National Day of Prayer Task Force Coordinator’s Summit. The theme of the 2019 Summit is “Revive and Refresh.” It is our prayer that everyone who attends will have their heart, soul, mind and strength revived and refreshed by God through the many times of prayer, Scripture, guest speakers, information and our training on starting or strengthening your journey as an NDP coordinator and more. We will also be revealing our National Day of Prayer 2020 Scripture verse and theme on Monday October 28th. We hope that you will check Facebook and our website in the coming days as we make this exciting announcement that will give the prayer focus of The National Day of Prayer on May 7th, 2020 as well as the journey to, through and beyond May of 2020. Please pray for the NDP leadership and coordinators as we gather October 26th -29th to pray and prepare for this upcoming year.
In Scripture there are many reasons why God’s people were called to assemble. They assembled in prayer, to hear God’s Word read and taught, to see His miracles, to anoint new leaders such as priests and kings. God’s people assembled for worship, to celebrate the feasts, and to remember all God had done – making sure the next generation heard of God’s miracles and goodness as well as His commands. People assembled as prophets spoke, councils made decisions, and to go to war. Jesus’ disciples were gathered together in prayer when the Holy Spirit was sent, and the gospel was preached with power and boldness that drew 3000 to believe and be baptized in one day. From that moment on there has been a mission placed on every believer’s life to “go and make disciples.”
Disciples need a place to be discipled; a place to study God’s Word, learn about Jesus and how to yield to the Spirit for a holy and fruitful life. We call this gathering church, but it is not just a holy hang out but a place where we gather to work out our salvation. The word “disciple” means pupil or student. We gather just as the early disciples did, to learn and live the lessons of Jesus and the God who created all that exists. The same God and Father who rules over us in power and love beyond anything we can think or imagine. It is not up to us to imagine God or make life up as we go, we have been given an instruction book, a history lesson, a love letter; clear instructions on how and why we are to trust and obey God Almighty. Our gatherings, including Sunday services, Bible studies, prayer gatherings, Christian conferences, and more – whether in twos or threes or a stadium full – are meant to teach us. As students and followers of the God who gave us life, He desires to guide and guard us through it for His glory and our good.
As we enter the last week of Pastor Appreciation Month, we pray that you will surprise your pastors in some wonderful heart-felt way. We pray that you will continue to show them appreciation and love throughout the year. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Finally, there is the gathering we all eagerly await. Mark 13:27 "And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” Amen, Come Lord Jesus.
Let’s “gather” in prayer now: Lord Jesus we thank You that You never called us to go it alone, You always sent Your disciples out in two or more. You created us for relationship; we are to live in a personal relationship with You and with the people You put in our lives, in our path, wherever we live, work, worship, learn and play. Thank you for calling us to assemble not to isolation. Thank you for all the opportunities we have to gather together to know You and make You known. Please bless our churches, fill Your people with Your Word and Your presence. Bless the NDP Summit and all who serve You through this ministry to mobilize unified public prayer for America.
Serving Him with Gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President