Devotions Archives – Page 3 of 9 – The Gathering Place Atlanta

He that hath an ear to hear….

Posted on Jul 12, 2016 in Devotions |

Did anyone hear that???? WOW!!! What an amazing sound! I just heard the sound of things falling into place! And so can you!

Revelation 2:7a “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches…..” Also Rev. 2:1a, 2:17a, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22 Seven times in the space of two chapters the Lord gives this direction and command. Jesus would often conclude messages with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear……” Seems to me this is a very important message for all of us. I’m pretty sure he is referring to our spiritual ears. Our spiritual ears need to be fully open and awake and listening! You might just hear the sound of things falling into place. Listen up! God might be trying to say a multitude of things to you today.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me, and work with me. – Watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:29, 30

You might just discover that things are falling into place when you learn those unforced rhythms of grace. So listen up! Lord, open our spiritual ears today and let us hear what you are saying.

Blessings,

Pastor Sherry

Joy = Strength

Posted on Jul 5, 2016 in Devotions |

Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength”

If I were writing an S.A.T. analogy about joy it would look something like this:

Weight lifting is to muscles as joy is to strength.

If we want to build physical muscle we must utilize and commit to weight lifting. If we want to build spiritual strength we must use and utilize the gift of joy we have been given. Joy is not only a warm happy feeling you have every now and again when things are going to your advantage, it is much more than that! Joy is like a spiritual force, like spiritual muscles. Joy is so very important to our daily lives. So important that God thought important enough to give it to us as a spiritual gift (Galatians Chapter 5), and since he has given it us, we already have it in us we do not have to wait for joy to arrive, we do not lack it at all, we just have to choose to use it. Just like our muscles in our body, the muscles are there already but in order to grow them and make them strong we have to use them more. Physical muscles are built when they are forced to work against pressure and against what is uncomfortable. Joy when used in situations of pressure and discomfort build strength. So if you are going through difficulty of any kind and you feel lacking in strength you are not exercising your joy enough! Stop right where you are and recognize you already have the gift of joy inside you, you do not have to wait for it to arrive you just have to tap into it and start utilizing it by choosing it in your attitude and actions. The best way I can think of to “tap into it” is to start thinking on things you have to be thankful for, thinking on all that is going right and think on the promises of God and how faithful he is. Before you know it you will be changing from grumbling to joy, and from weakness to strength. When God wants to make you strong, joy is what He uses!

Blessings,

Pastor Ginny

Whatever It Takes

Posted on Jun 29, 2016 in Devotions |

In 1 Kings 17 we are told that Elijah, a prophet of God, was heart broken by the rebellion of Israel and their worship of false gods. So he prayed that Yahweh, the true God, would stop the rain on the land to get the attention of His people. James 5:17 tells us that although Elijah was merely a man like you and me, he prayed that it would not rain and it did not for 3½ years. To understand the impact this had on Israel consider this: During the North American drought of the 1930s, known as the Dust Bowl, the Midwest averaged 30% less rainfall than usual, with the worst hit areas recording as little as 50% of the average rainfall in certain years. Corn production during the drought fell by an astonishing 75%. Now imagine if it had not rained a single drop of water for 3½ years. Are you getting the picture? This devastated Israel – a largely agrarian society.

Can you imagine being the guy who caused this kind of devastation on your friends and countrymen? Everyone knew that Elijah was the one to blame. What an unpopular place to be and what an unusual prayer. This prayer was very different than the prosperity type prayers that we typically hear today: “God bless me, bless my family, bless my friends, bless my business…” Elijah’s livelihood was affected by the same drought that devastated those worshiping the false gods. But Elijah’s compassion for the people and their suffering relationship to the Lord was greater than his desire for an easy life. And this truth has me thinking. What am I willing to give up for my community to know Jesus Christ? Am I willing to suffer economic devastation and extreme unpopularity? Do my actions reflect that I really care that much where others will spend eternity? If you (like me) find that your actions don’t really match the compassion you say you have for the lost, then I invite you to join me in praying this prayer:

“God make me willing to be made willing to offer everything for your kingdom. Give me such compassion for the lost that the most important thing in my life is introducing people to you. Change my heart so that I can honestly say that whatever it takes for my will to break, that’s what I’m willing to do”.

In HIM,

Pastor Jonathan

The Grace Space

Posted on Jun 21, 2016 in Devotions |

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” -James 3:13

Humility is one of those words that sounds negative but totally isn’t when you understand some things about it. When we hear “humility,” we might think of “humiliation,” or to say someone is humble might seem that we mean she is weak. These are negative contexts for humility, but what about positive contexts? James has a lot of good things to say about humility. He says that humility comes from wisdom. He also says that God gives grace to those who are humble.

Let’s think for a moment about what James might be getting at in his praise for humility. He says that God gives grace to the humble, but resists the arrogant (proud). Does God now favor one type of person over another? Does God purposefully withhold help from folks with big egos? Hardly. Scripture tells us that God shows no favoritism at all. So maybe grace isn’t a token of God’s appreciation for good behavior, but has more to do with the fact that humility allows us to receive the grace that God offers to us all. I like to call this “The Grace Space.”

Grace is supernatural energy to do what is beyond our ability to do. It is God accomplishing on our behalf what we cannot do for ourselves. And it takes humility to allow that to happen. The humble person recognizes what she cannot do and welcomes help from God (and others!). The proud person, by contrast, continues to go it alone, trying filling the void left by her weakness however she can- never leaving space for grace.

Do you find yourself unable to accomplish something? Do you find yourself lacking in ability? Energy? Time? Money? Self-control? That lack is The Grace Space! Let God fill it! Don’t try to cover it up or fill it yourself. Here is your chance for humility and for God to accomplish something on your behalf (and when God does something, it’s pretty spectacular). Humility comes from wisdom. Let’s be wise today by leaving room for God’s supernatural energy – The Grace Space.

Love,

Pastor Deb

Recall Notice!

Posted on Jun 14, 2016 in Devotions |

I loved this message. I received it in an email from a friend. I do not know the origin but I pray that the words will give each of us ‘food for thought’ and ‘plant a seed’ and cause us to reflect on our hearts and spirits.

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been identified as “Sub sequential Internal Non-morality,” more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish or violent behavior

6. Depression or confusion

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self-control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (BEST Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

– GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by ‘Knee mail’!

Blessings,

Pastor Gina

Milk of the Word

Posted on Jun 7, 2016 in Devotions |

A few days ago, I received a text message from Pastor Maddie, our wonderful sister in The Lord, which included a picture of her daughter, Kristin, with her newborn baby. Many of Maddie’s friends and family had been waiting for this little bundle of joy for quite a while, and we were all so excited to finally get the wonderful news; which made me begin to think about babies. Have you ever watched a baby drink from their bottle? They clutch it tightly, enjoying every drop, all the while making soft contented noises. They are completely content with the milk for a while; but they eventually enter a time when milk just isn’t enough to satisfy them. That’s when the baby’s parent begins to introduce the baby to a whole new world of food options.

Currently, in our home groups, we are studying the New Testament books 1 & 2 Peter. There is a passage (1 Peter 2:2) where Peter is describing the goodness of the Lord, and he compares the new believers to infants when he states that they, “long for the pure milk of The Word”. Just like a baby, young Christians need to be drinking in the Scriptural truths to nourish their spirit. But then, they will need to be weaned from this milk, to discover that there is a “whole new world of food options” and begin to feast on the “meat” of The Word. The key take away I want you to understand here is, you need to continue to feed on the Word. Once you get into it, once you taste it, you’ll begin to crave it and you will want more and more of it. It is not enough to come to church on a Sunday, to hear me, or one of the Pastors, talk about the Word. No, as Christians, we need to begin to feast on the Word ourselves. Isaiah 25:6 says “God prepares a lavish banquet table for us”, this means there are multitudes of different dishes for us to enjoy. As your pastor, It is my desire – no my passion – to see you “EAT UP” and grow in knowledge of His wonderful Grace.

Blessings,

Pastor Keith

Don’t Stop Looking for Your Rehoboth

Posted on May 31, 2016 in Devotions |

Gen. 26: 17-29

Isaac moved to the valley of Gerar, and every time he would dig a new well, the Philistines would claim it as theirs. Isaac named one well Esek, which means “contention.” Later he dug another well and called it Sitnah, which means “hostility or enmity.” Wow! Thwarted at every turn – depressing. Two steps forward and three steps back. He wasn’t making any progress. Ever feel like that?

Isaac then journeyed just a bit farther. “And he moved away from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it; so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, ‘At last the Lord has made room for us.’ ” Rehoboth means a place of enlargement and flourishing…..plenty of room.

It was right after this that the Lord said: “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you…..”

All of us can speak of countless barriers, drawbacks and complications in our lives. The contentious wells of Esek and Sitnah tend to throw dust in our face and keep us feeling like we are in a desert rather than provide any refreshing. The water is dried up. These are the places and times where we are most tempted to quit.

But now is the time to look for your Rehoboth – We must keep walking by faith, even when we feel trapped in the enemy’s territory. Put one foot in front of the other; climb up over the next hill; turn that next corner. Your Rehoboth is nearby!

Rehoboth means “broad place,” and it refers to the land of inheritance that only God can give and that the enemy cannot steal from you. Rehoboth reminds us of the place God brought King David when he announced in Psalm 18:19, “[The Lord] brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.” Beloved, keep going! Do not camp at the wells of contention, because just down the road is your Rehoboth.

Pastor Sherry

The Way to Success

Posted on May 24, 2016 in Devotions |

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails…..

Love never fails! We have read this scripture at least a billion times over the years (give or take). It is a very popular verse indeed. Today I was thinking about it and really started thinking about the “love never fails” part. Failure is something most of us fear at some time or another in our lives. Failure to accomplish goals, failure to fit in, failure to measure up and the list goes on. In this verse God is telling us there is a failure proof way to live. A way to live that will not lead us down the wrong path. A way to live that is the key to success. To know real success is to know to be moved and motivated by love. That’s the way Jesus lived His life. He made choices motivated by love and because of it everything changed. The religious and wealthy people of his day thought he was nuts with the choices he made, but Jesus knew real success was built on love and love would never fail him, even when it took him to the cross.

When we are faced with fear of failure in a situation, let’s combat it with a “sure thing” LOVE! In our homes, relationships, jobs, goals, etc… Let’s go at every person and situation with love because we know that no matter what, love will not fail us. It may not always be the easy choice, or our first instinct, but if we decide to choose love we decided on success! We know God’s version of success and the world’s version of success can look very different. We also know that God’s version is eternal while the world’s version will come to an end. If I am going to invest in something, I am going to want to choose something that has long term success, wouldn’t you? Invest in love; it will never ever fail you. Love doesn’t scratch the surface of issues, love hits the root. Love always wins.

Blessings,

Pastor Ginny

Don’t Let Your Song Go Silent

Posted on May 17, 2016 in Devotions |

I once read a story about a Parakeet named Chippie who’d had a very bad day. It all began when Chippie’s owner decided to clean his birdcage with a vacuum cleaner. The idea was working like a charm until the phone rang. When she turned around to answer it she heard a loud thud from the cage and Chippie was gone. In a panic she tore open the vacuum bag, dug Chippie out and placed him back on his perch. Chippie never knew what hit him. A few days later the lady was asked how the bird was doing. “Well”, she replied, “Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore, he just sits and stares.”

Ever feel that way? One minute you are whistling through life, and the next you’re caught up in a whirlwind of stress. Life sucks you up into its vortex and just when you’ve recovered from one trouble another one is waiting at the door. These are the moments that sleep escapes me and I worry through the night about the choices I’ve made and the ones I wish I had made.

The bible tells us that during times of trouble God sends us songs in the night (Job 35:10). And again in Psalm 77:6, “At night I remember my song. I meditate in my heart and my spirit ponders”. Don’t let life’s troubles rob you of the intimate moments of God’s refreshing. Meditate on the greatness of our Lord and He will place a song in your heart. Focusing on the seeming hopelessness of your problems will drown out your song. But, focusing on Him will bring everything into the right perspective. Then your anxiety will turn to peace and those sleepless moments will become times of worship and refreshing from the Lord. For me, these moments have become treasured memories in my life…memories of the times that God drew near.

Have a joyful day!

Pastor Jonathan

Rejoice. Like, A Lot

Posted on May 10, 2016 in Devotions |

“Rejoice always!” – Paul the Apostle (Philippians 4, 1 Thessalonians 5)

More than once, the Apostle Paul encouraged his readers, believers and followers of Jesus to “rejoice always.” The act of rejoicing seemed to be for Paul an essential part of our faith journey and spiritual growth.

Nehemiah, in helping his people understand who God is and how life with God works, said, “…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (If you’ve never read Nehemiah’s story, check it out!)

If the joy of the Lord is our strength, rejoicing is a powerful act in our lives! Do you need strength right now? Have you rejoiced today? Joined the rejoicing of someone else? Allowed someone to join your rejoicing?

If you haven’t, don’t worry! You still have a whole bunch of time today to get your joy on! Maybe it’s over something big like a long-awaited promotion or a cured illness… Maybe it’s something simple like lunch with a friend or a walk around the block. Maybe the key to rejoicing often, or ALWAYS, as Paul would say, is to look for what God is doing. God is at work all around us. And just one glimpse of what God is up to will light up our hearts with joy that gives us strength we need to move forward in our lives.

My challenge to you is find SOMETHING to rejoice about today. Ask God to open your eyes to what God is doing around you. You may ask a friend or coworker to share with you what God is doing in her life. However you do it, exercise those joy muscles! They’re going to have carry you through the tough times!

Love,

Pastor Deb