"The Gathering"

 "Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." (Hebrews 2:12 KJV)

  "Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!" (PSALM 111:1-4 NLT)

 Having the understanding that any and all trials and difficulties we might go through are good, even though they might seem bad during the time we are dealing with them, we can actually find peace and joy, by taking the time to praise Him in the storm! It might not feel right at first, but the more you praise Him and thank Him for the chance to suffer, the more our suffering becomes less important, and His mercy and grace shines deeper within our hearts. 

 There are actually several times in my last almost 22 years, (specifically starting on August 12th, 2003,) when I have broken down and wept profusely, as if I was shaken to my very core. Each time, as far as I remember, I could feel a hand upon my shoulder, as if to comfort me. But there was one time, I think it was back in 2012, when I continued to cry, even though that hand was on my shoulder; and I felt that hand withdraw, as if to say, "Okay, that's enough!" 

 I might sound crazy, but that was enough! Almost instantly, I felt an amazing peace and joy; and my tears became tears of joy, no longer were they tears of sadness. The one thing I tried very hard to do, was not to break down in front of my wife! When I did one time, she gazed up at me, as if there was something terribly wrong; she actually looked as if something horrible was happening. I never wanted her to feel like that again! 

 Now, I make every effort to smile in her presence, telling her that I love her; showing her that everything is perfectly fine. Believe it or not, but she knows when I enter the room and when she hears my voice she looks in my direction. There is still love worth fighting for, no matter how difficult things might appear! 

 Anywho, this was meant to be about us going to church! Make every effort to go to church, if you must, ask someone to take you; if you can't get a ride, walk up to five miles, and you might get healthy in the process. But for the sake of fellowship, make every effort to get to church...

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47 NLT)