Right There Among Us
Well now, flap my apron and settle my porch broom, friend! Look at you wanderin’ up this ol’ porch like a bright lil’ ol’ field sparrow huntin’ the best perch on a cool mornin’. I surely am glad you’re here. Pull yourself up onto this ol’ front porch and settle yourself right over yonder on that ol’ swing that plum grumbles like a sleepy ol’ goat tryin’ to remember how its legs work, and get good and comfortable now. We’re sho’-nuff’ fixin’ to go wanderin’ off into a truth that warms the soul better than a pot of beef stew simmerin’ slow on the ol’ wood stove in the kitchen. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” That there lil’ ol’ verse fits this message tighter than a lid on a jar of fresh plum preserves.
Now, friend, Scripture plum shows us that God sho’-nuff’ delights in meetin’ with His children when they gather together in His name. The disciples found that out behind locked doors when Jesus appeared right in the middle of all their fear. They were huddled together, hearts thumpin’ like a lil’ ol’ rabbit hidin’ up under a brush pile, and suddenly there He was. God loves to show Himself when His people come together with hearts downright turned toward Him.
And Acts 2:42 tells us, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” That there early church gathered like a big ol’ flock of determined geese flyin’ in formation, each one of ‘em helpin’ the other one stay steady. And, friend, Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Unity sho’-nuff’ draws the presence of God like a bright lantern draws lil’ ol’ fireflies on a summer night.
There’s somethin’ mightyb powerful about bein’ in the same room when God decides to move. You can’t predict it, schedule it, or wrangle it like a farmhand tryin’ to coax a stubborn ol’ mule. But you can position yourself to be present when He shows up. Gatherin’ with God’s people plum ain’t about fillin’ a seat. It’s about standin’ ready when the Lord breathes fresh life into His children.
Father, thank you for meetin’ with us when we gather in your name. Thank you for the unity of your people, the warmth of fellowship, and the joy of your presence. Help me come expectantly, worship wholeheartedly, and stay ready for your movin’. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well now friend, I reckon it’s about time for you to be gittin’ yourself on down the path that leads to the rest of your daily chores, and you just gotta be takin’ this here truth right on along with you right into the rest of your day plum holdin’ it the way a determined lil’ ol’ raccoon guards a shiny treasure it found out behind the shed over yonder. Remember that God shows up stronger than a sunrise spillin’ warmth across a new mornin’ when His children gather with open hearts ready to receive His love and guidance. Move forward with the steady confidence of a lil’ ol’ barn owl that sho’-nuff’ knows exactly which branch will hold real firm. And keep yourself real ready, friend, because the Lord just might surprise you in the very next room you walk into.
With joy,
Gwen
