Gather to Scatter

To gather: to come together; to assemble; to bring together and take in from scattered places.

The Thanksgiving holiday purpose is to do just that, gather together offering thanks for our blessings. Whether we gather with family, friends, or strangers, for just a moment our spirits are taken in from our scattered lives.

As God began to stir this concept of gathered, my heart went to Jesus. I want to share with you three ways we can “Gather to Scatter”.

“He protects His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them in the fold of His garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.” Isaiah 40:11 HCSB)

God loves us with an incomprehensible, agape love. That love is unconditional. It has no limitations and it is full of forgiveness and grace. There are no strings attached to that love, just simply-love.

The gift of free will allows us to be gathered or to be scattered, to choose or deny the gift of eternal life.

God longs to gather His people. Through the gift of His one and only Son Jesus Christ, He made a way for our sinful flesh to be gathered, to spend an eternity with Him. (John 3:16)

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 (HCSB)

Mamaw Mary Lois had a picture exactly like the one above, hanging in her house. As a little girl, I remember looking at that picture and wondering why the door only had one doorknob. She noticed me standing there looking and asked me why I was staring at the picture. I told her that I was trying to figure out why there was no doorknob on Jesus’ side of the door. She asked me to come sit on her lap. (I knew the reason would be a good one because she had to sit down to tell me.)

In her sweet voice she said, “Heather Renee, Jesus will never force His way into your heart. You have to choose for Him to come into your heart and be your Savior. The only doorknob is on your side.”

The gift of free will. When we choose to open the door of our heart and receive Him as our Savior, He will gather us from our scattered places to spend eternity with Him.

Has there been a time in your life when you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ?

If you question where you would spend eternity once you die, I would love to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Click this link to unfold God’s plan of salvation.

Unfolding God’s Plan of Salvation

As believers, we must gather together to disciple one another, encourage one another, and build up one another in our faith.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

There are days that I long for affirmation and encouragement as I walk my faith journey. The daily battle with my flesh is exhausting. God knew that our spirits would need one another, therefore, He created that desire for fellowship.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 (ESV)

Gather together in life group (Sunday School class). I can’t begin to tell you all of the ways the ladies in my life group pour into me. Being devoted to God’s Word together, fellowshipping together, and eating together, has truly changed my walk with Christ.

I want to give you an opportunity to “live out” Hebrews 10:24-25 and Acts 2:42. Think of one lady in your circle of influence that you can disciple, encourage, and/or build up. Invite her to your life group; go pick her up if you have to.

Grab a note card and write her name down.
Place the note card in your Bible, on your bathroom mirror, or on your refrigerator.
Everyday when you see her name, pray for her. Be intentional.

I challenge you to send her a text or even better, tell her face to face. Sweet friendships refresh the soul. (Proverbs 27:9) Pray for her, disciple her, encourage her and build her up in her faith in the name of Jesus.

As believers, we are called to scatter so we can gather. We can’t hide our light under a bushel. No! In the book of Matthew, Jesus Himself commissioned those that gathered to Him to GO, scatter to all parts of the earth with the mission “to gather others” to the faith.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. GO, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. “ Matthew 28:18-20

JESUS. There is no sweeter name on earth. The gift of eternal life is free to anyone who
believes, so we need to share that gift with others. It is SUPER easy. All you do is share what God has done and is doing in your own life. Share your story.

By Christ’s example in Luke 15:4, go after the ONE, lost sheep. Tell them about your Shepherd and His agape love-the Shepherd who paid the ultimate sacrifice with His life, so that we may have life eternal. Gather others to tell them about His forgiveness and how He casts sins as far as the east is from the west. Tell them that He is a good, good Father.

Go. Scatter. Tell. Gather.

Time to Unfold

• • Pray: Allow God to gather you in His love and restore your soul. (Psalm 23)
  • Read God’s Word: Read various accounts from the book of Acts. There are wonderful examples of gathering to scatter.
  • Do: Gather others. Invite someone to life group. Encourage and build up another lady.
  • Repeat: Keep shining your light, sharing your story, gathering, and scattering.

Gathering and scattering with you,