This Day in History: 0000-06-08

June 8 – Matthew 18:19-20

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.”

Our God cares about community! He did not design us to go it alone.  Yet, how often do we keep our troubles and trials and temptations to ourselves?  How often do we try to deal with these things in secret?  Even worse, how often do we look down upon, or shame another who’s issues have, for whatever reason, come into the open? My friends, this should not be! It’s not what God intended for His precious church! He designed us to function as one.  When one of us hurts, we should all hurt.  When one of us is broken, we should all be broken.  When one of us is healing, we should all heal!  And when one of us has a victory, we should all be victorious together!

What stands in our way?  What’s keeping us from gathering together as His followers?  Is it pride? Is it shame? Is it fear?  Because whatever it is, it’s standing in the way of victory! We need each other.  The Bible says here that if two of us agree in prayer, the Father will do whatever we ask! So, if there is anything that we’re trying to handle alone, what we desperately need is the prayers of another.  Even better, the prayers of many.  The Bible says too, that we should confess our sins to one another because the prayers of a righteous person will accomplish much.

So, let’s humble ourselves! Let’s speak truth to our shame and remember there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Let’s remember we are His dearly loved children, and perfect love casts out fear.  Let’s join together and pray.  Let’s ask God for victory over sin, not just in our own lives, but in the lives of our brothers and sisters.  Let’s ask God for guidance, direction, and His mighty power to overwhelm our lives.  Let’s share our troubles. Let’s share our victories. Let’s gather together in His name, as His followers, knowing that He’s right there among us, and let’s ask for every single thing that we can agree upon as being in line with Scripture.  And finally, let’s live in faith, knowing that we have what we ask.