Some of my fondest memories of childhood were the family gatherings that would take place at my grandparent’s home at the holidays. My mom had two sisters so all the aunts, uncles and cousins would flood my grandparents home bringing food, gifts and laughter. We would sit around the kitchen table and enjoy sweet fellowship. My grandparents loved having everyone there under one roof at the same time. When my grandparents transitioned to Heaven, I brought home their long, oak kitchen table. I admit that I am a very sentimental person, and this table holds immense value in my heart because of the memories it holds. It has continued to provide space for loving memories to be made in relationships with my family and friends.
Recently, I had a heavenly encounter in which I was in a living room FULL of people! In my spirit I heard “from every nation, tribe, people and language..”
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in the front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb,” (Revelations 7:9-10, NIV).
The living room was a hub of activity. People were in the library gathering wisdom. Others were eating at the table together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Some were surrounding a grand piano and were singing and making music. In my spirit I heard “thriving community.” I felt such unity and a sense of being of “one accord.”
Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify and praise and honor the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept and welcome one another, just as Christ has accepted and welcomed us to the glory of our great God, (Romans 15:5-7, AMP)
There was such a joy of being together and growing together. Sharing life together in the family of God is one of the greatest gifts we can share. Jesus came to earth to open the door to fellowship and family through his sacrifice as the Lamb of God. If you are not currently connected to a spiritual community, I encourage you to find a group of Christ followers that you can begin to grow with and enjoy. This time on earth is like the gatherings at my grandparent’s home. It is here today and will fade with time. But all of these precious moments are only practice and a shadow of the things to come, when we all gather in the living room in Heavenly places, enjoying loving family for eternity…
Steps in Pursuit
- Take some time this week to remember moments in your life, that you enjoyed fellowship with family or friends over a meal. Allow your heart to expand with the positive feelings that it stirs. Release any tension from your week and allow yourself to rest as you reflect.
- Consider visiting a community church or group of Christ followers that would give you a place to explore and grow your spirit.
- Focus on the things that you find in common with others, building loving connections, rather than focusing on differences, which bring division.
There is so much life and joy to be found in loving community! Let’s be of one accord in making our surrounding community a beautiful place to live and grow.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
