“The Lord Wants to ‘Gather’ You to Himself”

October 2021

Dear friend,

Greetings to you in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ! October is one of my favorite months. I think the whole year points to the time of harvest. Many fruits and vegetables are being gathered in preparation of winter. The leaves are turning colors and the air has a scent unlike any other time of year. It was in October of 1975 I had my first personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, who came into my life and forgave me of my sins. I marvel at the grace and mercy of God, who saved me and has kept me all these years! I am the recipient of the measureless love of God.

It is interesting to me that the Bible speaks of spring time, summer, and winter, but calls autumn “harvest” or “in-gathering.” Some of the most difficult work is done during the time of harvest, yet it is the most glorious because of what comes forth. When a good crop is gathered there is rejoicing! So it is with our lives. The Lord Jesus once said, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). The Lord wants to “gather” you to Himself, not when you die, but right now while you are living! What a beautiful thought, that the King of the universe, the Redeemer of all mankind, the One who died for our sins would want to bring you close to Himself and be able to speak to you and bless you and comfort you with His peace that passes all understanding! The King of kings and Lord of lords has an interest in you!

Sometimes when troubles seem to get the best of me I tend to look down. But all through the Bible the Lord tells us to look up! There are some interesting things God told Moses in the Old Testament about the time of in-gathering. Many of the men were nervous about attending the 3 services God required of all the men of Israel. They didn’t want to leave their land, lest the enemy came and destroyed their fields, or would take advantage of the men being gone and rob them. One of the feasts was at the end of the year when the men were to gather together and bring sacrifices to the Lord for all His goodness to them. The Lord told them He would cast out all enemies and would enlarge their borders. And then He said, “Neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord thy God thrice in the year” (Exodus 34:24). I believe the Lord places a certain protection around every believer who attends their church services in order to serve the Lord. We attend church to renew our vows to the Lord, hear the inspired Word of God, and to share our blessings with others. Many times when I have gone to church or worked in the ministries I have said a little prayer, “Lord, please watch over my stuff and protect us all.” I believe the Lord doesn’t want you to worry about any of your possessions while you are serving Him. If He has to station an angel at your house or car while you are serving the Lord, I believe He will! We are partners with Him in the Gospel.

We are at a time in history that the Bible says the Lord will watch over His people in such a way that they will gather in His blessings and see His promises fulfilled. But it is also a time where we need to be brave and courageous, a time to watch and pray, lest we lose those things that He has given us up to this point. Our confidence must be in the Lord who called us to His kingdom. Our faith is in Him who loves us. Our hope is eternal life that the Lord Jesus sacrificed so much to give us. The Bile says, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:9).

May God bless you this month and always! Come join us as we worship the Lord on Sunday morning at 10 am. We will also live stream our services on Sunday at 10 am and 7 pm, and Wednesday at 7:30 pm. Just go the Full Gospel Lighthouse Church Facebook page and you will find us there!

                                        Sincerely,

                                        Rev. Daniel Bossidy