James Banks- African gazelles instinctively form "alert circles" while resting on the Savannah. They gather in groups with each animal facing outward in a slightly different direction.

This enables them to scan the horizon a full 360 degrees and to communicate about approaching dangers or opportunities.(Google image, Gazelles in a group)

Instead of looking out only for themselves, the members of the group take care of one another. This is also God's wisdom for followers of Jesus. The Bible encourages us, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Christians were never intended to go it alone, explains the writer of Hebrews Together we are stronger. We're able to "[encourage] one another" (v. 25), to "comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:4), and to help each other stay alert to the efforts of our enemy the devil who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

The goal of our care for each other is so much more than survival. It's to make us like Jesus: loving and effective servants of God in this world—people who together look forward confidently to the hope of His coming kingdom. All of us need encouragement, and God will help us help each other as together we draw near to Him in love. (Our Daily Bread 11/14/19)

Let's pray-

Father, "Today I choose to love others as You have loved me, and pray that Your Love will control my behavior toward my family and friends. I resist the compulsion to talk when others are silent; I will not be dismayed when I can’t "fix it." Lord, I thank you for your steadfastness to each of Your children. You will never leave us nor forsake us. You are always with us.
You sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Teacher and Guide. You remind us that God’s grace is always sufficient, and He will direct our paths of righteousness. You are upholding us with your victorious right hand in the name of Jesus. Germine Copland

Scripture References: John 13:24; James 1:19; John 14:16 (AMP) Isaiah 41:10; John 15:26; Hebrews 13:5

191-195 of 200 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more this week-

191- Ps. 5:3 "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

192- Ps. 38:15 "For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God."

193- Ps. 66:18 "If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me."

194- Rom. 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

195- Rom. 14:12 "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

Today's quotes-

~ Andrea Merrell- (From Seasons of Waiting) "You don’t always have to know all the answers or figure everything out for yourself. Trust God … with all your heart. He’s got your back, and He alone will direct your path.

Unfortunately, waiting is a part of life. I find myself waiting in line at the grocery store, at the bank, and in the drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant. I wait as my call is put on hold. Many times I wait for the check to come in the mail and for that special item to go on sale. But sometimes the waiting goes deeper and becomes more intense . . . "

Waiting

Waiting for answers

Is part of God's plan.

To strengthen our faith

Though we can't understand.

We don't like to wait,

We want answers now.

We know He could grant them

Of course He knows how.

Yet He puts us on hold . . .

Doesn't give us a reason

For His plans yield fruit

In His perfect season.

So while we are waiting

He helps us to grow,

And when He is ready

His answers we'll know.

Frances Gregory Pasch

(Used by permission)

Words of wisdom-

~ We're to be fully equipped to be able to serve Christ. We need all the armor of God to be successful in our mission.

~ Demons are just as active as when Jesus was here. That's why we need to wear the armor of God daily.

Today's guest post-

Freedom to Pursue Your God-inspired Vision

Jane Ault

“Oh, why do I want to do everything!

These are the words I spoke to my husband after a discussion about my commitments for the coming week, month, and year. I resist boundaries. Like the sheep who breaks through the fence and leaves the safety of the pasture, I often wander into dangerous territory . . . "

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam NY church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)