The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).

Recently I have been going through the book of Hebrews in my devotional reading. This verse stopped me and once again gripped my heart. The preceding verse concludes, “We may serve God acceptably, with reverence and Godly fear.” We ask ourselves why this is necessary. The answer is because our God is a consuming fire. Wow! I am not a grumpy old legalist. Really, I am not. But I am very concerned that in today’s culture of casualness, we have lost sight of the fear of God. What a good thing to remember today, that our God is worthy of our respect and worship. He is a consuming fire.

For today: May your genuine love for God be demonstrated in your genuine reverence of Him.

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee…” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

Yesterday our country stopped to remember those who have paid dearly for our freedoms. Many are paying a great price on our behalf. However, we also must remember the severe price our Lord paid for us. Not only did He purchase our salvation, but He also leads, guides, and directs our lives. The children of Israel, walking through the wilderness, were instructed to remember how the Lord led them for forty years. God provided food and water, safety and protection, as well as tons of forgiveness through their wilderness journey.

For today: Think back over your life and discover once again the joy of God’s leading in your life.

“And thou shalt remember the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Today is Memorial Day. Many view it as the start of summer, and it will be marked with parades, picnics, and family time. Memorial Day actually was previously known as Decoration Day. Union soldiers laid flowers on the graves of those who had fallen in the Civil War as an act of remembering them. This is a great time to remember those who have dearly paid for our freedoms, and to pray for those who are in harm’s way today. But it is a far greater thing to stop and remember today the One who gave His all for you.

For today: In the busyness of your picnics and parades, don’t forget the Lord Jesus!

“…Be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5b)

Yesterday the prescription was to live without covetousness. This simply stated means living without loving money. This is hard for some. However, the end result is wonderful. The less we love money, the more will be our contentment. Did you know that the basic meaning of contentment is “to be satisfied.” This is a good time to really ask yourself, “What does it take to satisfy me?” Don’t misunderstand. We do have basic and genuine needs that must be met. But how much of this world’s goods does it take to satisfy you? Give it some thought today. Perhaps you need to refocus on the Lord.

For today: Contentment is not being lazy. It is being satisfied with what God gives you.

“Let your manner of life be without covetousness” (Hebrews 13:5a).

For those who learn to apply this truth and live it out, a wonderful, releasing freedom from bondage will be discovered. The word “covetousness” simply means “not to love money.” This doesn’t mean that income is unnecessary. It just means that money is not the object of our passion, love, and devotion. When the Lord Jesus holds His rightful place in our hearts, we then will have a right view of money. What will this lead to? Check back tomorrow!

For today: We need to pray that the Lord will help us to love and serve Him. Then we will wisely view the role of money in our lives.