The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

One day I got to grumbling and thinking life’s unfair. I moped around all morning. I pouted with a stare. Of all the things most curious,‘twas me on that sad day! Nothing good or happy, from my lips you’d hear me say! And then I had a talk with me, I said, “Now listen, son. […]

“He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).

The Lord Jesus was totally committed to be the Redeemer. From Luke 9:51 and onward, Jesus makes His way southward to Jerusalem where He would lay down His life as the perfect Sacrifice for our sin. The cross did not surprise Him. The cross did not defeat Him. He clearly and deliberately gave Himself for us. What a precious Savior!

For today: Give thanks to the awesome Lord Jesus for His amazing gift of salvation.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

John the Apostle described the indescribable with the brief statement, “And dwelt among us.” The eternal Lord Jesus Christ entered the world He created and dwelled among the creation. He is eternal (John 1:1-2). He is the Creator (John 1:3). In His infinite grace, He dwelled among us (John 1:14). What does this mean for us today? He truly understands our situation and needs. You can fully trust Him because He really knows how you feel.

For today: Be confident that He is fully trustworthy in everything you face today.

“And he was angry and would not go in” (Luke 15:28.)

The prodigal brother returns home. Dad is throwing a party. As the older son returns from working in the field, he hears the sounds of celebration. Upon discovering that his wasteful brother had returned, a sudden surge of anger and resentment overtakes him. We can almost hear him scream at his father, recalling all his hard work and how this dad never gave him a party. Sometimes a resentment that is harbored distorts good judgment. The older brother really had everything and missed so much because he was being consumed with anger.

For today:  Do you wrestle with anger and resentment? Give it totally to the Lord. You will be glad you did. Everyone around you will be glad as well.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good…” (1 Chronicles 16:34).

King David is leading the children of Israel in worship and celebration of the goodness and glory of the Lord. They finally are bringing the ark back to the land. The importance of the ark of God could never be overstated. The Philistines captured it, but now it was being returned. Therefore, the people of Israel were giving great thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Likewise, you and I have much for which to give thanks unto Him.

For today: Far less grumbling and complaining as well as much more thanksgiving and praising will be good for you and me today.