The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1).

The family was excited about going to visit their great grandfather. They all knew him as “Grandpa John.” It was a vacation they had planned long ago. Dad was off from work, and Hank, Kaitlyn, Susie, and Michael loved visiting Grandpa John. They loved to hear the stories of what it was like when he was a little boy. They enjoyed hearing the stories of his first car and how he served the Lord as a pastor in four different churches. His stories were funny and made them laugh.

But always in his conversation, Grandpa John would say, “Oh but family, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever. With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations. God has been faithful to me. He has met my every need and blessed me in ways that are hard to describe.” The smile on his face confirmed that he meant what he said. Though he could hardly see, and even though his hearing was gone, and even though he spent every day in a wheelchair, Grandpa John knew the mercies of his God and appreciated His faithfulness.

For today: Trust the Lord. He has tons of mercy and will be faithful to you.

In Whom!

I have several verses for us today in our Daily Prescription that start with the words “In Whom.” I know these verses will be a blessing. Just think of this.

“In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

“In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).

“In Whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:13a).

“In Whom after you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13b).

When you read these verses and really consider once again the amazing Savior Who gave His all for us, like me you will be deeply touched and want to love Him more and more.

Wonderful Savior is Christ Jesus my Lord.
Throughout eternity He’s worshipped and adored.
Today I will serve Him and love Him for sure.
His grace is glorious and we’re eternally secure.

For today: Before long you will probably hear the words “Have a good day” somewhere along your journey. As a believer, thinking of these verses and what the Lord has done for us will give us far better than “a good day!”

King David faced every kind of battle and enemy strategy during his lifetime. That’s what makes his writings so powerful to me. He not only was open and honest with the terror that surrounded him. He also was very open and honest about telling us that he totally needed the Lord and depended on Him.

Come with me to Psalm 28.

“Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise Him” (Psalm 28:6-7).

David’ supplications (6).
David’s strength and shield (7a).
David’s song (7b).

My friend, this is much more than a simple outline. This is the believer’s life lived out in the strength and help of the Lord as a result of our earnest prayer and the intention to trust Him. The end result will be a song that the Lord Himself puts in our hearts.

For today: It’s true, my friend. Regardless of where you are or what you are experiencing, if you know Christ as your Savior, remember this. We don’t know how long David’s supplications took place. But throughout the experience, God’s strength and shielding was something that caused such a song for David. It will be true of us as well as we trust Him.

It reminds me of a conversation between a grandchild and his grandfather.

“Grandpa, don’t you ever worry ‘bout stuff?” young William asked.
“Well, Billy, let me put it this way,” Grandpa said as he leaned back in his rocking chair. “I care a lot about people and things they face. But the way I figure is this. When folks are hurting, if I can I share because of course I care. But even if I can’t share I still have prayer. I leave it there!”

Think of these two verses.

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods” (Psalm 24:1-2).

It is easy to trust the Lord when everything is going well.
It is easy to trust the Lord when the bills are all paid.
It is easy to trust the Lord when all the family members are well.
It is easy to trust the Lord when there are no problems, trials, or heartaches taking place.

But it is when things are not going so well and hard days have taken place that we really learn to trust the One Who possesses not only the fulness of the world, but also those who dwell therein. Friends, if the Lord can care and uphold the entire world, He can take care of each of us.

For today: Good advice from Grandpa. Don’t ignore your problems. Do keep focused on the Lord.

In the first Epistle of Peter, he closes with a powerful benediction and reminder of our awesome God. Though our God is beyond measure in mercy, grace, kindness, and love, I know that it is important for me to remember just how awesome He is in majesty and splendor as well. Peter really puts this in powerful and pointed words. Think of it!

“To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen” (1 Peter 5:11).

The word “glory” is doxa (DOX-ah) and means “the estimation of being held in highest honor and glory. The highest respect is held because of the magnificence and majesty of one’s appearance.”

The word “dominion” is kratos (KRAT-os) which means “manifested power, force, strength, and might.”

How awesome will be that day when face to face the redeemed of the ages bow before the Lord and sing and share in His glory. Our hearts will be filled with awe at the manifested power of His great name. We shall behold Him in all of His glory (John 17:24).

For today: May the future certainty bring about present joy and praise to the Lord today.