The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will show to you today…” (Exodus 14:13a).

Moses and the children of Israel were well out of Egypt when God suddenly told Moses to turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea” (Exodus 14:2). Pharaoh, in a wicked fury, hotly pursued the children of Israel to overtake them and bring the survivors as slaves. Moses and the people had turned and were entrapped with the Red Sea straight ahead. There was no place to run with this huge company. There was no hope. No way out. That’s just how it looked to the people. But God! Yes, the Lord was in control and had a plan. On that basis Moses was instructed to quiet the people and watch what God Himself was going to do in this “hopeless” situation. What is your “hopeless” situation today? The same Lord Who opened the Sea for them is the same One Who can carry you through your “hopeless” situation.

For today: I need to do a lot more fearing not, standing still and watching what God can do! How about you?

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will show to you today…” (Exodus 14:13a).

Moses and the children of Israel were well out of Egypt when God suddenly told Moses to turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea” (Exodus 14:2). These places may not be familiar to most of us. But the important thing to see is that the children of Israel were a huge company and God suddenly told them to turn and head straight toward the Red Sea. From a human point of view, it would be logical to keep moving straight, and speaking of moving, to pick up the step and get as far away from Egypt as possible. Who knew if Pharaoh would suddenly change his mind and pursue them (which of course, he does!) What a grand lesson for us in all of this. Sometimes the Lord moves in ways that defy human logic. God brought the children of Israel into a place where the Red Sea was before them, and Pharaoh would block them off from behind. It doesn’t make sense, does it? Oh, but give God time, and it will make sense indeed because our awesome God is sovereign and knows just what He’s doing. More about this tomorrow.

For today: Embrace the truth that God is in control even when you cannot understand at the moment what He is doing.

“Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold I am vile: what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth” (Job 40:1-4).

Bitterness seemed to be settling in on the corner table of the local diner as three men were drinking coffee and eating some breakfast. Two believers who were deeply burdened for the third man were meeting with him and seeking to help him through these difficult days. Spewing hot words of anger and bitterness, Roy’s words revealed his resentment toward the Lord for the current problems through which he was living. Finally, one of the believers gently said to him, “Roy, we love you. We do not for a moment minimize your sorrow and hurt. But when Job heard from the Lord, he understood that the Lord is God and he was not. In fact, Roy, think about this. You have really spouted off about the Lord. Job declared that he was vile and covered his mouth.” There was silence at the table for a moment. But actually it really was the turning point for Roy.

For today: How does this affect you today? I want to be careful what I say about the Lord’s plans for my life. I am as vile as Job and need to cover my mouth! How about you?

“And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man” (Acts 10:25-26).

He was ruggedly handsome. Standing at 6’7” he towered over his peers. His voice commanded attention, and his presence often intimidated people. He wore the finest suits and always looked like a successful leader. However! And with that one word “however,” everything changes. The word “however” means “nevertheless; on the other hand; in spite of that!” Though everything looked so wonderful and professional, there was a problem. This ruggedly handsome, towering man was so conceited, so arrogant, so full of pride that many people couldn’t stand to be around him! However! Although Peter had plenty on his resume that very few will ever get to write, he knew Who the Lord is and who he was! He told the waiting Cornelius, “I myself also am a man.” What a great reminder for each of us. It’s nice to be appreciated. But it is always important to remember our place. We are sinners saved by grace.

For today: How awesome is our Lord. What grace to reach so very far down to work in our lives!

“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

Several leaders of various ministries were booked on the same flight. As they sat at the gate, they enjoyed the fellowship they shared in the work of the gospel and the ministry of the Lord. Quietly, away from the growing crowd, these leaders spoke with heavy hearts. As they were participating in the same conference, they knew that the church to which they were traveling was about the only healthy church in the area. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could return to the situation of Acts 9:31?” one of the leaders said to the others. “Honestly. This progress report is so powerful. Let’s pray that it will be so,” he concluded. Friends, for me to ask if this description is true in your local church, I have to ask if it is true in your life. I’m asking myself the same thing.

For today: Remember that your church is a reflection of each member’s personal walk with the Lord.