The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

You probably already know this about me. I love words. Probably there are many times that I have too many words to use. Some folks have the wonderful ability to be able to say things in a clear and concise manner. Even though I try my best, sometimes my words are simply “too many.”

As a result of my love of words, I receive a daily email from “Words Trivia.” Recently the word of the day was “procrastinate.” The four possibilities for meaning were: A. make decisions quickly B. delegate tasks C. delay or postpone action D. take immediate action.

Of course, you know the answer to this trivia is C. Procrastinate is a verb meaning to “delay, to put off until another day or time.” Years ago there was a prank gift that could be purchased that spoke to those who procrastinated. It was a small round wooden piece with the wording “TUIT” on it. That was supposed to be given to those who say, “I will do it when I get around to it!”

There is a difference between “waiting on the Lord” and delaying our response to Him and His Word. I pray that my many subscribers and I won’t be procrastinators when it comes to spiritual things. Allow me to share several Scripture verses with you. These really are both a challenge and blessing to me.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
“I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:60). That could be translated “I was quick to respond and to keep His commandments.”

Well, I have been procrastinating to say “good-bye” for now, but I guess I need to “get a round to it!” Seriously, may our awesome Lord bless you on the journey today. Don’t delay responding to His Word.

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8).

Tony and his dad stood at the door of Harry and Trudy’s. A few minutes earlier these homeowners had discovered that their newly installed decorative fence had been destroyed. Now Tony was humbly expressing his apologies for breaking it. Wouldn’t you know he had been showing off on his motorcycle! Several of the young ladies from his school were the objects of his attempts to make an impression. They were impressed to say the least! Offering to pay for the fence, Tony again sincerely apologized.

After glancing at his wife, Harry said, “Well, to be honest, at first I was pretty upset about the fence. But now that I hear the entire story, I remember the time I rammed into my principal’s car at school trying to impress a pretty young lady who is now standing beside me! The most important thing I want you to know is that there have been plenty of times that I have been given lots of mercy and grace from the Lord. It appears to me that I now have the chance to extend a little mercy and grace to you.”

Together the four of them agreed that mercy and grace are wonderful. Tony still had to pay for the fence, but the offense was graciously handled. How about you? Is there someone to whom you might show some mercy and grace today?

Be on the lookout to demonstrate grace and mercy today. I don’t want what I deserve. I rejoice in mercy and grace. How about you?

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But Thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me” (Psalm 41:9-10).

Yesterday we thought of the horrible wound David experienced at the rebellion of his son Absalom and the bitter sting of betrayal by his close friend Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12, 31). In a wicked move of rebellion, Absalom stole the hearts of the people away from his father David. Ahithophel came to the aid of Absalom and as David says, he “lifted up his heel against me.” There was a further tragedy to this statement. Hundreds of years later a greater One than David would experience a greater betrayal. This verse is quoted as being fulfilled by none other than Judas Iscariot in the affliction of betrayal upon the Lord Jesus.

“I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me” (John 13:18).
So, friend, as much it hurts, the Lord Jesus understands the pain of betrayal. In fact, if you have ever been betrayed, you are in good company. King David and the Lord Jesus Christ (as well as hundreds of believers) know how you feel. What great help is available to you from the Lord Himself!

For today: I will grieve when I am betrayed, but I will also rejoice. I share with Christ in a special fellowship (Philippians 3:10).

Rejection. Perhaps you have experienced it. What a raw and jagged wound we experience when someone we love and trust betrays us and rejects our love. Think of this probing verse today.

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. But Thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me” (Psalm 41:9-10).

King David writes of an extremely painful wound he had experienced. We believe that he writes of the horrific rebellion of his own son Absalom. If this is the case, the familiar friend that betrayed David was none other than Ahithophel, David’s own personal counselor (2 Samuel 15:12). On top of all the chaos and grief that came from David’s own son, it was extremely painful when David was told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom” (2 Samuel 15:31).

Betrayal is a horrible wound inflicted by one with whom one has previously enjoyed closeness and fellowship. It deeply hurts to be betrayed. Perhaps you have felt this bitter wound. More about this tomorrow. For now, let me briefly remind you that if you have been betrayed, the Lord Jesus fully understands just how you feel. He can help you through this.

For today: Here is something that I know people have prayed. If ever I experience betrayal, please help me, Lord, to lean heavily on You. I know Lord that You understand.

“The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:7).

What a grand hymn of faith and exaltation is Psalm 46. The sons of Korah presented powerful tributes to the LORD God in this psalm. He is our Refuge and Strength (46:1a). He is a very present Help in troublesome situations (46:1b). Even if the worst thing in the entire world should happen to us, we do not have to be overwhelmed with fear (46:2-3). The LORD is present and powerful (46:4-6), and amazingly, this is the LORD that commands armies and conquers in warfare (46:7).

He is the LORD of Hosts. This speaks of His victorious and glorious power. He commands the innumerable armies of Heaven. Best of all, He is with us! How will this powerful, powerful truth play out in your life today?

For today: The Lord of innumerable armies is with us. WOW! I am weak, but He is strong!