The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3).

It was an assignment that was too big, too hard, and too overwhelming for Timothy were it not for the Lord’s help. Timothy was to become the pastor of the work at Ephesus. It was a time of high taxes, homes splitting up, corrupt government, drunkenness, sexual sins were becoming widely accepted, and idolatry was everywhere. The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was huge in size as well as sinfulness. There is one more thing about the era in which Timothy served. Sports figures were nearly worshipped as heroes. Does this all sound familiar? Many of you are serving either as pastors or with pastors in local churches where the surrounding territory sounds just like the surroundings of Timothy. It may seem overwhelming to you sometimes. But friends, our Lord is bigger than any situation. He is stronger than any opposition. He is wiser than any human wisdom. We can trust Him wherever He has us planted. Watch what the Lord is able to do through you.

For today: It might not be Ephesus; however, the Lord has you in a situation that humanly is probably somewhat overwhelming. Timothy had to trust the Lord, and so do we.

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

The Son of God as well as God the Father (and of course the Holy Spirit, too) are very active in the life of the believer. There is a tremendous operation that is taking place often without us even sensing it, if we aren’t on the lookout! Frank was drinking coffee with a group of men who each shared the heartbreaking experience of the death of their wife. Two of the men didn’t know Christ as their Savior. Frank shared, “To be honest with you, guys, this has been the hardest thing I have ever faced. I miss my Hanna more than I can begin to say. But there is help. My pastor talked about three words in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. He talked about consolation, which means that the Lord comes alongside of us to help us. The second word hope means expectation, to look forward to with confidence. The third word is comfort which is pretty close to consolation but adds that we would be encouraged because of His teaching.” The men were quiet. “You need the Lord not only to comfort you but to be your Savior as well,” Frank said as he poked one of the men in the ribs. How will consolation, hope, and comfort affect your life today?

For today: Whatever you are facing, you don’t have to face it alone!

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).

“Hi, Dad. Hope your day went well. I am not sure what Elaine wants to talk with you about, but she’s pretty adamant that she wants to talk with her grandpa. Do you have a few minutes?” Jennifer asked. “Of course I have time to talk with my granddaughter,” Pastor Kenward said with a smile. Within a few seconds his five-year-old granddaughter was on the phone with him. “Grandpa, I want to come and live with you and Grandma. My mommy is mean. She said, ‘No more cookies.’ I eat cookies with you, Grandpa.” What a sweet moment. Grandpa gently reminded his little granddaughter that he had had to tell her mommy ‘no more cookies,’ too when she was her age. Before he could say another word he heard Elaine say to her mommy, “Grandpa is just like you!” Pastor Kenward and his daughter had a great conversation together. Later that night he thought about the generations to follow him. “Please Lord, may my inheritance be much more than just money. Please Lord help me to leave a rich spiritual inheritance for my children, grandchildren and even my great-grandchildren.” Pastor Kenward pictured his entire family. A tear came to his eyes. What are you leaving your children and grandchildren?

For today: Leaving money to your family is fine. However, there’s something far better than money to leave to your family. Leave a vibrant testimony of consistent love for Christ.

“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us” (Psalm 67:1).

What a beautiful prayer and desire. We need His mercy (His kindness in withholding what we really deserve), His blessing (His giving us what we could never merit or deserve), and His face shining upon us (this is an Old Testament request asking the Lord to look favorably upon His people. It is almost like the Psalmist is asking the Lord to smile down upon His people.) It reminds me of old preacher Lucas. One Sunday he closed the service by reminding the church family that the Lord loves them more than they could ever imagine. They smiled and nodded in appreciation. Then he said something that really stuck in their memory. He said, “Now you need to get going and remember, live in such a way that others can see His mercy, blessing, and smile in your life.” Many of his church family thought about that several times throughout the week. How about you? Is this how you are living?

For today: It is a precious reminder for us how to live for the Lord each day.

“And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles” (Nehemiah 5:6-7).

Here comes a dynamic principle, my friends. Nehemiah invested much time and effort into the rebuilding of the walls. He had sacrificed to lead the people and provide protection and direction for them. Suddenly, a major problem surfaced. The people had to mortgage their property to purchase food from the nobles. These wealthy nobles were taking advantage of them and inflicting unnecessary hardships. Nehemiah was furious. But before he lost his temper and screamed unspiritual things at these nobles, he did a marvelous thing. Some might think it rather curious. I think it is marvelous. He “consulted with himself.” He talked himself through it. I just have to wonder how many very difficult situations could be avoided if we consulted ourselves rather than reacting in anger and unpleasant words.

For today: Better talk to yourself throughout the day. Maybe it would be wise not to talk out loud. (You’ll scare people around you!) But indeed, talk with yourself before you react.