The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34).

Aren’t you glad that the Lord Jesus does not view people as inconvenient interruptions? Aren’t you glad that our awesome Lord doesn’t become aggravated with us and consider us to be a nuisance? Please understand that such knowledge doesn’t lead to careless living. In fact, it is just the opposite. Loving and appreciating the Lord’s graciousness only causes the believer to seek to honor Him in greater ways. This was truly the blessing that Mark and Jessica came to exemplify. One night as they had the opportunity to share their story with a friend, Mark quietly said, “We were wandering in life. Everything seemed to be without purpose for us. Slowly we started learning about Christ, and we discovered that He indeed is compassionate and that He has reached out to us. What an amazing Savior He is! We’re so glad that He is our Savior and Shepherd. We just wish everyone knew Him!”

For today: Aren’t you glad that the Lord is awesome and compassionate? Don’t you wish everyone knew Him?

“And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee” (Psalm 9:10).

It is a biblical principle that rings true for every believer today. The more we study and learn about the Lord, the greater will be our trust in Him. That doesn’t mean that life is going to be simple and easy for Christians. It doesn’t mean that Christians will always be happy. It does, however, mean that the more you know Him personally, the stronger you will be and the deeper will be your confidence in Him even in days of adversity. I can tell you from personal experience that in the worst of days, even in the midst of grief and heartache, you can trust the Lord and be confident in His plan and purpose. Even when you cannot understand what He is doing, you can trust Him. You can believe Him. You can be confident in Him.

For today: These aren’t hollow words that are meaningless. They have been tested and found to be true in every generation since King David wrote them. Get to know the Lord better, and you’ll be glad that you did.

“Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints” (Psalm 149:1).

Across America church buildings have been empty and the sounds of praise have been silent. While this is very difficult for both pastors and people, we need to remember that this silence is only taking place in the building; it is not taking place in the lives of His people. What great opportunities to proclaim the wonders of the Lord! Emails, social media, livestreams, audio recordings, postings across America and around the world are proclaiming the wonders of our great God. While none of these can ever replace the assembling of God’s people together, please be assured that even in these days of worldwide pandemic, God’s people are still praising and singing His new song. May you today be lifting your voice and exalting your awesome God.

For today: The buildings may have been empty for a few weeks, but the church is alive and praising the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

Bonita would be facetiming with two ladies this morning. Cheryl would meet with her at 10:00 and Kara at 11:00. Both had been attending the ladies’ Bible study at church that she was teaching. Cheryl is a new believer, trusting Christ to be her Savior about a year ago. She has a deep respect and a sense of awe of the Lord. Kara, on the other hand, has attended the study group more for its social time and has never given clear evidence of personally knowing the Lord. She at times is argumentative, and many are praying for her. The 10:00 meeting with Cheryl was delightful. It was evident that she was growing as a believer because she first feared Him. The 11:00 meeting with Kara was another story. She had little respect for the Lord. What a picture of Cheryl and Kara were. Bonita thought of how wise Solomon was to remind his son that genuine wisdom, knowledge, and instruction begin with fearing God.

For today: Do you want to be wise? It starts with fearing God. The big question is, do you fear Him?

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Across the small town, three different believers would remember this verse. Two days ago I introduced the firefighter Frank and how he needed to walk by faith regarding his family. Yesterday I introduced Helen to you. She was the elderly widow who would soon move from her home to live with family. She needed to walk by faith and not by sight as well. Now let me tell you Pastor Kenward’s experience. He was teaching a class in the Bible institute, and while he hadn’t planned on this question, it was a good one. A sophomore student’s hand went up, and the professor stopped to take the question. This young mother, as the tears began streaming down her cheeks, asked, “Dr. Kenward, I know that we are supposed to live by faith and not by sight. But right now I’m going through the most difficult situation I’ve ever faced. How do you deal with things that are hard?” The Bible institute professor knew that this was a tremendous opportunity for every member of the class to embrace truth. Quietly he said, “In the most profoundly difficult times of my life, when I felt like I couldn’t face another day, I’ve learned more about the Lord and His ways than at any other time. I have a lot yet to learn, but this I know. His Word says in Hebrews 11:6, ‘Without faith it is impossible to please Him.’ For me, faith is knowing my Father and relying fully upon Him. Therefore, I will believe when I cannot see, trust when I do not understand, and obey when the situation doesn’t make sense to me.” With that he stepped away from the classroom notes, and the rest of the evening was invested in remembering that faith comes from reading and applying the Word and investing time with Him. Frank, Helen, the Professor, and each of us must learn those same lessons.

For today: How does walking by faith and not by sight impact your life?