The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

It seemed like it came out of the blue. Certainly, it was unexpected to the pastor and his wife. But it didn’t catch the Lord by surprise. Let me tell you about it.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Pastor Micah and his wife were very happy in their present ministry. The church family was growing, and there was a sweet fellowship within the body of believers. In fact, great things were taking place as the Lord was truly working and blessing.

But suddenly, within a very short period of time, three letters from different pulpit committees and one search committee letter from a Bible college had come to them asking them to prayerfully consider coming and serving with them. They had not placed his resume in circulation nor had they asked other pastors to submit their names to churches seeking a pastor. These letters were totally unsolicited.

They loved where they were serving. However, they wanted to do the Lord’s will. How would they ever choose? How would they know what the Lord wanted them to do? More about this tomorrow. Perhaps you today are facing a major decision. While it might not be exactly like the one Pastor Micah and his wife faced, it is still a major decision. The good news is that we can know His will and plan for us.

What wonderful security: I love that tremendous security of knowing that He is in charge and we just have to be available and open to His will. Isn’t Romans 12:1-2 challenging as well as a blessing?

“The king shall joy in Thy strength, O LORD; and in Thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!” (Psalm 21:1).

Written by the king himself, David powerfully and personally expresses the source of his strength. Kings typically promote their own greatness, accomplishments, wealth, and the vastness of their armies.

On one hand arrogance is often manifested in the heart of a king (Daniel 4:27-30).
On the other hand, sometimes kings become so paranoid (Matthew 2:16) that they do outrageous things as they seek to protect their thrones.

How different is the precious King David. He realized the true source of strength available to him. I need to remember that that wonderful strength is available to me as well. How about you? How will this affect you today?

I am sensing a deep joy in this: King David really knew the source of his strength. So do we! Though we are weak, He is strong. In Him I am going to trust. How about you?

For most of us, the very thought that the Lord cares about us, loves us dearly, and paid such a severe price to save us is an overwhelming thought indeed. If you are anything like me, you feel so unworthy to be so loved by such a One.

That’s what grace is all about. Come with me to a verse that pulls back the curtain of the Lord’s most intimate affection for His people. It takes places a very brief time before His death for us.

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15).

It would not be long before the betrayer, Judas, would arrive with the band of officers to bind and arrest the Lord Jesus. Calvary was only hours away. I don’t think there could have been any tenderer, intimate words spoken by the Lord Jesus.

There is a closeness in His words.
There is tremendous compassion in His words.
There is connection in His words. “I have called you friends.”

What else could be said? If you know Christ as your Savior, stop and think about this right now. He loves you! He cares about you! You are special to Him. How thrilled we ought to be to remember that we are special to Him. Amazing, isn’t it?

“Everything just seems so uncertain right now,” he said with a very genuine note of concern in his voice. “Israel is being attacked at every turn, and sometimes I wonder if we really are a good ally. Our culture is becoming more and more wicked. The most dangerous place in all the world for a child seems to be in the womb. I hear some politicians talk and doubt whether they are being honest or not. Everything seems so uncertain right now,” he concluded.

Oh, but friends, there is great certainty! Those who belong to the Lord Jesus are very concerned for others. We want people of every nationality and ethnicity to come to know Christ as their Savior. But in the midst of a spiraling culture, we do indeed have certainty. There are dozens of things we could rejoice in today. However, think of just a couple of wonderful certainties that we believers share right now.

God is still ruling! “But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” This wonderful certainty is found in Psalm 115:3. He is in charge.

Christ is still saving! “All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” This incredible certainty is found in John 6:37. Oh, how many people all around us need the Lord. As long as they are alive, don’t rule anyone out. He is able to save and change lives today.

The gospel is still transforming! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” This amazing certainty is found in Romans 1:16.

My friend was right. There are many things taking place right now that cause us to pray and trust Him in greater ways. Just remember, our Savior is with us now, and He is coming for us in the future. There’s lots of certainty in this spiritually dark culture. Shine, my friends, and be encouraged today.

Recently the mother of a dear friend of mine went Home to be with the Lord. My friend shared with me how they went through their mom’s Bible and discovered that she had underlined Psalm 91:14-16. Let me share these verses today, and as you read them thoughtfully and carefully, you too will find such great joy in them that they will be underlined in your hearts if not in your actual copy of God’s Word.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (Psalm 91:14-16).

We could speak for weeks of the blessings contained in these verses. For today, if you are one of the Lord’s family members, think of this. You can call upon the Lord! I can’t just phone up the president of the United States. I can’t stop by my governor’s office for a chat. However! You and I can call upon the Lord.

What a privilege!
What a blessing!

Call upon Him. This involves coming to Him at all times. Our prayer life ought to be somewhat of a running conversation throughout the day. We don’t make speeches to Him. We simply talk with Him as His beloved children.

Perhaps a good reminder for myself and my friends: Probably a little less time on our devices and more time with our Savior would be good for all of us. Go ahead; He’s ready to listen. Enjoy your talks with Him today.