The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Remember, O LORD, Thy tender mercies and Thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old” (Psalm 25:6).

Two businessmen seated next to each other were riding the rapid transit out of town. Soon after the train departed from the station, Ken, who is a Christian, pulled his Bible out of his briefcase and started to read. This intrigued the man seated next to him who was devoutly religious but not a Christian. “So, I see you reading your Holy Book. May I ask what you are reading?” he asked Ken. “Sure, you may ask. I was just reading in the Psalms and have read again of my God’s tender mercies and His lovingkindness which have existed forever.” Ken had a great opportunity to share his testimony with the traveler who grew very quiet and listened intently. The miles flew past. Just before it was time for him to exit the train, the traveler said, “What time will you be heading in to work tomorrow? I want to know more about your God. The only god I have ever heard of is angry all the time. He is never spoken of as being kind. I would like to talk with you more tomorrow.” How about you? Do you personally know the Lord? Have you experienced His tender mercies and lovingkindness?

For today: Isn’t it wonderful to know that our all-powerful amazing God has tender mercies and treats us with lovingkindness?

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:9).

“Be careful for nothing.” To be honest, that sounds somewhat strange, doesn’t it? It sounds like I am to be careless. Not so! The word “careful” has to do with “anxiousness, fretting, worrying.” The text actually is teaching us not to become overly fretful about situations, but rather to bring them to the Lord. Even when we bring the situation to the Lord, it doesn’t mean that we will be uncaring and unfeeling. Whatever you are facing today, in your greatest need, you do not have to become overwhelmed with anxiety. Bring it to the Lord. Talk with Him. He’s waiting to hear from you.

For today: I am so glad that I can talk to the Lord about anything and everything. How about you?

“But the LORD shall endure for ever: He hath prepared His throne for judgment” (Psalm 9:7)

Luke, a professional writer, was talking with Allen, an internet technology specialist. “I am really so angry with myself, Allen,” Luke said. “Yesterday I was having a really successful day of writing. It was one of those wonderful days when the words just flowed. I wrote over twenty pages when I was ready to take a break. Just as I stood up to stretch and get a cup of coffee, the power went out. When it came back on, everything was gone,” Luke said with a sigh and a lament. “It is inescapable that everything in life is temporary,” Allen said. “Everything is temporary except the Lord. Did you know, Luke that the Bible says the LORD shall endure forever? The Lord exists forever. That has been a blessing to me over the years,” Allen continued. “Oh, and by the way, Luke, cheer up. I know the computer program you are using. I doubt that it is completely gone. Let me take a look,” Allen said with a smile. “Yep! There it is, good friend. I’m not sure your manuscript will endure forever. But it did today!”

For today: Aren’t you glad that you belong to the Lord that endures forever!

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Danielle and her family were enjoying watching the games. It was amazing to see the athletes strain, stretch their legs, swing their arms, and reach for the finish line with every ounce of energy. Before they could hardly catch their breath, a reporter had a microphone in the winner’s face after asking, “How do you feel?” Though gasping, Larrimoire said, “This is a big finish for me today. But a bigger one is coming. I’m pressing for the prize that God will give me someday because He’s my Savior.” The reporter didn’t give him much more on-air time. It was just enough for Danielle to have a great chance to take time with her children and talk of eternal things. How about us? It’s important to remember that we do not work for salvation, but since we have trusted Christ for salvation, we need to serve Him with eagerness. What a great finish line lies ahead!

For today: I want to press toward the mark. How about you?

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Three children were in the backyard, and each was discussing their dad and how each dad is apparently stronger than any of the other dads! Jim flat out said, “My dad is the president of the bank. He has so much money that he has to lock it all away at night.” Aubrey replied saying, “That’s nothing. My dad owns a store. He has so much money that he has cash registers to keep it in.” Not to be outdone, Adelynn said, “That’s nothing. My dad is the pastor, and he has so much money that it takes eight men to carry it all every Sunday.” We smile at such shenanigans. But just stop and think of how strong, rich, wise, and powerful our Heavenly Father really is! He is able to do exceeding abundantly above what we could ever imagine. I’m glad that I belong to such an awesome Father. How about you?

For today: What a wonderful Savior to Whom we belong. Watch how this works out in your life today!