The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:3-4).

David was not confident in himself, his armies, or his battle strategy. Even if outnumbered by his foe, David reports a sense of confidence in the Lord. This confidence had nothing to do with his military prowess. David speaks of his confidence in the Lord that resulted from seeking Him and His enablement. God was strong enough for David. God is strong enough for us as well. Find your genuine confidence in the Lord as you seek Him.

For today: I am so glad that it doesn’t depend on me being strong enough or smart enough. It is all about Him.

“Having compassion one of another, love as brethren” (1 Peter 3:8).

One of the wonderful blessings of being a Christian is to be able to express tenderness and compassion to those who are hurting. This word “compassion” expresses the idea of “sharing in the sorrow, to feel sympathetic to another’s hurt.” Be careful not to say, “I know just how you feel.” But on the other hand, imagine what a person may be experiencing and care deeply enough to speak the compassionate word or do the compassionate deed for that person.

For today: Hurting people often are helped the most by those who care deeply and express it carefully.

“Let patience have her perfect work” (James 1:4).

Fooling about himself recently, a friend told me that he was encouraged to be a Pediatrician. Do you know why? The answer is that “he has little patients”! We smile at this and probably could put ourselves into that statement. Most of us struggle with being impatient. We want every question to be answered immediately. We want every situation resolved this very moment. We even want our prayers to be answered before we ever ask! May the Lord give us grace to wait upon the Lord for His perfect timing in every situation.

For today: Don’t be like the man who prayed, “Lord, please give me patience, but give it to me THIS MOMENT!”

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).

When Paul thought of the Philippian believers, he was filled with thanksgiving for them. What a beautiful way to begin his letter to these folks! Their friendship and partnership in the Lord’s work brought a sense of thankfulness to the dear Apostle Paul. He told them so! What a good challenge for us today. Has someone been used of the Lord to be a blessing to you? As you thank the Lord for this person, be sure to also tell him or her as well.

For today: Let’s follow the example of Paul. As we are thankful for others, let’s tell them so.

“I being in the way, the LORD led me” (Genesis 24:27).

The servant of Abraham was on an incredible mission to find a wife for Isaac. He earnestly asked the Lord to bless and prosper his journey on this most important assignment. God incredibly answered the big prayer request of the servant. Now he summed up his journey to Rebekah’s family with this testimony, “I being in the way, the LORD led me.” This speaks of his submission and God’s direction. Though we aren’t out looking for brides for people, we do have the responsibility to yield to the Lord and watch for His direction.

For today: How sweet to know that the Lord is leading and that I can follow!