The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Perhaps you recently heard the news story of the American tourist who was tragically killed on a South African lion safari. Through an open window in her car a large female lion grabbed her and inflicted such profound wounds that she could not be saved. What makes this story even sadder is that throughout the park, large signs are posted stating that for safety concerns all windows are to remain closed. I am sure the surviving family mourns, deeply thinking “If only she had heeded the warning signs!” Likewise friends, the Scriptures have strategically placed warning signs for our safety. We will be wise to heed them. Have you read God’s Word today?

For today: I want to pay attention to what the Lord says. How about you?

“Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:5).

Yesterday I shared with you that the prayer “Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me” is a tremendous phrase. I shared with you that I am not a Hebrew scholar, but I know the word for “lead” is darak which means “to tread, to march onward.” I shared that I have probably told you this before, but I met my wife in the third grade. I liked her from the day I met her. (She didn’t like me, but I digress!) Then the day came when we Cub Scouts were going to march in the Oakfield, New York, Memorial Day celebrations. The path of the parade took us directly past Karen’s home. I was so proud in my Cub Scout uniform and to think that I was going to march right in front of her house! As we approached, to my joy and delight, Karen and her parents were out on their side yard watching the parade. Several rows from the front, on the side closest to Karen’s yard, I proudly marched as I approached her. I can remember it like it was yesterday! As I marched in front of her, I caught her eye and smiled at her. She smiled back, and here’s where I ended the true story yesterday. Let me tell you the rest of the story. I looked left, and there she was. I continued looking left at her. We marched onward. I kept looking left at her. I turned slightly back to look left at her. And then I looked straight ahead, and there was a tree! My troop marched straight ahead, but I marched to the left and out-of-step with my fellow scouts. Here’s a great lesson for today. Keep your eyes straight on the Lord as you read of Him in God’s Word. Ask Him to lead you in His truth!

For today: How easy it is to lose focus. Keep in God’s Word. By the way, no, she wasn’t impressed with the Cub Scout who nearly walked into the tree, but I’m glad she loves me today.

“Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:5).

What an amazing phrase is “Lead me in Thy truth.” I am not a Hebrew scholar, but I know the word for “lead” is darak which means “to tread, to march onward.” I think that I have probably told you before, but I met my wife in the third grade. I liked her from the day I met her. (She didn’t like me, but I digress!) Then the day came when we Cub Scouts were going to march in the Oakfield, New York, Memorial Day celebrations. The path of the parade took us directly past Karen’s home. I was so proud in my Cub Scout uniform and to think that I was going to march right in front of her house! As we approached, to my joy and delight, Karen and her parents were out on their side yard watching the parade. Several rows from the front, on the side closest to Karen’s yard, I proudly marched as I approached her. I can remember it like it was yesterday! As I marched in front of her, I caught her eye and smiled at her. She smiled back and…well, let me finish what happened next in tomorrow’s Daily Prescription! Be sure to come back, and you will see why I can remember it like it was yesterday.

For today: What a wonderful blessing it is to ask the Lord to “lead me in Thy truth.” You’ll be glad that you did.

“Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name” (Psalm 140:13).

LuAnn had been discontent most of her life. As a child she always wanted a toy until her dad and mom purchased it. Then it was never quite what she wanted. As a teenager she grumbled about her parents’ rules (she called them ‘Attica State Prison’). In her years of college she was unthankful for the scholarships, the financial help of her parents, and the job she managed to get. She was almost rude with several of her instructors as she was sure her grades should be higher. She dated, and her lack of appreciation and thankfulness drove away more than one young man. Then she met Stan. Nearly a month after dating, they spoke over a cup of coffee in one of the student cafes on campus. “LuAnn, I really like you a lot. I am hoping that we will have something more than a friendship. But to be honest with you, I have a hard time being around you. I know that is blunt, but I am hoping that you will listen. Today in my quiet time I read from Psalm 140. King David spoke about the righteous giving thanks unto His name. Lu, I know that you claim to be a Christian, but your grumbling and discontentment is unrighteous.” At first she was angry. Then she was ashamed. Then she was very quiet and asked Stan for forgiveness and then she asked the Lord to forgive her. It was a moment of change for LuAnn. How about you? Are you giving thanks unto the Lord?

For today: You might not be thankful for everything, but in everything you can give thanks according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the Heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee” (Jeremiah 32:17).

John and Carol were camping at one of the state parks. Sitting by their campfire, they looked up and spotted a couple walking on the service road nearby. Striking up a conversation with them, John invited them to sit down and enjoy the fire with them. Bob and Marcella accepted the invitation and introduced themselves. It wasn’t long before the subject of the Lord came up. To the delight of both couples, each of the foursome knew and loved the Lord. Several hours flew past and it grew dark. The sky was captivating with its spectacular display of stars. It was time to get back to the campsite, but as they were leaving, Marcella made the statement, “It’s a blessing to know that other believers are camping down the road from us. Just think! Our great God made all that by His great power and stretched out Arm. It’s great to be in His Hand.”

For today: Whatever you are facing this moment, think of our great God and His awesome power. Whatever your challenge might be, the Lord can handle it for you!