The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1a).

It was the night before the Lord Jesus would go to the cross to pay the terrible penalty for our sins. It was something for the Lord Jesus that I cannot begin to describe, and certainly it was dreadfully upsetting to the disciples. The Lord Jesus was leaving, and they could not come with Him. Even though He had explained that He was going to die and rise again, they did not understand it. All they knew was that their cherished Master was leaving. The Lord Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). He then reminded them of Who He is (14:1b), what He knows (14:2a), what He assures them of (14:2b), what He is doing (14:2c, 3), and what He promises (14:3b). What is causing your heart to be troubled today? Take time with your Savior, and think of what He tells us in John 14.

For today: I am so glad that I belong to the Lord Jesus. How about you?

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).

The Apostle Paul demonstrated such amazing grace and strength as he underwent such heavy trials and persecution. The translation into our English wording as “earnest expectation” describes the significance of his anticipation. This phrase expresses the firm and eager anticipation of that which is coming but not yet here. Years ago my wife and I were to take the train from Elyria, Ohio, to Syracuse, New York. We were to board the train around three o’clock in the morning. I watched the rails with outstretched head in anticipation of seeing that light on the approaching engine. Our ticket said that the train would come. I anticipated the arrival with an “earnest expectation”! This is exactly the way we believers must live. His Word says that He will come again. We eagerly anticipate that the Lord Jesus is coming. Today may be the day we meet Him. But if not today, then magnifying Christ by life or death is our highest priority.

For today: We need to ask the Lord for the same “earnest expectation” that was the Apostle Paul’s.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally” (James 1:5).

Three Godly believers, each separated by many miles, were facing different situations in their lives. The first believer was facing the possibility of changing jobs. It wasn’t clear to him as to what he should do. His current place wanted him to stay, and two new places both wanted him to come. The second believer was in the middle of a very difficult surgery which was not going very well. She remembered the faces of the concerned family members who waited in the special room which the hospital made available. How would she as the surgeon face them? The third believer was counseling a couple that didn’t seem to be making progress. The counseling was in trouble in the counseling center. Even after four sessions with the counselor, this couple still wouldn’t look at each other, and of all things, they still weren’t speaking to each other. At the same moment, all three believers stopped what they were doing and again asked God for wisdom. God loves to hear His children ask Him for wisdom. How about you? For what do you need the Lord’s wisdom today?

For today: God knows everything. Go ahead and ask Him for wisdom!

“Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9 NKJV).

“Have you ever witnessed the word ‘cantankerous’ in person?” Bob asked his brother-in-law Peter. “I mean to tell you that our son and daughter-in-law have the most cantankerous, miserable neighbor I have ever seen. I would not have responded so nicely to that old man. He has treated them miserably for over a year,” Bob continued. “Then Karita did something that the neighbor didn’t see coming. She made him supper. She baked homemade bread, a full three course supper, and homemade apple pie! That little lady who is barely five foot marched right up to his door and handed him his supper. She said to him, ‘Mr. Charleston. You don’t seem to like us, but I want you to know that we surely love you. Good night,’ and she walked off the porch and came home. You won’t believe the difference in the old man,” Bob said laughing. “You know, Bob, I think that Peter must have had Karita’s neighbor in mind,” Peter said. How about you? Do you have anyone who is cantankerous that needs you to be a blessing?

For today: What a wonderful mission to which we believers are called.

“Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Valerie and Lucas were watching Antiques Roadshow and enjoying the program. Person after person who was invited to come to the assigned area had a special object of interest. Those items seemed to be very old, very rare, or very ornate. They also were very valuable. Then came a lady who had a particular piece that the appraiser held in his hand. It looked beautiful. “This is going to be expensive. Look at the design of that piece of pottery” Valerie said as she looked up from her crossword puzzle. “I agree,” Lucas commented. “I have a feeling that she is going to need to get that insured,” Valerie continued chatting. Then the announcement was made by the expert, “I am so sorry to disappoint you. This is not the real thing. This is an inexpensive and rather poorly made fake.” The lady’s countenance changed dramatically. She couldn’t believe her ears. Her prized pottery that was supposed to be an expensive antique was worth maybe ten dollars. “Someone sold me a fake,” she said sadly. How unlike our wonderful salvation purchased by the Lord. There is nothing cheap or artificial about the price that our Lord paid. He paid a severe price and the redemption He gives is the real thing!

For today: Rejoice in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus our Lord and Him alone.