The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

I come from a family with a history of heart disease. Nearly twenty-five years ago a medical practice in my area of Western New York encouraged me to have a procedure to determine the health of my coronary arteries. I felt well. I showed no symptoms of heart disease, but because of my family history, I consented to having my coronary arteries tested. To my surprise, I had two 60% and one 40% blockages. It was caught in time, and with the proper medication, diet, and exercise, the blockages were cared for. If I had ignored the situation, I probably would have suffered a great consequence. Likewise King David asked the Lord to examine him. He didn’t want any undetected sins to block the artery of God’s blessings. That’s really important for us as well.

For today: Lord, please reveal to us any situation that could be a blockage of Your blessing today.

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3).

“What do you think is one of the most powerful verses in the Old Testament?” the first year Bible college student asked his dorm mates. Every one of the ten men from that dorm suite came up with a different verse. Lots of discussion took place about each of the verses. Opinions shared as well as studies about these verses made the discussion really good. Stan was next to the last to speak when he quoted this verse for today. The rest of the college students fell silent. They were studying the word meaning of this text; however, none of them came close to fully understanding the meaning of the words. Finally Stan said, “I guess that I will study about the Lord for the rest of my life. But I will never fully understand just how great He really is. I’m glad that I belong to such an awesome God.” How about you? Do you know the Lord?

For today: God is great. We will never fully comprehend the extent of His greatness. This is awesome!

“But that you also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things” (Ephesians 6:21).

Behind every successful ministry is the kind of people who could be described as another Tychicus. Paul described him as “a beloved brother and faithful minister.” What a tremendous blessing and encouragement this dear fellow servant must have been, both to Paul and the churches. He was well-loved and reliable in the ministry. Paul, the great example of a faithful missionary, never wanted to operate in a deceitful or secretive way. Tychicus would give the Ephesian believers an up-to-date report of Paul’s ministry. Perhaps the Lord has not called you to leadership positions. Don’t feel badly. Your support ministry of faithful partnerships is absolutely necessary. Be faithful and easy to love. God will bless you.

For today: How can you function as a Tychicus today? May the Lord fill our churches with people like this friend who was loved and appreciated by Paul.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).

Years ago several of the neighborhood kids decided to form a club. It was a great idea until every one of the children of that little community was a part of the club, except for two or three. These children were on the outside of the club, very much wanting to be part of the club. I was one of those children. When I asked why I couldn’t be part of the club, the answer was, “Because you weren’t here when we started it.” Aren’t you glad that it is not the same with the Lord? None of us were there when God implemented His purpose and plan. But by placing our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving His gift of salvation, we are accepted in the Beloved. This Beloved One is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. When we become a Christian, we are accepted by God in His Beloved Son. By the way, I was finally accepted into the club, if I would become the secretary. This office required me to handwrite over and over again the three pages of notes to the seven other club members. Guess what? After three days I quit. That club wasn’t so much fun. But belonging to the Lord and being accepted in the Beloved, that’s wonderful. How about you? Do you know the Lord as your Savior? Are you accepted in the Beloved?

For today: Accepted is among the sweetest words I know. I will rejoice in this today.

“But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

Yesterday I left you with the encounter of Armando and Lucas. Several months before this, Lucas had returned home and discovered that his home had been burglarized. The police detectives were able to trace the burglary to Armando. In fact, several of the stolen items belonging to Lucas were discovered still in the possession of Armando. While out of jail on bail, one of the men reached out to Armando and brought him to church. Turning the corner, Armando stood face-to-face with Lucas. Both were startled. Neither man expected to see the other that morning. Emotions of shame, guilt, fear, and embarrassment swept over Armando until suddenly he felt his hand being shook by Lucas. Turning to Paul and Jim who were walking with him, Lucas said, “I want you to meet my friend, Armando.” As the men walked on ahead, Armando looked down and quietly said, “You didn’t have to do that. I don’t know what to say.” Lucas had a great opportunity to share that while he couldn’t remove the legal situation, he himself had been the recipient of mercy and was glad to be able to extend such mercy that morning.

For today: While your situation may not be as startling as Lucas and Armando’s, how will God’s mercy play out in your life today?