The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

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

Yesterday I told you about my Bible college professor, Dr. M. L. Lowe, who referred to the Book of Ephesians as “The Spiritual Alps of the New Testament.” Our verse for today speaks of our God Whose banking account of mercy is fabulously rich. Mercy is that characteristic of God whereby He sees our great need, cares about our great need, and is moved to meet our great need because He has the resources to meet it. All this happens in spite of the fact that we do not deserve this. In fact, God holds back what we really do deserve. That’s exactly what Armando needed. Armando robbed people to support his drug habit. His crimes were mounting as one day he stole from people who had been especially kind to his family. Then the day came. Armando was invited to church. He turned the corner, and there was the man from whom Armando had stolen a number of items! Face to face he stood with Lucas. Both were surprised to see each other there. Wait until you see what happens tomorrow!

For today: God’s mercy account is rich. He will never run short. For this every believer can rejoice!

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

Forty-six years ago I began my ministerial education at the Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, New York. One of the beloved professors was a man by the name of Dr. M. L. Lowe, who taught English Bible. Though I sat under Dr. Lowe in the latter years of his life, he was a great Bible teacher. I still have the Bible with his lecture notes and underlines. Dr. Lowe used to refer to the Book of Ephesians as “The Spiritual Alps of the New Testament.” I agree. The Holy Spirit used the Apostle Paul to teach us things that are out-of-this-world in splendor, power, and magnificence. Our verse for today speaks of our God Who is rich in mercy. Armando needed such mercy. Come back to read more about Armando and the mercy of God tomorrow.

For today: Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t run short on mercy?

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Bart and Luanne were rehearsing with their families how they met Cliff and Karis at church years before. Cliff had a way about him that easily drew people to himself. Some folks often commented that “Cliff had a way of showing up just when folks needed him.” Though Cliff was highly educated, he didn’t come across in an arrogant or high-and-mighty way. One morning Bart was greatly on Cliff’s mind. After praying again for him, Cliff decided to pick up the phone and give him a call. That phone call came at one of Bart’s lowest times. Cliff didn’t give him a long list of empty clichés. He encouraged him on the phone, and from that act of kindness years of friendship and blessings would result. Who will you “do good” unto today?

For today: Don’t become tired of doing well. Ask the Lord for ways to demonstrate goodness today.

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19a).

Pastor Kenward would be taking the day off today. However, his ministry actually continued as two of the men from his church family, Peter and Marvin, would be riding across the state on business with a third man whose name was Harv, who didn’t attend Pastor Kenward’s church. “Honestly Harv, what a powerful service yesterday. You should have heard the choir and the congregational singing. But the best part was the message our pastor shared from the Bible. I couldn’t believe it when he said, ‘Now let’s close in prayer.’ I glanced down at my watch, and I couldn’t believe that forty minutes had flown by!” Peter said. Harvey looked away from the steering wheel for just a second as he said, “You have got to be kidding me. What in the world did your pastor speak about?” As Harvey put the left directional light on and pulled out to pass a slower moving vehicle, Peter responded, “He talked about understanding the confidence we have in the Lord’s awesome power. He talked about our inheritance and the riches of God’s vast glory.” As Harvey pulled back into the driving lane, he said, “I am missing out. I really mean it. I went to church yesterday, but my pastor didn’t even mention the Bible. He didn’t read from the Bible. He spoke for about ten minutes on stuff that really didn’t matter much. Your church sounds like a place I want to be. I really need to know the Lord and learn more about Him.” Pastor Kenward may have been off-duty that Monday, but two men from the church family shared wonderful truth about their pastor’s message and the Scriptures. How about you? What did your pastor preach about yesterday? Did he preach from the Word of God? If not, it’s time friend to find a church where the pastor does preach the Word of God!

For today: May the principles of God’s Word be at work in our lives every day.

“And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16).

Have you read through the Book of Nehemiah lately? What a fast-paced action thriller as Nehemiah and his co-laborers faced huge obstacles and were surrounded by enemies and yet continued building the walls of Jerusalem. There were times that enemy hostility was so great that half of the workers remained armed, waiting to hear the emergency blasting of the trumpet. Orders were given not to remove clothing (except for washing) so that everyone could respond quickly should the enemy attack. In spite of all the threats from the wicked enemies, the work continued on the walls. Even the enemies had to conclude that work was being accomplished through the power and blessing of the God of Israel. The same conclusion should be evident in our lives today. We live and serve the risen Savior. In spite of the threats and growing hostility that must be taken seriously, we will live and serve the living God.

For today: May the grace and power of the Lord be evident in your life today.