The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him” (John 9:38).

It had been quite a day for the man who was born blind. Perhaps his day started as any other day. We do not know for sure about his routine, but we know it must have been dreadfully difficult. In a wonderful way the Lord Jesus miraculously healed his blindness and gave sight to him. Everything was brand new in his line of vision. He had never seen the sky. He had never looked upon others around him. He didn’t know what his parents looked like other than what his hand could touch and his mind envision. Imagine what that was like for this man. He had never seen his surroundings until that incredible day. Now the greatest day of his life was taking place, and the religious leaders were furious. Surely in the heart of this man the greatest desire must have been for him to meet personally the One Who restored His sight. He told the religious leaders everything he knew about what had happened to him. What was their response? They cast him out (9:34) and practically threw him into the arms of the seeking Savior (9:35). He believed on the Lord and worshipped Him. It may not be quite as spectacular as it was with the man born blind, but let me ask you a question. What did the Lord do to draw you to Himself? Were you at home, at church, in a youth group, or just what were your circumstances?

For today: I am so glad that the Lord Jesus found me. Do you know Him?

“And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:1-2).

“I can’t help but think that the Lord must be trying to get his attention,” Charlie said. “Obviously with the amount of problems Merle has, he must have done something pretty serious.” Before he could continue Stan interrupted him and soundly scolded him for jumping to conclusions. “I happen to know Merle personally, and let me share with you that your attitude reminds me of the disciples when they met the man born blind. They immediately assumed that since he had problems, it must be judgment on his sin. Merle loves the Lord and is walking with Him, I can assure you.” With that statement the group was silenced until Charlie admitted, “I’ve learned a good lesson today. I should not automatically assume that problems are because someone did something bad. Thanks for sharing with us, Stan. I am sorry for my actions and attitude.” This is may be a good lesson for each of us to remember. It is never wise to jump to conclusions.

For today: I need to be much more concerned for people and much slower to rush to judgment!

“I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).

Habakkuk prophesied in a very difficult and terrible time in the history of Judah. Just before Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah and took Daniel and others captive, God gave Habakkuk the assignment to write concerning His Word. Things looked bleak. Trouble was on the horizon. The economy was in peril (Habakkuk 3:17). The leaders were wicked and had abandoned God. While Habakkuk cared deeply about his country, there was an element of joy, peace, and trust in his writing. This is not living in denial. It is, on the other hand, the result of trusting God, knowing His plan, and trusting His care. As you know Karen and I are on quite a journey right now as she has been diagnosed with cancer. We may not be thankful for the cancer, but we are thankful for our Heavenly Father who loves us and holds us in His hand. When Habakkuk wrote his book, the six things of which he speaks were the six things Israel depended upon for survival. He poses the very real truth that even if all six things fail, he will still rejoice in the God of his salvation. Our great God never fails.

For today: We may not rejoice for the situation. But we can rejoice in the situation if we know the Lord.

“Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me” (Psalm 3:2-3).

Five years ago she was totally overwhelmed with her problems as she spoke to the pastor of her church. “It has been almost six months since I responded to the gospel. Do you remember? You directed me to the Lord. After I trusted Christ to be my Savior you warned me that I would have a new set of problems that would surely arise. I am happy to belong to the Lord” Nancy said. Softly she started to cry. “But it is hard to know what to say. My family has practically disowned me. My friends have called me awful names. I don’t want to go back Pastor but how do I handle such hurt?” she asked. Her wise pastor took her to Psalm 3 and read the verses we used for our Daily Prescription. Well, that was many years ago. Today she smiles and says with gracious conviction, “Oh how the Lord has helped me with everything that comes into my life. I am so glad that I placed my trust in Him. He is so good to me and has helped me over and over again.” How about you? Have you ever compiled a list of how many times and in how many ways the Lord Himself has helped you in your situations?

For today: Let the scoffers say what they want. You and I can be glad for the Lord’s help and blessing. He truly is our Shield!

“For Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with Thee” (Psalm 5:4).

Some today acknowledge that there is a God. But they ignore Him. Some today proclaim with arrogance that they do not believe in the existence of God. They reject Him. Others live in open defiance without any fear of God. If you ask me, these dear folks are acting mighty foolishly. There is an appointment waiting that they shall not escape. They will not be able to reschedule it, cancel it, nor postpone it. Personally, I love the fact that this infinitely holy Lord God would make an exclusive provision to remain awesomely holy and yet perfectly able to forgive sin. It is found through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Aren’t you glad today that God does not enjoy sin? How wonderful it is to belong to such a One as He! Do you know Him?

For today: I will live today enjoying the glorious security of being forgiven by the One who is glorious in everything!