The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

John and Lois gathered their little family around for their evening devotional time. This was a very special time for their family as each of the children, along with Mom and Dad, took a little time to read from the Bible and then to pray. Sometimes the children would take a turn picking out a portion of Scripture to read. The entire family will never forget the evening that it was eight-year-old Timothy Mark’s turn to read the Bible. He read Ephesians 6:1-3 and made the following comment, “We have to obey Mom and Dad because God says to. But Mom and Dad have to obey God just like we do because God says to. Around here we all should obey God and that settles it!” With that Timothy put the Bible down, crossed his arms and said, “I think that’s pretty clear. Does anyone have any questions?” The older family members could not help but giggle somewhat. But the truth was very clear that night. Boys and girls must honor their parents. But parents along with the boys and girls must honor the Lord Jesus Christ. How about you? Do you see that wonderful truth being lived out in your home and family?

For today: I want to honor the Lord my God. How about you?

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Martin was sitting at the writing desk and looked up and out of his window. Suddenly the squirrels scrambled out of the yard and up the trees. Not far behind them the birds quickly flew away, and it caught Martin’s attention. “What in the world is going on?” he thought to himself. Waiting for just another second or two, he discovered the neighborhood cat creeping slowly through his backyard. The enemy had arrived, and those animals that were wise in their actions spotted the danger and fled to a safer place. Wise people will likewise walk (live) in a way that the Bible calls “circumspectly.” This means “to walk cautiously, carefully, and in a wise manner.” I need to remember that there are spiritual dangers lurking nearby. May I be as wise as Martin’s squirrels and birds!

For today: I need to walk circumspectly. How about you?

“And why call ye Me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

The Lord Jesus is preaching to the people and is concluding His message with a powerful and practical illustration. He talks about two men who built two different houses on two different foundations. Both experienced very different outcomes of their building projects. The unwise man built his house upon the loose ground (Matthew refers to it as sand in Matthew 7:26). The storms came and blew the house down. On the other hand, the wise man who built his house upon the rock had a sturdy foundation. His house withstood the raging storm. The illustration demonstrates the two different reactions to Christ Himself. The foolish person ignores the Word of the Lord Jesus, and he is like the house that fell. On the other hand, those that know the Lord Jesus and love His Word will be like the house that stood. Many people referred to Christ as “Lord.” He asks the piercing question, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” It was a piercing question of the day. It still is!

For today: Though I often fail, I want to be like the wise man that built his life upon the rock, which is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. How about you?

“As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1).

“It is incredible. Only the Lord could have accomplished this,” Julie said to her friend Elizabeth. “You invited me to come to church with you on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday I felt so discouraged that when this morning came, I almost phoned you to tell you I was not coming. I am so glad that I didn’t do that. It was great being in church with you today. How timely of Pastor Kenward to speak about how to overcome discouragement. I am so glad you invited me,” Julie said. That morning the pastor had shared three things to do from Psalm 42. He said the following in his message. First, stop looking at yourself and start looking at God (42:1-4). Second, stop looking at the past and start looking toward the future (42:5-8). Third, stop looking for reasons and start looking at the promises (42:9-11). It was just what Julie needed, and perhaps it will be just what you need today as well. When you have a few moments, read Psalm 42 and see how precious and powerful God’s Word will be for you.

For today: I need to be looking toward God more and looking at myself less.

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness” (Psalm 48:1).

The large bus filled with tourists approached the city of Jerusalem. Slowly winding upward through the city streets, the guide stood, took the onboard microphone and proudly proclaimed with his beautiful Israeli accent, “Friends, may I welcome you to the city of our great and glorious God! We now have arrived at the mountain of His holiness!” The entire busload of tourists could contain their joy no longer and simultaneously broke out in cheering and applause. The dream of their lifetime was now fulfilled. They had arrived in the city of their great God! It was a great day for them! However, let me assure you that you do not have to travel to Israel to experience this joy. The greatest thing about Jerusalem is knowing in a personal way, the One Who owns the city. It is our great God! You can have the joy of coming to our great God today and praising Him for His great holiness. Have you done this today?

For today: Be sure that you invest time with our great God and share with Him your praises.