The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).

Joan spoke to her science teacher very respectfully. “Mr. Thompson, I really like your class and appreciate the way you teach. But I just want you to know that I cannot accept evolution. I am a Christian and believe…” At this point she was interrupted by her rude teacher who said, “Stop right there, Joan. I know you are one of those Christians who believe that God spoke everything into existence. I’ve heard it every year from someone who I bet goes to one of those kinds of churches. You believe the Bible is to be taken literally, and I don’t want to talk about something I can’t see.” At that Joan quietly said to her teacher, “Thank you for your time, Mr. Thompson. You apparently are very busy because you didn’t even have time for me to finish. Someday you will meet the Lord as you stand before Him. You’ll have to explain to Him why you didn’t believe in Him because you couldn’t see Him. You will indeed see Him someday. See you tomorrow, Mr. Thompson.” With that Joan walked from the classroom and whispered to the Lord, “I really do believe that You framed the worlds with your Word. You made the things I see even though for now I cannot see You. I can’t wait for the day to come that I shall see You! I love you, Lord.” It was the sweetest chat she had with the Lord before lunch that day.

For today: I’m so glad to know the truth about creation. I’m so glad I know the Creator. How about you?

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Hank had been complaining about the stitches in his left hand. He was annoyed, and everyone had heard about how hard a time he was having with it. Those stitches were uncomfortable. They were keeping him from doing everything that he wanted to do. “They are the worst thing that anyone could ever have to put up with!” he said to his wife as they walked through the grocery store. Then they approached the checkout where they met a man and his daughter. The man’s legs were horribly twisted, and he made his way along slowly, with great effort, on crutches. As this man approached, he spotted Hank’s bandaged hand. “Sorry, friend, about your accident. You must be in lots of pain.” Hank looked at the crutches, and without even meaning to he glanced down at the man’s twisted legs. Hank stammered as he tried to answer, “Ah. Um. Ah, what I mean to say is that it’s nothing, really.” The man replied, “Well, we all have something to deal with, don’t we? As for me, because I know the Lord, I can honestly say that my outward man is perishing, but my inward man is getting stronger every day. Do you know the Lord?” Hank was stunned. What a good perspective on his situation.

For today: Lord, please help me not to grumble about my outward man that is perishing. Help me to focus on You!

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Hank complained about the stitches in his left hand. A quick moment of carelessness in the wood shop had caused a nasty cut between his thumb and finger. He was annoyed with those dumb stitches. They were beginning to itch and were becoming a source of irritation. Within a few days he would have the dozen or so stitches removed at the doctor’s office. Everyone near to Hank knew how seriously he hated those stitches! Then he stopped in the grocery store with his wife. They needed to pick up just a couple of items. As they approached the checkout line, a man on crutches also stepped up to the line. His legs were very twisted, and he walked with great difficulty. Very slowly he made his way along beside his daughter who pushed the shopping cart. The most amazing thing you could ever imagine was just about to happen! I will tell you about this tomorrow.

For today: Our troubles have come to pass, not stay! Keep an eternal perspective on your problems.

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)

Yesterday we spoke of the wise mommy who seized the moment to teach a wonderful spiritual truth to her children about the joy of God being for us (Psalm 56:9-10). The Apostle Paul was pretty excited about this as well. Writing to the church at Rome, he shared the details of the wonderful blessings of our great God Who is for us. I might have many people who do not like me. I might have situations and things that seem to be against me. However, I can rejoice in the knowledge that the great God Who delivered His only Son to become my Savior says that He is for me. Whatever you are facing today, please remember that if you know the Lord as your Savior, your great God is for you and has blessed you in every way. Turn to Him. Trust fully in Him. Share your heart and hurt with Him. Be watchful of His amazing provision and promise that God is for us!

For today: Isn’t it amazing that our great God cares so much about us? He really does!

“This I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise His Word: in the LORD will I praise His Word” (Psalm 56:9-10).

Sandy was listening with great interest to the conversation of her children, Jessie, age 10, Johnny, age 8 and Jeffrey, age 5. As only a mother could do, Sandy had an ear fixed to what was going on in the family room as she was in the kitchen preparing the family’s supper. (Mothers are really good at that, you know!) I was speaking about the conversation of the children. Jessie, with a touch of meanness, said, “So Jeffrey. You can’t play with us. I’m on Johnny’s side.” Immediately Johnny replied, “I don’t want you on my side. I’m on Jeff’s side.” Probably Jeffrey didn’t even know what he was talking about; however, he chimed in, “I’m on Mommy’s side. I love her best.” It was during this conversation that Mom stepped in and seized the moment for spiritual teaching. What a delightful conversation about how important it is for us to realize that God is for us. The way we treat each other demonstrates just how much we grasp this wonderful blessing. Mom translated it into the spoken language of an 10, 8, and 5 year old. It required special translation, but it was good! This is a good thought for us today as well.

For today: Think about this all day long; God is for us. Does it make you think of a New Testament verse? Tomorrow!