The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).

There is no one comparable to the Lord Jesus Christ. How awesome He is in everything. He is awesome in His person, purpose and power. It is the greatest joy in the world to know Him and trust Him as our Lord and Savior. Over the next few days, we will briefly think about the phrases of this verse and how they unfold in the dramatic presentation of the glory of Christ. Today we are gripped with the brightness of His glory. The writer of Hebrews takes the reader back to the Shekinah glory of God (Exodus 40:34-38 and 1 Kings 8:10-11). Everything about our great God is glorious. For those who know Christ as Savior, it is thrilling to remember that the Lord Jesus is eager to reveal this glory to us when we get to Heaven (John 17:24). How great is our God. Whatever you face today, remember that you are glory bound!

For today: I am thrilled to belong to the Lord Jesus. How about you?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Many years ago I had the great privilege of pastoring a dear congregation in the heart of Welch’s Grape country. Little did I realize what a grape farmer did all year long to see the fruit of his labors at harvest. I walked along one cold, blustery, and bone-chilling day with a grape farmer who explained to me the process of pruning and preparing the branches for the crop that would come. Fruitfulness required much work on the part of the farmer. Likewise in our spiritual lives, the blessed Holy Spirit is at work to produce His fruit described in these verses. Regularly I ask myself, “How is the fruit of the Spirit showing in my life?” I don’t want to grow old and grumpy (my family doesn’t want me to do this either!) I want the fruit of the Spirit to be consistently demonstrated in my life. How about you?

For today: Don’t be surprised at the work of the Holy Spirit as He carefully prunes away in your life. It will be soon worth it!

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

This little phrase is often quoted and even sometimes sung by believers today. Typically it is quoted to someone who is facing a difficulty ahead such as a root canal, traffic that is crawling because of a snowstorm or some event like that. Has someone quoted this verse to you as you faced some kind of difficulty? Probably! While this is indeed the day that the Lord has made, and while indeed we can be glad and rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), this is not the primary application of this verse! This section (Psalm 118:24-26) was actually spoken by the people as the Lord Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem (Matthew 23:9). He announced that the ultimate fulfillment of this statement will take place at His second coming (Matthew 23:39). Every day is a day created by our great God. Great days are ahead for the believer! We can rejoice and be glad in that.

For today: I know that the One Who sees beyond this moment holds me in His hand. I will rejoice and be glad in that. Do you know Him?

“I thought on my way, and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies” (Psalm 119:59).

What a powerful statement! The Psalmist spoke of taking a spiritual inventory of his life. As he reviewed the years of his existence, he was driven to turn to God’s Word, His ways, and His will. There was great tension in the air as Mitchell sat in Pastor Kenward’s office. “Mitchell, I am so glad that you have come today. How may I be of help to you?” the kindly pastor asked. Mitchell looked down and spoke quietly, “I’ve made a mess of my life, Pastor Kenward. Early in my life I started drinking. All my friends were drinking, and I wanted to be cool. It honestly has made a mess of my life. I’ve paid a horrible price because of my drinking. I’ve been arrested twice. I have done things that I know I would never have done if I were sober. Now I’ve lost my job because of my terrible choices. It’s not my parents’ fault. It’s not my girlfriend’s fault. It’s not my friend’s fault. I am in a mess because of my own terrible choices. Is there any hope for me?” With that question, a lengthy and very profitable discipleship program began that helped Mitchell to think on his ways and turn his feet in the direction of God’s Word. How about you? Perhaps you are not in the terrible situation Mitchell faced. However, as you think of your way, it should turn your feet unto His Word!

For today: I want to walk in God’s ways according to His Word. How about you?

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. With my whole heart have I sought Thee” (Psalm 119:1-2, 10).

The dictionary defines the word “wholehearted” as being “completely devoted, without reservation, without hesitation.” That’s just what the Psalmist had in mind. He wanted to be completely wholehearted in his living for the Lord. He wanted to hold nothing back. George laughed and called his wife Maggie to the window. Earlier in the morning, George had hired his grandson Mickey to paint the white picket fence in the back yard. Eleven-year-old Mickey had been really excited about the job. His painting had had all the characteristics of enthusiasm as Grandfather walked inside. About an hour later as the George and Maggie looked out the window, however, there was Mickey lying flat on his back, knees drawn up and one leg across the other as he painted with one hand while looking in the opposite direction. “Michelangelo he surely isn’t, is he, Mag? I guess I better put a little more wholeheartedness into his employment” George said as he and his wife laughed together. How about you? Mickey’s painting business may be humorous. Our living for the Lord is serious.

For today: May the Lord help us to serve Him wholeheartedly. He is worthy of nothing less.