The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“But that you also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things” (Ephesians 6:21).

Behind every successful ministry is the kind of people who could be described as another Tychicus. Paul described him as “a beloved brother and faithful minister.” What a tremendous blessing and encouragement this dear fellow servant must have been, both to Paul and the churches. He was well-loved and reliable in the ministry. Paul, the great example of a faithful missionary, never wanted to operate in a deceitful or secretive way. Tychicus would give the Ephesian believers an up-to-date report of Paul’s ministry. Perhaps the Lord has not called you to leadership positions. Don’t feel badly. Your support ministry of faithful partnerships is absolutely necessary. Be faithful and easy to love. God will bless you.

For today: How can you function as a Tychicus today? May the Lord fill our churches with people like this friend who was loved and appreciated by Paul.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).

Years ago several of the neighborhood kids decided to form a club. It was a great idea until every one of the children of that little community was a part of the club, except for two or three. These children were on the outside of the club, very much wanting to be part of the club. I was one of those children. When I asked why I couldn’t be part of the club, the answer was, “Because you weren’t here when we started it.” Aren’t you glad that it is not the same with the Lord? None of us were there when God implemented His purpose and plan. But by placing our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving His gift of salvation, we are accepted in the Beloved. This Beloved One is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. When we become a Christian, we are accepted by God in His Beloved Son. By the way, I was finally accepted into the club, if I would become the secretary. This office required me to handwrite over and over again the three pages of notes to the seven other club members. Guess what? After three days I quit. That club wasn’t so much fun. But belonging to the Lord and being accepted in the Beloved, that’s wonderful. How about you? Do you know the Lord as your Savior? Are you accepted in the Beloved?

For today: Accepted is among the sweetest words I know. I will rejoice in this today.

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

Yesterday I left you with the encounter of Armando and Lucas. Several months before this, Lucas had returned home and discovered that his home had been burglarized. The police detectives were able to trace the burglary to Armando. In fact, several of the stolen items belonging to Lucas were discovered still in the possession of Armando. While out of jail on bail, one of the men reached out to Armando and brought him to church. Turning the corner, Armando stood face-to-face with Lucas. Both were startled. Neither man expected to see the other that morning. Emotions of shame, guilt, fear, and embarrassment swept over Armando until suddenly he felt his hand being shook by Lucas. Turning to Paul and Jim who were walking with him, Lucas said, “I want you to meet my friend, Armando.” As the men walked on ahead, Armando looked down and quietly said, “You didn’t have to do that. I don’t know what to say.” Lucas had a great opportunity to share that while he couldn’t remove the legal situation, he himself had been the recipient of mercy and was glad to be able to extend such mercy that morning.

For today: While your situation may not be as startling as Lucas and Armando’s, how will God’s mercy play out in your life today?

“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?