The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Bart and Luanne were rehearsing with their families how they met Cliff and Karis at church years before. Cliff had a way about him that easily drew people to himself. Some folks often commented that “Cliff had a way of showing up just when folks needed him.” Though Cliff was highly educated, he didn’t come across in an arrogant or high-and-mighty way. One morning Bart was greatly on Cliff’s mind. After praying again for him, Cliff decided to pick up the phone and give him a call. That phone call came at one of Bart’s lowest times. Cliff didn’t give him a long list of empty clichés. He encouraged him on the phone, and from that act of kindness years of friendship and blessings would result. Who will you “do good” unto today?

For today: Don’t become tired of doing well. Ask the Lord for ways to demonstrate goodness today.

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19a).

Pastor Kenward would be taking the day off today. However, his ministry actually continued as two of the men from his church family, Peter and Marvin, would be riding across the state on business with a third man whose name was Harv, who didn’t attend Pastor Kenward’s church. “Honestly Harv, what a powerful service yesterday. You should have heard the choir and the congregational singing. But the best part was the message our pastor shared from the Bible. I couldn’t believe it when he said, ‘Now let’s close in prayer.’ I glanced down at my watch, and I couldn’t believe that forty minutes had flown by!” Peter said. Harvey looked away from the steering wheel for just a second as he said, “You have got to be kidding me. What in the world did your pastor speak about?” As Harvey put the left directional light on and pulled out to pass a slower moving vehicle, Peter responded, “He talked about understanding the confidence we have in the Lord’s awesome power. He talked about our inheritance and the riches of God’s vast glory.” As Harvey pulled back into the driving lane, he said, “I am missing out. I really mean it. I went to church yesterday, but my pastor didn’t even mention the Bible. He didn’t read from the Bible. He spoke for about ten minutes on stuff that really didn’t matter much. Your church sounds like a place I want to be. I really need to know the Lord and learn more about Him.” Pastor Kenward may have been off-duty that Monday, but two men from the church family shared wonderful truth about their pastor’s message and the Scriptures. How about you? What did your pastor preach about yesterday? Did he preach from the Word of God? If not, it’s time friend to find a church where the pastor does preach the Word of God!

For today: May the principles of God’s Word be at work in our lives every day.

“And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16).

Have you read through the Book of Nehemiah lately? What a fast-paced action thriller as Nehemiah and his co-laborers faced huge obstacles and were surrounded by enemies and yet continued building the walls of Jerusalem. There were times that enemy hostility was so great that half of the workers remained armed, waiting to hear the emergency blasting of the trumpet. Orders were given not to remove clothing (except for washing) so that everyone could respond quickly should the enemy attack. In spite of all the threats from the wicked enemies, the work continued on the walls. Even the enemies had to conclude that work was being accomplished through the power and blessing of the God of Israel. The same conclusion should be evident in our lives today. We live and serve the risen Savior. In spite of the threats and growing hostility that must be taken seriously, we will live and serve the living God.

For today: May the grace and power of the Lord be evident in your life today.

“Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee” (Psalm 143:8b).

Yesterday we read the first part of Psalm 143:8. Today in the second part of the verse, King David asks the Lord to give him direction for his life. Dick was talking with his friend Larry and said to him, “I want my kid to become a doctor, or a lawyer, or maybe a dentist. Everyone needs these people, and the pay is good. That’s what I want for my kid. What about you, old friend?” Larry smiled and replied, “Well, if the Lord wants my kid to be famous, like a singer or something, that’s what I want. I want my kid to be recognized wherever she goes. Yes sir, that’s what I want.” Think of these two men. They want fame, riches, and popularity for their children. There’s something much better than any of these things. It is the will of God and the direction He provides. That’s what King David asked. That’s what you and I should ask everyday as well. It is impossible to improve upon the will of God.

For today: Please direct us, Lord, as we seek Your will. Fame and riches bring momentary happiness. The will of God brings lasting satisfaction.

“Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning: for in Thee do I trust” (Psalm 143:8a).

Some folks wake up and greet the morning with a sigh and moan. Janet was one of these people. “Don’t talk with me, don’t ask me any questions, and just leave me alone,” she often told her housemates as she shuffled toward the coffeepot. Linda laughed as she looked up from her Bible reading. “How do you get up so cheerful?” Janet said as she half-fooling growled. “I don’t want to sound super-spiritual, Janet. But seriously, as soon as I awaken, I really do thank the Lord every morning for His lovingkindness to me. It does get me off to a good start, even on the hard days,” Linda replied. Wow! What good advice for you and me as well. Before our feet hit the floor, our voice of praise should lift to Heaven and the Lord be thanked for His lovingkindness.

For today: Our God possesses all power. How grateful I am for His lovingkindness. How about you?