The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“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?

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Timmy and Silas were staying overnight at Grandmother’s house. What a wonderful Grandmother these twins had! They loved playing table games with her. Every once in a while Grandmother would win, but somehow it seemed that Timothy and Silas often won the games. They loved to “help” bake in her kitchen and always loved playing with Barney, her chocolate lab dog. But the best part of staying with Grandmother was when the twins would sit on either side of Grandma Kay and listen as she read the Bible to them. They would have their Bible reading together every evening and then again in the morning just before breakfast. As Grandmother prayed about many things with the boys, one of the prayers she often said was, “Please Lord, help me not to say something that would dishonor You and hurt others. Put a watch before my mouth.” Timothy and Silas never forgot that prayer request. It would follow them all of their lives. That’s a good request for us as well.

For today: I need to be careful what I say throughout my day. How about you?

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Yesterday we met Sharon and Luke who had a tender and interesting discussion about the lost. Just before Sharon got off the train at her stop, Luke was talking about a group of people who had been waiting at the train stop who apparently didn’t know the Lord as their Savior. They used the word “hell” in about every other sentence. Luke had struck up a conversation with them and asked a good spiritual question about eternity. One of the men had shared with Luke that he didn’t believe in a literal hell but was sure everyone would go to Heaven. Another passenger overheard Luke tell Sharon about the conversation and said to Luke, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. I was wondering if you had any Scripture to prove what you are saying. I have been attending a Universalist fellowship. I have never heard what you were talking about.” Luke shook the man’s hand, introduced himself and explained, “I am going to be getting off at the next station. We only have a few minutes, but let me share with you that the Scriptures clearly teach that only by placing your faith in Christ’s death, the shedding of His blood, His death, and resurrection can a person have eternal life in Heaven.“ Luke shared the frightening truth found in Revelation 20:11-15 of the Great White Throne and the Lake of Fire. He quoted John 14:6 where the Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man comes to the Father, but by Me.” It was an amazing conversation. How about you? Do you know Christ as your personal Savior? If so, are you gripped with how many lost people there are all around you?

For today: May we have the grace to simply believe God’s Word. The Lord Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven. Do you know Him?