The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).

Many who subscribe to the Daily Prescriptions have shared with me some of the situations through which they are traveling. Some have difficult situations at home, work, and some at school. Difficulties seem to find each of us in different ways. Here, however, is something for everyone. Isaiah had a tremendous view of God. It was a lofty view; but also one that was very practical. Isaiah teaches us that we do not have to be afraid. We can trust Him, and He will be our strength and song. Trust Him totally, and ask Him to be a song in your heart.

For today: Let’s praise the Lord for who He is and sing to Him for what He does.

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse” (Proverbs 28:27).

It was a terrible dilemma. The young pastor answered the door to find a man standing before him with several young children. Just off in the background was a station wagon loaded to the brim with their possessions. His wife and two more children were squeezed into the car. The pastor’s eyes immediately returned to the man who spoke softly. “Are you the pastor?” he asked. “I see your house is next to the church, and the people down the road gave us some gas money and told me I needed to come and see you,” he said as his eyes looked down. “I heard there was work in Chicago, and we had enough money to make it until the car broke down in Buffalo. We haven’t eaten anything today and were wondering…well, we were…is there anything I can do at the church to make some money to get my family some supper?” he asked with a note of shame in his voice. The dilemma was that the young pastor was taking his wife out to dinner to celebrate their anniversary. He had reservations at a very nice restaurant that evening, and they had to be leaving. From behind him came the voice of his wife saying, “Excuse me. I don’t know about any work at the church, but there is plenty of food in our house. Come in while I pack your supper. Come on now. Your family is welcome.” It was a sight the pastor would never forget. Later that week he came to our verse in Proverbs 28:27 and thought of that family who hugged them that night as they pulled away, waving their hands good-bye and eating their packed supper.

For today: I know you have to be careful who you help, but there is a great blessing in helping those who really need it.

“At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow…And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11-12).

What a grand and glorious day awaits the believer! The redeemed from every tribe, tongue, and nation will stand before the Lord Jesus and will immediately bend their knees in worship and celebration. For the believer, it will be a day of joy and gladness. For unbelievers who will 1,000 years later bend their knees, it will be a day of terror and remorse as they are removed from His presence and cast into the Lake of Fire. How wonderful it is to belong to the Lord Jesus! I am so glad for that wonderful day when I asked the Lord to come into my life to be my own personal Savior. How about you? Have you made that decision?

For today: Let’s worship our wonderful Lord throughout today. He truly is worthy!

“For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:5).

Mindy was laughing at her son as she watched from the dining room window. Outside, her little boy, Larry, was having quite a discussion with his two younger sisters, Mary and Martha. Larry’s conversation continued with, “But because I am the older brother you need to pick my toys up and bring them in.” The discussion intensified with, “Why should we?” asked Mary. “You pick up your own toys.” Mother stepped outside to take control of the conversation and to share with Larry that the picking up of his toys was his own responsibility; not his sisters’. On the way into the house, the thought hit her that a lot of people today were just like her little boy. They want the fun but don’t want the responsibility that comes along with it. What a great reminder

For today: With the Lord’s help, I want to fulfill my responsibilities in life. How about you?

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Over the last few years, Mitchell had a hard time finding relief from the pain that he experienced most of the time. It was difficult to sit, stand, walk, and now even to lie down in bed. One day at church he was having an especially hard time sitting on the pews. It became more than he could bear. Slipping out of the auditorium, he was making his way through the foyer when he was spotted by the head usher. Bill quickly came to Mitch’s aide and helped him down the stairs. Bill was totally overwhelmed when his afflicted friend shook his hand and said, “This too will pass. Forever is coming and from what I read, it is wonderful!” With that, Mitch got into his car and went home. Bill went back into the service just as the congregation was singing the hymn written by Charles H. Gabriel, “When all my labors and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore, Will through the ages be glory for me.”

For today: I am most certainly looking forward to being with the Lord. How about you?