The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

The Lord Jesus is speaking to a great number of people from the grassy slopes north of the Sea of Galilee. It is one of my favorite places in all of Israel. (Come to think of it, there are about fifty places that are my favorites!) However, this is a grand and beautiful place. Here the Lord Jesus preaches His great Sermon on the Mount message recorded in Matthew 5-7. The subject of salt was an illustration that all the people could easily understand. Salt is so important. It not only flavors our food, it was part of the Old Testament Levitical sacrifice system (Leviticus 2:13); it served as a covenant, pledging friendship or confirming an agreement (Numbers 18:19); it served as an antiseptic in which newborn babies were bathed (Ezekiel 16:4). As believers in this sinful world, we are to function as salt. We flavor, preserve, and have an importance that we often overlook. Wherever you go today, be salty!

For Today: Wherever you go today, there will be people who need a little spiritual salt!

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him” (Matthew 6:7-8).

“Sad, isn’t it?” Andy said to his wife. He was flipping the television from channel to channel after the news program concluded. Suddenly they came upon a religious station where religious people were reciting religious prayers. Andy lingered at that station for a moment. He and his wife Eleanor watched with sorrow as the several religious people recited the same religious reading over and over again. Eleanor lamented, “Look Honey. There isn’t any expression in their voice, and certainly there is no joy on their faces.” Andy was quick to change the channel. “I wonder if any of them really know the Lord, or are these just prayers to be said over and over?” A few hours later they were going to pray before going to sleep. Andy said, “Father, I am so happy that we don’t just recite prayers. We can talk with You. We surely love You, Lord. Thanks for making us part of Your family.” It is amazing that we can talk with the Lord just as a little child talks with his or her Father about everything!

For today: Think of your prayers. Don’t ever allow them to become vain repetitions!

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:13).

When my children were very young, they loved to swim. But they were afraid to let go of their daddy’s arms. It must have looked pretty amusing to everyone around us as this big man went into the water with young children permanently attached to him. Some of our happy conversations were when I teasingly said, “I’m going to let go of you.” My children, with huge grins on their faces, clung tighter. “Oh no you don’t!” screamed my children with the highest decibel and laughing. So there I bobbed in the water holding my children in complete safety. My illustration pales in comparison to our amazing God holding us in His hands. He never teases about letting go. We are in His hand, the right hand of His power. Oh how wonderful this is! Can there be a greater sense of contentment? The question is this. Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Have you asked Him to be your Savior? Only those who know Him can rejoice in the security of His right hand.

For today: In His right hand secure I stand. Nothing can touch me except that which He has planned.

“I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).

The young ministerial student who would be the guest speaker for the day was greatly loved by the church family. Everyone knew that he was short on experience but long on his love for the Lord Jesus, His Word, and His people. A couple of times the folks smiled as he had to shuffle through his notes to find his place. But they sat almost spellbound when his voice cracked, his eyes welled up with tears, and he spoke with passion from his heart. “Folks, I know I am young. But this I know. God promised Abraham that his seed would become a great nation. Those nations and individuals that bless Israel, God will bless. Those nations and individuals that curse Israel, God will curse. I am just starting in my calling to preach. But there are two countries that are very dear to me. Those countries are the United States of America and Israel. I pray that we will always pray for Israel and stand with it as a friend!” he shouted. As quiet as this church tended to be, it took the young preacher back just a little when the church family stood to its feet and applauded.

For today: Did you know that the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:1-3 is still in effect? Watch the news and pray for Israel!

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15: 19).

Michael was not good even in the common sports of childhood. He was never selected to be on the team for softball, kickball, or football. He pretended that it didn’t matter that he was always last to be selected. In fact, he wasn’t really selected. He was the last one remaining. To a young boy, it hurt deeply that he was never asked to be one of the team. The day came when Mikey grew a little older and trusted the Lord Jesus as His Savior. He was overwhelmed with the great truth that the Lord Jesus chose him and invited him to not only be in His family but also on His team of partners who would serve Him. Don’t be surprised if the world hates you. Let them! We believers have the greatest joy of being chosen to be on the Lord’s team.

For today: Enjoy the privilege of being chosen to be on the Lord’s side. By the way, yes, I am that Michael!