The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me” (Mark 1:17).

Can you imagine what it must have been like for those Galilean fishermen? They were engaged in the daily routine of working the nets on the Sea. Suddenly and dramatically the Lord commands the brothers, “Follow me.” Today we believers are engaged in studying God’s Word and asking ourselves the questions, “What would the Lord Jesus do, and how does He want me to follow?” This lifelong pursuit is joyous when we remember He is with us always.

For today: Think often of His words, “Follow me.” What are you doing today, and who are you following?

“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words” (Proverbs 15:26).

Sometimes the expression on a person’s face is so vivid that we really can read their mind! It is an awesome truth to remember that the righteous Lord knows our thoughts. There are only two positions. Either one is in the ranks of the pure or one is in the ranks of the wicked. Wicked thoughts of those who have rejected Him are called an abomination. The words of those who are pure are pleasant or beautiful. Which camp are you in?

For today: It is awesome to remember that everything I think and say today is heard by the Lord. WOW!

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).

From Proverbs 10:1 through 22:16, Solomon lists a series of choices, both good and bad. Here in this text he boldly reminds fathers of the need to leave a Godly inheritance for his children and grandchildren. Men and women need to share with their families how they have trusted Christ and treasured His Word. This is a great reminder not only for dads but for all of us. Don’t keep your faith to yourself. Share it with others!

For today: So what are you leaving your children and friends?

“My Times are in Thy hand” (Psalm 31:15).

Yesterday I wrote of the day twenty-five years ago when our son Jeffrey died. It was a very hard and difficult time. His friend Johnny died that same day and soon thereafter his friend Joey died. In that church in Marilla, we often spoke of the threesome all home with the Lord. We miss them still today. However, we do not become stuck in the quagmire of despondency and despair. A wonderful truth comes through for the believer even in the most difficult of situations. Our life experiences are in the hand of the Almighty God.

For today: Can there be a better place other than in His hand? Sense your security

“But I trusted in Thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God” (Psalm 31:14).

Twenty-five years ago today, the surgeon told me, “Mr. Peck, I am so sorry. We did everything we could. But your little son just died.” It was a little before 5:00 in the morning when our Jeffrey went home to be with the Lord. My wife, Karen, our children, and I walked through very deep sorrow in those days, weeks, and months following. To this day my wife and I think of him every day and miss him so much. However, I can tell you that God can be trusted even when you do not understand. His ways are not always our ways. We may not understand what He is doing. In those times when we don’t understand, we always can know that He loves us and makes no mistakes.

For today: Don’t be angry with Him. Be assured in Him. Check back tomorrow to see how to do this.