The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice” (Psalm 5:11).

The family finally finished packing for their two week trip across several states. Excitement abounded as suitcases were stuffed into the storage compartment of their SUV. A quick check list was finished. The kids piled into the vehicle as the anticipated departure arrived. After they prayed, dad backed out of the driveway, and the family vacation officially began. Within a couple of minutes, mom remembered the front window being open. No one could remember closing it. Looking at each other, dad realized that they had to turn around and check it. Sure enough! The front window was wide open. Quickly dad secured their home and hopping into the driver’s seat he said, “I am so glad we went back and checked it. I am so glad!” This was just a little demonstration of gladness and rejoicing. Have you stopped recently to think of how glad you are that you are trusting in the Lord?

For today: The Lord is the source of my trust. I am so glad to belong to Him. How about you?

“For Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with Thee” (Psalm 5:4).

Some today acknowledge that there is a God. But they ignore Him. Some today proclaim with arrogance that they do not believe in the existence of God. They reject Him. Others live in open defiance without any fear of God. If you ask me, these dear folks are acting mighty foolishly. There is an appointment waiting that they shall not escape. They will not be able to reschedule it, cancel it, nor postpone it. Personally, I love the fact that this infinitely holy Lord God would make an exclusive provision to remain awesomely holy and yet perfectly able to forgive sin. It is found through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Aren’t you glad today that God does not enjoy sin? How wonderful it is to belong to such a One as He! Do you know Him?

For today: I will live today enjoying the glorious security of being forgiven by the One who is glorious in everything!

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19).

The demon-possessed man of Gadara was in a deplorable situation. Hopelessly lost, dreadfully wicked, and incredibly vile, people everywhere knew of him. Day and night he cried in the tombs, injured himself with stones, and could not be controlled even with chains. Then everything changed when the Lord Jesus came to Gadara. Mark describes his new condition in verse 15 as being, “Sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.” What a change the Lord made in his life! Now he would know the joy of going home to his family and friends and telling them of the life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ. What about you, dear friend? Though you might not have experienced the characteristics of the man of Gadara, you and I both were hopelessly lost until we asked the Lord Jesus to be our Savior. Who today will you tell about the wonderful things the Lord Jesus has done for you?

For today: Think of the great things the Lord Jesus has done. Don’t keep them a secret!

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).

I have enjoyed collecting old books over the years. One of the sets I obtained years ago details the engineering of the Ford Model T cars. It is fun to look at, even though I have no clue about those engineering terms. But guess what? As interesting as the material is, it is profoundly outdated. Ford engineers would smile if they were to build cars today based on the information in my collection. The Word of God is so very different. It is not the product of man. It is given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Go ahead! Open your Bible and read it. Though it was written thousands of years ago, it is reliable and up-to-date. You can trust it, and you will be wise to obey it.

For today: Have you read your Bible today? The Author Himself wants to talk with you!

“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

The boys and girls in Mrs. MacCormack’s class sang with exuberance. One of the all-time favorites of the boys and girls was “Jesus Loves Me.” She loved her clubbers and counted it such a blessing to be able to teach them about the Lord Jesus. She will never forget the afternoon the new boy, Willie, arrived in her club. He was disheveled, clothes dirty, and looking lost as he sat listening to the rest of the club singing this precious song. He sat spellbound during the teaching time and at the end of the club he approached her with a question. “Is it true, Mrs. Mac? Is it true?” he stuttered. “Nobody has ever told me they love me. Does Jesus really love me?” he asked with an almost haunting question in his voice. “No one has ever told this boy they loved him!” thought Connie MacCormack. What a precious time she had explaining the wonderful, matchless love of the Lord to him! You may frequently hear the words, “I love you.” I hope that you will never take them for granted. Remember today how much the Lord Jesus loves you and how He gave Himself for you.”

For today: There’s no sweeter truth than that the Son of God loves you and gave Himself for you.