The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“I will come again” (John 14:3).

It was a small matter. At least that is what he probably thought. But it was still a promise broken to the young boy. “I’ll stop by next week and pick you up,” he had said. “We’ll have a great time. Maybe we’ll get some ice cream together.” But the next week that man became busy in the many things that demanded his attention. He meant to get over to the house of the widow and her son. He meant to pick him up to do something special with him. He meant well, but the week came and went, and the promise was broken. It was a really big deal to the young boy. Aren’t you glad that the Lord never breaks His promise? He said, “I will come again.” How about you? I am having a hard time waiting!

For today: The Lord said it, and that settles it for me! How about you?

“I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee” (Genesis 12:3).

It has been my sheer delight to have traveled to Israel a number of times. Every time I have walked through the place we call “The Holy Land,” I cannot help but think of the promise that God made to Abraham. This promise can be read in its entirety in Genesis 12:1-3. It is still fully in operation today. Nations and people that bless Israel will be blessed of the Lord. Those nations and individuals that curse Israel will be cursed. The promise is plain but powerful. Pray with me for the peace of Jerusalem and that the United States will always firmly stand by Israel.

For today: Lord, we pray for your protection for Israel and that our leaders would act wisely today.

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).

Moses is engaged in a discussion with the LORD God about his assignment to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses wanted to know how he was supposed to answer the question of Who was sending him. God’s reply was that He, the only Self-Existent, Awesome One, I AM was sending Him. There is no one to compare to Him. Though the task was daunting to Moses, He had the assurance of Who God is and what He can do. Likewise, whatever you are facing today, remember the great I Am is with you, dear believer.

For today: Are you facing a mountain today? The Great I Am made those mountains. He can help you to soar over them. Enjoy the view!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19).

Years ago I was an associate pastor at Conklin Center Baptist Church. One of the things I really enjoyed at that church was being one of their bus drivers. I remember on one occasion we had a large group of people at a concert in downtown Binghamton. When it was time for the bus drivers to pick up the folks, one of the buses from a sister church wouldn’t start. We loaded their folks onto an already nearly full bus. As I looked up in my mirror, all I could see was faces of people who were packed in. We were beyond “fully loaded.” This is exactly the picture David paints in speaking about the blessings of the Lord. He daily loads us!

For today: Remember the chorus, “Count your many blessing, name them one by one!”

“The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken” (Psalm 50:1).

Every religion is characterized by people seeking their god. They try and perform good works to impress their god. They deny themselves as a way of catching the attention of their god. They give money, time, and effort in the hopes of pleasing their god. All these actions are to no avail. Here is why Christianity really is not a religion. It’s a relationship. Our God has spoken. He speaks in general revelation through the works of creation. He speaks in special revelation through His Son and His Scriptures. I am so glad that our God has spoken. We need to listen.

For today: If you know the Lord as your Savior, be sure to invest time reading His Word. The Lord Jesus wants to have a word or two with you!