The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us” (Psalm 67:1).

The psalmist pleads with God to extend mercy to those who do not deserve it. The ancient people of the Lord realized their sinful situation and how desperately they needed the Lord’s blessing. The writer of this psalm longed for the closeness of His fellowship. All of this would be possible only through the extending of His amazing mercy. The act of mercy is God withholding what a person truly deserves. Aren’t you glad for the mercy of God? Isn’t it amazing to know that while He is holy, He also is merciful?

For today: Are you glad for the mercy of God? Do you show mercy?

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

There is a tremendous day ahead as the Lord renovates the vast galaxies and the earth. The Lord Jesus tells us that everything associated with this planet is temporary. On the other hand, His Word is permanent. It will never change. God’s Word will never be outdated. The Scriptures will never pass away. Read the Bible and trust it. You can count on it. You have the Lord’s word on it!

For today: Did you read your Bible today, and are you trusting it?

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).

I love the questions the Lord poses in the Word of God. Our text today has one such question. The older I grow, the more I find that I cannot do! There are many things that are too hard for me. How wonderfully reassuring to hear the Lord whisper to us, “Is there anything too hard for me?” Whatever you are facing today, remember that there is no problem, heartache, or situation that will be too heavy or too hard for the Lord.

For today: Have you placed your trust in Christ? Nothing is too hard for Him!

“And you will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40).

The Lord Jesus is speaking to a significant group of people. Many in the assembly had an interest in eternal life. However, it is sad to note that many were missing the Author and only Source of eternal life. The heart of the Lord Jesus was touched by their rejection. He alone provides the joy of sins forgiven and new life. They wouldn’t come through Him. Sadly today, you will encounter some of the same situations. Do not be surprised when friends or even family reject the message. It is not you they have rejected but Him.

For today: Share the gospel message that Christ alone is the source of salvation. Leave the results to Him.

“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?