The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10).

You can tell that Peter is a preacher! Notice his alliteration, “Stablish, strengthen, and settle” you. Oh, I almost forgot one more alliterated word, “Suffering!” Everyone I know wants to be stablished, strengthened, and settled in their walk with the Lord. No one I know wants the suffering part. However, you really cannot separate these situations. While suffering is unpleasant, it is not wasted. While no one desires it, suffering does bring beneficial results. Quietly look to the Lord, do all you can to resolve the painful situation, and rest in His plan to accomplish good things through your difficult time. Avoid complaining while still being honest with yourself and others. Watch what God can do!

For today: The old saying, “No pain, no gain” probably has more meaning and truth than we often think about. Don’t go looking for suffering; but when it comes, trust God to accomplish great things.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Yesterday’s Daily Prescription spoke about not hardening our hearts. I mentioned that one of the ways to keep our hearts softened is to remember what the Lord Jesus did for us. He was nailed to the cross for us. Have you ever been loved to this extreme degree? Have you ever experienced such devotion and sacrifice? Amazing truth, how can it be? That the Son of God should die for me! He took my place on that cursed tree! Jesus loves and loves even me! You may feel unlovable and unworthy, but that doesn’t stop the Lord Jesus. Rest assured, He really does love you, and He paid your sin debt in full. Have you asked Him to be your Savior?

For today: Be thrilled throughout the day in His wonderful love and sacrifice.

“Harden not your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:8).

Heart troubles run in my family. Many of my dear relatives, as well as me, have dealt with issues related to our hearts. There is another issue with which every person must deal- the issue of the spiritual heart. The writer of Hebrews warns us not to harden our hearts. This means never to allow ourselves to become obstinate or stubborn. Hardness of heart is a serious condition. If you or someone nearby you detects a growing hardness, come immediately to the Great Physician, read again about His sacrifice for you (Ephesians 1 and 2), and ask Him to work in your heart.

For today: Guard your heart. Remember that the sun melts butter but hardens the soil. What is the Son of God doing in your life?

“Faithful is He that calleth you…” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

I knew this word “faithful” is a special word. However, I took a moment to briefly study it out. Sure enough, it is a very special word. It is the Greek word pistos which means “One who keeps His promise, therefore He is worthy of trust.” The application of this truth will affect everything you experience today. While most folks you will encounter today will probably be trustworthy, no doubt you have met and will meet many who are not so trustworthy. Trust broken is a deep hurt. Aren’t you glad the Lord keeps every single promise? While He may not answer according to your schedule or timetable, you can count on the fact that the Lord always keeps His promises.

For today: For every situation that I will face today, I am helped and blessed to remember that my Lord is faithful. I really can trust Him. How wonderful is this!

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3).

Picture a couple walking hand in hand. Eventually they arrive at an intersection. He wants to turn left, and she wants to turn right. After a heated discussion, whichever one is the strongest will pull the other. But they are no longer walking together. One is walking, and the other is being pulled. It may conjure up a humorous picture in your mind, especially if she is stronger! But it isn’t funny when it comes to the Lord walking with His child. If you and I want to be in fellowship with Him and walking with Him today, we cannot deliberately ignore His Word and disobey Him. We cannot walk with Him and live sinfully at the same time. The only way to walk with the Lord is to read His Word and do it! What a wonderful blessing to walk with the Lord!

For today: Surrender to His Word. Believe it, apply it, and do it! You will be glad you did.