The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And when Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, ‘I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel’” (Luke 7:9).

Do you remember who the Lord Jesus was referring to when He talked about the person of faith? Was it one of the disciples or a great religious leader? Actually He was referring to a Roman Centurion who had a sick servant. The Centurion didn’t want to trouble the Lord Jesus. He said that he understands authority because he himself gives the orders and his men carry them out. Likewise, if the Lord Jesus simply gave the order, the servant would be restored. What faith! A Roman Centurion completely trusted the Lord Jesus, and the Lord Jesus spoke about it. I wonder what the Lord would say about our faith today.

For today: Please help us to trust you, Lord. We want to be people of faith.

“I delight to Thy will, oh my God” (Psalm 40:8).

One of the wonderful ways to understand the Psalms is to remember the principles of near and far fulfillment. The near fulfillment was that King David wanted to do what the Lord wanted Him to do. The far fulfillment or ultimate fulfillment spoke of the coming of the Lord Jesus. He genuinely and consistently desired to do the Father’s will. How does this apply to us? One thing I have learned is that there is no peace, contentment, or joy when we are out of the will of God. Joy comes in surrender to His plan. He truly does know best. Do you know God’s will for your life?

For today: It’s not about me or what I want. It is all about You, Lord, and what You want me to do.

“But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins (Mark 2:10).

What awesome power the Lord Jesus possesses! He has the power or authority to forgive sins. I could stand on the street corner and order passing motorists to pull over and stop. Everyone would laugh at me and probably no one would pull over. Why? The answer is easy. I do not have the authority. My neighbor is a police officer. When he puts on his badge and gets into his uniform, he has the authority to order passing motorists to pull over and stop. It is all in the authority vested in him. Likewise, the Lord Jesus possesses all authority, even the authority to forgive sins. What a blessing it is for us to come to Him and to be forgiven. Do you think you are too bad? Don’t worry; His authority is too big not to be able to handle your sins! You can come to Him just as you are.

For today: Forgiven! Could there ever be a sweeter word to those who come?

“A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1)

Two men stood at the end of the loading dock. Obviously there was a problem. Over the course of several moments, their voices became louder and louder. As one screamed his opinion, the other voiced his a little louder. Though standing less than a foot away from each other, their voices reached decibel levels that were deafening. Have you ever been in such a situation? Too bad that at least one of these men didn’t think about the life principle that says, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” It is very difficult to shout through an argument with someone who remains very calm and quiet. Try it sometime and watch it work!

For today: Lord, please help me to guard my tongue, my tone, and even my volume!

“I, even I, am the LORD; and besides me there is no Savior” (Isaiah 43:11).

Hank always teased his red-haired wife and would say, “Lucy, you are one of a kind.” She would wave her finger at him and say, “Only the Lord is one of a kind. Thank you very much.” Though Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie loved teasing each other, she really was on to something. Only the Lord is unique. He proclaimed to the ancient people His uniqueness. His message is still true today. There are not many roads to Heaven. There is only one. It is through the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins and His resurrection. Aren’t you grateful for the wonderful truth that He is the one and only Savior?

For today: Call me politically incorrect if you want, but I am glad I belong to the only Savior!