The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).

Several weeks after one of the morning Bible studies at work, Gene placed his faith in Christ. His wife, Alyssa, was not happy about his decision. She was sure that her husband had been caught up in a cult. Then the day came at Alyssa’s work. Serving as a bank teller, she met many people every day at her busy branch office. One day an older couple came into the bank. They were talking quietly and holding hands as they approached Alyssa’s counter. How pleasant this couple was and obviously, how deeply in love they were. As Alyssa efficiently took care of their banking, she overheard Richard whisper, “I love you,” to his wife Jeanette. “That was sweet,” Alyssa said quietly to the couple. “I hope my husband and I will love each other as much as you two do when we get to be your age,” she added. Without a second’s hesitation, Richard told her, “Well Alyssa, I can tell you it will be a lot more likely if you include the Lord in your relationship. My wife and I have been married for fifty-seven years. Our first eight years were not so good. But then we came to know the Lord and have included Him in our lives ever since. It hasn’t been perfect, but we are best friends today thanks to the Lord!” Richard said with a smile. She could not get his words out of her mind. It was not long thereafter that Alyssa placed her faith in Christ. It is wonderful to not only be married but also to be friends!

For today: If you are married, make friendship one of your goals.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Woody was rude to the pastor seated next to him on the airplane. Together they were flying across country to a destination in California. The pastor was on his way to a conference where he would be the speaker. Woody was on his way to a convention mandated by his business. “Nope,” Woody said adamantly to the pastor. “I don’t believe in God, and I don’t believe He answers prayer. I prayed once and nothing happened. So I’ve given up on prayer, and I certainly have given up on God,” said the young business executive with a look of defiance on his face. “May I show you something?” the pastor asked. Slipping his pocket Bible out of his coat, he turned to Isaiah chapter fifty-nine and explained the problem to Woody. He went on to explain to him that his sin was like a blocked artery that prevented the answer from coming. Perhaps today you will face people just like Woody. You and I know the Answer to their problems. May we be faithful in sharing with them!

For today: Sin still separates sinners from our holy God.

“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen…” (Revelation 1:18).

Whatever you are facing today, a glorious truth is written over all it. That truth is that Christ is alive. He’s alive forevermore. His sacrifice was sufficient once and for all. There is no other Savior. He alone must be trusted. He alone is worthy of your worship.

For today: In a world of death, decay and disappointment, be alert for the opportunities you will have today to trust the living Savior!

“As I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me…” (Romans 14:11).

It is growing increasingly more challenging to see the obvious rejection of our Lord. Openly and defiantly people reject His grace and ridicule His power. The day is coming when every knee will bow before Him. His glory will be revealed. His power will be demonstrated. His amazing majesty will take our breath away. We will be with Him when every knee shall bow.

For today: Be truly encouraged to be a light and a witness as His ambassador.

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good…” (1 Chronicles 16:34).

The Hebrew word for good is towb which gives the idea of being “excellent, right, and kind.” Today will be an excellent day to be on the watch for the many times God will show His goodness to you. Ask Him to help you see His good hand working throughout the day.

For today: At the end of your day, be sure to give Him thanks because He is good indeed.