The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm” (Luke 8:25).

In the boat with the disciples, the Lord Jesus stands up in the middle of the storm. He lifts his voice and rebukes the wind and the massive waves. A miracle occurs.  Immediately the stormy creation obeys the Creator’s voice and a supernatural calm takes place. What storm are you sailing through? If you know the Lord, thankfully He is the One who speaks to the storm and brings a supernatural calm. In the hard times He still calms His child.

For today: Until He brings the calm, trust Him. He has everything under control!

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…” (Matthew 22:37).

I don’t know about you, but I love leftovers. If it tasted good for supper, then a few days later, I think it tastes just as good or even better. But there is a big difference between enjoying leftovers for a meal and treating God with the leftovers of our love. By this I mean, do you love Him more than anything? Or is He somehow way down on the list of loved ones and things? Leftovers are great for meatloaf, but never for your love of the Lord.

For today: Stop and take a serious inventory of what you love more than anything else in the world? Is it the Lord?

“I said, Thou art my refuge…” (Psalm 141:5).

When I was a teenager, I worked at a camping resort. One particular day I was far from the nearest pavilion as the sky grew very dark. I could hear the sound of thunder as I started my dash! Suddenly the rain came fast and hard. The tractor I was driving couldn’t go fast enough for me. By the time I reached the pavilion, I was soaking wet. I wished I had raced for the pavilion far earlier! But far better than the distant picnic pavilion is the very present and precious pavilion of our Lord! He truly is our refuge.

For today: The Lord is far greater and much more powerful than any problem you might face today. Run to your refuge. He will never fail you.

“Set your affection on things above…” (Colossians 3:2).

Are things really hectic in your life? Like most people, you are no doubt busy and hurried today. There are days when it seems like there is not time for one more thing! But take a moment to think about this. Everything around you is temporary. Keep your focus in His Word, on your eternal Home, and upon the things of the Lord. Love this world less and less and the things of the Lord more and more!

For today: Take the challenge to intentionally refocus today. Set your affection on the things above.

“Only Luke is with me…” (2 Timothy 4:11).

Paul was in a hard place. Life was hard in a Roman prison. He must have felt far from the churches he planted and people he loved. Many folks deserted him. But one dear friend by the name of Luke was still there with Paul. What an encouragement that must have been! Let me ask, who do you know that may be feeling deserted and alone? Your brief visit and words of spiritual

encouragement might just be the most wonderful part of someone’s day. Do you have the opportunity to be a Luke to someone?

For today: In whose life can you invest a few moments today?