June 3rd
Read: 2 Cor. 12:7-10; James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5-9; Eph. 5:25, 28
When a home founders, everyone suffers. Parents, even children are apt to forsake the home when selfishness abounds and forgiveness is lacking. Often the forsaking takes the form of leaving, but there is an emotional forsaking which takes a heavy toll on the others in the home and family, a withdrawing from fellowship which leaves others struggling with their own identities, because the family establishes identities. That is part of its function. Father hides himself in long workdays or in front of the TV, forsaking conversation because he sees himself as a loser in family fellowship. He may sleep often and find ways to leave the family to pursue his own interests, neglecting to invite any of the family to join him, because it is painful to see reflected in that wife or child his own frustrations and failures. He resides in the house, but does not ‘live’ with the family in all of its facets, often ignoring expressed needs because of his own feelings of inability to meet them. The only help for such a situation is the Godly instructions which are specifically for family members in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. He is able to use His Word to alter the thought patterns which breed these sorts of problems. God’s grace is sufficient.
THY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT . . .
. . . Against the world.
A rush of waters fills my ears
And yet Your presence stills my fears,
For though the billows surge and flow,
Your hand will help me steady go
Until the floods subside.
. . . Against circumstances.
The mountain path lies rough and steep
Where evening shadows early creep,
O’ershading me upon the trail,
Yet I know You will never fail,
My ever faithful Guide.
. . . Against enemies.
The noise of battle doth surround
Where enemies my den have found,
Yet though I draw my final breath,
I will not fear the foe called Death
With You, Lord, by my side.
. . . Against trials.
When suffering is to fill my day
And pain with flesh doth have its way,
Yet will I find some good to glean
That, trusting You, it may be seen
That You ever abide.
. . . Against temptation.
Oh Lord, the tempter’s hand doth knock
For me my heart’s door to unlock
That he might set for me a snare.
Oh Lord, You go to meet him there
And make him stay outside.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the sufficiency of Your grace for me and for my family. Help me to turn to You each day to draw upon it.