Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

1 February 2025

Reading From Matthew 21:1-22

“The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

“‘From the lips of children and infants
    you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.”

–Matthew 21:14-17

     What a beautiful scene this is.  I imagine this to be on a brilliantly sunny day with gleaming light shining through the colonnades of the Temple.  To hear the sounds of all those sweet children praising Jesus and Him being right there with them, bringing healing to those who came to Him. 

This happy time reminds me of Mary and Martha and the value of simply spend time in the Presence of the Lord.  Rather than continually asking for things in prayer or hurrying through a worship set, it is so refreshing to meditate, listen for His voice, linger on a song of praise, focus on a phrase of Scripture, soak in the beauty of His creation, and just be with Him. 

“Lord Jesus, thank You for making a way for us to enjoy the Presence of the Father.  In this busy world of ours, I pray that You would focus our attention on intentionally spending time with You.  Being with You rejuvenates us spiritually and helps us move forward in peace and victory.  In Your Presence is fullness of joy.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.”

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” –Psalm 16:11

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:13

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”—Exodus 33:14

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”—James 4:8

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”—Psalm 145:18