Judie Puckett. Guest Writer

TODAY’S TREASURE

One Sunday morning, I was captivated by a sweet family during the worship service. Three young children rotated between sitting quietly in their own seats and cuddling on Mom’s or Dad’s lap. Dad placed his arm around his son while the boy rested his head safely on his father's chest. Mom gently stroked her daughter’s long brown hair. Brother and sister snuggled closely while trying to whisper quietly. They smiled and felt close to each other. For these precious three babes, worshiping in the House of the Lord on a Sunday morning is a happy place to be.

The House of the Lord—a place of peace, safety, and contentment.

I thought about what a beautiful lesson these parents (perhaps intentionally, perhaps unintentionally) were teaching their children. The House of Lord is meant to be a place where the family of God comes together in joy, safety, and rest. A refuge for the weary. A place of belonging for the forgotten. Home for the wandering pilgrim.

Not because we have it all together, but because we don’t. Not because we always all get along perfectly, because that is certainly not true. And not because we’re just supposed to put on a sweet face at church, because hypocrisy surely isn’t beautiful.

Rather, the House of the Lord is a place of joy, peace, and safety because of WHOSE house it is. We have a God who personally invites each of us to call him Father. The Almighty Creator of the universe says, “When you pray to me, call me Dad.”

We have a God who welcomes us into his house. We have a God who forms and reforms our hearts in corporate worship. A God who showers us with joy in worship even when life’s circumstances are harsh and cruel. A God who makes enemies friends, a God who restores what sin has stolen. A God who offers us peace, safety and belonging in His Son Jesus. A God who invites us to call Him Father. A God whose house is one of joy, safety, and peace.

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Sister, are you frequenting the House of the Lord? Are worship and community a vital force in your life? These are God’s gifts to us. Avail yourself of them. Forgive when forgiveness is necessary. Step out of your comfort zone with God’s people. Heaven knows we are far from perfect, but the House of the Lord is a glorious means of grace for us. Go and enjoy!

PRAYER

Father, sometimes I love Your House and Your people. And sometimes, I don’t. Forgive me and make me like You. Thank You that Your house is one of joy, safety and peace because it is YOUR house. Help me love it like You do.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Romans 8:15

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Adapted from Judie Puckett, Grace Enjoyed: Delighting in Our God in the Ordinary Moments of Life (Storied Publishing, 2023).

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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.