In various homes of the saints where we have visited during a series of meetings in the assemblies, it has always been refreshing to be included in the regular, consecutive reading of the Word of God at mealtime. Sometimes it has been in the morning after breakfast and sometimes after the evening meal, whatever time was suitable for the family to be together.

Just as if it were part of the meal, one brother would say after the dishes were cleared from the table, "Mary, get the Books." Mary knew what her father meant. She went to the cupboard where the Bibles were kept with always some extra ones for company, and distributed a Bible to each one at the table. The portion was opened and each one read aloud a verse or two. Even the little ones, able to talk, with Bibles in their hands would repeat the verse when their turn came as it was told to them word by word. Thus all Joined in getting what one brother called "our dessert."

One brother, in whose home we have often been taken care of so graciously, after the reading would kneel at his chair, and the whole family followed him in kneeling as he poured out his heart in prayer. Various ones who were sick would be mentioned, and then each member of the family at home or away would be brought before the Lord at the throne of grace. What warmth of love and confidence of faith this promoted!

Truly the benefits derived from those few moments of sacred service as the family is united in this way are many even now. Not only is each soul fed and the family life strengthened, but a divine fortification is given to each one through the instruction and encouragement of the Scriptures. Parents and children alike are united to experience peace and guidance in regards to all circumstances that can arise. Surely, in these days of increasing evil and enticements of the world and Satan, its god and prince, there is a greater need than ever before for the family to be a bulwark of spiritual power to withstand and stand in an evil day. This part of the training of the child in the way he should go, bolstered by the example and fellowship of the parents will keep the children from the paths of the destroyer.

Much of the breakdown in the testimony of the individual Christian and in the assemblies of the Saints of God can be traced to this neglect of daily, genuine earnestness and steadfastness of the reading of the Word of God. Then, too, it is a good thing to sing a song of praise, for "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10).

If you are not reading as a family, START NOW! If you are, KEEP IT UP!

Begin the day with God
   Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up your heart to His abode,
   And get our orders there.