the time and make the choice.
July 13
Words of Life
“Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16 (WEB)
For many years this passage from Psalm 91 has been my prayer for my sons. I have claimed its promises for them. God is faithful to hear and answer.
God says that our love for Him brings on a response – He is watching and comes ‘riding to the rescue’ when we make choices that get us in trouble! When we take the stand that we only recognize Him as Lord in our lives, He stands over us like a shield of protection! When we call and cry out to Him, He answers. He answers! When troubles come (And they will. We can guarantee that!), God will already be there. He will be a tangible presence in the trouble that will lead us out of the trouble. He will respect and admire us because in that trouble, we turned to Him and expected Him to be there. We turned in the best direction! God will give me a life-span that has no end! He will show me eternity!
My son, James, died in 2004 at age 17. James’ life continues on through people who, because of his life-testimony, made a choice to live their lives with Jesus. They saw God’s courage and strength in James’ life and said, “I want some of that!” “I need some of that!” James is having a long life!
My son, John, continues to write his legacy. He is walking his life in front of his own sons, showing them an example of what it is to be God’s man in this world. It is about showing your children that you are weak but God will keep His promises and make you strong! It is turning to God for wisdom and direction in your life and doing what He says even when you can’t see the ‘why’ of it.
...whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (WEB)
This has been my Scripture for my daughter, Janet. She has been given a gift of faith. I sometimes think that is a difficult gift to carry because it may mean that she believes when everyone around thinks it can’t possibly happen! I believe God put this passage in my heart to use as a prayer that she would keep her focus on Him and not be distracted.
What words of God do you pray over your children? Your spouse? No matter how young or old they may be...God is faithful and a keeper of His promises. Ask God to direct your heart to His words for His children.
July 14
Blessings
“I pray that the LORD will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the LORD be good to you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (CEV)
Did you grow up in a home where ‘The Blessing’ was said before every meal? I did. It was a specific prayer that we said every meal, every day. And that is OK except by the time I was old enough to understand the prayer it had become such a ’habit’ that I didn’t listen and ask the blessing from my heart. My mother had set the example but I didn’t follow. It’s wonderful to see my children encourage my grandchildren to pray their own blessings. I got an ‘eaves-dropping’ recording from my daughter the other night. My granddaughter was praying before she went to sleep...doing her “...and God bless...” She was praying specifically for her “Uncle John” that he would do well in a baseball game he was going to pitch in her home town the next night. He was on her heart because she was going to see him soon. At one point, I think her daddy was helping her with some words and she said, “Stop, Daddy! You’re messing up my prayer!” We have all laughed at that but it certainly preaches to all of us. Remember how Jesus told us to have the faith of a child? May we remember that God hears the prayer of our hearts (even if words fail us!) and answers well!
A blessing is a prayer that leaves out manipulation and personal agenda and instead asks God to pour out His gifts upon His child (or children). The example of this prayer given by God to Moses and addressed to the Levites asks for such good stuff ! When praying for someone no matter what the specific need, including these elements is asking for a double blessing, isn’t it? When someone has, say, a health need, lifting that need to God and being specific as the Holy Sprit leads and then asking God to protect and show mercy and kindness and goodness and cover that person with His peace – that is truly asking God to give more than they could ask or imagine!
[Jesus said,] “But I tell you who hear : love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.”
Luke 6:27-28 (WEB)
Jesus’ words are never – careless. He always says what He means. I may not always understand it the way Jesus means but maybe His first phrase here gives me a clue about that! “You who hear me.” Do I want to hear what Jesus says? In this case, the words that I have heard and received about ‘blessings’ even goes for those people in my life who hate me, dislike me, irritate me, bug me, and even mistreat those I love. Yes, do I really want to hear that?
[Jesus said,] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
Luke 6:32-36 (WEB)
Jesus asks more of me. Jesus gives more to me. He gives me all that I need to be obedient and glorify the Father. It comes down to a choice on my part. It comes down to my flesh. There aren’t many in the ’enemy’ category, thank my Lord, but they do exist. What healing, what joy, what heavenly peace comes to me when I make the choice and ask the Holy Spirit to give me what I need so I can pray blessings over all!
July 15
Jesus Came
[Jesus said,] “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10 (WEB)
Look at that profound and yet beautiful statement: Jesus came to seek and save what was lost. Jesus came as a man. I can not even understand the many reasons why Jesus came fully man and fully God. I
