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Blessing
The word blessing in the Scripture literally means "good words." It is where we get our word "eulogy." As most know, we are accustomed to hearing a eulogy when someone has passed away- and that is a nice tradition. But I think it would be good if we pronounced more eulogies while our friends are alive.
One of the mentors early in our adult Christian walk was a godly man in his seventies, Dr. John Montgomery, a psychiatrist and elder in the church where Don and I attended. One of the many wise and thoughtful comments he made was, "I believe in giving people their roses while they're still alive." This was during a discussion of I Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another..."
And so, every so often, we want to write a blessing to you in order that you might be reminded of the Lord and His desire for you. Feel free to pass on to others as you like.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
May God bless you with the reality of your righteousness, which has been declared by God as a present reality. May the Lord bless you with His peace in today's circumstances. You have been reconciled to God through the grace of God which is Christ Jesus your Lord. Because your righteousness is a done deal through Jesus, you are fully accepted by Him. May God protect you from having this Truth stolen from you by any lie of God's enemy. CF
The Bone
I just saw a commercial about protection insurance where this fluffy cute white dog is constantly worrying and fretting about the safety of an old bone he's taken possession of. Perhaps you've seen it. He first tries hiding it in the family couch, but then the father sits on it.
Next, he tries burying the bone in the yard, but he stands at the window and stares at the plot where he buried it imagining that another dog will get it. Finally, he goes to a bank and puts the bone in a safety deposit box. This, too, does not work as he tosses and turns all night thinking and worrying about nothing but his bone. At last, he places the bone openly in his dish and has peace because the "umbrella" of the insurance is keeping it safe for him.
What's "the bone" in your life? Is it finances? Or a troubled marriage? Or loss of a parent, mate, child, job? My soul begins to think, "If I could only find the peace and security for 'my bone' that the fluffy white dog has found for his bone, I could have peace, too. And, like the little dog, the more you try to solve your problem, the more worried and fretful you become. Jesus says, "Come to Me All who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest...for My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28,30
In effect, He is saying, "Continually focus on Me, not your problem, and My Presence will bring you comfort and peace. This takes practice but produces great contentment. CF |
