How Blessed

We have the most to give thanks for, having been drawn by the Spirit to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ forever.  Everything else pales in comparison.  Romans 8:32 likewise puts this in perspective, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things."  So my conclusion is simple, thank God for all the good things that He has blessed you with, family, food, clothing, shelter, health, friends, vehicles, resources, etc., but let all His gifts be the icing on the cake, Jesus and your eternal life being the heart of the matter. 

Psalm 119 starts out with "How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord" and continues to speak of all the good things the Word of God does for us.  It is really hard to read this psalm without appreciating how blessed we are who know Jesus and live by the Word.  In almost every line, the Holy Spirit enlightens, encourages, and reminds us with the overwhelming promises of what the Word of God provides.  Clearly it is both a celebration and a prayer for the believer to receive with awe and thanksgiving the promises of the Word.    

On the opposite side of the coin, in Revelation 20:4 we see that only those who have a commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word are able to resist the Antichrist.  2 Thessalonians 2:10 also points out that only those who "receive the love of the truth" will not fall for the power and signs and false wonders of the Satan during the coming of the lawless one, the antichrist.  

Therefore, my prayer this morning is for you and me to ask the Holy Spirit for a fresh and abiding love for the truth of God's Word and the staying power to never let go of it.  Let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4) in our thoughts, feelings, and choices forever!

Your Legacy

Does your life as a godly person make a difference in the lives of others?

That question is answered in Psalm 112 when it reveals powerful blessings for the one who "fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.  His descendants will be mighty on the earth."  Reminds me of the statement of John, in 3 John 1:4, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.

Have you heard about the legacy of Jonathan Edwards compared to Max Jukes?  

Jonathan Edwards’ legacy includes: 1 U.S. Vice-President, 1 Dean of a law school, 1 dean of a medical school, 3 U.S. Senators, 3 governors, 3 mayors, 13 college presidents, 30 judges, 60 doctors, 65 professors, 75 Military officers, 80 public office holders, 100 lawyers, 100 clergymen, and 285 college graduates.

On the other hand, Max Jukes, who lived in New York at about the same time period as Edwards, was in the New York prison system after a life of drunkenness and crime.   Jukes’ descendants included: 7 murderers, 60 thieves, 190 prostitutes, 150 other convicts, 310 paupers, and 440 who were physically wrecked by addiction to alcohol. Of the 1,200 descendants that were studied, 300 died prematurely.

Sometimes we have no idea of the lives we affect by choosing to love God and walk in righteousness.  Clearly Psalm 112 goes on about the blessings of living for the Lord.  His life is described as gracious, merciful, righteous and generous.  He will not fear evil tidings.  His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  His heart is upheld, he will not fear.  His horn (symbol of power, help, glory, and victory) will be exalted in honor.  However, the greatest joy is the legacy of those we love being conformed to the same godly direction we have chosen and exemplified.  Praise God forever!

You are a light and make a difference even when you don't realize it and in situations beyond your immediate circumstances.  As God says, choose life and see the blessings continue for generations to come.  

Strength in Knowing God is Here

 Sometimes the accuser of the brethren tries to convince us that we are not overcomers and that we fall short of pleasing God.  However, God's Word tears down that lie and builds the unshakeable foundation that we are His beloved, His treasure and joy.  Ephesians 1:18 even goes so far as to reveal that we are "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."  You are worth dying for, and even stronger, you are the "joy set before Him" that made Jesus willingly lay His life down.  He delights in you.  Can you just be still and know that love?

In the midst of barely getting things done with grades for parent teacher conferences, preparing certificates for the quarterly awards night, and keeping up with teaching, tests, and grading, God showed up.  He sent a prophet to speak a word of encouragement that God was pleased with us and had more blessings coming. Then out of the blue, someone shared that the Holy Spirit told them to send us a significant amount check.  My heart is full and I don't even know how to thank Him or to realize completely how exactly the Lord knows where we are and what we need, but there is a new fire of strength burning in me to press on.  So my word to you is that God is faithful, and He clearly knows and is working in your behalf.  Faith and patience (endurance) inherit the promises.

Maybe the familiar verses from Psalm 103 is a good reminder of all God has done.  "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:  Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. "  

Wherever you are and whatever your battle, stop.  Let Him help you realize the Lord is there.  Your strength will be renewed like the eagles and your fullness of joy will be restored in His presence.