Friday, May 27, 2005
2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
BLESSINGS FROM OUR TRIUNE GOD!
One of the more nerve racking things I ever had to do in my life was to ask my now father-in-law for his daughter's hand in marriage. It was important to me and Gloria that we have his blessing. But because he lived about 3000 miles away from where I was living at the time, I had to seek his permission over the phone. I carefully thought through my little speech, then nervously dialed the number. The phone rang. A man answered. I proceeded to state the purpose of my call, after which the voice on the other end said, "Who is this? I don't have a daughter named Gloria. I think you have the wrong number." I had dialed the wrong number and had asked some total stranger if I could marry his daughter. Well, finally I did get a hold of the right father-in-law, and did receive his permission to marry his lovely daughter. His blessing -- while important for many reasons -- brought an end to the inner conflict of a very agitated young man. His blessing brought me great relief and peace.
Blessings are like that, especially God's blessings.
Life in a sinful world involves conflict, turmoil, struggle. We have financial and time related pressures. There are many situations which challenge us emotionally, mentally, spiritually. On top of that, there are our many failures and feelings of guilt to rob us of peace. But despite all, we can still have peace. The key to peace is to turn to God for His blessings.
Our God loves to bless His children, and He wants us to take His blessings into our hearts so that we can live at peace in this evil world. Whatever trouble you may be currently undergoing, somewhere in God's Book is a blessing just waiting for you to grab hold of.
If you're unsure about the future, fasten this blessing to your heart: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).
If your conscience is gnawed by guilt, try this blessing on for size: "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
If your Christian loved one is nearing the end of his earthly pilgrimage, wrap this blessing around yourself like a warm blanket: "Our Savior Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10).
So, have you had a hard week? Take a deep breath! The Triune God is there with His blessings. What peace to have GOD'S GRACE! HIS LOVE! HIS FELLOWSHIP!
