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Dear Grandkids,
Today is what is known as V-E Day. Victory in Europe. It is the day in 1945 that the German army laid down their arms in surrender and officially gave the Allied forces victory over the Nazi war machine in World War 2. It is also a great day to remember the victory that has been secured for us at the cross – and even though the enemy of our soul still fights a hopeless battle we take heart knowing that we have victory in Jesus.
May the 8th!
For the 4th year in a row I want to pronounce some benedictions over you – benedictions that reflect the great victory that Jesus won at the cross when He defeated death and the evil one.
May the 8th verse of Acts 1 remind you that as believers we are empowered by God via the presence of His Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel wherever we go:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
May the 8th verse of Romans 5 help you to never forget the incredible depth of the love that God has for you:
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
May the 8th verse of Ephesians 2 cause you to live gratefully knowing that it is the magnanimous gift of God’s grace that has granted you salvation and a restored relationship with the Father:
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
May the 8th verse of Philippians 3 inspire you to forsake anything that this world might seduce you with because of the incomparable value of knowing Jesus:
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
May the 8th verse of Philippians 4 stir you to think great thoughts of God and fortify your mind against the assault of the enemy:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
May the 8th verse of 1 Timothy 4 and may the 8th verse of James 4 energize you to pursue daily disciplines that strengthen you unto godliness and provides nourishment for your soul.
For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
May the 8th verse of Psalm 34 reassure you of God’s goodness and blessing as you look to Him for refuge and refuse to find your identity in the eyes of this world.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
And may the 8 of you (soon 9) never forget that you are very loved!
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