Dear Grandkids,
Perhaps you will remember that each May I write a “blessing” post for one day of the month corresponding to the appropriate verses in Scripture. Well, it turns out that I preached my blessing post this morning at church. Here are the verses that served as my outline that I preached with you in mind. As an additional bonus this year I have included some action points.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us” (Ephesians 1:7)
May the 7th verse of Ephesians 1 bring vitality to your soul as you are reminded of the cross and that redemption, forgiveness, and grace are found only IN CHRIST.
Action Point: Ponder Ephesians 1:3-9 and pay attention to the pronouns He, His, and Him.
****
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)
May the 7th verse of John 15 encourage you to abide diligently as you are daily nourished by the life-giving, thirst-quenching Word of God which in turn will invigorate your prayer life.
Action Point: 30 day Challenge: Pick any book of the NT. John or Ephesians, etc. Read 1 paragraph a day. Ponder > Observation, Interpretation, Application.
****
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“…casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
May the 7th verse of Philippians 4 and 1 Peter 5 fuel you with peace and contentment as you daily rest in and experience the nearness of God.
Action Point: Keep a Gratitude Journal for 30 days – write one thing every day that you are grateful for.
****
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
May the 7th verse of 2 Timothy 4 and James 4 energize you to fight valiantly and courageously against the enemy of your soul who desires to steal, kill, and destroy your joy and your testimony and your faith.
Action Point: Memorize 4 “fighter verses” – one per week for the next 4 weeks. 2 Timothy 4:7, James 4:7, 1 John 4:4 (He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world), John 10:10 (The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.)
****
“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7)
May the 7th verse of Revelation 22 motivate you to pursue a life of holy obedience as you anticipate the “coming soon” of King Jesus.
Action Point: Think on this question: If Jesus were to come back tomorrow, what would you need to do to be joyfully ready?
Never forget that you are very loved,
Pop Pop