priestly blessing

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT

This blessing is ancient when you consider when it was given. The Lord here was instructing Aaron, the newly appointed High Priest, to use it to bless God 's people.

Since this time it must have been spoken a multitude of times. Have you ever used it? I remember a pastor using it every dedication of a new baby to the Lord. Personally I have not used it on a regular basis. However, if God gave it to be used, I am sure He meant for it to be used. I often end a message or email with 'blessings'. Perhaps, without realising it, I am using a condensed version of the prayer.

Praying blessing over people is much better than 'yours sincerely', or 'kind regards' as these are both about my intentions, whereas 'blessings' is about divine intentions. The words we use can bless or curse.

Use words wisely! Amen!

whenever

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 NLT

Doing good can mean we become involved when our inclination is to not bother. This morning I was walking my dog, not particularly wanting to but praying in the spirit the whole time. As I was returning to my street I saw a man with a backpack veer into a now vacant premises and it appears he was out of bounds.  I went to the house, and waited for him to reappear. I asked whT he was doing. He said he wanted to buy a house like the one in question. I said, "well this is sold, and not available". He said it was no harm to look and walked off. My problem with the man was the way he entered the property, the way he spoke and how he turned around, and walked back up my street entering a neighbours house. He was a stranger, and he was in no way able to afford $600,000 plus for the house in question. He was snooping.  We have had a lot of break-ins in the city of late but we have a vigilant members in our street, of which I am one. I alerted my street via our Facebook page. Now, I felt silly, and I did not want to indict an innocent man however I took the chance that it was Important. If villians know we are vigilant they will choose somewhere else.

The same goes for people in our lives. We must be alert, and ever willing to speak God 's word to them. We cannot turn a blind eye to sin. All evil needs for it to prosper is for good people to do nothing. Amen!

doing good

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 NLT

Doing good is only possible if we carry a mindset of goodwill towards all. There was a time when a negative poisonous monkey would crawl on my back and I would be set against others. I had to tell that monkey where to go. 

We must examine our thoughts. If they are negative towards others, fault-finding, wicked or even lustful, pull them down and refuse them space.

Once free of the spirit of condemnation you can be free to explore how God would have you think, and allow Him to inspire good works towards others. You will be amazed!

all You have done

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalms 9:1 NLT

If we take a trip into the wilds, camp and gaze at the night sky we are soon filled with wonder of a God who created this earth just for us. Even taking time to sit and watch the sun set or sit in the cool of the garden, all speak volumes of His goodness to us.

Today has been heavy duty study again, but soon I will sit and watch God's glory. It is so important that I regIn focus. When feeling heavy or negative listening to Christian music brings clarity. We are blessed to be able to listen to music and read our bibles. We are blessed to have space to breathe in God's glory.

Perspective and clarity help us focus on the important things. God is good! Take time to focus and gain life. Amen!

I will praise the Lord

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalms 9:1 NLT

Nature knows how to praise the Lord. In spring trees and bushes blossom in all their glory.

We who know the Lord have a deposit of glory within, with this we praise the Lord and give glory to His name.

Our Lord fills us with His joy, as we trust in Him and give Him praise He lifts us up. No matter how we feel, if tired or unwell, as we praise we are lifted up. Amen!

goodness and mercy

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:6 NLT

Have you ever been followed by a yapping dog? Or worse still a dangerous animal? This engender fear. However, to be followed by goodness and mercy, wow! It is like having a train of favour behind you.

If goodness and mercy are following us, surely they are embodied in a person, and they are, Jesus Christ,  The Holy Spirit and the Father, plus the whole host of heaven. Now that is a double wow!

As opposed to fear, the sense when being followed by goodness is pleasure, favour and joy! Now, why would you not want to be followed by these?

pursued

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:6 NLT

The Song of Songs is a love song between two lovers and written by King Solomon, the greatest lover of all. Many compare this with God's loving pursuit of us, His bride. Its a good read. It brings to light the passion and longing that two lovers can have for each other. 

If God loves us passionately can we not love Him in return in a like manner? What would our lives look like if we did?

Remember when you first came to be found by your lover, remember the passion and adoration. Keep it fresh, court it. Amen!