Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Benediction

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

When I stepped outside this morning, in the dark, the thin moon was shining brightly with stars twinkling all around, now, however, I hear the "rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." How Great Thou Art!" And the rain just started!

Well, the Mexican petunias are loving the rain. They are a lovely purple and the crape myrtle is pink and just about through blooming. Strangely enough, this rain has brought blooms to the azaleas in the hot summer! God is good!

We drove through the Park in the heat of the afternoon, yesterday and saw quite a few cars there...people walking in the heat and not seeming to mind it. I know that after this rain quits this morning, the sun will come out and we will be hot again. But that's okay, after all this is Florida in summer!

From Quiet Moments with God:

The very God of Peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV

A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing. It is usually associated with the final words of a worship service, given by a spiritual leader, but you can give yourself a benediction right where your are, this very day!

The only requirement for a benediction is this; that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, today is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.

Then pronounce this benediction upon yourself. Speak it with faith and boldness, in full confidence that the Lord desires this blessing to take root in you and bear good fruit. If you have a family, you may want to pronounce a blessing on them or on each member individually.

The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:

Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!

It is distrust of God to be troubled
about what is to come.
Impatience against God
to be troubles with what is
present; and anger at God to
be troubled for what is past.
Simon Patrick

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis