Today I have been dragging myself around, as the result of insufficient sleep and many recent tasks; even so it is a day when I have known I was supported by God. I am so grateful that God, in answer to my prayers, filled my heart with a sense of happiness and praises for Him. I have enjoyed socialization with dear friends, as well as the opportunity to hear some thought provoking speaking and fine music. Psalm 33: 18 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.” V 21, 22 “For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”
God spoke to Moses, and told him to speak to his brother Aaron and sons and request that they speak the following blessing upon the Israelite’s. I love the fact that it is an oft spoken blessing upon those assembled at many Christian functions: down through the ages, unto these times. Numbers 6: 24 – 26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” I find the reason given for this blessing very meaningful, as it must have been for those people who came out of Egypt, 1000’s of years ago. V 27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” This was also precious in the mind of Paul of the early church, and I acknowledge the blessing of God upon myself and all who believe and claim His offered blessings, Ephesians 1: 3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
There is no doubt about it for most people, even though we can find things and happenings to be grateful about, and much to thank and praise God for; that life on this earth is often hard and not always a lot of fun. I believe we can come through and endure more positively, when we have an expectation for better times, and a hope that is anchored on a bright future with Christ in heaven. Isaiah 57: 15 “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
John consolidates the hopes all who believe, when he relates what he was shown by an angel sent from heaven. Revelation 22: 1-5 “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and the Lamb. In the middle of the street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”
I am so grateful to God for His abundant blessings and care, and for the hope of eternal life, based on the many revelations from God to His prophets and faithful servants. Heaven is not only portrayed as beautiful, but pure, for sin will not be taken to heaven. How I long for the day when Jesus comes again. As well as the day, when the devil and his angels can no longer perpetuate sin and temptation upon all of earth.