Today is my 73rd birthday - way back when, I probably never thought I'd ever get to be this old. But God has been good to me, and gracious and kind, and has blessed me with all these years. I get to 'celebrate me' today.
Oh, I'm still working today - after all, I will get all these emails with birthday wishes. If we were in the office, we'd be having a potluck and little work and a lot of play. Maybe it's a good thing I work from home! I have not a lot to do today, but some things. I've already started receiving some gifts and it's been humbling to receive them, for sure. I never want a gift out of obligation, and it has been nice to receive what I have. Some of the gifts I have already received have been quite the surprise; definitely not expected.
It may prove to be a long day - one in which I may need to take a nap at some point. Even a ten minute one would help. Hubby started flip-flopping all over the bed a little after 2AM and it woke me up. I laid there until about 3:15AM, hoping I could sleep more, but by then I gave up and came in here to try and sleep. I'm sure I did sleep some, but had such a headache from 1) being awakened so quickly, and 2) the atmosphere outside was letting me know rain was a-coming. It rained quite a bit while I was sitting here. I don't hear it now, and my headache, though still there, has subsided some. But I'm sleepy. But, no time to sleep this morning. Things to do, meetings to schedule. Today may require a second cup of coffee. I think I need one of Dutch Brothers 911 coffee. I can't remember what all is in it - something like 2-3 shots of expresso, chocolate, regular coffee.... I don't know what all is in it - but it is strong enough to slap you. Or it was the one or two times I've had it. I'm too cheap to go to Dutch Brothers or Starbucks. Well, I take that back, I do get a venti unsweetened green tea at Starbucks when they are in a store I go to. Rarely do I get anything else. The long lines at Dutch Brothers turn me off. No coffee is worth that wait!
I have through the New Testament and I have started Revelations again this morning. I'm sure I've mentioned it when I did the study on it earlier this year - and read it through then. I debated on reading it again, but decided to do so. Then I will start again on the Old Testament and read through the Bible again.
Revelations 1:3 (NKJV): "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, ad keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."
The time is near... that is more true than it was even then. Although we do not know when Jesus will return, or when the saints will be taken to heaven, it could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week. No one knows, although I know of people who have tried to figure it out. Guess what, they were wrong. So many things are to happen before the end of time, and much of it has already occurred. For one, 'wars and rumors of war'.... and look at the shape our world is in today.
Our part in all this is to be ready for Jesus' return. Are you ready? Is your family ready for Jesus to return? The Bible says that the man of the house is the spiritual leader of the home. Some men have ignored that responsibility. Some men have taken it to extremes. Yes, I have had to remind hubby at times over the years that I am not designated as the spiritual leader of our home, he is. (in other words, get your act together!) There is so much to learn of Jesus, and the Bible gives us Life, and tells us how to live that life so that we can be with Jesus at the end of the age. As parents, we are responsible for our children's walk with Jesus; by that I mean we are to be sure they know about Jesus and give them an example to follow. Will they grow up following Jesus, or following the world? Are we ensuring our children will go to heaven?
For those of us whose children are grown and out on their own, we need to spend a lot of time in prayer for those who are walking with the world. Ultimately, they make their own decisions, but sometimes our prayers can hit the mark and they will turn their hearts to Jesus, some for the first time! Oh that my children's eyes will be opened to theTruth in Jesus and will choose to follow Him all the days of their life!
Psalm 23:6 (NKJV): "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
I prayed a special prayer this morning.... and no, I'm not going to share what it was. But I know if it is God's will, and I'm sure it is, then He will answer.
When was the last time you asked God for something? Perhaps you did and it wasn't in His will to answer it the way you wanted it answered. Did you get angry with Him and walk away? I know some who did, and it breaks my heart. Our God loves to shower us with His blessings and give us everything we desire. But it is all in His timing.
Is it in His will to answer my prayer? I don't know. I want to believe it is, and that I am praying in His will. I need to believe that He will answer in His time, in His way. His blessings are all mine.
Wow - that was weird.... my coffee cup, which is empty, was sitting on a flat surface, and it just fell over. Reminds me of the complete psalm above that I just quoted...
Psalm 23:1-6 (NKJV): "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
My cup runs over. Nothing was in my cup, don't know why that psalm came to mind. But I know that the blessings I receive from God truly does cause my cup to runneth over. I am truly blessed.
Today, my wish for you, is that your eyes will be opened to the Truth of the Word and that you will acknowledge Jesus as Lord of all.
Blessings!
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