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If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. (Psalm 127 The Message)
Happy Thursday to you, dear Friend! May this find you and yours doing well. A report just came in that there was another mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California with eleven people shot, and the suspected gunman dead. Pray for God to heal those wounded, comfort the afflicted, and bring about an end to the desire for people to want to harm others. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding to be in the hearts of those who know and love God.
Do you remember the old bumper sticker that read, "My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter?" It was a sly way to say that the owner or driver of that vehicle considered Jesus to be his or her boss. I believe it was intended to remind and reaffirm the belief of those who knew Jesus as well as to start a conversation with those that didn't. And today's passage, written before the days of Jesus, speak a truth about Yahweh Construction Company, "If God doesn't build the house, the builder only build shacks." This applies to marriages and all relationships under that roof. God needs to pour the foundational slab so that all other things on that foundation will be solid and stand the test of all challenges. Jesus later spoke of the man who built his house upon sand and the one who built his house on the rock. Same teaching. God should be the heart and strength of our lives. Every city should be under God's protection as well. And a life lived plagued with worry is not healthy; the psalmist reminds us of God's good provision. And then a further reminder of the blessing that our children can be to us parents. Every son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter, child friends - all are blessings and gifts from God and we should treat them in that way.
It's all centered in God, as God intended. We can labor and guard in vain if we do not invite God to be in on our plans. All of our plans. Start today and build up a fortress of love and faith and bless all who come under your roof.
PRAYER: Loving Father, thank You for all You have shared with us. We are blessed with homes build on love and faith; bless all who are under it and all who come to visit under our roof. May we be examples of those who trust You for all things, including rest. Bless any who read this prayer that are worried; remove the worry and replace it with calm and peace. In Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Live a life that radiates peace and love.
Eradio Valverde
