Image from dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com
Hear the devotional read here: https://bit.ly/2ZUtyrT
1 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. 2 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? 3 Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? 4 Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. 5 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 and blessed Thursday, ConCafe Family! May this day present you with a long awaited prayer answer for your life, Friend, is my prayer for you.
I was homeless for the better part of forty-four years. As are most pastors in the United Methodist Church. It wasn't until 2008 that I was appointed to a church that did not, gasp!, own a parsonage. That meant Nellie and I would have to either rent or buy a dwelling. Praying and thinking, buying meant we would be putting down deep roots in that city, and that was not a bad idea. We were just a few miles from our two youngest grandkids, and that was a great blessing. We were blessed with so many unexpected doors to open that allowed us a tremendous buy of a brand new home that was every bit our dream home. Our tax preparer said for us to take the IRS's new home buyer program which meant an $11,000 reduction in taxes if we lived in the home for three years. No problem, thought I! We would be in this home forever! The church was ideal; I had three full-time associates, the church had a full-court basketball court with an upstairs running track, a dual raquetball court, and a growing congregation. We know God had been in the building of the house, and our time would be blessed there.
We may or may not have a tendency to place God in our every situation. If we do, we bring blessings to that situation. If we don't, we soon may find ourselves inviting Him to come as quickly as He can, for we desperately need Him. The psalmist knew this, especially as he was a builder. He had chosen the new captial city of Israel, and united the kingdoms and settled for Jerusalem as the united capital and once there a nice wooden palace was established for him as king. He even dreamed of making God a home, but was told that would fall to his son. And when it came to guarding the city, David knew all about that, too. He understood the value of rest, and so writes about it. And he enjoyed the blessing of being a parent and so blesses all parents with the words of the closing part of this psalm.
When Nellie and I talked about marriage she said an incredible thing to me. She said that even if we had to live under a tree she would be happy as long as she was with me. Not the words I ever expected to hear, but it revealed her humble and gentle spirit, and above all her trust in God. I praise God that so far we've not had to live under a tree. Yes, some parsonages were close, but not quite! We have been blessed because we involved, and continue to involve God in our family. We spoke of having children, trusting God. Though we miscarried our first, God blessed us with four wonderful babies, now marvelous women. And so far, six grandchildren. God indeed blesses all; not all in the same way, but discerning spirits recognize His handiwork in all ways that are sometimes invisible to others, but sill we know when God is with us, and we certainlly know how God blesses us.
Let us remember the gospel lesson for Sunday; of all the people offering their gifts to the treasury the one who was the most blessed was the widow who gave all of her money to God, revealing that out of all the Bill Gates, Warren Buffett's, and Alice Walton's of the world, she was the most blessed! Which are you?
PRAYER: God of the blessed, continue to watch over and bless this dear reader and his/her loved ones and needs. Help us to share Your blessings to all whom we know. Grant us the vision of Jesus to truly see You in our lives and the multiple ways we have been blessed. Remind us the poorest of all is they who cannot see the blessings You have provided. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Reach out in love to those in need.
Receive my love and blessings,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
