Day 10’s winner of Ring of Secrets is…
Keep entering all week for a chance at the daily book drawing AND Friday’s drawing for winner’s choice of one of these two necklaces by Susie Finkbeiner of Inspired Novelties.
And for today:
I decided, rather belatedly, to do the Bible-in-a-year schedule in the back of my new chronological Bible. I began on July 1, went through and penciled in all the new dates over the ones listed in the back, and got down to business last week.
As I’m reading through Genesis again, some things are jumping out at me that never have before. Today I read both Abraham’s blessing of Isaac and Isaac’s blessing, intended for Esau but given by deceit to Jacob.
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| Isaac Blessing Jacob by a student of Rembrandt |
Now, I’ve read these things half a gazillion times. I’ve heard sermons on them. I’ve wondered about them. But today, as my kids run through the room laughing while I read, I thought about them in a new way.
What was it about those words that these men so craved? What made them so important? So special? So binding?
I don’t exactly have the answers to that…but I have some thoughts. All through the Bible, both Old Testament and New, we see the power of words.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing
was made that was made. In Him was Life, and the life was the light of men. And
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”John 1:1-2
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,
that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”Colossians 4:6
“So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let
none of his words fall to the ground.”I Samuel 3:19
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and
Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by
grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good WORD and work.”II Thessalonians 2:16, 17
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
Hallo, Ms. White!
The greatest blessing in my life, next to my faith, is that my parents always encouraged me to follow my heart. See where it led me, and they always encouraged my passions and interests. Knowing that one day, I'd realise my own gifts and talents to share with the world. They blessed me with the ability to take the journey and have fully supported me ever since. 🙂
The promise that God is always there for me, I may not get the answers I want when I have requests but he is there for me.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I couldn't really think of a specific encouragement but whenever someone shares a word of encouragement it can change my whole day and this is a great reminder to be more diligent in the encouragement of others!
encouraged by my mom to always do my best
Fav. promise "Be still and KNOW that I AM God"
One promise/encouragement that has stuck with me is Mark 10:27 With God all things are possible.
I would probably say that one promise/encouragement that has stuck me with the years is that God will never me!
Talking about promises, one of the things I do every night with my son when I tuck him in for bed is tell him that I love him, Daddy loves him, but Jesus loves him more! I hope as my son grows up that he will always know that Jesus loves him more than we ever could (I'm sure many moms could agree that our love for our kids is HUGE so that is definitely saying something)!
Lamentations 3:21-22 from my Precious Moments bible said "(21)Yet there is one ray of hope, (22)his compassion never ends. It is but the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction." And that always encourages me, ever since seventh grade.
-Kelsey
I've always been encouraged to try my best and not compare myself to others. I've also been encouraged to trust God, especially when times get rough.
Great post! The first thing that came to mind when I read the question was a song I learned when I was very little: "I Am a Promise." There was something very powerful in knowing that God not only had a plan for my life, but He also enabled me to do what was right and follow His voice to that plan – a plan that wasn't just some day in my future but for each and every day of my life. That's definitely a promise and encouragement I'm passing on to my children!
From early on I was encouraged toward music, especially the piano, since God had gifted me with "piano hands" – long, slim fingers. I love playing and worshiping through it, and it's a blessing that not only do I feel for myself, but also that I can share with others.
Love this post, Roseanna! We need to be deep thinkers and blessing givers, especially with the next generation.
My favorite way to encourage others is to tell them they're smart and can do whatever it is they're working on. I'm a tutor, so that's what I do for a living… tell kids they're smart and can do the work well. I'm hoping it sticks with them like it did with me when I heard those words from my mom.
Blessings,
Andrea
That my Lord loves me, and wants the best for me God bless you Have a terrific day
I was always encouraged to believe that I only ever had to do my very best. I knew that others may achieve higher and greater and bigger and better, but that's their best. I learned not to envy, but congratulate and often my best was the best too.
What a great convicting post! Our words to our kids DO matter. I love the promise of God always being by our side – whether we think of it or not.
farmygirl at hotmail dot com
I would have to say the promise that God is always there for you no matter what is something I try to remember.
I have shared on facebook: facebook.com/angela.holland.359/posts/702348603128117
griperang at embarqmail dot com
I remember when people, encourage me or say kind and uplifting words to me. It really can encourage me when I am feeling frustrated or discouraged or behind. It gives me strength to keep on working through it.