Today’s my birthday and I am praising the Lord for the life He has blessed me with!
I am twice or three times older than some who know me and to others I’m a youngster. Mom will be 95 this year and to her I’m still just a kid.
This morning my Bible reading took me Psalm 91, Proverbs 3 and Colossians 3. I would like to share with you a few verses that jumped out at me.
“When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91:15-16 ERV
These verses, in fact all of Psalm 91, have been source of strength for me most of my life. Calling on the Lord in times of trouble has kept me in a place of peace more times than I can count. I have seen Him deliver me and my loved ones from dangerous situations. How I praise Him for his power to save.
Another translation of verse says we will be satisfied with long life. I like that. Satisfied, no regrets, living to our full potential.
Solomon tells us all through the book of Proverbs that we should seek wisdom, search for it because wisdom is a valuable treasure. This is the instruction I found in chapter 3 this morning.
“In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor. 17 Wisdom makes life pleasant and leads us safely along. 18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her. 19 By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. 20 By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain.
21 My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. 22 They will help you to live a long and beautiful life.
23 You will walk safely and never stumble; 24 you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly. 25 So don’t be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil. 26 You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3: 16-26 CEV
WOW! What wonderful blessings there are to us for living a life of wisdom and not foolishness. Common sense and sound judgement need to be our guide in everything we do and there is no place, no place at all that we will find true wisdom other than the Word of God.
It’s amazing that the Lord is looking to give us a long life. He isn’t trying to destroy us or shorten our life, He wants to see that we are fulfilled and safe.
Then I got to Colossians 3 and this is some of what I read there.
“God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.
15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of ” Colossians 3:12-17 CEV
Once again I find the message that God loves me! It’s like He was sending me a birthday greeting. He loves me and wants my life to be filled with peace, gratitude and wisdom. I take the promises and instruction for the Bible as if they were written just for me.
The Scriptures are like sweet birthday cake and I get to share a slice with each of you.
Thank you Father for the gift of long life, lived in wisdom, seasoned with peace, joy and love.
Happy Birthday to you, and I pray that God will bless you in abundance throughout the coming year!
Thank you for the birthday card and well wishes. Your friendship and love are very special.