Speaking Blessing Over My Kids

Esau said to his father, "Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!" Then Esau wept aloud.  Genesis 27:38
Esau was a outdoorsman, a hunter, a tough guy; and yet, the loss of the father's blessing caused him to weep. It instilled a further hatred for his brother Jacob, but more than that, he was desperate for the blessing of his father. No matter the person, I think there is a deeply innate need for children to receive the blessing/love/approval of their father. I'm thankful for my dad's love - may I be one who continually blesses my kids - not just once, but all the time.  

When Jesus Withdraws....

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Matthew 4:12
There were, I suppose, a lot of things that Jesus could have done when he heard that John was taken prisoner.  There is no record of Jesus doing anything, other than sending John a message after John had been complaining - or questioning at the very least. And it was in prison where John's life in this world would come to an end.  And Jesus did nothing, other than leave and go about His ministry. No deliverance for John.
This little insight could appear to imply that Jesus did not care about John. Of course that would not be true. It could also look like Jesus did not care about John's imprisonment - again, not true. It is insightful to see that Jesus knew about John's situation - scripture makes a point of letting us know that  - and that He did not intervene to set John free.  The point is this for me today - just because Jesus sees what I am going though, does not mean he will automatically deliver me out of it. It is not because He does not care. The meaning in it all is hidden, but one thing for sure, Jesus cares.

The Company I Keep

She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.  Genesis 3:6
Even though it was not good for man (Adam) to be alone, he was swayed by the company he kept. Eve was deceived, but Adam chose. How sad that things could have been different.  I pray that I can be a positive influence on those around me. May the 'company I keep' be a good influence on me too.

Help!

It is not good for man to be alone...I will make a helper suitable to him. Genesis 2:18
We were not made for isolation, but rather for community - relationship - friendship. However, all those things were made for, take time, effort, energy.
I'm grateful that I have so many people in my life who care for me, and that I care for. I'm especially thankful for Audrey ~ truly the love of my life, and Dougie, Robyn and Emily Dawn. I am not alone - I'm surrounded by people who love me. I am thankful to God for those He has provided as my helpers (not assistants, but people who bring help into my life).  I am not without help, for I have so many helpers.