Flourish

Flourish

Reading: Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1 12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. 13 For they are transplanted into the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. 14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. 15 They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!” (Psalm 92:12-15 NLT) This is one of my “scriptures for daily reading” that I keep on a sheet in the front of my Bible. Along with other “daily reading” scriptures, this has become part of my daily bread for strength and vitamins for my soul-health. Just as Jean puts the vitamins and other helpful stuff beside my coffee cup each morning, I read these verses to make sure that I approach the day with a healthy and expectant soul, ready for the faith-challenges that may come my way.

This scripture has become especially meaningful to Jean and me in the past few years as we have transitioned, again and again, from ministry responsibilities that have become sort of a “comfort zone,” to a fresh season of looking up to God, looking into our own hearts, and looking around us at the needs and opportunities.

In our present season, God has so faithfully spoken encouragement to us that the days ahead will remain very fruitful in service to his Kingdom and in ministry to others. We believe what God has said. We remind ourselves by daily reading God’s Word, by agreeing with God’s promises in prayer, and by having the conversations that keep us looking up, looking in, and looking around us in faith! I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4 NLT) Are you facing transitions, challenges, maybe even drought and famine, in your life? I encourage you to receive God’s promise that you can flourish and prosper in every season and situation. Let’s pray the following prayer in faith and honest hope… Prayer: Father, Thank you for the assurance of a daily reminder that you will make me flourish and be productive even when my hair is grey (or gone!) Thank you for the promise that we will not only survive, but flourish in life and service to you and others. I receive your word and your blessing. Amen.