From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

© Bill McCown | www.myghcf.com

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; and may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26). This isn't just some "Irish blessing" pronounced at a wedding by a questionably sober Best Man. This is a request to the powerful and Almighty God and Creator of the universe to do good things for you and others. Have you ever mused on the seriousness and power of this? It is a call to keep you and bless you and be gracious to you! Have you ever prayed that over your children, your wife or husband? How about asking God to turn His face and give peace to someone? Have you ever prayed that for your coworkers or, dare I ask, your enemies? Whoa – just think of the change in messed up lives that might happen if you call upon God for these things to be given. This is serious stuff but we so often treat the words and truth of God like some "Irish blessing". To so many people these are just soft, sweet words to send some couple off on a dreamy honeymoon. The truth is these are words of life and without them alive in your life you are just a "dead man walking". Wake up and live! Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

---