Blessing

The yearning we have from our parents, our spouses, and our church is to be blessed- unconditional love and acceptance. Many of us can receive that in an earthly fashion but most of us have to rely on the perfection of Christ and the Father God to be the avenue of blessing in our lives. When we receive the Holy Spirit- we receive the Blessing of our heavenly Father.

Ephesians 1:3-6
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

This is a profound truth. It is a truth that enables us to move forward with success in our lives when we trust the love that Christ's death symbolizes in our lives. God chose US before we were born, God sent his son to die for US before we were born, God knows US, loves US and provides a way for US to live eternally with Him- because we are HIS!

Does this release us from the hurt caused by the lack of earthly blessing in our everyday lives? Most likely no. But, it does give us an amazing alternative to rely upon in the dark hours of feeling unloved, unaccepted, and rejected. God's love is perfect. He made us and knows exactly what we need- and provided it through the sacrifce of His son so that we may have an incredible relationship with Him- as adopted children- chosen for a purpose.

There is a book called The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent. I highly recommend reading it if you feel that you have had the blessing of either of your parents withheld from you.
There are five elements of the Blessing (based on blessings in the Bible):
Meaningful Touch, Spoken Words, Expressing High Value, Picturing a Special Future, Active Commitment

In so many ways- you see evidence of God's example of these five things in the Bible- many expressed through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Parker came home last week from Frontline's Kids Quest with a keychain of verses. I asked him what they were. He told me about one of his teachers that had been told various things like 'she was too short', 'she was ugly', 'she couldn't do things', etc. He said that she made these verses for them to take home, to look at, and remember God's love for them when the world was telling them that they were not good enough. So precious! Parker totally got this concept! I would love to believe that Todd and I's love is enough for him- but I know there are days he doesnt' understand our discipline and feels maligned, that there are definite days when friends cause distress and our words are not enough. BUT- he trusts the truth of the Bible- and he can go to these verses to understand his true value in Christ.
I am going to list them here for you:

You are a beloved child of God! 1 John 3:1
No one can separate you from God's love. Romans 8:39
There is a place for you with Jesus! Hebrews 13:5b, John 14:2-3
God will never condemn you when you belong to Jesus! Romans 8:1
You can come to God with freedom and confidence! Hebrews 10:19
When you ask, Jesus can save you and forgive you for all you ever do wrong. Acts 16:31, 10:43
The Lord has plans to prosper you..He has a hope and future just for you! Jeremiah 29:11
God made you, He created you to belong to Jesus, and has good things planned for you to do! Psalm 129:13-16, John 10:29-30, Romans 8:28
You are chosen by God. You are holy and loved! 1 Peter 2:9

These truths are not just for Parker- but for all of us to be reminded of!