benediction

Monday, December 31, 2012 (6:55 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

           The last day of the year and the seventh day of Christmas, where do we go together this morning? Let's start again with, “Thank You”.

Thank You for blessing us. And keeping us.

Father God, You are so very good. So holy. So perfectly wonderful and marvelous. I'm pouring over Numbers 6:24-26 right now, while also considering the various meanings for the word Shalom. Right in the midst, the first words of ♫It Is Well With My Soul♫ began singing. There is a peace that absolutely only comes from You. A contentment. A hope. Joy.

Yes Father. We are ending one more year. And beginning another. And there is an overall sense of shalom. It's “more than just simply peace; it is a complete peace... a feeling of contentment, completeness, wholeness, well being... perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full” (The Refiner's Fire).

So as we prepare to end this 'old' year and begin the new, Father how I ask that The Priestly Blessing You provided to Moses to tell Aaron and his sons (Numbers 22:22-23) be upon each of us. Using the GOD'S WORD Translation, I offer this perfect benediction for the closing of 2012 and opening of 2013.

“The LORD will bless you and watch over you. The LORD will smile on you and be kind to you. The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 GW).

Make it so Dearest LORD. Make it so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(274 words ~ 9:02 a.m.)