The Lord remembers us and will bless us; He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, 13 He will bless those who fear the Lord; small and great alike 14. May the lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children, 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 115: 1-4. NIV

Recently I received an advertisement via email soliciting membership in a timeshare resort. The caption read “Excitement and ultimate pleasure” awaits you at our world-class luxury resorts. It went on to state that their resort was designed exclusively with its clients, like me, in mind and was simply awaiting my response to come and enjoy all the pleasures and amenities that were awaiting me. It even stated that this investment could be handed down to my children and yields many benefits and pleasures in years to come. I chuckled as I continued to read and viewed the details of taking advantage of this unique opportunity. I soon found that the outlandish cost was unbelievable. Moreover, the cost would increase annually. As you have already figured by now, the benefits were not free.

As I thought about this advertisement, I found it rather amazing in that I had just recently read Psalm 115 in a series of scripture readings. I recalled in verse 12 it stated: “The Lord remembers us and will bless us.” This was distinctively different from the resort advertisement of having me on their mind and wanting me to buy into their benefits of enjoyable pleasures with a sustained financial outlay.

From this scripture I found that this was real assurance of divine benefits and blessings for the people of God. It is specifically noted in the text that his blessings are for you and your children. That leads us to believe they are from generation to generation. Moreover, this offer from the Lord requires no financial investment on a yearly basis, no additional maintenance fees that increase annually, nor any automatic withdrawals from one’s bank account. This offer from the Lord required only that one fear the lord and thus become a recipient of his divine blessings. Additionally, it is stated in the scripture that the lord will cause you and your children to flourish, which is to increase more and more.

What an offer for this New Year. As time continues to engulf us further into this new year of challenges, uncertainties, disappointments and heartaches already abounding, remember the words of the psalmist for the blessed hope of our tomorrows. Find hope and solace in the words of the Psalmist: “The Lord remembers us and will bless us”. Bless his name now for his goodness and faithfulness and await your blessings.

REV. DR. JAMES TAYLOR is pastor of Jericho Baptist Church in Farmville, his email is: jht3@verizon.net.