Precious Graduate . . .

As I began to pray about what to write to you on your special day, a picture came to mind of a rocket ship launching. No, you don’t look like a rocket ship. You are far more amazing than anything men could make. But as I saw the ship take off it came to me that you are on the launch pad. Even now, the countdown has begun.

In honor of your launching, I’d like to do a countdown with you of special verses and thoughts I hope will bless and encourage you today and in days to come.

10. OK, so this one is for you, but it’s also for your parents and grandparents. It’s my favorite verse:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 4). You have been given a beautiful life to live—and that life is a gift from God given through your parents. Walk with Him, and you will both have joy and give joy to the people who love you the most.

9. Don’t eat yellow snow. You probably already knew that, huh? My point really is to laugh and enjoy your life along the way. Yes, we take and make our life choices seriously, but in this life we can have some serious fun along the way. Share that great smile!

8. Enjoy every season of life. Each comes with its delights. Each comes with it s difficulties. Look for the good in every day as you are living it — never wishing away your now on a future that hasn't yet happened or a past you can’t return to.

7. Love the truth you have been blessed to be raised in! And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness (2 Timothy 3:15, Amplified).  

6. Remember, it’s up to you to choose to walk in agreement with God’s plans for your life! Don’t make your own choices and ask God to bless them, but find out what God is doing and throw yourself into it body, soul, mind and spirit! Give your best — always striving for excellence in all you do.

5. Work with the gifts God gave you. God has given you specific talents and abilities. Focus on your strengths and develop them. Don’t focus on what you can’t do. I’m not great at math, but that doesn't make me a loser. I can do other things. You are a vital part of a “Body.” Even colons serve a purpose, right? Hehehehe…

4. The Kingdom of God (the eternal important stuff) is not “meat and drink” — the things of this world that will some day pass away. It is Righteousness, Peace and Joy! 

Think of these three things as a set of stairs. Keep righteousness as your foundation, and you can move up to a place of peace . . . and from there, even higher. Peace and joy are always available to you regardless of the situations and drama life can bring . . . but they always rest on a foundation of righteousness. Seek ye first the kingdom AND righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

3. This is one of my life verses. It goes along with Point 4: I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler (Isaiah 60:17b). What does a governor do? They are heads of state. So if you get in a state of confusion . . . or a state of distress . . . make peace your head of state!

A governor is a person in charge. He gives direction and takes control. Let peace direct and control your decisions.

A governor is also a device in machinery that regulates its fuel supply. Some vehicles have governors in them that allow their drivers to go only so fast. Sometimes I feel like I need to go 100 miles an hour, and my “governor” won’t let me. Let peace set your pace.

We already talked a bit about righteousness. It’s referring to morality, integrity and living in right standing with God. What’s “right” is supposed to be our ruler — what drives us, our motivation for all we do.

This verse shows us a great way to live and to resolve the decisions we will face — with peace as governor and righteousness as ruler!

2. Keep a right balance between humility before God and men and operating with spiritual boldness in confidence. Without Him you can do nothing (not even breathe!) . . . but with Him, you can do all things!

1. Trust in the Lord — with ALL your heart! Don’t lean on your own thoughts and understanding, but instead, acknowledge God in every part of your life, and He will show you the best way to go — the best way to live. There are many ways to live — but God will lead you in the BEST for YOU!

The first direct word from the Lord spoken over me by a Spirit-filled man was to “take My grace and spread it over every part of your life, like peanut butter and jam on toast.” Every corner! All to Him!

Blast off! Launch! Fly! I believe in you!
Always and for eternity,
Lori Wagner