Whether in blood or in Christ, family is important. Our greatest joys come from our closest relationships.

11 Be wise, my child, and bring joy to my heart; then [you and] I can answer anyone who treats [you or] me with contempt.

The method of prayer we use is not nearly as important as the connection we make with the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is through Christ that we connect with Christians all over the world beginning with those whom we know personally. From Robin’s brainstorm page:

Why do we pray? (continued)

• To connect with others in the body of Christ (all over the world) through the Spirit as we seek to align with and reveal God’s authority, power, and His perfect will.
• To receive assurance of God’s unfailing love and mercy and His faithfulness to “complete the good work He began in you” (Philippians 1:6).
• For us to understand and proclaim that God is good no matter His answer (Yes, No, Wait).

God does not play favorites with His children, but has a special and perfect plan for us in His will. It may not be as specific as we might think. If His will is to create new thoughts, new glory, new acts of praise, and a new person, then there are variables involved in His will. Does He know how everything will turn out? Sure. He’s Omniscient. But, He’s also Omni-present, which means that He is always NOW. His name is I Am. He lives in this moment with us! His question to us is, “Will you trust Me?”

Isaiah knew what it meant to have a personal, ongoing relationship with the LORD. In His book, we find this exhortation,

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. ¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; ²⁰ but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-19

With God, it’s all about the relationship. This letter was written down 600+ years before Christ came. It’s always been about the relationship. What did it take to be in a relationship with God?

Wash and make yourselves clean [in the blood of Christ]. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. ¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:16-17

As we can see, to be in right relationship with Christ was the same for them as it is for us. We wash in the blood of Jesus; we stop doing evil (selfish, self-centered) deeds and learn to do righteous acts (according to the Spirit’s leading). The LORD even gave some examples. Notice that all three examples have to do with protection. The responsibility we have for God’s children is much greater than our own lives. Again, it’s all about relationship with the Lord and with our fellow brothers and sisters AND potential brothers and sisters.

As we pray today, let’s lift up those around us to the Father and seek ways to minister to them. It’s important to Him, therefore, it needs to be important to us.

Abba, I pray for the Peppers and thank You for their hospitality these past two days. May You bless them in their walk with You. Bless them in their relationships with their family and with whom they come in contact. May You spread the aroma of Christ through them. May Your protection be on Cody as he serves You in Washington, and on Erin and Joe, Rylee and Kinlee as they grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Thank You, Lord, for extended family. Amen.