He holds victory in store for the upright. He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs two seven eight I really like these verses. The thought of victory and the protection of God make our hearts rejoice, but take note of the conditions God sets for such blessings in the previous verses. If you accept my words, if you store up my commands, if you turn your ear to wisdom, if you apply your heart to understanding, if you cry out for insight, if you look and search for it as for hidden treasure, if you do all these things, then you will understand and find the knowledge of God and the promises of victory and protection will be yours. The promises of God dont fall on us because of family ties. Each of us is responsible for our own relationship with God and our own godliness. No one is exempt. We do not ride into the throne room of God on the merits of our parents, parents, our brothers and sisters, our children, our friends, our pastor, or anyone else. During his ministry years at focus on the family, Doctor James Dobson often said that nothing else matters in this life but the assurance that not only are we saved, but that our children will also be with us in eternity. He told each of his kids, one day I will die and won't be here any longer, but I will be waiting for you on the other side, so you be there too. It doesnt really matter how rich or famous or even how happy we are this side of heaven. What is important is that our loved ones will join us on the other side when this life is over. That means, of course, that we must be preparing for that day now, coming to Christ and living for him who alone can save, and setting an example that those we love can follow so that they too can know the Lord and be with him in eternity. I love the thought of victory. I love the thought of heaven. But these things come to us only through Christ, and we must each come to him to receive them.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.