Fresh Bread August 8: 08.08.08!

(1) God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (2) God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (3) God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. (4) God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. (5) God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (6) God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (7) God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (8) God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you…and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. (Matthew5:3-12; NLT)

Today marks the beginning of the 29th Olympic Games, which will be held in Beijing, China. However, today’s date is not referred to as August 8, 2008. Today’s date is being advertised as “08.08.08” or #080808, for many people all over the world consider “eight” to be a lucky number. Though as Christians we do not believe in lucky numbers, there is the study of biblical numerology which cannot be ignored.

The significance of the number Eight in the Bible is that it represents the number of “New Beginnings”. After the flood, God started over again with Noah and seven others. God placed a new dynasty over Israel using David, the eighth son of Jesse. And when Jesus was introducing the new era of His Kingdom, He began by teaching His followers eight new attitudes (rules) they needed to follow – we call “The Beatitudes”.

I believe today marks the beginning of something new God has prepared for your life!

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, it is Your responsibility to guide me into God’s reality (Truth) for my life (John 16:13). Please show me the new thing God desires to do within my life, which starts today, so that I might cooperate with You as You do His will and work through me. Amen.