Copyright Page
2022 by Susie Larson
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Ebook edition created 2022
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-3573-9
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Scripture quotations labeled MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE , copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled TLB are from The Living Bible, copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled T HE V OICE are from The Voice Bible Copyright 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice translation 2012 Ecclesia Bile Society All rights reserved.
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Dedication
To my dear grandchildren
the ones I enjoy now,
and the ones Ive yet to meet.
May Gods hand of blessing
be upon you always.
Table of Contents
by Subject
Amazing grace
Be strong and courageous
Believe in Gods big plans for you
Bullies
Chosen by God
Delivered from sin
Eyes on Jesus
Facing the enemy
Fear
Forgiveness
Freedom from others opinions
Friends
Future
God delights in you
God provides
God-given assignment
Gods faithfulness
Gods favor and power
Gods love
Gods plan for you
Gods power to heal
Gods power to restore
Gods protection
Gratitude/thankfulness
How God grows us (maturity)
Humility
Joy
Knowing right from wrong
Leadership
Let God lead
Love your enemies
Peace of God
Perseverance
Powerful prayers
Power of the gospel
Promises of God
Rest and replenishment
Sadness
Sharing your faith
Spiritual warfare
Trust in God
Wisdom
Worry
You be you (a work in progress)
Introduction
J esus loves you more than your precious heart could ever fathom. And He loves your treasured child even more than you do. Yet we have a very real enemy who isnt out to just poke fun at us; he aims to steal, kill, and destroy all thats beautiful and blossoming in our lives. You, no doubt, remember the first time someone said something to you that pierced your heart and hurt your soul. Maybe you dont recall what they said, but you do remember how you felt afterward. Words are powerful. They bring death or life; discouragement or encouragement; hurt or healing.
Jesus merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
As believers, filled with the Spirit of the living God, our wordsespecially when were speaking Gods Wordsare fused with power, purpose, and potential. We dont have to sit idly by and let the enemy have his way in our lives and our childrens lives. We can dare to rise up, receive by faith what God says about us, believe it in our hearts until it changes us, and then lovingly pass these blessings on to our children. In the Jewish culture, spoken blessings were a regular part of family life. What if biblical blessings made a comeback? Not wishful thinking. Not positive thoughts. But true, biblical exhortations right out of the promises from Scripture.
The Bible says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. It is my prayer that you not whip through these short readings, but that you pause long enough to ponder them, meditate on them, and use them as conversation starters with your children. Oh, that they (and you) may know the love of God in a way that changes you!
We live in a world where negative words have become the norm. May your family become so acquainted with Gods love and His promises that your home becomes a city on a hill, a light that points others to a God who loves them.
With great love and affection,
Susie Larson
Step by Step with God
Blessing for Mom
May God surround you with a strong sense of His great love for you! May you live every day with the expectancy that He is moving in your life. May the Word of God come alive to you in a way youve never experienced. And may your prayers take on a whole new level of power and faith. You are His child, and He is with you every step of the way. Be blessed with deep rest this evening.
Blessing for Child
Do you know how much God loves you? I hope you do, and that every day you remember that He is taking care of you. Listen to what the Bible says, ask God to watch over you, and trust that Hes on your side! You are Gods child, and Hes with you every step of the way. Get a great nights sleep resting in Gods arms.
Todays Bible Verse
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign L ORD my refuge ; I will tell of all your deeds.
Psalm 73:28 NIV
When You Need Rest and Peace
Blessing for Mom
By Gods grace, may you eliminate hurry and worry from your life. May you instead slow your pace and turn your face to the One who loves, saves, redeems, and restores everything about you. Instead of grabbing for yourself, may you pause and wait and see how God provides and cares for you. May you enter into a new season where you know Gods rest, His pace, and His provision like youve never known before. Hes for you and with you in ways you cant even imagine!
Blessing for Child
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Relax. May God help you slow down and be thankful for everything Hes given you. Remember how much He loves you and wants to take care of you. He wants you to sleep well, and always remember that Hes ready to give you everything you need. He is cheering for you every step of the way!