Living a Blessed Life

Numbers 6: 22-27 - The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

“The LORD bless you and keep you;

 the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you    

 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’

“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

1.  Blessing is God's desire
     You're never more certain to get what you ask for than when God tells you to ask for something

2.  Blessings are to be spoken
     Have you ever been guilty of an unspoken blessing?
     Every time you open your mouth, you can be a blessing or a curse
     Don't say something in the heat of the moment that could ruin a relationship forever, when the actions won't be remembered two weeks later
     Verbalize the blessings now -> in a month it will be too late

3.  Blessings come when God shines His face upon us
     God will not smile or shine His face on a life of rebellion
     When God is pleased with us, we will have everything we need
     What you do with your face determines what God does with His
     If you humble your face, God's face will shine on you
     If you are prideful and turn your face from Him, God will turn His face from you.
     If you want God to hear your prayers, make sure your heart, conscience and hands are clean
     Have you thanked God for the things he protects you from?

     Are you experiencing the smile of God in your life, or do you love your sin more than you love God?

4.  Blessings come with family
     With God's name comes responsibility

The Remarkable Power of Wisdom

Daniel 2


Knowledge speaks - Wisdom listens

1.  Difficult times are a common experience
     Human wisdom will always be limited by incomplete human knowledge

2.  Difficult times require prudence and discretion (wisdom & tact)
     God gives wisdom according to His all-knowing and ever-present reality

3.  Difficult times call for courageous action
     Life's circumstances don't reflect reality

Godly wisdom gives courage to act with confidence.

Walking Worthy of His Call

Ephesians 4:1-3 - 'As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.'

1.  Christian living always begins with a transformed heart
         addressing our relationship with other people
         church = people in relationship with God & God's people

     Difficult people create an opportunity for you to display the love of God and prove you are His
         child

     "Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude." ~ MLK, Jr


2.  Chrisian living always builds up the Body of Christ


To walk worthy of His calling is to walk together, not only for what you receive, but what you give to others.