Blessed (Part 8)

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

James 1:2b-4: “when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Despite the cost, count the commitment to God as gain and not loss.

Blessed (Part 7)

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness (or good things or justice)
James 3:17-18

Blessed (Part 6)

You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

We know that our thoughts differ from God’s thoughts according to Isaiah 55: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”

When our thoughts line up with His thoughts are we on the right trajectory?  There are several passages of scripture that describe what the Kingdom looks like through a God-colored set of lenses – I have a group of friends who call it “Kingdom Goggles”

When you put your Kingdom Goggles on – you can see God in the weak and the poor and the hungry and the disenfranchised and the widow and the orphan…

Where do you see God?

Blessed (Part 5)

You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

When we function as part of a community – caring for others is part of our DNA. When we care for others, in our moment of need, we will be cared for… in the moments that we least expect it we are blessed by surprise acts of kindness from those around us.

Blessed (Part 4)

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

When you seek God first and what he wants – your needs are met. When you hunger and thirst after God – you will not be denied – He will meet you and satisfy your appetite for Him.

Blessed (Part 3)

You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 4:11b-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

It’s the things that I CANNOT buy which are most valuable to me… Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope

Blessed (Part 2)

You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

What a beautiful paradox!  When you have lost, you are embraced.  The warm embrace of someone close to you can make it seem like everything is going to be all right – I can’t fully imagine what it means to be embraced by God!  I’ve had moments in my life where I knew that He was there – but to be fully embraced…

Blessed (Part 1)

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

When you are at the end of your rope – when you can’t do it on your own – there is room for God … less of you and more of Him.  He can speak into your life.

Will you let Him?  Take a step back this holiday season and make room for God.