Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
What words describe how you are blessed? Do you recognize who the "blesser" is in your life?
God is the source of all blessing. We are also called to bless God.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, all that is within me, bless His holy name. Psalm 103:1
Discussion:
What are the ways that you can bless God?
A few weeks ago Greg talked about the rich young ruler. READ Mark 10:17-23
Jesus' invitation to him was: Trust that I am enough. The rich young ruler chose material wealth over Jesus.
DISCUSSION:
Where in your life is Jesus' extending this invitation to you: Trust that I am enough for you in this area?
What in the past or maybe even present have you chosen over Him?
Then Peter spoke up, "We have left everything to follow you!"
"Truly I tellyou, " Jesus replied, "no on who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - along with persecutions - and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Mark 10:28-31
DISCUSSION:
What stands out to you in this passage?
How have you seen this played out in your life or in the life of someone you know?
Read Mark 12:42-44 and Matthew 6:2
DISCUSSION:
How are we told to give?
What was significant about Jesus noticing this poor widow. What was he trying to show His disciples?
God sees.
God rewards.
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Luke 24:50-51
DISCUSSION:
What is the significance of blessing them being the last thing Jesus did before ascending into heaven?
God said this to Abram:
I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great.
and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2
DISCUSSION:
What if we became people who were known for how we bless?
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. Numbers 6:24-26
Consider memorizing this and blessing the people in your life.
Consider how you can bless in other ways, pouring all that you are into wanting good for them.