Embracing God's Blessings for a New School Year
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today is a special Sunday as we celebrate "Back to School" and honor our teachers, school administrators, and students. We began by recognizing and appreciating the educators among us, giving them gifts and expressing our gratitude for their dedication. As we transition into the new school year, we also want to pray for the safety, success, and spiritual growth of our students and educators.
Our focus today is on a powerful passage from Numbers 6:22-27, where God instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the Israelites. This blessing, known as the Aaronic Blessing, reveals God's heart and nature towards His people. Despite the Israelites' lack of faith and their wandering in the wilderness, God's desire to bless them remained unchanged. This blessing is not just for the Israelites but for us as well.
The blessing consists of three key phrases: "The Lord bless you and keep you," "The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you," and "The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Each phrase carries profound meaning and promises for our lives.
Firstly, "The Lord bless you and keep you" speaks of God's protection and security over our lives. Just as God placed a hedge of protection around Job, He promises to do the same for us and our families. We should pray for God's protection over our loved ones, asking Him to build a barrier that keeps us safe from harm.
Secondly, "The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you" refers to experiencing God's favor. The story of Joseph illustrates how God's favor can be with us in every situation, even in the most challenging circumstances. God's favor is not limited to certain people; it is available to all who follow Him.
Lastly, "The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" signifies God's attentive presence in our lives. When God turns His face towards us, He brings the fullness of His power, wisdom, and peace. This divine attention assures us that we are never alone, and His peace surpasses all understanding.
As we conclude, it's essential to remember that these blessings are for God's children—those who have committed their lives to Him. If you haven't yet surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the perfect opportunity to do so. Embrace His grace, and let His blessings flow into your life.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Protection and Security: The phrase "The Lord bless you and keep you" emphasizes God's desire to protect us. Just as He placed a hedge of protection around Job, He promises to safeguard us and our families. This divine protection is not just for us but extends to our children and future generations. We should continually pray for God's protective barrier around our loved ones. [49:33]
2. Experiencing God's Favor: "The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you" highlights the favor of God. The story of Joseph shows that God's favor can be with us in every situation, even in adversity. This favor is not exclusive; it is available to all who follow God. We should seek and expect God's favor in our daily lives. [57:03]
3. God's Attentive Presence: "The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" signifies God's attentive presence. When God turns His face towards us, He brings the fullness of His power, wisdom, and peace. This divine attention assures us that we are never alone, and His peace surpasses all understanding. [01:00:47]
4. The Covenant Promise: The blessings in Numbers 6 are part of a covenant promise for God's children. To receive these blessings, we must commit our lives to God, serve Him, and obey His commands. This covenant relationship ensures that God's protection, favor, and peace are with us. [01:04:32]
5. The Need for Salvation: The blessings and promises of God are for His followers. If you haven't surrendered your life to Jesus, now is the time. Embrace His grace, ask for forgiveness, and commit to following Him. This relationship with God opens the door to His abundant blessings and eternal life. [01:05:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:20] - Honoring Educators
[40:18] - Introduction to Numbers 6:22-27
[42:08] - God's Unchanging Heart
[44:37] - The Lord Bless You and Keep You
[49:33] - God's Hedge of Protection
[54:18] - The Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You
[57:03] - Experiencing God's Favor
[59:47] - The Lord Turn His Face Toward You
[01:00:47] - God's Attentive Presence
[01:04:32] - Covenant Promise and Salvation
[01:12:16] - Praying for Students and Teachers
[01:19:05] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV): "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.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key phrases in the Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26?
2. According to the sermon, what does the phrase "The Lord bless you and keep you" signify? ([44:37])
3. How does the story of Job illustrate God's protection as mentioned in the sermon? ([45:53])
4. What does the phrase "The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you" mean in the context of the sermon? ([54:18])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Aaronic Blessing reflect God's unchanging heart towards His people, even when they are in the wilderness? ([42:08])
2. In what ways does the story of Joseph demonstrate the favor of God, and how is this relevant to us today? ([55:27])
3. What does it mean for God to turn His face toward us, and how does this bring peace into our lives? ([59:47])
4. How does the concept of a covenant relationship with God ensure His protection, favor, and peace for His children? ([51:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's protection in your life. How did this experience strengthen your faith? ([49:33])
2. How can you actively seek and expect God's favor in your daily life, similar to how Joseph experienced it? ([57:03])
3. In what practical ways can you remind yourself of God's attentive presence during challenging times? ([01:00:47])
4. How can you incorporate praying for God's protection over your family and loved ones into your daily routine? ([53:50])
5. If you are a teacher or work in education, how can you pray for and bless the students in your care, especially those who may not have anyone else praying for them? ([53:50])
6. For those who have not yet committed their lives to Jesus, what steps can you take today to embrace His grace and receive His blessings? ([01:05:46])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to trust in God's promises of protection, favor, and peace? ([01:04:32])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Protective Barrier
God's Protection and Security: The phrase "The Lord bless you and keep you" emphasizes God's desire to protect us. Just as He placed a hedge of protection around Job, He promises to safeguard us and our families. This divine protection is not just for us but extends to our children and future generations. We should continually pray for God's protective barrier around our loved ones. [49:33]
"The Lord bless you and keep you" is a powerful reminder of God's protective nature. Just as He placed a hedge of protection around Job, God promises to safeguard us and our families. This divine protection is not limited to us but extends to our children and future generations. In a world filled with uncertainties, we can find solace in knowing that God is our ultimate protector. We are encouraged to continually pray for God's protective barrier around our loved ones, trusting that He will keep us safe from harm.
This protection is not just physical but also spiritual. God desires to shield us from the attacks of the enemy and the trials of life. By placing our trust in Him, we can experience a sense of security that surpasses all understanding. As we navigate through the challenges of life, let us remember to seek God's protection and trust in His unfailing love.
Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV): "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Reflection: In what specific areas of your life do you need to ask for God's protective barrier today? How can you make praying for protection a daily habit?
Day 2: Experiencing Divine Favor
Experiencing God's Favor: "The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you" highlights the favor of God. The story of Joseph shows that God's favor can be with us in every situation, even in adversity. This favor is not exclusive; it is available to all who follow God. We should seek and expect God's favor in our daily lives. [57:03]
"The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you" speaks of experiencing God's favor. The story of Joseph is a profound illustration of how God's favor can be with us in every situation, even in the most challenging circumstances. Despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, Joseph found favor in the eyes of those around him because God's presence was with him. This favor is not limited to certain people; it is available to all who follow God.
God's favor can manifest in various ways, such as opportunities, relationships, and blessings that we do not deserve. It is a reminder that God's grace is abundant and His love is unconditional. As we go about our daily lives, we should seek and expect God's favor, trusting that He will guide us and provide for us in ways beyond our understanding.
Genesis 39:21 (ESV): "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent situation where you experienced God's favor? How can you cultivate an attitude of expectancy for God's favor in your daily life?
Day 3: The Gift of Divine Attention
God's Attentive Presence: "The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" signifies God's attentive presence. When God turns His face towards us, He brings the fullness of His power, wisdom, and peace. This divine attention assures us that we are never alone, and His peace surpasses all understanding. [01:00:47]
"The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" signifies the attentive presence of God in our lives. When God turns His face towards us, He brings the fullness of His power, wisdom, and peace. This divine attention assures us that we are never alone, and His peace surpasses all understanding. In moments of anxiety and uncertainty, knowing that God is attentively watching over us can bring immense comfort and reassurance.
God's attentive presence means that He is actively involved in our lives, guiding us, and providing for us. His wisdom helps us make the right decisions, and His power enables us to overcome challenges. Most importantly, His peace, which transcends all human understanding, guards our hearts and minds. As we seek God's face, we can rest in the assurance that He is with us, bringing peace to our souls.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's attentive presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to seek His peace in moments of anxiety?
Day 4: Embracing the Covenant Promise
The Covenant Promise: The blessings in Numbers 6 are part of a covenant promise for God's children. To receive these blessings, we must commit our lives to God, serve Him, and obey His commands. This covenant relationship ensures that God's protection, favor, and peace are with us. [01:04:32]
The blessings in Numbers 6 are part of a covenant promise for God's children. To receive these blessings, we must commit our lives to God, serve Him, and obey His commands. This covenant relationship ensures that God's protection, favor, and peace are with us. The covenant is a mutual agreement between God and His people, where He promises to bless and protect us, and we, in turn, commit to following His ways.
This covenant relationship is not just about receiving blessings but also about living a life that honors God. It involves daily surrender, obedience, and a heart that seeks to please Him. As we embrace this covenant, we can experience the fullness of God's promises in our lives. His protection, favor, and peace become a reality as we walk in alignment with His will.
Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV): "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to God and live out the covenant promise in your daily life? How can you ensure that your actions align with His commands?
Day 5: The Call to Salvation
The Need for Salvation: The blessings and promises of God are for His followers. If you haven't surrendered your life to Jesus, now is the time. Embrace His grace, ask for forgiveness, and commit to following Him. This relationship with God opens the door to His abundant blessings and eternal life. [01:05:46]
The blessings and promises of God are for His followers. If you haven't surrendered your life to Jesus, now is the time. Embrace His grace, ask for forgiveness, and commit to following Him. This relationship with God opens the door to His abundant blessings and eternal life. Salvation is the foundation upon which all other blessings are built. It is through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior that we enter into a relationship with God and become recipients of His promises.
Salvation is not just about eternal life but also about experiencing God's presence and blessings here and now. It involves turning away from sin, seeking God's forgiveness, and committing to live according to His will. As we embrace His grace, we open our hearts to the transformative power of His love. This relationship with God brings peace, joy, and a sense of purpose that transcends the challenges of life.
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: Have you fully surrendered your life to Jesus? If not, what is holding you back? How can you take the step today to embrace His grace and commit to following Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This prayer, this blessing helps reveal to us the nature and character of God. That even though the children of Israel didn't have faith to believe that he could give them the promise and he still loved them and still wanted to bless them. That's the heart of our God. And this blessing that we just read, I want you to realize that it's not just for them, but it's for us too." [43:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If God, and what I've learned, if, if, if God would do that for Job. He'll do that for you. And he'll do that for me. Because his word declares that he's not a respecter of persons. He doesn't love Job any more than he loves you. And so if God did it for Job, he'll do it for you." [49:13] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord make His face shine on you that He would make His face shine. Well, when does someone's face shine? When they're smiling, right? When someone's smiling, got the big smile on, it's like your face is shining. Listen, that God would smile at us. God would look down and really what it's saying is that you would begin to experience the favor of God. That His favor would begin to mark your life." [54:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's promise to us is that everywhere we go He wants to allow His favor to rest on us. In fact, let me just show you what that promise is. It's in Deuteronomy chapter 28 verses 3 through 8. In reference to the covenant promise that God made with us, His children. Initially it was the children of Israel and we are adopted through faith. We are adopted into this and it's really God saying, listen if you'll be my people then I'll be your God." [57:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you're walking through a difficult season when you're walking through a trial you've got to realize he turns his face towards you and when God shows up he doesn't show up with just 5% of who he is. Reality that's probably about all that needs to show up of God to settle some of the issues that we're walking through. Because he is the God who spoke and the universe was framed. He is the almighty supernatural God but understand when God shows up when he turns his face towards you to look at you to look at your life he comes in the fullness of who he is as almighty God." [01:01:22] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What he's talking about there is the safety and the security and the protection that God wants over all of our lives. We should pray that God would bless us and keep it, keep us safe to watch over us, that he would protect us, right? That we protect us from our enemies and not just us, but our kids, our families." [44:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so this is something, and I've shared this before, but this is something that I have been praying over my family for years and years and years. When we first got married, I would pray it over Becky. And I, God, watch over us. God, protect us. Build that barrier, that hedge, that wall of protection around us. And then we started having kids. And so I started praying it over Brittany. And I started praying it over Brock. And as they grew, God, I prayed, God, build that hedge. Build that wall. Build that barrier." [51:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything that you put your hand to. That's the same promise that Joseph had, right? Everything that you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land that he is giving you. That's God's promise." [59:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the takeaway here for this second phrase is this. That God is with you everywhere you go. And his favor can rest on your life in every situation. Then the third phrase is this. The third phrase I should say is this. The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. That's verse 26. That God would turn his face towards you and give you peace." [59:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So this prayer that again was God's idea this blessing that God said this is what I want you to pray over my kids there's basically three thoughts or three takeaways if you want to just break it down what does it mean? What is God saying? Number one, God is covering you. There's a protection that comes. There is that hedge that barrier that God wants to build and we pray that over our lives and we pray it over our family God, wider and higher wider and higher God is covering us." [01:03:29] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 22, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?