Embracing the Power of Blessing in Our Lives

 

Summary

Waking up this morning, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, a feeling so profound that it propelled me into a long run through the coastal foothills. This sense of thankfulness led me to reflect on the concept of blessing, a theme deeply rooted in our faith and history. The troubles of 2020 are not unprecedented; challenges have always existed. Yet, God has consistently done new things, as seen when the Word became flesh. This transformative moment began with an angel visiting Zechariah, a righteous man, and his wife Elizabeth, promising them a child despite their old age. Elizabeth's pregnancy was a testament to God's blessing, and her joy was shared with Mary, who was also blessed with the news of bearing a child.

The narrative of Elizabeth and Mary is a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from faith and belief in God's promises. Elizabeth's exclamation of joy upon meeting Mary is a vivid depiction of the exuberance that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. This joy is not just an expression but a blessing that flows through us to others. We are constantly in a position to bless or withhold blessings from those around us, often without realizing it. Our interactions, words, and even our silence can convey blessings or curses.

God is a God of blessing, as seen from the beginning of creation. We are made to bless and be blessed, to see the wonder in each person and the beauty of the world. Today, I felt the blessing of God, and it reminded me of the importance of being a conduit of blessing to others. Elizabeth's loud exclamation of joy is a call to express our joy to God, to bless Him, and to let that blessing flow through us to others. Blessing is not just about what happens to us but what happens through us. Even in the face of loss and hardship, as Mary would later experience, the potential for blessing remains.

Today is a day of blessing. As you go about your day, remember that you have the power to bless others with your words, actions, and even a simple gesture. The breath within you is a gift from God, a reminder that you are blessed to be a blessing. Let this day be one where you choose to bless those you encounter, allowing God's spirit to work through you.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Blessing: Blessing is a profound act that transcends mere words. It is an expression of God's goodness flowing through us to others. Every interaction is an opportunity to bless or withhold blessing, and we must be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on those around us. [03:19]

2. God's Faithfulness in Promises: The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reminds us that God's promises are fulfilled in His time. Despite their old age, they were blessed with a child, demonstrating that God's blessings often come when we least expect them. Our faith in His promises can lead to unimaginable joy and fulfillment. [01:29]

3. Joy as an Expression of the Spirit: Elizabeth's exuberant joy upon meeting Mary is a testament to the Holy Spirit's work within us. This joy is not just for our own experience but is meant to be shared, to bless others and glorify God. Our expressions of joy can be a powerful witness to God's presence in our lives. [06:23]

4. Blessing Through Adversity: Even in the face of future hardships, such as the deaths of John the Baptist and Jesus, the potential for blessing remains. Our circumstances do not define our ability to bless others; rather, it is our willingness to let God's spirit work through us that brings true blessing. [08:38]

5. Everyday Opportunities to Bless: Each day presents countless opportunities to bless those we encounter. Whether through a kind word, a smile, or a simple gesture, we can choose to be a source of blessing. The breath within us is a reminder of God's gift, urging us to use it to bless others. [09:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Morning Gratitude
- [00:55] - Zechariah's Blessing
- [01:51] - Elizabeth and Mary's Encounter
- [02:41] - The Power of Blessing
- [03:57] - God's Blessing in Creation
- [04:25] - Seeing God's Blessings
- [05:02] - Elizabeth's Joyful Exclamation
- [06:23] - Expressing Joy to God
- [07:33] - Alleluia to Yahweh
- [08:12] - Blessing Through Us
- [09:00] - Everyday Blessings
- [09:48] - Spirit Breath and Blessing
- [10:01] - Conclusion: Yabba-Dabba-Doo Yah

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:5-25 - The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth
2. Luke 1:39-45 - Mary's visit to Elizabeth
3. Genesis 1:27-28 - God's blessing in creation

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Zechariah's initial reaction to the angel's message about having a child, and how did it affect him? [01:29]
2. How did Elizabeth respond when she heard Mary's greeting, and what does this reveal about her state of mind? [02:16]
3. According to the sermon, how does the concept of blessing manifest in our daily interactions with others? [03:19]
4. What is the significance of Elizabeth's loud exclamation, and how is it described in the sermon? [05:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth illustrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when circumstances seem unlikely? [01:29]
2. In what ways does Elizabeth's joy upon meeting Mary serve as a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us? [02:16]
3. How does the sermon suggest that our ability to bless others is not limited by our circumstances but by our willingness to let God's spirit work through us? [08:12]
4. What does the sermon imply about the everyday opportunities we have to bless others, and how can this perspective change our daily interactions? [09:48]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you had the opportunity to bless someone. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [03:19]
2. Consider a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth encourage you in your waiting? [01:29]
3. Think about a time when you felt the joy of the Holy Spirit. How did you express that joy, and how can you share it with others in your life? [06:23]
4. Identify a situation in your life where you are facing adversity. How can you choose to be a blessing to others despite your circumstances? [08:38]
5. As you go about your day, what are some practical ways you can be a conduit of blessing to those you encounter, even through simple gestures? [09:48]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and blessing in your daily routine, similar to the pastor's experience of morning gratitude? [00:23]
7. Reflect on the idea that the breath within you is a gift from God. How can this awareness influence the way you interact with others today? [09:36]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Blessing
Blessing is a profound act that transcends mere words. It is an expression of God's goodness flowing through us to others. Every interaction is an opportunity to bless or withhold blessing, and we must be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on those around us. The narrative of Elizabeth and Mary is a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from faith and belief in God's promises. Elizabeth's exclamation of joy upon meeting Mary is a vivid depiction of the exuberance that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. This joy is not just an expression but a blessing that flows through us to others. [03:19]

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV): "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you withheld a blessing. How can you intentionally choose to bless that person today with your words or actions?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Timing
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reminds us that God's promises are fulfilled in His time. Despite their old age, they were blessed with a child, demonstrating that God's blessings often come when we least expect them. Our faith in His promises can lead to unimaginable joy and fulfillment. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's timing, even when circumstances seem impossible. It is a testament to the fact that God is faithful and His promises are sure, even when we cannot see the path ahead. [01:29]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing. What steps can you take today to surrender this to Him and trust in His perfect plan?


Day 3: Joy as a Witness to God's Presence
Elizabeth's exuberant joy upon meeting Mary is a testament to the Holy Spirit's work within us. This joy is not just for our own experience but is meant to be shared, to bless others and glorify God. Our expressions of joy can be a powerful witness to God's presence in our lives. This joy, rooted in the Spirit, transcends circumstances and becomes a beacon of hope and encouragement to those around us. [06:23]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt the joy of the Holy Spirit. How can you share that joy with someone who needs encouragement today?


Day 4: Blessing Through Adversity
Even in the face of future hardships, such as the deaths of John the Baptist and Jesus, the potential for blessing remains. Our circumstances do not define our ability to bless others; rather, it is our willingness to let God's spirit work through us that brings true blessing. This perspective challenges us to see beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the opportunities to be a blessing, even in adversity. [08:38]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Consider a current hardship you are facing. How can you allow God to use you as a blessing to others despite this challenge?


Day 5: Everyday Opportunities to Bless
Each day presents countless opportunities to bless those we encounter. Whether through a kind word, a smile, or a simple gesture, we can choose to be a source of blessing. The breath within us is a reminder of God's gift, urging us to use it to bless others. This daily practice of blessing others is a reflection of God's love and grace, inviting us to be active participants in His work in the world. [09:48]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: As you go about your day, identify one person you can bless with a simple act of kindness. What specific action will you take to be a blessing to them today?

Quotes


i found myself for no reason at all so filled with gratitude so thankful to be alive that i didn't know what to do i went out for a long run i ended up running up and down the coastal foothills for an hour and 15 minutes you know how long it's been since i have run up and down coastal foothills for 15 minutes [00:00:17]

we're looking at how what's unprecedented is not the troubles of 2020. troubles are as old as history there have been 400 years worth of troubles and stagnation and then god did a new thing when the word became flesh and this is how it started an angel came to an old man named zechariah [00:00:50]

we're told that zechariah and his wife elizabeth were righteous that just means they were really really good people and they were devout they they observed all the commandments of the lord very carefully but they were very old and they had no children and the angel says to zechariah god has seen you and god has blessed you and you're going to have a child [00:01:68]

when elizabeth heard mary's greeting the baby leaped in her womb this is the first case of fetal delight syndrome and elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit in a loud voice she exclaimed blessed are you among women and blessed is the child that you will bear why am i so blessed that the mother of our lord will come to meet me [00:02:25]

to bless us something that we do all the time and we give or withhold blessings or we curse whether we think about it or not um your will is always oriented to the good of somebody or not oriented to the good of somebody so we bless or we curse all the time whether we're trying to or not [00:02:59]

god is a god of blessing and this goes way back to genesis when god creates god sees that what god makes is good and god blesses it god starts in genesis when he blesses the fish blesses his creation and then blesses human beings we were made to bless and we were made to receive blessings from other people [00:03:33]

so often in life so many days but not today i go through life on autopilot i'm looking down i don't notice people i don't see them i don't see the wonder of each unique person that god made that god loves let alone the beauty of the world that god has blessed but today i see today when i woke up i felt the blessing of god [00:04:26]

we express joy to god we bless god there's a great theologian named tom oden and he spoke many years ago at my alma mater fuller seminary tom was a brilliant man but over the years he had kind of drifted so that there was not much of a belief in a robust personal god in him anymore [00:06:25]

this great outburst of joy that causes her to be a blessing she is blessed but now wants to be a blessing and here's the thing about blessing blessing is not primarily something that happens to you it's mostly about what happens through you i was thinking there would be a day when mary would look back [00:07:58]

great blessing was yet to come so now this is your day you'll be a blessing when you wake up if you haven't gotten out of bed yet this morning you don't have to have a dude just this is a day of blessing when you see people when i went out on that long run there would be people out walking a dog or getting the newspaper [00:08:38]

i can bless each person that i see i can say to him this is a fantastic day or man you look terrific or they're a group of bikers and i said you guys are taking the easy way once i was going up a hill and i couldn't even get any words out but i could do this and i realized you can bless somebody with a single finger [00:09:00]

the breath that is in you is my spirit breath this is not your energy doing this this is this is not your body it's my gift to you so this is your day go bless people remember that the blessing is not just about what happens to you it's not your circumstance it's not how how well your life is going right now it is what happens through you [00:09:36]

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Transcript
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