Be a Practicing Blessologist
Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSVue)
“The Lord spoke to Moses…Thus shall you bless the people of Israel.” And so we continue this commandment, praying for the blessings of God’s presence, protection, favor, and peace on our brothers and sisters. Our words have power. Words can either bless…or they can curse, they can build up…or they can tear down, edify or deplete. The psalmist reminds himself and us, “Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.” James expands on this idea saying, “With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.” God is a blessing God, and we are called to be a blessing people, to both God and one another. Let us be living benedictions, “practicing blessologists” sowing seeds of blessing wherever we go.
Sermon Art: “Crocefisso No. 18” by William Congdon (1912-1998)
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March 3, 2024
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Discussion Questions:
- Why are the quality of our beginnings and endings so important for shaping our individual lives and community? How do solid beginnings and endings shape the middle?
- What does it mean for God to bless and keep us? Since we are made in God’s image, how can we in God’s strength do this for others?
- What does it feel like to have God’s face or presence shine upon us?
- When you’re at peace and sense God’s peace in your life, what is it like? Can you think of a specific time you experienced it?
- How can we cultivate being “practicing Blessologists” even more in our lives, families, church, society, and planet?
Thank you Immanuel for putting a human face and touch to God’s blessings in my life and family all these years!!!!
Rev. Dr. John Tittle
Other Sermons In This Series
Deuteronomy and the Devil
March 05, 2017
What Does the Fox Hear?
February 21, 2016
Living Water
March 19, 2017