Blessings
This past week we were studying Jude in our Bible Study – The Amazing Collection. It is the last book before Revelation and although I had read through it before I had never studied it. On the fifth day we studied blessings. And I believe that is something we don’t do enough.
A blessing is usually given by the “professional” at the end of a service, or ceremony.
But I found out that we have many opportunities to give blessings.
In the Old Testament we find blessings given on different occasions:
- Jacob blessed his sons
- Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before they entered Canaan
- Aaron and Moses blessed the people before they offered sacrifices
- David blessed the people when the ark was brought to Zion
- Solomon blessed the nation during the temple dedication
I can say the more common one:
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
What I didn’t know was that this is Scriptural – Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
So when I studied Jude I found a very powerful benediction at the end.
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” ( Jude 24-25 NIV).
I found this very uplifting – the words, “to Him who is able” and “before all ages” made an impact on me. And I love to hear “keep me from stumbling”.
In our lesson we were challenged to see where we could use blessings.
- When I write birthday cards – I could write a special blessing for that person.
- When someone is starting a new career – I could bless him in that new position.
- When a new baby is born – I could bless this child.
A blessing is a prayer. Asking God into our situations and into our lives that is a blessing.
I found a very interesting site called Pray the Scriptures and learned many ways to use blessings even on myself.
A blessing “carries power and life by which the welfare of the ones blessed is furthered and sustained.” (Jude, The Amazing Collection, page 213)
May all who read this be blessed.
Prayer:
Lord, we know that words are powerful. When we pray Your words over our friends and family we bring you into their lives. Help us to learn to bless more. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
My Gratitude List – aiming for 2000 – I am at 1182.
- finding frozen crock pot recipes online
- miracle healing of a friend
- upcoming Write! Canada Conference
- first smile of new grandson looking at his mommy
- “milk contentment” of a baby
- extended walks as mommy gets stronger
- major slow cooker freezer blitz for daughter and family
- preparing to fly back to Arizona to see my hubby
- prayer of blessing over new grandson
- good flight back to AZ – no Air Canada strike
- met a graphic designer on the plane
- jet lag – yuck – so resting
- good to see friends again
- happy to hug hubby
- baby gaining weight
- still getting oranges right from the trees
- morning stillness
- flowers of spring in the desert
- ducks by the lakes – Snowball loves to chase them back into the water
Jan Cox
Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan is working on a couple children’s books in which she is also the watercolour illustrator.
