It's amazing the ability and power we have been given by our Creator with which to bless another!    Very simple and every day acts and words have within them tremendous potential to bless.

Throughout the Judeo-Christian scriptures are found example after example where God affirms, empowers and blesses humanity - - - us!!    As Father Abraham and Mother Sara, and many other followers since, have learned:  We are blessed to be a blessing.  The blessing that we receive is not intended to stop with us.   The grace and affirmation that come our way is not to end there.   The real beauty and the true joy of the blessing arrives as we are not only recepients of the blessing, but givers of the blessing as well.

For several weeks our congregation has been looking at and focusing upon The Biblical Blessing.   John Trent and Gary Smalley, some years back, wrote a book titled The Blessing.   This work traces the Hebrew, biblical blessing, illustrating that there are at least five (5) components to this blessing.    To date, in our worship services and sermons, we have unpacked three (3) of these elements of The Biblical Blessing.     During the month of June we will continue this series, as we seek to be people of God who are blessed to be a blessing.    You will find this sermon series on this same ORUMC website by clicking on the "sermons" link.     Listen for the five (5) elements of The Biblical Blessing and see how you might practice these simple, yet powerful, steps so that your relationships might be deepened and strengthened.     Several in our church family have shared some  encouraging and inspiring stories of how they have intentionally practiced elements of the Blessing in their own relationships.   If you have a story to share of how the Blessing has been received or shared I would love for you to share it in response to this blog.     It may truly bless a reader!