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INTRODUCTION
Let us start the new year out right - I love asking this: Do you want to be blessed by God in 2010?
“Blessed” 290 x’s Bible. “Blessed” = fortunate, to
be very happy. Some special groups of blessings: The Nine Beatitudes in Matthew 5. The Seven
Blessings in Revelation. In Psalms the word is found 50x’s.
I want to show you from Psalms 10 ways to be blessed in 2010.
1. Don’t hang around the wicked Psalm 1:1
- The people you hang around with influence you the most. Negatively if you hang around
the wicked you will become wicked. Postively if you hang around the righteous you have
potential to be righteous.
- We all should have non-christian connections, we are to be salt and light in darkness.
We are to be witnesses, but we cannot let them determine our values/lifestyle. We are to
influence them more than they influence us.
- To find positive role models, good examples, hang around with God’s children:
Christian friends at school, Christian friends/groups at college, attend and serve in a
church, date Christians, marry a Christian, Christian media (radio, TV, news magazines).
So if you...you can be blessed.
2. Take refuge in the Lord Psalm 2:12, 34:8
- Life is challenging. Life is filled with trials, burdens, hassles. Our greatest and best
hope is our Lord. He is the great Provider.
- Many times we have gone before God with prayer needs, deep concerns, trials, and trusted
God to take care of them. When we come to God our asking is not casual, we take refuge
like during storms.
- Elsewhere in Psalms it says - Trust God, fear God
- Psalm 146:3-5 Don’t place your trust in people, they will let you down.
Don’t think the government is your salvation. Financial counselors, lawyers give
you advice, teachers give you knowledge, but after all is said and done; actually more
is said than done - just trust God. Trust His Word, power of prayer, sovereignty over
universe, Christ. So if you...
3. Ask for forgiveness Psalm 32:1,2
- None of us is perfect, we all fail. I need your forgiveness, you need mine. We all need
God’s forgiveness. I have been forgiven by the blood.
4. Help the helpless Psalm 41:1
- The homeless, widow, orphan, poor, lonely. How many requests did you receive in December
to give by Dec. 31? Missions, etc.
- Pray for needs, pray to be an answer an instrument of God’s provisions.
- In the Bulletin “101 ways to change Your World” Evangelism/Enlighten
- So if you...you can be blessed.
5. Be Joyful Psalm 89:15
- Joy is contagious, joy is the great virtue of the Christian, we have cause to be. Find
some joy even in difficulties. Linked with thanksgivings.
ILLUS: Pastor’s Pen in November Beacon - 1 Thess 5:18 “In everything
give thanks...” Not for everything but in everything.
So if you...you can be blessed.
6. If God has to - let Him chasten you Psalm 94:12
- There have been times when God has to correct us. That hurts. But discipline is always
for our good to prevent something worse. Sometimes God must say “No”,
“Get out of there”, or let our hand get burned to know not to touch
something hot again. You are blessed, sign of love.
- Just as a parent or grandparent disciplines a child, it is for their good and done in
love. God loves us too much to let us go down the wrong road without first a disciplined
warning or event. So if God has to...
7. Be just, practice righteousness Psalm 106:3
- Our nation was founded on Godly principles of liberty and justice for all. We have often
strayed through our prejudices, injustice, tolerance of evil. As individuals we have
been guilty too by our attitudes, words and actions
- Pray for our nation’s leaders - local to national. In your business affairs, and
community events be just and fair, above board, good example. Take stands for decency
and order. Surprise. So if you...you can be blessed.
8. Fear the Lord Psalm 112:1, 128:4
- A holy reverence. We don’t take God lightly. We are serious about our relationship
with Him. Our faith is not a Sunday morning thing, it is 24/7.
- Fear is both terror of His fierce holiness, and reverence for His loving grace. We know
who we are and who He is. So, if you fear the Lord...
9. Obey God’s Word Psalm 119:1,2
- Get into the Word this year and see what it says to you and do it. How?
- Too many Christians are educated beyond their obedience.
- We taught the Word this year: John 7-12; Truth Project, Sunday School, Awana, Youth.
Hard to quantify obedience: “We obeyed God 30% better than last year.”
Can you be known by holiness? Can you be a positive testimony? Example of faithfulness?
So if you...you can be blessed.
10. Bless the Lord Psalm 89:52
- Turn the tables. God blesses us - we can bless God. Let’s give happiness to God.
Basically do all the above, and God is pleased... “Bless the Lord O my soul, and
all that is within me, bless His holy name.”
CONCLUSION
10 ways to be blessed by God in 2010.
It is hard to plan for a whole year. We do live one day at a time. Intentionally gaze upon the face
of God and enjoy His leading.
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