244 - 7 Keys To A Blessed "Happy” New Year

Sermon Study #244 – 7 KEYS TO A BLESSED “HAPPY” NEW YEAR

Blessed - in Hebrews: esher = Happy

Blessed - in Greek: makarios = Happy

1. Happy are the forgiven.

(Psa 32:1) Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Illustrate: There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. And he was given a slingshot to play in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. And getting a little discouraged; he headed back to dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let’s wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children if they wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I’m sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." But Sally just smiled and said, "Well, that’s all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

2. Happy are the merciful.

(Psa 41:1) Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

Illustrate: Describe implication of this verse.

3. Happy are those whose help & hope are in God.

Psa 146:5-6 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

Illustrate: Quote:

4. Happy are the generous.

(Prov 14:21) He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

Illustrate: Delivering left over toys… “God brought these gifts”

5. Happy are those whose trust is in God.

(Prov 16:20) Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Illustrate:

6. Happy are those who follow God’s Word – BIBLE.

(Prov 29:18) Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Illustrate: Comic strip

7. Happy are those who are anticipating the Lord’s return.

(Rev 22:7 NIV) "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."

Illustrate: Have you ever heard the story of Lucinda & Tom’s first date?

- She was expecting him to show up. She was dressed up and waiting patiently. However, by the time he was an hour late, she figured she had been stood up. So, she took off her makeup, put on her pajamas, gathered all the junk food in the pantry and sat down to watch TV with the dog. As her favorite show was just coming on, the doorbell rang. It was her him. He stared at her wide eyed: "I’m two hours late, and you’re still not ready?"-