Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon explores how God's bountiful blessings are available to all believers, in both life's highs and lows, and encourages finding happiness in God.
Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It is always a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord, isn't it? To lift our voices in praise, to bow our hearts in prayer, and to open our minds to the wisdom of His Word. And isn't it refreshing to know that no matter what we've faced this week, no matter how high the mountains or how deep the valleys, we are here, in this place of refuge and strength, ready to receive bountiful blessings from our Heavenly Father.
Let's turn to the book of Numbers, chapter 6, verses 24-26. It reads: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Isn't that a beautiful benediction? A divine affirmation of God's unfailing love and care for His people. It's a promise that is as true today as it was when Aaron first spoke it over the Israelites.
Our sermon today will focus on these Bountiful Blessings. We'll look at how these blessings are not just for the mountaintop experiences of life, but also for the valleys. And we'll see that these blessings are not just for a specific people in a specific time, but they are for all of us, because we are all in Christ.
In the words of the great Christian author and preacher, Charles Spurgeon, "It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." So, let's prepare our hearts to not only receive these blessings but to truly enjoy them, to embrace the joy and peace that they bring.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the opportunity to come together as a body of believers to worship you. We thank you for your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask that you open our hearts and minds today, that we may receive your Word with gladness. We ask for your blessings, not just in the high places, but also in the low places. And we ask that you help us to truly enjoy these blessings, to find happiness not in what we have, but in you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
So, dear friends, let's get ready to receive these Bountiful Blessings. Let's open our hearts to the Lord and his Word. And let's remember, no matter where we are, whether on the mountain or in the valley, we are blessed in Christ.
The blessings of the Lord are abundant and rich, especially when we find ourselves on the mountaintop. These are the times when life is going well, when we feel on top of the world. We've all experienced these moments. Perhaps it's a promotion at work, a new relationship, the birth of a child, or simply a season of peace and contentment. During these times, it's easy to see and feel God's blessings. His love and favor seem to shine brightly on us, and we can't help but overflow with gratitude and praise.
The Scripture we read earlier from Numbers is often associated with these mountaintop experiences. The Lord blesses and keeps us. His face shines upon us and is gracious to us. He turns His face toward us and gives us peace. These are powerful, beautiful words that encapsulate the essence of God's bountiful blessings. They are words of affirmation, protection, favor, and peace.
Now, let's take a closer look at the first part of this benediction - "The Lord bless you and keep you." This is a profound statement of God's care and protection. When we are on the mountaintop, we can feel this protection in a tangible way. We feel safe, secure, and cared for. We see the evidence of His blessings all around us. We see it in the beauty of creation, in the love of our family and friends, in the opportunities and successes that come our way.
Next, we see that the Lord makes His face shine upon us and is gracious to us. This speaks of God's favor and kindness. On the mountaintop, we often experience this favor in a very real way. Doors open for us, opportunities arise, things seem to fall into place. It's as if the sun is shining brightly on our lives, illuminating our path and making everything clear and bright. God's grace is evident in every good thing that comes our way.
Then we read that the Lord turns His face toward us. This is a beautiful picture of God's attention and focus. It's a reminder that God is not distant or detached. He is intimately involved in our lives. He sees us, He knows us, and He cares for us. On the mountaintop, we can feel this in a profound way. We sense His presence, His attention, His love. We know that we are not alone, that we are seen and known by the Creator of the universe.
Finally, we read that the Lord gives us peace. This is perhaps one of the most precious blessings of all. In a world that is often chaotic and stressful, peace is a priceless gift. On the mountaintop, this peace can feel almost tangible. We feel at rest, at ease, content. We know that we are in the hands of a loving God, and that He is in control.
Transition. So, as we stand on the mountaintop, let's take a moment to truly appreciate these bountiful blessings. Let's not take them for granted, but let's recognize them for what they are - gifts from a loving, gracious God. Let's thank Him for His protection, His favor, His attention, and His peace. And let's remember that these blessings are not just for the mountaintop, but for every season of life.
Next, we find ourselves drawn to the image of the valley ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO