2 Sam 2 - Practicing Blessing

I think the speaking of a blessing is a lost art. Words are so powerful. Just think about how a cutting or negative word can tear down. We instinctively use words for our own benefit time and time again. They are powerful tools. Communication literally makes the world go ‘round.

So why not use them for good? Intentionally? Strategically? As an act of love and appreciation? Maybe even as a part of worship? David spoke a blessing to the men of Jabesh Gilead in 2 Samuel 2:

"May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them." (vs.6-7)

Here’s an exercise for today: Let’s intentionally speak blessing over and towards people and see what happens. Try it to strangers serving you coffee at Starbucks, try it with your kids and your wife, try it randomly when you see a person struggling with something. Pray for the opportunity. And watch what happens. Watch their expressions. Watch their demeanors change. I bet you at least you’ll see a moment of peace or a smile. If that is all you get, it would be worth it. Especially for them.

From the beginning, we decided to close each of our services at Austin New Church with a Benediction. The word Benediction just means a spoken blessing. It comes from two words: “speak” and “well”. We don’t try and be high-church about it at ANC, it would certainly be inauthentic for us to do anything high-church. So we use a common language… and hopefully a humble posture… but it’s heart felt and a genuine sending of the church. It’s becoming one of my favorite parts of worship.

This week Tray Pruet closed our service by reading a blessing from “The Message” found in 2 Corinthians. It was a great word of exhortation and blessing and I wish it for each of you who find yourself reading this today:

“And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure… The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.”

1 Sam 30 - Everyone Matters

"David replied, 'No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.' David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this." (1 Samuel 30:23-25)

Here's a thought from a close friend today on this passage:

In verse 30 it is as if every experience that David endures shows up in a positive way in his conduct. Arriving at Ziklag, his men were ready to revolt because he had led them away and during their absence their families were plundered. He responds by trusting and seeking God. But for me the most profound is the lesson he teaches his men about roles and responsibilities in a team.

“The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to battle”. I have long believed that for extraordinary performance to occur in an organization, three things must be in the minds of each individual; 1) they know their role 2) they believe it matters and 3) they are able to be proud of their work. David sets the tone for his leadership early, each will have a role in my kingdom and no role is more important than any other. We should always me mindful to extend that to our organizations, including our church body. We always say ‘thank you’ to each who are serving, but do we mean it with the same level of intensity for every role that is being performed or in our heart do we think some roles are more important than others?

His question is rhetorical. But I'll add another verse to affirm and remind us of his point

"As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other." (1 Corinthians 12:20-25)

Judges 15 “Jawbone”

Judges 15 – Brandon Hatmaker “Jawbone”
Austin New Church – South Austin Cares
Wednesday, August 17th, 2008

“As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.” Judges 15:14-15

Quick thought for today: I’m so tired from this week’s festivities. In light of the recent Hurricane in Houston, we’ve been hosting dozens of people in our homes… making supply and relief trips to the coast… and I’m simply spent. It’s funny how I feel a little useless today (I know it's just cause I'm tired... I can be honest too, right?). I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the journey in thinking about all there is to do in our community, world, and even our church… yet I found encouragement in these words.

Surely if God can use the Jawbone of an ass to do his work, he can use any of us. That’s a pleasant thought, huh?