L - Listen to their story (Part 3)

When God called Abraham out of Haran, God has a particular plan (Genesis 12:1-3). God wanted to bless Abraham to bless everyone. Genesis 12:3 says,

"I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you."

Did you see that, "and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Fast forward several thousand years, and God's plan hasn't changed. He now wants to use the church to bless all peoples on earth. God wants to use you and me to bless others. This is our calling, our purpose, and when we engage it, we will experience life as God intended, abundantly.

You matter to God and his plan. He has set you on a path to be used. He is creating opportunities each day to engage his plan, seize opportunities, and bless others by revealing the hope of Jesus Christ to them. And to do this is much more straightforward than you think. It takes five simple steps--B.L.E.S.S.

Begin with Prayer
Listen to their story
Eat with them
Serve them
Share your story. 

"As we engage these practices daily, we partner with God's Spirit to bless those who do not know God (and those who do). We practice these 5 simple steps with those in our spheres of influence, like friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, and colleagues--especially unchurched and irreligious people--with the hope that we may love them well and help them travel further in their journey toward making faith commitments to Jesus and to a community that will love them well." (Rick Richardson, You Found Me)

Last week we learned that to bless others Begins with prayer. Who are you praying for, and how is that going?

This week the L in bless stands for, Listen with care (Phil 2:4). As we see people, we need to see them and give them our listening ear. We need to hear them, their story, what is happening in their life, and genuinely care. This endeavor will provide us with a better understanding of how to pray for them and intercede on their behalf. It will also forge a genuine relationship and build trust.

"Jesus and others have listened to you and heard you. Bless others far from God by listening and hearing them." (Rick Richardson)

Think about it. We are all filled when someone takes the time, with no strings attached and no judgment, to truly hear us and listen to our hearts. It is a life-giving practice that God uses to build a relationship and breathe abundance into each other's life.  

So as you are praying for others, ask God to clarify the opportunities he is giving you to listen this week.  As you listen, I would love to hear the stories of what God is doing.  Shoot me an email and let me know how I can join you in prayer.  

May God use you to bless others this week!