Logo Colored Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

b.l.e.s.s.

b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR
b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

 

Each year, we focus on one of the three pathways that are part of our passion for "experiencing the depth of God's love and living the adventure of following Jesus:  Belonging, Becoming and Blessing. 

 

This year, we are emphasizing the path of BLESSING. In the bible, the idea of being blessed by God means to be enabled by Him to be what we were meant to be and/or to do what we were meant to do. We want to focus on living each day and beyond in such a way that we 'bless' others; to influence the people around us so they are empowered an enabled to be who God meant them to be, and to do what God meant them to do. 

 

Who are we talking about? What people? Generally speaking, they are the folks in our regular circles of influence - family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers - and not the least among them are fellow members of this church. Blessing includes both those who know Jesus and those who do not. We want to encourage and strengthen the faith of believers and allow God to draw those who do not know Him yet toward faith. 

 

Since 2021, we've been using a resource that is both biblical and very practical - the book B.L.E.S.S. by Dave & Jon Ferguson. We encourage you to get a copy! The book takes the word "bless" and creates an acronym for five simple, everyday pursuits - Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, Story - that can become part of our DNA and enable us to be a blessing to those God puts in our lives. 

(CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO)

b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR
b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

 

Prayer is how we discover our mission and then how we live out our mission. Jesus Himself often retreated to pray... if you're not sure who God is calling you to bless or where He wants you to be a blessing, always begin with prayer. Got people on your list? Begin praying for those people now!

b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

 

Any relationship starts with listening to someone's words about their life. We should always be listening at a far greater rate than we are speaking... don't know yet what someone wants or needs? Ask them and then listen - really listen - to their answer.

b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

 

Want to move a relationship past acquaintance toward friendship? Nothing accomplishes that faster than sitting down to eat a meal together. The Bible often refers to the act of breaking bread and Jesus himself, over and over, sat and ate with all kinds of people.

b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

 

So you've prayed for, listened to and shared a meal with someone. Now what? You have developed a relationship and chances are they will have clued you in to how best you can serve them. Always be listening and watching for God to guide you!

b.l.e.s.s. at Meadow Springs Community Church in Portland, OR

 

The privilege of sharing your story - how the love of God and the life of Jesus have changed you - comes only when the other person feels relationally safe. You have sought the Lord in the other steps and have proven yourself worthy of trust. Now, the light and love of Jesus can shine brightly and boldly through you!