It’s been raining on and off since this afternoon at Shakamak, but that hasn’t slowed down preparations for MSC Sr. Week 2016. Staff has arrived at Shakamak and canoeologist Shannon Shaffer presented a great overview of our camp theme of the week for all staff and their campers for Sunday evening worship: “Blessed – no#needed.”
Here’s a quick outline of Shannon’s lesson, and you can listen to the audio below:
Introduction: Concentrating on the trials of life, we may miss some things (Psalm 68:19). We all need to learn the lesson which little orphan Annie learned. Perhaps “yesterday was plain awful…but that’s not now, that’s then.” Annie realized that she’s living on another level. God wants you to live on another level.
The Benefits of Being Blessed (Ephesians 1:3-14)
- Chosen (v.4)
- Adopted (v. 5)
- Redeemed (v. 7)
- Forgiveness (v. 7)
- Revealed “made known” (v. 9)
- Inheritance (v. 11)
Our Misunderstanding of What it Means to Be Blessed
- Luke 11:27,28
- Jesus corrects how we view blessings
- People often use social media to proclaim “#blessed”
- Being blessed is not just luck
- Work towards blessings by listening and doing
- Those who obey are truly blessed
Blessed is He Who is Part of the Kingdom & Lives Like It
- My greatest blessing is SALVATION in Jesus
- I am blessed with FAMILY who love the Lord and me
- As a result, I have the PEACE…surpassed understanding
- Because of that freedom I am overwhelmed with JOY
- I am blessed with FREEDOM
Moving Beyond #blessed
- 3 Things to Quit
- Quit waiting for a lucky break (Luke 1:38)
- Quit comparing yourself with others (John 21:20-24)
- Quit complaining and grumbling about what is going on in your life (Philippians 2:14-16)
- 3 Things to Start
- Be thankful for the present moment (Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1)
- Hear and obey the word of God (Luke 11:27,28; Ephesians 1:13; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 2:12,13)
- “Love Your Life, Not Theirs” (Rachael Cruz)
- “Better than I deserve” (Dave Ramsey)
- Cheer each other on
- Quit comparing and start living
- Own your stuff (life) with an understanding of stewardship and character
Conclusion: Look again at Ephesians 1:13,14 and see the process which brings blessing from God. Doesn’t it sound like another passage (Acts 2:26-29)?
So, how’s your life looking right now? Whether circumstances are good or bad, remember that acknowledgement that we are “blessed” by God all the time will take your faith deeper. So, go be “#blessed” on social media!
Just remember to carry that with you beyond your Instagram feed and into all areas of your life.
“Blessed – no#needed” — Shannon Shaffer
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