Rhythm: Bless

What are the everyday rhythms of life?  It's simple.  God in his infinite wisdom created everything including us, and he set in order the rhythms by which his creation would dance. We have been studying together at West Valley what our IDENTITY(who we are) really is--family--worshippers--servants--missionaries.  I want to now begin to explore God's RHYTHMS(how we live) and see how our IDENTITY(who we are) is lived out in the regular RHYTHMS(how we live) of life.  I will post a new rhythm throughout the week. 


Rhythm: BLESS


We intentionally bless others through words, gifts or actions.
God desires that all nations--all people--would be blessed through Jesus. And now, as his Body (West Valley), we believe we live out this mission as we bless others. We intentionally seek God's direction for who he would have us tangibly bless each week.


The promise begins with Abraham.  Gen. 12:2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.


You see this was God's intention from the beginning--that he would bless us so that we would bless others.  This should be a rhythmic part of our lives.  

1Pet. 3:9 yDo not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 

According to James we actually make ourselves an enemy of God when we think that God blesses us just to bless US FOR US. 

James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 

James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

The word "give" is used 963 times in scripture.  The word "receive" is used 134 times. 

How might you live out your identity as Family, Worshipper, Servant, and Missionary while you bless.  Sounds pretty natural to me!