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Shortly before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the ‘world’, Kari Jobe and her husband Cody Carnes were involved in a song-writing session with Elevation Worship’s Steven Furtick and Chris Brown. Together, they set to music one of the Bible’s best-known benedictions: Numbers 6:24–26. Their inspired new song 'The Blessing’ was released in March 2020.
Kari told worshipers that the lyrics represent “the heart of the Father over us as his kids” and invited them to receive the song as “a blessing over you and your family and your children.” They had no idea how many Christians would listen to it, embrace the message, and sing out those encouraging words as the pandemic spread in the months to come.
A blessing in the Bible is God's favour poured into our lives. 2 Cor.9:8-10 says, “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Through the past year I have most definitely felt this in my own life. The Lord blessed me abundantly and He gave me strength, every day. He kept me in the late hours at night; He made His face shine upon me and He was gracious to me. He brought me peace, and He blessed our children and our children’s children. Digby and I are forever grateful for His Healing and Amazing Grace in our lives. And we are thankful for each one of you; for your love and fervent prayers.
As followers of Christ, while we are thankful, we are also called to extend those blessings into the world, pointing towards the Kingdom of God and starting to build that Kingdom here and now. We are encouraged to connect these glimpses of God’s Kingdom with the lives of others – even our enemies – and to pray for blessing over our own lives and the lives of those God sends among us.
Ephesians 3:1, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Can you join me in saying “Amen”? I believe today that we should be offering God our highest praise, thanking Him for uniting us with Christ and pouring out every spiritual blessing.
Kari and Cody had no idea that millions of Christians in 2020 would be returning praise unto God with her new song. You and I have no idea how many lives will be touched and transformed by Holy Spirit power in 2021. Join us in fasting and praying together every evening this week, earnestly seeking God’s leading and blessing throughout this year.
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Blessings,
Rev. Ginette Howse
Lead Pastor
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