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We welcome back Mr. Rick Verkerk as guest to Wilderness Wanderings.

This is the time of year that we celebrate the birth of Jesus, His arrival here on earth being the first step towards our redemption that occurred later in his earthly life. In addition to celebrating this, as we leave a very disruptive year behind and head into a new one, it is also a time to consider how blessed we are. So, let\u2019s examine what it means to be blessed, how we are blessed and how we bless others, using blessing to impact the world.

Let\u2019s begin by looking at Genesis 12: 1-3:

The Lord had said to Abram, \u201cGo from your country, your people and your father\u2019s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.\u201d

God has been blessing all living creatures and humans on earth since the first day of their creation. This was further affirmed when God spoke to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3, featuring seven impactful promises, four of which included blessings. These promises are reaffirmed throughout Scripture and still are in effect today and will be in the future. Just like Abram, God also affirms each of us with these promises, so He can bless us in four different ways which are:

1. God will make us into great nations and bless
2. The Lord will make our names great by using us to be a blessing to others.
3. When others bless us, they will be blessed.
4. Everyone will be blessed through us.

Now these are amazing promises! Not only for us but also what an opportunity to impact others! But to receive these blessings, we must be faithful and obedient. Abram was, and he moved to the land that God chose. He had no idea where the Lord was leading but he trusted. It is easy to see Abram\u2019s impact \u2014 he is the patriarch of the Jewish nation and all Gentiles who are his spiritual descendants. (Gal 3:8) Quite the impact! But it didn\u2019t start with Abram, it started with the Lord! It started with God\u2019s complete covering of blessings.

God\u2019s blessings are a gift for us to be able to live fully and freely no matter what comes our way. His blessings are intended to be a means of blessing as well. We are empowered to be a blessing. We have received this gift so that we can be God\u2019s blessing to others \u2014 something we need to embrace, so we can impact the world for Him. Have you ever thought about this? Blessing others will impact the world for Him.

Key Thought: You were created to be blessed, and you are blessed. You can bless others. Those who you bless will be blessed, those who bless you will also be blessed, and others will be blessed through you.