Jesus our great high priest

Hebrews 4: "14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Today we had the privilege of listening to a representative from Wycliffe Bible Translators. She is preparing shortly to go PNG to serve in God's kingdom.

The beginning of Nations - God's blessing

Genesis 12:2 (NIV2011) "2 “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. "
Genesis 12:2 (MSG) "2 I'll make you a great nation and bless you. I'll make you famous; you'll be a blessing." 

Abram was chosen by God to bless others. He was:
♦ Blessed to be a blessing Genesis 12:2, John 13:34-35, Mark 16:15
♦ Tested to be a blessing Genesis 12:1, Hebrews 11:8-12,

Hebrews 12:7-11 Jesus endured the ultimate test on the cross in order to bless us with salvation.
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV2011) "5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

“God never wastes a hurt.” – Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life)
Let’s allow both our blessings and our pain to be used by God to bless others.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV2011) "3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

Neale Daniher's speech Rick Warren TED talk'The purpose drive life'