And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, an admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Philippians 4:8

DISCUSS:

What word or phrase can you focus on in this new year to help "fix your thoughts" on positive and excellent things?

Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." Genesis 1:28

The Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Definition of blessing: To express a blessing is like bestowing a wish on someone that they experience the favor of God, and to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing.

DISCUSS:

Describe what blessing means to you and a time that you received true blessing from someone.

Curse enters the story of mankind in Genesis 3 when Eve was deceived by the serpent and both she and Adam disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. 

By now Balaam realized that the Lord was determined to bless Israel.  Numbers 24:1

But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing.   Galatians 3:13

DISCUSS:

God is determined to bless His people, and that means you. What does this mean to you?

We are blessed to be a blessing to others. In what ways can you be a blessing to those around you?

People can tame all kinds of animals, bird, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and full of evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and our Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!  James 3:7-10

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.  James 4:1-2

In his book, Enemies of the Heart, Andy Stanley identifies 4 emotions that can control you and cause you to curse instead of bless.

Guilt, Anger, Greed, and Jealousy

DISCUSS:

Is there one of these emotions that causes you anxiety? What step do you need to take to overcome the power of these emotions?

Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destine of the wicked.  Psalm 73:17

Definition of sanctuary: A safe place where someone or something is protected

DISCUSS:

Do you have a "sanctuary" you can go to where your heart and mind are safe from the accusations of the enemy? 

What are some rhythms you can put in place in order to create some sanctuary time in your life?