We have the ability to bless our city… we each have the opportunity to see to it that our city experiences more hope, more peace, more prosperity, more happiness, more joy, more liberty, and more of every good thing under the sun.

There’s a scripture that I have always liked and lately it has been stirring in me. It says, “A city is built up by the blessing of the upright…” or “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted…” (See Proverbs 11:11)

I have some thoughts on what we can or should be doing to be a blessing to our city. Before I get into that, though, I’d first like to say–and I know that we’re all aware of this–but we can either be the “cause” or the “effect”–or, we can either be the “influence” or the “influenced”. The fact is, we’re all causing and influencing something.  So, let’s just make that “something” to only be good things.

What’s coming out of our mouths?

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (See Proverbs 18:21)

What we’re saying or what we’re talking about is either bringing life or death to a situation, a city, a person, or a home, etc. You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me.” You and I both know that’s not true! Sometimes words can and do hurt!

We have the ability, if we so choose, to bring life to any situation. To release hope in any environment. To inspire or encourage every person that we have contact with. It’s easy for most of us to find the faults in other people; to see the obvious problems, or listen to–and even repeat–the bad news of what we are hearing, watching, or reading. I like what my friend Emily says, ”Choosing to live in hope and in expectation of good things is just way better!” Doesn’t that sound good?! I’d like to take this even a little further by suggesting that it’s okay to recognize that bad things do happen. But, let us entertain, appreciate, and cultivate the good things that are happening.

By what means was the entire world created, besides by God? 

The entire world and everything that exists was created and birthed by words. Words–our words–contain the power to create life or death, good or bad, blessing or cursing. By saying the right words we could be releasing hope and encouragement to those needing it. With the right words, we could be promoting health and life.

Asking for the blessing and taking some responsibility!

There was an ordinary man that made an extraordinary request to God saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me…” (See 1 Chronicles 4:10) This was a request for personal wealth and influence. I’m fully aware that everyone has their opinions, but truthfully, the greater the wealth and influence someone has–the greater the blessing they can be.

Jesus taught us how to pray simply and powerfully. Essentially, He said that if it exists in Heaven, declare it to be here–and now–on Earth. Furthermore, if it doesn’t exist in Heaven it shouldn’t reside here either. It could very well be just that easy!

“Can these bones live?”

That was God’s question to the man Ezekiel regarding the valley of dead bones. “Can these bones live?”

Can this city thrive? Can every home be at peace? Can every business in this city prosper? Can there be a financial income for every person? Can every single person be physically healthy? Can every person live with hope?

Again, God was the one that asked Ezekiel the question, but it was not God that did the “work”. After God asked if those bones could live, He gave the individual the responsibility of speaking to these “dead areas” and releasing life! Romans 4:17 says, “…God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” We have God’s image and likeness imprinted within each of us. Therefore, like Ezekiel, we too can prophesy and release life.

I declare hope and peace in my city! I declare healing and health in my city! I declare that there are more businesses and the existing businesses are prosperous! I declare that there is more joy and happiness in this city! Marriages are strong in my city! People are generous in my city! In my city people’s dreams come true! Everyone has food to eat and clothes to wear in this city! This city is a safe city! This city is a friendly city! Every area, every corner, and everywhere in between is blessed!

Now, go be a professional blessing machine!

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives–especially the ability to prophesy… one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” (1 Corinthians 14:1, 3) In other words–we’re declaring and releasing with our mouths strength, encouragement, and comfort to their particular need.

I ask for your feedback, please feel free to share this post, and by all means bless your city.