6 Ways To Be Blessed

Some people think that being blessed means being happy, but it’s more than that. To be blessed is to be part of God’s Kingdom. He loves to see believers acting on, or obeying, His word. God is aware of what we do, and we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-10).

Desiring to please God, we bring glory to His name by doing right. The first step is to fear Him. That means to respect and revere His authority.

Psalm 112 lists some ways we can be blessed:

1.  Delight in God's Commands (v.1)
2.  Be gracious and compassionate (v.4)
3.   Be generous and lend freely (v.5)
4.  Conduct your affairs justly (v.5)
5.  Be steadfast, trusting in the LORD (v.7)
6.  Give to the poor (v.9)

 In contrast, here are some worldly viewpoints that lack respect for God’s authority:

• My truth is more important than God’s
• I see no reason to be compassionate
• I’ll make a personal loan, but charge a hefty fee
• It's not important to judge impartially
• There’s no need to trust in God; I can make my own way
• I give to the poor when I feel like it, Christmas for sure

As Christians, it’s a constant choice between MY will and THY will. Jesus set the example for us, even at an early age (Luke 2:41-52). Later, He overcame Satan’s temptations (Luke 4:1-13). Later still, He agonized in prayer over the Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46).

While suffering on the cross, He was obedient to the end and declared, “It is finished!” (John 19:28-30). Then God tore the veil before the Holy of Holies in the temple from top to bottom (Luke 23:44-46; Mark 15:37-39). Jesus’ sacrifice was now the only acceptable way to be cleansed from sin.

It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but in addition to His example of prayer and knowing the Scripture, Jesus gave us two directives. We are to: (1) Take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23), and (2) Show our love to Him by obedience to His commands (John 14:15).

Be blessed!

Pixabay: Rock, Sunrise, Morning Image; TomMarc

  

Part Three: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

To be a Christian means to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

It takes twelve years to earn a high school diploma, and more degrees beyond that. Why don’t we consider that our spiritual learning also requires that type of consistency?

You can believe Hebrews 4:12 when it says God’s word is lively and active. I’ve been reading the Bible since middle school, and though I have re-read scriptures many times, I’m always learning something new. The Bible, for me, is a life-satisfying adventure.

New Testament instructions guide our spiritual growth. Once we were in darkness, but now we are in the light of the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-10). God’s light consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

We are to put off our old corrupted self and put on our new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-32).  As Christians, we should live to please God and bring Him glory, not making provision to satisfy earthly lusts and evil desires (Colossians 3:1-17).

In fact, we are to detest what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we have opportunities, we are to do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10).

The difference between our old life and new life in Christ is quite clear. Read it for yourself in Colossians 3:1-17, Ephesians 4:17-32, and Galatians 5:16-26.

Don’t be put off by these scripture references. If you’re not familiar with the Bible, check the Table of Contents. Become familiar with it.

Take time to learn about other spiritual blessings: (1) The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23, (2) Our Spiritual Armor – Ephesians 6:10-18, and (3) The Value of God’s Word - Psalm 119.

Remember, Jesus said we are to love God with: (1) all our heart, (2) all our soul (mind, will, and emotions), (3) all our mind, and (4) all our strength (Mark 12:28-31). It’s not a half-hearted commitment.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Our daily desire becomes “Thy Will,” not “my will.”

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Part Two: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

Have you heard of The Great Commission? It was Jesus’ last directive to His disciples.

This assignment had three parts: (1) Go into every nation and make disciples, (2) baptize them (in water) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and (3) teach them to obey all that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:18-20).

Mark said that after Jesus had spoken to them, He ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father. He also said that the disciples went out to follow instructions, and that the Lord was with them, just as He had promised (Mark 16:19-20, Matthew 28:20).  

Let’s not forget that God also promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them to be witnesses. This happened on the Day of Pentecost in a very special way. Immediately, Peter was a great example (Acts 2).

Remember that after soldiers had arrested Jesus in Gethsemane, Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Yet, after the Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentecost, he stood up and preached to a great multitude of people (Acts 2).  

We know from reading the New Testament that disciples follow a master teacher. They adhere to his teachings and share them with others. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).  

We learn to do that by reading our Bibles, the Holy Scriptures given by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A good place to start might be in Matthew. The first four books of the New Testament are the Gospels, or the good news about Jesus and His teachings.

Sunday sermons, Bible classes, small group studies, and devotionals are all good, but not enough. We need both physical food and spiritual food every day.  

It’s never too late and never too soon to start a daily reading of our Bible verse by verse, and book by book!

Next week, we’ll close with Part Three of being a Christian.

Pixabay: Did you know, Speech, Balloon; Imageforyou.

Part One: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

Christian comes from the Greek word Christianos, meaning follower of Christ. But the need for Christ began in the Garden of Eden.

God said to Adam, “Enjoy everything in this Garden, but do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The penalty is death” (Genesis 2:15-16).      

God created Eve because He thought it would be good for man not to be alone (Genesis 2:18-25). Eve knew God’s warning, but was not a careful listener. Satan came to her, casting doubt by saying, “Did God really say?” He misquoted God’s word, and so did Eve in her reply (Genesis 3:1-7).

She was tempted as she looked, desired, and took the forbidden fruit. She offered it to Adam, and he chose to participate, rather than obey God’s warning (Genesis 3:1-7).

That’s why James could say, “Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin (James 4:17).

In His time, God took away the Old Testament animal sacrifices for sin. Here’s why:  For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). How’s that for good news?

The New Testament says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

A friend was telling me the other day how great it is that salvation is not by works. She said, “We’d always have to wonder: (1) What kind of works? (2) How many? (3) How often?

Salvation by faith includes belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). With this faith, we are rewarded with new life, born again, spiritually. 

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).   

Final Good News, Part One: When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, God sends the Holy Spirit to live in us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

As Christians, we are to follow Jesus’ teachings. The Holy Spirit will teach us and help us to do that (John 14:15-17).

More Good News Next Week: Part Two

Pixabay: Question Mark, Question; Peggy_Marco.

How To Have A Friend And Be A Friend

It’s a long title, I know. But the point is that true friendship works both ways.

Of course, there are casual friends or acquaintances. They’re important and add variety to our lives; however, we also need close friends, people who know us well and love us anyway.  

Mutual Interests

People can enjoy being together if they agree on things (Amos 3:3). That’s why I enjoy my Christian friends. They understand my scriptural choices and I theirs. We also enjoy places to eat, entertainment, and topics of conversation. I no longer live near a long-time friend, but our telephone conversations still cover these basic areas of interest.   

Encouragement and Understanding

Understanding is a fountain of life, pleasant words are sweet to the soul and bring healing to our bodies (Proverbs 16:22, 24). When I was in a care center after hip surgery, days and nights seemed endless. But kind words and encouragement from friends helped me keep focused on my recovery.

Truthful Communication

It’s good to have someone who can help us face the truth (Proverbs 27:6); however, wise friends do it in such a way as not to crush our spirit (Proverbs 15:4). Remember, life and death are both in the power of the tongue! (Proverbs 18:21)

Help When Needed

We’re not to be concerned only with our own interests, but also the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). An example for me was a friend who volunteered to stay in my guest room and help me the first two weeks I was home from hip surgery. On the flip side, I scheduled other friends to stay with me each afternoon to give her a break.

Take No Offense

A true friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17), but misunderstandings do happen. We are to forgive and bear with one another (Colossians 3:13), but let’s get real. If it’s something you can’t overlook, then talk it over.

Friendships are important to our health. Don’t isolate. Sometimes, when I feel extremely lonely, I’m grateful I can pick up my phone and call a friend.   

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Fresh Hope Each Day

When I became a caregiver for my father, I thanked the Lord for fresh hope each day. Upon waking, my first words were, “Thank you, Lord, for new mercies today.”

I was familiar with Lamentations 3:22-23 long before that, but now it was a life verse:

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD, we are not consumed,

for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

I took care of Dad for about two and a half years before he passed away. A few years later, I became a caregiver for my husband. I never knew what to expect from day to day, so once again, Lamentations 3:22-23 became my fresh hope.

Even now, it’s my wake-up prayer, though I’m no longer a caregiver. Why am I writing about this now? Because I had a refreshing look at God’s mercies in a Bible study this week, in Psalms.

Psalm 106:43-45 caught my attention. It was talking about the children of Israel, how God delivered them many times, yet they continued to rebel. They’re not the only ones. I’ve seen plenty of that in our day.

I stopped to meditate on Psalm 106:44-45. God chose to continue helping them whenever He heard their cry. He remembered His covenant with them and relented, or had compassion on them, according to the multitude of His mercies.  

I read about “Mercy” in my *Bible dictionary.  I started writing down thoughts of God’s mercies. Here’s my list, but you might think of more:

Answered Prayer/Salvation/Healing

Deliverance from Trouble

Provision, as needed

Love/Kindness/Compassion

Justice/Action on our behalf

Truth/Taught in Scripture

Fellowship/Eternal Life

No prejudice--Salvation for ALL

Restoration, as needed

Protection/Our Good Shepherd

Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

Psalm 100:4 reminds us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.

Maybe these ideas will get you started.

*Mercy, pp. 1106-1108, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN, Copyright 2003.

Pixabay: Tree. Sunrise, Field image; rperucho.                                                                                                    

Who Started Communion and Sunday Worship?

COMMUNION.

The Passover meal had been celebrated from the time of Israel’s EXODUS out of Egypt. Jesus and His disciples celebrated Passover just before His betrayal (Luke 22:7-23). It was at this meal (known also as The Last Supper) that Jesus created a new celebration with only two elements.

First, He took the Passover non-yeast, cracker-like bread, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is My body broken for you.” He knew He would suffer terrible abuse before He was even crucified (Matthew 27:24-26; 27:27-31).

Next, he took the cup and said, “This is my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28; John 3:16).

But, get this! He also said, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29; Paul’s follow-up, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

His disciples received confirmation of this message after the Resurrection, as Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:10-11). I’m looking forward to His return, are you?

SUNDAY WORSHIP

The Old Testament commanded a holy Sabbath, every seven days (Exodus 20:8-11). Sunday Worship requires a three-day timeline to explain:

1.       Friday afternoon, Jesus died on a Roman cross (Matthew 27:45—46). As Evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea (a rich man and secret follower of Jesus) asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus (another secret follower) brought burial spices, and together they prepared Jesus’ body and laid it in Joseph’s tomb (John 19:38-42).    

 2.       Saturday was the Jewish Sabbath.

 3.       Sunday, at dawn on the first day of the week, certain women went to the tomb where they were shocked! The tomb was open, and they saw an angel who said, “He is not here. He is risen . . . go quickly, tell His disciples . . . He is going ahead of you to Galilee” (Matthew 28:1-7).

Early Christians then started worshiping on the first day of the week, calling it “The Lord’s Day.” First-day worship was also mentioned in Paul’s day (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

 I’m thankful to celebrate these two ancient Christian traditions in my spiritual life. How about you?

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