Friday, December 7, 2018

WHAT DOES "HAVE A BLESSED DAY" MEAN?



HAVE A BLESSED DAY?”

“…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).

*

 When someone says to you “Have a blessed day” are they wishing that you will “BE” a blessed person for the day or are they wishing you will “RECEIVE” blessings for that day? Or is it something altogether different?

One of the meanings of blessed is well-being. Are they hoping that you will be happy person or are they hoping for you to receive happiness, or are they hoping for the well-being of your soul throughout the day? Is there a difference between a blessed person and someone who receives “good things” that appear to be blessings?

Jesus describes truly “BLESSED” people. First, they are blessed because of what God said to Abraham. “…I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless (favor, gift) thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

And second, they are blessed because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. “…Christ hath REDEEMED usThat the “BLESSING of Abraham” might come on “us”… through Jesus Christ; …” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

A God-given blessing is the bestowed, abundant, divine, and “UNMERITED” favor and gifts from God, the Holy Spirit. As mentioned earlier, one of the meanings of “blessing” or berakah  is to bestow happiness (divine happiness or joy) and well-being upon. “…God blessed (gifted, favored, bestowed happiness (divine joy), etc. upon) them…” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

Jesus also describes a blessed person in the following ways: “…BLESSED are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. BLESSED are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. BLESSED are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. BLESSED are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. BLESSED are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. BLESSED are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. BLESSED are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. BLESSED are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. BLESSED are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake….” (Matthew 5:3-11 KJV).

…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by restoring or reuniting you to God)…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Lord (the Word) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s power, and be blessed) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]...do nothing [cannot be truly ‘divinely’ blessed]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

These inward character traits, produced and displayed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, are attached to present promises and future rewards.  “...You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble...” (Matthew 5:3-12 MSG).

“…“How” blessed (gifted, favored, and happy (joyfull)) are the people whose God is the LORD!” (Psalm 144:15 NASB).

“…These THINGS (my word) have I SPOKEN unto you that my JOY  (my kind of HAPPINESS) might REMAIN in you, and that your JOY (happiness)  might be full…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…I have told you this (the things in my WORD) so that my JOY (my Holy Happiness) may be in you and that your JOY (happiness) may be complete…” (John 15:11 NIV).

To “BE” divinely blessed is a sign of a person’s relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. Their happiness or well-being is also a SIGN of their awareness of his BLESSING (gifts, favors, bestowed joy) UPON their lives). “…It is You (God, the Holy Spirit) who BLESSES (gifts, favors, bestows happiness UPON) “THE” RIGHTEOUS MAN, O Lord, You surround him (her)WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

To “BE” divinely blessed means you belong to God and are “one spirit” with him, with his purpose, and according to his will. “…But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…[They]… BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…YOU BELONG to him …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

To “RECEIVE” blessings is NOT necessarily a sign of a person’s relationship with God, but it is a SIGN of God’s KIND and GOOD nature. There are general blessings common to all mankind, but special and specific blessings are divinely bestowed ONLY upon God’s people.

Every “happy” thing that happens is NOT necessarily a blessing FROM God. Just like bad things happen to God’s people; happy things can happen to those who are NOT God’s people. “…He (God) maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust…” (Matthew 5:45 KJV).

The sun may rise on the evil and the rain may fall on the unjust. WHY? Because, OUR God is a merciful God. He is good to all and full of love and kindness. “…The Lord is good to ALL: and his tender mercies are over ALL his works…” (Psalms 145:9 KJV).

The evil and unjust may have lots of money and temporary well-being too, but that doesn’t mean they are BLESSED of God. God’s “… BLESSING is upon [his]… PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU (God) MAKE [them]… “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround [them]… WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

People have a tendency to envy sinners when temporary material wealth and the appearance of good fortune make them APPEAR blessed. “…Let NOT thine heart ENVY sinners” (Proverbs 23:17 KJV). “…[their]… SINS …have cut [them]… off from God. Because of [their]… SINS, he has turned away and will not listen anymore…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…They …serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their OWN belly” (Romans 16:18 KJV). In addition, “…Those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

If you DO NOT belong to God your alleged blessings are only temporary. A truly blessed person’s blessings extend beyond the current situations and circumstances of life, because they are eternal. “….the [FREE]… gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

A truly blessed person sees beyond the temporary and draws happiness from what is eternal. “…That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT).

For example: “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

God’s BLESSINGS are bestowed upon his people. God’s “… BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU (God) MAKE [them]… “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround [them]… WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

God’s BLESSINGS work within his people. …It is God who works IN YOU to will and TO ACT” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…[You]… can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV). …May … God…EQUIP YOU with everything good for doing his will, and may he WORK IN US what is pleasing to him, THROUGH Jesus Christ,,,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s BLESSINGS flow through his people to others. “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…my cup runneth over…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE (give) all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

So when someone says to you “Have a blessed day” they hoping that you will be bestowed with true happiness (divine joy) and well-being for the entire day! They simply desire happiness and well-being for another individual the way God desires to bestow happiness and well-being upon his people. “Have a blessed Day.”

Especially, since a “Blessing” or berakah  is to bestow (impart or give, or declare) happiness and well-being upon someone. “…God blessed (bestowed gifts, favors, happiness (joy) upon) them…” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

So you say “Have a blessed day” as a sincere desire for another person’s happiness and well-being throughout the day. The greeting can also be translated: “Have a happy day,” or “Have a well-being day,” or “God bless your day with divine happiness (joy),” or “God bless you with well-being.” May it be “WELL WITH THEIR SOULS.”

However, ONLY God can truly bless someone with true happiness (joy) and well-being. God’s BLESSINGS are eternal, irrevocable, and immutable!!  “…He (God) has blessed, and I cannot change it…” (Number 23:20 NIV). “…When he has blessed, then I cannot revoke it…” (Numbers 23:20 NASB).

When you say “Have a blessed day” to a believer, you are saying remember and be happily aware of the source of “ALL” the blessings that surround your life with gifts and favor. “…YOU (God) MAKE [them]… “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround [them]… WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

When you say “Have a blessed day” to others, you are saying, may you become aware of the source (God, the Holy Spirit) of “ALL” true blessings that could surround your life with gifts and favors. “…He (God, the Holy Spirit) maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust…” (Matthew 5:45 KJV). “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]...do nothing [you cannot be truly ‘divinely’ blessed]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

At the end of the day God is the Divine Blessor. A divine blessing is independent of self or circumstances and MUCH greater than what is happening externally and temporarily. It is HIGHLY linked with God, the Holy Spirit, and his relationship with his people. “…Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance…” (Psalm 33:12 NASB).

Being blessed impacts the inner life AND the outer life. However, it is witnessed and experienced through a state of contentment regardless of what’s happening around you. “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The blessings of God are NEVER linked with temporary things or external circumstances. “…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

The blessings of God or bestowed, unmerited gifts and favors are ALWAYS linked with eternal things provided by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these gifts … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The JOY of your salvation…” (Psalms 51:12 NIV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings … in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

So “Have a blessed day,” or “Have a happy day,” or “Have a well-being day, “ or “God bless your day with true happiness (divine joy),” or “God bless you with well-being.” Regardless of who you are: “…The Lord is good to ALL: and his tender mercies are over ALL his works…” (Psalms 145:9 KJV). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

Therefore, “…The Lord is good to ALL…” (Psalms 145:9 KJV).

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

No comments:

Post a Comment