Encouragement

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“God Bless”, “Bless you”, “Have a blessed day” are some common phrases. During a friend’s birthday I will send them a little note, a card, a facebook message. I will say “Have a blessed day”, along with the message. At one instance I received a response, “I am blessed”. At the outward appearance of their life, they look like the average “blessed” American. God always will see the deeper meaning of things and knows the intents of one’s heart. So, I began to ponder this message in my heart. When one proclaims with such assurance, “I am blessed!” What does that truly mean? The world’s standard of a blessed life and God’s standard are drastically different. We much look into God’s word to see a mirror image of our hearts intent. Then judge ourselves by His standard of what a blessed life truly is. As we dive deeper into God’s word we see the contrast of the world’s view and God’s view.
Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount to show a blessed life from God would be hated by the world. Jesus was blessed by his Father, yet was hated by all men. He was considered to have a life despised by the world’s standard. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3 By the world’s standard Jesus’ life didn’t look like he had a blessed life. His life appeared to be miserable, worthless, hated, yet his life was blessed beyond our comprehension. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen & Amen! Psalm 72:18-19
Proverbs 20:6 says, most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? So, as you can see here, “most men proclaim their own goodness”, men readily believe in their own hearts they are living blessed lives. Where your treasure is their your heart will be also. Luke 12:34 A man’s treasure is the things he finds contentment in, the pleasures in his life fill his heart. A man proclaims his own goodness and determines what his blessings are by what brings him to a state of pleasure, contentment, and what he perceives as happiness. Count your blessing to determine if your blessed life is based on the world’s standard or if God has blessed your life. A worldly man’s views of what it means to be blessed are carnal. They see the physical manifestation of material wealth and possessions as one having a blessed life. They heap up treasures on earth, which will eventually fade away. A blessed life isn’t gained by the things seen, which are temporary, but by the things unseen which hold eternal value. Reference 2 Corinthians 4:18. The blessed life a worldly man seeks to acquire is carnal. They are temporary things, which have an appearance of being good. A worldly man seeks to fulfill the lustful desires of his wicked deceitful heart. The worldly view of a blessed life sees things like: power, strength, beauty, wisdom, knowledge, honor, respect, education, career, wealth, love, family, entertainment, vacation, material possessions, fashion, sports car, keeping up with the Jones, the pursuit of happiness, dream house, fitness, health, and religion. These determine the goodness and success of a man’s own life. The bible, however, has a lot to say about all of this as vanity. A man may seem to be rich in blessings in the sight of the world. In Matthew 19:23-24 Jesus said unto his disciples, a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than it is for a rich man to enter into heaven.
In Matthew 16:25-26 Jesus says that whoever will save his life will lose it and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what does it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Let me just clarify those physical manifestations of a blessed life are not necessarily an evil thing. The necessities in life we need in order to live, clothes, house, family, and job are things God can bless us with in our life. The point being here is the world seeks after these things to fill their heart. That something missing is filled with worldliness, instead of Jesus Christ. As in Matthew 16:25 Jesus says that the man, who seeks to save his life, will lose it. So, the man who looks to gain blessing through their own means, to fill the emptiness with those worldly desires, will in the end lose it. They are seeking to hold onto treasures that are seen, which are temporary, and will fade away. The problem is that people see these carnal blessings as a means to identify themselves as worthy of acceptance. They seek to save their lives by filling their lives with worldly blessings to feel security in themselves and in the world around them. When you seek these things, to obtain them like you have some kind of false favor with God and with man, you lose your identity in the world’s system. Satan has come to steal, kill and destroy and he is the biggest identity thief seeking to deceive you and destroy who you were created to be. You were formed in the image of God; you were fearfully and wonderfully made. Satan has come to blind you from your true identity in Christ Jesus.
Now we begin to shine the light of God’s word deeper into the darkness of Satan’s deception. You can find as your focus grows deeper in god’s truth and your eyes stay on Jesus, your identity can be restored and Jesus can set you free. You can begin to see the danger of seeking to gain a blessed life. Rather lose your life and gain the blessings from God. Seeking to be prosperous in this life is a very dangerous place to go. Rather we should be seeking to prosper in God’s word and glorify him in this world. Allow his plans to prosper through your life and he will be the one glorified. Psalm 31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord. Job 15:31 tells us not to be deceived by trusting in vanity, or vanity will be your exchange. You will be turned into a reprobate mind, rejected by God when you put your trust in receiving blessing in your life. These things are all vanities, receiving blessings are not a sign you have favor with God. Job 15:35They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. These men that place their trust in vanities of this world will become full of iniquity and bring forth emptiness, they are full of deceit. They don’t know what the truth is; they are deceived into believing they are right with God. James 1:14-15 14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. They seek after obtaining blessings in this life which hold no eternal value. They seek to gain prosperity, to be approved by man and bribe God on judgment day. In the end, being led by lustful desires seeking to obtain worldliness will lead to death. Psalm 39:5-6 Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. As you can see in the world, that man spends a lot of time focused on appearance. Whether it is fitness, fashion, health, anti-aging procedures, make-up; people seek sex appeal. They have an appearance on the outside of looking put together, but they neglect the appearance of their heart, soul, and mind. As the psalm says that our lives are but a vapor. People walk around in the busyness of life heaping up riches. They seek after the fountain of youth. Vs. 11 Then only to have all their beauty fade away like a moth. In Matthew 23:25 Jesus rebuked the Pharisees. He called them hypocrites, for having their outward appearance look clean, yet inside their hearts were unclean, full of unjust gain and excess.
Another worldly blessing people seek is knowledge, wisdom, education and successful career. America has one of the best opportunities for a good education and career. From the time you are a child; you grow in knowledge and find your identity in “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As if that is what makes a child special or have value in this world. Psalm 94:11 God know the thoughts of a man that they are vanity. In the last days knowledge will increase, but there will be a famine in the land for hearing the words of the Lord. 2 Timothy 3 tells us that people will be lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God. They will have an appearance of godliness but deny his power and be turned away. They will be ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth. 1 Corinthians 3:19 to not be deceived that if any man seem wise in this world, let him be a fool. The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. He knows their thoughts and they are vain. James 3:15-18 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. This is the wisdom that comes from seeking the worldly blessings.17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. This is the wisdom that is a blessing from God that has eternal value. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end leads to death. Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Seeking all of these hearts desires is a dangerous path to take. It is a form of idolatry and covetousness. God is the one to give your hearts desires, but only when your motives are pure. Most people don’t want to wait on the Lord and leave him to fill their hearts with worldly desires. Psalm 10:3 The wicked boasts of his heats desires and blessed the covetous, whom the Lord abhorred. Luke 12:15 and he said to them, take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesseth. You can read the parable in Luke. The rich man stored up goods, and grew in his abundance and now he can eat drink and be merry, he can enjoy the blessed life he has possessed on earth. Then his life came to an end and God required his soul. He was rich in earthly blessings, but not rich toward God. 1 John 2:15-17 tells us not to love the things of the world. For all that is in the world, is the lust of the flesh, the lust of eyes, the pride of life, it is not of God, but the world that is passing away. If you love the world, money, etc. the love of the Father is not in you. You will either love one and hate the other. They will grow up as thorns in your heart, soul, and mind and choke the life, the good seed planted in you. Luke 6:24-26 but woe unto you that are rich! For ye have received your consolation.25 Woe unto you that are full! For ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! For ye shall mourn and weep.26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets. On judgment day if you have filled yourself full of a blessed life, riches of the world, your soul will be required of you. You will be hungry, and weeping, and gnashing your teeth in hell. So, we are living in the last days. People are seeking the Pursuit of Happiness and Keep up with the Kardashians, now a day. Just like the days of Noah, and the days of Lot. People are busy eating, drinking, given to marriage, selling, building, acquiring their blessed life, believing they have peace. Then judgments fall on them like a thief in the night. They say they are rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing. They are left wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked in front of God on judgment day. A blessed life from the world’s standards will leave you hopeless and without Jesus Christ when all passes away.
A blessed life from Jesus will fulfill your hearts desires. You will live the abundant life in Jesus Christ, full of the fruit of the Spirit. All things pertaining in holiness to bring glory to the Father and the things unseen which inherit eternal salvation. A blessed life from the Father, through Jesus Christ is shown in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit are those who are broken over their sin. They are crushed in their spirit. Psalm 34:18 says God is near to the broken heart and saves. God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. Psalm 147:3 He will heal the broken heart and bind their wounds. Isaiah 57:5 God dwells with those who are crushed and humbled, he revives them. Proverbs 22:4 By humility and fear of the Lord are riches, and honor and life.
2Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way; then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Many blessing come from the Father when you have a broken and contrite heart. Riches, honor and life; that will hold eternal value. God forgives your sins, hears your prayers, is near to you, and heals your land.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Revelation
21:4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying…
Isaiah 61:2-3 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance…
What great blessing from the Lord to those who have sorrow and mourn to repent. They will be comforted, God will give them beauty, joy, and praise in their life.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 31:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they will be filled. You are blessed when Jesus is what you desire. When you delight in him, you will be satisfied. Psalm 16:11 You will have the fullness of joy in his presence. Psalm 17:15 When you behold his face in righteousness, you will be satisfied with his likeness. Isaiah 58:10-11 when your hunger is for God in fasting and prayer. He will satisfy your soul. You will have freedom from bondage and healing in your life. He will satisfy you in times of drought. Your bones shall be fat, and you shall be like a well watered garden. John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, which walk in the law of God. Psalm 119:9 The pure in heart cleanse their ways, by taking heed according to the word. Titus 2:12 The pure in heart deny ungodliness, worldly lust, life soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having these promises dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. A blessed life stays pure in this world. Denies their flesh, picks up their cross and follows Jesus.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Psalm 34:14 Peacemakers depart from evil, do good, seek peach and pursue it. Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after thing which make peace and things wherewith one may edify another.
Matthew 5:10-11 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake… Those who are hated, cast out, and cursed for Jesus’ name sake are blessed.
A man who fears the Lord, and delights in his commandments has a blessed life. A woman who is not vain in beauty and deceitful favor shall be greatly praised. A man is blessed who doesn’t take the counsel of the ungodly. Nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits with mockers. But he is blessed who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is in the Lord. Blessed is the man whom the Lord counts no iniquity and in his spirit is no deceit. Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they will rest in their labors, for their deeds follow them.
Scripture References: Psalm 112:1, Psalm 128:4, Proverbs 31:3, Psalm 1, Psalm 32:2, Jeremiah 17:7, Revelation 14:13.
So, now examine yourself to see which standard your “Blessed Life” measures up to. Are you blessings from the world’s standard, or God’s? Are your desires being fulfilled by your own accord, by seeking the vanity of this world? Or are your desires being fulfilled because you’re seeking God’s face? Jesus should be all you desire in this world and the blessings in this life will hold value for eternity.

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