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Thread: The Christian Word That Makes People Cringe

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    Frozen Chosen A.J.'s Avatar
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    The Christian Word That Makes People Cringe

    There it was again, right in the middle of my news feed.

    Some friends had bought a new house, and were saying how blessed they were.

    Blessed.
    That word gives me the willies.

    Like the friend who escaped a car accident with mere scratches, and they all said how blessed and protected she was. Blessed.

    Like the friend whose baby was born without defect. Blessed.

    Like the perfect family vacation to a hot place. Blessed.

    Like the women who was healed from cancer. Blessed.

    So what happens when the house doesn't sell, the baby is born with Down's Syndrome, there is no money for a vacation, and the person you need most in the world dies of cancer?

    Cursed?

    If all these good things are God's blessings from his generous right hand, the flip side seems to be that all the bad things are the removal of his hand from us in a cosmic "screw you".

    Except that God isn't like that. Sometimes it may feel like he's giving us the finger, but really, he just doesn't do that. A thorough reading of the Bible shows that he has more patience and love for us than we could ever comprehend. So if the problem is not God, the problem must lie with us.

    With our definition of blessed.
    Our definition says that when life is good, when the kids are well-behaved and the new house comes through and there's enough money and the cancer is healed, we are blessed.

    But Jesus said something very different.

    Blessed are you who are poor. Not the middle-class person with enough money to share, but the ones who never have enough for a Mexico vacation. Blessed are those who are poor.

    Blessed are you who are hungry now. Not the folks with full cupboards, but the family who uses the food bank and eats mostly canned food. Blessed are those who are hungry.

    Blessed are you who weep now. Not those who have good health, but those who struggle with the mystery of Lyme disease or cancer, and those that have lost the battle for life. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, not even death. Blessed are those who weep.

    Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you. Not when your world is hanging on our every word with bated breath, but when the internet trolls come out, when your family hates you, when your children turn their backs on you because you dared to say the name of Christ. Blessed are the excluded and hated.

    So then what is the blessing of God?
    When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were about to be executed, they were confident that their God would save them. But, they told the King, even if he does not, we will still worship him. Because God's blessing is not shown through the outward circumstances of our lives.

    God's blessing looks like his willingness to forgive our apathy and sin. God's blessing looks like his presence in the storms of life. God's blessing looks like pain much of the time, because we are growing through it. God's blessing looks like the ability to hold onto hope when you are being swallowed up by darkness.

    This means I am still blessed when the child dies, when the spouse leaves, when the house doesn't sell, when I lay in my bed, sick and alone. He is still worthy of worship, even if I am not in my happy place.

    Jesus said blessed are the poor, blessed are the persecuted, not blessed are those who are healthy and happy and have a new home and have never had an important person die. In fact, often the very things we call blessings from God are the very things Jesus said would keep us from him: money, family, possessions.

    Do we long for the blessings of God? Or just the outward trappings of an upper middle-class, North American life?

    His blessing does not look like the North American world says his blessing looks like. It does not necessarily look like physical protection, it does not necessarily look like the perfect new job or raise or an offer on the house. We can certainly be thankful for those things, and of course, all good things come from God. But humans aren't always the best judges of what is "good".

    So can we agree to stop throwing that word around so glibly? Because when we use "blessed" in our middle-class North American way, the rest of the world interprets our words through their own circumstances. And if being blessed looks like a safe neighbourhood and good kids and physical health, then it looks like the rest of the world is being cursed.

    Which is a load of hooey.

    God is blessing the Christians in China and North Korea with a closeness that we can't begin to imagine. God is blessing Syria with courage. God is blessing our world with leaders that are willing to put selfishness aside and make choices to protect our global climate.

    "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."

    Matthew 5:3-10 MSG

    May you experience God's blessings today.

    love, Christie

    (Edited to add this fabulous comment from a friend: "My current thoughts float around the idea that a blessing from God is something that makes us more like Him and is meant to enhance the kingdom of God. I think then it is very personalized... God might "bless" me with a low income so I can understand a certain demographic and advocate for them in a way that shows love & builds relationship to build up the kingdom. To someone else a blessing may be a house because they have giftings in hospitality or prayer or service,etc and their home will help further the work of God in their life and in the kingdom. When things happen in my life like I get a rockstar parking space, or a new job, I try not to label it as a blessing, sometimes I say that God was gracious, but more often I try to just simply acknowledge in my heart or in a prayer that God saw me, made his presence known, I saw Him, and am thankful." So beautiful and freeing.


    http://www.wiseforsalvation.com/momm...people-cringe/

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    Senior Member Colonel's Avatar
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    I don't think it was Jesus' intention to call the works of the devil blessings because they make people weep. I find the generic use of the word blessed much more sensible. Yes, sickness and poverty are curses. They are listed as such in Deuteronomy 28.

    Then the author is totally confused about persecution, assuming that since we will face that and count ourselves blessed therefore we should do the same with everything else that is negative.

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    Senior Member FresnoJoe's Avatar
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    War~!

    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

    And Blessings

    What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:12-13

    ~

    Merry Christmas Beloved Of The KING


    The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
    The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
    The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

    And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
    Numbers 6:24-27

    Love, Your Brother Joe

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    Senior Member Nikos's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Colonel View Post
    I don't think it was Jesus' intention to call the works of the devil blessings because they make people weep. I find the generic use of the word blessed much more sensible. Yes, sickness and poverty are curses. They are listed as such in Deuteronomy 28.

    Then the author is totally confused about persecution, assuming that since we will face that and count ourselves blessed therefore we should do the same with everything else that is negative.
    Amen!

  7. #5
    There are lots of ways to be blessed, including the material.

    PROV 3
    Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
    17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.
    18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed

  8. #6
    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    This is not a dig against financial blessings nor is it a push to declare believers must be poverty stricken.
    I have experienced financial blessings but since the OP addresses a certain topic my comments reflect that

    The truth is many believers prefer to be 'blessed' in the natural/financial areas above other areas which the Bible calls blessed

    Example:
    Christian man applies for better job that will give him greater finances and promotion etc etc

    He gets the job and rejoices and tells everyone how 'blessed' he and family is. They pay off all debts. Wife and him drive better cars and mix with wealthier people
    They give more to the work of God - this is surely God's blessing according to the pastor


    3 years down the track this christian and female colleague have affair and he leaves his wife and kids.
    Did he really pray whether God wanted him to have this job or was it about being more 'blessed' - God knows our heart

    This has happened to many believers who chase after the 'blessing' instead of seeking God.

    Last year I tried to disciple a christian businessman who wanted counsel about balancing his personal christian life and his business and at first he showed interest
    Guess which won - His desire to be blessed with wealth far outweighed his desire to be blessed with the beatitudes so he constantly fails in character blessings

    Jesus mentioned many 'blessed' in the beatitudes but do believers really feel blessed if they fulfil the beatitudes WITHOUT material outward blessing


    I believe God does bless his children with natural and financial blessings but they must always be balanced with the 'blessed' of the beatitudes
    Last edited by Cardinal TT; 11-30-2018 at 08:57 PM.

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    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    Deception 'can' be linked to financial blessings

    The business friend of mine who I mentioned above is a good giver and believes he is called to produce wealth so he can give more.
    With the natural mind many christians will say - "wow its awesome how God has blessed you to be such a good giver'

    My friend got deceived because his priority is all about wealth blessings.
    It produced in his heart a self perpetuating deception that he must continue to make money since that is his calling but he neglects far more important issues which the scripture talk about like his marriage and the way he treats his workers

    The deception is in his heart but satan uses the 'blessing of wealth' to keep him deceived and he can justify it because he is a 'good giver' and Jesus says 'blessed are those who give'. It becomes a vicious circle

    No wonder Jesus said ...Blessed are the pure in heart - this is to counteract the false notions of blessings and keep us accountable


    He said to me I want to make more money so I can give to You - everyone wants to hear that

    This tickles the heart of many people especially leaders and it can become a deception the way they treat this person.
    Some pastors/leaders will surround themselves with certain beleivers only because they give alot of money.... (this needs major addressing in the church)
    The givers know through money they have access to the pastor

    When my friend said he wanted to 'give to me' I made it clear it doesn't matter what you give the most important thing is to mature and grow into the image of Christ

    Sadly he couldn't handle what I was telling him and no longer wants my input. I had to challenge him about 2 workers and the ungodly way he spoke to them
    Unless he deals with this he will remain in deception and chase money all under the guise of 'blessings'


    A challenge

    Say to Christians who are chasing material blessings -
    Are you really succeeding in your walk if you grow in financial blessing but fail to grow in beatitude blessing?

    Watch out

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    Frozen Chosen A.J.'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cardinal TT View Post


    A challenge

    Say to Christians who are chasing material blessings -
    Are you really succeeding in your walk if you grow in financial blessing but fail to grow in beatitude blessing?

    Watch out
    I really like the way you explained all this and especially this last challenge.... thank you.

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  13. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by A.J. View Post
    I really like the way you explained all this and especially this last challenge.... thank you.
    That's why he is Cardinal. Also Cardinals have a decent pension and digs near the Vatican :)

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  15. #10
    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan david View Post
    That's why he is Cardinal. Also Cardinals have a decent pension and digs near the Vatican :)

    For a decent offering I can get you out of purgatory early

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