DAY 24 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT IS A BLESSING ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?)

June 17

Question: "What is a blessing according to the Bible? What does the Bible mean by bless?"

Answer:A blessing, according to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, is “the act or words of one that blesses,” or “a thing conducive to happiness or welfare.” In the Bible, there are several words that are usually translated as “blessing” or “bless.” The Hebrew word most often translated “bless” isbarak, which can mean to praise, congratulate, or salute, and is even used to mean a curse.Genesis 1:22is the first occurrence, when God blessed the sea creatures and birds, telling them to be fruitful and multiply in the earth. Likewise, in verse 28, God gave the similar blessing to Adam and Eve, adding that they were to exercise dominion over creation. When God called Abram to go to the Promised Land (Genesis 12:1-3), He promised to bless him, make his name great, and through him, to bless all the families of the earth. The blessings here are plainly associated with happiness and welfare, both for Abram and others. InGenesis 22:16-18, God again blesses Abram, and adds that blessing is due to his obedience to God's commands.

God is not the only one who pronounces blessings. When Rebekah left her family to become Isaac's wife (Genesis 24:60), her family blessed her by saying “may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.” When Isaac was ready to die, he pronounced this blessing on his son, Jacob: “May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness— an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed” (Genesis 27:28-29).

Another Hebrew word for blessing isesher, which is also translated as happiness.Job 5:17declares “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” This blessing is connected to the knowledge that God is at work to direct us in the right path. God's chastisement is actually a display of His love for us, like a parent who disciplines a child who plays in the middle of the street.Psalm 1:1-3carries that theme further when it states, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” The book of Psalms is full of references to this kind of happy blessing for those who love and fear the Lord God.

In the New Testament, there are two primary Greek words translated as “blessing.”Makarioscarries the meaning of happiness that we just looked at. The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 and Luke 6 describe the happy state of those who find their purpose and fulfillment in God. As in the Psalms, the best life is available for those who love and fear God and order their lives according to His Word.Romans 4:6-8ties this happy blessing to those whose sins are forgiven, for they know the relationship to God has been restored.Eulogeofocuses more on good words or the good report that others give of someone and also describes the blessing that we say over our food (Matthew 26:26). This word is where we get our English word “eulogy,” in which we speak well of one who has passed away.Ephesians 1:3blesses God for all the blessings that He gives us in Christ, and1 Peter 3:9instructs us to bless those who mistreat us, because we were called to receive a blessing from God.

Bringing these threads together, we see that a blessing is a statement of good will and happiness that is said about another, as well as the condition that fulfills those good words. God's original design in creation was for His creatures, including mankind, to experience prosperity, peace, and fulfillment, but that design was ruined when sin entered the world. Statements of blessing are a wish for God to restore His favor on others or a declaration of His inherent goodness. The ultimate blessing that God has given is the new life and forgiveness that comes through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The material blessings we enjoy from day to day are temporary, but the spiritual blessings available to us in Christ encompass time and eternity, as well as material and immaterial things. As the Psalmist said, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God” (Psalm 146:5).

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandKnowing God by J.I. Packer.



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/blessing-Bible.html#ixzz2WX8pnhvZ

DAY 24 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 17, 2013

June 17

American Minute for June 17th:

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"Don't Shoot Until You See the Whites of Their Eyes!" was the order given JUNE 17, 1775, by Colonel William Prescott to troops on Breed's Hill, adjacent Bunker Hill, guarding the north entrance to Boston Harbor.

When a stray musket ball from a British gun killed a young American soldier, some cowardly men fled the field.

To stop the confusion, Colonel Prescott rallied his men by climbing on the wall of the redoubt, standing upright and walking back and forth as if no enemy was present.

British General Gage looked at Prescott through a telescope and asked a local loyalist if Prescott actually had enough to courage fight.

It was replied: "Prescott is an old soldier, he will fight for as long as a drop of blood is in his veins."

Providentially for the Americans, the British brought the wrong size cannon balls, so they were not able to soften the resistance as they had hoped.

This resulted in General Howe having to order 2,300 British soldiers, with bayonets fixed, to march up the hill.

Twice the Americans repelled them, but the third time they ran out of gunpowder.

Over 1,000 British were killed in this first major action of the Revolutionary War.

Nearly 500 American Continental soldiers were killed, including Dr. Joseph Warren.

Amos Farnsworth, a corporal in the Massachusetts Militia, made this entry in his diary immediately after the Battle of Bunker Hill, JUNE 17, 1775:

“We within the entrenchment...having fired away all ammunition and having no reinforcements...were overpowered by numbers and obliged to leave....I did not leave the entrenchment until the enemy got in. I then retreated ten or fifteen rods.

Then I received a wound in my right arm, the ball going through a little below my elbow, breaking the little shellbone. Another ball struck my back, taking a piece of skin about as big as a penny. But I got to Cambridge that night....

Oh the goodness of God in preserving my life, although they fell on my right and on my left! O may this act of deliverance of thine, O God, lead me never to distrust thee; but may I ever trust in thee and put confidence in no arm of flesh!”

The British then burned the nearby town of Charlestown.

This same day, 300 miles away in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress drafted George Washington's commission as commander-in-chief, for which he refused a salary.

Washington wrote to his wife, Martha:

"Dearest...It has been determined in Congress, that the whole army raised for the defense of the American Cause shall be put under my care, and that it is necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston to take...command...

I shall rely therefore, confidently, on that Providence which has heretofore preserved, and been bountiful to me."

Washington ended:

"I...got Colonel Pendleton to Draft a Will...the Provision made for you, in case of my death, will, I hope, be agreeable."

Less than a month after the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Continental Congress proclaimed a Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, as John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, July 12, 1775:

“We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessing; His smiles on American Council and arms.”

Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull wrote to General Washington, July 13, 1775:

“The Honorable Congress have proclaimed a Fast to be observed by the inhabitants of all the English Colonies on this continent, to stand before the Lord in one day, with public humiliation, fasting, and prayer, to deplore our many sins, to offer up our joint supplications to God, for forgiveness, and for his merciful interposition for us in this day of unnatural darkness and distress.

They have, with one united voice, appointed you to the high station you possess. The Supreme Director of all events hath caused a wonderful union of hearts and counsels to subsist among us.

Now therefore, be strong and very courageous.

May the God of the armies of Israel shower down the blessings of his Divine Providence on you, give you wisdom and fortitude, cover your head in the day of battle and danger, add success, convince our enemies of their mistaken measures, and that all their attempts to deprive these Colonies of their inestimable constitutional rights and liberties are injurious and vain.”

On July 19, 1775, the Journals of the Continental Congress recorded:

“Agreed, That the Congress meet here tomorrow morning, at half after 9 o’clock, in order to attend divine service at Mr. Duche’s Church; and that in the afternoon they meet here to go from this place and attend divine service at Doctor Allison’s church.”

On July 20, 1775, General Washington issued the order:

“The General orders this day to be religiously observed by the Forces under his Command, exactly in manner directed by the Continental Congress.

It is therefore strictly enjoined on all Officers and Soldiers to attend Divine Service; And it is expected that all those who go to worship do take their Arms, Ammunition and Accoutrements, and are prepared for immediate action, if called upon.”


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DAY 23 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (STRONG AND COURAGEOUS) - JUNE 16, 2013

June 16

Joshua 1:9

9 This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One,and I will remain with you wherever you go.

DAY 23 - DAILY DEVOTION - JUNE 16, 2013

June 16

Kicking & Screaming
Posted on February 20, 2013 by katherine

As I drop off my girls to school every morning, it breaks my heart to see this little kindergarten boy kicking & screaming throwing his arms all around not wanting his Daddy to leave. It takes 2-3 staff members to restrain him from running after his daddy. And, this happens every single day!

I wonder if we ever get like that when we haven’t been with our Heavenly Father. Do we kick & scream until we get a chance to have that private time with him? Does everything inside of us yearn to be with God? Just as that little boy tries so hard to reach out for his Dad as he leaves, are we reaching out to Father God wanting so desperately to reach Him and be with Him?

I encourage you not to let anything hinder you from reaching Him each and everyday. He wants to be with you. Lord, give us a desire to spend more quality time with you.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…” Psalm 84:10

http://dailyliveworship.com/blog/kicking-screaming/

DAY 23 - DAILY PRAYER (FATHERS) - JUNE 16, 2013

June 16

Blessed are You, God and Father of us all, for the gift of our father.
Today we honor and thank him for the gift he is in our lives.
His love for us is a reflection of Your divine love.
Bless him this day with Your strength and Your power that he may continue to be a sign of Your abiding love.

May we, who have the honor of bearing his family name, assist him with our obedience, respect and deep affection. Bless him on this special day
with happiness, health, peace and good fortune
so that he who shared of his very life
may live together with You, his God and heavenly Father, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DAY 23 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (HOW SHOULD WE UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF THE FATHER GOD?)

June 16

Question: "How should I understand the concept of the Father God?"

Answer:“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him” (1 John 3:1). This passage begins with a command: “See.” John wants us to observe the manifestations of the Father's love. He has introduced the subject of God’s love in the preceding chapter (1 John 2:5,15), briefly discusses it here, and fully explains it in the fourth chapter. John’s purpose is to describe the kind of love the Father gives His children, “what great love.” The Greek word translated “what great” is found only six times in the New Testament and always implies astonishment and admiration.

What is interesting to note here is that John does not say, “The Father loves us.” In doing so, he would be describing a condition. Instead, he tells us that the Father has “lavished” His love on us, and this, in turn, portrays an action and the extent of God’s love. It is also interesting to note that John has chosen the word “Father” purposely. That word implies the father-child relationship. However, God did not become Father when He adopted us as children. God's fatherhood is eternal. He is eternally the Father of Jesus Christ, and through Jesus He is our Father. Through Jesus we receive the Father's love and are called “children of God.”

What an honor it is that God calls us His children and gives us the assurance that as His children we are heirs and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). In his Gospel, John also tells us that God gives the right to become children of God to all who in faith have received Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12). God extends His love to His Son Jesus Christ and, through Him, to all His adopted children.

When John then tells us “that is what we are!” he declares the reality of our status. Right now, at this very moment, we are His children. In other words, this is not a promise which God will fulfill in the future. No, the truth is we are already God's children. We enjoy all the rights and privileges our adoption entails, because we have come to know God as our Father. As His children we experience His love. As His children we acknowledge Him as our Father, for we have an experiential knowledge of God. We put our trust and faith in Him who loves us, provides for us, and protects us as our earthly fathers should. Also as earthly fathers should, God disciplines His children when they disobey or ignore His commands. He does this for our benefit, so “that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).

There are many ways the Scriptures describe those who love God and obey Him. We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17); we are holy priests (1 Peter 2:5); we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17); and we are partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). But more than any of the above—more significant than any title or position—is the simple fact that we are God's children and He is our heavenly Father.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandKnowing God by J.I. Packer.



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Father-God.html#ixzz2WW3y3Pfz

DAY 23 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 16, 2013

June 16

American Minute for June 16th:

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The father of the American space program died JUNE 16, 1977.

He developed the V-2 rocket for Germany before emigrating to the US, where in 1958, he launched America's first satellite. He worked on the U.S. guided missile program as was director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

The chief architect of the Saturn V booster rocket, he is considered "without doubt, the greatest rocket scientist in history," and received the National Medal of Science in 1975.

His name was Wernher von Braun. Founder of the National Space Institute, Wernher von Braun stated:

"In this age of space flight, when we use the modern tools of science to advance into new regions of human activity, the Bible-this grandiose, stirring history of the gradual revelation and unfolding of the moral law-remains in every way an up-to-date book.

Our knowledge and use of the laws of nature that enable us to fly to the Moon also enable us to destroy our home planet with the atom bomb. Science itself does not address the question whether we should use the power at our disposal for good or for evil.

The guidelines of what we ought to do are furnished in the moral law of God."

Wernher von Braun continued:

"It is no longer enough that we pray that God may be with us on our side. We must learn to pray that we may be on God's side."

To the California State Board of Education, September 14, 1972, Wernher von Braun wrote:

"One cannot be exposed to the law and order of the universe without concluding that there must be design and purpose behind it all....The better we understand the intricacies of the universe and all it harbors, the more reason we have found to marvel at the inherent design upon which it is based....

To be forced to believe only one conclusion-that everything in the universe happened by chance-would violate the very objectivity of science itself....What random process could produce the brains of a man or the system of the human eye?...

They challenge science to prove the existence of God. But must we really light a candle to see the sun?...They say they cannot visualize a Designer. Well, can a physicist visualize an electron?...What strange rationale makes some physicists accept the inconceivable electron as real while refusing to accept the reality of a Designer on the ground that they cannot conceive Him?...

It is in scientific honesty that I endorse the presentation of alternative theories for the origin of the universe, life and man in the science classroom. It would be an error to overlook the possibility that the universe was planned rather than happening by chance."

In American Weekly, February 10, 1963, (Foreword to his Anthology on the Creation and Design exhibited in Nature), Wernher von Braun wrote:

"It is difficult for me to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe...Viewing the awesome reaches of space...should only confirm our belief in the certainty of its Creator."


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