Today I want to take this point further.
Let me give you an example about the two different Hebrew words for bless and blessing—barak and Asher— in artist’s terms. For a more detailed description of the two, You can visit the blog here.
Let’s say there are two young artists just starting their careers. God blesses (barak) them both with artistic talent and even a retail studio in the same location. One artist—let’s call him Thomas—sits in his studio, creates great art, and waits for customers to come to him. The other—let’s call her Susi—creates great art AND sets up a business model. She applies to art shows near by, she adjusts her style to fit trends, and she promotes herself outside of her retail studio.
Both received the same blessing (barak) from God.
Both have the choice regarding what to do with that blessing (Asher)
Fast forward 10 years. By stewarding God’s blessing actively Susie has a thriving art business that has expanded into catalogues, licensing, has been in magazines and tv. Twenty years later her prints sell for more than her originals used to.
On the flip side, Thomas has closed his retail studio and has gotten a job doing something completely different than art because he couldn’t afford to continue his art business.
God pours out his blessing to all of His children. When we in turn bless Him with good and godly stewardship and choices we reap the reward of a good outcome.
Consider Psalm 1
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
The Hebrew word for blessed in the first verse is “Asher”. That implies IF he makes the choice to “not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffer, IF he delights in the law/word of the Lord and meditates day and night, THEN he will be blessed and will prosper.
I mentioned this last newsletter, we choose what to do with what God gives us. We choose what to do with—how to steward—His blessings.
I suggest that we all too often throw the word “blessed” and “blessing” around without first thinking about our responsibility for our choices. We are all chosen to receive God’s blessings, but we have to choose right back to steward them.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, Deuteronomy 30:19
You have a choice and a responsibility to choose life or death, light or darkness, blessing or destruction.
Can you grow in prosperity of mind, body, spirit, and heart? Absolutely
You have a choice. You can—like Thomas—choose to sit on or squander your blessings. Or you can choose—like Susie—to honor God by working with Him to steward the blessings He has given you and in that way multiply the blessings in your life.
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2
You are blessed to be a blessing.
Today, first take a few minutes to recognize all of the blessings God has poured out on your life. You bless God when you recall, remember and thank Him for all that He has given you.
Second, ask yourself how you have stewarded God’s blessings. What choices have you made that led to increased blessing? What choices have you made that didn’t lead to an increase?
Third, ask the Lord to show you what adjustments you can make to turn God’s blessings into greater blessings for you and for others.
Finally, join with me as we worship God and bless him along with the Psalmist.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103:1-5
Hallelujah! Glory to God!