Friday, April 29, 2016

Speak Life

“Some days, life feels perfect. Other days it just ain't workin’.  The good, the bad, the right, the wrong and everything in between…” 

Ever feel that way?  Toby Mac seemed to sum it up in these few lines.   

A few weeks ago someone told me how they were about to give up on things.  He had been hit hard with more bad than good lately.  Nothing was working out, his marriage was failing, work was a mess and his spiritual life was in the dumpster.  

Wondering what I could do, I took a look at the things he was saying through his social media posts.  You could see that there was a problem. Everything he was posting or sharing was dark, negative, full of complaining and lifeless.  The man seemed beat. 

He wanted a normal life again, but the pattern he developed wouldn’t lead him to that destination.  There was a lack of reality or promise of hope and I couldn’t wait to click off the site.  

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Kenya; Myanmar; Kikinda, Serbia; Timor-Leste; ‎Liège, Wallonia, Belgium; Nigeria; Saudia Arabia; Qatar; South Africa; Singapore; Ghana; Morocco; Turks & Caicos; ‎Cubao, Metro Manila, Philippines. 

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I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Read updates on Hubby’s Heart and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

When “You” Speaks Stupid 

I know, making the statement “When ‘you’ speaks” doesn’t make sense and it’s really bad grammar.  You’re right, but it’s so appropriate here.   

In using the word “you” I’m referring to “you in general” meaning it can be anyone … you, me, he, she, they, we … anyone!  We all do it, that is, make stupid statements that change the outcome of a situation.   

Trying to curb what we say when “life” happens can be difficult, especially if things happen that are out of our control.
 
Most of the time, we don’t even think about what we say when the unexpected situation arrives.  Before we know it stupid (as my husband says) comes out of our mouths like a tongue that sticks to an ice cube. Once the words are out there you’re stuck with what you’ve spoken.   

Here’s what I mean. Maybe you can relate to this “certain” man who had days of it just ain't workin’ with most of this transpiring on the same day. 

Yup, this all happened to the same man.  He even filled me in on the details for this article!  He had plenty more for the week, but I needed to refrain from laughing or saying something stupid myself. 

It’s been one of those weeks where stupid just happened … you know when you’re doing something simple like removing plastic from the air conditioner and get stung by a wasp.  Why was it stupid?  You saw there were bees flying around the area and even said so to your mate! 

When ordering at Burger King you tell the cashier to put everything on the bun except the burger and she gets mad at you.  Why was it stupid?  You react by saying, “Evidently special orders do upset you.  I could go to Wendy’s; they don’t seem to have a problem with my orders.” Yeah, let’s get the person fixing the meal even madder! 

You heard that rain was in the forecast so you wanted to mow the lawn.  While mowing the fence line the mower runs out of gas.  After you fill the tank the engine won’t start, because the battery lost its charge.   

Pushing the riding mower to the driveway you decide to give it a jump from the car.  When you open the hood you realize the mower is too close and WHAM the hood slams on your hand!  BAM, reality hits you hard bro’! (Yeah, I went there!) 

So how could this be stupid?  The neighbor saw you by the car and said he wondered if he should go help – he didn’t.  Perhaps his hesitancy stemmed from the many confrontations when you said his music was too loud and that you would call the police? 

You’re ticked off at the computer because it won’t let you win a game on Solitaire.  When you see your wife playing you say, “That doesn’t look like it will work.”  She confidently says, “I think it will.” … and it does.  What’s stupid about this?  The husband was speaking his doubt into his wife, but good for her, she didn’t receive it. 

When listening to these situations I thought about all the stuff that had me put a leash on my own tongue so that God could favor me with His promises.  It took me back to a year ago this week – April 27th, 2015. 

Casting Down Stupid  

There have been things going on this week that kept me casting down all imaginations the devil wanted me to speak.  Most of the thoughts were connected to my husband’s heart operations last year.  I knew that these thoughts were stupid, because they were already defeated in several ways.  

I use the word stupid because it goes way beyond dumb, which sometimes happens innocently.  First, all work of satan was defeated on the cross at Calvary by Jesus Christ.  Second, the things that were trying to sway my thinking didn’t line up with the promises of God’s blessings on the righteous and third, they never happened! 

“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ …” (2 Corinthians 10:5 ) 

When you know what God’s Word says about a subject, anything that goes against it isn’t true and needs to be rejected immediately by your thought-life.  Recognizing stupid ideas, dumb thoughts and ridiculous persuasive commentary can almost be seen as comical, because you know it’s not of God. 

Prayer Vocabulary 

While watching the birds at my place of rest, hubby and I shared some of the things that had been going through our minds that the other didn’t realize. 

Our conversation turned serious and tearful as we continued dialoging in the living room.  For several hours we shared our concerns. It was then that I told my husband how the devil was reminding me of the events of his surgeries when we were waiting for him to wake. 

Vivid pictures of how he looked, with all the tubes and equipment that were keeping him alive, played over and over like a re-run of E.R. during a life threatening emergency.  Every time I thought of something good the Lord did, satan would remind me of when my faith was tested and fear would try to surface.  I didn’t dare mention any of it to hubby, because for the longest time he had nightmares of the event. 

We are still standing on the Word of God for complete healing for my husband.  I realized that the devil wanted me to speak words of fear so that it could be re-introduced into our lives.  That’s when God reminded me of the words we spoke and have been speaking!   

Over the years my husband and I have developed a distinct vocabulary in prayer.  We speak the Word over a situation and expect God to deliver on His promise.  The day of each surgery was no different; we used our tongues as weapons of power. 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who
love it (love life) will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) 

Right before his surgeries my husband took my hand and spoke these words from Psalm 118:17 as they wheeled him into the operating room.  

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” 

God heard his prayer when my husband spoke life into a situation that lined up with the Word of promise.  Since then we’ve been praising God for what He has done through us, by sharing the goodness of God in the land of the living.  (Psalm 27:13) His testimony is what encourages others to speak life into their own gloomy circumstance. (Revelation 12:11) 
 
 
 

Consider Your Words  

My friend who is having so much trouble is lost in his own words of being busted and disgusted with life.  “Getting his life back to “normal” isn’t possible without God.  This gentleman says he trusts the Lord, but his actions go against what he says he believes, breaking the spirit of those who are looking for hope in His God. 

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness
in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4) 

Every time he told someone his problems, fears and doubts he was speaking those words over his life. He spoke this undesirable life into existence, because he hasn’t taken time to consider his words.  

“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23) 

When we speak contrary to the Bible our mouth is full of cursing, deceit and oppression.  Trouble is planted causing massive destruction opening the throat as a grave. (See Psalm 5:9 & 10:7) 

The “certain” man ends up speaking stupid things into existence, because he flies off the handle reacting to a situation before thinking it through (at least that's what he thinks).  There is a difference between the two; the second guy caught his words before they took root and wisely turned his conversations around every time.   

“I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my
mouth with a muzzle while the wicked are before me.” (Psalm 39:1) 

You may frown on how this “certain” male keeps getting himself in trouble, but he is at a different place along his journey with Jesus. Being quick to repent, he’s growing in grace and favor because he’s learning to consider his words. 

He did have a hard time giving God the praise when the car hood came down on his hand.  To his credit, later he thanked the Lord it only got a little bloody and there were no broken bones!   

Don’t be quick to judge.  How many times have you done the same sin repeatedly and then ran to the cross for forgiveness?  Like the Apostle Paul, I’ve beaten a path to Calvary myself.
 

This Week’s Challenge:
Speak Words of Life 

On Daily Favor I write about things I’ve been going through hoping it will inspire others to speak good things into people’s lives.  

Whether we realize it or not our words are used to build people up or tear them down emotionally, physically and spiritually.   When we forget this principle we end up canceling out favor from God in our lives, because we’ve failed to discipline the nasty side of the tongue (and I don’t mean bad breath). 

Our weekly challenge asks that we speak encouraging words of life. 

We can speak life and hope into a situation or be “gloomers” delivering a message of despair.  Our words can turn someone’s life around and give hope in every conversation we have. 

Things aren’t always going to work out the way we planned, dumb stuff causes us to say stupid things, and life is just going to happen.  As God’s children of promise we have His grace (favor and mercy) on our lives; no matter the situation or circumstance there is hope.  Our job is to convey that promise so others can see Jesus, not us. 

“You (God) have granted me life and favor,
and Your care has preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12) 

Jesus is the One who has granted life to preserve your spirit, and not destroy it.  Right now I speak words of life into you, and that God’s favor will grace your situation giving you a testimony of hope to share. 

This week when you are caught up in living, speak life to the weary, brokenhearted and the wounded spirit. Speak wonderful words of life, love and hope into others that the Lord may grant you favor. 
 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, God’s favor is spoken through words! 

 “My favor is canceled by untamed tongues.”
Jesus Christ
 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: The words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on book or link.
Inspiring Christian Adult Coloring Book
 



Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Perfect Life  Speak Life List
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
"Speak Life" lyrics as recorded by Toby Mac.
Speak Life, Toby Mac, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Inspiration, Christian Living, Prayer, Christian Coloring Books, Hope, Grace, Reality Hits You Hard Bro.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Glad to See Me

Alvin was a rather well-dressed distinguished newlywed in his early seventies.  He and his considerably younger bride were staying at my parent’s house for several months until their new home was ready.  

It was in mid-July when we saw the groom preparing to leave without his wife.  This didn’t make sense, because the two were inseparable.  What was so important that Patty would practically be left on the doorstep? 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFBAustria; Germany; Australia; Czech Republic; Ukraine; Canada; Algeria; Spain; United Kingdom; Greece; France; India; Philippines; Romania; South Korea.
USA Hickory & Randleman & Cabarrus, NC; Oroville, CA; Olivet, NJ; Strasburg, VA. 

I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Read Messages, updates on Hubby’s Heart and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

They Were Very Glad 

We didn’t really know much about my mother’s friends except that both were widowed.  They were always busy coming and going as they checked on the progress of the house that was almost ready for them.   

Patty was quite the lively one, while reserved Alvin remained a bit vague about his background.  He was well studied, organized and from the looks of it, didn’t lack a thing.  Any questions we had no one could really answer.  Who was this man?   

Society Hill in South Philadelphia
One Saturday as he was leaving my parent’s house we noticed Patty wasn’t tagging along.  Al, a full blooded old-school Italian, had planned a solo visit with friends in South Philly. 
 
My mind wandered as I envisioned a smoke filled room full of men holding glasses as they sat around a table sharing secrets like the mafia.  I couldn’t help it … he looked the part! 

I was eager to learn more about this strange visit to Philadelphia.  Later that same night when we saw Alvin my husband asked subtly, “How was your visit with your friends?”  Looking hubby in the eyes, in his deep raspy voice Alvin slowly spoke, “They were VERY glad to see me.” 

A man of few words, Alvin turned and walked away leaving even more of a mystery.  His strange response made it hard not to laugh.  Being puzzled by his answer I asked my husband, “Did he say they were glad to see him? Wasn’t he glad to see them?   

Glad to See Hubby 

About a month ago (March 2016) we were invited to a friend’s birthday party.  We hadn’t planned on going because of cold weather and the long distance we had to drive.  God worked things out and we decided to surprise the party boy with our visit. 

We arrived and said our hellos. While I was busy giving out hugs and catching up with long lost friends, Liz (the birthday boy’s wife) handed my husband a plate and told him to eat.
 
While circling the food area he noticed Larry had come over and sat at the counter with him.  It wasn’t long before both were eating, laughing and carrying on for hours.  I didn’t have a clue about what had happened until hubby filled me in on the ride home. 

Liz explained to my husband that before we arrived at the party, Larry was sitting on the couch watching television and wouldn’t eat a thing.  She told him to turn off the TV set, but couldn’t get him out of his funk.  It wasn’t until he saw my husband that his mood changed and he interacted with his guests. 

What happened to change Larry’s behavior?  He was VERY glad to see my husband. 

Glad to See Her 

A lovely lady had visited the cardio rehab center on a Monday. She hadn’t seen the nurses for several months and wanted to catch up on how the director’s husband was progressing with his illness.  The visit only lasted about 45 minutes when hubby noticed something.  For weeks the staff went about business barely saying a word to anyone, but that day was different. 

The woman conversed with everyone in the room, asked questions and handed out little gifts to all the patients working out on the equipment.  The atmosphere in the room was really different. 

When I asked my husband how his session went on the following Wednesday he said, “It was good.  Everyone is still coming down from the high from that woman’s visit on Monday.   They were very glad to see her. 
 
Every believer is to share this work!

The Character of Glad Tidings 

It fascinates me how God brings together situations from all angles.  When I looked back on these three true stories there was something they all had in common.   

Although I couldn’t tell you much about Alvin, apparently he brings “something” with him wherever he goes that causes people to look forward to his visits - humbleness.  Turns out, he wasn’t mafia connected (duh!) but just a nice guy who added interesting information to any topic. 

Hubby and Larry have a common thread – he knew my husband’s mother.  Being an orphan that is important to my husband, and when the two get together they often share events of the past. 

When I asked my husband how he turned around Larry’s party, he admitted that he mainly talked about things his friend liked.  “It was his big day and I wanted to direct my focus on helping Larry have a great time.  That’s what mattered.” 

As for the bubbly lady that visited the cardio rehab center, her encouraging words made everyone in the room feel better.  She asked people about their lives, commented on how good the ladies looked and genuinely cared for the people. 

What each had in common is that wherever they go, they bring glad tidings.  Alvin had battled with throat cancer several times, but I never heard him say one word about it.  As a matter of fact it was his wife Patty that shared all the tragedies of her beloved’s life. 

Hubby has … well you know how things have been for him with his health.  As his wife I can tell you he rarely says anything to me.  He refuses to give things a “voice” so they don’t become activated by the words he speaks.   

The unidentified woman has been known to do this type of thing wherever she goes, even though she has experienced great sorrow.  When people are around her the room comes alive.  You just feel better, because she always brings good tidings by having positive words to share.  I love being around people like that.   

Beware of Gloomers … RUN! 

I’m quite sure we all have people in our lives that we’d like to avoid as much as possible.  There have been some I’ve run into and would rather have taken a quick detour to the other side of the street if I could without them spotting me.  

“Gloomers”… you know the type.  They are the kind of individuals that share gloom tidings.   These “characters” are the first to tell you about their problems or ailments, and hardly ever have anything nice to say about anyone or anything.  You can feel yourself being drained of energy as they speak and wish the rapture would take place that very moment!
 
When I’m around “gloomers”, I don’t come away feeling refreshed, favored or blessed, and I’m definitely not glad to see them. It’s not that I don’t particularly like or care about them, but that the message they’re spreading isn’t one that will give hope or win anyone to the Lord.  You kind of get the feeling Jesus was abandoned somewhere on the road holding their “sapsack” (and I'm not referring to the one used on trees), based on the words they speak and how they live. 

It had me wondering about what others thought when they see me enter a room?  Am I known to spread gloom or go on about myself, and perhaps that’s why people move without leaving a forwarding address? 

Do I deliver glad tidings about the favor God graced on me through the benefits of salvation?  Yikes, I hope people think showers of blessings is one of my character traits! 

What about you?  Is your character one like Alvin’s where you could say, “They were very glad to see me?”  If not, I’ve got to ask you the same question I asked myself.  What glad tidings are you preaching?   

When people see you coming are they wishing they wore their best track running shoes equipped with flaming power jets for a speedy departure?  Have you noticed rooms quickly empty and people scatter to avoid being trapped in a conversation with you?  If that’s so, apparently they weren’t very glad to see you. 

Develop a Character of Glad Tidings 

Throughout history there have been thousands of documents that tell us about the character of the One we journey with as believers in Christ. Scriptures tell us how the disciples witnessed Jesus continually preaching hope, and bringing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1 NKJV)  Jesus not only spoke of the good things of Heaven, but because of God’s favor He went about doing good things His entire earthly life.   

We’ve learned how we ought to act and live as believers in Christ through past lessons along our “Inner and Outer Journey with Jesus.”  No matter what we’re experiencing, God’s favor will always be on the path our feet take when we walk it with Jesus.  He will cause people to see us in a different LIGHT, because we bring good things with our visit. 

“… and how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those (messengers) who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.” (Romans 10:15 NKJV) 

What gospel are we spreading if it isn’t glad tidings of good things?  First of all what makes us glad are the good things we’ll enjoy in Heaven as God’s children. If we don’t share that message someone will be missing from the Kingdom, so this is the main part of our journey. 

Other things believers possess, are God’s benefits that accompany salvation - the “good things.” Sadly, sometimes our mouths don’t match the message we preach (things we tell people). (see Psalm 103:2) 

Are we going around saying that we don’t have strength, that money always runs out … can’t ever expect to get ahead in this economy?  If so, this message doesn’t sound like a “gospel of peace that brings glad tidings of good things” to come does it? 

Friends, we have to stop speaking ourselves out of blessings and God’s favor that can deliver us from our current circumstances.  As believers we cannot look at situations through our eyes, but need to see things as God does.  

Maybe right now you feel weak, ineffective, rejected, bewildered and totally off the grid when it comes to making headway in your life, but I’ve got glad tidings of good things to share with you. 

Hope is here. The Lord is moving on your behalf because you have chosen to journey with Jesus and follow the plan He has for you.  God’s favor on your life will cause others to see you as confident, a go-getter, successful, creative and talented.  You’re not weak, but developing a strong “glad tidings” character and are well able to continue on your journey.  

Every time you spread glad tidings of Jesus with good things, the world views you as a person they are very glad to see.  Be of good cheer, the Lord is allowing others to see you the way He wants you seen, so that you influence them toward Him. 

This Week’s Challenge:
Developing a Character of Glad Tidings  

Despite how we think or feel, as children of God we already have what we need inside us to finish our journey here on earth. Upon salvation those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior receive the power of the Holy Spirit; He is the one who enables us to bring glad tidings to those God places along our path.  

Our challenge this week is to purposely develop a character that is prone to deliver glad tidings even through difficult situations.  Now what exactly does that mean?   

Surely we can gather “glad tidings of the Kingdom of God” refers to the message of salvation. However, what are the “good things” Jesus wants us to bring with this gospel of hope?  Not only are we to share our earthly possessions with others in giving of gifts, but also giving of good things from the words we speak that line up with the Word of God. 

For example, when you have discussed the topic of “religion” with someone has the word “favor of God” ever been uttered?  Favor is a good thing wouldn’t you agree? 

Have you explained how the grace of God through salvation gives the promise of favor to those who go about doing good for the Kingdom of God? 

The three examples I gave today were of believers who developed a character of glad tidings of good things through listening, giving, being humble, encouraging and caring.  They’ve learned that developing a character that pleases God means they must let Him take first place in their lives. 

“He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.”
 (John 3:30 NKJV) 

Determine to change in these things … 

1 – Are you a person who instead of listening every time someone tells you something you reply, “I know how you feel, when I …” If that’s you … stop it. Let them tell their story and reply with good words of hope. 

2 – This one is really hard to do unless you purpose to be aware of the situation and resist giving into it.  When invited somewhere, instead of talking about yourself ask questions of the others who are in on the conversation.  People love to talk about themselves (don’t kid yourself … you know you do too), so let them by developing the character of listening before responding with good things about the topic. 

3 – When talking on the phone, texting or messaging, be the first to bring up something good in the conversation and don’t let the topic turn sour. By keeping the call short, you’d be surprised how easy it is to remain in good spirits. 

4 – If you see someone you know in the store, don’t block the aisles or lanes with all the “woe me’s” going on in your life.  Freak the other person out by littering the conversation with a few well-chosen words of encouragement then walk away.  You can do it, I’m pulling for you! 

5 – Finally, share the message of God’s Daily Favor on your life by pointing out all the good things He has done for you by grace (unmerited favor)! 

I pray that the Lord will make your spirit glad, and for favor over your beautiful feet as you walk with Jesus spreading the message of peace, bringing glad tidings of good things to all you see.  

Through God’s message of grace may we humbly be able to say like Alvin: “They were VERY glad to see me!”
 


If this article has encouraged or helped you please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, favor others with glad tidings! 

“Favor – it’s a glad tiding to share.”
Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on book or link. 
(A wonderful Mother's Day gift!)
Elizabeth George: A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus
30 Days to Christlike Character by Elizabeth George
Available in Paperback, eBook & Spanish 



Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Porch  Society Hill Philadelphia  Glad Tidings  Jet Propelled Tennis Shoes
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
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