Friday, May 26, 2017

New Favor

Neither one of us could sleep. I’m not sure why, but Lady our older cat, hadn’t eaten for three days and I was really concerned about her.  The fact that she only has one tooth never stopped her from munching down, but for some reason she was off her game. 

Perhaps it was eating Frosted Flakes before bedtime giving us a sugar buzz that had us wide-eyed.  We weren’t sure how it would taste with almond milk, but it was pretty good.  
No, they were grr - eat!

I can’t tell you the last time I ate that cereal, however hubby wanted it after he got out of the hospital so the item made the shopping list.  Besides I was hoping he could finally eat something that wouldn’t hurt his stomach. 

Truth be told, all the “hospital” activity and storms of the month had caught up to us and we were flat out overtired … the kind that keeps you awake.  The nightly prayer of my husband for God’s mercy would surely be appreciated if it kicked in about now.  

Oh Lord, it would be a good time to show your faithfulness in granting Your beloved a good night’s rest.  Let us lie down and sleep peacefully, for in Your shadow we are safe and secure. 

“I will lie down and sleep peacefully,
for you, Lord, make me safe and secure.”
(Psalm 4:8 NET Bible – New English Translation) 

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

New on DFB – Slovenia; Serbia; Nigeria; Pakistan; Netherlands; Austria; Morocco; Israel; Ghana; Curacao; Tanzania; Vietnam; Zambia; Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India; Turin, Piedmont, Italy; Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh; Hemyock, England, United Kingdom; Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia; Perth, WA, Australia. 

USA Lake Havasu City, AZ;  Ormond Beach, FL; Sandy Springs, GA; Hoisington, KS; Louisville, KY; Boston, MA; Port Huron, Warren & Shelby Charter Township, MI; Burnsville & Columbia Heights, MN; Olive Branch, MS; Fruitland, Muscatine & Wilton, IA; Asheboro, Glenola & High Point, NC; Clementon, NJ; Sedro-Woolley, WA. 

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Prayers. 

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. Tell Me

Morning Has Broken 

By 1:25 a.m. my husband decided to sit up on the couch, and I returned to the bedroom hoping to fall asleep after I read a few passages from the Bible.  I had been reading from Psalm 62 the previous night so I reread it hoping to glean something new from the Holy Spirit.  He never disappoints. 

After reading the first eight verses, I paused and did just that. I poured my heart out to God trusting that He would hear my plea as I took refuge in Him.  

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory;
the Rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 62:5-8 (NKJV) 

I spent time interceding in prayer for our nation, family, friends, etc.  It’s what I call interval rest when you catch a few winks and realize you’ve dozed off while talking to God.  How rude! 

After repositioning I continued in prayer, finally saying, “Amen” and noticed how bright it was in the room. Morning had broken and my spirit was relaxed. If only my body would get the message. 

I Had a Dream  

At 6:23 a.m. I was still awake, I know because my eyes were fixed on the clock for hours.  Of course my body chose to fall asleep a half hour before I needed to get up to listen to Focus on the Family, in which I slept right through it. 

It was almost 8 o’clock when my husband came into the bedroom.  Turning over on my side I stretched out my arm across the bed pushing back the sheet to uncover my hand.  Thinking I was awake he took hold of it.  Startling the stuffing out of me I let out a loud scream! 

“Why did you do that?” I questioned gasping for air while gripping my chest. 

“You reached out to me, so I took your hand.” He said defending his action. 

Reacting to his abrupt awakening I replied, “I was asleep. Why did you come in the room and wake me? I just got to sleep and was in the middle of a dream.” 

Beginning to laugh I said, “Do you want to hear it?” 

“You (referring to hubby) had finally fallen asleep and I kept checking you in the bedroom; the strange thing is that the front of the house wasn’t a house but the vestibule of a church.  The door was really big and dark brown. 

People were showing up for the service.  Talking to one of your buds I asked him to close the door quietly so it wouldn’t wake you.  He didn’t listen and the door slammed behind him as he entered the church. 

He started to ask how you were and in a hushed voice I suggested we step outside to talk.  Following me he let the door slam again, so of course I had to slap him in the shoulder. 

He disappeared somewhere, probably into the main sanctuary … who knows, he was out of the dream. 

When I returned to the bedroom you weren’t there.  Sitting on the bed thinking about where you had gone, you walked into the room.  It was 6:45 in the morning. 

“Where did you go?” I asked noticing that you were still in pj’s. 

You were quick to respond. “To Anna Mae’s.”  

Thinking his actions were illogical I rebutted, “I could have made you pancakes?” (Don’t forget, this is a dream!) 

He came back with, “I didn’t want pancakes.”  

“You walked forty-five minutes away and didn’t want pancakes?  What did you want?” I asked knowing the restaurant wasn’t open at that time of day. 

“Chinese.” He said. 

I kept pecking away at this reasoning for leaving the house. “Where is the Chinese food?”  

“I didn’t get it … it was too far to walk!” 

“You’re a goober!” 

“I know!” 

We both figured out how each aspect of the story came into play through conversations we had the past few days.  Anna Mae was the name of a man’s wife we prayed for, and the men in the suits were former church friends of ours.  With that story floating around his brain so early in the morning he shook his head as he left the room. 

Now that I was awake I sat back and began my morning conversation with the Lord. 

While You Were Sleeping 

In the past I’ve shared some of my conversations with God; actually one where I talked about “morning” was around a year ago when I discussed that it’s God’s will for us to enjoy our day.  Being able to bless His children daily with mercy enables us to joyfully carry out the plan of God on our lives.  

After I say good morning to the Lord, I often begin quoting scriptures back to the Him as I open my prayers with thanksgiving.  The first verse I like to say aloud reminds me of how blessed I am to be alive!  It’s not an exact citation, but rephrased for me so that I will take action in bringing a positive spirit to all I will encounter that day. 

“This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
 (from Psalm 118:24) 

Continuing I praise the Lord saying phrases like this: 

“In the morning I will direct my prayer to You for in Your favor there is life.  Evening, morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud; you will hear my voice and answer before I’ve finished my sentence. 

Great is Your faithfulness Heavenly Father.  My hope is in You and for the new mercies that await me today.” 

Immediately after I said “new mercies” the Lord interrupted my praise and said, “New Favor!  New favor is available every morning.” 

While I was sleeping new favor was being positioned for that day.  It wasn’t left over favor or mercy, but God was faithful to supply brand new mercy and favor for whatever I might need that day.   

Even with all the mercy God bestowed on His children the previous days, months and years, it isn’t used up or consumed.  There is still plenty of daily mercy … daily favor … to go around for all God’s children because His love never fails, nor does He renege on His promises! 

“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning:
great is Thy faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, says my soul;
therefore will I hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV) 

While you and I are asleep, God is awake positioning the new mercies and favor in place.  We can rest peacefully knowing that whether we wake here on Earth or in Heaven, God’s mercy is present. 

Recognizing God as our portion (meaning He is the one in whom our soul finds refuge) our hope in Him is showered with “Checed … chesed … Kheh’shed" – which is kind favor!  

Friend I want you to be encouraged that no matter what the past, yesterday or even today has held, there’s a new day of favor in the making for you.  So, take refuge in the Lord when you go to bed every night knowing that something good from God will be waiting for you in the morning! 

(These are passages from Psalm 5:3; 30:5; 55:17; Lamentations 3:22-24; Isaiah 65:24) 

This Week’s Challenge:
Wake up to Favor 

Although my husband and I got very little rest that particular night, the following morning we woke up to God’s favor and our schedule was light for the rest of the week.  We had fun, enjoyed our time together and even napped in the middle of the afternoon, something we haven’t done in a very long time. 

Our challenge this week is to start each day with thanksgiving to God for the new favor and mercy that awaits our rising to the sun.  

Make this proclamation a part of your daily life and watch how God’s “Daily Favor” comes to pass.   When it does, write down what happened in a journal to remind yourself of how GREAT GOD’s FAITHFULNESS really is. 

“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning:
great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:23-24 NKJV) 

Daily Declaration: 

Good morning Lord.  This is the day You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Thank you for the new favor that is waiting and prepared for me.  

“This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 NKJV) 

If we put our trust and faith in the Lord, each day we can wake up to the beauty, good deeds, lovingkindness and merciful kindness through God’s New “Daily” Favor! 
Great is Thy Faithfulness - Women of Faith

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 "new" daily favor is one dream away.

“New favor will be there at sunrise.”
Jesus Christ 

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

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

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 the photo or link.

New Mercies Journal on Daily Favor Blog
Record daily thoughts and prayers. 

As always, all proceeds from this site go to Christian charity. 

Follow Favored1 on Facebook, TwitterYou Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages Articles.  

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 About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Kellogg's Frosted Flakes  Psalm 62:8  Jesus Watching Over the World

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Friday, May 19, 2017

Anyone out there?

Hello Friends,  

I haven’t forgotten you … 
 
I’ve been in the process of trying to post since yesterday and even stayed up until 3 a.m.   

Tornado warnings and a continuous line of severe thunderstorms throughout last night; and they're still in effect until 10 p.m. so I don’t know if I’ll be back on this evening.  It depends on if the Internet goes out again or how late it gets.

However, I was able to post a hubby update.  Since the last post my husband has had another operation (9th hospital stay, 7th surgery).  You can read about what's happening here. 

Lord willing I’ll be able to post soon.  Miss you!  Blessings!
 
Follow Favored1 on Facebook, TwitterYou Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages Articles.  
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.  Image
Scripture references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted.
 
Stormy Weather, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Tornado, Hubby Update.

Friday, May 12, 2017

If You Said ...

Sometimes life catches us off guard doesn’t it?

Finding a life line through everything seems impossible, and makes it easy to give up all hope that things will somehow work out for our good.  Every situation seems to be in sinking sand and our anchor is stuck in mucky waters. 

If you were to tell me that the United States would be experiencing a flooding issue nationwide, I’d be rather skeptical of your “rational” thinking.  Living through it these past few weeks though I’d have to change my opinion. 

Five years ago if you “prophesied” that I’d be writing professionally I’d probably think you were off your rocker.  Writing was a “hobby” and certainly not something that I’d be doing on a regular basis.  There were too many other fun things that I’d put my hand to before plopping myself down before a computer!  Nonetheless, here I am … 

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

New on DFB – Germany; Russia; France; United Kingdom; India; Malaysia; Netherlands; New Zealand;  North Korea; Poland; Egypt; Slovakia; Spain; Turkey; Ukraine; Indonesia.  

USA Lamar, AR; Bell, Bronson, Chiefland, Cross City, Fanning Springs, Newberry, Old Town & Trenton, FL; Muscatine, IA; Milltown, Pine Lake Park & Point Pleasant, NJ; North College Hill, Norwood & Mason, OH; Olive Branch, MS; Waller, TX. 

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Prayers. 

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 News from Fay and visit the Q & A or other sections. Tell Me About Jesus

Never Surprised 

Over the years of our marriage a lot has been said about this “somewhat different” couple, but we’re okay with that.  It’s what keeps us going knowing that the pieces somehow always fall into place; but there’s one thing that I’d have to argue over and that would be my husband’s health. 

If you said that my rugged, strong as an ox husband who never had a thing wrong with him would be going through all these physical trials, I’d really call 911 and send for a paddy wagon to have you put in the loony bin. 

Rarely does life fall into line when it comes to the way we expect things to work out, but the Holy Spirit is never surprised.  He is always prepared with an abundance of God’s favor to pour out upon His children. 

An Anchor of Hope 

Friends, this world isn’t perfect and neither are we.  If we were, there wouldn’t be a need for the favor of God. 
It is because of the condition of the world around us that we depend on an anchor of hope, and need God's favor to bring us out on top in every situation.   

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.  Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT)

Some people think that Christians don’t experience what non-believers do, and if God’s favor was real nothing bad would happen to them.  The Word of God doesn’t say that we may have trials and tribulations, but that we will have them.  When we do it’s not that God is always testing us to see where our faith level is, but sometimes it’s to let us know how strong a faith we really have. 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33 NKJV) 

After we have gone through the valley and come to realize that our hope in the Lord is stronger and more steadfast, others see that we are a reflection of the goodness and love of God.  It may not always be easy, but we have a promise that the Lord will never leave or forsake us.   

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV) 

If He Said It 

I’ve been reading a new book on prayer in which several passages have given me much comfort, reassuring me that God understands our grief, sorrow and pain (physical, spiritual or emotional). 

Before closing my eyes I focused on what He, God, my provider, my healer and Savior said … 

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
(Isaiah 40:31 NIV) 

When I became discouraged I set my faith and questioned my thoughts asking: 

“Why are you so down cast, O my soul? Why are you disquieted
 within me?  Hope in God and praise Him. He is your help in your countenance and your God.” (from Psalm 42:11) 

When my mind wandered into hopeless thinking I remembered what HE said … 

“There is surely a future hope for you (and your husband),
and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18 NIV) 

I was reminded that if I do my part and take courage in believing, God would be obligated to keep His promises in answering prayer.  Not because of my plea, but because of what He said He would do. 

“Be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NKJV) 

When we believe God will answer our prayers when they are in line with His plan, provision and promise, He is pleased to grant mercy and favor to those who love Him. 

“The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear (revere) Him,
in those who hope in His mercy (and favor).” (Psalm 147:11 NKJV) 

Why did all these scriptures quiet and quicken my spirit?  For the same reason I believe in the favor of God … He said it!

God is in Control 

This week we were notified that hubby would need another surgery much sooner than previously anticipated.  His pain has been extreme and the doctor is concerned that it is affecting his heart.  We were not prepared for another procedure this soon (less than two weeks from the previous surgery).  However, God was and has everything under control.  

Sickness, disease, strife and turmoil wait around every corner but as we walk in a life that honors Christ we are protected and preserved.   

This Week’s Challenge:
Anchored in Prayer 

Talking to people (yes, face-to-face … what a concept LOL), I’ve heard the heart of God’s children as they desperately wait for answers to their prayers.  What I haven’t heard is that they have anchored their prayers on what God said as truth. 

In almost every situation the concept and thought of hoping for a good outcome is far from their thinking, and many succumb to the circumstances rather than stand on the promises of God. 

Our challenge this week is to anchor our prayers in what God said in His Word.  As you pray over each situation, have faith in the Word of God.  

Don’t let your prayers get washed out to sea and lose hope thinking that God has lost control over things.  He hasn’t.  Anchor yourself to the Lord in prayer and you will be tied to His favor. 

God wants us to be overcomers and profit from our trials, knowing that He is able to deliver on what He has already said through scriptures.  We can be confident that unlike us, He always delivers! (Read James 1:1-8) 

If you said that hope is lost, I’d tell you my hope is anchored … to the promise of the cross of Jesus.  Through every trial, test, tribulation I’ll trust and keep holding on to The Anchor who is unshakeable.  His Name and Word are higher and greater than anything we’ll ever encounter!  Hold on to the Anchor! 

No longer do we have to wonder if God thinks about what we are experiencing in life.  We can set our anchor of hope in Jesus, and trust in the truth that God has already said what he will do for those who believe.  We have His Word on it! 

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.  Jesus has already gone in there for us.  He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.”   (Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT)

Anchor - Hillsong Live (Worship song)


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 is anchored to God! 

“Stand firm, anchored to My mercy, grace and favor.”
Jesus Christ 

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

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

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 the photo or link.
Lux-Leather Journal, Black 
As always, all proceeds from this site go to Christian charity.
Follow Favored1 on Facebook, TwitterYou Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages Articles.  

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 About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Lifeline  God is Never Surprised  Hebrews 6:19 Anchor of Hope

Hope, Anchored in Prayer, Daily Favor Prayer, Favored1, Favor of God, Daily Favor Blog, Hillsong, Inspiration, Weekly Challenge, Christian Living, Anchored Hillsong, Trusting God, Promise of the Cross, Promises of God, Life line, Hubby Update, Anchor of Hope.