I’m spending time with my husband for the holiday weekend and pray that you
are able to be among those you love as well.
As we are away from one another let us give thanks for the grace we have
received from our Heavenly Father, and for the fellowship we enjoy together here
on Daily Favor.
Until next time, have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
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Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible. Image credit: Google ImagesCreative Common License if not specified.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Being able to actually hold a Bible in my hands is
something I don’t take lightly.As an
adult I’m blessed to have so many translations and biblical resources in my
possession, but it wasn’t always the case.
I can remember the time when I was invited to go with a
friend to her Vacation Bible School one summer.In the small borough where I lived there wasn’t much to do for a middle
school age kid, so with permission I agreed to attend.
It only took one visit to get involved after
learning about the top prize for the week.There it was … the pastor spoke of its worth as he proudly held up the
treasure high in the air that would be awarded to only one person.
Wow! I was hooked and had to be the winner of that beautiful, soft
imitation leather, white gold trim Bible with a pearly satin ribbon!!!
It even had colored pictures with maps and everything.
Oh I had a Bible … a cardboard hard cover with red trimmed edges, less
attractive black bulky one that was ever so NOT feminine!
Hello everyone and welcome to a special edition of Daily Favor!
For the next four days I gathered as many kids as I could
from the neighborhood to come with me as “visitors” to the day camp. Okay I “encouraged” (roped) them into coming,
dishing out oodles of details on how much fun they would have. It wasn’t that difficult being from a large
family, forcing siblings along for the journey to my success.
In the end my enrollees were quite a few, double digits I
recall thrusting my efforts into first place and landing the prize of this high
calling – my very own white Bible!I
still had that precious gift until it was heartlessly taken from me in 2009.
Who would have known that VBS event was part of my Bible
rediscovery journey, leading me into teaching and giving away so many Bibles all
these years?
Bible Mystery to History
Knowing how much of a privilege it is to own a Bible I
couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share something wonderful with you.
If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area this weekend be
sure to pop into the Museum of the Bible, which the grand opening happens to be
today falling in perfect timing during Bible Week! However, the big gala opening is set for the
first week in December so there’s still time to get in on this history making
experience.
Hubby and I were blessed to have already seen a few of
the exhibits while they were on tour in 2015, and with excitement we’ve waited
for this event.Let me share a few things
about the new museum that may spark your interest.
Solid Rock Foundation
The reconstruction of a ninety-five year old 430,000
square foot warehouse took over two years to complete, and $500 million to transform
it into the upbeat, world class building that is standing today.It’s a prayerful work with a solid Rock
foundation of the inspiring Words of Jesus as its base. (Luke 6:48)
There is so much to see including the Broadway musical “Amazing
Grace” in their state-of-the-art designed theater (prices included in some admission packages), that it's not possible to list everything here. However, I'll clue you in on a few!
To help build intrigue you might like to know that it is
located in the heart of D.C. with a subway entrance making easy access from the
city streets and transit system.Upon
entry to the building you’ll see the forty foot bronze doors inscribed with …
you guessed it, Genesis chapter 1 (incorporating part of our study) from the
Gutenberg Bible.
Glean over fabulous artifacts like the Dead Sea and
Silver Scrolls (did you even know they existed?), hundreds of Tora Scrolls and important
Reformation documents that coincide with its anniversary this year (October 31st
– November 1st actually).
Feast your eyes on the dated tapestries, priceless photographs,
paired with ancient biblical treasures from other countries on loan for a brief
time, manuscripts and true life stories of where the Bible has played a role in
history.
There are rare Bibles on display such as the Mayflower
Bible, a Confederate Civil War Soldier’s Bible, the Julia Smith Bible, the
Luther Bible and the Tyndale Bible, along with the Lincoln Bible President
Donald Trump used in his inauguration.
Along with being one of the most technologically advanced
museums worldwide with digital interactive personalized guides that translate
into any language, it also has specs for the hearing and visually impaired
visitors leaving no one out of this life time experience.
The massive eight floors take you on a stroll through
historical Nazareth, lecture halls, theater, food areas, banquet rooms,
research facilities, classrooms (curriculum available) and my favorite … a roof
top botanical garden!Lovin’ how it fits
so well with our topic!
I hope you incorporate it into future activities if you
can. It’s educational, fun, inspiring and a good place to rekindle
relationships.What a better way to
rediscover your faith and understanding of unmerited favor than through the
origin of God’s written (logos) Word.
It’s been great studying our way through the favor of God
blessings that originated from the Garden of Eden, and I’m looking forward to
getting back into our Daily Favor Relationships lessons.
Even though it has taken us several months in the Life in God’s Garden part of the overall topical Bible study, some still need time
to catch-up and that’s fine.For this
reason I’ve set aside continuing on until after the holiday to help relieve any
stress on those individuals.(Sigh of
relief noted.)
In outline format, here are the links for each lesson to make
it easier.
I’m delighted that you are enjoying this topic and
finding the think challenges interesting.For those who are up-to-date, browse through some other subjects/topics
listed on the side bar of this page.
Regardless of whether you make your way to the new museum
or not, celebrate Bible Week by giving thanks for the gift of God’s written Word in shining the Light on
what favored relationships we have with and through our Creator.
“Every time you cross my mind,
I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.
Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer.
I find myself praying for you with a glad
heart.
I am so
pleased that you have continued on in this with us,
believing and proclaiming God’s Message,
from the day you heard it right up to the present.
There has never been the slightest doubt in my
mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring
it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”
(Philippians 1:3-6 The Message Bible)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Please tell your friends and invite them to take part
each week.Share it by using the social media
icons provided at the end of this post.Thanks!
Until next time, favor the written
(logos) Word!
“Favor was written in My Word.”
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.
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 salvation and 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: Girl in PewVintage White BibleMuseum of the BiblePresident Trump Inauguration Bible Study The Bible Rediscovered, Bible Study, Museum of the Bible, Presidential Election, Daily Favor Relationships, Daily Favor Blog, Life in Gods Garden, Bible Translations, Favored1, Family, Reformation, Give Thanks, Thanksgiving, Vacation Bible School, VBS
I couldn’t help myself; the weather was too
nice to be indoors, and besides this was probably the last 80+ degree day left
in the season. Gathering a plastic container for recycling I headed out to our garden to collect seeds from the
flowering vines.
My husband had a headache and wanted to sit
back to rest for a little while.Believing the fresh air would help him, with some coaxing I was able to
convince hubby that he needed to come help me.
For the next few hours not only could I imagine Life in God’s Garden, I
was living it.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
International – Norway; Czechia; Perth, WA,
Australia; Barreiro, Setúbal District,
Portugal; Luxembourg; Hyderabad, Telangana & Malappuram, Kerala,
India; Kigali, Rwanda; Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil; Lae, Morobe Province,
Papua New Guinea; Lamongan, East Java; Palembang, South Sumatra; Baumata, East
Nusa Tenggara, Sunggal, North Sumatra & Kepung, East Java, Indonesia; Taipei,
Taiwan.
USA – Greenwood, AR; Temecula, Vallejo & Yucca Valley, CA; Hutchinson, KS; Boyce,
LA; Boston, MA; Elkton, MD; Sunrise Beach, MO; Lincoln, NE; East Wakefield, NH;
Minotola, Paterson & Vineland, NJ; New York, Camden & Rome, NY; Linton
& Grand Forks, ND; Fairborn & Plain City, OH: Woodburn, OR; Glenolden
& New Cumberland, PA; Frankfort, KY; Galveston, TX; Fairmont, WV; Albuquerque,
NM; Guthrie, OK.
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 Relationships.
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.
Opening the gate to the garden I began
working my way around the inside of the fenced in area plucking tiny pods off
the twine vines.The past few cool
nights caused the flowers to wither.What was once a beautiful lush covering that scrolled around the entire
garden looked rather messy having been hit it by the first frost of the fall
season.
The pods were so delicate that even the
slightest jiggle would make the seeds fall to the ground.By the time my husband joined me I had
already finished one side of the fence.With much more to be done, he decided to work his way along the outer
side of the garden fence.
There was a slight breeze; perfect weather
for the task at hand.Dropping a handful
of seeds into the pail I pictured what Adam and Eve might be doing had they
still been living in God’s Holy place.
It was so quiet, even in the middle of the
afternoon and in the city to boot.No
one was around; it was if we were the only two people on the planet.Working my way towards where hubby was I
said, “I wonder if Adam had to do this?”
I answered my own question … of course he
did.God said that He gave us seed to
sow for future gardens.
“And God said, See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on
the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.”
(Genesis 1:29 NKJV)
Serenity Now
When the vegetable plants, luffa and
flowering climbing vines are in full bloom they cover and surround the entire
fence.It creates a secret garden place to
dwell and spend time in the presence of our Creator.
Our little garden becomes a place of worship
… a temple so to speak, and provides the atmosphere needed to hear from God as
you draw close to Him.So many times I
have sought the Lord for answers and within a few minutes in the garden I hear
from Him.
Serenity washed over our spirits as the hours
wore on and we didn’t even notice the sun beginning to set. Hubby and I had such peace and calmness fellowshipping
together with the Lord that it made us long for the time when the Garden of
Eden would be restored for the children of God.
Blessings
Unmeasurable
For the past eight weeks we have “walked” through the
Garden of Eden and marveled over the favor God prepared for the race of man
from the very beginning of creation.
We learned from only a few named blessings how God made
provision for Adam and those to follow that would last all the days of the
earth. There are yet untapped water sources, seed bearing fruits, vegetables and herbs at our disposal for
sustaining life.He created gold and
precious stones that set the economies of the world in motion even to this day,
giving great provision for all of mankind.
Although there are too many blessings to
count that God has given us, from my short list I’ve saved the best for last.
Tenth Blessing –The
Garden was a Holy place for Worship.
From the very beginning God made it clear
that the Creator was the heart and center of creation, not humans or anything
else.His garden was created to
establish communication and a place where relationships would grow.
The Garden of Eden was to reveal to man God's Heaven. It was a reflection of the dwelling place of the LORD God Almighty revealed to man and where he may boldly seek favor (mercy). (see Hebrews 4:16)
For a brief time before sin entered, Heaven in a sense was here on Earth.
When God brought Adam into His garden, it
was to perform the duty of the first High Priest of God’s temple … the Holy
place where God showed up to fellowship with man.
The Garden was a separate place in Eden; it
was set apart just for the LORD to be worshipped. Although Adam and Eve could go wherever they wanted, God only showed up in His garden certain times of the day.
Throughout scripture we read how the high
priests “tended” to their duties inside the Holy of Holies temple.It was a place where public service to God
was performed, including worship where He was acknowledged as the Creator of
all things.
God gave Adam stewardship of the Garden where
he was to serve, guard, protect, shepherd and preserve (shamar, Genesis 2:15). In other words, Adam was the servant of the
Garden, the attendant gardener.Now we
can understand why God was so angry with Adam having let “sin” (through the
serpent) into His Holy dwelling and family.
As the High Priest Adam had the
responsibility of caring for God’s temple and taking watch over His sheep
(Eve).He failed at the task, but thankfully
the grace (unmerited favor) of God would already be planned for man before he
was created through His Son Christ Jesus.
The prophet Isaiah (in chapter eleven)
describes how God’s special garden temple will one day be restored for man to
fellowship with Him. In the meantime, the first temple built (and others to
follow) by man was representative of the Garden of Eden where God walked and
dwelled with man.
Think Back
Every teacher tries to plant “seeds” into the
thinking of their students by setting up something for future lessons.I did this to prepare you
for this week.
In our second “think on this” challenge we
pondered the significance of the gifts that were brought to Jesus upon His birth
into this world.I had you think about it
without giving you an answer for a reason.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem three
specific gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were given to him.The Magi knew what to give and the
significance of the items they were to take to the newborn KING.They were symbols of worship in the original Eden
temple of God, and a path for us to follow leading back to the Heavenly Father
through the seed of Jesus Christ (the Anointed Holy One).
The vessels and furnishings of the temple
were made of gold, and the walls of precious metals and gems.However, the two perfumes of frankincense and myrrh combined were the main ingredients of the anointing oils inside the
garden temple.
Burning of the specific oils signified that
God was present.We know this
information from the description given to Moses in the Old Testament scriptures
on how God wanted His temple to be built.Moses received the detailed “floor plan” of what no one else had seen in
the original place of worship in Eden.
Although some of the gifts pointed directly
to the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah, they represented much
more than we first learned.Presenting
these gifts at the birth of the Savior symbolized the promised restoration of
the Garden of Eden as a place where God and man could remain in relationship
forever.
The Living Vine
For the few hours it took to tear down the
lifeless vines we didn’t think about what we lost, but focused on the life in
the seeds for seasons to come.I could
already envision the new vines trailing along the fences bursting
with life and color.Through one little seed a
new garden would bring forth a multitude of plants revealing the wonder and glory
of God.
Part of the favor for man is the promise of physical seed for as long as we are here on earth.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter
and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 NKJV)
God provided the initial seeds for everything
we will ever need back in the Garden of Eden, including the Seed of Himself.However, man would need spiritual seed and
that would come through Jesus.A
relationship with Jesus allows us to fellowship with God once more.
A Living Temple
Although we await the coming of Jesus to be
reunited with God face to face as in Life in the Garden days, our worship and fellowship with Him doesn’t
have to wait until then.Jesus gave us
the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.Through Him we can talk to the Lord whether
it is in our own garden, our prayer closet or anywhere.We are a living temple, garden, that grows
and grows the more we spend time in relationship with Christ.
What we can take away from this is that God’s
love for His creation is so wonderful that He went to great lengths to save
it.Everything He created was good and
meant to remain forever.
God’s mercy (favor) endures forever, without
regret, for every generation from the beginning to the end.We worship Him for His goodness, grace, mercy
and favor … we worship Him because He is worthy of our praise!He is the one true GOD!
If we are connected to the Living Vine - Jesus,
God’s creation will one day be restored to us; like Adam and Eve we’ll
experience Life in God’s Garden, but this time it will never end.
I AM the vine – the Life in God’s
Garden.There is no garden life without
Me.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in
Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out
as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are
burned.
If you abide in Me, and My words
abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.By this My Father is glorified,
that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:4-8 NKJV)
Think on This Challenge:
A New Eden
When we planted our garden this
year we already knew that there would be a time when it would return to
seed.Gathering seeds was proof that we
believed what God said about seed time and harvest for this earth.Spending time in the garden however, our
thoughts were not of this world, but Heaven’s garden.
Our life has a beginning and an
end.It started with God, but not every
life ends up with their Creator.Jesus
is the Alpha and Omega Vine, the beginning and end of all things Where does the Vine dwell? In God's Garden; only those who believe in Him will receive unmerited favor to see the new Garden of Eden.
Our think on this challenge asks …
Will you see the new Garden of Eden?
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.
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 salvation and 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 ImagesCreative Common
License if not specified. Image: Gathering SeedsMorning Glory VinesJohn 20:29The Temple Symbolism Life in Gods Garden, Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, Salvation, Daily Favor Relationships, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Holy Spirit, Israel, Heaven, Unmerited Favor.
