Friday, November 24, 2017

Give Thanks


Dear Friends,  

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! 

Fay 


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 Creative Common License if not specified. 
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Friday, November 17, 2017

The Bible Rediscovered

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. 

Take a quick tour of what you can expect.
 


Ten Blessings of Eden Recap

In the meantime, I’m listening …

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.

What’s New This Week: Click on the link.
View the -
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 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 Pew  Vintage White Bible  Museum of the Bible  President 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

Friday, November 10, 2017

Life in God’s Garden: Part 7

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.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Be sure to visit Tell Me About Jesus, Q & A or other sections.  
Thursday  

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.
 
Alpha and Omega - Israel and New Breed

 
Until next time, “Garden” favor isn’t seasonal.  It's set by faith. 

“Believers in Me receive Garden 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.

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 link.


Conversations with God on Light, Fresh Air, and New Things
by Jennifer J. Camp
 
Available in eBook, paperback, audio
 

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 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:  Gathering Seeds  Morning Glory Vines  John 20:29  The 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.