Favor Is A Gift from God

Eighty and Fabulous Gift Set

On Tuesday, August 27th my husband and I had the pleasure of going to lunch with a friend who was turning a fabulous 80 years old!  Tris is spunky, funny, dresses to the nines, full of smiles, and without a crook in her walk.  She is full of life and a delight to be around.

We arrived at the restaurant and had parked when here she comes, right up behind us with a big grin on her face.  In a flash, Tris was on our heels with a stretched-out arm shouting, “I got the door.”

Entering the dining area the hostess instructed us to sit where we liked.  Plunking her pocketbook on the floor she pulled out her chair and started in on a story.  Oh no … it was not long before we were laughing anticipating the outcome of her “swallowed tooth” story!  We were not disappointed.

During our conversation, she was excited over showing off the new pink coffee mug gift set to her senior girlfriend group – the “magnificent seven,” and that she was going to bring it next time they met for dinner.   Her response sent us over the moon knowing it was something she liked.

“I’m glad you liked our gift and these are for you.” I said handing her a yellow bouquet of flowers and dripping water all over the table from the carry sack in which they were contained.  I quickly began sopping up the water with napkins when she took the flowers and leaned them up against her purse on the floor.

Pushing a small chocolate cream cake next to her plate I said, “This is for you as well.”  Putting down her fork she smiled and picked up the dessert. “Ooooh, let’s just eat this!”  She read my mind!

As we sat at the table I explained to our server that we were celebrating my friend’s birthday and shared her age.  Looking at her the lady acted surprised and could not believe it.  I felt the same and thought God surely renewed her youth just like it says in His word.

Abounding in Benefits

There are many “benefits” as the Bible calls it, described for those who accept and follow Christ as their Savior according to Psalm 103.  God blesses the soul, forgives sins, heals diseases, supplies good things, and even renews our bodies to name a few of those salvation benefits. 

However, there are more promises from God that go far beyond the few mentioned in this passage and one is His favor.  In verse 4 of that same chapter, it states how God gives lovingkindness and mercy.

“Who redeems your life from destruction (saves you from going to hell), Who crowns (adorns, encircles) you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”

The word “mercies” from the original Hebrew translation of this verse means that God has compassion for us from the beginning; we are cherished with great love from before we are born.  Here God implies that He cherishes, takes pity on, and has tender mercy for the fetus acknowledging it is a living being He loves.

8) “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (great in mercy).

In verse eight “merciful” means God is compassionate and full of mercy. Moving down in the blessing list of benefits we see the word mercy again several times, only it does not mean the same as in the previous verses.

Pick up with the last part of verse 8:

" ... and plenteous in mercy (great in mercy).

11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear (revere) Him.

12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions (confessed sins) from us.

17) … but the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children;

18) To such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them."

If we look at verses 8b (the term mercy), 11 and 17, the same word means a great deal more than God’s great compassion.  It includes: kindness, goodness, mercy, beauty and yes – favor referring to the person in reference.  

Not only does God give favor, He abounds in it!  These things cannot be bought, worked for, or earned, but are given freely from the Lord because of His mercy (compassion).

If you are born again God's favor is automatically on your life and available the moment you asked Jesus into your life and heart.  Favor is a gift from God if you are a believer, but many Christians do not know or realize it.  Even more they do not know how to walk in God's favor or recognize it in their daily lives.

Scriptures teach in Psalm 3:8 that the blessing of the Lord is on His people.  We can ask for favor on certain situations or increase of favor, but the initial blessing of favor (compassionate mercy) we do not need to ask for because it is already on you as a child of God’s. 

Every person who trusts Jesus as their Savior under the New Testament covenant, becomes an heir to the promises God made to Abraham.  We are identified as "seed" and “joint heirs with Jesus,” therefore qualifying us as heirs to the covenant promise made to Abraham in the Old Testament.

Upon salvation every individual receives the blessing of God that includes His favor.  They go together and cannot be separated.

Unfortunately, most Christians only believe in salvation that grants them a place in Heaven one day; they never walk in God's blessing or favor even though it is available to every child of God.  It cannot be earned, bought, or worked for … it is a gift!

It was one year ago since we first met sweet Tris at a water dispenser in Walmart, and a few weeks later we were honored to celebrate her 79^th birthday at her home.  After a wonderful time of fellowship, she shared her love for Jesus and we ended the afternoon in a time of prayer and blessings.

I am not sure how much she knows about God’s favor or understands the depth of it, but pray she will experience this gift from the Lord in ways more than she could ever ask or think.  My prayer is the same for you!

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV)

            Until next time, Favored Blessings

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

*Names in articles are not used but changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and 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.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified. 

Tags: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels,  Favor from God, Favor, Blessings, Salvation, Senior, Godly Woman, Psalm 103

Grace and Favor Homes

Last summer when doing research for writing, I came across some rather interesting information that might not be public knowledge.  Perhaps those living outside the United States are aware of this and find it is common practice in their country, but it was something I deemed worthy of sharing. 

Did you know that certain members who work for the United Kingdom Royal family are often gifted homes somewhere on the royal estate properties during their time of service?  I did not, but found it fascinating and a nice benefit that most are not privileged to receive ever in a lifetime. 

These properties are referred to as “grace and favor” homes.  Being able to live rent or mortgage free is one perk for the chosen few.  Although this is a financially great benefit, in the end, these homes are not theirs to keep.  At some point the grace and favor eventually runs out for every individual, returning the use of the home to the owner(s).  

Who owns these properties you ask?  The government, big-ticket companies, or mega corporations?  No, but that would have been a good guess.  

They are owned by the Crown Estate (belonging to the reigning Queen or King) and are official temporary residences of the individuals whose work falls in line with national importance.  It is a type of “renewal” for services given to the current monarchy.  This is a privilege reserved for those associated directly to the royal family. 

The idea of a grace and favor home began under the reign of King George 3rd in 1760 when he chose not to keep his main place of living at Hampton Court Palace.  He preferred to use Kew Palace as the royal residence.  The King made the decision to turn the Hampton Court Palace into a large house for residents.  People would apply for an apartment if they served the Crown or state in any number of roles which included head gardeners, military leaders, diplomats or others holding a royal title. 

In the past, there have been many individuals, as well as heads of state governments who have stayed in dozens of the great favor homes or properties; an estimate of over 140 homes or apartments spread across England, Scotland and Ireland. 

An example of a grace and favor home is Frogmore Cottage which is located on the Windsor Castle estate near the actual much larger Frogmore House.  It is a residence reserved for the current Duke and Duchess of Sussex.  Former “hosts” as it is called included Queen Victoria’s Mother, Queen Charlotte and even Queen Mary.  (Original cottage in above photo.)

Currently, the King’s niece, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack, are living there.  However, this is subject to change at any given moment if her role changes and she no longer works for the Crown in some manner.  Regardless of how close one is to the royals a time comes when they must leave regardless of their status or rank if their service to the throne is no longer active. 

The Bible talks about Kingdom homes that God has prepared for those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior.  No one pays for nor needs to renovate them in any way.  They are beautifully and completely prepared for each believing individual by God Himself.  

Jesus gave these words of comfort to those who believed in Him:  

“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid).  You believe confidently in God, believe in Me (have faith in, rely on).  In My Father’s house are many mansions, dwelling places. 

If it were not so (true), I would have told you, because I go to prepare a place for you.  I go and prepare a place for you and will come back and will take you to Myself (in Heaven), so that where I am you may be also.” (from John 14:1-3) 

Just like the “grace and favor” homes of the King or Queen, God's promise of a dwelling place in Heaven are also reserved for the chosen.  There is something uniquely different though between the two kingdoms.  

Unlike the earthly royal homes, anyone who believes in Jesus as God's Son will one day live in a grace and favor home that is especially hand-crafted just for them and it is for eternity.  

In the end, those who follow Christ receive a much better royal benefit from KING Jesus.  Through God's grace gift of salvation, we will receive His unmerited favor to a place in Heaven, a favored home for all those who chose to believe God.

Until next time, Favored Blessings

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and 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.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified.  Image

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Deeply Rooted for Favor

It is a stormy day.  Looking out the lobby of the hospital I can see the wind whipping through the trees, bending them to their limits.  The rain is much needed here as it has been quite dry.  

As the thunder roars and flashes of lightning illuminates the sky, the rain is pounding on the roof in a steady stream. Within a few hours the storm has subsided and the sun breaks through the clouds as if it were a new day.  All is well. 

The ground has absorbed the overflow of water and the strong root system of the trees has stabilized them to withstand the roughest weather.  If it was not for the healthy, strong roots the trees would not have a chance of survival even the mildest of storms.  

It is the same basics for you and me.  What we feed our spirit, soul and body will determine how well we survive the “storms” of life. 

The way trees are properly maintained or tended to by the caregiver predicts their outcome and future.  If a young plant is not fed (fertilized), watered, and staked properly the tree does not stand much of a chance of surviving to live out its purpose. 

How we maintain a good healthy balance is by “feeding” (reading and studying) on the word of God daily.  Scriptures teach that God’s word is the key to all blessings that help us maintain, survive, and come out victorious in every situation.  When we become nourished in the word our “root” system (spirit) becomes like a tree planted by a riverbank becoming deeply rooted and super strong. 

Psalm 1:1-3 gives us the outline of how to accomplish this lifestyle. 

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the paths of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. 

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” 

Here is the same passage only in the New Living Translation. 

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” 

In other words, delight, joy and prosperity come to the one who follows the ways of God.  Their roots go extremely deep because he/she has gained a revelation of God through meditating on what He says. 

Look at three things of what being deeply rooted in the scripture does for a believer in the Word: 

1. Through studying and meditating the words of God we gain the substance needed for building faith, especially in difficult situations. 

During trials we are rooted in God’s word to help stabilize us so that we do not waver through the testing of faith as it states in James chapter 1.  If that happens (wavering back and forth from faith and doubt), we cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Favor and blessings do not come to those who continually waver in unbelief. 

Daily meditating on the Word of God gives us an insight to how He does things and unlocks a door for favor.  In the Old Testament God gave Joshua, rules of instruction, that if he followed them the results would lead to him being successful and prosperous.  

“This Book of the Law” shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) 

Joshua’s success depended on his obedience; God already told him how to make it happen through meditating, studying, and focusing on His word. It was up to Joshua, not God, as to whether he would find success or prosperity by what he did daily. 

Joshua had to abide by the old covenant law during his lifetime, but since Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we now have a new covenant of grace.  Romans 6:14 verifies how grace has redeemed us from the old law covenant. 

“For sin will no longer be master (have dominion) over you, since you are not under (old) Law (as slaves), but under (unmerited, undeserved) grace (as recipients of God’s favor and mercy). 

What then (are we to conclude)?  Shall we sin because we live not under Law but under God’s favor and mercy?  Certainly not!” (Romans 6:14-15 Amplified translation) 

Now that we no longer live under law but by grace, how does the new covenant work?  By faith through God's grace, mercy, and favor in the forgiveness of sin when we confess it to the Lord.  Studying God’s word shows us what is sin to God and how to live in the new covenant blessings.  There is no more sacrificing of animals, humans or anything else, because Jesus Christ became the sacrifice that covers every sin once and for all.  

Accepting Jesus as your Savior means you have allowed Him to be the sacrifice for the sins you committed against God without you being punished.  When you confess that you have sinned, you acknowledge that you were guilty of doing something that does not please the Heavenly Father.  God in turn forgives you and does not remember that sin any longer. He sees you as clean, Righteous, and favored because you chose to do His will by asking for forgiveness.

In Joshua’s time there was only the law, because the New Testament had not been written until after Jesus was born.  However, the secret to good success is still found in meditating on the Word of God, but the new covenant of grace (unmerited favor) sheds Holy Spirit light and insight to the ways of God that were not revealed in the old covenant. 

This revelation can only be found by those deeply rooted in the God’s word.  When we remain steadfast in the word as God commands, our faith grows, and when our faith is strong the grace and favor of God comes when we need it the most.   In other words, we grow in grace and favor as our roots grow deeper in God.

"... but grow (spiritually mature) in the grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (the Messiah)" 
(2 Peter 3:18)

2. Being rooted in God’s word will keep your faith from wavering and open doors of favor. 

Look at what the Word of God says about wavering and not standing strong in faith in what the scripture teaches.  It is self-explanatory as to what we can expect for doubting God at His word. 

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (maturity, endurance, perseverance).  But let patience have its perfect work (in you), that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose (think) that he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:1-7 NKJV) 

Flip flopping back and forth from doubting to faith to doubt will get you nothing from the Lord.  He cannot grant anything that was asked because the mind is not set on what He said about a given situation.  Staying focused in faith on what God has said, no matter how things look in the natural, is the way to success, prosperity, and favor. 

3. Deep word study daily equips us in discernment, wisdom, and knowledge, helping us understand each situation to know what to do. 

Knowing what the word says will help squash the enemy when fear and doubt try to overtake your emotions.  We cannot always override emotions, but we can stay in faith when they surface by taking control of them. 

It is important to remember that although God is compassionate, He is not moved by emotions but by faith.  When the Lord sees your faith, He moves compassionately. 

Deep Roots Keep You Going 

It was one year to the day when I wrote a short first draft of this lesson that never got published due to “storms” that were happening with hubby at the time.  Since then, we have been through several types of storms. 

In my series teaching “Dealing with Life’s Distractions” I describe the many literal storms that totally uprooted several trees in our yard.  Through it all, God showed us great favor and our spiritual roots are deeper in Him than ever. 

Are you struggling to keep your “roots in the ground” and not be uprooted by life’s problems?  Does your faith keep getting tossed with the wind preventing God from working in your life or showing you favor due to doubt or unbelief? 

Start digging into the Bible for answers; they are there!  Look up passages through the concordance in the back of most bibles under a list of subjects, situations, or a specific word that you are dealing with at the time.  

Read each passage listed referring to that item you searched.  Suppose you needed to know what God's word says on the subject of being lonely or feeling overwhelmed ... you would look up the passages listed following the word and read them.  For example:

     Lonely: Psalm 22, 42; John 14:15-31a

     Overwhelmed or Stressed: Isaiah 55:1-9; Matthew 11: 25-30; 
     John 4:1-30; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; Revelation 22:17

Read what God says about it and what He says to do.  Meditate, ponder, think about what you read and then act on it.  

The more you do this the easier it will be to stay in faith, because you know what God says and that settles how you think on a matter regardless to the circumstances (therefore putting an end to wavering and unbelief).  Choose to believe God’s word and dig your heels in deep, standing firm on what God has said in the scriptures. 

Friend, God has a purpose and a plan for your life that includes fruit for good things, blessings and a life full of hope for the future.  He has designed His children to have a desire to grow stronger – grow deeper roots to thrive, not strive to achieve success or prosperity. 

The only way to remain deeply rooted for favor is to feed your spirit and soul with the best food possible – the Word of God.

Until next time, Favored Blessings

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and 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.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified.  Image 1  Image 2 

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