A Fair Promise

Have you ever been in a situation where you told someone that you’d get back to them, and before you know it months have passed without you keeping your promise?  Good, I’m glad you can relate to my circumstances.

It's been a while since I've filled you in on some of my activities, but Hubby's illness and recent hospital stays really took us off course. Thankfully you have been wonderfully patient and hung around.

As many of you know, the summer months “fun-cations” are full of surprises around our neck of the woods, especially when it comes to weeks and weeks of gardening in preparation for the fair.  By the time it rolls around we’ve had our fill of fertilizer and dirt embedded under our nails.   

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Yet Another New Approach

Hubby and I actually begin planning what we want to enter in the county fair back in the winter months when we start our seedlings.  We review the previous year to see which items did well in the competition and what flopped. Believe me there have been some big ones that seriously, we don’t know why we entered them.  Strangely, one of those actually placed!

If an entry didn’t do well, we try to figure out a new approach for keeping the item for competing or revising it in some way so it will do better.  It often works, but not always and that’s what enables us to search avenues outside our comfort zone.  Here’s where it starts to get fun or freaky, depending on what we discover!

Each year I like to enter a new category or do something I’ve never done before, just so I can keep growing and learning from the best.  Succulents and cucumbers were a first for me … it may be the last, who knows. Ugh … it didn’t go well.   Let’s say it was 50/50, one did okay and the other I never entered.

Sadly, I had to let a few crafts go unfinished, because there simply wasn’t enough time with the rebuilding of the garden after the flood in 2017. We still have a ways to go in getting it back in order.  The good thing though is that I’ve got them started for future craft fairs! (I just have to remember where I put them by that time.)

The Money Tree

Chinese Money Tree

With so many fabulous plants to select from, it’s hard to say no to some of God’s beautiful creations. On the other hand, if we’re not wise in our decision making it can become quite costly or turn into a prideful event that the Lord will not bless.

At times it can be difficult staying in the allotted budget, because I keep adding to the list of things I want in the garden.  After all, money doesn’t grow on trees (… or does it?)  Maybe I should research growing that money tree, people say it is a sign of wealth! (Note to self – add it to the list.)

A Fair Promise

Through prayerfully seeking the Lord for favor in accomplishing His plans, He has always led us to sales and great “finds” in exploring the plant world, which allowed us to expand our entries in the fair.

It is God’s desire to bless the Righteous with favor and never withhold anything good from His children.  So why wouldn’t we ask for His advice, counsel and favor?  He wants to be a part of everything we do and He isn’t afraid of a little gardening! 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly (are in right standing with Him).  O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!” (Psalm 84:11-12 ESV)

Keeping My Promise

This week I wanted to share some of the Daily Favor we experience from the Lord when it comes to the desires of our heart, which in this case is gardening and the yearly county fair competitions.  God is more than willing to direct us in the way we should go so that our efforts do not fail and we have victory.

Psalm 37:4 tells us that if we delight (enjoy, take pleasure) in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart.  In order for Jesus to do that we must maintain a close relationship with God, and that means including Him in everything.

God wants to keep His promises to us, but sometimes we make it difficult by not allowing Him to take part in our lives and everyday activities.  It takes commitment to our Savior, obedience and faith in God to release favor on our situation at the right time.

This year was exceptional and in keeping my promise I began posting some of our entries for the competition on my Facebook site.  I’d love it if you would hit the follow and like tab on the page to be notified of all the posts.  

Throughout the week you’ll see entries in several categories, but not all of them because some the pics really didn’t turn out that great.  (Sorry about that; I still need a camera.)  

Frankly, it's impossible to know how plants will thrive during the hot or stormy weather.  We step out in faith as we pray, believing God for an abundant harvest and that He would bless the work of our hands.  We weren’t disappointed.  

It's Grace! God’s Amazing Grace! He never ceases to lavish us with His mercy and unmerited favor.  Jesus makes a way and continues blessing us over and over … I am so thankful!  Although I may fail to follow through with a keeping a promise at times, God is always faithful to His Word.

He says that He will establish and bless the work of our hands when we seek to do His will (including succeeding in a competition).  That promise was fulfilled for us, and soon I’ll share even more about the outpouring of favor that was shown to us this year.

Only the Lord knows the future, but we can faithfully trust Him to see us through all the “seasons” we may experience.

“Let us see Your miracles again; let our children see glorious things, 

the kind You used to do, and let the Lord our God favor us and give

us success.  May He give permanence to all we do."

(Psalm 90:16-17 TLB)

Now that’s a fair promise I can cling to for everything in my life.  How about you?  

Love this song - God’s Grace: The Favor of God

by Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir

Read more county fair entries and the Open Flower Show competition.

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Until next time, God’s favor is always fair! 

“I will give favor to the Righteous.”

- 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. 

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The Favor of God CD (includes God’s Grace)

by Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir

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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.

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Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.

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Image:  Monkey  Chinese Money Tree

Labels: Victory, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Promises of God, A New Approach, Favor, Fair Favor, Relationship, County Fair, Gardening, Garden of Eden

The Gray Zebra

The Maria’s were turning one year old. Yes, there were two of them and their families had much in common. 

My husband and I were invited to celebrate the birthdays of two little girls that lived in different cities.  Both sets of parents were successful, professed to be Christians (of differing denominations), and were reveling over the birthday of the first grandchild.

One set of parents came from an all Italian background, which I wasn’t familiar with at that time. They went all out for this first grandchild inviting everyone they knew to join in on the festivities. 

The other parents also invited lots of people to the big event, but this celebration turned out much different.

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Our Italian friends knew how to make everyone feel welcome.  There were several things that made this party memorable, and it wasn’t the child.  She made her debut and the “party girl” petered out after a few hours.  Seems she had enough and went to sleep.

There were several things I remembered about our visit. First it was loud, very loud.  After my friend asked my husband to pray a blessing over the food the room became overcrowded. The uncles and cousins gathered around the table in the kitchen debating back and forth over sports teams. 

I took my friend aside and asked why everyone was angry.  She just smiled and said, “Who’s angry? This is how they talk.  Some Italians can get loud, but nobody is mad.  We talk over one another that’s all.”  Feeling quite dumb the only thing that came out of my mouth was, “Oh …”

Another thing I was impressed by was how they honored their great grandmother.  The entire family served her with joy as if she was a Queen, and when she spoke everyone listened.  Even the chatty uncles were silent as soon as granny began to speak. 

When it came time to leave, it was with hugs from new friends, laughter and food that “we must take” with us as if they were parting gifts.

The Second Maria

By the time we arrived little Maria was already zipping about in her new toy car out on the patio.  She was having a grand time and didn’t pay much attention to anything or anyone else except when it was time for the cake.  Who could blame her?

Little Maria’s parents mingled and introduced the guests to each other ... that was all except us. Even though we were feeling a bit out in left field and considering how loud things were, the party appeared to be going well when suddenly something happened.

I need to fill you in with a bit of information before I continue.  We didn’t go to the party alone, but brought a teenage girl with us.  She was from an abusive alcoholic family and just received Christ in our youth group a few days previous to the party.

We had asked her to come along to get her out of her environment, and so she could see what “Christian” families do at gatherings.  Since this was an activity for a toddler what could it hurt, right?

 

The Gray Zebra

When I began my studies for this week’s teaching the only thing that came to mind were Zebras, even more specifically gray ones.  It was weird how they kept coming into my thoughts and I didn’t have a clue as to why God would direct me to research this animal. 


"Common Zebra, Namibia File Owner:

Jean-Louis Vandevivere - License Information.

Given that I couldn’t make sense of it, I wrote down the phrase and put it off for several weeks.  Then it bothered me so much I finally had to figure this out through looking up some facts about these creatures. 

When I focused on my “assignment” God revealed what He had been trying to tell me.  Sometimes Christians like to live in the “gray” areas that don’t make it clear they are true believers.  This is where the Zebra part comes in …

Zebras are technically black and white animals so their marking makes them pretty easy to identify as to whether or not they are really Zebras.  No one needs to redefine what one is based strictly on what it looks like.

God’s pointed out that His Word is black and white, being clearly identified so that even a child can understand it.  However, we disregard the parts we don’t agree with and fight over doctrine.  There are the extremists, the total traditionalist, legalistic, liberalists, denominations and a whole lot more categories when it comes to being a Christian.   These things make Christianity anything but clear to an unbeliever, and add to the confusion how an individual should live as one.

The thing is that we don’t need to redefine the gospel or (Zebra).  It is what it is, and that’s how God designed it.  There are no gray areas when it comes to God’s Word.

 

The Gray Matters



Close-Up of Grevy's Zebra Stripes, Equus Grevyi, Africa

Zoologists have broken the identification of a Zebra into three specific areas depending on the size of the stripes, but even those classifications define a Zebra as being black and white.  When grayish tones appear it’s because of something outside of the natural makeup of the animal. 

There are times when Christians act outside the natural character of what God defines His children should be like. They live in the gray zone enjoying the things of this world and giving no thought to what they are doing.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

Christians are to prove what is good, acceptable and the will of God to others, not to God.  He already knows all these things.

If you’re not clear on what this means look at it like this:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (which will change the way you act). Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

This is where men and women of faith hinder the growth of the church, by things they consider acceptable based on wrong interpretation of the scriptures. When people can’t tell you’re a believer by your lifestyle, the gray areas of your behavior stop the favor of God from showing up in your life.

Shelly, the newborn Christian teenager, wasn’t that excited to crash the party of a one year old, but I assured her she would have a good time.  Not long after we arrived she disappeared.  I looked all over the house and yard for her.  Something urged me to check the basement, and there she was – crying.

“If I wanted to see people drunk I could have stayed home. You said Christians were different, but they’re not.  This isn’t anything different than what I see every day. I want to go …” she said in a shaky voice as tears streamed down her cheeks.

We had no idea of what we were walking into that day, and certainly didn’t expect to see this kind of behavior at a child’s party.  That was the last event we ever went to with that family; not because we judged them, but the fact that they were stumbling blocks that turned someone away from the Lord by their behavior.  That young girl never returned to youth group.

“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13 NKJV)

“… but beware lest somehow this liberty of yours (forgiveness, freedom of sin by the mercy, grace and favor of God you received from salvation) become a stumbling block to those who are weak (in faith or newly saved).”  (1 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV)

Pass the Milk

I’m not going to debate whether or not a Christian should drink, dance, swear, play cards, go to movies, listen to the non-Christian music or do anything like the world does.  God set the rules, and our part is to know what they are for any given subject or behavior.

We must question this about our lifestyle: “Is our behavior in any way a stumbling block that could prevent someone from coming to Christ?”

We need always keep this statement in mind concerning anything we do in life.

“If we are not leading people to Christ,

we are leading them away from Him.”

 

I knew an evangelist pastor that wouldn’t drink anything but milk in public, not even water. To me that was really ridiculous, but when I questioned him I understood why he chose that behavior.

Being in the public eye, the Reverend said it was so that his testimony and walk with Christ wouldn’t be questioned. He gave no reason for doubting who he claimed he belonged to – Jesus.

The purpose of our “Inner Journey to Jesus” is making sure we reach our destination. If any of “the least of these”  (meaning breaking God's laws) things we do keeps someone from believing in Christ because of our actions, then it is a sin and we are not to partake of it.  That soul we hindered will be marked to our account as “lost”.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t need that kind of pressure or responsibility.


Wash that Gray Away!

An old commercial for a hair coloring product has a catchy jingle where the people sing, “I’m gonna wash that gray right out of my hair.”  With one single application the unsightly gray is eliminated and washed away. 

Thanks Lauren for sharing this photo. 
 It looks really lovely now :)

It baffles me as to why some people color their hair but don’t seem to mind the gray patch right at the top that makes them look like a skunk. Mom was one of those ladies that didn't worry and would color it when she got around to it.

My husband laughs when I call it skunk head.  (I know … it’s not “Christian” but I can’t help thinking it.)

... then there are some like Lauren who have different reasons and brings me to my point about our own gray areas that aren't very nice, and it has nothing to do with chemistry. 



Beautiful Lauren Now

Something Christians should be doing is to look for those gray areas that pop up in our life on a regular basis.  Believe me, people notice. If you don't think they do, ask Lauren when she was going through some changes in her life.

When others see us they shouldn’t have a difficult time recognizing that we are followers of Jesus.

There are no gray Zebras, just black and white clearly marked creations. We are like the Zebra in that our stripes were defined by Jesus when Christ died on the cross for our sins.  We don’t get to add colors or even shades.

There isn't a product we can apply to our lives that will get rid of gray areas of sin, but it can be completely washed out of our lives by the blood of Jesus though prayer.

 

This Week’s Challenge

Getting Rid of the Gray Zebra

Are you easily identified as a Christian? In other words, are you easily marked with the stripes of Jesus that says you belong to Him?

This week we’re focusing on areas in our life that could technically be classified as “gray” concerning our Christian walk.  Instead of a to-do list, we have a “Don’t list”.

I’m not going to ask you to write anything, make a checklist of things you need to change or spend hours in prayer repenting for things you might have done that caused someone to fall.  At this point of the journey you already know what things God has been speaking to you about changing in your life.  If you don’t know, take a look at any of this year’s posts … we’re always working on something.

It’s time to make those changes and try A.N.A. – a new approach.

Don’t go around telling people all the things you need to change; just change. (Unless you are in counseling, etc.)  They’ll see you are different.

Don’t do something if you aren’t sure it is endorsed by God in His Word (black and white). Even if you have to start with the Ten Commandments, that’s something. (Exodus 20:1-17 NKJV) 

Before, during and following each thing you do I’d like you to be mindful of all your actions.  This includes your conversations, places you go and people you hang out with in person, by phone or online.

While participating in your activity ask the Holy Spirit to alert you of the Gray Zebra … things that could be considered “gray” areas starting to emerge.  This could be as simple as not giving thanks openly over your food. Be on the lookout for anything that could turn into a questionable thing as well.

“Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.”  (Psalm 86:11 NKJV)

 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”   (John 4:23)

 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things I said to you.”  (John 14:26 NKJV)

Don’t carry guilt. It isn’t Christian, meaning, remember you are forgiven.  If you haven’t confessed the sin to Jesus take care of that and then move on … it’s forgotten.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”  (Psalm 103:12 NKLV)

Don’t forget your journey isn’t complete, so be encouraged.  Let people know by your lifestyle that you belong to Jesus, are free from sin and that no gray Zebras are squatting on His property.

Song of the Week: I Belong to Jesus 

 

Until next time, remember God’s favor doesn’t come in gray.

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Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. A.N.A. logo by J.C.Penney, Inc.
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Notes: Birthday  Grandmother  Cake  Zebra  Grevys Zebra Stripes Equus Grevyi  Milk  Skunk Head

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Danger on Route 666

It was in 1888 when a certain man was looking through the morning newspaper and became extremely upset by what he read.

"... became rich by finding ways to kill people faster than ever before ..."

He noticed his name was listed in the obituary column.  All the information was correct except for one thing. The person who died was his brother.

After reading that article he started taking stock in what he had accomplished in his life and what people really thought of him.

It was surreal. He wasn’t ready to die, yet in reality he felt he hadn’t even lived and definitely didn't want to be remembered like this.  His solitary lifestyle led him into depression even though he was famously successful.

The unsatisfied gentleman realized that his “dynamite” life hadn’t amounted to much.  He got off the road he had taken then took a new approach and direction. 

With a different outlook of life, in 1895 he changed his will and set up a fund that would give awards annually to individuals who had achieved great things in the sciences, medicine, literature and establishing world peace. 

Alfred Nobel was his name, the inventor of dynamite.  Now he had joy and found a purpose for living ... so he thought.

Contrary to what we have been told, as believers we aren’t to be looking for earthly things that give us a meaning for living.  It's not about leaving our footprint, but Jesus'. Our reason or purpose for living is all tied to God - to bring Him glory.

When we travel down the world's road, we actually miss out on the best things that God provided for us through His promises to those who believe on Him.

Welcome new friends this week from: Around the World!

I am so thankful for those of you who have chosen to walk this Daily Inward Journey with me. It has kept me before the Throne of God in prayer and seeking Him.

Invite at least one person this week to join us. Continue praying for your brothers and sisters of faith following Daily Favor from around the globe.

Don’t miss out on this week’s challenge (below).  Q & A Section

How Hungry Are You?

With all the famines that took place in the Old Testament of the Bible, it may be hard to believe there are people in this age who suffer from starvation and hunger like they did.

However, I’m pretty sure there are a lot of people who can relate to the biblical account of Esau where he traded his birthright to his brother Jacob for a savory bowl of lentil stew. 

How hungry was Esau that he was willing to trade away his entire life for one bowl of Lamb Stew for the Soul? (See Genesis 25-28)

We can’t point a finger can we?  There are times we give into fleshly desires for instant gratification, and don’t realize that we have lost something much more valuable.  The moment we submit to our earthly yearnings, we lose Heavenly rewards that can be cashed in here and in Heaven.

Esau gave up on his journey and Jacob took a big detour the day they both exchanged their birthright.  Have you exchanged God’s favor for something short term along your journey?  If so, it’s not too late to get back on track.

 

 

 

Living on Highway 666

So let me ask you … “What route are you taking on your journey in life?”

You don’t have to settle for the porridge from this world when you can have manna from on High.

In discovering ourselves on this journey there are highways or roads that we have taken; some on purpose, some by accident, some out of desperation.  They all have stolen something from us.

There is an ongoing joke that girls often attend college to get their MRS degree, that is, to find husband. 

It’s funny, but my sister was one that did get that degree.  You could say it was her “masters” degree, because she did aim higher and achieved her goal.

That doesn’t happen for many of us though.  All too often we set out with high hopes, but when disappointment comes, we give up on those godly aspirations and settle for less. Here’s where people take a detour and travel down the Route 666 Highway.

What’s the Route 666 road? Well I can’t speak for others, but somewhat agree with the observations of Pastor James Ford. 

"Some women, they set out on their journey for an anti-christ man … they want a man that has a chest like a 6 pack, is 6 foot tall and has a 6 figure income."

Instead of waiting for God to send the Right(eous) man they are settling for Mr. Right Now, and are stuck on that road because they took their own path.  Don't think this pertains just to women ... men do it also.

 

Our HIM Book

I’d like to make something perfectly clear here.  If you are taking this Inward Journey and just reading your Bible, you won’t reach the end of the road.

The Bible is the way that we draw nearer to God, but we have to reach higher for that relationship with the Lord if our journey is to have meaning and closure.

In John 5:39 tells us that we are to search the scriptures for in them we will find HIM.  The Bible is our songbook, our Him book to finding favor with God.  It shows us how to go beyond reading and step out into doing what we've read.

Jesus grew in wisdom and favor as He fellowshipped with God by doing the will of God. Jesus' joy was full and purpose established, because His relationship was right with the Father.

The Apostle Paul longed for that joy of fellowship with the Lord again, and said that his entire purpose in life was to “know Him.”

No Joy Suckers Here

One of the most important things we need in life is having our joy buckets filled on a daily basis. 

With so much depressing news it’s really hard to stay in a continual state of joy.

Some people are spreaders of joy whenever they enter a room.  We love being around those kinds of individuals. Then there are the others, the joy suckers; they spread joy when they leave a room.  Which one are you?  If you aren’t drawing people to you, guess what, you’re the second example here.

I don’t know if I shared this with you guys before, but if so, indulge me for those who haven’t heard it, OK.

By the front door of our house there is a sign I made that reads:

“No Joy Suckers Allowed Here!”

When someone enters my home with less than joy (a positive attitude) they have to step out and re-enter.

That sign has been hanging for so many years that we’ve learned to leave negativity outside.  There have been times when it has slithered its way in and my husband will automatically put on his hat, step out the door and come back inside with a big smile proclaiming, “Hi Honey, I’m home!”
 

Joy is a spirit that we are given when we receive salvation. Sadly, Christians are having their joy sucked out of them, because they are trying to find it through the things of this world.  They are pursuing Route 666 and not Route 66, which can be found in the 66 books of the Bible.

People of the world think they have it, but it is a Waldo Joy (remember last week ... a red herring, falsehood to lead you astray.)

Unless you are a born again believer in Jesus, it is impossible to possess the Spirit of Joy. It is a gift of favor bestowed on God’s children through the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23)

The Gospel of Joy

 

The book of Philippians is known as the Epistle of Joy, but when Paul wrote it, he was in prison.  What was there to be joyful about if you are bound in chains in a cold dark prison, below ground?

This is what Paul knew that we may not know. Situations, circumstances or events don’t give joy. They may cause someone to “feel” happy or excited, but that’s not joy.  We need to understand that joy is not an emotion, but an attribute we receive straight from God's spirit upon salvation.

Biblical joy has to do with the spirit man. When the spirit has joy, the flesh (body) and soul (mind of man) benefit from it, resulting in outpourings of happiness, elation, peace and serenity.

When will we realize that our setbacks are set-ups to stretching our relationships with the Heavenly Father?  Our stumbling blocks are merely stepping stones pushing us farther along the journey.

Philippians is such a short book with only four chapters, yet it mentions the word “rejoice” ten times, joy is used six times, rejoiced and rejoicing are written once.  It is so vital that Paul got the message of joy out that he wrote it 18 times!

Chapter 1: he rejoices in the service of Christ.

Chapter 2: he rejoices in the selflessness pattern to Christ.

Chapter 3: he rejoices in the suffering for Christ.

Chapter 4: he rejoices in the sufficiency of Christ’s power.

Re-Condition Your Condition

Just how far back would you have to go to check the condition your "condition of joy" was in on this journey?

You are no longer at the crossroad, but like Paul, are taking a new approach (A.N.A.) to the way you look at any situation. 

Things aren’t falling apart my friend, believe they are falling into place. 

Stop living in your situation and begin looking at the revelation God is showing you on this Inward journey.

While in prison, Brother Paul determined in his heart that his condition would not be the ultimate outcome to this current problem.  He talked about his past and the present.

Finally, Paul took the path on his earthly journey that would lead him to purposely pursue the promises of God in his life. (Now that’s a purpose driven life wouldn’t you say?) Read Philippians 3

Without hesitation I want to encourage you that whatever you are experiencing will be for your good, not that it “is” good.  The end result has to fit the plan of God for your life.  We already know He said it would turn out good for those who LOVE Him, but it won't always “feel” good at the moment.

At this point along our journey let's take a look at the condition our "condition of joy" is resting in at this time.

With A Joyful Heart

There isn’t anything more inward than the center of the heart of man, and that’s where we need to focus this week. 

If we are to gain ground in our relationship with Jesus we must operate in the joyful heart spirit as God’s does.

We possess it; now let's apply what we have already been given by the Holy Spirit.

This Week’s Challenge: 

Discover the joyful heart that is hidden inside you.  Don’t let circumstances or situations stop your joyful heartbeat.

That doesn’t mean you are to pretend that there aren’t problems, but to act on the knowledge that this state of affairs is temporary.

Since you are already talking, singing and now laughing with the Lord, you know how to ask Him questions. Get to the heart of the matter by embracing God’s joy.

First: The main thing you are to focus on this week is the joy in everything. It’s there, you'll find it. 

Finding the inner joy in you will help you reach peace about some things you have been dealing with for ages.

Second: Make yourself a joy sign and display it where it is highly visible.  You may need to make several. 

Be creative here and make one that fits your inner “character.” Without getting nasty, and with a joyful heart, follow it to the letter! 

 “No Joy Suckers Allowed Here!”

I’m telling you from experience, that this really does work and your stress levels drop dramatically.

Third: When you find that your joy is about to be “sucked out” by someone or something, don’t take the detour the devil has set for you.

Take the expressway to Philippians on route 66 – the Bible.

Stay hungry for the Lord’s favor and don’t settle for something now (a measly bowl of route 666 red herring Waldo stew).  God promises that something better is just a few miles up ahead on the Kings Highway.

If you don’t know how that situation ended, let me tell you … Jacob not only got Esau’s portion, but the whole pot of blessings!

Be determined to have a change of heart, a joyful heart … for now and forever!

Let the devil know you won’t let him steal your joy by using people or circumstances to take you off the right road.  Even if you are not quite there yet, begin to speak these words over your journey:

“I have a joyful heart and God favors me!  This condition is a temporary prison whose bars cannot hold my spirit of joy!”

 Change This Heart - Sidewalk Prophets

Until next time, God will favor your joyful heart.

 

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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 provide by Bible Gateway.
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Image: South sign  A. Nobel  Jacob/Esau  Lewis Quote  Never  Chains/Freedom/Joy  Condition  Romans 8:28