Cross Favor: Part 2

My conversation with the four Texans had taken a turn, mainly on my part because it was after lunch time and we hadn’t eaten.  Wanting to go get a bite was why we didn’t finish our shopping in the first place, which caused us to run into the men anyway. 

Blu didn’t have much to say except that they would be eating at some point in the day, but Tris remained adamant that they were fine.  I couldn’t leave it at that based on what Dan had said just a few moments before the lady with the shopping cart interrupted us.  

Dan had mentioned that he hadn’t eaten since the previous day and it was going for two o’clock in the afternoon.  Trying to convince Tris that they should get some lunch, once again he insisted they would get something inside the store soon.  

Click here to read part 1 of Cross Favor.  

Meet and Eat

I don’t know why I couldn’t let up about this … it’s probably my mother’s fault.  No matter who it was – family, friends or foe, she always insisted on feeding you.   First you meet, then you eat.  "Dems da rules!"

We know that as believers Christ has given us instructions on how to treat others, but He also made it clear as to what actions we are to take when it comes to the brethren of like faith.

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,

in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence,

fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient (preserving) in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 

distributing to the needs of the saints, given (pursuing) to hospitality.”

(Romans 12:10-13 NKJV)

This is how it reads in the New Living Translation:

“Love each other with genuine affection (with brotherly love),

and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically (with a zealous spirit, excited to serve).  Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.”  (Romans 12:10-13 NLT)

My husband and I knew how God would have us care for these boys to men disciples in new ministry.  

"... that there should be no schism (division) in the body (of Christ),

but that the members (believers) should have the same care for one another." (1 Corinthians 12:25 NKJV)

What Do Texans Like?

We learned that the money from what they sold bought their meals while they were away from home.  At that point we offered to buy them lunch; whatever they wanted. 

A few resisted at first until I asked this question. “Do you know what the favor of God is?”  Toby said yes, but Tris just looked at me strangely.  Toby insisted … “Let her bless us!”

Deciding on where they wanted their food from we wrote down the orders and headed to Burger King.  Upon giving the order we were informed that they didn’t have what the boys wanted.

About then the cashier/checker asked,
“What do Texans like to eat?  

Hubby and I looked at each other then I responded to the girl.  "I don't know, we just feed them."

It was decided that he would go back across the street to get a re-order from the boys while I remained in BK out of the heat.  I felt a bit selfish but didn’t put up a fuss since I was so hungry, plus it was nice to be out of the hot weather.

Supplies for the Road

Waiting for my order I found a booth near the window so I could see my husband when he returned.  With nothing to do my mind began thinking about the situation.

At first I was a bit angry but then the Holy Spirit reminded me of something. Jesus sent out His disciples in the beginning of their ministry without money as a test of their faith.  He wasn’t trying to be cheap nor was there a shortage of funds to provide, but instead Jesus was measuring what was lacking in their faith in Him. 

"Night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith."  (from 1 Thessalonians 3:10)  

Christ wanted them to know that He would cause man to show them favor because of their stewardship to the call of winning souls. 

“And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” (Luke 22:35)

By the time they were seasoned in their training (after Jesus ascended to Heaven), people were selling land, businesses and homes in order to bring the money to the disciples so they could continue in their callings. 

 "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold (to the disciples)."  (Acts 4:34) 

They didn't ask people to do this, but the Holy Spirit led them to do so because the work of the cross was so important.  They weren't jealous of the disciples but took part in the work by giving.  Their call was to help send the disciples.

See as part of the body of Christ not everyone is called to "go" in the physical sense as in actually travelling.  However, all are sent to "go ye" in being a part of getting the good news out to the world. 

Some individuals are blessed with wealth to give or distribute, while others are called to the laboring aspect as in actually traveling.  There are times when the role is reversed and that's the way God planned it. 

The point is, we all have to grow in faith in order to grow in favor with God and man.  When we get this past our brain and down deep into our souls Jesus will give us the supplies we need to carry out the message of the cross – whatever way that may be.  

Receive the Blessing of Favor 

 "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity." (Philippians 4:10 NKJV)

In this letter to the Church, Paul realized the people of that particular congregation (all Saints in Christ Jesus) in Philippi didn't give into his ministry because they lacked the opportunity.  When that changed, they sowed into his work.  Lacking opportunity is quite different than plain lacking in something.

That Saturday in July God presented the opportunity for us to sow, and it provided a way for those young men to see God's faithfulness through His children.  These individuals ranging from ages 16-40 were at different levels in the program, but all experienced the favor of God from man.

Each one handled being blessed with favor quite differently.  One didn't want to accept it.  Another stood silently not knowing what to do, while another was excited and ordered a big meal.  Only one really embraced the concept of what was happening and let us bless him. 

The young man with understanding encouraged the others to receive the blessing.  Not allowing us to bless him, he would actually be stealing our blessing because God can't bless those who don't bless others.

Growing in Faith and Favor

The disciples learned to trust God by faith in meeting their needs.  When they did, they grew in favor with God and man lacking nothing.  If we trust the Lord to provide and follow in His footsteps, He promises to bless the work we do for the sake of the cross.

When Jesus is the reason for our work His favor will always be with and on us.  Our steps are blessed and He will make sure we lack nothing.

“For the Lord your God has blessed (favored) you in all the work of

your hand. He knows your trudging (goings) through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you;

you have lacked nothing.” (Deuteronomy 2:7 NKJV)

The Message of the Cross

As a believer in the Work of the Cross, you have probably learned by now there are many ways to “preach” the redemption gospel.  Selling handmade crosses was the approach these boys used to tell their story of coming to Christ. 

For those of you who haven’t come to accept Jesus, you can rewrite your history right now.  God’s gift of salvation favor (grace) is free, all you have to do is receive it by faith.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

(John 3:16)

Today if you put your trust in Christ; He promises to forgive and forget the past that you desperately want to leave behind.  You can do it by saying this prayer sentence by sentence.

Say the Sinners Prayer - Billy Graham

Friends, God won't always tell you to go feed the people who are selling things on the street, but if and when He does, do it.  By helping someone else's ministry your faith will grow, and God will cause man to show favor in your calling.

Remember, when God gives you the opportunity to share the message of the cross in witnessing (and He will) always …

Pray with others.

Sow favor and blessings.

Reap favor and blessings.

As Time Goes By ...

It had been several weeks since we visited Burger King and met the four young disciples for Christ.  They’re still receiving “Cross Favor” while out selling crosses across America, but something new has changed around here.

 

Jalapeño King burger at Burger King 

Texans were among the first to decide whether or not the new Burger King selections were tasty enough to give them a try throughout the worldwide fast food chain of restaurants. 

Evidently what Texans like to eat matters … the spicy hot Jalapeño Burger is now on our Burger King menu! 

Until next time, “Cross” favor is always on God’s menu!

“I favored you while on the cross.” 

- Jesus Christ

New This Week:

The Old Rugged Cross Wall Cross

Resin 9" tall wood look; gift boxed.

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, 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 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 credit:  Creative Common License if not specified.  Image 1   Image 2  Image 3  Image 4  Image 5   Image 6

News from Fay, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Witnessing, Cross Favor, Salvation, Billy Graham, Disciples of Jesus, The Cross, Texas

Dear Heavenly … zzz

“Hon … Hon, wake up.  Your dinner is here.”  Hubby said as he placed my plate on the computer table.  Laying his hand on my shoulder he began to pray over the meal. 

Lifting my head from the comfy gel pad that I use for my wrists, I sat up and stared at the food. Within seconds I became one of those bobble heads trying to stay awake.   (Sound familiar?  I know, we're been this route before right?)

Thinking all this was funny my husband sat down on the couch watching me wobble back and forth in the chair.  This time I put my elbow on the pad and used my hand to prop up my head.  It was so comfortable I decided to use both elbows as a crutch and nestled my head in the palms of my hands. 

With a smile on my face I fell fast asleep never hearing a word of the prayer. 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines; Trbovlje, Central Sava Statistical Region, Slovenia; Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India; Lecco, Lombardia, Italy; Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain; Bijlmer, Noord-Holland, Netherlands; Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana; Rehovot, Central District, Israel; Raworth, NSW, Australia; Hanoi, Hà Nội, Vietnam; Gent, Flemish Region, Belgium; Kikinda, Serbia.  

USA – Southside, AL; Taylor, AZ; Shady Grove, AR; Honolulu & Pearl City, HI; Glenola, NC; Madras, GA; Max Meadows, Harrisonburg & Wytheville, VA; Colfax & Bunker Hill, WV; Elizabethtown, Linglestown & Mountville, PA; Linwood, MN; Portage, IN; Smithtown, NY; Yucca Valley, CA; Portage, IN; Darboy, WI;Waller, TX; Port Ludlow, WA; Fort Payne, Rainsville & Verbena, AL; Collierville, Luttrell & Powder Springs, TN. 

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

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).

Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.

Dear Heavenly …zzz 

Have you ever had a difficult time staying awake through prayer? How many times have you barely gotten past “Dear Heavenly Father” before you’re already in dreamland? 

I remember talking to one of the deacons in our church about falling asleep when I prayed at night.  He was quite encouraging in helping me to realize that this isn’t something unique to me.  

Although he didn’t recommend I make a practice of it, he said, “At least you went to sleep talking to the Lord.”  That was kind of cool for a teenager to hear from someone I deemed as “religious”.  

The problem though didn’t stop with me dozing off during my own prayers.  Oh no, I was no respecter of persons when I fell asleep during prayer. 

Shall We Pray 

I loved our pastor, as a teen he was the only person who preached that I could really make sense out of what he said.  He wasn’t boring and was down to earth in his messages. There was one big problem though, well, not for me I thought.   

For most of the congregation, the compassionate Shepherd in our church touched the hearts of the sheep he led, but was long winded when it came to his prayers.  I remember some of the elders discussing the matter over the years.  However for me, I welcomed the times when he would lead us into the throne room of God. 

You see whether we were standing or seated, pastoral prayer meant a time for me to snooze.  Hearing the words, “shall we pray” was music to my ears and a legitimate reason to close my eyes.  

Falling asleep wasn’t a sin to me because I saw lots of people doing it including the deacons, and the pastor never said a word about it. There probably wasn’t a single time when my Dad didn’t fall asleep in church (that is when he attended). Mom would elbow him in the side to wake him and he would sit up as if nothing happened.   

Years later I can recall a time when another pastor was honoring veterans.  One elderly gentleman was sitting in the front row of the sanctuary and came especially for that service.  From the pulpit the pastor said,  

“I’d like to honor a certain WW2 veteran visiting with us today,

but can’t because he’s asleep and I don’t want to wake him.” 

Sleeping was something I patterned from what I observed from “godly” people.  So catching a few winks really wasn’t that big of a deal to God if the representatives of His Kingdom were active participants in this behavior. 

10 Tricks of Church Sleepers

Although the title for this section was meant to be taken as tongue in cheek, things happen in church that sometimes are funny. 

How many times have you seen a faithful soul drop a Bible or hymnbook on the floor because it slid off their lap while they dozed?  I can’t tell you how many people I’ve witnessed hitting their heads on a pew, because they fell sideways when falling asleep during prayer. 

For the record, most people don’t set out to fall asleep during a church service or in prayer, but often find it difficult to stay awake when closing your eyes is expected.  Some have become extremely talented and gifted at the craft of inappropriate sleeping. 

It’s not that hard to become a good church and prayer sleeper really.  Snorting and snoring is a clear give away, but people become quite cleaver when it comes to awkward incidences concerning sleeping in church.   

I haven’t participated in most of these practices, but have heard them told from qualified sources of the trade.  I’m not advocating any of these, but here are a few that you might think twice about doing now that they are revealed!   

1 – Pretending to take notes with your head down is an easy one.   

2 – While seated, bend forward to pick up something off the floor but take your time in doing it. 

3 – Lean forward and place elbows on knees with head in your hands. 

4 – Lean forward resting your arms on the pew in front of you with head lowered as if listening.  

5 – Lean forward resting your head on the pew in front of you looking toward the floor. 

6 – Put your arm around your spouse with heads touching as if praying in agreement.  (This one looks serious.  Who would question it?) 

7 – Browse through your purse looking down.  This will take a while for some.  Be sure to capture that mint at the bottom or at least come up with a tissue, it will make it look as if you were on a mission. 

8 – Keep your sunglasses on during the service. 

9 – Sit still and stare at the pastor.  Sleeping with your eyes open is a real talent wouldn’t you say?  I can’t do it, but have watched it being done. 

10 – With eyes closed, rub your forehead like you have a headache.  

I became so good at falling asleep through prayer that even when the pastor (or anyone else for that matter who was praying) said “Amen”, I would raise my head slowly as if I was finishing up on my own prayers and nobody thought differently.  That is until one day … it happened! 

My Little Secret 

As an adult I’ve learned to fellowship with all denominations even though I am a practicing non-denominationalist unlike my youth days.  I grew up attending a traditional Baptist church, and when the pastor prayed people were very still and there wasn’t any hand raising or shouting “Amen” brother.  If your hand happened to float upward in the air, you better have a question for the pastor. 

When the pastor prayed the sanctuary was silent with only his voice resounding through the great room.  If a child began to stir they were removed as quickly and quietly as possible so the congregation wouldn’t be distracted.  We were an obedient group of people. 

Staying awake during the service wasn’t usually an issue, but come prayer time this young Baptist girl needed to be a shouting, hand raising Pentecostal inside not to venture into lala land. 

One particular Sunday evening I was really tired for some reason.  I did whatever I could to stay awake, and sitting next to my mother made it a real effort indeed.   

I had been working on getting better at staying awake during prayer.  Of course no one knew my little secret.  After all it wasn’t hurting anyone right? 

By now I was teaching Sunday School and the Holy Spirit was working on my behavior as a leader to the little third graders I taught. What kind of example would I be if even their teacher fell asleep during the service? 

While taking notes (I really was and still do in each service) I dozed off … I mean really fell asleep dream and all.  How this got by my Mom somehow I can’t fathom, because she never missed a thing I did.  

I woke up startled and nearly bounced out of the pew as my body was flung forward in panic.  In a scream of horror I shouted, “AHHHH!”  Why couldn’t it have been an “aha” moment with words like Hallelujah, praise God or something religious at least, then everyone would have been thrilled I got the point of the message? 

Mom did a zip head turn and gave me that church look nobody wants to see.  It was like the domino effect with a chain reaction of faces zooming in on me to see what happened.  I was so embarrassed watching some of the people around me trying not to laugh, while the others looked on with disapproval. 

How I escaped getting into trouble that day is beyond me, but my mother never said anything.  Now everyone knew my “little” secret, because I had openly displayed it so well.  Sitting almost mid-center of the church I suppose she felt the sudden outburst that drew everyone’s attention was enough punishment. 

Among Disciples 

This subject was preying on my mind all week; not that it was bugging me about others, but because of me.  Sleeping in church thankfully is a behavior the Lord has helped me curtail, but at times I still find myself struggling with it in my private prayer life.   

I’m not picking on those who have slept during sermons or during their time in fellowship with God in prayer.  Many people blame it on the message saying they’re boring or too long, but what about when you’re home and fall asleep while studying the Word or praying?  That would make you the bore wouldn’t it? 

There are tons of reasons why this happens and I won’t go into those now, but some are valid and others not so much.  Not enough sleep, work or health related issues, emergencies, etc. are reasons why we tend to fall asleep at the most inappropriate times. Let’s suffice it to say, no one is exempt when it comes to being attentive all the time. 

The truth is falling asleep during prayer isn’t something new for believers.  If you’ve done this I’d like to tell you that you’re one of the crowd when it comes to falling asleep on God.  I’ve even heard of a pastor who fell asleep while standing and dropped his hymnal in front of the congregation.  

As a matter of fact, you are among many Disciples of Christ who have fallen asleep on the Master.  At a critical point in the life of Jesus, He asked disciples Peter, James and John if they would watch and pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26) 

How could they possibly fall asleep on Jesus Himself?  Who knows all the details, but we know this … they did and not just once! 

Can’t you picture Paul’s face when he was preaching and a man in the balcony fell asleep plunging to his death during the service?  Thankfully due to his own personal prayer life, the anointing of the Holy Spirit was on Paul and the story has a good ending. 

“Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, ‘he’s alive!’ Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord’s Supper, and ate together. Paul continued talking to them until dawn, and then he left. Meanwhile, the young man was taken home alive and well …”  (Acts 20:10-12a NLT)

I expect Eutychus didn’t fall asleep during any sermon or prayer after that day. (from Acts 20:7-12)   

Our Faith, God’s Favor 

When Jesus asked the disciples to stay awake to pray, He was asking for them to pray in agreement through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  The Lord’s faith was strong enough to see Him through, but Jesus was trying to teach them several things.  One of them was that together the power of God was multiplied because their faith supported one another as a strong cord.

“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV) 

Our prayers of faith are weapons of warfare that enable us to fight spiritual battles in the heavens.  We don’t think of it, but falling asleep during prayer is a battle the devil wants us to lose.  If we don’t stay in favor with God, prayers won’t get answered and our faith walk is destroyed.

Staying awake keeps our minds focused on the right things, therefore, the stronghold of sin is brought into captivity.  Falling asleep may not necessarily be a sin, but it is rude and destructive to a believer.

^“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,  and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

(2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV)

My husband reminded me of a verse that he thought of when we discussed sleeping in church.  James 5 states that the prayers of the saints have tremendous power available to them.  It is effectual through the power given to us by the Holy Spirit, which is part of the grace/favor benefits we received upon salvation.   

It was Paul’s faith mixed with the Holy Spirit’s power that produced favor on that man’s (Eutychus) life.  The Amplified Bible says it like this: 

“The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God - it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. (James 5:16b AMP) 

Unless we spend time in prayer on a regular basis we will not receive such an anointing like Paul or others of faith have experienced, because our faith just isn’t on level with the favor God wants to give.  I think that’s a pretty good reason to make an effort of staying awake in times of worship and prayer. 

There’s much power in prayer. God knows it, satan knows it … do you? 

This Week’s Challenge:

Staying Awake During Prayer 

When my husband and I discussed this topic he admitted his knees went out from him one time while standing during prayer.  He had fallen asleep and they hit the pew in front of him making a bang.  See, you never know everything about your spouse. 

Rounding out our prayer segment I felt that this may be something others are having difficulty with, and so I didn’t want to leave the subject without at least touching on it. 

This week when I fell asleep on hubby it was because I had suffered from heat exhaustion and was still feeling the results of it.  Even so, there are things I do now to help me remain awake during prayer whether I’m out or at home spending time alone with the Lord. 

Our challenge this week is to try these 10 things to stay awake during prayer or church services.  If you know someone with this problem, instead of judging them, try helping by sharing these tips. 

Ten Things to Help Stay Awake During Prayer & Church 

1 - It may be obvious, but getting a good night’s sleep can help us avoid falling asleep during prayer or in church.

2 - Try moving around more if possible.  Become more active during the song service by moving your arms or legs for stimulation. 

3 - Put a piece of candy or gum in your mouth.  The movement of chewing gum will help you stay awake. 

4 - Offer to have a child sit with you during the service. Parents with several young ones welcome this act of kindness.  No one dare close their eyes when watching someone else’s loved one. 

5 - Participate in the service as an usher or sanctuary server/guide.  If you’re standing you probably won’t fall asleep, well maybe. 

6 - Be active in the choir or special services in the church.  Even though these are for a short time during the service, it is enough activity to keep you alert for the rest of the service. 

7 - Pray over your mind that it is receptive to receive what God is revealing to you through His servant before any service.   

8 - Actually take notes and jot down phrases that speak to your spirit. 

9 - Bring a “real” bible to church and turn to each passage.  Physically following along with the passages will help you stay alert. 

10 – If you find yourself falling asleep on the Lord at home, stand up and walk around the area while remaining in prayer.  Getting out of bed shows God that He is your “Dear Heavenly Father” and what He says matters to you. 

By developing a different mindset you will find that your prayer life will be more fulfilling, powerful and effective.   

One more thing before you leave …

Remember when I fell asleep at the computer?  Well, I didn’t realize that something or someone (not mentioning the kitty) hit certain keys that froze the computer.  Hubby had to do a total restore … so leaving him to it I retreated to the bedroom to pray before falling asleep!  Thanks honey.

The Power of a Prayer by Matthew West

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, remember that Holy Spirit favor is powerful! 

“Favor is distributed through my Spirit.”

Jesus Christ 

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

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

When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.

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

What’s New This Week: Click on the photo or link.

When Gods People Pray

Six Sessions on the Transforming Power of Prayer

by Jim Cymbala

Good for personal or small group study. 

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

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

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 

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

Scripture references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted. 

Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.

Image:  Lady Asleep at Computer   Man Sleeping in Church   Mr. Bean Sleeping in Church   Snoring in Church Eutychus in Church

Challenge, Daily Favor Blog, Daily Favor Prayer, Dear Heavenly Father, Falling Asleep in Church, Favored1, Jim Cymbala, Matthew West, Prayer, Sleeping in Church, Disciples of Jesus, Hubby, Snoring