I love to be outside just about any time of the day (or
night for that matter). Besides flying
insects, not much can keep me from enjoying daily meals, tea breaks and times
with God out at our picnic table or on the swing. There is however, something that can prevent
me from spending an enormous amount of time in my garden like yard and that it
the hot sun!
Thankfully, we have a wonderful set of trees that blanket
the area where we like to sit throughout the day that keeps the burning rays
off us. Their long branches coupled with
the massive trumpet vines cascading along the fence, provide the protection we
need all day long. That is, until early
spring this year when a tornadic activity came through and ripped out several
of the trees. Now there is a giant gap
between the trees and that much needed shield from the elements is sadly gone.
My husband and I loved having those trees in the yard
because they provided a shield from the sun.
We sat under the canopy of branches that stretched out over the entire
back area giving us a break from the intense heat. Without those precious trees the pleasure of
fellowshipping under the skimpy canopy that remains is not the same.
Thinking about what those trees provided for us reminded
me of one of my favorite verses I claim in prayer daily from the book of Psalm. I am pretty sure you know which passage I am
referring to as it is one that I have taught on so many times here on Daily
Favor. The latest was early this summer in the teaching Surrounded by His Favor Shield.
“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With
favor You will surround him/her as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12
NKJV)
When I think of what a shield offers or provides and how
it is used, the word protection or covering from harm pops into my head just
like those trees did for us. No matter
where we sat in the back yard the shade from the branches wrapped around the
area and surrounded us with a coolness that was only available when we were
under it.
If we walked away from the canopy of branches area,
the protective shaded covering was immediately gone.
The comfort from the shade was only available while we stayed under the
radius of the canopy over us.
That scenario is the same for those who belong to
Christ. Each new morning the Lord has
already set His mercy in motion for us.
His blessing on the righteous falls under the favor covering as kindness
and joy unfolds throughout the day.
"Lord, how wonderfully you bless the
righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your
canopy of kindness and joy.” (Psalm 5:12 TPT)
We have a canopy of favor (umbrella covering) as children of the
Lord. When we use any umbrella in the natural realm, it is to keep something
off us, such as the rain or sun. It is a source of protection from harmful
elements. The umbrella opens like a canopy to shield us from the conditions
around us. It does not stop it from raining or keep the sun from shining,
but prevents the outside conditions from touching us directly.
There are even times when the rain will get you wet from the wind. The
canopy umbrella is a shield only and does not change what is happening in the
world. It will however provide a shelter, a safe place from
it.
I want you to think of this example and apply it deeply
into your thoughts. The next time you
are under the shade of a tree or raise an umbrella, remember that God’s shield
is already in place for you if you stay under it. His canopy of protection is always there for
those who stay in fellowship with Him.
Step outside that boundary and the shield is no longer effective.
Study God’s word and stay close to the Lord as He
fulfills each promise of hope. His hand is open to give you the desires of your
heart. Daily spend time in fellowship thanking Him for the blessing
of His favor that covers you like an umbrella and loving canopy shielding you
continually.
Although my trees are not there to cover me any longer, I have a greater covering source that even the harshest storms of life cannot destroy – the mighty hand of God’s Canopy of Favor.
“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to
anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are
over all His works.
All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints
shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your Kingdom, and talk
of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the
glorious majesty of His Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion
endures throughout all generations. The
Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and
You give them their food in due season.
You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living
thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all
His works.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." (Psalm 145:16-18 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.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on 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. ImageCreative Common License if not specified.
I’ve got good news for you … the message from the
scriptures that was given thousands of years ago is still being given
today! That’s right, and do you know
why? It’s because the covenant blessings
of God are still in effect.
The good news is that God’s mercy and favor never end!
“Sing to the LORD, all you godly
ones! Praise His Holy name. For His anger lasts only a
moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! (Psalm 30:4 NLT)
Ahhh, but there’s also bad news … His blessings will
cease for those who break covenant and fellowship with Him. That doesn’t sound very “promising” does
it?Of course not, and that’s why I have
another message to deliver. There is a promise of hope to
all who would adhere to the words of the Lord.
As long as the earth remains God will send people to
spread the message of repentance of sin through salvation. He will
always have messengers of hope because He is a loving, merciful, longsuffering
God who longs to bless people with the benefits that come with favoring Him
over all people, places or things.
Those who walk away from His blessings are literally
asking God to correct, punish and discipline them because they love remaining
in their sin. The message I want to share today is that from before
you were born God’s plans were to give you a peaceful life void of evil and a
great future full of hope. There is only one thing standing in the
way of that promise and blessing – sin.
“For I know the thoughts that I
think toward you, says the LORD. Thoughts of peace and not of evil,
to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and
find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
God promises that
if any person has a desire to know and walk in a loyal relationship of
fellowship with Him, He will give them a heart to know Him. He will reveal
Himself to that person and be in favored covenant with them. (Jeremiah
24:7)
If we compare this to our current circumstances, how many
have lost their lives recently because of sickness or persecution, and are even
questioning their own faith because they’re looking at the world and not to a
Savior? There is great sin happening and God isn’t oblivious to
it.
Like in the days of Jeremiah the Old Testament prophet,
we are witnessing the destruction of people and nations fall right before our
eyes. Civilizations have turned from God and seek after evil,
looking for ways to harm, kill and destroy anyone and anything in their path
not realizing that they are being led by satan himself.
“A thief has only one thing
(malicious intent) in mind – he wants to steal, slaughter (kill) and destroy
(you). But I (Jesus) have come to give you everything in abundance,
more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow (with
blessings). (John 10:10 TPT emphasis mine)
Judgment will come to those who do not seek God’s grace
(favor) in forgiveness and
repent (turn from their sin). This isn’t what God wants; remember He also said
something else.It involves good things,
and who couldn’t use some goodness in their lives about now?
Oh, and I have not forgotten the rest of the message God
gave to Jeremiah … the message of hope.
If you are doing destructive behavior or causing harm in
any way, it isn't God giving you direction or of Him. You are being
deceived by the enemy who wants to destroy the good plans God has for
you. Plans to give you a peaceful future and a good life. (Jeremiah
29:11)
Regardless of what’s happening in your life right now or
what you have done, look to the only friend that will not turn His back on you
– Jesus Christ. Through His covenant of salvation, He will be with
you and provide the strength to fight any situation so that you will not
fail.
God’s Son, Jesus, will save, deliver and be with you
always until the end. This is His covenant promise of blessing and favor
to those who share the gospel message of repentance with boldness.
"Go, therefore and make
disciples of the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe (obey) all the things
I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)
This is a covenant between "true friends" that
God honors. It’s His blessing promise of favor and the hope found
only in the benefits of walking in close fellowship with Him.For me, this isn’t only the best message for
today, it’s the best message ever!
Until next time, walk in
covenant favor today and everyday!
“Covenant fellowship has benefits
of favor.” - Jesus Christ
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used
as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual
awareness.
Book Pick of the Week: Click
on link below.
Walking with God by Dr. Charles Stanley
(Imitation Leather)
Get it on Amazon or Christian Book
Have you subscribed to Daily Favor? See the links in the
sidebar.
If this article has encouraged or helped you share it by
using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.
Follow Favored1 on Facebook, 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.
Scripture reference was
taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Hub.
*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.
Image credit: Promises/Covenant Google Images and Quotes are Creative Common
License if not specified.
Labels: Daily Favor Blog,
Favored1, Favor, Weekly Challenge, The Benefits of Walking with God, Covenant,
Promises of God, Fellowship, Obedience, Jeremiah, Strength, Hope, Prayer,
Protection, Repent, Forgiveness, Friendship, Salvation, Sin, Deliverance, Bible
Study, Bible Series, Study in Jeremiah, Teaching Series, Victory, Fear, Vision,
Messenger, Prophet, Faith, Covenant Blessed in Walking with God
Note: Covenant Blessed with Favor in
Walking with God. Join us for a lesson of faith in the book of Jeremiah as he
walks out God’s vision and call on his life.
We took a break from our teaching on the covenant benefits of
walking with God for a holiday post, but now we’re back on course.Although we’ve stayed on topic, I’d like to
backtrack and pick up from the beginning lesson.
First, we briefly covered that there are many types of covenants - agreements between two or more parties, and they aren't all necessarily good ones. Rules or laws are agreed upon between individuals who are involved in the making of a covenant. If broken the benefits are no longer binding, and in some cases the breaking of the covenant may result in consequences. We'll look at an illustration of that in this teaching.
I also described how it is to our benefit that we learn more about what a covenant between God and man looks like through some examples given to us in the Bible. These individuals walked in the favor blessings promises because by faith they obeyed the laws or "rules" of the agreement.
Our first case led us to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah and his story which I titled, "The Messenger of Hell or Hope" based on what God told him to tell the people. Let's continue with a few more who asked for and received favor from the Lord.
1 – Jeremiah (the weeping prophet) we learned about last time, so let's move to the rest of the lesson.
Next, we're going to take a quick look at what was happening in the life of an earthly country and how its leadership needed a major act of mercy in order to survive.
2
– King Jehoahaz of Israel asked for favor concerning the oppressive behavior
from the King of Syria and the LORD listened.
“Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened
to him (granted his request), for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king
of Syria oppressed them.” (2 Kings 13:4 ESV).
A
little background info on Jehoahaz tells us that he was the eleventh king over
the nation of Israel, and his Hebrew name means Yahweh has held. As a ruler He allowed false God’s to be
worshipped and the people fell away from the LORD. (See 2 Kings 10:34-13:1 for more on his
reign.)
From
the beginning of their formation, Israel has always been a praying nation.When Israel was about to be overtaken the king quickly repented before God for breaking the covenant by
allowing idols, false teaching and satanic worship to enter into the kingdom causing them to fall into captivity.
Jehoahaz
asked for God to show them mercy and be gracious, restoring the covenant He
made with their forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by sending a deliverer.
God answered a cry of distress and sent help and spiritual blessings. (2 Kings 13:1-9)
Exactly
who was identified as the “deliverer” is in question, but all agree it was the
Lord who saved them when they repented and turned from their wicked ways. (2
Kings 13-14) We know that a final Savior and Deliverer was sent - Jesus, but this was before He came to earth.
Instead
of giving up Jehoahaz pressed in, calling on God to move on behalf of the
people.When he realized his own sin
added to the problem in his kingdom, Jehoahaz repented and pleaded for God to
intercede with favor for Israel.
It
is encouraging how God showed us that even when we have forsaken His covenant,
He is willing to restore it if we return to Him and repent of our sinful
ways.Forgiveness is always available,
even for entire nations.
Let
me ask you something … what is holding you back from being all God wants you to
be?Is fear or being oppressed part of
it?Who are you calling on for help, man,
false gods or God?
Nope,
Not Gonna Do It
Now
we’ll take a glimpse into the life of a trail blazer who God gave a tremendous
task to in leading over a million people on a journey.Frankly, Moses didn’t want to deal with a bunch
of whiny, cranky, disobedient, complaining, ungrateful people for who knows how
long.He’s retirement age at eighty
years old, has a nice comfy farm with a loving wife and now God wants him to
start another career!
We
think we have problems with our kids when they don’t obey and get mouthy, can
you picture being bombarded with a zillion questions, problems and unruly
adults along with their offspring swarming around you at the same time all
wanting answers NOW!No wonder Moses ran
double speed to the Lord in seeking help.
In
my sanctified imagination …
Moses got right to the point and wasn’t afraid to
be blunt in saying,
“Look I’ll go, but who are You going to send with me to
accomplish this?
If You don’t send me
someone, I’m not Your man!”
Or like the
former president George H.W. Bush once said,
“Nope,
not gonna do it!It wouldn’t be prudent
at this juncture.”
When
he gave them a command all they did was complain or disobey.Finally, Moses knew that if he was to finish
the assignment God would have to show Him how through His favor.
3
- When Moses faced overwhelming challenges leading a million plus Israelites
out of Egypt, he prayed for grace and favor in the sight of the LORD.His desire was that God would show him His
ways so that their relationship would grow closer.It wasn’t about gaining favor, but improving
their fellowship so he would gain wisdom in knowing what to do. Take a look at the
conversation he had with Jehovah.
“Moses said to the Lord, see, You say to me, bring up this people,
but You have not let me know whom You will send with me.Yet You said, I know you by name and you have
also found favor in My sight.(God telling
Moses that he has His favor, blessing and provision for the assignment.)
Now therefore, I pray You (Moses speaking to the Lord), if I have
found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You
(progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You,
perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly) and
that I may find favor in Your sight.And
(Lord, do) consider that this nation is Your people.
And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give
you rest.” (Exodus 33:12-14 AMP)
God
not only made a way, He was with Moses every step of the journey. Jehovah showed
mercy, favor, goodness and extended compassion when Moses needed a little extra
TLC (tender loving care) during troubles or frustrating periods.Who couldn’t use that?
“So
the LORD said to Moses, I will also do this thing that you have spoken (asked);
for you have found favor (grace) in My sight, and I know you by name.
Moses
said, “Please show me Your glory.”
Then
God said, I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the
name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and
I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (verses 17-19)
Like
Moses, the current situation of the world over the pandemic, economy, religion
and politics certainly are causing each of us to face challenges we never
thought we would encounter.If we are to
get through this, we cannot do it alone and definitely must have God’s favor in
showing us how.
What
challenges have you been dealing with that are so overwhelming you cannot find
a way out of them?Have you sought after
God’s grace for guidance, having a desire to know Him and His ways?
Hopelessly
Devoted to Yeshua
Lastly,
let’s take a look at Solomon who wasn’t just a king, but a “prophet” and the
wisest man that ever lived according to scriptures.His name means peaceful friend of God.That pretty much describes the favor on His
life doesn’t it?
Despite
being the builder, author, wisest and richest man who should have known better
in doing some of the things he did, King David’s son Solomon did his share of
falling away from the Lord. Following the steps of his father, he repeatedly
found his way back to the prayer altar to repent.
You
might think that having all that knowledge would keep a person from sinning,
but that would be false. Being hopelessly devoted to His God wasn't exactly a priority at times.
First Kings
chapter 11 reveals that Solomon had hundreds of “royal” wives (700 princesses plus
300 concubines whose main purpose was to produce heirs without all the perks of
being a wife), despite God forbidding intermarriage between certain nations
because they would ruin his relationship with Him out of unbelief.
Solomon
didn’t listen and in his lust for women he allowed them to bring their false
gods and practices into his kingdom. Why do you think he spoke out so much on the topic of being led astray in the book of Proverbs? He wrote from experience to warn future generations.
Solomon fell into idolatry through marrying outside his faith.He wasn’t “hopelessly devoted” to Yeshua –
his Savior, Rescuer and Deliverer as his father King David.
Even
though Solomon did repent, his disobedience to God had major consequences.Sadly, turning his back on God ultimately led
to the division of the kingdom under the reign of his son Rehoboam, that would
never be reunited even to this day.In
fact, Solomon’s sins caused Israel to lose its favored royalty status, leaving him as
the last king of the unified nation with his son never being accepted by the people as their ruler.
Having
developed a close relationship with the Lord after having fallen from God’s
grace, Solomon offers advice in hearing from God and seeking His wisdom
(counsel) for favor.
“Blessed is the man who listens to me (God’s wisdom),
watching daily at my (wisdom’s) gates.
Waiting at the posts of my (wisdom’s) doors.
For whoever finds me (God’s wisdom) finds life,
And obtains favor from the LORD;
But he who sins against me (wisdom) wrongs his own soul;
All those who hate me (wisdom) love death.”
(Proverbs 8:34-36 NKJV)
Walking out all his ungodly fantasies and desires, Solomon learned that when he
didn’t listen to the instruction of God, he violated the covenant and broke off
relations with Him.Basically, he chucked
favor out the window for a few good times.
Sinning
against God is actually sinning against yourself, because it destroys the
relationship and covenantpromises that were once given.Not walking in wisdom will shorten your life
and that’s exactly what happened with Solomon who died at barely the age of
sixty, half the age of Moses!
Now
how did all that wealth benefit his life in the end? Solomon was wealthy because God kept His promise to His Word despite Solomon's behavior. It was based on the original unselfish prayer request for wisdom in ruling the nation at the beginning of his reign when he was about fifteen - twenty years old (the age depending on discrepancies between scholars).
Favor on a life isn’t about gaining wealth but being blessed by walking closely with God, who out of that devoted relationship
extends favor being pleased in the covenant fellowship.
It’s
About Relationship
What
we learn from these examples of covenant relationship is that those who listen
to God and seek His ways not only grow in relationship with Him, but that He will
grant wisdom to discern every situation we might face.In seeking Him the promise from the covenant
here is that we will, not might, obtain (receive) favor.It’s a sure thing.
Let
me make this clear, those who reject the wisdom of God running only to the Lord
for His favor to bail them out of a situation, they cannot expect to be
rewarded for their selfishness.
Instead
those who do so will receive evil, because their sin remains when they do not
repent or have the desire to seek good.
“He who earnestly seeks good finds favor,
but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.” (Proverbs 11:27 NKJV)
Having
the will to return to God’s favor isn’t about getting more stuff from Him, but
it is His reward to those who diligently seek a relationship with Him.
King David knew that kind of relationship
with God and his hope was always in the Lord, not those around him or his
situation.He regularly prayed for God
to show him favor because the LORD promised it to him, and to all who are
His.
Only
those who are heirs to the promises of God through salvation receive the covenant
favor of God.It’s a gift given to
believer’s (those who believe and accepted Jesus as God’s Son) by Jesus through
the power of the Holy Spirit.You cannot
earn it, buy it or receive it any other way.
It
is by the Righteousness of Jesus through His shed blood for the forgiveness of
sins that we become the children of God, thus making us heirs to the favor
promises through covenant relationship.
“But as many as received Him, to them (those who believed) He gave
the right (authority) to become children of God, to those who believe in His
name.” (Read John 1:12)
As
we look back on the blessings of being in covenant favor with God, let us be
thankful that it has been extended to anyone who will believe in Jesus, God’s
Son.
This Week's
Prayer Challenge:
Pray for Wisdom in Returning to God's Favor
Jeremiah sought the Lord for his life to be spared and Moses needed tremendous help in handling an enormous amount of people with all their problems.Finally, even kings humbled themselves before
the Lord by reaching out for God’s hand of mercy as we learned Solomon did when
he asked for wisdom in decision making and Jehoahaz concerning oppression.
We have hardly scratched the surface of covenant relationships. These were only a few
cases that are mentioned in the Bible where God’s covenant blessings were given
through His mercy and favor. I selected
them to demonstrate how God hears the plea of His children of covenant regardless of their background, and
gives favor to those who seek it for unselfish reasons.
What these individuals in common
is prayer, repentance and the desire to remain in fellowship with their
Creator.They all sinned, fell away from
God, walked in their own abilities and failed in some way, but they didn’t
remain in their sin.
God’s promises are for
everyone who will believe and obey His Word through the salvation covenant in Jesus Christ.You don’t have to be a prophet, king or head
of a large group … you only have to be a faithful child of His through covenant.
Taking heed to the words of another prophet, Isaiah, pray for wisdom in returning to God and be blessed in His covenant favor.
“I will recount the LORD’s faithful acts (loving
deeds);
I will sing the LORD’s praises, because of all the
LORD did for us
(you and me).
For God’s great favor toward the house of Israel
(and those grafted in through salvation).
God treated them compassionately (according to His
mercy)
and with deep affection (with loving deeds).
God said, Truly, they are My people, children who
won’t do what is wrong, God became their Savior.” (Isaiah 63:7 CEB emphasis
mine)
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.
Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible
Hub.
*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.
Image
credit: ImageImageImageImageGoogle
Images and Quotes are Creative Common License if not specified.
Growing
up I always wanted a “true blue” best friend. That person is
unwavering, reliable, loyal and who stays committed through thick or thin.
You
know the kind of friend that you can tell everything to, who always agrees with
you, and is forever on your side no matter what the situation. Well … that
never happened – the perfect friendship so to speak.
Sure,
I had lots of friends (and still do), a few good buds and even a
best-bestie "bff". However, over the years they changed for some reason or
another, drifting in and out of my life.
Sometimes
it was them, other times it was me. Most often it was merely life’s
circumstances that altered the relationships I had throughout the
years. For a while I started getting a complex when people moved and
never told me! After three or four times you start to wonder,
right? Hmmm … was it really me?
Anyway,
not one of them stayed close or ever agreed with everything I said or did,
except for my life partner hubby. He doesn’t go along with me 100%
of the time, although he pretty much does for the most part as I do with
him.
It may be disheartening, but it's true for the majority of people. Basically, friendships change, usually due to circumstances, values or beliefs.
No,
there’s only one individual that has walked with me even in times when He
hasn’t agreed with my decisions. That person is Jesus Christ, and our relationship began after I chose to take Him as my Lord and Savior. In prayer I confessed my sin and repented asking for His forgiveness.
I didn't know a lick about blessings, covenants or favor for that matter. All I knew is that I didn't want to go to hell and be apart from God forever.
Admitting
you’re a sinner isn’t easy, but the reality of it is eye opening and causes you
to want to live a more peaceful life. Since then, the benefits of
walking with God have increased as I’ve learned about covenant blessings, He
made to those who want to fellowship with Him. It’s pretty amazing!
If
you are not familiar with what a covenant is, it’s basically an agreement
between two parties, individuals or groups of people. There are all
kinds of covenants – both good and bad, depending on the terms of agreement(s)
or oaths made during the time of its origin.
Most
think of it as a contract of sorts like in signing something for financial
purposes, where there is an agreement of lending money for a certain item.
In some way that’s correct, only with God it’s much more!
It
is to our benefit that we learn about the Word of God through Godly examples who
actually made His promises part of their lives. They faithfully
(obediently) lived what they learned and walked in the favor blessings promised
to those who believe.
You
see, God loves us so much that it is His desire to show mercy and favor on those
who put their hope, trust and faith in Him no matter the
situation. He even invites us to seek His face so that we can
receive such favor through His covenant blessings.
The
Bible describes several individuals who did exactly that, and God granted each
of their requests. Let me show you what I mean where covenants of
favor were given and how (or if) they relate to us today.
Jeremiah
the Messenger of Hell or Hope
Jeremiah
was a prophet of God in the Old Testament scriptures of the
Bible. He tells of a time when he was about to lose his life for
preaching the truth about sinful lifestyles. The entire situation
didn’t look good for the nation – truth is … much like what we’re facing today!
From
the time he was born, Jeremiah was set apart by God to deliver a message to
Judah. It wasn’t one that would be easy to deliver, and would
include a strong warning against the behavior of the nation.
This
is what Jehovah said to him: “Behold, I have
put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and
over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down,
to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
Jeremiah
grew up during a time when God’s covenant was being restored under King
Solomon. He witnessed the tearing down of pagan houses of worship,
large altars, pillars, statues and images that exalted false gods over the true
God, Jehovah.
Does
any of this sound familiar in comparison to what is happening in our society
today? What have you been witnessing in your neighborhood, city and
nation?
As
he grew in favor, for a time there was a revival of faith and turning back to
the Lord through Jeremiah’s preaching about the covenant of
God. However, through the changes of rulers over the years, the
people turned away from the Lord as in the past continually doing evil and
worshipping false gods.
This man of God knew his message would not be received with open arms of affection, but could possibly cost him his life. What the Lord revealed to Jeremiah would tearfully burn in his heart as he prayed daily, and until the time came to deliver the message to the people.
Sometimes
God will ask us to do hard things, and such was the case with Jeremiah. The
difference here is that the prophet had a covenant promise that would see him
through every obstacle he would encounter.
It
was the Lord who chose Jeremiah to warn the nation to repent of their wicked
acts of sin in order to avoid a judgment that would surely come upon the entire
nation. The people had broken their covenant with God and persisted in
their sins committing unlawful acts, unkindness, lewd behavior. They were prideful in the
way they oppressed or persecuted foreigners, widows, children and the humble.
If
they did not repent of their sins, God was explicit in saying what would
happen. His blessings and hand of favor would be lifted off them and
their land. They would face famine, starvation, looting and their
entire nation would be destroyed by invaders. Their life would be a "living hell" that would lead to an eternal life in hell and apart from Him forever!
Are
we not seeing history being repeated? Hasn’t God given us warning of
a coming disaster if we do not turn back to Him?
The
people did not repent as God said, so destruction came upon those who walked
away from their relationship with the Lord. As in the days of
Jeremiah, we too are witnessing the destruction of nations and are under siege
of evil where believers are persecuted for preaching the message of salvation,
repentance and doing good.
By
now Jeremiah was sought out as a criminal even among ungodly priests who wanted
him beaten and thrown into prison. Through pressure the king
approved of the arrest for his spreading news of an impending disaster over the
people and land.
Upon
his apprehension they lowered Jeremiah into the bottom of a muddy cistern with
the intent that he would starve to death. When word got out about
what happened, another court official pleaded with the king for permission to
rescue the prophet.
There
Is Hope
There
was another message that God instructed Jeremiah to deliver. It was
a promise of hope to all who would adhere to his words from the Lord.
Even
in the bottom of a pit the words God spoke to Jeremiah remained in his
heart. He remembered the promise of God to save, deliver and be with
him to finish the task, and boldly speak out without being afraid of the people
coming against him. God gave him the strength needed to withstand
the persecution and a promise that he would not fail.
“I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they
will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with
you to save you and deliver you.” (Jeremiah 15:20-21)
The
message God spoke through Jeremiah is the same that is being spoken to those
who still believe and walk in the covenant blessings of God – repent and return
to God! Judgement is coming but there is still hope!
Scriptures
tell us that no one escapes punishment of sin. The payment for
breaking laws has a penalty called death; it could be physical, spiritual or
both.
“For the wages (payment penalty) of sin is death, but the gift of
God (hope) is eternal life through believing in Jesus Christ our Lord who saves.” (from Romans 3:23)
This
is where the encouraging message of hope Jeremiah spoke of comes into the
covenant of those who turn back to the Lord. The only way to avoid
punishment is through asking God to forgive the sins we have committed against
Him.
God
wanted Jeremiah to make sure that the people knew He would not destroy them,
but was willing to bless them with favor and spare the nation IF they repented
of their sins. He gave them a way out of being judged or destroyed
and being overtaken!
“The instant I speak concerning a nation (any nation) and concerning
a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against
whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I
thought to bring upon it.”
“God also speaks of the consequences for those that do not listen to
His Words about repenting and turning back to worshipping Him alone.
“The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom,
to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey
My voice, then I will relent concerning the good (favor and blessings) with
which I said would benefit it.” (Jeremiah 18:7-10)
A
Message for Today
The
prophet’s message that was given thousands of years ago is still being given
today, because the covenant blessings of God are still in
effect. God’s mercy and favor never end,
but His blessings will for those who break covenant and fellowship with Him.
“Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise His Holy
name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a
lifetime! (Psalm 30:4 NLT)
As
long as the earth remains God will send people to spread the message of
repentance of sin through salvation. He will always have messengers
of hope because He is a loving, merciful, longsuffering God who longs to bless
people with the benefits that come with favoring Him over all people, places or
things.
Those
who walk away from His blessings are literally asking God to correct, punish
and discipline them because they love remaining in their sin. Do you
not realize that from before you were born God’s plans for you were to give you
a peaceful life void of evil and a great future full of hope? There
is only one thing standing in the way of that promise and blessing – sin.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the
LORD. Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a
hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will
listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for
Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
God
also promises that if any person has a desire to know Him and walk in a loyal
relationship of fellowship with Him, He will give them a heart to know Him. He
will reveal Himself to that person and be in favored covenant with them.
(Jeremiah 24:7)
Good
Overcomes Evil
It
looked as if everyone, including the religious leaders had turned against
Jeremiah. That may have been the fact, but Jeremiah remembered his
“true blue” relationship with the God who destroys the facts of man with Truth
in His promised blessings.
Jeremiah
had One person who remained faithful to His covenant partner – Jehovah, Jesus
Christ – the One True God.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
In
the end of that horrific time and persecution, Jeremiah’s life was spared as a result of favor
from God and mankind. His faith in God and obedience to the Lord in covenant
was what saved his life, despite the evil that was going on around him. During a time of crisis he fulfilled his call to help save Israel from total destruction.
“Did King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah put him
(Jeremiah) to death? Did not the king fear the LORD and plead for
the LORD’s favor, and did not the LORD relent concerning the disaster He had
pronounced against them?
We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves (about to
commit a huge mistake that will cost us our lives!)” (Jeremiah 26:19 CSB; the
entire chapter tells the full account)
The
Rest of the Message
If
we compare this to our current circumstances, how many have lost their lives
recently because of sickness or persecution, and are even questioning their own
faith because they’re looking at the world and not to a
Savior? There is great sin happening and God isn’t oblivious to
it.
Like
in the days of Jeremiah, we are witnessing the destruction of people and
nations fall right before our eyes. Civilizations have turned from
God and seek after evil, looking for ways to harm, kill and destroy anyone and
anything in their path not realizing that they are being led by satan himself.
“A thief has only one thing (malicious intent) in mind – he wants to
steal, slaughter (kill) and destroy (you). But I (Jesus) have come
to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its
fullness until you overflow (with blessings). (John 10:10 TPT emphasis mine)
Judgment
will come to those who do not seek God’s grace (favor) in forgiveness and
repent (turn from their sin). This isn’t what God wants; remember He also said
something else.
I
have not forgotten the rest of the message God gave to Jeremiah … the message
of hope.
If
you are doing destructive behavior or causing harm in any way, it isn't God giving you direction or of
Him. You are being deceived by the enemy who wants to destroy the
good plans God has for you. Plans to give you a peaceful future and
a good life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Regardless
of what’s happening in your life right now or what you have done, look to the
only friend that will not turn His back on you – Jesus
Christ. Through His covenant of salvation, He will be with you and
provide the strength to fight any situation so that you will not fail.
God’s
Son, Jesus, will save, deliver and be with you always until the
end. This is His covenant promise of blessing and favor to those who share the gospel message of repentance with boldness.
"Go, therefore and make disciples of the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe (obey) all the things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)
This is a covenant between "true friends" that God honors. It’s His blessing promise of favor and the hope found only in the
benefits of walking in close fellowship with Him.
Continue reading part 2 here. Disclaimer:
Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical
issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t know
the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your
life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on 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 reference was
taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Hub.
*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.
