With Easter now over, it is easy to forget all that transpired for Christ to live, die and be resurrected. However, the story of Jesus does not end at the cross.
Throughout the scriptures we are told of the return of Jesus Christ. We prepare to celebrate Christmas and Easter, but how often do you think about His arrival much less prepare for it?
Matthew chapter 25 of the Bible teaches us how to stay on the lookout for Christ's return by staying aware of the signs around us. (verses 1-25) According to scriptures, it is not hard to see that we are indeed living in the last days before Christ will return for His people.
We are to pray for believers to return to Jesus and tell others of Him imminent appearing. Do not be caught off guard, but remember the example given in the lesson of the ten virgins found in Hebrews 9:27-28.
"...and just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes (face-to-face) judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for His (His return). (NLT)
Are you prepared for that coming day and have you told anyone that Jesus will return just as He told the first disciples He would rise from the grave?
With the Easter season fresh on the minds of the world, it is a great time to witness and share the message of salvation favor! You can do that by simply sharing DFB with one person each day this week!
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.
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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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.
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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.
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.
Until next time, “Cross” favor is always on God’s menu!
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
News from Fay, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Witnessing, Cross Favor, Salvation, Billy Graham, The Cross, Easter, Resurrection, Jesus Crucified.
It's
sometimes hard to see the good in the midst of a crisis. That's exactly
how the world feels in what we are experiencing right now, and why as a
follower of Christ this message has been on my heart.
Acquainted
with trials on a global scale, former First Lady of the United States, Lady
Bird Johnson, understood the importance of keeping hope before our eyes during
times like this in her message:
"Where
flowers bloom, so does hope."
Her
proclamation of hope was seeded in her faith and belief in God. This is
where I am rooted also, and why Daily Favor is so important in the life of any
believer.
With
social media and news in a tailspin, it may be difficult to see that God is
still very much at work. There is good news; look closely, spring is
trying to bud in front of our eyes, proving He is and always will be, in
control!
God
wants us to use this time to see what He is doing in our own lives.
Social distancing from others doesn't mean we are to be distant from Him, but
we should be doing the exact opposite.
I
am more excited than even watching what God is doing and unfolding before me,
even during my own tribulations! He is revealing Himself and faithfully
answering prayers.
"You have granted me life and favor
and Your care has preserved my spirit."
(Job 10:12)
There
truly is an "other side of trouble" the world needs to
experience! This is the most perfect time ever in history to draw close
to God and get in on what He is doing through believers.
Scriptures
tell us to:
"Come close to God and He will come close to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is
divided between God and the world." (James 4:8 NLT)
It's
time to get back in the favor of God by spending time with Him. Revisit
your vision, goals and faith status. Have you
gotten side tracked by dividing the loyalty line between God and man wrongly?
Stop
following after the world that doesn't recognize you as a Christian because of
your lifestyle or behavior. God is working things out for your favor;
can't you see it?
God is Moving on Hearts
I'd
like to encourage you that God is moving at this time! He wants you to
prepare to bloom and be the flowers of hope the world is seeking desperately.
You
see, when a flower is blooming something inside it is happening. It's in
the process of becoming the best flower God intended it to be. The result
is, anyone who looks upon it can see there had to be a change from what was
into what it has become.
Friends,
God is preparing you to become the best "flower" (gorgeous testifying
witness for Him) possible. He needs you to bloom at the exact time of His favor, for others to
"see" what God has done and is doing through you.
I
want to inspire you in the Lord. This isn't a time for resting at home
and doing nothing but complain about what we want to be doing. No, it's
time to receive favor from the Holy Spirit and "Bloom Where You Are Planted"! (Read more
about that here.)
For Such A Time
God
wants you to experience His Daily Favor more than ever
so the message of hope in Christ Jesus reaches the lost. It's literally
the "for such a time as this" as Mordecai said to Esther concerning
the Jewish nation. (Esther 4)
In
our current age, this message for prayer, fasting and hope is for all
people. If we keep silent people will perish not only physically, but
they will be eternally separated from God!
How
are you reacting to this global crisis? Where is your focus? Or as Lady
Bird also stated during a difficult time the country was facing:
"It's
odd that you can get so anesthetized by your own pain or your own problem that
you don't quite fully share the "hell" of someone close to you."
Is
she right? She gave more sound advice:
"Become
so wrapped up in something
that
you forget to be afraid."
"The
challenge we now face is to build on the record of the past,
to continue new
responsibilities
and seeking new opportunities to serve."
Can
it be that easy and how does that apply to today? I wanted to use a
familiar political figure as an example for a specific reason in driving this
message of hope home and into your heart.
What
we are experiencing as a whole isn't political, physical, social, financial or
emotional, but it's a spiritual pandemic. You read that right!
Spiritual
Pandemic!
Fear
is skyrocketing among people from every nation. The world is desperately
reaching out for help. Life has gotten more than real; it's become
overwhelmingly frightening to some shattering their coping skills to the core.
Websites
and broadcasts on faith are being flooded with questions. Christian literature
and Bibles are flying off the store shelves as skeptics scramble to find answers
for things they don't understand or comprehend.
Mankind
is ready to receive the message of hope in Jesus, because they are afraid and
worried over their future. If you are a believer in Christ, don't give up
on hope because of what you see happening in the world. Remember, the
truth that set you free through the grace of God (unmerited favor) you now possess.
People
need to know hope is alive and blooming all around them
through the work of Christ. We should be excited for this opportunity to
do what we've never been able to do so freely!
The
window for getting the gospel message out is open now, but it will not last
once the crisis is over. Now is the time to act!
Be
a part of our "bouquet of hope" by sharing this Tell Me link. Direct
souls to the salvation message.
Hope Based on Trust
Every
one that visits this biblical teaching site is like a unique flower sent by God
to learn how to bloom for Him. Here faith and favor meet, because hope is
on our hearts by the blessings received through the redemptive work of Christ
on the cross.
When
believers share Christ, whether it is through a testimony or sharing gospel
materials such as this, together we become the irresistible blooms of hope that
people desire.
Do
we experience the same situations and crisis' as everyone else? Yes, but
our hope and trust is in Jesus, not what the world is doing
or can do. No matter what, our hope is in the Lord.
It's
our time to be the flowering blooms, saturating the world with beautiful hearts
and fragrant attitudes. Hope for a bright future is what others need to
see or hear from us.
This
Week's Challenge:
Let
Hope Bloom
When
a variety of blooming flowers are arranged together in one place for a specific
thing, they brighten the area and bring joy to those who are around them.
The array of blooming flowers in the above photo is a good example of what I
mean, and a flower company from the Netherlands knew how to share this point in encouraging people to have hope.
I'd
like for you to join our growing Daily Favor family, as we come together by
faith in reaching souls during this unsettling time in global history.
Prayerfully
direct people to where hope is always blooming in these articles of faith
on Daily Favor, and let's tell others the reason for our hope.
"You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if
someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain
it."
(1 Peter 3:15 NLT)
As long as the earth remains, there will be flowers, and where flowers bloom there is God in whom we place our hope!
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 “TellMe 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: ImageImageImage Google Images and Quotes are Creative Common License if not specified.
Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Weekly Challenge, Holy
Spirit, Bible Study, Lady Bird Johnson Quotes, Witnessing, Salvation, Hope, Fear, Pandemic, Where Flowers Bloom So Does Hope
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.
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
12:10-13NKJV)
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
12:10-13NLT)
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.
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.
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!
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.
News from Fay, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog,
Where Faith and Favor Meet, Witnessing, Cross Favor, Salvation, Billy Graham,
Disciples of Jesus, The Cross, Texas
