Friday, February 27, 2015

Timing is Everything

Most of America is looking forward to “springing ahead” on March 10th, when Daylight Saving Time moves the clock forward one hour. 

Although not every state or country observes this day, it is highly recognized as a time when we begin to prepare for the spring season. 

The key that ties this together is timing, and it is everything when it comes to believing in God.


Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFBBelgrade, Serbia; Benalmadena, Andalucia, Spain; Rome, Lazio, Italy; Kathmandu, Nepal; Manila, Philippines; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Cairo, Al Qahirah,  Egypt; Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon; Karachi, Sindh & Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Nairobi, Kenya; Trinidad & Tobago.
USA Clearlake, CA; Lubbock, TX; Clarksville, AR; Eucha, OK; East Berlin, PA; Madisonville, TN; Washington, DC: Poinciana, FL; Broadway, VA; Omaha, NE; Volcano, HI; Woodstown & Riverton, NJ; Jackson, MO; Mustang, OK; The Villages, FL.
Thank you for your continued support and sharing Believing Our Belief on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog)
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).
Read News from Fayupdates and visit the Q & A or other sections.

A Glitch in Time (means nothing to God)
When I was preparing my notes for this writing, I actually thought that DST was this weekend.  It seems I’m in a hurry for spring to arrive after the cold winter we’ve experienced.  I’m ready for new things to emerge not only in the ground, but in my life.  The glitch is that I want it to happen now hoping God will give us an advance on the timing He has allotted for the season to come.   

All this “thinking” reminded me of something that happened to us when we were waiting for a coupon to come in the mail.  Let me take you back to last year.

Redeeming Value

Read Yancy's Story
As many of you know my husband and I have rescued animals for almost twenty years ranging from bunnies, turtles, cats and dogs.  For most of that time we’ve been a foster home that rehabilitates special needs cats. 

At any given time we could have a range from a kitten to senior in need of continual care and medical attention (like in the case of Yancy, the kitten without a hip.) 

With that responsibility there are large bills, but mainly in the variety of food that has to be kept on hand.  Kidney problems require special food from a vet, but for the most part we participate in a pet food program.  It might not sound like much, but the point system allows you to earn prizes or food vouchers on their pet products. 

Over time purchasing all that pet food adds up, so receiving coupons for free bags is a real blessing. (My husband gets a kick out of it when I say “real” blessing so I do that just for him.) 

After submitting our points we waited and waited, but the coupon never came.  God provided the food for the animals, even the special diet mix we needed at that time.  However, as the months went on we were out of funds due to my husband’s new medical bills.  

It was at that time that the coupon for the pet food came.  The Lord had the item show up in His timing when He knew we would need it, not when we wanted or expected it.  Our waiting was redeemed through a valued little piece of paper.  We were able to get more food than we usually do and in the end it only cost us $1.49. 

When that happened, my husband said to me, “I’ll never question God’s timing again.”  Sounds like a silly thing to say over something that may seem trivial doesn’t it?  So I talked to the Lord about it. 

“Now” isn’t always God’s Best  

I was sitting on the couch in silence waiting for my husband to arrive when my discussion on “timing” transpired.  “Why do we have such a hard time waiting on things?” I asked God.  An inner voice said, “Because people don’t spend time in My Word.”   

It’s true. We pray and go on our merry way forgetting to spend time with God for encouragement and enrichment then when our prayers don’t come to pass we question His timing. 

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Romans 15:4 NLT) 

The Lord was showing me that if we cannot wait on Him for the small things, we’ll never be able to hold out for the large things He has planned for us.  If we are to receive the best or bigger blessing of favor, we need to have faith and patience as we wait for the perfect time to come. 

What if they waited a little longer for that special moment ...

I'd say timing made a difference wouldn't you?
Think she'll exchange the ring for a hospital bracelet?
Mr. & Mrs. Stickman 

If you don’t believe me what do you think of this?  A friend of my husband’s recently had surgery on his shoulder and is unable to work at the time. It will be months before he can return to doing any physical activity, therefore limiting his income.  

As someone my husband spends time working with, I pray that the favor of God would come on him.  You have to pray over those who come in contact with your loved ones. Now mind you, this man is not a believer, but we can see how the Lord is moving on his heart.   

Valentine’s Day was coming when he heard there was going to be a concert for a certain group he and his wife liked, but it was out of town and costly.  Upon doing research he learned that it was being offered to veterans (which he was one) for free. 

Introducing Mr. & Mrs.Stickman
Before the concert they wanted to go out to eat, so they went to a moderately priced restaurant. The hostess gave them a menu before they were seated. 

After a lengthy amount of time, “Stickman” as I call him, got up and walked over to the register to ask if a waitress would come take their order.  (I actually call him that because he is an excellent cartoon artist.) 

Immediately after the waitress arrived, the manager came over to their table and said, “Whatever they order is free.  We’re taking care of it.”  

With a smile on his face our friend said, “You were supposed to say that after we ordered so we only get what we came in for, but you said it before, so now we can order anything we want and for those three tables too.”   

She laughed and said, “Get whatever you like.” 

Upon arrival at the Civic Arena they received front row seats.  Someone arranged for rooms off to the side for veterans to get all the free snacks and beverages they wanted for the show …and get this … for the ride home!   

They also received a gift package of treats that included a daily devotional and a New Testament Bible, which the sponsors didn’t supply!  Now how did that stuff get in there?  

Our Time or Favored Timing  

Let's face it, we get a lot of things wrong based solely on timing.  We had nothing to do with this to mess it up; God made sure of that!

It was God’s timing that allowed our friends to be there on that date.  He knew that our friends wanted to see this group and made a way for His Word to get into their hands, without us doing it.  

The favor of God came in his life, because we have been asking God to show Himself mighty so they would believe in Him. 

Living the life of a child of God requires large and small blessings/favor to fall on His children every day.  Favor can come in a simple coupon, meals being paid for, concert tickets, prayer for a loved one to a new car or home.  The size of favor always comes according to the size of the need in God’s purpose not ours.  The blessings of being rewarded for faithfulness are entirely different.   

God sends favor where it brings Him glory and serves His plan.  That’s why we need favor to finish our journey and share the gospel message of Christ, and it is vital others see it happening to draw them to God.  It is also the reason we cannot rush the timing of God.  

He knows exactly when to change the time for things to spring ahead in your life, so leave time in His hands.

This Week’s Challenge:
Set Your Belief Clock 

Sometimes it is hard waiting for the favor of God to come in the areas we need them, so I’m going to give direction like I would to my clients or students.  Set your belief clock on someone else.  That’s right. 

While waiting, we often need encouragement to keep believing as we wait.  Situations arise that can take our eyes off the prize and we don’t want that to happen.  Instead of wondering when God’s timing is going to catch up with ours, we’re going to do two things.   

The first is doing what God said about spending more time in the Word.  It will help build our faith so we won’t fall into unbelief.  King David ministered to his spirit by meditating on the promises of God; we need to do the same.  

Second we’re going to begin praying favor in the life of someone who needs salvation.  Pray and believe that it will come to them so they see it is the Lord drawing them to Him and He receives the glory. 

As you begin to do these things, you will see how God’s timing is everything, and not waiting for His best will be out of the question.

“May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace.”
(Numbers 6:26 NLT)

I’ve selected a song from a  children's ministry that I’d like to share with you.  It was perfect timing ….

Bible song - God's Own Time


Until next time, believe God’s favor is set in His time.

“My favor may not come today,
but it is surely on its way.”
Jesus Christ


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

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1167566&item_no=693906
by Debby Akerman

   

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.
Scripture reference was taken from the New Living Translation Version provided by Bible Gateway
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Daylight Saving Time Spring Ahead  Stickman  God's Perfect Timing  Timing Makes A Difference Couple
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Favor Like Abraham's

Imperial State Crown, UK $39 million
Most expensive crown in the world.
When it comes to the royalties of being a “Kingdom Kid,” most of us would rather skip the formalities or responsibilities and just gather our gifts. 

After all, what person wouldn’t like a crown and the favor that goes with wearing one?

Being born into a family offers rewards that others don’t have when it comes to perks special to a particular group of people.  Upon becoming a child of God, we automatically receive crowned favor gifts of grace, mercy, forgiveness, eternal life and much more. 
These are gifts that all Christians receive upon salvation, but there are others that are earned.  That may not seem fair, but who said God is fair? 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.

New on DFBAmberley & Berkhamsted, England, United Kingdom; Maria Ellend, Lower Austria, Austria; Lima, Peru; South Africa; France; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Australia; Canada; Trinidad & Tobago, Russia; Ireland; Germany; Kenya; Uganda; Lebanon; Sweden; Spain.
USA Morrisville, NC; Fargo, ND; Winona, MO; Carneys Point, Mount Laurel & Clayton, NJ; Cumming, GA; Tampa & Ormond Beach, FL; Brooklyn, NY; Greenville. TN. 
Thank you for your continued support and sharing Believing Our Belief on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog)
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).
Read Messages, updates and visit the Q & A or other sections.

In order to have the favor of Abraham,
you need faith like Abraham.
Faith that receives favor
will be tested and proved to be authentic.

Like Me Back
You didn’t see that one coming did you?  Whether we like it or not, it’s true. The Bible tells us God is faithful and rewards those who seek Him.  Nowhere does it say He is fair, and why should He be?  How fair would you be to someone who refuses to believe in you?
Every day I see people post online how angry they are because someone hasn’t “liked” or “followed” them in a short time frame.  They immediately unlike that person.  If that’s the case, why would they turn around and favor you over those who are faithful to re-tweet or share a post?  Aren’t we asking for favor that is undeserved or earned?
Do we want God to do favors for us, and in turn we’ll serve Him as long as it is within a reasonable amount time or the request isn’t great?  I was wondering that with all the messages I received this week.
 
God Doesn’t Wave A Magic Favor Wand 

People have questioned why I receive favor from the Lord on a daily basis. What they don’t ask is about the size of favor I receive.  Sometimes it’s huge and others it’s not so big.  They never wonder about the sacrifices that are made. 
 

These same people are expecting God to wave a magic wand over them and poof, everything is hunky-dory in their lives.  It doesn’t work that way. 

Let me share a secret with you.  It’s a piece of cake to receive favor from God all the time.  What’s not so easy is staying in faith to believe God, and that’s the part satan is counting on from us.

There’s no trick, no fancy things we have to do and no hoops to jump through when it comes to walking in the favor of God.  If we want to have favor like Abraham fall on us, we have to believe like he did whether we see anything happening or not. 

Oh, father of many nations … 

For anyone who has studied the book of Genesis, you learn quickly that there was one man that everyone knew received continual favor from God.  As a matter of fact, this person is the only one noted to be “a friend” of the Living God. 

What the Bible also states is that Abram wasn’t exempt from falling into sin.  The difference was that he didn’t remain in sin and was willing to do whatever it took to stay in relationship with God.  Notice I didn’t say he was willing to do whatever it took to get God to favor him over someone else. 

Abram’s time and fellowship with God was more important to him than anything on this earth, and that included his family.  His actions proved the love he had for the Father. God rewarded that faithfulness and love by changing Abram’s name. 

Maybe a name change doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, but during those days a name identified a person and their status in life.  In some nations this still holds true.  When God changed Abram’s name to Abraham it repositioned him in the favor line – forever!  

 
Why would God do this for him and not someone else?  It was in those “down” times when things were not going well that Abram remained faithful to following the ways of God.  He chose to serve, give tithes and offerings as he worshipped the Almighty before he received outlandish favor. 

A name change transformed how Abraham viewed his relationship with the LORD.  God made Abram a promise that he would be a father of many nations before he was even a dad.  Therefore, every time anyone uttered the name Abraham, they were calling his destiny into existence.  

It would take several decades before Abraham became a father, but the real test of faith came after he became a dad. 

What it takes to be an Abraham ... 

It’s really nice to have things going good, especially when everything is lining up the way we want.  The journey we’ve been taking here is all about understanding and walking in God’s favor.  If we want to experience favor like Abraham, there are some things we need to remember. 

What does it take to be an Abraham so that we too find favor from God and mankind?  The answer, we’ll have to be tested like he was.  The problem is that most want to live a favored life without walking through the fire. 

When God tested Abraham, He was given instruction to sacrifice his promised son Isaac. (See Genesis 22:1-18) The LORD wasn’t trying to destroy Abraham’s family or faith; He was trying to get Abraham to see the depth of his belief. (See Hebrews 11:1-19)

God didn’t say He would renege on the promise He made to Abraham if he refused to follow the instructions.  The promises of God are true and forever.  This promise God made was with Himself, so Abraham couldn’t break the deal.  So what is it that we need to learn from all this?  It’s huge! 

Here I Am 

While Abraham was in the process of preparing the altar for sacrifice, Isaac called to his father and Abraham replied, “Here I am.”  When Isaac asked where the lamb was, his father made the statement that proved he believed God when he said to Isaac, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering.” 

With no lamb to be found, Abraham continued to follow the instructions of God without hesitation.   God saw faith in action. 

“…the Angel of the LORD (Jesus) called to him from Heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! So he (Abraham) said, Here I am. 

And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:11-12 NKJV) 

The lesson we learn is that Abraham feared and revered God. Abraham believed God wouldn’t break His promise to him, even if it meant giving up his son.  He believed if the LORD asked this of him, He would surely raise up his son so that the promise of becoming a father of many nations would be fulfilled.  There was no way he didn’t believe or obey God, even if the request seemed heartbreaking. 

How do we know that Abraham believed God despite the strange request?  We know this by what he told his servant as they left to make the sacrifice.  Does this sound like a person who was afraid he was about to lose his son? 

“Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” (Genesis 22:4) 

Abraham never told his wife, his son or his servants that he was going to “off” his kid, because he never doubted in the promise God made to him. Without fail he knew the Lord, Jehovah Jireh would show up and provide.  His faith was unshakable!

Give Nothing Gain Nothing 

When we withhold nothing from God, He will withhold nothing from us.  If we want to have favor like Abraham’s, we have to have faith like his and hold nothing back from the Lord when He asks something of us.  Giving up chocolate for Lent is not what God is talking about even though it may seem like a sacrifice for some. 

Abraham’s decision to obey propelled him and his descendants into positions they could never have achieved in their own strength. 
 
Doors were opened that man refused to give passage, all because Abraham believed God over what things “looked” like.  God sees belief as righteous faith.

“Then the Angel of the LORD (Jesus) called to Abraham a second time out of Heaven, and said: By Myself, I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son (the one of promise). 

…(with) blessings (favor) I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the Heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.  In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:15-18 NKJV) 

Abraham proclaimed that God would provide a lamb Himself, and that promise was fulfilled through Christ Jesus.  Like Abraham, God isn’t asking us to sacrifice what He will provide.  He is asking us to believe that He will, when we lay down our "Isaac" for Him.
 

This Week’s Challenge:
Believe the Promise 

God’s Kingdom kids will always find themselves in the midst of a challenge.  Without fail satan will try to tempt us into doubting that God will follow through on His promises and what we are believing for in prayer.  

It’s because we are heirs of the promises of God that Jesus said trials and tests will come.  Perhaps you need some major favor to come immediately, and things look rather challenging to say the least.  Is that correct?   

I know that if the Holy Spirit directed you to this writing that He is looking at your belief level right now.  You have been looking for that Abraham favor to come into your life, but you haven’t followed through with the testing. 

Favor like Abraham’s comes to those who believe enough
to obey God’s voice no matter the request. 

What has God instructed you to sacrifice (or do) that you are holding back?  If He has made a request of you, it’s because there is something bigger that the Lord has in mind for your journey.  Remember what God did for Abraham when He saw that he believed Him?  You have to believe He will provide. 

As a child of God’s you are heir to His Kingdom, which includes blessings and favor.  What can be greater than that?  Does that mean God favors you over an unbeliever?  Absolutely! 

If you haven’t believed God and received Jesus as your Savior, you can change that by accepting Him.  Read how here. 

No matter how things look, the sacrifice you make will never equal the favor God has in store for your obeying the voice of the Lord.  

 
Through The Fire - the Crabb Family
 

Until next time, believe favor is a Word away.
 

 
“Because you believe Me,
I will bless you with My favor.”
Jesus Christ

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

 

 
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1167566&item_no=834743

Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances
by Carol Kent
 
 

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.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Imperial State Crown United Kingdom  Magic Wand  Abraham Covenant  Abraham & Isaac  Righteous Faith
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.