A Better Hope

How wonderful to see you in this New Year!  I know it was last year, but it seems like only a few days ago we talked. Pretty lame, but why not, right?  After all, how many times can you tell that joke a year – once! 

Friends, we’ve come to the end of another year that has had some hard bumps in this traveled road together.  As I began writing this we were preparing for another hospital visit and trip to the Urologist for hubby.  No it’s not exactly how I’d like to finish out the year, but I’m extremely grateful all the same. 

I’m excited to share with you what we’ll be doing in the New Year on Daily Favor, but first things first. 

Welcome new friends this week from:

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

New on DFB – Montreal, QC, Canada; Como, Lombardia, Italy; Ludlow, England, United Kingdom; Mannersdorf am Leithagebirge, Lower Austria, Austria; Oswestry & Great Gaddesden, England, United Kingdom; San Pablo City, Calabarzon, Philippines; Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico; Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India; South Sudan; Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey; Hong Kong; Jamaica; Japan; Kenya; Nigeria; Vietnam. 

USA – Doctor Phillips, Ocala, Johnson, Bradenton & Weirsdale, FL; Russellville, AR; Warner Robins, GA; Louisville & Paducah, KY; Mandeville, LA; California, MD; Pickerington, OH; Colonial Park & New Kingstown, PA; Blount Beach, TN; Mount Vernon, Pulaski & Yakima, WA. 

I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on 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).

Visit the Q & A and other sections. 

“Balms” A Give-a-way 

The temperatures have been all over the place with it being in the upper 60’s five days ago and this week in the 20’s. Just one more thing pointing to the truth of the Bible as it speaks of the unpredictable weather to come where we won’t recognize the seasons as they are normally.   

When the climate is so cold we cannot leave the house for long periods of time.  Having to shut off the heaters when we aren’t home it can get quite chilly if we’re gone several hours.  

Knowing this I decided that hubby would have to fend for himself at the hospital and pick me up directly after he was finished.  I had an inkling that his waiting would be extended because his appointment wasn’t until 9:30 a.m. and I was correct. 

Making our way to the doctors for him to read the x-rays, my husband and I got into another giggle fest over me handing out Avon lip balm to strangers.  The look on some people’s faces was if I was handing them a snake! 

Well it didn’t stop there. Laughter continued in the medical care lobby on up to the waiting room, with hubby carrying my pocketbook while I was on my quest to conquer the cracked lips in the city. 

We were only sitting a few minutes when the nurse motioned for us to come in to see the doctor.  Stopping at the first door on the left, she took my pocketbook from my husband as he entered the “essentials room” where he was ordered to make a deposit and leave it in the take-out box. (I don’t think I need to explain, I hope not anyway.) Leaving him behind, the nurse escorted me to another room saying, “Follow me young lady.” No wonder I like her best! 

Now seated in the inner waiting room the nurse took all the medical vitals she needed, shared her Christmas stories and left the room.  I’d share them with you but forgot to get permission. You would have loved them! They involved a cat, new shoes and a lot of wipes! Let me assure you they were quite “fumer – ous!” 

I can’t remember why we were laughing, but when the doctor entered the room he said, “You’re not supposed to be having this much fun in a doctor’s office.” With that being said he got down to business, bid us good tidings and said he didn’t need to see the hubster for a year.  Thank you Jesus! 

Receiving a good report it put us in an even better mood.  As we approached the elevator my husband said, “Quick get in, we’ve been here a long time.”  We arrived a little past 11:00 a.m. and now it was almost 4:00 p.m.  His statement was based on this enormous wall clock with a big hole in the middle.  It doesn’t work and hasn’t for years.  Time stands still when you’re there …. 

The elevator doors opened and we stepped in, but as hubby reached out to push the floor setting I heard someone say, “Yo, chubby, how about taking the stairway!”  How utterly rude! I looked around and saw it was my husband cracking jokes as if he had an audience (which isn’t abnormal for him).   

The doors closed and I was laughing so hard I started coughing, which wasn’t a pretty sight for the person who was waiting to get on as we exited.  So what did I do? I gave her a lip balm! 

Year End Favor 

We hadn’t been gone that long from the house so I figured it would be a good time to pick up some things at the store.  God granted us favor in 75% off sales, unexpected coupons and meeting new people to give away more lip balm. 

On our way home I received a phone call which lasted some time.  This woman was depressed, discouraged and disheartened over her current situation.  As our conversation was near ending I asked her to tell me something good she would like to happen in her life.   

After she did I spoke blessings and God’s favor on her for each situation and encouraged her in the Lord.  When I was finished I asked her to do the same for me.  By the time we hung up her hope was renewed and she was looking forward to what God would do in and through her for the coming year. 

During my Bible studies this week I asked the Lord to pinpoint exactly what He wanted me to share with you as we begin a New Year together.  I had been in prayer over this for months, but needed it narrowed down.  There were so many positive and exciting directions along my rabbit trail thinking that I wasn’t sure what was to come first.  My conversation with this lady reaffirmed what I had thought. 

Obi? A Better Hope 

Over the past year we have covered a lot of ground as we’ve learned to practice what we say we believe.  This isn’t something that is tossed aside as we move on to something else, but is to be incorporated in life always. 



Does this annoy anyone?

The word “hope” has been floating around my brain for some time, and it wasn’t a flashback of the Star Wars: Episode IV – “A New Hope” scene when Princess Leia pleaded, “Help Me Obi-Wan-Kenobi, you’re my only hope!”

There weren’t any special effects or light sabers swishing about my head. I knew this was from God, but I wasn’t sure what He wanted me to convey to you until last week when I read a passage in the book of Hebrews. 

“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” 

The New King James reads this way, 

“For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” (Hebrews 7:19) 

What this woman was expressing in our conversation is that she needed a better hope than what she was settling for in her life.  Isn’t that true for all of us?  We hope for things and when they don’t come the way expected, we settle for the lesser hope and forget going to God for something better. 

Jesus and His ways are our better hope.  When we believe God and trust His way is “better”, we can be sure that what we hoped for isn’t nearly as good as what God wants to give or show us.   

Some may think that we’ve overcome great obstacles this year, and hoped things would have turned out differently for us. I have to tell you, even though this has been a difficult journey to share with you, it has also been rewarding, full of God’s grace, mercy and definitely much favor. 

The Journey Gets Better 

It’s time for a fresh new start. Forget the past, the failures and mistakes. God wants you to walk in fresh favor and is willing to show you where it is, but you’ll have to let Him lead the way. 

I’m excited to share with you that over the course of 2016 we’ll be taking on new challenges, changing the way we think or do things, and travel new roads of favor as we journey with Jesus.  

Will you come with me as I reveal the stops along our travels?  I hope so. The journey continues to get better and I’d like you by my side as God pours out His favor on us. 

This Week’s Challenge: 
Speaking A Better Hope

Being encouraged when we are feeling weary is helpful isn’t it?  I know your words of support have been a mainstay during trying times for me this year, and as believers it’s something we are urged to do on a regular basis.   

Scriptures state that as believers in Christ Jesus (who is the better hope) we have the promises of God that speaks things into reality before they exist.  Our part is to call them into our life by faith, as we hope for the better promises to manifest. 

“… (as it is written, I have made you (Abraham) a father of many nations) in the presence of Him whom he believed – God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”  (Romans 4:17 NKJV) 

Sometimes people lose heart and don’t have the emotional strength to start over or stay in hope as they wait on God. That’s why this week’s challenge is so vital. 

Our challenge will be to speak words of hope into the lives of those we encounter.  In the name of Jesus, speak by declaring healing, success, joy, friendship, love, restitution, peace and prosperity into their lives personally.  

With his permission I share this example, which is one of the many blessings we have exchanged throughout the years. We have done this on a regular basis and pray for one another. Jahmadar’s words of inspiration have always come at the right time, because he is in fellowship with the Lord. 

“Notwithstanding all the gloomy global projections, beloved of God, I speak and declare in faith unprecedented blessings on you and your loved ones in the New Year - 2016.”  (Jahmadar Cassie @jahmadar)

“Thank you for the wonderful confession, blessing and declaration. I receive it with gladness to share with others. What a source of inspiration you have been my friend. May God continue to sanctify you unto Him as you share His message of hope.” (Fay) 

Stand in agreement with the Word of God. Declare in the name of Jesus that they (the individual you are speaking to) will see the hand of the Lord through unprecedented blessings and favor.  When you are finished, ask them to do the same for you.   

My husband and I speak these blessings of favor into your life. In the name of Jesus receive and believe them as already yours. 

Heavenly Father, 

We declare and speak blessings to unfold on the lives of all who read this. Physical body - be made whole.  Finances - be set in order.  Families reunite.  Peace – come now. Restoration begin. Hope – refresh.  Favor - be loosed on your life. 

 In Jesus’ name, Amen (it is done). 

My Hope is in the Lord - Tommy Coomes Band

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, we are favored with new hope through Jesus! 

“Believe in Me for fresh favor.”

Jesus Christ

*The names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: 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 book link.

Fresh Start the New You Begins Today

 by Joel Osteen

Favored1 on 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.  Revised 4/23/20

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.
Image: A Better Hope  Star Wars
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.