My
conversation with the four Texans had taken a turn, mainly on my part because
it was after lunch time and we hadn’t eaten.
Wanting to go get a bite was why we didn’t finish our shopping in the
first place, which caused us to run into the men anyway.
Blu
didn’t have much to say except that they would be eating at some point in the
day, but Tris remained adamant that they were fine. I couldn’t leave it at that based on what Dan
had said just a few moments before the lady with the shopping cart interrupted
us.
Dan
had mentioned that he hadn’t eaten since the previous day and it was going for
two o’clock in the afternoon. Trying to
convince Tris that they should get some lunch, once again he insisted they
would get something inside the store soon.
Click here to read part 1 of Cross Favor.
Meet and Eat
I don’t know why I couldn’t let up about this … it’s probably my
mother’s fault. No matter who it was –
family, friends or foe, she always insisted on feeding you. First you meet, then you eat. "Dems da rules!"
We know that as believers Christ has given us instructions on how
to treat others, but He also made it clear as to what actions we are to take
when it comes to the brethren of like faith.
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with
brotherly love,
in honor giving preference to one another; not
lagging in diligence,
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing
in hope, patient (preserving) in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in
prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given (pursuing) to
hospitality.”
(Romans
12:10-13 NKJV)
This is how it reads in the New Living Translation:
“Love each other with genuine affection (with
brotherly love),
and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work
hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically (with a zealous spirit, excited to
serve). Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in
trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to
help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans
12:10-13 NLT)
My husband and I knew how God would have us care for these boys to
men disciples in new ministry.
"...
that there should be no schism (division) in the body (of Christ),
but that the
members (believers) should have the same care for one another." (1
Corinthians 12:25 NKJV)
What
Do Texans Like?
We
learned that the money from what they sold bought their meals while they were
away from home. At that point we offered to buy them lunch; whatever they
wanted.
A
few resisted at first until I asked this question. “Do you know what the favor of God is?” Toby said yes, but Tris just looked at me strangely.
Toby insisted … “Let her bless
us!”
Deciding
on where they wanted their food from we wrote down the orders and headed to
Burger King. Upon giving the order we
were informed that they didn’t have what the boys wanted.
About
then the cashier/checker asked,
“What do Texans like to eat?
“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.
Christ wanted them to know that He would cause man to show them favor because of their stewardship to the call of winning souls.
"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.
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.
"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
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)
That
Saturday in July God presented the opportunity for us to sow, and it provided a
way for those young men to see God's faithfulness through His children. These
individuals ranging from ages 16-40 were at different levels in the program, but
all experienced the favor of God from man.
Each
one handled being blessed with favor quite differently. One didn't want
to accept it. Another stood silently not knowing what to do, while another
was excited and ordered a big meal. Only one really embraced the concept
of what was happening and let us bless him.
The
young man with understanding encouraged the others to receive the blessing.
Not allowing us to bless him, he would actually be stealing our blessing
because God can't bless those who don't bless others.
Growing
in Faith and Favor
The
disciples learned to trust God by faith in meeting their needs. When they
did, they grew in favor with God and man lacking nothing. If we trust the Lord to provide and follow in
His footsteps, He promises to bless the work we do for the sake of the cross.
When
Jesus is the reason for our work His favor will always be with and on us. Our steps are blessed and He will make sure we
lack nothing.
“For the Lord your God has blessed (favored) you
in all the work of
your hand. He knows your trudging (goings)
through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you;
you have lacked nothing.” (Deuteronomy 2:7 NKJV)
The
Message of the Cross
As
a believer in the Work of the Cross, you have probably learned by now there are
many ways to “preach” the redemption gospel. Selling handmade crosses was the approach these
boys used to tell their story of coming to Christ.
For
those of you who haven’t come to accept Jesus, you can rewrite your history
right now. God’s gift of salvation favor
(grace) is free, all you have to do is receive it by faith.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one
and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him will not perish but
have eternal life.”
(John 3:16)
Today
if you put your trust in Christ; He promises to forgive and forget the past
that you desperately want to leave behind.
You can do it by saying this prayer sentence by sentence.
Say the Sinners Prayer - Billy Graham
Friends,
God won't always tell you to go feed the people who are selling things on the
street, but if and when He does, do it. By helping someone else's
ministry your faith will grow, and God will cause man to show favor in your
calling.
Remember,
when God gives you the opportunity to share the message of the cross in
witnessing (and He will) always …
Pray with others.
Sow favor and blessings.
Reap favor and
blessings.
As Time Goes By ...
It
had been several weeks since we visited Burger King and met the four young
disciples for Christ. They’re still receiving
“Cross Favor” while out selling crosses across America, but something new has
changed around here.
Texans
were among the first to decide whether or not the new Burger King selections
were tasty enough to give them a try throughout the worldwide fast food chain
of restaurants.
Evidently what Texans like
to eat matters … the spicy hot Jalapeño Burger is now on our Burger King
menu!
Until next time, “Cross” favor is always on God’s menu!
“I favored you while on
the cross.”
- Jesus Christ
New
This Week:
Resin 9" tall wood look; gift boxed.
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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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.
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Where Faith and Favor Meet, Witnessing, Cross Favor, Salvation, Billy Graham,
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