Friday, June 26, 2020

Covenant Blessed with Favor

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!

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Covenant of Favor

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.



Until next time, walk in covenant favor!

“Covenant fellowship has benefits of favor.”
- Jesus Christ

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.
   
What’s New This Week: Click on link below.


Walking with God by Dr. Charles Stanley
(Imitation Leather)

Get it on Amazon or Christian Book
  
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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.

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Saturday, June 20, 2020

Honoring Godly Men

Honoring Godly Men
Father's Day

"He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?"
(Micah 6:8 ESV)

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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.  Image Creative Common License if not specified. 

Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Honoring Godly Men, Father's Day, Holiday

Friday, June 5, 2020

Return to God’s Favor


As the world is transitioning back into reopening on the downside of the current Covid-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty about what’s going to happen and even if this “nightmare” will reoccur.  What was once the reality is no longer in existence, causing us to rethink what exactly were we trusting in anyway. 

The things that we thought were stable are gone. We now have to readjust our way of living and how we go about daily life.

With such being the case and out of our control, along with everything else we’re dealing with, our faith is also being challenged.  Sadly, we find ourselves making rash decisions knowing it may not be the best or even God’s will, but out of fear we do it anyway.

It’s times like this when we need to see where our faith is being placed – in whom or in what  are we relying on for our every move?  Here are a few ways to tell where our hearts are realistically.

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Life Under Fire

In any situation or circumstance that causes us to step back and take a good look at what’s going on, there will be major life altering decisions that will follow.  Often times it will be things we never anticipated or expected which leave us wondering if there really is a God, where is He in all of this?

If we’re honest with ourselves, the unknown is quite scary and we may find ourselves believing things are getting worse.  Hope took an exit and reality has smacked us in the face with dreams shattered or lost forever.

This analysis may be so for many, but I’d like to point out this fact.  For those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, we have to understand that our life will always be under fire from the evil one.  We need to be reminded that we are a new creation and the old things in life that once consumed us are no longer there.


The Bible teaches that all things have become new for the individual who has given their life to Christ. 

That means, troubles may still try to overwhelm us, but with the free gift of salvation comes Holy Spirit power through the favor of God to defeat the ways of the devil.


“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (if you are a child of God’s), he/she is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

The Amplified translation states it as an “awakening” spiritually that brings an entire new life and way of thinking that is higher than the way the world sees things.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior), he/she is a new creature (reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit); the old things (the previous moral and spiritual condition) have passed away.  Behold, new things have come (because spiritual awakening brings a new life).”

Salvation through Christ Jesus changes life for any believer, because of the love of God and His unmerited grace (favor) on that individual.  It opens doors that no one can open, altering situations the world isn’t capable of understanding.

You may be wondering why do I even need God’s favor anyway? 
Why do we need God’s favor, I’ve done pretty good on my own?

There are tons of reasons, but I’ll give you just two for justification.

1 – Without faith it’s impossible to please Him, which leaves out any reward or favor from God.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God): for he that comes to God must believe He is (God), and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

2 – It’s impossible to do anything without God (especially things that count toward Heavenly rewards).

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much (Kingdom) fruit; for without Me you can do nothing …
with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
(from John 15:5 and Matthew 19:26 NKJV)

Three Ways to Determine Your Faith Level

Here’s where the rubber meets the road.  If you are not receiving the favor of God, there is a reason.  It may be that your faith is not as solid as you think, and if that is the case - do something to change!  

Try these three ways to find out where your faith levels really are.


#1 – Search.  You may not like this and seriously who does, but ask God to truly search your heart, and try or test you literally in the way you are doing life currently!  Are fear, anxiety or worry ruling your decisions causing you to do things you would never do previously?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV)

Other translations worth noting are more specific in the request:

“Examine me, God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts.” (CEB)

“Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking.  Don’t let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.” (CEV)

Do I really want God to know all my deepest thoughts?  Not really, but He knows them anyway, so why not come clean!

“… prove me …” (DARBY)

“… Test me and know all my worries. Make sure that I am not going the wrong way (that I don’t worship idols).  Lead me on the path that has always been right.” (ERV)

“… Test me and know my troubled thoughts.  See if there is any way in me that causes pain, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (EHV)

Wow … prove and test me?  I doubt I could pass the exam!  Is what I’m doing causing pain to others because I’ve chosen the wrong path?  Do I even want to know?

“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; see for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – then guide me on the road to eternal life.” (MS)

Investigate my life, cross-examine me!  Who could bear the inquisition? Any way you look at it, there is a request for God to do a major inquiry as the individual does self-examination and soul searching.

If you are at a roadblock in life and need a huge break to get back on track, only the favor of God will get you to where you want to be.  That will require some changes to be made, and not on God’s end.


#2 – Test.  Second Corinthians 13 reminds us to regularly test or examine ourselves as to where we are putting our hope, trust and faith.  Is it in God, our job, our own abilities or finances?

I’ve been reading testimonies of where people have put their hope or trust and how misguided it is.  They’re relying on learned skills, government, the kindness of strangers and “human innovation” – smart people being able to make things better for everyone!  Few have said that they’re seeking the Lord for answers and never considered looking at their own heart.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – Unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

Instead of trusting God as a guide to the other side of troubles, hope in the goodness of the Lord has become misplaced by what the world envisions.  Unawares people step out of His grace and favor, then wonder why things seem to be getting worse.

Wanting to make things right with God means we have to acknowledge there is sin in our lives.  This is where the testing and admitting becomes real!

Do you remember a man named Job in the Bible?  There was a time in his life when everything fell apart; I mean literally everything you could think of turned into a disaster from violent storms, thievery and even death.

He didn’t understand why such calamity and sorrow happened time after time causing him to lose almost everything he loved and owned, but nonetheless, it happened. 

What was so intriguing about this is that in all that happened Job never blamed God!  He didn’t point a finger, but asked the LORD to reveal anything he had done to remove the favor he once had on his life.

“How many are my iniquities and sins?  Make known to me my rebellion (reveal my transgressions) and my sin.” (Job 13:23 NASB)

Ask God to make your sin, or rebellion and transgressions known to you, then repent.


3 – Submit.  Offer your life as a sacrifice; submit to the will of God and change your ways.

From the very beginning God’s hand has been on this world and He knows who will listen to Him.  When Job entered the throne room of God in prayer, he went in with a pure heart ready to accept whatever consequences Jehovah would bring into his life.  What he didn’t know at the time was that he was being tested by satan with God’s permission!

God wasn’t testing Job to see if his where his loyalty was, but it was to prove his love for the Lord was pure regardless of whether or not he had wealth.  When defending his loyalty to the Lord in prayer, God challenged Job (twice) to see if his answers were from the heart regarding his love for his Creator.

Job didn’t follow God because of the favor he received, but vice versa.  He received favor from God because he was in right (righteous) standing with the Lord and repented for what was really in his heart. (Job 42)

Despite how his wife felt or what his friends thought, no matter what happened in his life, Job always turned back to God and in doing so he returned to His favor.  Jehovah God restored (doubled) his lost fortune including giving him ten more children!   

What was Job’s secret to having the favor of God restored in his life?  He soul searched, accepted the testing, repented and submitted to the will of God in prayer. (Read Job 42:10-17)

“Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:40 NASB)

“Let us examine our lifestyles, putting them to the test,
and turn back to the LORD.” (ISV)

This Week’s Challenge: 
You Know What to Do

It’s true, life probably won’t be the same as we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean it cannot turn out in our favor and be even better.  

Nothing will ever happen that God isn’t aware of, nor is there anything He cannot work out for our good.

Maybe you’re in that place where you’ve lost everything you invested in life, including a job, family, home, position … and probably even more because of this global crisis.  If so, then now you know what to do to return to God’s favor!

Search – Test – Submit!

“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:40 KJV)

Confess to the Lord that you need Him … you’ve messed up, missed Him and have failed to seek His face for help and forgiveness.  Why wait? Do it now. 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

Jesus promises He will forgive you. Through His Righteousness He will put you back in right standing with God, returning you to His favor!  


Until next time, return to God’s favor!

“Favor is on the other side of repentance.”
- Jesus Christ

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used a treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.   

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New This Week: Click on the links below.

Search My Heart, O God by Kay Arthur
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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: Image 1  Image 2  Image 3  Image 4 Image 5  Challenge Google Images and Quotes are Creative Common License if not specified. 

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Weekly Challenge, Bible Study, Anxiety, Prayer, Fear, Pandemic, Submission, Repentance, Kay Arthur, Testing, Promises of God, Forgiveness