Tidings of Great Joy

My friend ... from our house to yours, let me extend the “tidings of great joy” message of the angel Gabriel that was given over 2,000 years ago. 

Everything you will ever need for your life is already in place, and that includes His unmerited favor.

Just as God prepared a place for baby Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem where the events of a Christ child would begin, your life also has the hand of God mapped out in every step you will ever take.

However, if you never spend time with the One who set things in order for you to receive the grace on your life for His favor, you will never experience the best He has ordained for you.  Now where is the joy in that?

Scriptures tell of a promised Messiah that would come to save and set people free.  A King who would rule and reign forever, reconciling the breach between God and man.

Their hope was for a King that would deliver them from all bondage – spiritually, physically and financially.

He would bring freedom that could give them true rest as they trusted on Him to deliver them from their fears and sin.  He would restore their joy as they place their trust in Him resting on and in His Word as Holy.  That day came, just as God said.

There Is Always Hope in the Promises of God

Throughout the Word of God we learn of many individuals who had hope in what God had promised.  In all of my biblical studies, there is only one recorded joyful response of the tidings given.  It was that of a young Jewish girl.  

She took the Word of God to a level like none other and dared to believe when there seemed to be no way.  I venture to say I have never heard a teenager say these words with full confidence that what was spoken of God would surely come to pass, and what ever way He wanted to do it would be fine with them.

The scriptues tell us of a young virgin girl named Mary who rested and had peace over what God had planned to happen through her.  In one moment Mary's earthly plans and life vision changed,  becoming more wonderfully filled with favor than she could have ever imagined.

"The messenger angel Gabriel came to her and said, You are honored very much. You are a favored woman.  The Lord is with you.  You are chosen from among many women.

When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words.  She thought about what had been said.  The angel said to her, Mary do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.  See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus." (from Luke 1 :28-31)

Let us look at some key phrases of what she actually said when receiving this life changing news from various translations of the Bible in Luke 1:37-39.

"For with God, nothing is impossible." Miryam (Mary in Greek - I explain this in my book "Christmas Favor") said, "I am the servant of Adonai (Jehovah God); may it happen to me as you have said." Then the angel Gabrial left her.  - Complete Jewish Bible

"Nothing is impossible for God!" Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant! Let it happen as you have said..." - Contemporary English Version

"Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word...." - New King James Version

"Then Mary said, "I am willing to be used of the Lord.  Let it happen to me as you have said..." - New Life Version

Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant.  May everything you have said about me come true..." - New Living Translation

What Happens When Faith takes Action?

What can we take away from this short passage? Mary believed in the impossible because God said it would happen.  She was willing and happy to be used by God in what ever way He wanted.  

Faith in action caused favor to be manifested in Mary's life. What action?  In two words Mary ... believed and submitted!  Favor came to this servant of God because she first of all believed God (His Word).  Second - Mary was willing to obey the instructions by submitting to the plan of God in His way of making favor happen.  

Instead of questioning the impossible and the position it would put her in, Mary was excited with great joy and said, "Let it be ... let it happen and come true just as God planned!"

No doubt entered Mary's thinking of what God could do.  She received the plan by faith and because she said yes to God, He showed her extra ordinary favor.

"... you (Mary) have found (been chosen and given) great favor from God." (from Luke 1:26-38)

Immediately Mary sang praises and worshipped God after hearing what He wanted to do through her, despite what others would say or might do.  From the very beginning she was in on the plan and was willing to see it through no matter what.  Mary allowed God to do something miraculous in her life.  He wants to do the same in you.

"Tidings of great joy" and supernatural favor are waiting for you.  God’s plan for something good was ordained from before you were born; only He can reveal to you what that is so that favor can be released at the right time. 

There isn’t anything more God has to do for your miracle to be birthed; if you would only believe Him and submit to His plan like Mary did.  He is waiting on you to joyfully say, 

“Let it be done unto me; I am willing ... may everything You have said about me come true!"

Until next time, favored blessings!

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest.  

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 Copyright from Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.  

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

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 Devotional from Ten Biblical Reasons for Rest and Relaxation Series: Part 4

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Forever Thankful

 

Heavenly Father,

On this Thanksgiving Day, we offer this prayer with a grateful heart.

We thank You for Your provision, promises and protection for which we are forever blessed.  

We thank You for our family, friends and Your unending favor.

We thank You mostly for Your Son, Jesus Christ and the precious mercy gift of salvation.

In Jesus' name, Amen,

With a grateul heart we give thanks for you, our faithful followers. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Daily Favor!

Fay aka 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.  Image

 
Praise God you favored us with this visit! 

Take a look around!

Fay aka 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/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.  Image:  Life Gift

Note: When used 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.

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, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Favor, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Christian Living, Inspiration

When You Became Strong

2 Corinthians 12:10

There are certain situations that have been brought to my attention recently, in which I would like to help people come to peace with concering their telling others about personal needs or situations.
It is not easy admitting that we have weaknesses to others. 

Imaginary conversations start swirling around in our mind thinking if we confess we need something or someone it means we do not have a grasp on things.  People may think we are needy or weak and gossip about what we shared out of desperation.

Reaching out can literally backfire, causing us to shrink back in seeking help when we most need it.  Even though sharing the need for help may be hard, the Bible does bid us to seek counsel from godly, wise individuals.  Sadly those people may not be (and most likey are not) family, friends or co-workers.  

However, as believers in Christ Jesus, we do not have to go through any trial alone.  On the other hand, we need to be extremely cautious in whom we share our circumstances with if we do not have complete peace in our spirit in doing so.  

Besides having those of faith in your prayer corner, God Himself is already aware of the situation.  Taking our cares and concerns to the Lord is different; He is waiting for the Righteous to bring every burden to Him and leave it at His feet.  

"Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the Righteous be shaken." (Psalm 55:22 NIV)

You can trust that everything you share from your heart is safe with the Lord. He will show you a way to the other side of the situation when there seems to be no answer.

"Cast your cares (anxiety, fears, concerns) on Him, for He cares for you."  (1 Peter 5:7)

Understand that just because things are not peachy in your life does not mean God’s favor is not available or working.  On the contrary, it may be those very hardships that God is using to extend His blessings and favor (His grace) in ways not ordinarily noticed.

Say, I Am Strong!

Scriptures tell us about a situation in the Apostle Paul's life when he going through a difficult time.  Did God pull him out of it?  No, but he did get an answer, although it may not have been what he expected at the time.  This is what Jesus said to him.

"My grace (favor, loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9a  AMPC)

This passage lets us know that God is all for relationship with His children.  It is in those weaknesses that God comes to rescue and shows His loving-kindness toward us.  His power is more effective, complete and fufilled when we need Him most.

Paul learned a great deal about his own faith and the entire situation brought him closer to the Lord.  God's favor was all he needed.  It was more than enough for whatever he encountered.

Through this experience Paul shared how God delivered him through grace (unmerited favor).  The Lord's power was greater than man's in every circumstance.

God Will Give You Strength

Although it may be difficult, God wants us to come to the knowledge that we do need Him.  He does not think of us as "needy weaklings", but wants us to recognize that going to the Him for help acknowledges that we know He is the only One that can give us the solution we need for any situation. 

God is not shocked about anything we have done or over the thoughts that we think.  Nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard.  He already knows and has the solution to any issue or problem that could ever happen!

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthrew 11:28-30 NIV)

Notice ... He will not scold or think bad thoughts of those who seek Him.  As a matter of fact, Jesus welcomes the weary and burdened, and wants to shower His children with loving-kindness, favor and mercy. (Read James 1)

Go Back to Move Ahead

The Bible teaches of a time when King David was at his lowest.  Nothing was going right; his enemies were surrounding him and even his family was in trouble.  David kept asking God, "When are you going to deliver me ... where are You?  Why have you abandoned me when I need you the most?" (from Psalm 13 and 1 Samuel 22)

Does any of this sound familiar?  I know I have asked those very questions of God, and more than once!

It did not take long for David to change the tune of his "night song", for even his enemies knew that the favor of God and His presence caused him to succeed in all he did. (1 Samuel 18:14)

The King trusted in the Lord despite how things looked.  In order to keep going during a difficult time, he reflected on how the Lord brought him though every challenge leading him to victory.  He realized that God's hand of favor (mercy) was on him even when he did not recognize it.  At that moment he became strong in the Lord, and the power of God's might helped David overcome and move ahead.

"... but I trust in Your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because You have (in the past and will now) rescued me.  I will sing to the LORD because He is good to me." (Psalm 13:5-6 NLT emphasis mine)

There are plenty situations in my life when I know God's hand of favor surrounded me like a shield, and in the midst of trouble, I found strength to carry on when I did not know what to do.  Many of those stories I have shared with you over the years here on Daily Favor, but only after I have gone to the Lord in prayer.

Let me encourage you to think back on the time(s) when you were at the lowest point(s) in your life.  If you cannot remember a time, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the turning from weakness to "when you became strong".  Exactly what happened?

How did God work His power (favor and grace) through the situation?  When you were weak, how did God reveal His strength to you?   

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My (God’s) ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

(Isaiah 55:9 NKJV) 

What did you find out about yourself during that time of weakness?  How did you become stronger allowing God's favor to work turning your sadness into gladness?  Share some of those times with someone; your godly testimony could be the answer they have waited for all along in helping them to become strong.  

As you choose to believe in the Bible as God’s truth, may He favor you with His strength and that your confession will always be …

Let the weak say: “I am strong.”

Let the poor say: “I am rich.”

Let the blind say: “I can see.”

It’s what the Lord has done in me.

 

What the Lord Has Done in Me

 

Until next time, favored blessings!

 

“Believe I will take you from weak to strong.”

Jesus Christ 

Purchase Intro "For when I am weak, then I am strong." verse poster.

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By Dan Schaeffer 

 

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. 

Fay aka 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.

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Note: What the Lord Has Done In Me by Reuben Morgan 1998 Hillsong Publication/ Integrity Hosanna Music.

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

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.  

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.  

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So happy you favored us with this visit! 

Take a look around!

Fay aka 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/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.  Image:  Life Gift

Note: When used 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.

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, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Favor, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Christian Living, Inspiration

This Day

 “This” Day ...

as Every Day

 is a Gift 

There are those times when even though I feel things were not accomplished or have not gone as planned, I enjoy every “this” day God graciously gives. 

Besides the daily grind of any kind of work, attending parties, events and activities are great things to look forward to giving us some sort of break from it all.  However, taking time to enjoy today, this day you are living in presently, can bring a whole lot more happiness into a rather routine life.   

Somewhere right smack in the middle of things that are going on in your day, enjoy the moment(s) and learn to be thankful.  Rejoice in the simplicity of the “little” things that God allows along the journey.  

It took me a long time to appreciate those little moments, until something special happened at a time I least expected.  I remember years ago when we were moving, and everything was quite hectic.  

We had a kitten at the time and for her own protection she was in one of the rooms with the door closed.  The room was already empty with a few toys, and all of her essentials so she could run around, play or do whatever her little heart desired.  Placing her in that room allowed us to go in and out of the front door without her escaping.

As I finished packing up the kitchen and walked passed that closed door I felt so bad that she was in there alone.  "She is safe, it is okay."  This was the phrase I played over and over in my mind trying not to feel guilty and reminding myself that we had a timeline for moving.

Suddenly, in the midst of it all I heard the Lord speak to my spirit, "I'd take time to play with her."  I can look back with no regrets in listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We were blessed to have her with us for twelve more years and I am so glad to have taken the time on that day to play with her.  It is one of my most precious "this day" moments I have ever had, and to this day I make sure to bask in the "this day" gifts God puts before me without guilt or regret!  

Enjoy Life on "This" Day

God has given us the power to enjoy life if we choose, the problem is that we often choose the not so important moments of each day to focus on and totally miss out of the special times during the day.

Oh how quickly we forget ... When we wake every morning, blessings, mercy and favor are already waiting for us.  They were prepared in advance by God so we would be blessed in the midst of all else that may happen.  

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

In the original Hebrew writing, the word mercy is actually "checed" which means favor, loyalty, lovingkindness, steadfast love, faithfulness and goodness.  That one word says a lot! 

In the Divine plan of God He established that we should wake with these new blessings for a fresh new start to each day.  Knowing that we have Daily Favor should continually renew our hope, causing us to enjoy every single day we have breath to live!

Thoughout our lifetime we will have labored in much work to achieve certain goals set for ourself and/or our family.  In doing so we expect compensation for all our labor, but often fail to recognize the rewards that God drops along our path that have nothing to do with finances.

Be glad when you earn a living and take time to rest from that work, giving God the glory for the blessings it may bring.  If you are currently without a job or retired, praise the Lord that mercy will come again the next day filled with new blessings yet to unfold.

“As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor – this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NKJV) 

Meanwhile, take advantage of "now" time; the current moment and what is happening right before your eyes. There are "favored" moments about to take place - do not miss them! 

People are watching how you live life and respond to situations.  Decide to enjoy your favored life full of mercy (today, on this day as well as the rest) and make a difference for the Kingdom. 

"This is the day (not tomorrow, not yesterday, but today) that the LORD has made.  I will (you decide, not maybe I will, but I surely will) rejoice and choose to be glad in it."  (Psalm 118:24 emphasis mine)

Today is the only time you will have to enjoy “this” day, so why not make the most of it?  Do not wait until something happens before you appreciate the *vapor time you have here on earth.  Be sure that with every encounter you leave with something positive as you journey with Jesus.  (*James 4:14) 

Rejoice, be glad … this day God chose to give you “life” favor.  Learn to enjoy the favor of God in blessings and mercy on "This Day" and daily.

 This Is The Day by Planetshakers 

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, life itself is God's favor! 

“I came to give life abundant with favor .”

Jesus Christ 

Fay aka 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/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.  Image:  Life Gift

Note: When used 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.

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.  

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