On Tuesday, August 27th my husband and I had the
pleasure of going to lunch with a friend who was turning a fabulous 80 years old! Tris is spunky, funny, dresses to the nines, full
of smiles, and without a crook in her walk.
She is full of life and a delight to be around.
We arrived at the restaurant and had parked when here she
comes, right up behind us with a big grin on her face. In a flash, Tris was on our heels with a
stretched-out arm shouting, “I got the door.”
Entering the dining area the hostess instructed us to sit
where we liked. Plunking her pocketbook
on the floor she pulled out her chair and started in on a story. Oh no … it was not long before we were
laughing anticipating the outcome of her “swallowed tooth” story! We were not disappointed.
During our conversation, she was excited over showing off the
new pink coffee mug gift set to her senior girlfriend group – the “magnificent
seven,” and that she was going to bring it next time they met for dinner. Her
response sent us over the moon knowing it was something she liked.
“I’m glad you liked our gift and these are for you.”
I said handing her a yellow bouquet of flowers and dripping water all over the
table from the carry sack in which they were contained. I quickly began sopping up the water with napkins
when she took the flowers and leaned them up against her purse on the floor.
Pushing a small chocolate cream cake next to her plate I said,
“This is for you as well.” Putting down
her fork she smiled and picked up the dessert. “Ooooh, let’s just eat this!” She read my mind!
As we sat at the table I explained to our server that we
were celebrating my friend’s birthday and shared her age. Looking at her the lady acted surprised and
could not believe it. I felt the same
and thought God surely renewed her youth just like it says in His word.
Abounding in Benefits
There are many “benefits” as the Bible calls it, described for
those who accept and follow Christ as their Savior according to Psalm 103. God blesses the soul, forgives sins, heals diseases,
supplies good things, and even renews our bodies to name a few of those salvation
benefits.
However, there are more promises from God that go far beyond
the few mentioned in this passage and one is His favor. In verse 4 of that same chapter, it states
how God gives lovingkindness and mercy.
“Who redeems your life from destruction (saves you from
going to hell), Who crowns (adorns, encircles) you with lovingkindness and
tender mercies.”
The word “mercies” from the original Hebrew translation of
this verse means that God has compassion for us from the beginning; we are
cherished with great love from before we are born. Here God implies that He cherishes, takes
pity on, and has tender mercy for the fetus acknowledging it is a living being
He loves.
8) “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger,
and plenteous in mercy (great in mercy).
In verse eight “merciful” means God is compassionate and
full of mercy. Moving down in the blessing list of benefits we see the word
mercy again several times, only it does not mean the same as in the previous
verses.
Pick up with the last part of verse 8:
" ... and plenteous in mercy (great in mercy).
11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is
His mercy toward them that fear (revere) Him.
12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He
removed our transgressions (confessed sins) from us.
17) … but the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting
to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s
children;
18) To such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember
His commandments to do them."
If we look at verses 8b (the term mercy), 11 and 17, the same
word means a great deal more than God’s great compassion. It includes: kindness, goodness, mercy,
beauty and yes – favor referring to the person in reference.
Not only does God give favor, He abounds in it! These things cannot be bought, worked for, or
earned, but are given freely from the Lord because of His mercy (compassion).
If you are born again God's favor is automatically on
your life and available the moment you asked Jesus into your life and heart. Favor is a gift from God if you are a
believer, but many Christians do not know or realize it. Even more they do not
know how to walk in God's favor or recognize it in their daily lives.
Scriptures teach in Psalm 3:8 that the blessing of the Lord
is on His people. We can ask for favor on certain situations or increase
of favor, but the initial blessing of favor (compassionate mercy) we do not
need to ask for because it is already on you as a child of God’s.
Every person who trusts Jesus as their Savior under the New
Testament covenant, becomes an heir to the promises God made to Abraham.
We are identified as "seed" and “joint heirs with Jesus,” therefore
qualifying us as heirs to the covenant promise made to Abraham in the Old
Testament.
Upon salvation every individual receives the blessing of God
that includes His favor. They go together and cannot be separated.
Unfortunately, most Christians only believe in salvation
that grants them a place in Heaven one day; they never walk in God's blessing
or favor even though it is available to every child of God. It cannot be
earned, bought, or worked for … it is a gift!
It was one year ago since we first met sweet Tris at a water
dispenser in Walmart, and a few weeks later we were honored to celebrate her 79th
birthday at her home. After a wonderful
time of fellowship, she shared her love for Jesus and we ended the afternoon in
a time of prayer and blessings.
I am not sure how much she knows about God’s favor or
understands the depth of it, but pray she will experience this gift from the
Lord in ways more than she could ever ask or think. My prayer is the same for you!
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above
all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians
3:20 NKJV)
Until next time, Favored Blessings
*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child. If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.
*Names in articles are not
used but changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
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. ImageCreative Common License if not specified.
It is a stormy day.
Looking out the lobby of the hospital I can see the wind whipping
through the trees, bending them to their limits. The rain is much needed here as it has been
quite dry.
As the thunder roars and flashes of lightning illuminates
the sky, the rain is pounding on the roof in a steady stream. Within a few
hours the storm has subsided and the sun breaks through the clouds as if it
were a new day. All is well.
The ground has absorbed the overflow of water and the
strong root system of the trees has stabilized them to withstand the roughest weather. If it was not for the healthy, strong roots
the trees would not have a chance of survival even the mildest of storms.
It is the same basics for you and me. What we feed our spirit, soul and body will
determine how well we survive the “storms” of life.
The way trees are properly maintained or tended to by the
caregiver predicts their outcome and future. If a young plant is not fed (fertilized),
watered, and staked properly the tree does not stand much of a chance of
surviving to live out its purpose.
How we maintain a good healthy balance is by “feeding” (reading
and studying) on the word of God daily. Scriptures
teach that God’s word is the key to all blessings that help us maintain, survive,
and come out victorious in every situation.
When we become nourished in the word our “root” system (spirit) becomes
like a tree planted by a riverbank becoming deeply rooted and super strong.
Psalm 1:1-3 gives us the outline of how to accomplish
this lifestyle.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor stands in the paths of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the
scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he
meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither;
and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Here is the same passage only in the New Living
Translation.
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of
the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they
delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing
fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
In other words, delight, joy and prosperity come to the
one who follows the ways of God. Their roots go extremely deep because he/she has gained a revelation of God through
meditating on what He says.
Look at three things of what being deeply rooted in the scripture does for a believer in the Word:
1. Through studying and meditating the words of God we gain
the substance needed for building faith, especially in difficult situations.
During trials we are rooted in God’s word to help stabilize
us so that we do not waver through the testing of faith as it states in James chapter 1. If that happens (wavering back and forth from
faith and doubt), we cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord. Favor and blessings do not come to those who
continually waver in unbelief.
Daily meditating on the Word of God gives us an insight
to how He does things and unlocks a door for favor. In the Old Testament God gave Joshua, rules of
instruction, that if he followed them the results would lead to him being
successful and prosperous.
“This Book of the Law” shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall mediate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according
to all that is written in it. For then
you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua
1:8)
Joshua’s success depended on his obedience; God already told
him how to make it happen through meditating, studying, and focusing on His word.
It was up to Joshua, not God, as to whether he would find success or
prosperity by what he did daily.
Joshua had to abide by the old covenant law during his
lifetime, but since Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we now have
a new covenant of grace. Romans 6:14
verifies how grace has redeemed us from the old law covenant.
“For sin will no longer be master (have dominion) over
you, since you are not under (old) Law (as slaves), but under (unmerited, undeserved)
grace (as recipients of God’s favor and mercy).
What then (are we to conclude)? Shall we sin because we live not under Law
but under God’s favor and mercy?
Certainly not!” (Romans 6:14-15 Amplified translation)
Now that we no longer live under law but by grace, how
does the new covenant work? By faith through God's grace, mercy, and favor in the forgiveness of sin when we confess it to the
Lord. Studying God’s word shows us what
is sin to God and how to live in the new covenant blessings. There is no more sacrificing of animals, humans or
anything else, because Jesus Christ became the sacrifice that covers every sin once
and for all.
Accepting Jesus as your Savior means you have allowed Him
to be the sacrifice for the sins you committed against God without you being
punished. When you confess that you have
sinned, you acknowledge that you were guilty of doing something that does not
please the Heavenly Father. God in turn
forgives you and does not remember that sin any longer. He sees you as clean, Righteous,
and favored because you chose to do His will by asking for forgiveness.
In Joshua’s time there was only the law, because the New
Testament had not been written until after Jesus was born. However, the secret to good success is still
found in meditating on the Word of God, but the new covenant of grace
(unmerited favor) sheds Holy Spirit light and insight to the ways of God that
were not revealed in the old covenant.
This revelation can only be found by those deeply rooted
in the God’s word. When we remain steadfast
in the word as God commands, our faith grows, and when our faith is strong the grace and favor
of God comes when we need it the most. In other words, we grow in grace and favor as our roots grow deeper in God.
"... but grow (spiritually mature) in the grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (the Messiah)" (2 Peter 3:18)
2. Being rooted in God’s word will keep your faith from
wavering and open doors of favor.
Look at what the Word of God says about wavering and not
standing strong in faith in what the scripture teaches. It is self-explanatory as to what we can expect
for doubting God at His word.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (maturity,
endurance, perseverance). But let
patience have its perfect work (in you), that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives
to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting,
for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose (think) that he will
receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his
ways.” (James 1:1-7 NKJV)
Flip flopping back and forth from doubting to faith to doubt will
get you nothing from the Lord. He cannot
grant anything that was asked because the mind is not set on what He said about
a given situation. Staying focused in
faith on what God has said, no matter how things look in the natural, is the
way to success, prosperity, and favor.
3. Deep word study daily equips us in discernment, wisdom,
and knowledge, helping us understand each situation to know what to do.
Knowing what the word says will help squash the enemy when
fear and doubt try to overtake your emotions. We cannot always override emotions, but we can stay in faith when they surface by taking control of them.
It is important to remember that although God is compassionate, He is not moved by emotions but by faith. When the Lord sees your faith, He moves compassionately.
Deep Roots Keep You Going
It was one year to the day when I wrote a short first draft of
this lesson that never got published due to “storms” that were happening with
hubby at the time. Since then, we have been through several types of storms.
In my series teaching “Dealing with Life’s Distractions”
I describe the many literal storms that totally uprooted several trees in our yard. Through it all, God showed us great favor and
our spiritual roots are deeper in Him than ever.
Are you struggling to keep your “roots in the ground” and
not be uprooted by life’s problems? Does
your faith keep getting tossed with the wind preventing God from working in
your life or showing you favor due to doubt or unbelief?
Start digging into the Bible for answers; they are there! Look up passages through the concordance in
the back of most bibles under a list of subjects, situations, or a specific word that
you are dealing with at the time.
Read each passage listed referring to that item you searched. Suppose you needed to know what God's word says on the subject of being lonely or feeling overwhelmed ... you would look up the passages listed following the word and read them. For example:
Lonely: Psalm 22, 42; John 14:15-31a
Overwhelmed or Stressed: Isaiah 55:1-9; Matthew 11: 25-30; John 4:1-30; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; Revelation 22:17
Read what God says about it and what He says to do.
Meditate, ponder, think about what you read and then act on it.
The more you do this the easier it will be to stay in
faith, because you know what God says and that settles how you think on a matter
regardless to the circumstances (therefore putting an end to wavering and unbelief). Choose
to believe God’s word and dig your heels in deep, standing firm on what God has
said in the scriptures.
Friend, God has a purpose and a plan for your life that includes fruit for good things, blessings and a life full of hope for the future. He has designed His children to have a desire to
grow stronger – grow deeper roots to thrive, not strive to achieve
success or prosperity.
The only way to remain
deeply rooted for favor is to feed your spirit and soul with the best food
possible – the Word of God.
Until next time, Favored Blessings
*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child. If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
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. ImageCreative Common License if not specified.Image 1Image 2
Welcome, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels, Deeply Rooted for Favor, Meditate, Covenant
Over the past months I've
received messages concerning a number of concerns that many of you are
experiencing; so much so, that I felt the subject needed addressing. Levels
of frustration, anxiety and uncertainty are through the roof worldwide.
Things aren't going as you
planned and you're waiting on God for answers or deliverance. You
wonder if you’re doing something wrong and whether or not God is even
listening.
Has He forgotten you even exist? Your thoughts take you to places you don't want to go emotionally and question, "Can’t He see what I’m going
through and that I need help?" Does this sound about right?
I don’t know where you might be
spiritually or if you have done anything to be out of fellowship with Him, but
can assure you God is absolutely without question, aware of the what’s going on and definitely
cares.Let me share a situation that
might give insight on how God feels about those who seek Him for help.
The King Knew What to Do
In the Old Testament of the
Bible, we read about a king who sinned against the Lord. In his distress
King Manasseh needed God to intervene in a major way; he also knew what to do
in order to receive God's favor on the situation.Let’s take a look.
"When he (the king) was
distressed, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled
himself before the God of his ancestors.He prayed to Him and the LORD was receptive to his prayer and granted
his request." (from 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 CSB)
The key here is that the king
did three things. Did you catch them?
First, Manasseh sought the Lord.
In other words, he went searching for God in prayer instead of running away
from the One he sinned against. He called out to God and faced the
problem, knowing he was the one who needed to change.
Next, the king humbled himself
before the Lord seeking forgiveness in order to become obedient to God. He
earnestly, intently, seriously went before God knowing their relationship had
been broken by him. He sought the Lord in order to make things right with God,
and did what God had commanded from generations of his ancestors.
Finally, King Manasseh asked
for help – “favor” - in prayer. Knowing all that happened, it leaves
us wondering why did God answer his prayer? For the answer, we need to
back up to the beginning of chapter 7 in Deuteronomy for the original
promise to the people if Israel.
The Lord had given commands to
the children of Israel for generations. He loved them and had set them
aside for favor as His chosen people. The Lord "set" His heart making a
covenant to those who would love Him and faithfully follow His commands.Basically, the king went back to the original
covenant promise and started afresh with the LORD.
What Was, Still Is
Those who believe in Jesus are
heir to the covenant promises as much as those of generations that have gone
before us. The promises never change or expire - people do!
I believe in God's promises and
that includes "the Lord will keep you from illness" (verse 15)
or from harm. Although our bodies experience sickness or disease at
times, it is a biblical right as an heir to the covenant promises of God, that
we make our requests known to the Lord and walk in wisdom following His
principles for receiving anything from Him. This includes slowing down
and taking time to rest so you can heal or hear from the Lord.
That's what we have done these
past months and literally for years.Time and time again God faithfully granted our requests as we sought Him,
have a repenting heart and ask for His help in prayer knowing that without Him
we can do nothing.
"Do not be anxious or
worried about anything, but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by
prayer and petition (asking) with thanksgiving, continue to make your
(specific) requests known to God." (Philippians 4:6 AMP)
Search for God
Humble Yourself before God to Seek Forgiveness
Ask for God’s Help and Favor
Friend, don't give up on God or
distance yourself from Him during this difficult time, or any time for that
matter. Instead, run to Him trusting that He has not forgotten you. Restore your relationship with God right
away; there’s not time to delay.
Let God know you are serious about getting right with Him and want to take the right steps. Your life can be restored to His favor with the peace that passes all understanding if you take action.
Go to a room or area where it is quiet and without distractions, even if it's only for a short time. With pen and paper in hand, pick up your Bible then sit down and by faith expect to hear from God.
"Lord, I set my mind and heart towards You alone. Reveal Yourself to me so that I may hear and do what You require of me."
Write down whatever the Holy Spirit places in your thinking and then act on it believing you have had a "word" from the Lord regarding the situation(s). Ponder, dwell, think on what you have heard and whether it has given you peace in your spirit.
Don't make excuses or try to reason out what you've heard. Search scriptures that target your circumstance and see how they line up with what you have written or heard in your spirit. If they do not meld, then it is not from the Lord - keep seeking!
"God will never tell you to do something that goes against His Word."
If there is anything standing
between God and you, ask Him to forgive or make it known to you. Sometimes we aren't even aware that we're doing something to cause a breach in the flow of favor. It may not be you specifically, but something you're involved in or even people you associate with that are blocking your answers. Find out and resolve the issue(s) immediately (but don't look to blame others).
When you have repaired fellowship with God, then
make your request for favor. Thank Him for the answer in advance, knowing
that He is faithful to His promises and will deliver in His way and timing.
He Is Sustaining Me
There have been some extremely
rough times in my Christian journey, with tests and tribulations when I never
knew if I’d make it from one minute to the next.People have asked, “How do you do it?”I always answer, “I don’t. God is the One who
is sustaining me.”
These past nine months (especially
since hubby’s first brain bleed stroke in January) I have continually sought
the Lord and His righteousness daily, knowing that somewhere I did or may have
missed God in some way. Over and over, He has been faithful, walking with
me through each trial and helping me to the other side of a situation despite
episodes of anxiety, worry or fear.
Through the pain, anguish and
suffering, each time His Word and Spirit leads me back to the path in which I
am to follow that has His favor marked all over it! If I mess up I run to God and ask, "Show me what I've done and what I need to do to restore fellowship." He's always near and somehow, someway we get through whatever it is and become stronger.
I don't know how many are
praying for God to move on behalf of my husband's situation (in which I am
truly grateful), but I do know that His favor isn't a joke or some kind of
magic. Neither is His favor given just because we want it, but it's given
out of His grace and covenant love.
God alone determines when, where and if His favor will be
given. Our job is to seek His presence, obey Him by faith then ask for God's favorbelieving
He will show up at the right time and in the right place when we need Him the
most. Trust Him; God has not forgotten you.He is faithful and desires to restore favor.
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you
completely, and may your entire spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and
He will do it," (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 BSB)
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 Bible Gateway.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not
specified. Image
I’ve got good news for you … the message from the
scriptures that was given thousands of years ago is still being given
today! That’s right, and do you know
why? It’s because the covenant blessings
of God are still in effect.
The good news is that God’s mercy and favor never end!
“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)
Ahhh, but there’s also bad news … His blessings will
cease for those who break covenant and fellowship with Him. That doesn’t sound very “promising” does
it?Of course not, and that’s why I have
another message to deliver. There is a promise of hope to
all who would adhere to the words of the Lord.
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. The message I want to share today is that from before
you were born God’s plans 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 promises that
if any person has a desire to know 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)
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 the Old Testament prophet,
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.It involves good things,
and who couldn’t use some goodness in their lives about now?
Oh, and 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.For me, this isn’t only the best message for
today, it’s the best message ever!
Until next time, walk in
covenant favor today and everyday!
“Covenant fellowship has benefits
of favor.” - Jesus Christ
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used
as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual
awareness.
Book Pick of the Week: Click
on link below.
Walking with God by Dr. Charles Stanley
(Imitation Leather)
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Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
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Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture reference was
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*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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Note: Covenant Blessed with Favor in
Walking with God. Join us for a lesson of faith in the book of Jeremiah as he
walks out God’s vision and call on his life.
In the first part of this message we
learned about what God called His covenant people who obeyed and followed His direction
– “special treasures”.
Then our challenge was to put ourselves in the shoes of Moses and the Israelites concerning the
relationship they had with the Lord.
This week we’ll pick up on the second
part of the message God gave to Moses for the people.It was to prepare!What were they to prepare for anyway?Anything … just be ready for something new
and the unexpected!
When we are anticipating an event there
are all kinds of things we need to do in preparation for the joyful day.We’re
thrilled about it, but then realize all we have to do to get ready for whoever
might be coming.
The first thing that comes rushing to
my mind is “THE HOUSE – I’ve got to clean the house, closets, drawers,
basement, attic, etc …”This doesn’t
even include the outside like mowing, cleaning up any junk around
the yard, watering, planting, weed whacking or anything else the people might
see before they even enter the house!
When we were first married my
husband would ask, “Why do we have to clean the closet and drawers?”Without hesitation I said, “Because they’ll
look!”
I know, you probably think I was acting
a little paranoid, but that wasn’t exactly the case.Since the early days, Hubby no longer asks
about those things and you know why?We
learned through the grapevine that there was a certain person who couldn’t
resist opening all the cabinets while in the restroom.Actually, it was his wife who squealed on
him.
This wasn’t a big deal, being a close bunch.However, my husband and I couldn’t
resist having a little fun with our friend, so we prepared and set a trap.
One night we had a few friends over
for dinner.While everyone was in the dining area eating, we heard a noise coming from the other room.Our friend had done what was expected … he
opened the medicine cabinet and out rolled marbles off the shelves, bouncing onto the
counter and down to the floor.
Those of us sitting at the table heard
the loud crashing of marbles and our friend scurrying around the bathroom
trying to pick up the little run-a-ways.Hearing
the restroom door close, we held back the laughter, pretending nothing happened.
After a long period in the bathroom
our good friend came out with a big smile on his face.“I guess you know what happened.” …
end of story and snooping! Such fun!
I know this may seem a little off topic,
but the point is that it taught me to be prepared by keeping drawers and cabinets
pretty much in order for the unexpected.It’s the visible living space that causes the challenge these days!
This leads me to other types of action
that are initiated in preparation for things to come. See if you can relate to any of this ...
Prep Time
If there is a menu to plan that
means someone has to do the shopping for the food or decorative items.Then prep time and actually making the meal
has to be scheduled into the agenda along with the time and place for it.Will it be sit-down or hands-on as in serve
yourself buffet style?This is only one
part of the planning.
Entertainment?Is there time for that and do we even
want any?I suppose it all revolves around
the type of event.
What are we going to wear?Is there something in the closet we can “make-do” with or will another shopping trip be added to the list for the adults, kids or pets? Oh hubby needs a haircut ... call the barber!
Taking a bath and making sure to
have clean clothes is usually on our list of things to do (at least I hope it
is), and this was also a part of what the Israelites were told.
Besides presenting themselves physically
clean, their mindset had to be right so they would be prepared spiritually as well. Don’t forget, they’re about to witness and be a part of history in the making!
My husband and I were talking about
what it must have been like in the Israelite camp. Was there pandemonium and did they panic? Can you picture the people gathering water,
scrubbing clothes for the special occasion and doing a crash course in memorizing
certain laws or scripture just in case GOD gave a surprise quiz?
“Then
the LORD told Moses, go down and prepare the people
for
My arrival.Consecrate them today and
tomorrow,
and
have them wash their clothing.
Be
sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day
the
LORD will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch.” (Exodus
19:10-11 NLT)
Who besides a girl dreaming about the perfect wedding would know where
to start in preparing for the greatest day of your life?The most important event was about to happen,
and God only gave them a three-day notice!
If you knew Jesus was making a visit
in seventy-two hours what would you be rushing about to get done?Would it be enough time to get ready
spiritually, physically and mentally?I’m sure everything else would come to a halt and I’d quickly grasp what
really mattered.
Perfectly Prepared
Following the logistics of consecration was something the Israelites were accustomed to doing. If you are not familiar with that term,
essentially it means to totally dedicate yourself to God as something sacred
and Holy for His purpose and glory.
“Special treasures” were to prepare themselves to do something beyond their
abilities through the hand of God.Preparing to be used by the Lord isn’t something that was only for the
Israelites, but is also for us today.
In the New Testament of the Bible,
the Apostle Paul instructs followers to live a consecrated, Holy and sacred
life before the Lord.We are to be set
apart for worship, sanctification and no longer seek the ways of the world as
we strive to live in God’s image and likeness.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies (dedicating all of yourselves,
set apart) as a sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your
rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.
And do not be conformed to this world (any longer
with its superficial values and customs), but be transformed (interpreted as metamorphosis in the Greek) and (progressively changed as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your
mind (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove
(for yourselves) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and
perfect (in His plan and purpose for you). (Romans 12:1-2 AMP)
The only way we can do this is
through the Holy Spirit and by spending personal time in fellowship with
Christ. Believers must learn to separate
themselves from the world’s system or way of life, and follow after God in
order to receive the blessings of His favor through covenant living.
“What agreement is there between the temple of
God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said:I will dwell among them and walk among them;
and I will be their GOD, and they shall be My people.
So, come out from among unbelievers and be
separate, says the Lord.And do not
touch what is unclean; and I will graciously receive you and welcome you with
favor.
And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My
sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18 AMP)
A dedicated person has a willing heart that longs to spend
time with the Lord.They are sorry for their sins and ask God’s forgiveness.With a heavy heart they repent, acknowledging
that they need a Savior and cannot make it through this world on their own.
Stepping into their new life being
forgiven, with an attitude of gratitude and love for their Savior, they have
made the decision to dedicate their entire being (spirit, soul and body) to the
calling of God for His use and Divine purpose.The believer remains committed to following God’s commands through His new
birth covenant, by staying consecrated to the Lord through daily fellowship and
worship.
Moses pursued God everyday in the
decisions he had to make. He relied on the wisdom of Jehovah as a guide to lead
the special treasures of God.It was a
big responsibility that Moses didn’t take lightly and he prepared for each step
through consecration, setting himself apart for the Lord every day for the rest
of his earthly life.
God didn’t expect Moses or the
Israelites to be perfect, but to be faithful in their walk (lifestyle) and to always
be prepared for His appearing to give instruction.If they would draw closer to Him, He would
stay close and reward them with favor for the journey to the promised land.
Hopelessly Devoted
When the Israelites lived in Egypt,
they were in their own type of lockdown having no freedom or religious rights.It was through their prayers and cries to the
LORD that He delivered them out of the hands of their oppressors.
At that time God commanded the
Israelites to consecrate themselves to be His Holy people, not as part of their
salvation, but because of His love for them.We cannot “be Holy” apart from God, and only through belief in His Son Jesus can a
person be saved and forgiven of sin.
The Israelites were not delivered
out of Egypt because they always did right, but because God loved them and
heard their plea for help.They were
hopelessly lost and realized they needed a Deliverer to save them.
When God answered their prayers, the
hopeless souls became hopelessly devoted to follow a God who cared so much that
He would send someone to lead them to the covenant promised land.He’s still answering those prayers and hears
the cries of His people.
Grafted in at Calvary
God would repeatedly tell His
special treasures to “be My Holy devoted people” and to set themselves apart
for worship. This command has not
changed for believers under the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ that covers sin.
We don’t follow a cloud by day or
fire in the sky by night, but believe in the work of Christ on the cross of
Calvary to save souls.It is through the unmerited, undeserved favor of God’s loving grace and mercy, just like it was for the Israelites, that God saves and delivers us out of the hands of the enemy
(oppressor).
As God gave commands to His special
treasures during the time of Moses, Jesus, God’s Son, has spoken the same words
to us – His grafted in special treasures.We are recipients of the same covenant promises and have been grafted in
by faith believing that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sinners at Calvary,
rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven.
“And
if some of the branches were broken off (some of the Jewish faith have fallen away
from the covenant through unbelief), and you (Gentiles), being a wild olive
tree, were grafted in among them (the Jews), and with them became a partaker of
the root and fatness (favor and blessings promised to Abraham and his
descendants) of the olive tree.” (Romans 11:17 emphasis mine)
I cannot say this any clearer than the
Phillips translation; take a look:
“If
some of the branches of the tree have been broken off, while you, like shoots of wild-olive, have been grafted in, and don't share like a natural branch the rich nourishment of the root, don't let yourself feel superior to those former branches. (If you feel inclined that way, remind yourself that you do not support the Root, the Root Jesus supports you.)
You may make the natural retort, but the branches were broken off to make room for My grafting! It wasn't quite like that. They lost their position because they failed to believe; you only maintain yours because you do believe.
The situation does not call for conceit, but for a certain wholesome fear. If God removed the natural branches for a good reason, take care that you don't give Him the same reason for removing you." (Romans 11:17-21 PHILLIPS)
For those who have been redeemed by
the saving grace (unmerited favor) of God, we too are to obey and “be Holy as
His Father is Holy”.Believers are still
to consecrate themselves before the Lord not to earn His favor, but because we
have been given favor and receive covenant blessings that we have not earned or
deserved!
This Week’s Challenge:
Preparing for Beyond Lockdown
There is a new day coming when God
will reveal Himself for the upcoming events in our life.He has and always will speak to His special
treasures to guide them through His favor and blessings.Our part is to recommit our lives to the Lord
through consecration so we can hear from Him.
God knows what He
is about to do beyond this pandemic, but we have not heard His voice, because
we have strayed from believing and obeying His commands.As God instructed, it's time to set ourselves
apart from this world and come into His throne room with praise and worship.
God told Moses to remind the people
of all He had done for them in the past that proved He alone was the One True
God.I present that same 7 Step Challenge so that you are prepared beyond this pandemic lockdown.
7 Steps to Beyond Lockdown
1 - Physically set yourself apart
from others and household distractions such as the television, radio, computer
or phone.This is part of removing
yourself from idols or anything else that takes your mind off of the Lord.
2 - Prepare your heart for
thanksgiving, praise and worshiping the Lord.With pen in hand (yes, not your phone or any other electronic device),
write down all the things the Lord has done for you including His good gifts
you have not deserved.
3 - Write down all the things that
have kept you away from the calling on your life.What distractions or interruptions have
stolen your time and prevented you from doing what God instructed by giving Him
precedence in your life?
4 - Humbly go before the Lord in
prayer and repent of your actions, attitudes, excuses, hateful thoughts or
laziness.Ask for forgiveness if you
have been greedy, contentious in spirit, lusted after others or their
belongings.
5 - Pray that others have not turned
from God because of something they saw in you that was not in His image, and
that He sends someone across their path that would bring them back to the Lord.
6 - Recommit your heart and life to
the Lord by consecration to clean Holy living before Him.Declare your love and loyalty to His commands
and covenant.Seek His ways and ask for
God to clearly reveal Himself to you as He did to Moses and the Israelites.
7 - Get ready for the day Christ
makes His appearance.Moses was
instructed to tell the people to prepare for a new day, a new thing the Lord
was doing among them.
God would come in a cloud personally
to increase their faith.They would hear
His voice and believe the prophets words forever.(Exodus 19:9) Like Moses told the people of
Israel, believer’s in Christ are to speak the same words to the lost, and
remind fellow believers of Jesus’ coming.
The message for the Israelites is
the same for you and I today.Prepare
to hear God’s voice through consecration to Him.Set yourself apart as His special covenant
treasure.Grow in His marvelous love and
grace as you get to know Him.There is no
greater joy than to experience the love of God through Christ Jesus.
After you have obeyed through
preparation, get ready to receive His favor. Rest assured that time spent purposely
growing your relationship with Jesus will give the peace needed for moving
forward to the unknown.
Don’t
be shaken by what is happening in the world, but plant your feet on the solid
foundation of Jesus.Think back to when God’s
goodness and mercy has been with you providing whatever you needed. He made a way, calmed the troubled seas and
parted the waters so you could “walk” through to safety.
This is the covenant God Who is working all
things for your good, because His promises are yes, and amen!
“For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus) are
Yes,
and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
(2 Corinthians 1:20
NKJV)
It's not a time to be distressed,
fearful or full of worry, but an opportunity to believe God for favor bigger
and better than ever imagined. He knows
the desires of your heart and His covenant promises are real.Let Him lead you into new prospects,
blessings and victories that will take your hope beyond lockdown and into glory.
“There is no peace like
the peace of those whose minds are possessed with full assurance that they have
known God, and God has known them, and that this relationship (through
covenant) guarantees God’s favor to them in life,
through death and on forever.”
Until
next time, prepare for beyond lockdown favor!
“Consecrate yourself to
Me for favor that removes oppression.”
- Jesus Christ
Read Hope Beyond Lockdown Part 1 here. Disclaimer:
Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical
issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
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.
