Everyday Favor: Part 1

The Truth about God’s Favor

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately … more than usual about God’s favor and why I (or we) have a right to ask for it.  

So much has been happening personally that my thoughts began to wander toward testing the Lord when it comes to His promises in the Bible concerning believers. 

It was during the time when my husband was recently in the hospital having another procedure done that I started questioning,

“How do we really know God is about to show His hand of favor on a situation?”

Then and There

While I was waiting for my husband I started writing for this blog three times and got nowhere.  At first the sentences started to flow, but then just stopped and made no sense. 

Instead of getting flustered I placed my pen on the table.  Closing my eyes, I leaned back against the wall trying to hear from the Lord.  Within a few minutes the doctor came in the room and said they were finished. 

Right then examples flooded my mind on how God showed us favor during this entire procedure that the subject of “Testing Favor” like I had originally planned to share was pushed to the back burner.  We’ll get to that another time, but not yet.

In order for us to understand the testing of favor there are some foundational truths that we need to know beforehand and accept if favor is to ever become a daily event in our lives.  For the next few weeks we’ll be studying some basics when it comes to the concept of God’s favor.

Researching the scriptures on what forces the hand of God toward giving favor to His children, I’d like to share with you some truths that could be revolutionary in changing the way you think of this gift of grace.

Everyday Favor

Let me begin with asking you this simple question.  How would you live if you knew God’s favor was always on your life?  I can answer that really quick.

Life would be pretty good, full of adventure knowing that I couldn’t fail at becoming successful.  Does that sound about right for you as well?  Sure it does, and why not? 

If you truly believed that God’s everyday “favor” aka grace card was always active, life would be amazing.  People would be lining up to tap their heavenly ATM (automatic teller machines) non-stop.

However, before anything can happen, believer’s in Christ must come to these realizations and accept them as truth for their own life.

Check to see if you truly believe in God’s everyday favor.

ü Realization #1: God’s grace is His favor.  This is the first truth about coming into salvation.  Without the grace of God there is no favor, because we would still be in our sin and hell bound.

  

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV)

God’s favor is what actually saves us.  His grace is that He favors us, therefore, He extends favor so that grace can work in our lives to redeem us from destruction and eternal separation from Himself.  It is one of the benefits of being a child of God’s.

"Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all (one of) His benefits:
³ Who forgives (every one of ) all your iniquities,
Who heals (each one of) all your diseases,
⁴ Who redeems your life from destruction (the pit of hell),
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies (compassion), ⁵ Who satisfies your mouth (your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation) with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (strong, overcoming, soaring)."  (Psalm 103:1-5 AMPC)

Simply put, no one can be born again, saved and redeemed by the blood of Jesus without God’s favor.  The truth is, favor saved you.

ü Realization #2: Favor was pre-planned for you.

Did you know that before you were conceived God had already planned a way to bring favor into your life?  It’s true.  As a matter of fact, before the world was formed God’s provision for redemption was already factored into His good plan for your life.  

Why did God provide this kind of favor?  He loves you.  He always has and He always will.

Sin had caused a division in the relationship between man and his Creator.  The only way to repair the breach was to get rid of the sin, so the Divine plan to send Jesus was set into motion to redeem us while we were still in the middle of sinning. How compassionate is that?

“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die

for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)

God already knew about every sin that you would commit in your entire life, yet still said He would forgive all of them if you only believed in Jesus as your Redeemer.  From the beginning blue print of life God chose and wanted you as part of His “forever” relationship, so He made a way to make that possible through salvation.

Giving sinners a way out of eternal separation from God is a source of favor that has to be received by the individual; no one can believe for anyone else.  It’s a personal thing between God and man/woman.

ü Realization #3: God’s favor changes every part of your life. 

"And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the Heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in (His) kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.”  (Ephesians 2:6-7 AMPC)

From the moment Christ becomes a part of your life through salvation, His favor begins to work in your spirit, soul and body.  Your life changes because you are an heir to an inheritance from the Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus that only God can provide.

Whether it is deliverance, safety, healing, financial or family, God supplies the need for favor according to His good plan that will affect your time here. 

Salvation through grace will get a person to Heaven, but believers need the favor of God here on earth.  Our lives are forever changed as we grow in grace (favor) and go from faith to faith in our walk with the Lord.  Now this is favor I can use every day!  What about you?

Continue on and read Everyday Favor: Part 2.

Until next time, find truth in everyday favor!

What’s New This Week: Click on the item link.

 Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Our Lord Stepping Stone

  

*Unless noted, names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.

Favored1 on Facebook, 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 “TellMe About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Note: Emphasis may be given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.

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 is geared toward spiritual awareness.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Image 1  Image 2  Image 3

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

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image credit:  Creative Common License if not specified.  

News from Fay, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Relationships, Everyday Favor, Salvation, Grace, Favor of God, Favor

Revised 4/15/19

In the Sight of God and Man (Part 1)

At 3:00 a.m. I grabbed my Bible before crawling into bed from exhaustion.  Leaning over to the nightstand I opened the top drawer pulling out my electronic version to reread a passage that was bookmarked.

I’ve been focusing on the books of Psalms and Proverbs at night and wanted to compare a verse from two translations.  As I read the scriptures from the different references something didn’t seem quite right.

By now it was almost daylight and going back and forth over the scriptures I still had no answers.  I was trusting in the Lord, because understanding … well, let’s say it was yet to be found.

Reading through Psalms and Proverbs

I don’t recall how long it’s been since I’ve been reading a Proverb and/or Psalm daily, but I have tried to make it a regular practice.  In my studies I’m near the end of Proverbs and reading through Psalm 119.  Clicking on the passage I bookmarked on the electronic Bible, I saw the word “favor” in the last part of the verse. 

Wait a minute … why didn’t I catch this in the other translation a few months ago when I was reading that passage.  Now I really couldn’t sleep.

In Sight of God and Man

For those who want to study the Bible in depth, the third chapter of Proverbs is divided into three main topics: trusting God, wisdom, with the last section discussing how we should treat others.  Reading the first six verses in the beginning of the chapter there were two words that kept me rereading the passage.

Like many people, after you’ve read something several times you sort of just glance over it and keep going.  When I got to verse four I stopped and did a retake on what I just read. 

“… in the sight of God and man.”

Wait a minute … there are only a few biblical passages that make this claim and they are always attached with stipulations for the promise.  Back tracking a few verses, I found what they were.

Add This to the Mix

I love the book of Proverbs because it’s basically a handbook for Christian living for wisdom and favor from the Lord.  What the reader can gain from this chapter is that keeping the law of God adds days to their life, gives protection, peace and wisdom in decision making.

“My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep My commands;
² For length of days and long life

And peace they will add to you.

(Proverbs 3:1-3 KJV)

Here is where it gets a bit sticky.

^“3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.”

If you want favor to be added into the mix, it will take maintaining a lifestyle of being merciful and truthful. 

Wow, that’s asking a lot isn’t it? Now not only do I have to memorize the Bible, but I have to be kind, forgiving and tell the truth in order for God to give me instructions of which thing I need to do next?

You Can’t, but He Can

If you don’t think you can keep up with all the requirements, you’re right – YOU can’t, but the Holy Spirit operating in you can!  Anyone can keep or break a law, it has nothing to do with spirituality.  However, receiving God’s favor has everything to do with the born-again spirit.

When we ask Jesus to come into our hearts and forgive us of the sins we have committed against God, he does.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t sin again in our lifetime, but that when we do and ask forgiveness for that transgression, we will be forgiven.

You see, with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) Being forgiven from sin allows us to walk in the Righteousness of Jesus and to receive the gifts of God.  Mercy, grace and favor are automatically made possible for the Christian when they trust in God as their source.

An unbeliever may receive “blessings” because they followed the laws of God, but they are not heirs to the spiritual blessings and favor from Him.  Often times people think that when things go their way it’s because they did something themselves, when it’s actually God causing things to fall in place for His children.

And So Find

^"3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
⁴ And so find favor and high esteem (good understanding)
In the sight of God and man.

After I read those two verses I had a little chat with the Lord.  I boldly asked Him to remind when I  as the scripture says, “so found favor and high esteem” placing me in a good light with mankind for being merciful and truthful. 

It didn’t take long for the Holy Spirit to drop something into my memory that took place many years ago.

My Real Fiance’

During a time in my engagement (okay my “last” engagement, no laughing!  This one stuck.), I made arrangements to meet my fiance’ for lunch not far from where he worked as a laboratory glass Lathe operator before he became a carpenter.

Not having much time, we ate in his car enjoying being together in the middle of the day.  Let me rephrase that – he ate, I watched!  Back then I was still shy about eating in front of him. How else was I able to maintain an under 85 pound figure?  I can assure you I’ve gotten over that phase!

It was time for him to return to work.  After making plans for later that night I got back into the Camaro and we started our engines.  

In A Split Second

My future husband went first and since I was going in the same direction I followed behind in my vehicle.  He made a left-hand turn crossing the railroad tracks, then pulling into the parking lot at work he looked in the rearview mirror to see where I was. 

Resting at a complete stop I made sure it was safe to turn left to cross over the railroad tracks as well.  I had almost finished my turn when out of nowhere a car came flying from the lane I had just turned across, avoiding all traffic signs in his direction.   

In a split second my life changed!  

Sorry friends ... you'll have to come back next week to read what happened to me in the sight of God and man!

Until next time, God’s favor is no accident!

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, 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 1  Image 2  Image 3  Image 4 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 credit:  Creative Common License if not specified. 

Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Wear and Share, In the Sight of God and Man,  Car Accident, Hubby Update, Daily Favor Relationships, Favor, Mercy, 

Fractured Favor

“Could you open this. I just put on hand cream.  It seems that I always need you to open something right after I’ve put on hand cream. Why is that?”

Turning around from loading the washer, laughing in agreement hubby took the peanut jar from me and twisted the top.  Handing it back he said, “Mine are gone.”

Picking a few out of the container looking directly in his eyes I smiled smugly while crunching down on them … “I know.”  Right away he realized I wasn’t about to offer him any from my stash.

“You wouldn’t be eating them if I didn’t open the jar.” He said and snatched the peanuts out of my hand.  Retrieving my jar, I put them back into the cupboard and he returned to what he was doing.

That’s the way it’s been all week.  One of us is in the middle of doing something and we’re abruptly interrupted by practically anything.  How in the world are we to ever get work done around here?

Enough is Enough

Nothing seemed to be going on schedule this week (as if having one was the solution).  My time with God was squeezed into a few minutes here and there when I could stay awake. 

When praying together we kept one eye open because of all the activity that was going on around us.  Even God had to wait as we stopped to do something in a middle of a sentence.  Both of us apologized to the Lord, but it happened over and over. 

It was close to another feeding time for the cat rescues, but I simply didn’t have the energy to do it.  Neither my husband or I had breakfast or lunch and were barely functioning due to practically no sleep.

As many of you know from your own experiences, ministering to elderly, sick or special needs animals round the clock takes a lot of energy and practical management.  Since October 2017 our hands have been full – literally.  Sadly, two cats have passed over to Heaven after extended illnesses and old age.  One on December 1^st and another on January 1^st.

When four-week old Angel kitten came into our care (on October 2^nd, 2017) even though she wasn’t weened and had to be bottle/syringe fed, we welcomed the quiet quality time with her.  I can happily report that with some encouraging Angel kitty usually eats on her own, which we hoped would free up some time. 

Along with other issues there is another animal who has to be cautiously hand fed due to an inoperable tumor in her mouth that prevents her from eating or drinking on her own.  In January she had a feeding tube put in her neck at a University Veterinary Hospital, which exposed another world of problems we frankly never handled before with rescues.

After a few weeks of feeding her every four hours an incident with vomiting caused the feeding tube to come out resulting in us now mouth feeding around the growth.  Her feeding schedule varies but is every few hours, so it is round the clock feeding, cleaning and medicating which takes a toll on the body, hers and ours.

Lately we’ve been working trying to piece “this and that” into what we needed to do, but it wasn’t happening.  I knew why and was about to change it.

Our tasks, sleep, study time, eating and normal functioning structure had become so fractured that we were spent emotionally, physically and socially.  I finally said enough is enough!

Fractured Living

No matter what I’m doing in life, the first thing I do when I wake is talk to the Lord.  I thank Him for the new mercy (favor) He has in store for me on that day in allowing me to wake, and I ask what He wants me to do as His servant.

“It is because of the Lord’s mercy (new, endless favor) and

loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His (tender) compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and

abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22 Amp)

The problem lately isn’t that I haven’t talked to God, but that I haven’t hung around long enough for His answer.  I know not to do this, but have done it anyway, because “my needs are fierce” and I have to get going.  God can catch up with me as I move throughout my day, right?

I recently read an article that made a statement that I have a hard time wrapping my belief around.  It went on to report that smartphones have now outnumbered people on earth.  When I talked about it with my husband he also didn’t believe it but added that it may be true since some people have several phones for home or business use.

Their declaration was that these “so called” devices along with other technology is keeping us from living a “normal” life and is fracturing our thinking into tiny pieces to the point that we never give our full attention to one thing anymore.  (Hold on while I take the clothes out of the dryer.)

Since we don’t have kids, and neither of us have smartphones, television or play video games (Bubbletown doesn’t count. It’s therapeutic.) something else must be dividing up our attention.  Yep, I figured it out … just life, regular stuff that has us hopping off on bunny trails leaving no time to hear from God.

This kind of living is only allowing God to give pieces of His Daily Favor in dribs and drabs.  There’s no room for peace or His abundance. There’s only one little flaw with this … me. 

The Lord revealed to me that it’s not typical life kinds of things; I’ve been doing okay with those.  However, He’s been really dealing with me on the subject of patience or should I say – the lack of it which is why some things haven’t gone the way they could have.

Shedding Light

Recently my husband and I began a new project (which we prayerfully received a green light to from the Lord) that has practically torn up or rearranged the entire back yard.  I don’t’ want to say that it’s a mess, but … it’s a MESS!

Along with cutting down trees and branches which are positioned almost anywhere you have to walk, we had to dig up some bushes over a week ago and they’re still stuck in a large bucket waiting to be replanted.  The problem is that I have no idea where they should go, because the previous location was so perfect.   

None of this will change eternity and compared to “real” problems going on in this world I’m rather taken back at my emotions and behavior.  In my own reality though, with things in such disarray (inside as well as outside) I’m not getting to spend the time I need with the Lord to focus on what He would have me do to keep everything moving in the direction He wants.  The only way that would change is if I stopped everything else to spend time with Him.

By now it was almost 3:00 in the afternoon and we still hadn’t eaten. I made sandwiches for the two of us, packed some BBQ chips (hubby loves his barbecue stuff) along with beverages and we headed out to eat in the shed!  That’s right … our practically empty shed.

The current project I’ve been hinting about revolves around this “shed” which was moved in order to be repurposed.  At this point the only thing in it are a few chairs and a folding table.  It’s clean, quiet, free of animals and people, with no electric or technology – perfect for “shedding light” on the entire situation.

Daddy and Me Time

With so many things pulling at us in our lives it can be hard to hear the voice of God for direction.  That is why it’s so important that we spend time in fellowship with the Lord.

So often we forget that God longs for a relationship with each of His children.  The other day I was moved by something a father did just to spend time with his child.

Trying to catch up on some of my social media I saw a video post of a father who was having “Daddy Time” with his daughter at the nail salon.  Attempting to get her to respond was like pulling teeth, but he was excited and loved sharing what they were doing together. 

The first thing I thought was how ungrateful she was.  Here her Dad was being so patient in words and action, intentionally taking time to be with his daughter.  He was willing to foot the bill by lavishing her with additional favor, but all she wanted to do was focus on what she wanted. 

Then I took a step back as it reminded me of how I sometimes get when God is trying to shower affection and favor on me.  I want the favor, but don’t want to relax and hear anything else God has to say.  An attitude like that will actually stop favor instead of releasing it on my situation.

The very thing I ultimately want is to spend time with God and learn more about His desires.  If I fail to seek Him because my schedule is overwhelming it will prevent me from hearing His voice to receive what He has already prepared for me.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and

to be in His presence continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11 Amp)

That 90 minutes in the shed allowed my husband and I to hear from the Lord.  We actually ate without interruption, he was able to get some estimates done and I heard from the Lord regarding some written work.  Our strength was renewed as well as our faith in what God was revealing to us about the project and situation regarding the animals.

While There is Time

The Bible tells us that there will come a time when this world will be so fragmented in chaos that no one will be able to hear or discern the voice of God.  Don’t think that as a believer you won’t get caught up in the frenzy, because it can happen easier than you think.

“Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found

(claiming Him by necessity and by right); call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

In studying scripture I’ve learned that King David’s life was full of distress, but he knew it was vital that in order for him to win in any situation he needed to spend time with God.  

Whether it was for victory over enemies, failing health or broken relationships with his family David, the servant of the Most High God, sought the Lord's presence daily and knew the Word of God was the final authority over his problem.  Repeatedly we read the same prayer he makes during his time spent with the Lord.

“You have said, Seek My face (inquire for and require My presence

as your vital need). My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for and require and on the authority of Your Word.) (Psalm 27:9 Amp)

If God is to continue to favor us with His goodness, we have to be in the Throne room seeking His face more and more in order to receive these blessings.  We cannot rely on the favor of man; the wisdom of God will always point in the direction right for us.

“Many crave and seek the ruler’s favor, but the wise man (waits)

for justice from the Lord.” (Proverbs 29:26 Amp)

God never stops extending His hand of favor, but sometimes He can’t get it to us because we’re too busy to find out where He has it stored in waiting.

Our Action Challenge

Maybe you are facing some difficult challenges right now concerning health, family or financial issues.  The key to your victory is knowing that the authority of God in each situation has been given to you through salvation and the blood of Jesus Christ.  Spending time with God, speaking His Word and acting on it releases God's mercy, favor and power for whatever you are experiencing.

I know that in this information age it’s getting harder to get some one-on-one time with God, but there is nothing more important than hearing from the Lord if we are to win over the enemy.

“And they who know Your name (who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy and favor) will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You (on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity).” (Psalm 9:10 Amp)

That gentleman I discussed purposed to set time aside to spend with his teen daughter despite her open reluctance to respond as he hoped.  It didn’t sway him from continuing on with the outing and eventually her attitude softened.  His desire is to have a relationship with his children, all of them.  He’s found a way to do that with each of them that isn’t always easy, none-the-less he does it.

  

While there is still time make room in your life to fellowship with the Lord so you can hear from God, because fractured favor isn't part His plan!

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God - The Marantha Singers

“Honey, could you get my phone … I just put on hand cream and …”

Until next time, fractured favor limits possibilities.

“With Me all things are favorable!”

Jesus Christ 

What's New This Week: Click below for details.

The Genius of One: God’s Answer for our Fractured World

by Greg Holder

  

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and HubPages 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.  

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 1   Image 2   Image 3  Image 4   Image 5 Creative Common License if not specified. 

News from Home

Welcome to Daily Favor where 

"faith and favor meet." 

Every child of God experiences the goodness of the Lord.  Some refer to it as blessings, but in reality it's through His Daily Favor!

Check out the current trending favored article(s) on the right, or the top interests of fellow believers under the most popular read posts.  Subject, musical artists or author word searches are listed at the bottom of this site.

Use the Bible study topics from the topical word search for small group or individual spiritual growth.

Browse through the hundreds of articles and read more about how you too can live in the Favor of God.  (Click here: Tell Me)

Follow Fay on social media or her other blogs, and share these articles of faith with someone today!

Until next time, Favored Blessings

News from Fay

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages 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.  

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. 

Teaching Series,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, The Blessing of Favor, Blessings.