Showing posts with label Do You Believe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do You Believe. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2015

Blessing in Waiting

Did you ever try to do something you thought would be good, but it ended up backfiring? That’s what happened to me earlier this week. 

I was trying to accomplish two things in one outing, but it didn’t work.  Still working on last week’s challenge I needed a break from the house. 
 
In my thinking if I could drop off hubby at the cardio rehab for an hour, he could visit (not work out) and I could go do some errands in town.  Seemed like a perfectly good idea at the time.
 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Broadstairs, Wales & Ludlow, England, United Kingdom; Auckland, Auckland Region, New Zealand; Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands; Telangana, India; Bagmati Zone, Nepal; Lisbon, Portugal; Oyo State, Nigeria; Sevastopol, Ukraine; Slovenia; Piedmont, Italy;  United Arab Emirates.
USA – Verona, NJ; Fargo, ND; Lancaster, CA; Rotterdam, Rochester, Glenville & Albany, NY; Fort Smith, AR; Florence, SC, Charlotte, NC; Pinellas Park, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Chattanooga, TN.
NJ – Williamstown, Cherry Hill, Pitman, Millville, Glassboro, Sewell, Carney’s Point, Livingston, Hardingville, Mantua, Woodstown, Rosenhayn,  Centerton, Mount Laurel.
Thank you for your continued support and sharing Believing Our Belief on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog) Living my life before God and man, by sharing experiences as I walk out my faith.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).

Read and visit the Q & A or other sections.

Turn Around Bright Eyes
The plan was set, so on Monday (May 18th, 2015) we visited the people who worked out during the same time schedule as my husband.  This way he could catch up on how they were doing and I would have someone watching him for about an hour.

We were there a few minutes and I was about to leave, when one of the nurses commented on how pale my husband was.  “You need to get him home right away and let him rest.  He shouldn’t be out yet.”
I thought he was looking better and the conversations would help his thinking.  His eyes were brighter and he was even laughing with one of his “buds.”  Nevertheless, I took her advice.  We turned around and I took bright eyes home.  Thus my errands never got done.

Litter Buckets for Jesus
Come Tuesday I needed to run a different errand, taking empty litter buckets to a lady who said she used them for nesting hens. 
At first the plan was to take my husband with me, but after the botched idea from yesterday I figured he would do better at home.  Surely he would be OK for an hour or so.
By now I was really getting agitated because I was falling behind on my work and home duties. To say that my attitude was sweet when I left the house would be misleading.  I needed to get so many things accomplished in a short amount of time and couldn’t afford any delays.
The time was set to meet in the Walmart parking lot at 11:00 am.  Nearly 20 minutes had passed and the lady was a no show, so I decided to give her a call.  She apologized that it slipped her mind and she would be there as soon as she could.
It was a nice day so I didn’t mind waiting in the car for a few minutes.  As I sat behind the wheel with one leg hanging out the door resting on the pavement, I watched the people in the car in front of me.  They seemed to be enjoying their time together, sisters I think, and were smiling as they talked.
After they went into the store I sat there listening to the sounds around me when I heard in my spirit, “You are waiting to be a blessing.”  Right then my impatient attitude was put into check, and I began to question how many times did God have to wait on me in order for Him to deliver a blessing?
I was chosen to bless a woman I met for about 20 seconds a few days before with something she wanted that I had.  God placed me in position to fill a need in her life that seemed really small to me, but it wasn’t to her.  Was my attitude going to show Christ or my desire to get this done in a hurry because I have stuff to do?

... I Listen and Learn
Forty-five minutes later she finally arrived and dashed out of her vehicle singing the sorry song.  I helped place the containers in the back of her truck and noticed another lady in the passenger seat.  Saying a quick hello, nice to meet you greeting, I was about to leave them when Alice explained why she was late.
Her sad story behind the migraines led back to her abusive adopted childhood and suffering head injuries.  Before long her friend and I struck up a conversation as well including why she didn’t attend church.  The verbal exchange opened a door for me to witness and share the gospel. 
As Alice continued, listening I began wondering if she really believed what she confessed she believed, so I asked her this question:  “Do you believe in God and that Jesus is God’s Son and our Savior?”
One told how she believed in God and that Jesus was His Son, but not the only way to Heaven.  Leaning into the cab of the vehicle I asked her friend of seventeen years, “Do you believe the way she does?”  Her response made me smile, because it clearly caught her off guard.  “This is the first I heard about that, I don’t know what she’s talking about. I believe Jesus is God’s Son and the way to Heaven.”
Glancing at my watch I noticed that it was 12:30 pm.  In a short time God had blessed me with being able to be a vessel He could use for a physical and spiritual need.  Who would have thought litter buckets could be used for sharing Jesus?

Burdens Are Lifted
It was Wednesday and I still needed to do those local errands, but this time I focused on a scripture that I had written down earlier that week.
In prayer I asked the Lord to “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” (Psalm 17:5 KJV)  The day went much better as you can imagine.
First we went to the bank, then to the pharmacy where I needed to pick up a case of Ensure for hubby because he still isn’t eating much.  As I was about to leave, the cashier grabbed the box and said, “I’ll carry that.”  When I told her it wasn’t heavy she insisted replying, “I need a break from here.”  
Boy could I relate, so I gladly praised her for lifting a burden from me as she placed the package in the back of the car.
 
I Don’t Work Here
During our last errand God allowed me to be a blessing to those around me.  All I needed to buy was a loaf of bread and strawberries, but you know how that goes.  While I was standing near the produce display an elderly lady came up to me and asked, “Does this store carry greeting cards?”  
Now let me give you a little clue to something.  I wear scrubs all the time (practically anyway).  With my scrub jackets I am often confused with being an employee at the hospital, store or place of business. 
Usually I tell people that I don’t work there and then give them the answer they want.  However, that day I just said, “No. We’ve talked about it at corporate, but nothing’s set in concrete yet.”
Of course I didn’t say that, but felt like it.  Instead I figured why bother wasting all those words and simply smiled while saying, “No they don’t.”  My husband suggested I get a name tag that says my name and “I don’t work here.” I came up with “You don’t need to know my name ‘cuz I don’t work here.”
Somehow I don’t think it would be God ordained, do you?

Favored to Share
It wasn’t a minute later when another shopper saw us looking at some rather unloved six inch potted plants that were marked down to forty-nine cents.  Our cart was loaded with sixteen (what appeared to be) rather weak tomato, pepper and basil hopefuls.
Those six inch pots range from $3.00 on up, but I didn’t pay that. 
 
The sale was only hours old. Do these plants look weak, battered and dead to you?  They are strong and healthy and were set aside for me to follow God’s path that day. 

My new friend whispered in my ear, “All they need is a little water.”  I saw her bopping up and down at the remaining selections.  Obviously she still wanted more plants, so I scoured the two sales carts for the best ones.  Then I took the selections she had made and placed them in the plastic carrying containers they came in originally, making it easier for her to tote them.
God had the store put those plants on quick sale not just for me, but so I would share the blessings and favor with others.  On our way home I took a side street to the cardio center to bless the nurses with beautiful and fragrant plants.
My week of being delayed and out of synch was not wasted, but allowed God to use “my goings” to be a blessing in waiting for those that would cross His path. 
“Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”
 

This Week’s Challenge:
Be a Blessing in Waiting 

It’s easy to be a blessing to someone when it doesn’t take us out of our way or cost anything.  However, in order for us to receive God’s favor we have to be willing to share the bounty and goodness given to us with others without hesitation. 

Our challenge this week may seem corny, but it’s rather rewarding if you go about it with the “be a blessing” attitude.  The goal will be to bless as many people with a “favor sale” item as possible. 

 
As you walk around a place of business, take notice of some of the things God has put on sale for you.  These are bargain blessings with super sale prices like never before seen.  Is there someone (besides family) that could use the same item?  Pick up a few extra and be the blessing someone is waiting for along God’s path. 

Think of it like this.  If you needed the item anyway you would be paying full price for it, but God had plans for that particular thing this week.  The product isn’t on sale just so you can stock up on it for yourself.  The Lord wants you to share this favored price with someone who may have missed it. 
 
Those nurses were at work and the product was almost gone.  They would have never seen the plants, because it wasn't put before their eyes.  God wanted me to give those gals something they would have bought if given the opportunity.

When you deliver the item(s), be sure to share that you have been blessed, and that the favor of God was abundant in your household to be a blessing for His glory.  Go do something and be a blessing of favor this week.  

Enjoy the path that God places you on for someone else’s benefit.  You will discover that living a blessed life begins with a generous and obedient spirit.
 

I have been blessed
 

    Until next time, favor sales are waiting to share.

“Favor will come in sales I ordain.”
Jesus Christ
 

What’s New This Week: Click on book or link.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1167566&item_no=736352
 
Unlocking the Rewards of Generous Living
by Robert Morris (Hardback Edition) 

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” 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.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Good Idea  Litter Buckets for Hens  Psalm 17:5  Bargain Blessings
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Honestly, What Do You Believe?

“That’s not the way I prayed,” was a phrase I said to God when something didn’t turn out the way I thought it should.  Unfortunately, this isn't the first time I've had this conversation with the Lord.

Last week our challenge was to stay in continual rejoicing over what God has done and is doing in our lives.  When life lessons come into play though, it’s sometimes difficult to keep such a joyful attitude. 

During those situations we can be sure the world is watching what we will do to stay in faith.  They’re looking at us for strength and hope.  They’re wondering, do we really believe? 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Berkhamsted, England, UK; Milan, Lombardia, Italy; Sevastopol, Ukraine; Zambia; Vietnam; Karachi, Sindh and Islamabad, Pakistan;  Taipei, Taiwan; Cape Town, West Cape, South Africa; Rabat, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Morocco; Guyana;  Singapore; Sierra Leone; Bulgaria.
USA – Estero, FL, Salem, OR, Utica, NY; Eucha, OK; Kabetogama. MN; Haddon Heights and Clayton, NJ; Richardson, TX; Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thank you for your continued support and sharing Believing Our Belief on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog)
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.
 

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Read Messages, updates and visit the Q & A or other sections.


Psalms Manifested
To say that this has been a demanding week would be an understatement.  As soon as the “rejoice”challenge was put out there I knew we were about to go into battle.
My husband was faithfully singing the rejoice song every day and he was looking forward to what the Lord was going to do this week.  Then came the test. 
By now those who have been following Daily Favor know that with completely trusting God, tests and trials are a part of receiving blessings and favor from the Lord.  It’s a “no brainer” as some would put it.
On Monday the car broke down. Tuesday and Wednesday hubby had difficulty sleeping due to pain, so the house was at unrest most of those nights. (It’s part of the side effects from the medicines.)
When it came time to pick up the car on Thursday it broke down again, and again and again … ugh.  Besides the car klunking out, it also needed brakes.  The brake shoes were shot and the rotors were metal to metal.  Mr. Goodall (the mechanic) asked my husband how he could even drive the car.  He didn’t know the brakes were “that” bad. His response, “It was God keeping me safe.”
Psalm 91 was manifested once more with us resting in the shelter of the Almighty.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.
Because he (any believer) has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.  He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” (from Psalm 91)

Rebuttal
“God you know that I believe You will work this out, but …”  My not so subtle interrogation seemed justified in my thinking. 
I tried to talk my way out of it in confessing, “I’m not questioning You Heavenly Father, but how is this situation pleasing to You?  How does it look as a believer to have these problems keep arising?  This isn’t what I prayed would happen.”
In my conversation I thanked God that the car broke down across the street from our house and that my husband was able to get it started to take it to the mechanic. 
Proceeding in my thanks, I was grateful the bill wasn’t outrageous, and that someone gave us use of their vehicle while ours was being repaired so we didn’t need to rent one.  More thanks were given for God letting our friend be in town to drive us to the auto garage, and that the mechanic was in the car when it broke down a second time.  Are you seeing a pattern here?
When talking to God about my gratitude it became obvious that He was working things out all the time, but in a way others could see His hand on the situation.  He was blessing us while I was waiting on His favor.

Honestly, What Do You Believe?
The first thing our flesh wanted to do when the car issue came up was to panic, which would have caused us to walk in unbelief that God really does care what happens to us.  If we gave into feelings of desperation or fear we would have played right into the devil’s scheme.
However, leaning back on the promises of God it took me to this verse in Proverbs that I read last week.  I wrote it down in my journal not knowing I would need it this week, proving God is always ahead of us and knows our future.

“To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom.  The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted.” (Proverbs 10:23-24 NKJV)

Not believing God, is really evil thinking because it is calling God a liar. It shows lack of understanding of Who He is and how He keeps His word.  Believing God’s promise to take care of my needs (Philippians 4:19) demonstrated wisdom in operation, therefore my desires will be granted.
Along this part of the journey God put unbelievers in our path, so they could see how the Lord works in the heart of a man to show favor on His behalf.  Although the situation still isn’t completely remedied, this is what I heard God speak to my spirit, “I’m not done yet.”

“A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn." (Proverbs 12:2 NKJV)

He does this every single time!
What's funnier, I don't make him
get off & work around his arms!
Knowing the Lord is faithful helped us to keep singing, laughing and praising even through it looked like there was nothing to rejoice over at the moment.
We found joy in the first blossoms of spring, the rain, funny things cats do all the time, and belly laughed at some of the dumbest stuff just because we were overly tired.
To others we seem a bit strange or peculiar.  That’s OK, we like peculiar as it fulfills scripture in the life of a Christian.
We believe God is good, all the time.  He said a “good” (referring to a righteous person, not one that does good deeds) man receives, obtains favor from Him, so we will. Therefore, God will work this out for our good, wait and see.

Your Belief is Showing
Maybe you’re like millions of people who believe in God, the life of Jesus including His crucifixion and resurrection.  You even believe in Heaven and salvation. That’s not where your problem with the Bible is, but it lies in your believing what’s between the pages of the Holy Book when it applies to you personally.
 
It’s not enough to merely say we believe God and the Bible.  Our actions will prove to others what we really do believe. If we come unraveled at every test or opportunity when God is showing Himself to be real, our faith means nothing.
If we are continually struggling with what we believe, then we really don’t believe.  Our faith has to be greater than singing songs of praise or making simple declarations hoping things will come to pass.  We have to believe what we say we believe, without hesitation or fail in every situation.
We have to live what we believe.

This Week’s Challenge:
Forfeit the Struggle

I’ve encountered many situations this week where people have been struggling with what they really believe God will do in their lives.  

They’re about ready to throw in the towel of belief because they don’t see things working out as planned.  This is where we need to be honest about our own lives, while remaining strong in faith about what we believe.  

Our challenge - We are going to share our faith experiences with someone who is struggling with their belief, and be encouragers to help them through the trial.  Be honest about the things you battled over while waiting for God to answer your prayer.  Talk about how the Word of God brought you to the other side reinforcing what you believe.  

In sharing you will discover one of two things.  Your faith and believing God is growing stronger eliminating the struggle to believe.  Or, you’ll find out what you really didn’t believe, but said you did leaving them to wonder,
 
 “What do you believe?” 
 
 
 We Believe - Newsboys

 

Until next time, believe a good man obtains God’s favor.

 
Check Messages throughout the week.

 
“The Righteous receive My favor.”
Jesus Christ

 What’s New This Week: Click on book or link.
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1167566&item_no=939461
 


 by Johnnie Moore
 

Listen to his testimony on why he wrote this book on believing what you believe.

 

'Honestly: Really Living What We Say We Believe'
by Johnnie Moore

 

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 Gateway Bible
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Faith in Action Hebrews 11:1  Psalm 91  Questioning God  Live What You Believe
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.