Tidings of Great Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There Is Always Hope in the Promises of God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Happens When Faith takes Action?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time, favored blessings!

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

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

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

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

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

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

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This Day

 “This” Day ...

as Every Day

 is a Gift 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy Life on "This" Day

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:22-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 This Is The Day by Planetshakers 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, life itself is God's favor! 

“I came to give life abundant with favor .”

Jesus Christ 

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

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

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

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

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

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

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Run Your Own Race

It was early in the morning when a man started out on a daily run in his neighborhood.  After a few minutes, he noticed a man running ahead of him.  Picking up the pace he gained on the runner and in no time blew passed him elated that he had gained the lead.  

Thinking highly of himself he suddenly realized he missed his turn. Now he had to go back several blocks to where he was supposed to go on his original run to get back on course. 

The man realized he focused on a race the other runner was not even running.  Distracted from what he should have been doing, he got caught up in a competition that never really happened. 

Certain Favor 

The bible teaches that each of us are to run our own race.  We are only given anointing and gifts to run the course God has set in place for us.  The problem is that we often get sidetracked and fail to be content in who God made us to be, which takes us off the course for running the best race (journey) we can and delays our own reward. 

Scripture teaches in Psalm 103:4 that “God redeems our life from destruction; He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”  The original Hebrew reference to lovingkindness literally means crowned with beauty, favor, good deeds, kindness, and mercy for life here on earth.  In other words, we are given the tools needed to get to the finish of our goals, dreams and vision in life. 

As a child of God, there is “certain favor” set aside only for you.  The same is for others, God will not grant favor that takes away from another in their race. 

No one else can receive what God ordained for you, but you have the choice whether favor manifests by running your own race or trying to compete with others for their prize (reward). 

Each of us need to be disciplined to run our race not someone else’s.  We will not receive something from God that is set aside for another person no matter how hard we try or how many others are in the race.  We receive the prize (rewards and favor) for the race, path, journey that is meant for us alone.  

Look at each translation in understanding the point made in the scripture: 

“Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) 

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NIVUK) 

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NKJV) 

“You know that only one person gets a crown for being in a race even if many people run. You must run so you will win the crown.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NLV) 

In each race, whatever it is, numerous people run, but there is only one who can be first to win.  God loves what He created you to be, and He made plans for success through gifting and favor to happen so that you will be first at the “thing” He had set aside just for you.  Specific favor, gifts, and talents fit you and are there for you to run your race with endurance so that you will (not may) win. 

Remember that, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others.” (Colossians 3:23) 

… and never forget that you are being cheered on to win: 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) 

Distractions, mishaps, delays, and interruptions may come … they are part of life’s journey (race).  God knew they would happen and He is still waiting to carry you through to receiving the prize here on earth and in eternity. 

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." 

Stay focused on who you are by fixing your eyes on Jesus so that one day you will hear Him say, "Well done My good and faithful servant".  Love the life God fashioned just for you and watch great things will come to pass.  

Run your own race knowing with confidence that you are indeed crowned with favor to finish your race. Step into your gifts and start living a life you love! 

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 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.

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

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

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

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

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Difference Maker

The beginning of May has the world celebrating the appreciation of teachers, nurses, hospitals and mothers along with a few other holidays. Nowhere do I see the celebration of appreciation of your own life or the life of others who do not fall in a specific category. 

As the days wear on with me continuing in my husband’s responsibilities, I have come to appreciate what a burden he carries for me as well as others.  When I realize what he does on a daily basis as “the usual” stuff, I am so thankful that I don’t have to do those things and that someone else is gifted or willing to take on tasks that I’m not that good at.  It makes me appreciate my own life and the gifts God has endowed to me even more. 

Transfer the Burden 

In Galatians 6 we are asked to bear one another’s burdens to fulfill the law of Christ as we go about being generous and doing good deeds for the Lord.  God promises that our deeds won’t go unnoticed and we will be rewarded in due season.  Sowing seeds into the Kingdom of Heaven allows us to reap eternally as well as here on Earth. 

There are a lot of jobs that frankly I hope I’ll never have to do, but if I had to I pray that I would be willing to carry them out without grumbling. 

Like Moses we may ask, “How can I alone bear your problems, burdens and complaints?” (from Deuteronomy 1:12 NKJV) 

Well we can’t, and knowing that not everyone can do every job, the Lord places a desire for certain tasks in our heart to fit us uniquely.  We need to appreciate the skills He has placed in each individual. 

God does not call everyone to be mothers/fathers, nurses, teachers or even people who care for pets.  He does however call everyone to carry a burden for someone in need, before handing them over to Him.  

“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV) 

In other words, cast your cares (burdens) on the Lord, because He cares about your life and appreciates what you do for Him.

 

"Cast your burden(s) on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22 NKJV)

Are you appreciating the favored gifts God has given you to celebrate your own life by sharing those talents with others in order to become a "difference maker"?  When was the last time you showed appreciation to those who have shown favor by carrying a burden for you at some point in your life?  Obviously, they made a difference in some way.

Life is a precious gift to be celebrated - every life no matter their stance!  Every individual matters to God and it should to us as well.  Jesus has asked us to make a difference and do something that will count for eternity.  What will He have you do for Him today that demonstrates your appreciation for life?  Will you become a "difference maker" that get God's attention for granting more favor?

"For those who find Me find life and the LORD will be pleased with them to receive 

(gain, obtain, brings out good will) 

favor from the LORD." 

from Proverbs 8:35 

Until next time, appreciate favor when you receive it. 

Intro "Difference Maker" Display Sign

 

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life 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.

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1 unless noted. Do not copy.  

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

Exerpt from original article "Rolled Sleeves, Dusty Knees". 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.  Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels

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Favor Is A Gift from God

Eighty and Fabulous Gift Set

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 79^th 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.

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  

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. 

Tags: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels,  Favor from God, Favor, Blessings, Salvation, Senior, Godly Woman, Psalm 103