*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.
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.
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. Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels
Join us for thirty days of thanks, as we enter into God's throne room to show our gratitude for His goodness and blessings through scripture, praise and prayer.
Day 27:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for good friends and neighbors who have shown us kindness and compassion throughout the years.
You have placed individuals in the right place at the time of need Lord; for this I am truly grateful. Help me to be a person who reflects Your love and compassion to others, especially those around me.
*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.
Until next time, favored blessings!
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.
Welcome, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Thanksgiving, 30 Days of Thanks, Holiday, National Holiday, Holidays, Fay Ann Daniels, Challenge, Praise, Prayer, Gratitude, Friendship
Growing
up I always wanted a “true blue” best friend. That person is
unwavering, reliable, loyal and who stays committed through thick or thin.
You
know the kind of friend that you can tell everything to, who always agrees with
you, and is forever on your side no matter what the situation. Well … that
never happened – the perfect friendship so to speak.
Sure,
I had lots of friends (and still do), a few good buds and even a
best-bestie "bff". However, over the years they changed for some reason or
another, drifting in and out of my life.
Sometimes
it was them, other times it was me. Most often it was merely life’s
circumstances that altered the relationships I had throughout the
years. For a while I started getting a complex when people moved and
never told me! After three or four times you start to wonder,
right? Hmmm … was it really me?
Anyway,
not one of them stayed close or ever agreed with everything I said or did,
except for my life partner hubby. He doesn’t go along with me 100%
of the time, although he pretty much does for the most part as I do with
him.
It may be disheartening, but it's true for the majority of people. Basically, friendships change, usually due to circumstances, values or beliefs.
No,
there’s only one individual that has walked with me even in times when He
hasn’t agreed with my decisions. That person is Jesus Christ, and our relationship began after I chose to take Him as my Lord and Savior. In prayer I confessed my sin and repented asking for His forgiveness.
I didn't know a lick about blessings, covenants or favor for that matter. All I knew is that I didn't want to go to hell and be apart from God forever.
Admitting
you’re a sinner isn’t easy, but the reality of it is eye opening and causes you
to want to live a more peaceful life. Since then, the benefits of
walking with God have increased as I’ve learned about covenant blessings, He
made to those who want to fellowship with Him. It’s pretty amazing!
If
you are not familiar with what a covenant is, it’s basically an agreement
between two parties, individuals or groups of people. There are all
kinds of covenants – both good and bad, depending on the terms of agreement(s)
or oaths made during the time of its origin.
Most
think of it as a contract of sorts like in signing something for financial
purposes, where there is an agreement of lending money for a certain item.
In some way that’s correct, only with God it’s much more!
It
is to our benefit that we learn about the Word of God through Godly examples who
actually made His promises part of their lives. They faithfully
(obediently) lived what they learned and walked in the favor blessings promised
to those who believe.
You
see, God loves us so much that it is His desire to show mercy and favor on those
who put their hope, trust and faith in Him no matter the
situation. He even invites us to seek His face so that we can
receive such favor through His covenant blessings.
The
Bible describes several individuals who did exactly that, and God granted each
of their requests. Let me show you what I mean where covenants of
favor were given and how (or if) they relate to us today.
Jeremiah
the Messenger of Hell or Hope
Jeremiah
was a prophet of God in the Old Testament scriptures of the
Bible. He tells of a time when he was about to lose his life for
preaching the truth about sinful lifestyles. The entire situation
didn’t look good for the nation – truth is … much like what we’re facing today!
From
the time he was born, Jeremiah was set apart by God to deliver a message to
Judah. It wasn’t one that would be easy to deliver, and would
include a strong warning against the behavior of the nation.
This
is what Jehovah said to him: “Behold, I have
put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and
over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down,
to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
Jeremiah
grew up during a time when God’s covenant was being restored under King
Solomon. He witnessed the tearing down of pagan houses of worship,
large altars, pillars, statues and images that exalted false gods over the true
God, Jehovah.
Does
any of this sound familiar in comparison to what is happening in our society
today? What have you been witnessing in your neighborhood, city and
nation?
As
he grew in favor, for a time there was a revival of faith and turning back to
the Lord through Jeremiah’s preaching about the covenant of
God. However, through the changes of rulers over the years, the
people turned away from the Lord as in the past continually doing evil and
worshipping false gods.
This man of God knew his message would not be received with open arms of affection, but could possibly cost him his life. What the Lord revealed to Jeremiah would tearfully burn in his heart as he prayed daily, and until the time came to deliver the message to the people.
Sometimes
God will ask us to do hard things, and such was the case with Jeremiah. The
difference here is that the prophet had a covenant promise that would see him
through every obstacle he would encounter.
It
was the Lord who chose Jeremiah to warn the nation to repent of their wicked
acts of sin in order to avoid a judgment that would surely come upon the entire
nation. The people had broken their covenant with God and persisted in
their sins committing unlawful acts, unkindness, lewd behavior. They were prideful in the
way they oppressed or persecuted foreigners, widows, children and the humble.
If
they did not repent of their sins, God was explicit in saying what would
happen. His blessings and hand of favor would be lifted off them and
their land. They would face famine, starvation, looting and their
entire nation would be destroyed by invaders. Their life would be a "living hell" that would lead to an eternal life in hell and apart from Him forever!
Are
we not seeing history being repeated? Hasn’t God given us warning of
a coming disaster if we do not turn back to Him?
The
people did not repent as God said, so destruction came upon those who walked
away from their relationship with the Lord. As in the days of
Jeremiah, we too are witnessing the destruction of nations and are under siege
of evil where believers are persecuted for preaching the message of salvation,
repentance and doing good.
By
now Jeremiah was sought out as a criminal even among ungodly priests who wanted
him beaten and thrown into prison. Through pressure the king
approved of the arrest for his spreading news of an impending disaster over the
people and land.
Upon
his apprehension they lowered Jeremiah into the bottom of a muddy cistern with
the intent that he would starve to death. When word got out about
what happened, another court official pleaded with the king for permission to
rescue the prophet.
There
Is Hope
There
was another message that God instructed Jeremiah to deliver. It was
a promise of hope to all who would adhere to his words from the Lord.
Even
in the bottom of a pit the words God spoke to Jeremiah remained in his
heart. He remembered the promise of God to save, deliver and be with
him to finish the task, and boldly speak out without being afraid of the people
coming against him. God gave him the strength needed to withstand
the persecution and a promise that he would not fail.
“I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they
will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with
you to save you and deliver you.” (Jeremiah 15:20-21)
The
message God spoke through Jeremiah is the same that is being spoken to those
who still believe and walk in the covenant blessings of God – repent and return
to God! Judgement is coming but there is still hope!
Scriptures
tell us that no one escapes punishment of sin. The payment for
breaking laws has a penalty called death; it could be physical, spiritual or
both.
“For the wages (payment penalty) of sin is death, but the gift of
God (hope) is eternal life through believing in Jesus Christ our Lord who saves.” (from Romans 3:23)
This
is where the encouraging message of hope Jeremiah spoke of comes into the
covenant of those who turn back to the Lord. The only way to avoid
punishment is through asking God to forgive the sins we have committed against
Him.
God
wanted Jeremiah to make sure that the people knew He would not destroy them,
but was willing to bless them with favor and spare the nation IF they repented
of their sins. He gave them a way out of being judged or destroyed
and being overtaken!
“The instant I speak concerning a nation (any nation) and concerning
a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against
whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I
thought to bring upon it.”
“God also speaks of the consequences for those that do not listen to
His Words about repenting and turning back to worshipping Him alone.
“The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom,
to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey
My voice, then I will relent concerning the good (favor and blessings) with
which I said would benefit it.” (Jeremiah 18:7-10)
A
Message for Today
The
prophet’s message that was given thousands of years ago is still being given
today, because the covenant blessings of God are still in
effect. God’s mercy and favor never end,
but His blessings will for those who break covenant and fellowship with Him.
“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)
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. Do you
not realize that from before you were born God’s plans for you 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
also promises that if any person has a desire to know Him 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)
Good
Overcomes Evil
It
looked as if everyone, including the religious leaders had turned against
Jeremiah. That may have been the fact, but Jeremiah remembered his
“true blue” relationship with the God who destroys the facts of man with Truth
in His promised blessings.
Jeremiah
had One person who remained faithful to His covenant partner – Jehovah, Jesus
Christ – the One True God.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
In
the end of that horrific time and persecution, Jeremiah’s life was spared as a result of favor
from God and mankind. His faith in God and obedience to the Lord in covenant
was what saved his life, despite the evil that was going on around him. During a time of crisis he fulfilled his call to help save Israel from total destruction.
“Did King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah put him
(Jeremiah) to death? Did not the king fear the LORD and plead for
the LORD’s favor, and did not the LORD relent concerning the disaster He had
pronounced against them?
We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves (about to
commit a huge mistake that will cost us our lives!)” (Jeremiah 26:19 CSB; the
entire chapter tells the full account)
The
Rest of the Message
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, 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.
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.
Continue reading part 2 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.
While standing in the check-out line at JC Penney’s, I
heard a voice repeatedly calling out my name.Looking all around I tried to locate the echo through the crowd.
Target identified … it was a pastor’s wife that we
haven’t seen in about three or four years.Finishing my business at the counter I stepped aside as Nina approached
me with delight radiating from her face.
As we talked Nina explained that she didn’t know why she
came into Penney’s that day, but felt drawn there by God. I could think of a few reasons to go shopping
that certainly wouldn’t include “being drawn there by God, however, my conscience
would feel a whole lot better if I could say “God sent me to bargain hunt!”
The conversation began to deepen when Nina explained that
she didn’t need anything, but before coming inside the store asked the Lord why
he had brought her there.Right then a
flag went up in my thinking … a lady, at a department store and she didn’t need
anything?Is she for real?
Upon seeing me Nina conveyed she immediately knew the
reason for God sending her to the store, and that was to get in touch with my
wife again.That’s right, this is me …
hubby. Ending a sentence with the word
“again” should have given it away; Fay would never have done that!Right here should be the part she welcomes all of you ...
A Greater Force
My next stop was Walmart.I was in a bit of a hurry to get home since it was our wedding
anniversary, plus I had some frozen items in my cart.Okay, let me be honest since Fay’s blog is always about
transparency (something that goes against the very fiber of a man).
I was on a mission to pick up a cheesecake my
wife ordered especially for our anniversary. (How ironic, because this will be
posted on National Cheesecake Day, which isn’t our anniversary but we like to celebrate
it anyway. Sorry, I’ve taken a rabbit trail as my wife likes to say.)
“Check the balance” resounded through my brain reminding
me to visit the bank inside the store before starting to shop. Of course being a man I forgot to do it until I had already finished shopping, but in my defense although my timing was off I did do it. Walking over to the ATM (Automated Teller
Machine) Don and Essie greeted me as they were departing the store.
We spoke for a few minutes and talked about getting
together soon but would leave the details up to Fay.Standing behind my friends I noticed a lady
waving to me from the customer service line as if she was trying to flag down a
taxi.Now what?
What was this … “national get me in trouble with my
wife day" because I’m running so late? Don’t they realize I have a greater force to
deal with if I don’t get home a.s.a.p.?Plus, there’s the cheesecake to consider, come on now what else could be
more important?
Good News in Waiting
It was the groomer from the vet clinic calling out from
the slow moving customer service line she was waiting in to return something.“Don’t
leave. I need to talk to you!”
Recognizing that I was being summoned Don and Essie left
and I walked over to see what the woman in the customer service area wanted.When Alise (the groomer) was finished she shared
the good news about two rescue kitties that she had adopted from us in December
2016.It was a favored report and well
worth the wait to hear.
Value of Relationships
Now I really had to get going, so I hurried to the
self-check-out line.Thank you Lord … no
waiting, this should be quick.
Scanning
the items I hear a familiar voice calling out from behind me.With his long drawn out country boy accent I heard:
“Heyyyyyy, you ain’t got
nearly enough in that there cart”.
It was Ray-Ray ... molasses on two feet! He is one of the nicest people you ever want
to meet, but takes forever and a day to pour out the details of a story. He always goes out of his way to say hello, and
I never want to devalue our relationship by not spending a few moments with him.
Initiation of Friendships
Thinking back on the encounters of that day I thought
about how these relationships had developed over the years.What caused them to turn from acquaintances
into actual friendships?It was the
prayers and interaction of my wife who initiated the majority of them.
I can’t tell you how most of our adult friendships began,
but do know that Fay had something to do with it. Whether it started with telling someone she
liked their hair or shirt, to saying “excuse me” in the aisle of a store, “Favored1”
isn’t shy about meeting and greeting.
To
her, she’s never met a stranger and everyone that comes into her life becomes a
friend of sorts. I'm living proof of that, she initiated our first conversation back in 9th grade of high school. In my grief she offered words of comfort.
Growing up in a large household as my wife did, left each
child fending for their own relationships outside of the immediate family.Being an only child it’s something that I never
encountered until I met her.She was
never the center of attention, and I always was (and still am … with her).
Wanting to make friends or even talk to people is work,
and frankly I didn’t want to invest that kind of time with anyone else but
her.For a Christian, this is about the
most ungodly act we can do.Jesus is all
about bringing people into the fold, not keeping them at arms-length.
Favored Comments
Relationships are important to Fay, making good ones,
leaving bad ones behind and knowing when to let them grow in their own course
of time.Then there are those special
ones she cherishes or cultivates like the ones here on Daily Favor.
Over the past five years I’ve watched some of her
relationships take a nose dive, while others have blossomed into the most
loving friendships.No matter what is
going on in our lives, you beloved friends have been there and we thank God
mentioning you in prayer.
“Every time I think of you, I give
thanks to my God.
Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of
you with joy,
for you have been my partners in spreading the
Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
(Philippians 1:3-5 NLT)
We have gained strength from your prayers, comments and
good wishes during my hospital stays and recovery.When discouraged, you were there through
prayer and leaving words of encouragement.
Whether it was through comments on blogs, social media or
emails, your words often lift us up in hope, reminding us that God is in all of
this and that you have favored us with your precious time.
Many of your comments reflected something you received in
your heart from the post, while others reach us on a more intimate level.The thing here is that we appreciate all of
them, as do so many others that visit over the course of the year.
You Are Highly Favored
When my wife began Daily Favor I couldn’t imagine what
would compel her to write on a topic week after week, let alone year after
year.I mean, how much is there to say
about one thing right?
However as it unfolded I began to understand that being
favored by God is more than just a few words or a concept. It’s something we
can take hold of that touches every aspect of a believer’s life through
salvation.
“Remember me, O Lord,
with the favor You have toward Your
people.
Oh, visit me with Your salvation.” (Psalm 106:4
NKJV)
In scripture the Apostle Paul learned the value of
relationships throughout the course of his ministry.He didn’t have a problem pointing out the
ones that failed exposing the flaw in others, which I somehow doubt God looked
favorably on when he did that.
Then again, Paul was quick to tell us to extend favor to
those who have helped him through the years whether it was in housing, food, material
gifts and letters of encouragement or in prayer.He highly favored his friendship and
relationship with the church, and presented the Saints before the Lord in gratitude
through prayer. (Philippians 4)
It’s true, the Lord inspires my wife in her writing, but
it’s a heart for souls that keeps her going and enthused about sharing the gift of God’s
favor with anyone who is willing to receive it.Your unfailing love, support and extreme patience are food for her soul
to walk out the call of God on her life with joy.
I can attest that when mamma’s happy, pappa’s happy, and as
Ray-Ray would say, “Ain’t no getting
around that!”
Receiving Daily Favor
What I’ve learned and take away each week from reading
Daily Favor is that even though I don’t always receive the fullness of the
favor of God, there is hope that I can.God isn’t holding anything back from me, but is waiting with arms wide
open for me to get my act together so I can enjoy the abundant life that Jesus
died to give me.
Favor is something that I come to expect from the
promises of God, not because I deserve any of it but because of His
unconditional love.More than ever I can
see God’s favor in my life on the little things, not just the obvious.
Fay expects God to be faithful in answering prayer and
blessing her because of who she is in Christ – favored!Being her husband I share in her receiving favor
daily and extend it to others more than ever, because I think differently about
why we receive it in the first place.
The weekly challenges are exhausting. They tug on my
heart, cause me change when I don’t want to, and even more … they force me to
think when my mind wants to stay in null mode.I still can’t get past the “Making Favored Decisions” one!
Over and over I see my wife receive favor when no one
else does in certain situations.When I
ask her about it she reminds me that she “asked” and received.God grants her requests because she
continually seeks His face, not His hand(outs) so that she can bless someone
else.The purpose of receiving Daily
Favor isn’t for keeping, but for giving.
Meet and Greet
This week I have had the pleasure of sharing a few things
from my heart concerning the time and love Fay puts into Daily Favor as she
uplifts you in prayer.You mean more to
us than just a few snippets on a post here and there.
Although we haven’t had the pleasure of a meet and greet
yet, Fay and I look forward to when that will change whether it is here on Earth or in our Holy reunion in
Heaven with Jesus. If you aren't sure about salvation you can change that by reading "Tell Me." So for now, it is my
sincere desire that you join us as we venture into God’s favor in relationships
for our next series.By the way, don’t think we’ll get out of doing the
challenges.Have you even known an
instructor not to give homework?Try
living with one! Little side note here ... saying a few extra prayers wouldn’t hurt since she’s asked me to
co-pilot this part of the journey, which she’ll no doubt edit and change anyway to make
it interesting.
Thank you for journeying with us through the years, and I
pray that God will continue to extend His gracious favor to each of you for
your faithfulness.
Happy Anniversary Daily Favor, and congratulations Sweetheart. May God continue to anoint your work as we learn to walk in the blessings of His Daily Favor!
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, the grace (favor) of the Lord our God be with you all.
P.S. I can't believe I'm admitting this, but I miss the challenge globe, don't you? No worries, Fay will have us working again soon no doubt!
Reference: Philippians 4:23 NKJV
*Unless
noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: Emphasis
is 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 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” 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
references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James
Bible Version or as noted.
Image
credit: Google Images
Creative Common License if not
specified.
