No Time for Christmas

Have you ever had a “Paul like” moment? 

Well, maybe it’s not exactly one like he spoke of in Romans 7 where he continued to do things he didn’t want to do, but it sort of went against my character of not putting myself into certain situations if I can help it.

For example, the very thing I don’t like to do I found myself doing … grocery shopping on a Saturday morning!  Contrary to what I wanted, we had to make the trek and changed our plans.  Bundling in layers of clothing we cranked up the car heater and headed off to the store.

It was bitter cold out so my husband insisted on dropping me off at the door in front of the store before circling around to find parking.  We agreed that I would sit on a bench near the restrooms and wait for him. 

Busy, Busy, Busy

Serpentining through the crowd I walked toward the bench, and for reasons which only God knows, I started talking out loud.  

“Wow, why is it so packed here?  The place is so busy!”

A worker who happened to be walking by answered, “It’s the third … social security checks were issued.”  Not expecting anyone to actually respond I said, “Oh.”

Locating the bench near the rest rooms, I was surprised that no one was sitting on it, especially due to the amount of people in the store.  I settled in and took a quick look in all directions to see what was happening. 

“Ooops … that can’t be good.”  This time I was only thinking it as the store went dark losing power three times!  Suppose it was from all the money they were making at the checkouts that the computers couldn’t keep up with it?  I guess we’ll never know.  We did see several armored vans and police cars out front … hmm.

Shutting Out Christmas

To my right was a small rectangular table with a stack of forms and a laptop computer.  A well-dressed woman from the Medicare office (an insurance company selling supplement policies) was situated behind it in anticipation of a prospective new client.

Shortly after a middle-aged lady looking disheveled and weary, approached her area with a few questions confessing that she was almost in tears when Facebook shut down for several hours.  Her life was getting too complicated and insurance was the last thing she wanted to discuss.

The agent and the customer struck up a conversation based on the fact that they were both 57 years old and had husbands that needed surgery. Neither of them looked their age; one looked younger the other much older.  You can probably guess which was which.

Not that I was eavesdropping, but it was impossible not to hear the conversation with sitting only a few feet away from the impromptu station. Turning my body sideways away from them, I kept looking around the room so it didn’t appear I was tuned in to what was being said.  Frankly I doubt the customer even noticed anyone else, because of her one-on-one attentive audience.

Back and forth the two ladies debated about the insurance policies and their families.  However, the saleswoman couldn't get a word in edgewise that her husband needed his arm “rebuilt” and she never got to explain what that meant either. Every time the Medicare agent’s mouth opened the woman standing went into a tailspin over her home life situation turning the conversation back to her.

Patiently the insurance lady sat there and let the woman spill everything that was on her mind about her family.  Her point was made clear … she had basically shut out Christmas and everything else.

No Time for Christmas

Her voice heightened, repeating the conversation she told her grown children earlier that day. 

“There will be no holiday, because I don’t have the time.

Come get your gifts and leave because I can't take care

you and your father. I don’t have time to do Christmas.”

Oh my … the turmoil that she must be dealing with in making decisions and trying to please everyone.  Unlike Christians, “Christmas” as the world knows it isn’t a time of comfort and joy, or peace that the angels proclaimed with the birth of the Savior Jesus despite the complications in life.  At least it wasn’t for her family this year. 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, 

good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14 KNV)

Had she ever experienced Emmanuel – God with her?  On the other hand, if she was a child of God had she forgotten that CHRISTmas is with her ALL the time?  Through Him she would have the strength needed, regardless of whatever day it was? 

 "Christ is the One who gives me the strength I need to do whatever 

I must do." (Philippians 4:13 ERV)

This Too Shall Pass

Listening to their conversation I was humbled by the favor of God on my life and the peace I receive knowing that His grace and mercy encompasses me.  For the past month (November) it has been a revolving door between the hospital and doctor's offices for my husband.  Literally we had only four days unscheduled on the calendar which contributed to not being able to post as usual.

My husband was placed on a list for emergency surgery and we were preparing for it.  On Tuesday, November 27^th he was in so much pain that he couldn't do anything.  

All the signs pointed toward more kidney stones, but after tests the urologist couldn't find anything on the x-rays and felt it vital for hubby to have a CT-scan and undergo immediate surgery. The doctor explained that some of his medications can affect other organs so he needed answers that only an operation could provide.

This meant getting off heart medicine for a short time which wasn't the issue, giving those nasty three-foot long (not really but he says they feel like it) Lovenox self-injections were. Not only are they extremely painful but super expensive as well. Insurance only covers a fraction of the cost and he would need six of them.

If the doctor got in there and saw nothing it would all be a waste of money, but even more it would be putting my husband at an unnecessary risk. The whole thing was unsettling in my spirit and I felt that rushing this was all getting ahead of God.  Instead, we prayed.  We prayed fervently!

God heard our prayers!  Wednesday, the following day, hubby passed three kidney stones with absolutely no pain! People had been praying for his health and over our medical expenses (finances). I would tell you the story about the stones but he won't let me. It's absolutely hilarious!

Waiting for A Good Report

With the situation now changing, neither of us felt right in our spirits about the surgery even though the doctor still wanted to go through with it based on hubby's past history.  Our next appointment would reveal the deciding factor. Now we had to wait over the weekend.

Monday morning after having the CT scan done at the hospital, we met with the urologist surgeon - or should I say his Nurse Practitioner. All the tests came back with "good reports" so the surgeon canceled the operation passing the case on to his co-worker who said with a smile, "See you in six months!"

While listening to the ladies in the grocery store battle over their husbands it made me sad and happy at the same time.  I wanted each of them to hear good reports as well, but sensed that they weren’t counting on it.

I was so happy to have heard a good report for my husband, but sad that neither of them made room for "Christ-mas" to work in their lives. The events, circumstances, situations and issues of life caused them to shut out Christmas, the very thing they needed to help get through it all. Did they even know that “Christ”-mas favor was available to them for the asking?

Angels Declare Peace

Earlier we looked at a verse in Luke 2 from the King James translation.  I’d like for us to re-examine that passage to help us understand why favor is a part of Christmas that shouldn’t be shut out of the celebration.

If we read Luke 2:14 from the Amplified translation, which is claimed to be the closest to literal Hebrew or Greek, we can see that there is a greater promise to those who choose to believe that Jesus is God’s Son.

“Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. (Luke 2:14 AMPC)

When the angels made this declaration, they weren’t referring to physical peace on earth between the race of man, but rather a spiritual peace.  The peace they were declaring was that through Jesus, salvation had come to earth for those who believe in the Son of God.  Only through Him would there be peace between God and mankind.

“For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating

 in Himself one new people from the two groups." 

(Ephesians 2:14-15 NLT)

Good will, eudokia in Greek (pronounced yoo-dok-ee’-ah) means God’s good pleasure.  It is His good pleasure to give favor because of His delight, happiness in the relationship He has with man/woman.

The birth of Jesus brought happiness to God because through His Son redemption was being satisfied so mankind could be reconciled back to Him.  Can you imagine this?  How do you feel when your family relationships are thriving and in right standing?  Good … right?

As His children are redeemed back into His Kingdom through salvation, peace is restored between God and His creation in whom He gives free favor, grace from and over sin and death.

“And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten Son receives from His father, full of grace 

(favor, loving-kindness) and truth.”

 (John 1:14 AMPC)

Christmas Favor is on Earth

What the angels were proclaiming was essentially Christmas Favor has come to earth in flesh form through Jesus, the Christ the Anointed child.  When Jesus was born, the fullness of grace (favor, truth and love) became fixed in our lives as it was from the beginning of Creation.

“Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. (Luke 2:14 AMPC)

Good will favor from God requires something to be done by faith alone in The Messiah.  God’s good pleasure or good will isn’t available to an unbeliever, so peace will never be a part of their lives.  It can’t be because Jesus is the Prince of Peace and without Him there will never be peace with God.

For us to not make time for Christmas based on circumstances (no matter what they are) is really removing peace, favor and mercy from our lives.

All Our Troubles

Preparing for any holiday can be taxing on emotions, with making sure everything falls into place.  Friends, I know it can be difficult, even seem impossible, but the last thing we need to do is cross Christmas (the real reason for celebrating) off our to-do lists.

Understanding that finding favor from the Lord is something we need daily and is important if our prayers are to be answered. My husband and I didn't start praying when his pain began, but fellowship with the Lord daily.  We make time for Christ-mas (Christ the Messiah who saves, heals and delivers) each day through joint prayer, biblical study and worship.

When believers include Christ in their lives, God equips them with what is needed for the time at hand.  It may not be easy, but He is always there to help us as we go through the “storms” that come with living.

The Bible tells us that when a believer cries out to the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our troubles (Psalm 34:4-5). When my Pastor quotes that verse, he poses it like this:

          Pastor: How many?

          Congregation: All.

          Pastor: Some?

          Congregation: All.

          Pastor: A few.

          Congregation: All.

          Pastor: All our troubles.

Our Christmas Challenge: 

Make Time for Christmas

There’s no denying that we love all the holiday lights, music, decorations, and home coming celebrations that add to our joy of the season.   Yet as the events and festivities rush through our day, don’t forget to make time for the Who in Christmas – Jesus.

Those ladies in the store found it easy to share their burdens with one another, but found no real peace, comfort or answers when their conversation ended.  They weren’t looking for a Savior that was born in Bethlehem, but their hope was in doctors or something else.

What are you facing right now? Instead of shutting out Christ making no time for Christmas, call out to Him. 

The Deliverer has already come and conquered any problem you will ever face.  When things start to get busy, stop and remember you are surrounded by God's grace, mercy and favor. As His child these blessings are with you all year round not only at Christmas, but because of Christmas!

God sent a Messiah, His name is Christ-mas (Christ the Anointed Messiah - He redeems, saves) to deliver us from the works of the enemy.  It is His good pleasure that you live in peace, joy and love through the gift of grace and favor.

“Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. (Luke 2:14 AMPC)

Christmas is all about You by Mallary Hope

Until next time, remember how Christ-mas brought us favor.

"Make time for My favor."

- Jesus Christ

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

Take Time for Christmas 

by Peg Augustine eBook

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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. 

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

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. 

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: Customer Crowd  No Christmas  Peace Angel Creative Common License if not specified. 

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Labels: Angels, Birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas Challenge, Daily Favor Blog, Evangelism, Favored1, Glad Tidings, Holidays, No Time for Christmas, Salvation, Tidings of Great Joy, Weekly Challenge.

Who Can Add Anything to Christmas?

Listening to Christmas music gracing the airwaves, driving around to see thousands of twinkling lights strung throughout the city, and community events of all sorts fill the spaces in my December datebook.  

In the entire month there are but three squares that aren't filled in completely on my calendar ... but this year it was on purpose!  After all, shouldn't we do all that we can to make the world a happier place for everyone?

Isn't this what Christmas is about - keeping volunteers busy while spreading good cheer, being kind to others and giving gifts to people we probably never think of the rest of the year? Oh yeah, and if I could add anything else to the holiday, wishing peace would fall on the entire earth covering it like a blanket of fresh virgin snow!

Here We Go A Caroling

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to sing Christmas carols throughout the community.  Actually, caroling is something I've done with hubby since we were teens and before we dated officially.

Whether it is walking, riding in a church bus or bundled up on a hay wagon, I love belting out the joy of Jesus with family and friends.  Snuggling up to my sweetie is an added bonus.

I have a ton of stories about what fun it is to ride in a four wheel drive, 620 horse power, open tractor sleigh/wagon/trailer (not really but wouldn't that be cool?).  Granted it's not as exciting as dashing through the snow with a real horse in the lead, but it got the job done.  Plus the promise of piping hot chocolate and homemade cookies is definitely worth it!

Sing it Again Sam ...

Making our rounds to the nursing homes is always a treat, because we can minister to visiting family members as well as the residents.  A few years ago we were blessed to have been invited to join another church in their caroling schedule and I couldn't wait until the night came for us to go.

We were on our last stop when the pastor asked everyone to join him at a local nursing home facility.  It was so lovely and beautifully decorated.  Even the giant bird cage was decked out with boughs of something ... holly was nowhere to be found!

Gathering in the main room the residents were seated in a semi-circle so they could all watch as the group sang in unison mostly on key throughout the entire session.  Hubby and I were on the outside near a water fountain that cascaded down the lobby wall from ceiling to floor.  It had such a comforting soothing sound that it mesmerized everyone as we entered the building.

Toward the end of our visit the pastor decided that since things were going well we had time for a few favorites of the group.  After singing Silent Night and Joy to the World he asked for one more request from the carolers.  

Now I really haven't a clue as to what world my husband was in at that time, but I can assure you he wasn't thinking about peace on earth good will toward men.

Suddenly something clicked in his brain telling him to rejoin the rest of us.  Turning around from the trickling wall he called out with confidence, "Joy to the World!"

For a second we all stood in silence, but it didn't take long before the gang burst into laughter.   Looking straight in hubby's eyes I said, "We just sang that ... where were you?"  His great comeback - "Oh, we did?"

No, we didn't sing the carol again and that pretty much put an end to asking for requests.  Even though it was funny, I'm not sure we added anything to their Christmas that year. 

Although our motives may have been in the right place, our focus on who we were singing about got blurred a bit.  True, it was memorable, but for the wrong reason.  It's no wonder we haven't been asked to go caroling with them since.   

A Motive for Christmas

If you thought about it, what do you think you could add to Christmas to make it better, besides caroling (obviously we've got that covered)?  

In reality, who can add anything to Christmas anyway?  No one, because God has said and done everything we need to know in and through His Word.

Corrie Ten Boom once wrote that the perfect motive for Christmas was because God loved the world so much that He gave us His only Son, quoting from John 3:16.  

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should (will) not perish but have everlasting life (in Heaven).” (John 3:16 NKJV)

She continued stating that there isn't any other perfect gift except Jesus Himself, and that the only requirement for receiving this gift is to believe in Him (referring to salvation).  This is the same message all who come to Christ once heard before accepting the truth about Christianity.

Once we believe what scriptures say about the Son of God, our reward of faith in Jesus will be everlasting life in Heaven with our Savior.  She was right.  That almost sums up the entirety of Christmas don't you think?

However, when I think about why we celebrate the true Christmas, it's important that the message of Jesus "from the manger to the cross" be shared right at this given moment.  People are in the spirit of giving and receiving more readily, so it's a perfect time of year for ministering at all levels and to all ages.

A Season of Hope

Although this is generally called the season of joy, for some people this could be the last Christmas they will ever experience.  Joy might be far from their thinking about now and they're looking for something greater. 

"For such a time as this" as spoken in Esther 4:14 was a Season of Hope for deliverance from all the issues of life.  Beloved in Christ, it's thousands of years later and people are still looking for that blessed hope today!  

It's not the time to be silent.  We need to take advantage of every favored opportunity sent by God for proclaiming good tidings of great joy like the messenger angel Gabriel did when he proclaimed, 

 "... I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

 For there is born to you this day in the  city of David a Savior,

 who is Christ the Lord."  (Luke 2:10-11 NKJV)

With so many activities going on all around us, it's not hard to find ways to share our faith in the reason for the season - Christ Jesus, and how we found God's favor through His amazing saving grace!

Attending public gatherings while toting tracts, nativity story coloring pages, spiritual gifts and candy canes allows us to distribute the gospel to those passing by or strolling around the town square.  Tidings of great joy is what others should be witnessing in us, especially at Christmas.

Our Christmas Challenge:
Bring Tidings of Great Joy

We cannot add anything to what God has already done through grace, mercy and favor, but we can bring comfort, peace and good will to all men just as the original "messenger" did.

This year I want to prayerfully challenge you to make it part of your Christmas event schedule to continue bringing good tidings of great JOY (Jesus Our Yeshua - the only Deliverer) to all people.

Good Tidings of Great Joy by Kevin Williamson

Until next time, favor sharing tidings of great joy.

God favored the world with tidings of great joy, so should you.

- Jesus Christ

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

Tidings of Great Joy Angel Pin

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 “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

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

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. 

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. Town Square Carolers  Hayride Corrie Ten Boom Tidings of Great Joy Angel  Christmas Challenge Image credit:  Creative Common License if not specified. 

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Enjoying “This” Day

The cool breeze washed over our faces as we stepped off the boat onto the tropical island.  What a beautiful sight to behold.

As far as the eye could see there were glorious trees and fields of flowers with an intoxicating aroma; I wasn’t sure what they were but was exhilarated with each breath I took. 

We settled into our suite that overlooked the balmy sea … billowing waves gently rippled toward the shore disappearing as they touched the white sand.  By now the sun was setting and the night grew quiet. 

Standing out on the terrace I watched as sweethearts walked the moonlit beaches hand-in-hand.  Oh what a beautiful day, one that will live in my memory … 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Argentina; Brazil; Cambodia; China; Ecuador; Germany;

Favona, Auckland Region, New Zealand; Hanoi, Hà Nội, Vietnam; Zimbabwe. 

USA – Johnson & Timber Pines, FL; Manchaca, TX; Greenwood, AR; Gastonia, NC.  

I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on 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).

Visit the Q & A or other sections.

Memories of Other Days 

Yep, it was a day in my memory only … rather, one that I wished happened!  Oh, there was an actual tropical island that we were supposed to visit when we were on a cruise ship, but the excursion was canceled due to a hurricane while we were at sea.  My not so joyful memory included me sitting in a port hole in our state room, with my life jacket on as the waves crashed over the top of the ship. Even though things didn’t go as we planned we found a way to entertain ourselves and enjoyed the journey. 

As you could tell a romance writer I’m not, but a visionary I certainly am.  When life gets a little “overboard” I need to get out my life gear and stand on the solid ground of the Word of God which allows me to enjoy each day He has given me.  

In the Midst  

Lately my “daily routine” has been squeezed with round the clock care for Jewel.  It’s not a burden, but a situation that has to be dealt with properly so we can give her the best care and still do everything else we need to throughout the day.  Having done this twice before with other rescues you’d think we would have this down to a science, but each animal is different. 

Every session of feeding, meds, bathing, massages (to stimulate the organs) and “juicing” takes between 2-3 hours, and doing that 3-4 times daily leaves little time for much else. 

I feel like my hands are always in water.  After washing about 30-40 syringes, feeding bowls and nappies each day, we decided to buy a few baby bibs to help keep her cleaner.  Dear Madge would be proud of my dishpan hands.  

Actually my husband and I have come to enjoy each “this” day along our journey, and quality time together has been quite calming in the midst of it all.  

Enjoying This Day

One day when we finished giving Jewel breakfast, instead of getting right to work I decided to take a new approach to my day by doing something to take my mind off the situation.  Call it a diversion if you like.  This isn’t new for me, but something I do often based on my life and career.

Right now I’m in the process of coming up with things to enter into this summer’s county fair. One of the experiments I’m doing is drying flowers with clean, unused cat litter.  It was something I had seen in a video so I wanted to check it out for myself as an alternative to the expensive Silica gel crystals I’ve been using.  Hey, I’ve got the litter anyway right? (When I see how it turns out I’ll be sharing it on Favored Crafts.) 

So I gathered my “project” and went outside for an hour to regroup.  The time was well spent and my conversation with the Lord was wonderful as I enjoyed “this day” He had given me.  

It was picturesque with birds singing, the wind blowing gently and NO bugs!  I couldn’t have set it up more perfectly, and even tried videotaping the scene when the birds suddenly stopped making a sound.  They must have known they were being recorded. I’m telling you they didn’t make one chirp! 

Coming back inside it was time to get into the swing of things again, but spending those sixty minutes doing something different did me a world of good.  I was able to relax and calmly finish out the day with energy to spare.   

Did I feel guilty about taking some time out of the day to focus on something that I loved to do?  Not a bit.   You see, God gives us each “this” day to fulfill something in His plan, and enjoying it as we journey is part of the favor He distributes with each sunrise. 

It’s Okay to Enjoy Life 

Did you know that it’s OK to enjoy life?  As a matter of fact, that’s one of the main reasons why Jesus came to earth.  My husband’s favorite verse is John 10:10 (AMPV) and it describes exactly how believers should be living. 

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Our lives are to be lived to the fullest every day, not just on holidays or when a great event is going on in our lives.  Instead of making joy a part of our day, we go about doing the same thing day after day, week after week, etc. drudging life and all it has to offer. 

This isn’t what God wants for our journey with Him.  When we forget to include joy into our busy schedule we become the joy stealers we complain about in other people.  What kind of partner does that make for Jesus as He travels with us along our journey? 

A verse that I like to claim in the morning helps me put things into perspective from the moment I put my foot on the floor.  Here’s my version of Psalm 118:24. 

This is the day that the Lord has made.

I will rejoice and I will be glad in it. 

Part of being able to be glad when things look bad is having God’s word engrafted into our thinking.  Knowing that God wants you to enjoy your life isn’t the same as comprehending and living joyfully.  Not living in joy is a favor breaker, because it is telling the world that Jesus’ life failed somewhere along His journey.  Since we know that’s not true, joyful living falls on our choosing to live by the Word. 

You Are Blessed with Life 

Do you realize how blessed you are that you woke up this morning, even with all the junk that is going on in the world?  That doesn’t happen to everyone.  

When my husband was a boy he and his mom said their goodnights and went to bed.  He woke up, she didn’t … but she enjoyed her journey and learned to laugh, joke and have fun through the most difficult times as a young widow raising her son.   

If we’re still here, our journey gets to continue, and we have the choice of whether or not we enjoy it.  Every time we awake it’s an opportunity for the Lord to show favor on His children in a new way for a new day. 

“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV) 

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. (Psalm 32:10 NKJV)

“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12 NKJV) 

We are surrounded, covered and overshadowed with promises of God as His children.  The Lord’s mercy/grace is new each day, and so is His favor.  I love that.  These gifts should cause us to rejoice and be glad don’t you think? 

Endurance Isn’t Part of the Blessing 

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine of life and forget to take time to enjoy what is right in front of our eyes.  We ask God to “help us endure this” while we trudge through the day.  Nothing seems to be particularly great, so thinking about adding peaceful or fun time-outs isn’t even in our mind-set. 

People with this mentality don’t enjoy their jobs, don’t have many friends and really only tolerate their families.  I remember one lady telling me that she loved her kids, but didn’t like them.  If being around people who never have any joy is hard for me, I can imagine how much it grieves the Holy Spirit. 

God isn’t looking for His children to endure, but thrive no matter what the trial because we know He is right there with us.  Remember He knows our pain because He is the One who endured it on the cross. 

Since part of our journey together is helping people and pets, I try to find good things in any situation but sometimes it doesn’t quite turn out as expected.  

It was the last feeding of the night (around 10 pm) and I was placing things in position when I knocked the napkins off the folding table. 

When I bent down to pick them up I noticed I also knocked my bread that was wrapped from dinner onto the floor.  Retrieving it I took a bite and began to take my seat.  It didn’t take long before the entire situation was turned around. 

The scene is set with hubby holding Jewel in position for the feeding waiting for me to sit down. 

With the bread in my mouth I realized I needed a quick drink of water, but that’s not exactly what came out of my lips.   

“Ooh, I need a dink.” (Did I say dink, here it comes I thought …) 

“You need a dink, you are a dink!” 

With water now exploding out of my mouth from laughter … 

“Why did you call me a dink? I could have choked.  The bread was in my throat.” 

“I’m sitting here with her nails digging into my arm and you need a drink.” 

I was laughing so hard I got hot then stood up and walked over to the other side of the room to turn on the fan; mind you he’s still holding a cat patiently waiting to eat. 

“Oh, when I’m hot it’s the medicine, but when you’re having a personal summer … look out Jewel, 40 below in here!” 

I don’t know what Jewel thought about all this as she watched, but it was the best feeding we had for her yet.  Thank you Lord for those baby bibs.  We only used five napkins as opposed to the fifteen or more for the previous feedings and she didn’t have any on her body (except what hubby got on her head.) No wonder parents like them. 

“This” Day as Every Day is a Gift 

Even though I don’t feel I’ve accomplished all I wanted to do or things haven’t gone as planned, I enjoy every “this” day God graciously gives.

Going to parties, events and activities are great things to look forward to, but taking time to “smell the meat” (okay that’s not how it goes, but you smiled didn’t you) can bring a whole lot more happiness into a rather routine life.   

Somewhere in the middle of things learn to be thankful. Rejoice in the simplicity of the “little” things that God allows along the journey. God has given us the power to enjoy life if we choose.  Make a decision to enjoy your life and make a difference for the Kingdom.  

“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) 

Today is the only time you will have to enjoy “this” day, so why not make the most of it?  Don’t 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) 

This Week’s Challenge:

Enjoying This Particular Day 

Gaining a new approach and attitude on how God wants us to live our lives will cause His favor to flow regularly because we comprehend He is in control for our journey. 

Learn to enjoy everything that you are doing, by changing how you look at it. 

Our challenge this week is to enjoy “this” day, meaning every day that God gives us life here on earth find something good in it and give Him praise. 

In 1 Peter 3 the Bible talks about how we are to enjoy one another and be a blessing.  We are to enjoy life as a testimony of what God’s covenant means to us in the way we act and live. God isn’t asking us to love the trials, but to find something to give Him praise for while we are traveling through them.  With God good is always happening, we just need to let it be a part of whatever we’re experiencing. 

We’re not always going to be able to take those nice tropical island vacation trips to get away when we’re stressed, but that’s ok when you’re walking with Jesus.  No matter how God works things out it will always include His mercy, grace and favor on those who joyfully trust Him. 

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG) 

Rejoice, be glad … this day God chose to give you “life” favor. 

 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, be glad for the favor of life itself! 

“I came to give life abundant with favor .”

Jesus Christ 

*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. 

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

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Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
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