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.
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copy.
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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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Larry and Elizabeth had come into town to have lunch with
us at a local restaurant.When we
arrived Liz was standing inside waving us over to the table.Quickly saying our hellos and ordering we got
around to chatting about family and friends.
Not long into our conversations the waitress brought our
lunches, but there was a bit of a problem.My food was on Liz’s plate, part of her meal was missing, hubby had to
send my salad back and his sandwich was on white bread not rye. The only one
who didn’t have anything wrong was Larry.
We didn’t let it phase us.After sorting out our meals we went back to
our conversations, only this time Larry and my husband started talking about
cars and who knows what else.Liz and I
continued in our own world and the two sets never intertwined.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB – Saudi Arabia; Mazabuka,
Southern Province, Zambia; Bangladesh; Cambodia; Damascus, Damascus
Governorate, Syria; Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles; Kazakhstan; Mariana
Islands; Singapore; Senegal.
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.
Liz was sitting across from me, and my husband and I had a
seat between us.While she was talking I
leaned to the left and stretched out my arm over the middle chair.Bending my arm I rested my head on my hand
and sort of took a detour on what was happening. The body was there, but the brain was on
leave.
I didn’t mean to be rude, but I couldn’t keep my thoughts
on the conversation.It had nothing to
do with my friends and Liz knew that I was waiting for a call concerning my
father.
A few days earlier my brother mentioned that Dad wanted
to talk to me, only he fell asleep before we could speak.He had already spoken to the rest of the
family except for yours truly.As soon
as Dad woke my brother said he would call, so I was anxiously waiting not
knowing what time of day or night that would be.
Trying to interact with my friend the subject was changed
to the weather and heat wave.Knowing
that she didn’t have an air conditioner (by choice for health reasons), I
wondered how she was beating all this heat.
“How are you keeping cool?Do you have a ceiling fan?”
Liz went on to enlighten me about her situation.
“We bought a big fan with a stand and that does a pretty
good job.We also have a ceiling fan,
but it only has two blades.”
As soon as she said that I popped back on my chair and
started laughing. I couldn’t help myself picturing two blades going clunkity
clunk round and round.Certainly there
was more to this story.
“Liz why are there only two blades?”
“Larry kept hitting his head on it so he took some out.”
Liz explained.
You see Larry is well over six feet tall and 80 years
old! Can you visualize Larry caught in-between blades trying to duck, bob and
weave as he entered the living room?I
guess taking out two or three of the blades gave him time to dodge the others.
What was so funny to me is that I’d never heard of a two blade
ceiling fan so I found it was hysterical and so did hubby. Come to find out
there are thousands of those buggers and it’s not so uncommon after all. The difference is they were made to be that way!
Right about then the phone rang and everyone got quiet as
if someone had turned off a switch to the sound of our voices.I knew it was my brother.
Taking the Call
Checking the number hubby handed me the phone; I tried to
hear what was happening on the other end of the line.At this point my father was only awake a few
minutes of the day and hadn’t eaten anything in four days.Being longtime friends of my parents, Larry
and Elizabeth were also eager to hear from my family regarding the state of
Dad.
None of us could understand why Dad was still holding on
and hadn’t left for Heaven when all he talked about was being with my mother.His vital signs and organs were working great
but something was keeping him here.
When I began to speak to my brother, he told me that Dad
woke up and asked for water. He drank almost eight ounces and even ate a snack size
pudding cup.With him now alert it would
be a good time to call.
Trying to get my father to stay awake my brother beckoned
“keep talking.” Over and over I repeated “Dad, I love you.” Realizing that my
voice level was rising I got up from the table and went outside.
For the next 45 minutes my brother tried to catch Dad
awake for more than a few seconds so he could take a picture with his eyes open
while I was talking with him.Not being able to be there with my father at this
moment was extremely difficult for both of us.
By now I was sitting on the concrete step outside the
restaurant listening to my brother coach my Dad.
“Open your eyes
Pop. Pop, Fay’s on the phone do you want to talk to her. Pop, Pop, open your
eyes. Say something Pop.”
Finally he was awake but could only make a shallow
grunting sound confirming that he understood what was happening.Putting the phone to his ear I began to tear
up as I repeated myself.
“Dad, I love you …” Something then moved in my spirit. “It’s
okay Dad.It’s okay if you want to go.You’ll be with Mom, Van and your other babies
that Mom miscarried.It’s okay, we’ll
all be together again.I love you.”
As soon as I said that he closed his eyes.You see the rest of the family except one of
my sisters and me, had released my Dad back in January.Ann sang to Dad on Tuesday and gave her
blessings.I was the last one to “release”
my father and up to that point I wasn’t ready to do it.
With our conversation my father seemed to find peace.Several hours later another call came …Dad never
woke again … he had given up the ghost and went home to Heaven.
Caught in-between
For days I tried to sleep but couldn’t.It wasn’t as if I hadn’t cried buckets,
because I had.All week long I was
thinking about how I could present this post and how was God’s favor in this if
my Dad didn’t get healed?How could I
tell the story so that readers could see God in times of sorrow?
It was a conversation I had with my husband several weeks
ago that gave me the answer.One of the
reasons my father wasn’t healed is because he didn’t want to stay. His heart had
already moved to Heaven and God will not go against the will of man.What he was facing reminded me of the passage
Paul spoke to the Philippians.
“For I am
hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ,
which is far better.Nevertheless to
remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Philippians 1:23-24 NKJV)
Perhaps my father was waiting for all his kids to release
him and hear the words “We’ll all be together again.”My heart would like to think this was the
reason however I believe my husband’s words were correct.
I Shall Go to Him
One of the things my mother always prayed was that all
her family would come to know Christ.She was uncertain about my father’s salvation and so we have continued
her requests since her home going, asking the Lord to honor my mother’s prayers
in that He wouldn’t let Dad leave without being right with Him.
When I talked with my husband he shared how the favor,
grace of God was present and that the Lord was honoring our prayers.He was giving my father more time to give his
life to God.
After
we got word that Dad had made the move, my spirit was at rest. Although I cried
because I will miss him dearly here on earth, I felt like King David in the
Bible when he learned his baby boy had passed.
Instead
of mourning over his son when his prayers weren’t answered, David rose up,
washed his face, changed his clothes and anointed himself before entering into
the House of the Lord to worship God.His servants didn’t understand the King’s behavior after losing a child.
There
was a reason David was at peace with what happened even though it didn’t turn
out like he expected. He knew one day his family would be reunited only this
time it would be with God (Jesus) in Heaven.
No
Greater Favor
Why
was David able to have such inner peace in the midst of a tragedy and not get
caught in-between what was, what could be or what should be? He believed God
and the grace (favor) promise of eternal life to those who accept Jehovah into
their heart. (See 2 Samuel 12:20-22)
God fulfilled that promise through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God
did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 NKJV)
Having
peace and hope allowed the King to move forward in His walk with the Lord for
greater things to come.He didn’t “stay
stuck” in grief, confusion or loss, but came out of the in-between place to
embrace what was to come with joy.God
wants us to do the same.
The
hope we have as Christians is that we too shall go to Heaven and see those of our
family who also believed in Jesus.There
is no greater favor than that of salvation, eternal life and spending eternity
with your family.
“For by
grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the (grace,
favor) gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
If
we have a real relationship with Christ our journey with Him will never end and
we don’t have to be caught in-between wanting to stay or leave.None of us know what the real reason was behind
all that we witnessed with my father, because it was ultimately between God and
him.
Although
our family is still processing the departure of our earthly father, the Lord has
been gracious in giving us His Holy Spirit the Comforter.We have been visited by the Lord with the
favor of His salvation, and gladly rejoice in eternity as our inheritance as
chosen people knowing there is more for us to do here and now.
“Remember
me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your
salvation, that I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones.That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your
nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.” (Psalm 106-4-5 NKJV)
This Week’s Challenge:
No More In-Between
It’s been hard dealing with all the hate, crime and ungodly
acts that have been plaguing the globe recently.Some of you are caught in-between
handling so much devastation that it is rocking the very foundation of your
belief in God.You’re angry and want
relief from all the pain!You need to
literally “feel” God’s comfort and have peace restored in your life.
I want to help rebuild your faith and let you know that
God … Heaven itself … is reaching down to touch Earth with unmerited favor for
those who will remain steadfast and not waver.God has heard your cry and wants to move on your heart with His shield of favor surrounding you with
mercy, grace and love. (Psalm 5:12)
Our challenge
is to step out of that “in-between” place where we want to believe, but
circumstances are getting in the way of it happening.As we trust the Lord unconditionally God will
overtake us with His glory, so that we will know what it means to truly journey
with Jesus.
Whatever you are going through the Lord has made His peace,
comfort, forgiveness and blessings available to whoever will call on His mighty
name.There is a shield of favor waiting
for you … it comes with mercy and grace to cover the pain and suffering you are
experiencing.God has something good He’s
about to do in your life.Believe there’s
more than what you see before you at this moment.
Right now, pray for God to remember you with His favor
and that you “feel” His loving arms around you as He sorts out the details of
your situation. Ask Jesus to show you the benefits of your salvation so that your
spirit is no longer caught in-between, but comforted and restored for great
works.
“Remember
me, O LORD, with the favor You have
toward
Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation,
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified. Image: WaitressCeiling FanPhilippians 1:23-24 King David Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief. Somewhere In-Between, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Grief, Praying through Sorrows, Christian Living, Jeff Goins, Shield of Favor, Sympathy, King David.
I want to apologize for not being able to make my usual
post today, but I trust you will grant me this brief delay.
As I am publishing this it has only been a few hours since
my earthly father left for Heaven and our family is in the process of working
out all the details.
I love you and am looking forward to sharing the
faithfulness of God during this time of sadness.
“Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies (unmerited favor) and
God of all comfort!
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version
provided by Gateway Bible.
I could hear him crying in the other room as I peeled an
orange at the kitchen table. He was preparing for a task that no one ever likes
doing, yet it is the debt that all mankind must pay.
My heartbeat is pounding loudly in my ears. The only
sound to overtake it is the whistle of the train in the background.
The process had begun three weeks ago and was coming to
an end.People smile saying have a nice
day … how could they know what was happening?
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB – Blue
Hills, Turks and Caicos Islands; Fuengirola, AndalucÃa, Spain; Mumbai,
Maharashtra, India; Kathmandu, Bagmati Zone; Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands;
Cornwall, PE, St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, NL, Canada; Ghana; Croatia; French Polynesia; Tholen, Zeeland, Netherlands; San Pablo City, Calabarzon,
Philippines; Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
USA – Warner Robins, GA; Soddy-Daisy, TN; Willow Springs, MO;
Estero, FL; Newton, Sewell, & Sparta, NJ; Bon Air & Tazewell, VA;
Mandeville, LA; Grand Rapids, MI; San Francisco, CA; North Hartsville, SC;
Spokane, WA.
Thank you for your continued support and sharing Believing Our Belief
on Daily Favor.(DFB - Daily Favor Blog)
Living my life before God and man, by
sharing experiences as I walk out my faith.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.All are private. I would love to hear from
you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.Contact me by leaving a message in the box at
the bottom of this week’s post.
All around us life is being carried out to various
degrees of good, bad and just plain ugly situations.Unless we are actively involved in the daily
events of those around us, we haven’t a clue as to what they are experiencing.
Forget paying attention to world news, it only takes a
glance out my front door to know things are changing rapidly.Someone is moving out, one home is empty,
people are moving in, a loved one was lost, a couple separated and another may
lose their home.You can easily come to
the point where you don’t want to leave your house lest these things fall upon
you.Yet we know evil doesn’t play
favorites and leaves no stone unturned.
I can’t remember exactly when, but I think it was
mid-November when the passage Job spoke to his wife came to mind.
“… but he (Job) said unto her (his wife). You
speak as one of the foolish women speaks.Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity (evil)? In
all this Job did not sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 NKJV)
At that time I was curious as to why this particular
verse came to my thinking.Things were getting
better and my husband was improving.I
could see the hand of God’s favor on us.
For all I knew it was just a “general” statement that I
was to keep in mind as I learned about what was happening around the
world.So much evil was going on you
could easily relate this passage to the events.
November 20th, 2015
When we woke that morning we didn’t realize that there
was a literal countdown to events that would transpire in our lives.After hearing a negative doctor’s report I
knew what we needed to do.As a worship
leader I know how praising God in song changes the elements and atmosphere
around you.It was an affirmation from
the Lord when the first song I heard playing was “Holy Spirit You Are Welcome
Here.”
My husband and I spent the next twenty-four hours
listening to continual praise and worship music from a Christian radio station.Actually, we didn’t shut off the music for
two days.God ministered to us as we
worshipped Him, believing His Word as truth.
It brought comfort to my soul when my husband said,
“Either way, it will be okay.”Now all I
had to do was believe it.
Night Song
As the playlist continued it was if God put each one in
the order He wanted them heard.Psalm
130:5 led us as our hope in the Lord began.I put my hope in Your Word … Your love never fails. Joy comes in the
morning and I don’t have to be afraid. You work all things together for my
good.These words resonated as the
Newsboys sang "You’re Love Never Fails."
Throughout the night I wrote down each song and at the time
not knowing why I needed to do it.I
kept journaling, writing what I was thinking and praying as if it were something I
would hand in to God for an assignment.
The following is part of my journey for the past 19 days
that I feel the Lord wants me to share with you.For time sake I want to list some of them so
you can see the pattern, but won’t go into detail about what was going on while
they played or throughout the three weeks.Just recognize the way the Spirit of the Living God was moving.
-God You’re My Deliverer,
the one who cares for us.
-This is Where Healing
Begins. Where light meets the dark. Don’t fight the Light His blood can cover.
About this time Christian recording artist Toby Mac came
on for an interview, but this statement is what stood out from the rest.
“God takes our
brokenness and turns it into something beautiful.”
We cannot see God, but we can feel and see the effects of
His love. Then the following songs played.
-There is Power in the
Name of Jesus
-Courageous
-Fix My Eyes on You (set
my sights on Heaven)
-Lord I’m Ready
-You Are Unchangeable
-If I Told You My Story,
Grace Wins Every Time
-Call it Grace (by
Unspoken)
I was hoping that by taking notes and being aware of the
presence of God my faith and belief in miracles would stay strong.With each song God was giving me the right
message needed for the upcoming weeks.
2:30 PM
-Lay Down Your Heart,
Come As You Are
…. I put my hope, trust in You Lord. Psalm 130:5 was the
theme for the station that day.
Between songs the Lord would remind me of His Word.
“Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.”
-Let My Words Be Life
(Let my words be true …)
-Your Words (Third Day)
Your Words … claim the promises of God. It doesn’t change
with our emotions.” Isaiah 40:8
-Be Held (you’re not
alone. Just be held … not a tear is wasted.)
-Stronger (this is going
to make you stronger. The pain isn’t going to last forever. He is faithful to
complete it if you only believe it.)
My Heart Is Yours (my life is in Your hands. All to Jesus
I surrender and freely give. Trust Him.)
-Just Say Amen (Anyone
here found joy in sorrow? Just say Amen. Did you find peace in the story?)
-Grace Wins Every Time
(Matthew West) played again.
She’s Coming
I Can Only Imagine was now playing.At that time (3:20 p.m. 11/21/15) I heard in
my spirit “She’s coming.”All I could do
was reject what I heard and cast it down as if it were demonic. Sometimes God prepares us and we don't want to receive what He is trying to do for us. My spirit knew what my soul denied.
-That Was Then, This Is
Now
“I’m (we're) not ready to release her Lord.” I cried.A spiritual conversation manifested and
continued.
“She’s Mine.”
“I know …”
Scriptures of joy from 1 Thessalonians 5 and John 16
helped me to stay focused. Lord that Your joy be made complete in me … the joy
of Christ remains even when things aren’t perfect.
-The Story of Your Life
(waters the glorious unfolding. The story is far from over; hold on to every
promise the Lord has made.)
Psalm 130:5 repeated
-Live on Forever (the
Afters)
“My hope and comfort Lord is that this isn’t where it
stops. Make it easy for her.”
-When Mercy Found Me
-Amen I’m Alive, Because
He Lives
-You Are Savior
4:25 p.m.
-Promise Keeper (You see
it through to the end; we will say You’re the Lord our God.)
4:37 p.m.
-Would You Dare to
Believe? (the pain you’re feeling cannot compare to the joy that’s coming.)
-Amazing Grace My Chains
Are Gone
5:25 p.m.
-Your Grace is Enough for
Me (Matt Maher)
-Greater (Mercy Me)
-Greater Is He
It’s not that God is looking for us to try harder, but to
turn to Him sooner when we slip or fall.Evening had now come.
6:16 p.m.
Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here played
again as if the list has come full cycle.This is where I first knew God was with us through this witness. Hours later
He was still present to heal and comfort.
-It’s Not Over Yet (by 4
Kings & Country)
-Your Great Name (Natalie
Grant)
-Just Be Held played again.
“Come to Me
all who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
November 22nd, 2015
The song “My Deliverer” by Matt Maher was playing in the
background when he asked the listening audience:
“Are we crying out in
fear, or crying out because
we believed God will
deliver us?”
Right then, I wasn’t sure …
3:40 p.m.
With emotional rollercoasters filling our hearts my
husband had a peace about him when he said, "Either way, it’s going to be OK.”
- Lord I Need A Miracle (Third Day)
November 26th, 2015
It was that morning the Lord dropped the acronym B.A.R.
into my spirit.Through all of this I
must have been hanging on to some bitterness, anger and resentment and didn’t
realize it at the time.However, it
would manifest itself as I shared in the November 27th, 2015 Daily
Favor Blog post “B.A.R. Hopping.”
During this time my Bible studies landed on the book of
Hebrews.Chapter two laid heavily on my
heart.It seemed that angels were a big
part of all the passages I was reading about bringing loved ones to glory.
Subject to Bondage
In the New Testament book of Hebrews, the author explains
how Christ and the cross work in the life of a believer.I understood all that, but this is something
that I couldn’t let go and clung to my spirit as if it were a lifeline to
Jesus.
“Inasmuch then
as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself shared in the
same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that
is, the devil. (verse 14)
Like I have shared in the past, it was those two lines
that showed on my electronic Bible screen that separated the rest of the verse
for me and made this stand out as God intended.
Verse 15 “…
and release those who through fear
of death were all their lifetime subject
to bondage.”
All their life subject to bondage!What bondage? The fear of death. This doesn’t have to be just physical
departing, but any kind of death … work, relationship, pets, business,
geographical … get it?Anything related
to “fear” subjects us to bondage. It works against what Christ did on the
cross when He released us from fear of anything.
However, when it comes to the physical body, we don’t
have a problem with the “other side” do we? It’s the “before crossing” and the
“process of” that causes us to be wrapped up in our emotions.
Part of the work
of the cross of Jesus is to release Christians
from fear that emotionally binds us.God was specific that this merciful and faithful gift is favor He only
gives to His believing children and not to angels.
“For indeed He
(God) does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham
(believers). Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that
He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God …”
(from Hebrews 2:16-17)
Although weeping over the loss of someone or something we
love is not a sin, staying in the bondage that it stems from is.With that in mind God led me to another
passage, only this time it was from an online friend.
Where there is Grace
The situation was looking really good and our loved one
was getting better.She was
back to almost normal activity, and we believed God had answered the prayers of His
Saints.
I was reading through my email on December 7th,
2015 when I was notified of a post from my friend Gracie (God was even using
her name to get my attention).
The topic certainly interested me and I had no idea what
the rest of the post was about to unfold.Gracie shared a simple DIY ornament link that she liked, so I wanted to
take a look as well.It was sort of a
teaser some might think, but I believe it was right from the hand of God.
Her intro was brief and to the point, then she shared
something that lifted my spirit.Despite
all the evil that is going on in the world, it is still a time to celebrate.
After I read her post I was refreshed and encouraged even
more that the works of the devil are not going to affect the celebration of
Jesus at Christmas.If it weren’t for
Christ there wouldn’t be Christmas or anything to celebrate.There would be no hope and we’d still be in
bondage to all the work of the devil.
There is no rule saying we have to decorate in order to
show we’re Christians, but there is another way to look at it … through the unbelieving
world’s eyes.To them not decorating is
declaring that we don’t really believe in the message of Christmas, and we
believe in our grief or problems more than what salvation really means.
Friend, be RELEASED from
fear of any type now!
Yes, no matter what is happening in your life at this moment,
it is the exact time to hang those Christmas lights that represent the Light of
Jesus coming into this world. Haul out the evergreen trees, representing
everlasting life.
Put up the red ribbon bows that remind us that the blood of
Jesus completed the circle of HOPE. Christ the Lord, Risen Savior and Living God.
Story of Christ: Birth to the Cross to Reigning KING
Gracie’s words of wisdom echoed in my thoughts throughout
the day. It had been nineteen days from the first doctor’s report.We stayed in faith and didn’t waver as we believed for healing.
Some say it wasn’t answered prayer, but we say it was God’s
sufficient grace that prevailed. His favor on this soul was an answer to the
prayer of mercy we prayed even though it didn’t manifest the way we hoped.God was still present and in control.
There was no notice, no pain, but “suddenly” happened.
One moment here, the next in flight with ministering angels.
Cradled in my husband’s arms, at 11:15 a.m. tears of
sadness and loss filled the hearts of all who loved this beloved twelve and a half year
old.She went to live with
Jesus on December 8th, the day after I read Gracie’s post. God's grace was leading us all the way, through
songs of worship, people, internet posts, His Word and even His Christmas!
“and He said
to me (Paul and all believer’s in Christ), My grace (loving favor) is
sufficient (enough, all you need for every situation) for you,
for My
strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9
NKJV)
My husband has had much sadness and loss in his life, but
God’s grace gave him physical and emotional strength, allowing him to be the
vessel He used to usher His creation into the arms of our Savior.What an honor!
It’s with family consideration that I don’t reveal the
name of the loved one, but know this … God's way says, it’s going to be okay!
“… and surely I am with you always to the very end of age.”
(Matthew 28:20)
This Week’s Challenge:
Sharing Grace in Christmas
For some of you I am fully aware that this is a hard time
of year to be “jolly” let alone think about putting up Christmas
decorations.However, as receivers of
grace that’s exactly what we must do.
Maybe you aren’t in a position where you can “deck the
halls with boughs of holly,” but there is something you can do as a believer in
Christ to reflect your thankfulness to God for the gift of His Son Jesus.
Our Grace in Christmas Challenge: There are people all
around you that need to be inspired, encouraged and see the hope of Christ
displayed openly through favor (receiving something they didn’t work for or
earn).
What’s going on with your neighbors, community or nation?
Do something to be a Light for Jesus.
Grace Cards: Distribute cards that say “Merry Christmas”
and have a verse on them.Don’t just
give them to people you know. It’s more
important to hand a card to a stranger with a cheery smile, because you don’t
know if they are saved or need encouraging.That card may be the only thing they receive for the season, so it needs
to be special.
Ribbons of Grace: One year we handed out over twenty red
bows and asked people to hang them on their door so everyone on that street
knew they were a Christian.Houses that
didn’t have one wondered what was going on … so we told them!
Graced Favored Gifts: Leave a Christmas gift on a library
table, at the laundromat or hang it on a bathroom stall hook labeling it “This is
for you. The person looking at this bag!”Inside give a gift that is useful, fun and inspirational.Yes, it works. I’ve given out jewelry,
watches and household items such as seasonal towels, Christian CD's/books, pot holders, good candles (not
the dollar store cheap ones), etc. (Avoid food, because people will throw it
away.)
For those who have recently experienced loss, the road
ahead may be difficult at times, but where there is God’s grace His favor will
carry us through.Those who come to
Jesus, live! Like hubby said, “Either way, it’s okay.”
“We must keep our focus
on King Jesus. Satan wants nothing more
than to distract us from our Savior.Life will get harder and
the news will get very
discouraging at times for Christians,
but with Christ we will
have eternal victory.”
Remember, God’s grace is enough, because He is faithful
to His promises. Surely sharing God’s message of grace isn’t a seasonal thing, but
is something to celebrate even more at Christmas.
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.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image credit: Google
Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified. Image: Orange PeelNewsPsalm 130:5Grace Ornament Gracie's Blog: Delight in God (December 7th, 2015 post) Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
