My friend ... from our house to yours, let me extend the “tidings of great joy” message of the angel Gabriel that was given over 2,000 years ago.
Everything you will ever need for your life is already in place, and that includes His unmerited favor.
Just as God prepared a place for baby Jesus in the little town of Bethlehem where the events of a Christ child would begin, your life also has the hand of God mapped out in every step you will ever take.
However, if you never spend time with the One who set things in order for you to receive the grace on your life for His favor, you will never experience the best He has ordained for you.Now where is the joy in that?
Scriptures tell of a promised Messiah that would come to save and set people free. A King who would rule and reign forever, reconciling the breach between God and man.
Their hope was for a King that would deliver them from all bondage – spiritually, physically and financially.
He would bring freedom that could give them true rest as they trusted on Him to deliver them from their fears and sin.He would restore their joy as they place their trust in Him resting on and in His Word as Holy. That day came, just as God said.
There Is Always Hope in the Promises of God
Throughout the Word of God we learn of many individuals who had hope in what God had promised. In all of my biblical studies, there is only one recorded joyful response of the tidings given. It was that of a young Jewish girl.
She took the Word of God to a level like none other and dared to believe when there seemed to be no way. I venture to say I have never heard a teenager say these words with full confidence that what was spoken of God would surely come to pass, and what ever way He wanted to do it would be fine with them.
The scriptues tell us of a young virgin girl named Mary who rested and had peace over what God had planned to happen through her. In one moment Mary's earthly plans and life vision changed, becoming more wonderfully filled with favor than she could have ever imagined.
"The messenger angel Gabriel came to her and said, You are honored very much. You are a favored woman. The Lord is with you. You are chosen from among many women.
When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words. She thought about what had been said. The angel said to her, Mary do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus." (from Luke 1 :28-31)
Let us look at some key phrases of what she actually said when receiving this life changing news from various translations of the Bible in Luke 1:37-39.
"For with God, nothing is impossible." Miryam (Mary in Greek - I explain this in my book "Christmas Favor") said, "I am the servant of Adonai (Jehovah God); may it happen to me as you have said." Then the angel Gabrial left her. - Complete Jewish Bible
"Nothing is impossible for God!" Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant! Let it happen as you have said..." - Contemporary English Version
"Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word...." - New King James Version
"Then Mary said, "I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said..." - New Life Version
Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true..." - New Living Translation
What Happens When Faith takes Action?
What can we take away from this short passage? Mary believed in the impossible because God said it would happen. She was willing and happy to be used by God in what ever way He wanted.
Faith in action caused favor to be manifested in Mary's life. What action? In two words Mary ... believed and submitted! Favor came to this servant of God because she first of all believed God (His Word). Second - Mary was willing to obey the instructions by submitting to the plan of God in His way of making favor happen.
Instead of questioning the impossible and the position it would put her in, Mary was excited with great joy and said, "Let it be ... let it happen and come true just as God planned!"
No doubt entered Mary's thinking of what God could do. She received the plan by faith and because she said yes to God, He showed her extra ordinary favor.
"... you (Mary) have found (been chosen and given) great favor from God." (from Luke 1:26-38)
Immediately Mary sang praises and worshipped God after hearing what He wanted to do through her, despite what others would say or might do.From the very beginning she was in on the plan and was willing to see it through no matter what. Mary allowed God to do something miraculous in her life.He wants to do the same in you.
"Tidings of great joy" and supernatural favor are waiting for you. God’s plan for something good was ordained from before you were born; only He can reveal to you what that is so that favor can be released at the right time.
There isn’t anything more God has to do for your miracle to be birthed; if you would only believe Him and submit to His plan like Mary did. He is waiting on you to joyfully say,
“Let it be done unto me; I am willing ... may everything You have said about me come true!"
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.
Content Copyright from Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.
Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Creative Common License if not specified.
Daily Favor Devotional from Ten Biblical Reasons for Rest and Relaxation Series: Part 4
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If I were to take a poll asking who would like to receive favor in their life, the response "yes please" is probably what people might say. However, what if I posed a different question, "Would you prefer natural or supernatural favor?" Although receiving any type of favor is usually welcomed, I'd pretty much say with confidence that supernatural favor is really what we want.
Supernatural favor isn't like natural or ordinary favor. Read more on this subject and how to tap into the Supernatural Favor of God through prayer and following God's plan for your life.
Until next time, pray for favor from God over your life!
Favor is released through My Word! - Jesus Christ
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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.
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Have you ever wondered what it was like to be the first person created, let
alone be the only existing human walking on earth?
Envision opening your eyes for the very first
time … behold, the face of God. There
could be no better way to begin living!
At that moment, everything is new.There will never be another time or
experience like this.Could Adam possibly
realize how loved, favored and special he was to Jehovah and what this would
mean to all mankind - forever?
If I close my eyes, I can picture how it might have
happened in my sanctified imagination, walking through each scene mentally as
life begins for the firstborn of many.A
molded creation lies still as if it were a mere part of the ground.Then something miraculous happened!
As when the Spirit of God moved upon the waters, He moves
on the formed body, making it become real.With the very breath of God, energy is stirred into the shape called “human”
awakening man … a male man known as the first Adam”, created by the hands of Yahweh.
His lungs expand as they fill with air; new life has
begun.Leaning over Jehovah smiles and
extents His hand to help raise up His likeness and says, “Walk with Me. I have
something to show you.”
Taking His hand, Adam stands as if he always had the
ability to move.The Creator and created
walk side-by-side, but Adam has yet to speak.He wonders where they are going, but is not afraid to follow.
“So, the LORD God took the (human,
newly formed) man (He had made) and settled him in the Garden of Eden to
cultivate and keep (watch over) it.” (Genesis 2:15 VOICE emphasis mine)
What was it like for Adam to walk in with God in His
garden and witness its original splendor and heavenly glory? Could Adam describe what he was seeing, smelling
and hearing or did God explain each detail as His child touched Creation?Did his jaw drop in awe of such beauty and
that he was the reason for God’s lavishing favor?
Before woman was made, he spent time with God alone … it
was just the two of them. This would be
a relationship like none other.How long
did Adam have with His Creator before yet another new thing was paraded before
his youthful eyes?
“Look, I am about to do
something new; even now it is coming.Don’t you see it coming? (Isaiah 43:19a CSB emphasis mine)
Did God go over the things that only men discuss amongst themselves? What
little tidbits of advice did Jehovah share with his first son that no one else
was privy to or ever heard? Besides the topics of animals and the precious
responsibilities entrusted to him, we know there was a discussion over food
choices … why doesn’t that surprise me? Was
fruit the first thing that awakened his taste buds to the glorious creations for
nourishment?
What love God had for Adam (mankind) from the beginning in
giving the promise of favor through blessing his life and the work of his
hands, before he ever lifted a finger!
How would the man of dirt bond with a substance called “earth”
that literally conformed into his existence?Would words of thanksgiving be the beginning utterances spoken by the one
God had chosen to be first? Could you hear
voices of praise echoing through the Garden at night by everything that had
breath?
“Let everything that has
breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6 NKJV)
Favor I Knew Before Birth
I don’t know about you, but I can’t get over the awesomeness
of God.Every time I glance out my
windows or walk in the yard, I am reminded that this is God’s world and I’m
walking in His created favor designed by love for me!It’s personal to me, because of the
relationship I share with my Creator, Savior and Lord.
Before I was even thought of by my parents and brought
into this world, I was already born into favor in God’s world.He would have my parents move from state to
state until they arrived at the right place for when I was to be born.
His plans were to “put” me into position for service as
He did with the man Adam He had first formed (Genesis 2:8).In a place where I could fellowship with Him,
walking in faith and favor along my life journey on earth.God knew where to place me on the planet –
the “Garden State” … how appropriate.Not
quite Eden, but a beautiful place to grow!
He knew the things I view as beautiful and what brings me
pure delight and pleasure.He knew what
tugs on my heart to worship Him with thanksgiving for all the things He’s
created for me to enjoy.In other words,
God personalized me to be me, the way that would bring pleasure to both of us.
When the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the Old Testament prophet,
He first spoke these words to Adam and continues to speak them to every child
that belongs to Him through Christ Jesus. How do I know these things?His Word tells me so, because God never
changes and neither does His love.He is
the same yesterday (from before time), today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
“So, God created man in His
image; in the image of God, He created him (mankind); male and female He
created them. The God bless them, and God said to them, be fruitful and
multiply …” (Genesis 1: 27-28a NKJV)
As you read these words, dwell on them as if God were
saying them to you like I have:
“Fay, (say your name) I am
your Creator, and before you were born, I chose you to speak for Me to the
nations.
I chose you before I gave you
life, and before you were born, I selected you, set you apart and appointed you
as My spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5 CEV, GNT, TLB, AMP emphasis mine)
This Week's Challenge: Walk in Your Eden
We look back on history and think how great our life
would be if we were someone else … like Adam or Eve who were the only ones to
walk in the Garden of Eden.Well … we’re
not, but that’s the way it was meant to be and it’s okay!
I’d like to inform you of something big!Like Adam (and his wife Eve), you are also a
creation that God formed perfectly in His image, for His glory and
fellowship.There is only one you, and
God likes … no, loves the way He designed you.He planned for you to be a part of His life during this time in
history.
In your alone time, close your eyes and image what it
would be like if it was you instead of Adam walking with God in His garden. What kinds of things might be on your list of
topics to discuss that are just between the Creator and you?
Open your eyes; look around you. Now think about where
you are today and don’t focus on the cosmetics of it.No matter where you live, God knew you would
be exactly in that place.It may not be
perfect and it doesn’t mean that this is where you will always be.
At this time in your life, do you recognize “this” set
aside earthly place for fellowship, as created favor and blessings designed with
you in mind? It’s your Eden; a place to
learn and grow spiritually.
God has allowed this particular “Eden” at this time to be
part of where He wants to walk with you.It’s a place where blessings and favor were planned from the beginning,
but have yet to be given.Be excited and
learn everything He is revealing while you can, because change is going to
happen!
The Garden of Eden wasn’t special because it grew great
crops.God’s garden was special because this
is where relationship was created between Heaven and Earth.
Eden was a place where God and mankind could establish a
close fellowship as well as highlight His full creation.It birthed new beginnings where God could
give favor for a lifetime, not just for the first human, but for all humanity.
Practically everyone knows how the first Adam and his
wife Eve fell from God’s grace.However,
most fail to recognize that God gave them favor when they repented of their sin.They returned to the Lord and fellowship was
restored, not in God’s Eden, but a new place.
At this time in history, we do not have an earthly Eden
as in the Beginning.Eden itself takes
on a new meaning besides a certain location on the map.Your Eden (or mine for that matter) is
wherever you walk with God spiritually, and wherever He walks there is favor!The amount and kind of favor from God is
established along the walk, and Eden is where it begins.It’s where you are right now in your
relationship with Him, and has nothing to do with where you live or what your
house looks like.
Eden is a set aside place chosen for loved ones to
fellowship that is not specifically a location, but a place in your heart. Have you a place where the Lord can fellowship
and walk with you daily?The wisest
thing you can do right now is to begin walking in the Eden God has set before
you, so His blessings and favor will be multiplied. Why not start here!
“Blessed is the man who listens
to me (wisdom), watching daily at my (wisdom) gates, waiting at the posts of my
(wisdom’s) doors.For whoever finds me (wisdom)
finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:34-35 NKJV)
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.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not
specified. Image Adam
I’ve got good news for you … the message from the
scriptures that was given thousands of years ago is still being given
today! That’s right, and do you know
why? It’s because the covenant blessings
of God are still in effect.
The good news is that God’s mercy and favor never end!
“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)
Ahhh, but there’s also bad news … His blessings will
cease for those who break covenant and fellowship with Him. That doesn’t sound very “promising” does
it?Of course not, and that’s why I have
another message to deliver. There is a promise of hope to
all who would adhere to the words of the Lord.
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. The message I want to share today is that from before
you were born God’s plans 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 promises that
if any person has a desire to know 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)
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 the Old Testament prophet,
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.It involves good things,
and who couldn’t use some goodness in their lives about now?
Oh, and 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.For me, this isn’t only the best message for
today, it’s the best message ever!
Until next time, walk in
covenant favor today and everyday!
“Covenant fellowship has benefits
of favor.” - Jesus Christ
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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Note: When used, the words
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Walking with God. Join us for a lesson of faith in the book of Jeremiah as he
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I think most would agree that the fabulous year 2020 we all anticipated has been less than we bargained for in moving forward in our plans or vision. For me, practically every "road" I've traveled on stepping out in faith has been challenged and blocked by the enemy satan.
Even though it’s been difficult at times and I’ve had to take it a
little slower, my goals have not changed in what I want to accomplish in my
life that will please the Lord.
There’s
something else I’d like to add, God’s plans haven’t changed either!Knowing this, where do we go from here?
What do you do when everything you’ve tried doesn’t seem to work and you
keep hitting a brick wall in finding answers?Let’s see, you can quit, but that would please the devil.
You can try to find alternative solutions, which will probably delay
plans for who knows how long until something clicks.Then there’s the pressing on choice that might
be difficult, but in the end could get you to the prize of the high calling on
your life.
Which have you chosen these past months during the COVID-19 crisis?Here’s what I decided to do.
When I came up against something that appeared to be a brick wall in not
being able to find solutions, I turned to the scriptures for examples of
situations to help me.Over and over the same passage has helped me
persevere when everything looked like it wouldn’t or couldn’t succeed.
Here’s what I discovered. When life throws you bricks, build a
wall.That’s right, a spiritual prayer wall
that the enemy cannot touch.
Instead of thinking the things satan is tossing at you will prevent you
from accomplishing the vision, get it in your thinking that when God is in the
plan, He will use those things (aka bricks) and build something great for His
glory.
Praying for Bricks
The Bible tells us of a man named Nehemiah who felt passionate about
returning to his hometown when he learned that the wall around the city was in ruin.If there was anyone who understood what it was like to face challenges in finishing the
task of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, it was Nehemiah.
No matter what he wanted to do, something was placed in his path to stop
him.Those spiritual enemies threw
things at him from every direction, and even used his own people against Nehemiah.Those “virtual” bricks were already flying and
hope seemed blocked in anything getting done to that broken-down wall that once
protected the city from being overtaken.
He had plenty of opportunities to quit on the vision, and who wouldn’t
feel like he did with nothing coming together on a project?However, instead of giving up, Nehemiah went
to the Lord in prayer for everything, and I mean literally everything including
the “bricks”!
The servant cupbearer prayed about going before the king, the supplies,
protection, people to build the wall and how to accomplish such a great task for
his beloved hometown.In doing so God
gave him favor and caused others to do the same in order for the wall to be
finished.Let’s examine how this happened for Nehemiah,
and how it can for us as well.
Using Supernatural Power Tools
Spending time with the Lord was vital for gaining wisdom against the
enemies throughout the entire process of building.It’s no different for us in this age if we
are to finish what we started.
Every time Nehemiah prayed, he obeyed and did what God told him to do.Prayer and obedience are the supernatural tools
that help us achieve great things that otherwise couldn’t have been done.
E.M. Bounds (Edward McKendree Bounds), pastor and author of nine books on
prayer, referred to prayer as “spiritual energy” for a believer.He describes it as a means of God’s grace (favor)
to do things through the action of prayer to accomplish great things with
unusual results.
“Prayer is the divine energy that brings the
power into the plans that God has given you. Prepare your heart
for God’s plan and pray about your plans day and night.” E.M. Bounds
His definition lines up with scripture, where James the brother of
Jesus, wrote how the earnest prayer of the righteous avails much (has
tremendous power). In other words, the supernatural
power tool is persistent prayer!
“The heartfelt and persistent
prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much (when put into action
and made effective by God – it is dynamic and can have tremendous power).
(James 5:16 AMP)
Something easy to notice about Nehemiah is that he kept God on speed
dial when it came to prayer.That is, he
learned to pray on the spot, instantly, regularly and interactively with the
Lord for anything and everything, especially when it came to accomplishing his
vision for rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem.
The Prayer of the Righteous Favor
According to Nehemiah 2:1-5, we learn Nehemiah was outwardly
demonstrating being sad, which was a no-no to act this way in front of the
king.However, when the king noticed how
his servant was behaving, he asked Nehemiah what was wrong.
Now I have to give a little insight as to why showing emotions of
sadness was severely dangerous and risky business for cup bearer Nehemiah or
anyone for that matter.To display such
grief, sorrow or unhappiness in the presence of the king was a cause for a
person to be put to death, because it created an atmosphere of gloom and
despair. To put it in my terms, "No joy suckers here!"
So, when Nehemiah told the king how he was distressed over the ruins of
the wall in Jerusalem, he didn’t know how the king would react. Knowing this, before he made the request, he instantly
prayed silently for the right words to speak so his life would be spared.
Nehemiah was bold and precise about the vision God gave him in telling the
desires of his heart to the king.
“If I have found favor in your sight, let me
go rebuild the wall.”
Instead of sending for the guards to take Nehemiah away, the king showed
compassion for his loyal servant and asked what he could do to help.He not only gave permission for a leave from
his kingly duties, but sent armed guards to protect Nehemiah along the journey, provided letters for government officials allowing the work to commence and released the supplies
needed to finish the job of building a security wall around Jerusalem.
“I also said to the king, if it please the king,
let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates
River, instructing them to let me travel through safely through their
territories on my way to Judah.
And please give me a letter addressed to
Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I
will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city
walls, and for a house for myself.And
the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.”
(Nehemiah 2:7-8 NKJV)
Can you believe that?He even had
supplies to build a house for himself while he stayed to complete the wall.No “Motel 6” to leave the lights on needed!Now that’s what I call “the prayer of the righteous” kind of favor friends!
Nehemiah’s bold faith overcame fear and doubt, allowing favor a place
where it could work. God will cause man
to give favor in ways they never thought would happen when He is in on the
construction committee; and when God is in the plans, everything changes in
your favor.
“Never let loyalty and kindness
leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your
heart.Then you will find favor with
both God and people (man), and you will earn a good reputation.” (Proverbs
3:3-4 NLT)
Before Moving Forward – Pray, Plan and Prepare
God answered yes to prayer and a dream.Not only was Nehemiah given permission to go rebuild the wall, but the
king also funded the project and sent armed guards to protect him on the
journey!How’s that for favor from God
and man?
Sometimes we come against challenges and don’t know what to do or how
people will respond.When we go to the
Lord in prayer before we make our move forward, He prepares the hearts of
others to make it possible for us to carry on with the plan, dream or vision.
In the current conditions of the world, people are confused and are not
sure what to do.What we thought might
have been the answer in past circumstances doesn’t necessarily hold true for
today.Almost everything we do or plan
has to be rescheduled and reprocessed in our thinking of how to go about what
we thought was the best way to do things.
Every time my husband or I encounter a situation where we don’t know
what to do, we immediately go to the Lord in prayer. Perhaps you need to do the same if you’re up
against a challenge and don’t have the wisdom, knowledge or understanding concerning what to do from this point forward.
After you have prayed and planned, be ready for God to do something in
His way and timing.It may not be what
you expected, but it will be what is needed to place you in the path for favor.
Trust Him to do things in a manner that is glorifying and pleasing to Him,
as well as working the situation out for your good.
“Commit (trust God with) your
works (plans and actions) to the LORD (submit and trust them to Him), and your
thoughts (plans) will be established (will succeed if you respond to His will
and guidance).”(from Proverbs 16:3 NKJV/AMP)
God will open a way that you will not expect so that the vision, dream
or goal will be accomplished.There are
going to be many things that you cannot control in striving to reach
success.Only God knows the end from the
beginning and can provide what you need for each step toward that goal.
I remember something my mother always said when she made her plans and
it has stuck with me.It was from the
book of James in the bible.
“Look here, you who say, today or
tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year.We will do business there and make a profit.
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here
a little while, then it’s gone.What you
ought to say is, if the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
(James 4:13-14 NLT)
In her words … “Lord willing” she would do whatever it was she had
planned.She was right.We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but
as it says in the book of James, we are to plan.
Give your plans to God and pray for wisdom in knowing what to do and
when.Expect Him to do more than you
could have ever asked or thought.
“Now to Him who is able to do
exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power
(the Holy Spirit) that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ
Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV)
So, my friends, instead of throwing in the towel or walking away from
your vision and quitting … when life throws you bricks, build a prayer wall!I did and praise God, my vision for the book Christmas Favor: A Season of Miracles has come to pass! It wasn't the one I thought would be published at this point, but God saw this was His timing for favor and I received it happily! (View the promo video provided by Anthony Godinho.)
Get excited about how the Lord will unfold His favor on your life, because
of obedience and faithfulness to Him.He
will supply every thing (“brick”) needed to complete the job according to His
Word.
“And this same God who takes care
of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been
given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV)
Pray, plan and prepare with the strength you've been given to finish the vision
God has placed in your heart with gladness.
Until next time, use
the prayer super tool for favor!
“The persistent
prayer of the righteous avails much favor.” – Jesus Christ
Note: 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.
What’s New This Series:Click on links below.
The complete works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer (Edward McKendree Bounds)
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. Scripture reference
was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible
Gateway. Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Image
credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified. Image 1Image 2Image 3
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In the first part of this message we
learned about what God called His covenant people who obeyed and followed His direction
– “special treasures”.
Then our challenge was to put ourselves in the shoes of Moses and the Israelites concerning the
relationship they had with the Lord.
This week we’ll pick up on the second
part of the message God gave to Moses for the people.It was to prepare!What were they to prepare for anyway?Anything … just be ready for something new
and the unexpected!
When we are anticipating an event there
are all kinds of things we need to do in preparation for the joyful day.We’re
thrilled about it, but then realize all we have to do to get ready for whoever
might be coming.
The first thing that comes rushing to
my mind is “THE HOUSE – I’ve got to clean the house, closets, drawers,
basement, attic, etc …”This doesn’t
even include the outside like mowing, cleaning up any junk around
the yard, watering, planting, weed whacking or anything else the people might
see before they even enter the house!
When we were first married my
husband would ask, “Why do we have to clean the closet and drawers?”Without hesitation I said, “Because they’ll
look!”
I know, you probably think I was acting
a little paranoid, but that wasn’t exactly the case.Since the early days, Hubby no longer asks
about those things and you know why?We
learned through the grapevine that there was a certain person who couldn’t
resist opening all the cabinets while in the restroom.Actually, it was his wife who squealed on
him.
This wasn’t a big deal, being a close bunch.However, my husband and I couldn’t
resist having a little fun with our friend, so we prepared and set a trap.
One night we had a few friends over
for dinner.While everyone was in the dining area eating, we heard a noise coming from the other room.Our friend had done what was expected … he
opened the medicine cabinet and out rolled marbles off the shelves, bouncing onto the
counter and down to the floor.
Those of us sitting at the table heard
the loud crashing of marbles and our friend scurrying around the bathroom
trying to pick up the little run-a-ways.Hearing
the restroom door close, we held back the laughter, pretending nothing happened.
After a long period in the bathroom
our good friend came out with a big smile on his face.“I guess you know what happened.” …
end of story and snooping! Such fun!
I know this may seem a little off topic,
but the point is that it taught me to be prepared by keeping drawers and cabinets
pretty much in order for the unexpected.It’s the visible living space that causes the challenge these days!
This leads me to other types of action
that are initiated in preparation for things to come. See if you can relate to any of this ...
Prep Time
If there is a menu to plan that
means someone has to do the shopping for the food or decorative items.Then prep time and actually making the meal
has to be scheduled into the agenda along with the time and place for it.Will it be sit-down or hands-on as in serve
yourself buffet style?This is only one
part of the planning.
Entertainment?Is there time for that and do we even
want any?I suppose it all revolves around
the type of event.
What are we going to wear?Is there something in the closet we can “make-do” with or will another shopping trip be added to the list for the adults, kids or pets? Oh hubby needs a haircut ... call the barber!
Taking a bath and making sure to
have clean clothes is usually on our list of things to do (at least I hope it
is), and this was also a part of what the Israelites were told.
Besides presenting themselves physically
clean, their mindset had to be right so they would be prepared spiritually as well. Don’t forget, they’re about to witness and be a part of history in the making!
My husband and I were talking about
what it must have been like in the Israelite camp. Was there pandemonium and did they panic? Can you picture the people gathering water,
scrubbing clothes for the special occasion and doing a crash course in memorizing
certain laws or scripture just in case GOD gave a surprise quiz?
“Then
the LORD told Moses, go down and prepare the people
for
My arrival.Consecrate them today and
tomorrow,
and
have them wash their clothing.
Be
sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day
the
LORD will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch.” (Exodus
19:10-11 NLT)
Who besides a girl dreaming about the perfect wedding would know where
to start in preparing for the greatest day of your life?The most important event was about to happen,
and God only gave them a three-day notice!
If you knew Jesus was making a visit
in seventy-two hours what would you be rushing about to get done?Would it be enough time to get ready
spiritually, physically and mentally?I’m sure everything else would come to a halt and I’d quickly grasp what
really mattered.
Perfectly Prepared
Following the logistics of consecration was something the Israelites were accustomed to doing. If you are not familiar with that term,
essentially it means to totally dedicate yourself to God as something sacred
and Holy for His purpose and glory.
“Special treasures” were to prepare themselves to do something beyond their
abilities through the hand of God.Preparing to be used by the Lord isn’t something that was only for the
Israelites, but is also for us today.
In the New Testament of the Bible,
the Apostle Paul instructs followers to live a consecrated, Holy and sacred
life before the Lord.We are to be set
apart for worship, sanctification and no longer seek the ways of the world as
we strive to live in God’s image and likeness.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies (dedicating all of yourselves,
set apart) as a sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your
rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.
And do not be conformed to this world (any longer
with its superficial values and customs), but be transformed (interpreted as metamorphosis in the Greek) and (progressively changed as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your
mind (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove
(for yourselves) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and
perfect (in His plan and purpose for you). (Romans 12:1-2 AMP)
The only way we can do this is
through the Holy Spirit and by spending personal time in fellowship with
Christ. Believers must learn to separate
themselves from the world’s system or way of life, and follow after God in
order to receive the blessings of His favor through covenant living.
“What agreement is there between the temple of
God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said:I will dwell among them and walk among them;
and I will be their GOD, and they shall be My people.
So, come out from among unbelievers and be
separate, says the Lord.And do not
touch what is unclean; and I will graciously receive you and welcome you with
favor.
And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My
sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18 AMP)
A dedicated person has a willing heart that longs to spend
time with the Lord.They are sorry for their sins and ask God’s forgiveness.With a heavy heart they repent, acknowledging
that they need a Savior and cannot make it through this world on their own.
Stepping into their new life being
forgiven, with an attitude of gratitude and love for their Savior, they have
made the decision to dedicate their entire being (spirit, soul and body) to the
calling of God for His use and Divine purpose.The believer remains committed to following God’s commands through His new
birth covenant, by staying consecrated to the Lord through daily fellowship and
worship.
Moses pursued God everyday in the
decisions he had to make. He relied on the wisdom of Jehovah as a guide to lead
the special treasures of God.It was a
big responsibility that Moses didn’t take lightly and he prepared for each step
through consecration, setting himself apart for the Lord every day for the rest
of his earthly life.
God didn’t expect Moses or the
Israelites to be perfect, but to be faithful in their walk (lifestyle) and to always
be prepared for His appearing to give instruction.If they would draw closer to Him, He would
stay close and reward them with favor for the journey to the promised land.
Hopelessly Devoted
When the Israelites lived in Egypt,
they were in their own type of lockdown having no freedom or religious rights.It was through their prayers and cries to the
LORD that He delivered them out of the hands of their oppressors.
At that time God commanded the
Israelites to consecrate themselves to be His Holy people, not as part of their
salvation, but because of His love for them.We cannot “be Holy” apart from God, and only through belief in His Son Jesus can a
person be saved and forgiven of sin.
The Israelites were not delivered
out of Egypt because they always did right, but because God loved them and
heard their plea for help.They were
hopelessly lost and realized they needed a Deliverer to save them.
When God answered their prayers, the
hopeless souls became hopelessly devoted to follow a God who cared so much that
He would send someone to lead them to the covenant promised land.He’s still answering those prayers and hears
the cries of His people.
Grafted in at Calvary
God would repeatedly tell His
special treasures to “be My Holy devoted people” and to set themselves apart
for worship. This command has not
changed for believers under the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ that covers sin.
We don’t follow a cloud by day or
fire in the sky by night, but believe in the work of Christ on the cross of
Calvary to save souls.It is through the unmerited, undeserved favor of God’s loving grace and mercy, just like it was for the Israelites, that God saves and delivers us out of the hands of the enemy
(oppressor).
As God gave commands to His special
treasures during the time of Moses, Jesus, God’s Son, has spoken the same words
to us – His grafted in special treasures.We are recipients of the same covenant promises and have been grafted in
by faith believing that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sinners at Calvary,
rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven.
“And
if some of the branches were broken off (some of the Jewish faith have fallen away
from the covenant through unbelief), and you (Gentiles), being a wild olive
tree, were grafted in among them (the Jews), and with them became a partaker of
the root and fatness (favor and blessings promised to Abraham and his
descendants) of the olive tree.” (Romans 11:17 emphasis mine)
I cannot say this any clearer than the
Phillips translation; take a look:
“If
some of the branches of the tree have been broken off, while you, like shoots of wild-olive, have been grafted in, and don't share like a natural branch the rich nourishment of the root, don't let yourself feel superior to those former branches. (If you feel inclined that way, remind yourself that you do not support the Root, the Root Jesus supports you.)
You may make the natural retort, but the branches were broken off to make room for My grafting! It wasn't quite like that. They lost their position because they failed to believe; you only maintain yours because you do believe.
The situation does not call for conceit, but for a certain wholesome fear. If God removed the natural branches for a good reason, take care that you don't give Him the same reason for removing you." (Romans 11:17-21 PHILLIPS)
For those who have been redeemed by
the saving grace (unmerited favor) of God, we too are to obey and “be Holy as
His Father is Holy”.Believers are still
to consecrate themselves before the Lord not to earn His favor, but because we
have been given favor and receive covenant blessings that we have not earned or
deserved!
This Week’s Challenge:
Preparing for Beyond Lockdown
There is a new day coming when God
will reveal Himself for the upcoming events in our life.He has and always will speak to His special
treasures to guide them through His favor and blessings.Our part is to recommit our lives to the Lord
through consecration so we can hear from Him.
God knows what He
is about to do beyond this pandemic, but we have not heard His voice, because
we have strayed from believing and obeying His commands.As God instructed, it's time to set ourselves
apart from this world and come into His throne room with praise and worship.
God told Moses to remind the people
of all He had done for them in the past that proved He alone was the One True
God.I present that same 7 Step Challenge so that you are prepared beyond this pandemic lockdown.
7 Steps to Beyond Lockdown
1 - Physically set yourself apart
from others and household distractions such as the television, radio, computer
or phone.This is part of removing
yourself from idols or anything else that takes your mind off of the Lord.
2 - Prepare your heart for
thanksgiving, praise and worshiping the Lord.With pen in hand (yes, not your phone or any other electronic device),
write down all the things the Lord has done for you including His good gifts
you have not deserved.
3 - Write down all the things that
have kept you away from the calling on your life.What distractions or interruptions have
stolen your time and prevented you from doing what God instructed by giving Him
precedence in your life?
4 - Humbly go before the Lord in
prayer and repent of your actions, attitudes, excuses, hateful thoughts or
laziness.Ask for forgiveness if you
have been greedy, contentious in spirit, lusted after others or their
belongings.
5 - Pray that others have not turned
from God because of something they saw in you that was not in His image, and
that He sends someone across their path that would bring them back to the Lord.
6 - Recommit your heart and life to
the Lord by consecration to clean Holy living before Him.Declare your love and loyalty to His commands
and covenant.Seek His ways and ask for
God to clearly reveal Himself to you as He did to Moses and the Israelites.
7 - Get ready for the day Christ
makes His appearance.Moses was
instructed to tell the people to prepare for a new day, a new thing the Lord
was doing among them.
God would come in a cloud personally
to increase their faith.They would hear
His voice and believe the prophets words forever.(Exodus 19:9) Like Moses told the people of
Israel, believer’s in Christ are to speak the same words to the lost, and
remind fellow believers of Jesus’ coming.
The message for the Israelites is
the same for you and I today.Prepare
to hear God’s voice through consecration to Him.Set yourself apart as His special covenant
treasure.Grow in His marvelous love and
grace as you get to know Him.There is no
greater joy than to experience the love of God through Christ Jesus.
After you have obeyed through
preparation, get ready to receive His favor. Rest assured that time spent purposely
growing your relationship with Jesus will give the peace needed for moving
forward to the unknown.
Don’t
be shaken by what is happening in the world, but plant your feet on the solid
foundation of Jesus.Think back to when God’s
goodness and mercy has been with you providing whatever you needed. He made a way, calmed the troubled seas and
parted the waters so you could “walk” through to safety.
This is the covenant God Who is working all
things for your good, because His promises are yes, and amen!
“For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus) are
Yes,
and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
(2 Corinthians 1:20
NKJV)
It's not a time to be distressed,
fearful or full of worry, but an opportunity to believe God for favor bigger
and better than ever imagined. He knows
the desires of your heart and His covenant promises are real.Let Him lead you into new prospects,
blessings and victories that will take your hope beyond lockdown and into glory.
“There is no peace like
the peace of those whose minds are possessed with full assurance that they have
known God, and God has known them, and that this relationship (through
covenant) guarantees God’s favor to them in life,
through death and on forever.”
Until
next time, prepare for beyond lockdown favor!
“Consecrate yourself to
Me for favor that removes oppression.”
- Jesus Christ
Read Hope Beyond Lockdown Part 1 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.
