Daily
Favor is pleased to partner with other believer’s such as Harvest Christian
Fellowship to reach the largest audience as possible, by sharing the gospel
message in an artistic way through digital streaming.
Premiering
this weekend only – A RUSH of HOPE.
Be a part of something that has never been done!Join in on a “cinematic crusade” throughout Labor
Day weekend for the biggest event that has ever happened online.
A
Rush of Hope – Official Trailer
By
Greg Laurie and Kingdom Story Company
Share
the news, then host a watch party with friends and family for a special event
that includes:
Movie
clips from: I Can Only Imagine; Woodlawn and I Still Believe.
Intriguing
Message from Greg Laurie
(Senior Pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship)
Music by: Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, For King and Country
Location:
Online.Tune in from any device
(computer, phone television, Facebook), but if you have a Roku or Apple TV you
will be able to tune in as well.
Help us reach people with the message of hope! Right now a lot is going on in this world, and people are searching for answers. Questions about their future and the after life are foremost in their thoughts, and we have a message that can deliver them out of those feelings of despair.
This presentation helps answer questions in a way that's easy to understand in a non-threatening environment. Pastor Greg's excited to share the gospel message of hope in his terminology referred to as "frangelism".
F for friends, R for relatives, A for associates and N your neighbors!
This
Week’s Challenge:Pray
It's great to be able to hold large meetings and go to concerts where people can learn about how much God loves them, but with a world-wide pandemic that's not happening right now. Being able to unite these platforms in an unusual way is no less than a God favored thing!
God wants to use you for extraordinary things, but you'll need His favor to do it. Show Him you're ready by helping to get the message out about this event. You may not be able to participate in person, but perhaps you could share it on social media or by sowing a blog post for someone else's activity in the name of Jesus.
Something else you can do ... pray! Would
you join with us in praying over this event?
Pray for the favor of God to move on every detail of this project.
Pray
that God will open hearts to be receptive to the Word of God.
Pray
for those who are laborers in the project.
Pray
that lives will be changed by the hope they find in Jesus Christ.
“So shall my Word be that goes forth
out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but will accomplish that
which I please, and it will prosper in the thing whereto
I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Until next time, hope
in the Lord for His favor!
“Is your hope
in Me or others for favor?”
- Jesus
Christ
What's
New This Week: Click on the link below.
Brand new release September 1, 2020!
World
Changers:
How
God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things
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 taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible
Gateway.
*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.
Google images and quotes are Creative Common License if not specified.
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.
Looking back, it's hard to believe that it's already three months since the Bell's Palsy episode, which caused me to make major changes in my life that had nothing to do with the global pandemic or lockdown.
The timing however, couldn't have been worse when it came to having to be in the hospital.
For those who are not familiar with Bell's Palsy, it has many of the same symptoms as a stroke victim, but thankfully it isn't that. Besides from specific facial exercises, there really isn't a cure except for prayer and time.
When the incident first happened, I wasn't able to do much especially in the writing area because of how it affected my physical vision. This is partly why I haven't been able to post as regularly as usual.
What upset me even more was not being able to keep up with my schedule and life vision. Everything would have to be put on hold and my bubble of moving forward was burst.
One week after being diagnosed at 5:30 a.m. on May 19th, 2020, the Holy Spirit gave me a message. For two hours I intently listened and wrote down what I heard in my spirit. In the beginning I felt the message was just for me and so I never shared it.
Frankly not everything made sense to me then, because I don't participate in some of the things He spoke of during that time. However, now I realized that the message wasn't just for me but was to be shared at the proper moment.
For months our world has been changed and so has our way of
thinking and going about life.We’re not
experiencing just one worldwide lockdown, each of us is experiencing our own type
of lockdown emotionally as well as physically.
Those
who are in good relationships have taken this time in stride and are
experiencing positive results based on their attitude going into the
pandemic.They’re intrigued finding new
ways to stay virtually connected through modern technology, and welcome this “stress-free”
time to slow down taking in the simple things in life all while enjoying their
families to the fullest.
Let’s
not forget that anyone who lives in an area that has a yard or outdoor space
available to them doesn’t feel quite so cut off from the world.Having the ability to go outside and still be
a part of the environment lowers the risk of falling into depression
significantly.
A
time of reflection and “finding myself” has become clearer in 20/20 leading
them to pursue their life goals with gusto.They’re embracing the opportunity no matter how short it may be to take hold
and make the most of this moment in time.
Others
have felt trapped in solitude and struggle with the current events of life.Along with loneliness from the lack of
interaction with co-workers, friends or family, millions have also dealt with non-employment,
tragedy, illness and even loss of a loved one.
One
of my childhood friend’s mother left for Heaven in early May. Three days later his father asked him to
deliver the eulogy.Gladly he accepted
and prepared for it immediately. Little
did he realize the service would be postponed until mid-August because of the quarantine.
Standing
in an open courtyard last week with few friends or family present, he spoke
with a quivering voice stating how difficult it was not to be able to share this
in the midst of those she loved.His
only relief was knowing that she was with her Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Sadness
and heartache are real.Some are stuck
in unhealthy relationships which is taking a toll on the entire family.
Children are experiencing negativity,
physical or emotional abuse as illegal substances and alcohol rises behind
closed doors.
No
matter how you are perceiving it, universally daily routines have been
interrupted and may never return as we once lived.With so much time having passed since the
first orders were given concerning staying safe athome, people have
psychologically taken on new perspectives, mindsets and identities with the
forming of new habits.
As
events in life happen, people ultimately change whether they plan on it or not mainly for survival and staying sane during such chaos.Many new behaviors will become permanent or
what some call the “new normal”.
When
we first moved, my mother used to refer to it as “pioneering” through a crisis
or situation as in the early settler days of America when families grew closer
and were tightly knit.Gatherings with “outsiders”
only took place a few times a year, and bible reading was a nightly event in
each household after dinner.
People
spent more time on home priorities including caring for their own families and
community.From what I’ve been studying,
hearing and reading, even with the pandemic calming down society is less
inclined to go back to normal socializing, even at a safe distance.
Re-entry
into society with limited restrictions is still going to be slow, and that’s
not such a bad idea really.Depending on
who you spent your lockdown time with, will make a difference in how quickly
you are able to respond to the changes that have taken place and will remain in
effect.
Solitude
Living
With
all the changes what can we expect to happen next?Is there hope beyond this lockdown that
people can cling to, and how do we prepare for the unknown?
We
have to seriously look at what we’ve been doing with the time we’ve been given
in this so called “solitude” living.There are lessons to be learned from the scriptures when the people of
God were faced with challenging times.
I’d
like to direct you to a passage in Exodus where God gave direction for the Israelites
that was nothing short of miraculous.Anyone
who is about to venture into a different way of living needs guidance and
instruction, but mostly they need hope to get through each step, day by day as
they face challenges.
We're no different than the Israelites back in Moses’ time, in needing something to hold on to that
reminds us that things are going to get better.Moses looked to Jehovah, the God on the mountain.Today our hope is in that same God, but our
message is found in the gospel of Jesus found in the Holy Bible.
Delivering the Treasured
Message
Turning to the Bible book
of Exodus chapter nineteen, one of the many conversations between Moses and Jehovah
takes place.It gives details of how God
was going to do wonders among the people after they were delivered out of
bondage.
They couldn’t imagine
how this could happen, but the Israelites willingly listened for instruction.It would be two months after they left Egypt
that the LORD would reveal Himself at Mount Sinai.
The first time Moses
climbed the mountain to appear before God, the LORD gave instructions for him
to give to the family of Jacob and the descendants of Israel.He reminded Moses of what He did to the enemy
and how He delivered them out of captivity.
Now I doubt Moses
forgot how the Red Sea sucked up all the Egyptian soldiers by the hand of God who released the raging waters that allowed the Israelites to pass through on dry
ground.Why was it important he be
reminded?
It was a word-for-word
message Moses was to deliver to the people reminding them of how God kept His
covenant promise.Jehovah heard their
cries and delivered the Israelites out of the oppressive hands of Pharaoh, He
fed, led and kept them safe daily.This
leg of the journey would require them to faithfully keep their part of the covenant
and trust Jehovah in ways they never had.
God’s message through
Moses to the people of Israel:
“Now if you will obey
Me and keep My covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the
peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to Me.
And you will be My
kingdom of priests, My Holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5-6 NLT)
Moses did as the LORD
spoke and gathered the people giving them the message of how special they were
to Him.The Israelites agreed to do
everything the LORD commanded even though they may not understand what He was
doing; Moses returned to the mountain to relay their response to the LORD.
Here is what most
people miss in this passage.They
remember God said He would speak through Moses, because basically, that’s
what He was already doing.The
Israelites received the Word of the Lord in their hearts that they were Jehovah’s
special treasures, and there would be a thick cloud as evidence He was
present.
What we fail to
realize is that not only did God promise to come in a thick cloud so the people
could see something was about to happen, they would also be able to hear the
conversations between Moses and the LORD for themselves!This is huge!
Sure, the Israelites
knew they were favored by God in how they were delivered out of bondage, but this
is beyond what they asked or thought could happen. Favor came on the entire
nation of Israel to hear the voice of the LORD give instruction for the people
when they obeyed and were faithful to the covenant, which included not
worshiping other gods.
“Then the LORD said to
Moses, I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can
hear Me when I speak to you.Then they
will always trust you.” (Exodus 19:9 NLT)
Don’t you think it
made Moses’ day when God called him by name?It shows that they had a relationship that was more than superficial,
but personal.
God didn’t have to do
anything but keep things as they were between Moses and Himself. He chose to give special favor to His treasured
friend so that the people would trust Moses when he gave instruction for the
journey.
Notice the point
wasn’t so the people would trust God, but that they would believe the messages
delivered to them by God through the "messenger" prophet Moses in the future. God was
planting seed into the mindset of the Israelites.It was another unselfish act of God to
demonstrate His love for His special treasures.
Believe that You Are
Special
Talk and praise are
cheap when they don’t have love to back them.In this lockdown situation people are really finding out the true colors
of others and how they feel about them in the way they are responding to
individual burdens.
Feelings of loneliness,
depression and anxiety are overwhelming, because some can’t fathom what it means
to be loved unconditionally.They don’t
see a way out or hope beyond this lockdown.Crying out in desperation they don’t feel heard or special in what they
are going through, because so many others are experiencing the same thing.
This is why the message
God spoke to Moses to tell the people was so important.Jehovah wanted them to know their cries were
heard and that they were His own specially loved treasures.
I can’t recall a time
when someone praised me simply because of who I was. Nor do I remember anyone ever saying I was special.In fact, I was told
the exact opposite!Not thinking I was
important really didn’t give me much confidence in succeeding in life, but that
changed through learning about the love of God through Christ Jesus.
Coming to the
understanding that God loves you not because of your gifts, talents or special
abilities is eye-opening!I think of it
like this … God loved me so much that He picked special skills and selected attributes
that would make me who I was, and I would love who I am (learning to like myself came first).
God already loved and fashioned me into who I am because He wanted me to love what He loved – me! He planned for and wanted me, not someone "like" me, but flesh and bones literal me who He knew would mess-up and not always get things right!
I am favored by God not because of what I can
bring to Him or do for Him, but because He first loved me so much that He wanted blessings to
always be in my midst my entire life.
I totally get how King
David felt when he wrote Psalm 23.
“Surely goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my
life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His
presence) shall be my dwelling place.” (Psalm 23:6)
These
aren’t just words to make him feel good when things were going bad or when he had passed on to glory. They were
words of hope for the living here on earth that helped David cope. He knew that God’s promises were real and
for him. They are just as real for us here and now!
In
verse six the term “goodness” means in the widest sense it is God’s pleasure to
present to His precious treasure the most beautiful, best, bountiful, kindest,
loving, cheerful things shall be in his favor (yours, mine or anyone who
believes).
His mercy on me is
kind implying beauty, favor and goodness.This mercy gift of favor will follow, run after with intent to pursue, chase
or hunt after me my entire life.
When you wholeheartedly believe
this is true, the way you handle the unexpected challenges of life will be different
because you are expecting God’s covenant favor to always be with you.It’s a game and life changer!
This Week's Challenge:
Walking in Treasured
Shoes
We are all either followers
or leaders; at times we are to be both.The
question is which do you want to be and which are you actually called to be?
Not all of us are
called to be a Moses, but all believers are called His special treasures, that
means we too are responsible for a specific task that will benefit the Kingdom
of God.How you receive the Word of God
in your spirit will determine the depth of favor that God will distribute to
you.
This week I’d like you
to put yourself in the shoes of the treasured Israelites.Remember the times God has brought you out of
a bad situation and into safety.Recall
how He heard your prayers through heartache or sorrow and was willing to provide a solution.
Then put yourself in
the “special” shoes of Moses.Did he see
things as hopeless?Think of his relationship
to the people and God, and the calling on his life.
How did Moses prepare
to hear the voice of God that was different from the Israelites?What was special about Moses that God was
able to use him differently than the others?
"As
shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel
of peace." (Ephesians 6:15 NRSV)
In
other words, prepare yourself to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability,
the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news of the Gospel of
peace through Jesus.That will take
belief and hope in a God that speaks to those who keep His commands.
As you engage with people,
think back on the last time anyone said that you were special or a treasure to
them.What effect did it play in your
life?
Have you put on the
special treasure shoes of belief?God is
waiting to come to you with answers and solutions that will bring favor into
your life, but He needs you to obey and keep His covenant in order for Him to
reveal Himself to you.
During this time of
separation from the public, don’t separate yourself from God and from His favor. In this uncertain time, God is the only One that knows the future, so why not put your hope and trust in Him?
Face it, people will forget you, but God won’t.
He has always called you by name, because He loves you like no one else does or can.
“Fear not, for I have
redeemed you;
I have called you by
your name; You are Mine.
For I am the Lord your
God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
(from Isaiah 43:1-3
NKJV)
There is not one thing
God doesn’t know about you, and He loves you anyway!Isn’t it time you become one of His special
treasures?Read here to find out how.
Next time we'll continue with the second message God gave Moses for His special treasures.
P.S. I have to report that God is faithful and my healing has been progressing steadily. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I love and appreciate each of you!
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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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.
