Start This Year Renewed

Happy New Year friends!  Are you alreadying setting new goals and proclaiming this year you will get down to business and not stop until your dreams are met?  If that is your mindset I am happy and wish you all the best in following through with your desires.

What about the rest of you?  Maybe last year did not go as planned.  You had plenty of goals, worked toward your vision, yet nothing came the way you thought it would.  I want to encourage you that hope is not lost, but is actually being renewed for greater things than you had imagined.

As we begin the new year let us go back and focus on what Jesus has placed in our hearts, knowing that He is working everything out for our good and His glory.  Forget last year and all the things that did not work out like you hoped. Do not let fear or anxiety be your guide, but stick strongly to the Word of God for final authority no matter what the situation looks like.  

There Are New Beginnings

I believe in new beginnings because that is what God promises, every day,  He gives us fresh, new mercy (unmerited favor) daily - it is already waiting for us before our feet ever touch the floor! 

"Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not,. They (mercies, unmerited love and favor) are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentatations 3:22-23 NKJV)

Let me get real - God has promises yet to be fulfilled in your life.  Your part is to keep going and trust in His guidance and timing.  Take control over your emotions, which is your flesh!  Force your spirit to rule until your flesh comes in to submission to what the Word of God says.  You can do this.  The Lord has provided all you need to take the next step by faith. 

 
Last year was not a failure, but a learning lesson to see where you stopped believing in Him and trusted emotions and feelings over what God's Word says.  Stop trying to figure everything out and go by the Word alone.  It will cancel out all those roller coaster feelings.

Pressing on Toward the High Calling

There is no denying that I had plenty of stuggles last year and called on the Lord continually for His strengrh, guidance and wisdom to rise up in me to give peace over each situation.  The battle was not easy, but I refused to let the enemy steal what God placed in my heart through His promises despite what I saw or heard in the natural. 

I spent hours each day (and still do) listening to biblical teachings, encouranging messages and motivational (biblical) speakers throughout the day and at times all night.  Continually feeding my spirit on the scriptures as my *weapon, helped me cast down all imaginations that were against what God said in His Word, obeying God by giving no place to the devil's lies. (Ephesians 4:27-30)

"Casting down (all) imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity (take control over) every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:5-6 NKJV)

(*Ephesians 6:10-18 Armor of God)

The enemy is not going to give up so neither can we.  It will take faith and continual hearing the Word to overcome what the devil is trying to do, but be of good courage, you have already won the battle through Christ - believe it!

Last year God renewed my strength daily, my faith grew stronger gaining fresh insight to who I am through Christ.  No matter what I see, because God is faithful to His Word, I hold fast to my confession (Hebrews 10:23) that by His stripes we (hubby, our pets, others and myself) are healed (1 Peter 2:24).  I have all things through Christ who gives me strength for every situation and He meets every need. (Phil. 4:13,19)

Start This Year Renewed

With fresh manna in my spirit, I am preparing for the best year ever and the journey to be filled with faith and favor over every area of my life.  In doing so I have researched specific scriptures to focus on as I press forward toward the high calling of God in my life. (Free list link below.) I encourage you to do the same with biblical verses that line up according to the vision God has placed in your heart.

Regardless of how things have gone in the past, God has given us new hope and another chance to put His Word to work in our lives.  New mercies and favor are available every single day - take it to heart and run with it!  Expect to see God's hand of Daily Favor!

Do not give up on what God placed in your heart!  Let the Word of God rule over and sustain (Isaiah 46:4b) your life this year no matter the circumstances remaining faithful to Him, then get ready for God to show up and pour out His favor over your life and plans.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Until next time, favored New Year's blessings!

FREE Link to New Beginnings Bible Verse List

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest.  

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.  Image

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Tidings of Great Joy

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!"

Until next time, favored blessings!

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest.  

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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Surrounded by His Favor Shield

For the past few months, we have been experiencing major storms, including tornadoes causing tremendous damage throughout the city.

On May 7th, 2024, the winds from a tornado brought down another set of trees in our back yard.  The thing is, we did not even know this had happened until the following morning when my husband went outside to feed the birds.

Going out to see the damage for myself, it only looked like a branch had broken, but that was not the case.  Apparently, one tree was uprooted and fell on the tree near it, resulting in both trees leaning but not quite touching the ground.

When I looked at it, the first thing that came to mind was, "How neat, it looks like a tree rainbow." ... then I followed it back to the roots!  The only thing that appeared to be holding these trees up was the huge trumpet vines that were growing around the base of the trees and along the fence.

As we walked around the area something more amazing caught our attention.  The tree limbs did not crush anything when it fell and they totally missed all the power lines.  As a matter of fact, all the branches "surrounded" our picnic table area where I potted up plants, and they wrapped around the closed umbrella but never touched it in any way!  How was that even possible?  I can tell you how, God kept His promise of protection over us, the house and property.

(Not a branch on the table, just the neighbor's cat!)

How many times have you been in danger and somehow you were spared?  I can remember so many times where angels had to have intervened in a situation or it would have been a disaster.  

There were other incidents where simple things like something falling from above just missed me by a hair!  Who can count the number of times when those things happened, not me!

Then I got to thinking, how many other times was I  in danger and never knew it?  Times where accidents happened and I had been in that intersection or area minutes before it took place.  Or times when people tried to cause harm but they could not ... that's when God surrounded us like a shield with His favor, protection and mercy.

"For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)

As I was typing this, it was almost ready for posting when the electric went out three times due to a storm that rose suddenly.  Thank God everything was fine and we regained power. Friend, this is another prime example of the Lord's faithfulness to His Word.

The enemy does not want God's children to know that the promise of God's shield of favor is always present, and he will try to stop the message of faith from going forth.  It was no coincidence that I was teaching on Psalm 91 when we lost power, but God's hand of protection prevented the devil from stopping the message of hope from being spread abroad!  This powerful tool, the promise of protection with God's favor shield, is mightier than anything the devil tries to throw your way, so use it by speaking it daily into and over your life.

It is easy to give in to fear over what could or might be, but when you know God is literally watching over your life, you can live in confidence instead of fear.  The Lord's shield of favor is surrounding you in every situation, so quit worrying and begin living the life God has planned for you.

God's faithful promises are your armor and protection, speaking these over your life should be a vital part of every believer's morning and evening routine.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High (God) will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord:  He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." (taken from Psalm 91:1-2 NLT)

Make this declaration a part of your daily confession like we do in our family.

"Thank You Lord that I abide in the shadow of the Almighty, and that You continually surround me (my family, my business, etc.) like a shield with favor, mercy and protection."

Until next time, Favored Blessings

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.  For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease, He will cover you with His feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:1-3 NLT)

Scriptures of promises to declare God's Daily Favor: 

Psalm 91, Psalm 5:12

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more. 

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Fay Ann Daniels/Favored1. Do not copy.  

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified. 

Keep Going Anyway

Has the devil interfered with the plans God has placed on your heart to pursue?  If so, I’d like to give you a word of encouragement to keep going no matter what is trying to come against accomplishing your vision. 

When you are praying for God to help in following your dreams, the enemy is going to do everything he can to stop it from coming to pass.  I once heard a prominent pastor say that every goal he has achieved over the years of his ministry, came with a battle and a huge fight with the enemy.  He also said that just when he felt he would give up God prevented the schemes of the devil from prevailing over his work and efforts.  His part was to keep going and not quit. 

The devil isn’t about to give up on his plans to steal, kill and destroy anyone who has a desire to follow after God.  He will do whatever it takes to get you to quit and walk away from living out your dreams and vision.  I’m encouraging you to stay in faith, believe what God put in your heart and keep going anyway – especially when things look impossible! 

God knows that there will be obstacles along the way to prevent us from achieving our vision, and that’s why we need to consult Him in moving forward to accomplish everything that He has for us.  He is the One who inspires the dreams of His children and has promised to help throughout the entire process of what He placed on your heart.  

The Lord wants to help, but cannot do that if we don’t include Him on a regular basis.  I know things may seem impossible right now, but with God all things are possible to those who believe.  

Sometimes living the Christian life can be hard and we’re not always at our spiritual best. God knows and understands our weaknesses.  He wants us to lean on Him when we’re not strong.  He will be our strength and friend to help us carry on, not humans as mentioned in the song written by the late singer Bill Withers.  Nice concept, but only the Holy Spirit can give us everything we need, every time.

It’s during our weakest moments that God’s power is revealed through His unmerited favor and grace. 

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (all you need; sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness. 

Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMPC) 

Use the weapon of prayer against the enemy to continually live by faith.  Ask the Lord for the strength you need to KEEP GOING ANYWAY and finish the vision.  Hang in there.  Live with the peace of mind that your vision will come to pass in His timing, and it will be better than you could ever imagine.   

“The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11 NKJV) 

Until next time, pray for favored strength to endure!

“I will favor you with My strength and peace.” 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 Week: Click on book link below.    

The complete works of E.M. Bounds on prayer. 

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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.  

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  

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Life Under Fire

In any situation or circumstance that causes us to step back and take a good look at what’s going on, there will be major life altering decisions that will follow.  Maybe that's where you are right now.

Often times it will be things we never anticipated or expected which leave us wondering if there really is a God, where is He in all of this?  This year there have been a few times that thought has crossed my mind, but God's grace was always there even during those difficult situations.

If we’re honest with ourselves, the unknown is quite scary and we may find ourselves believing things are getting worse.  Hope took an exit and reality has smacked us in the face with dreams shattered or lost forever.

This analysis may be so for many, but I’d like to point out this fact.  For those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, we have to understand that our life will always be under fire from the evil one.  We need to be reminded that we are a new creation and the old things in life that once consumed us are no longer there.  Despite how things look, there is always hope because it's not based on our own abilities but God's promises.

The Bible teaches that all things have become new for the individual who has given their life to Christ.  That means, troubles may still try to overwhelm us, but with the free gift of salvation comes Holy Spirit power through the favor of God to defeat the ways of the devil.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (if you are a child of God’s), he/she is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

The Amplified translation states it as an “awakening” spiritually that brings an entire new life and way of thinking that is higher than the way the world sees things.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior), he/she is a new creature (reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit); the old things (the previous moral and spiritual condition) have passed away.  Behold, new things have come (because spiritual awakening brings a new life).”

Salvation through Christ Jesus changes life for any believer, because of the love of God and His unmerited grace (favor) on that individual.  It opens doors that no one can open, altering situations the world isn’t capable of understanding.

Just like the old year has come and gone, so is your old life of disappointments before salvation.  When you accept Jesus as your Savior (who forgive us of our sins), a new life in Christ begins where it can be filled with the most wonderful opportunities you could even imagine.  

As long as we are on this earth life will always be "under fire" of some kind because of sin and the devil.  The good news is that through Jesus and the Holy Spirit you will never experience those situations alone.  God will be with you through them all if you let Him be a part of your life. (Yes, tell me more about salvation.)

It's time to renew your hope, dreams and vision.  As the year comes to a close, why not begin the new one with God's unmerited favor on your life?  It will be a year of new beginnings that you'll never forget!

Until next time, may God's favor shine on you in the new year!

Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, Facebook and Articles.    

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.  

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Book Advert Photo by Anthony Godinho.

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.  The reference to satan or devil are not capitalized intentionally.

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.   

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Three Things to Do to Restore God's Favor

Over the past months I've received messages concerning a number of concerns that many of you are experiencing; so much so, that I felt the subject needed addressing.  Levels of frustration, anxiety and uncertainty are through the roof worldwide. 

Things aren't going as you planned and you're waiting on God for answers or deliverance.  You wonder if you’re doing something wrong and whether or not God is even listening.  

Has He forgotten you even exist?  Your thoughts take you to places you don't want to go emotionally and question, "Can’t He see what I’m going through and that I need help?" Does this sound about right? 

I don’t know where you might be spiritually or if you have done anything to be out of fellowship with Him, but can assure you God is absolutely without question, aware of the what’s going on and definitely cares.  Let me share a situation that might give insight on how God feels about those who seek Him for help.  

The King Knew What to Do 

In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read about a king who sinned against the Lord.  In his distress King Manasseh needed God to intervene in a major way; he also knew what to do in order to receive God's favor on the situation.  Let’s take a look. 

"When he (the king) was distressed, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.  He prayed to Him and the LORD was receptive to his prayer and granted his request." (from 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 CSB) 

The key here is that the king did three things. Did you catch them? 

First, Manasseh sought the Lord.  In other words, he went searching for God in prayer instead of running away from the One he sinned against.  He called out to God and faced the problem, knowing he was the one who needed to change. 

Next, the king humbled himself before the Lord seeking forgiveness in order to become obedient to God. He earnestly, intently, seriously went before God knowing their relationship had been broken by him. He sought the Lord in order to make things right with God, and did what God had commanded from generations of his ancestors. 

Finally, King Manasseh asked for help – “favor” - in prayer. Knowing all that happened, it leaves us wondering why did God answer his prayer?  For the answer, we need to back up to the beginning of chapter 7 in Deuteronomy for the original promise to the people if Israel. 

The Lord had given commands to the children of Israel for generations.  He loved them and had set them aside for favor as His chosen people.  The Lord "set" His heart making a covenant to those who would love Him and faithfully follow His commands.  Basically, the king went back to the original covenant promise and started afresh with the LORD. 

What Was, Still Is 

Those who believe in Jesus are heir to the covenant promises as much as those of generations that have gone before us.  The promises never change or expire - people do! 

I believe in God's promises and that includes "the Lord will keep you from illness" (verse 15) or from harm.  Although our bodies experience sickness or disease at times, it is a biblical right as an heir to the covenant promises of God, that we make our requests known to the Lord and walk in wisdom following His principles for receiving anything from Him.  This includes slowing down and taking time to rest so you can heal or hear from the Lord. 

That's what we have done these past months and literally for years.  Time and time again God faithfully granted our requests as we sought Him, have a repenting heart and ask for His help in prayer knowing that without Him we can do nothing. 

"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by prayer and petition (asking) with thanksgiving, continue to make your (specific) requests known to God." (Philippians 4:6 AMP) 

Search for God

Humble Yourself before God to Seek Forgiveness

Ask for God’s Help and Favor 

Friend, don't give up on God or distance yourself from Him during this difficult time, or any time for that matter.  Instead, run to Him trusting that He has not forgotten you.   Restore your relationship with God right away; there’s not time to delay. 

Let God know you are serious about getting right with Him and want to take the right steps.  Your life can be restored to His favor with the peace that passes all understanding if you take action.

Go to a room or area where it is quiet and without distractions, even if it's only for a short time.  With pen and paper in hand, pick up your Bible then sit down and by faith expect to hear from God.  

"Lord, I set my mind and heart towards You alone.  Reveal Yourself to me so that I may hear and do what You require of me."

Write down whatever the Holy Spirit places in your thinking and then act on it believing you have had a "word" from the Lord regarding the situation(s).  Ponder, dwell, think on what you have heard and whether it has given you peace in your spirit.

Don't make excuses or try to reason out what you've heard.  Search scriptures that target your circumstance and see how they line up with what you have written or heard in your spirit.  If they do not meld, then it is not from the Lord - keep seeking!

"God will never tell you to do something that goes against His Word."

If there is anything standing between God and you, ask Him to forgive or make it known to you.  Sometimes we aren't even aware that we're doing something to cause a breach in the flow of favor.  It may not be you specifically, but something you're involved in or even people you associate with that are blocking your answers.  Find out and resolve the issue(s) immediately (but don't look to blame others).

When you have repaired fellowship with God, then make your request for favor.  Thank Him for the answer in advance, knowing that He is faithful to His promises and will deliver in His way and timing. 

He Is Sustaining Me 

There have been some extremely rough times in my Christian journey, with tests and tribulations when I never knew if I’d make it from one minute to the next.  People have asked, “How do you do it?”  I always answer, “I don’t. God is the One who is sustaining me.” 

These past nine months (especially since hubby’s first brain bleed stroke in January) I have continually sought the Lord and His righteousness daily, knowing that somewhere I did or may have missed God in some way.  Over and over, He has been faithful, walking with me through each trial and helping me to the other side of a situation despite episodes of anxiety, worry or fear.  

Through the pain, anguish and suffering, each time His Word and Spirit leads me back to the path in which I am to follow that has His favor marked all over it!  If I mess up I run to God and ask, "Show me what I've done and what I need to do to restore fellowship."  He's always near and somehow, someway we get through whatever it is and become stronger.

I don't know how many are praying for God to move on behalf of my husband's situation (in which I am truly grateful), but I do know that His favor isn't a joke or some kind of magic.  Neither is His favor given just because we want it, but it's given out of His grace and covenant love.   

God alone determines when, where and if His favor will be given.  Our job is to seek His presence, obey Him by faith then ask for God's favor believing He will show up at the right time and in the right place when we need Him the most.  Trust Him; God has not forgotten you.  He is faithful and desires to restore favor. 

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it," (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 BSB) 

God Has Not Forgotten You by Youth Harmony

Until next time, seek to be restored to God’s favor!

“I long to restore favor to My people.” – Jesus Christ 

What’s New This Week: Click on book link below. 

God Has Not Forgotten You: 

He Is with You, Even in Uncertain Times

By David Jeremiah 

Available in Hardback, Paperback, eBook, Spanish 

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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” 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.
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Faithful to His Promises

You've heard the saying, "God's never early, and He's never later either, but He's always on time."  Well, the saying still holds true.

Those who have been following DFB know we were waiting on doctors to schedule my husband to have kidney stones removed asap because of kidney issues.  It took some time, but the urologist got everything scheduled and hubby was set to for the procedure. 

That morning I was up early and getting everything ready for the day knowing it might be a long one at the hospital.  I had prepared my lunch the night before and was packing it for travel when my husband shouted from the bathroom.  

"Honey, come here."  Stopping what I was doing I went to see what was wrong. "Look!"  He said as he handed me a tissue. 

Hubby's Kidney Stones

What I saw appeared to be kidney stones - large ones!  Not sure what to do, we called the doctor's office.  Following through as planned we were instructed to continue on to the hospital for x-rays.

Arriving at the hospital the parking area was packed.  There wasn't anything else to do, so hubby got out and went inside while I circled the lot until something became available.   

Round and round I drove, but nothing ... no one was leaving!  As soon as someone did get in their car, another vehicle that had been circling also got to it first.  It was if we were all playing musical chairs but with vehicles, trying to get the only space available. 

Bingo - a spot!   Could I get to it in time before another vehicle? Almost at the same time I watched a lady drop off a woman in a wheelchair and scurry back to her vehicle.  Of course, she needed to get inside too, anyone could tell by the way she moved quickly ... so I circled around and let her take the place. 

That's when I saw this small area with yellow lines through it not far from where I needed to go.  Obviously, it wasn't a parking spot, but it wasn't blocking anything so I figured I'd wait it out there instead of going around in circles a dozen more times. 

Turning the car around so I could face the hospital lobby, I positioned myself in that little space hoping someone would come out that door and leave so I could park.  As I sat there waiting, dozens of vehicles entered the parking lot, circled and left.   

Was I naive in thinking I'd get a space when all those people didn't?  It never crossed my mind to leave, so I kept praying God would open a space close to the entrance. 

About thirty minutes passed and I was able to get a spot near the door!  Thank you, Jesus!   

Rushing in to catch-up with my husband I noticed that they had already taken him in for the x-rays.  I sat in the front waiting room until I heard something.  Not five minutes later a volunteer wheeled my husband back to the waiting area. 

Calling out from his wheelchair down the hall, he said: "We have to go back to the urologist first."  Okay, I thought after just getting that great parking spot.  I know, that shouldn't have been what I was thinking, but it was! 

It didn't take long after getting to the doctor's office before the head nurse came out to give us information.  No one was in the waiting room, because the doctor was at the hospital for surgery!  Uh ... waiting for us if anyone forgot! 

Hubby was the first in line we were told due to his "urgent" issue concerning a kidney.  What's happening?  Why did we have to go to the urologist's office and then back to the hospital?

Handing the x-rays to the nurse, with a huge smile she took them and said, "You can go home!  The kidney stones passed and the kidney is doing fine, with no bleeding." 

Apparently, the doctor had read them at the hospital and we were the "carrier pigeons" of the documents he needed for his office files.  That was quite alright with us, after all, there would be no surgery or procedure that day. God had answered our prayers!  

I can't tell you how elated we were, well, me mainly.  He was super glad, but little stunned from the change of plans.  Having nothing to eat for quite some time, he was ready for a celebration lunch.  

Our Times Are in His Hands 

Throughout the night people around the globe had been praying that my husband wouldn't need the procedure or surgery, depending on what they found.   This was the good news we prayed for, yet when it happened why were we even a bit surprised? 

God had answered our prayers twenty minutes before we were to arrive at the hospital!  That's right, twenty minutes!  He wasn't early or late, but right on time ... His timing. 

No matter the circumstance or situation, our "times" are in His hands. (Psalm 31:15)  At the right time, His time, He will deliver or provide whatever the need in order that He can receive all the glory and praise. 

A Season and Purpose 

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Bible tells us that there is a season and purpose for everything. Only God knows what they are, and He moves as He desires in every situation. 

Contrary to what some may think, those who seek after Christ and follow Him are not promised an easy road in life.  However, we are promised that God would be with us for the journey if we put our trust and faith in Him. 

We prepared physically, spiritually and emotionally believing God would see us through whatever needed to be done.  I can tell you, there was no time wasted in giving God the praise for His faithfulness, and we have been spreading the good things He has done to everyone. 

"Come and see what the Lord has done, the amazing things He has done on the earth." (Psalm 46:8 NCV) 

"Come and see the wonders of God, His acts for humanity are awe-inspiring." (Psalm 66:5 HCSB) 

God hears the prayers of His children and is ready to show the Righteous unmerited favor.  Although our journey concerning hubby's health continues, one thing is certain. God will be and always is faithful to His covenant promises. 

"... You are faithful to Your promises, O God." (Psalm 71:22 NLT) 

"Keep in mind that the LORD your God is (the only) God. He is a faithful God, who keeps His (covenant) promise and is merciful to thousands of generations of those who love Him and keep His commands." (Deuteronomy 7:9 GWT) 

Until next time, favor the promises of God!

 “Granting favor through My promises! – Jesus Christ 

What’s New This Week: Click on book link below. 

Healing Scriptures by Kenneth E. Hagin

 Amazon      Christian Book 

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles. 

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” 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