These past few weeks have been quite difficult for so many of you that the ''pray with ceasing" scripture has been easy to follow. Through all the troubles, tests and trials has it been hard for you to find anything to smile about let alone laugh? Believe me, I can relate!
However, although I can sympathize (and empathize), God's way of doing things somehow always causes me to look at things differently, and yes at times, even makes me laugh!
"God made me laugh."
In your quiet time have you ever found things you can laugh about with the Lord? Try it ... it won’t be as difficult as you think, trust me.
In my Bible study time I found some things that, in my eyes, God must have seen as "humorous" from His perspective. Maybe not, but I sure did, especially because they connected with me in some way.
Scripture teaches in Genesis 21:6 of a time where God caused Sarah to laugh when He did a miracle in her life. Sarah had longed to have a child of her own and even though she was up in years, the desire never went away or stopped being part of her dream of being a mother. Not having children myself, her situation was easy to understand having had simular prayers for a child along my own journey.
Everyone thought it was crazy for her to have a child at age 90, but not God and He gave her the desire of her heart ... it just took a looooooong time!
"And Sarah declared, God has brought me laughter (her son Isaac). All who hear about this will laugh with me."
If Jehovah was not laughing at how ridiculous this looked to mankind, surely He had a huge smile on His face. After all, what would be your reaction to seeing a 90 year old woman carrying her first born? I know, pretty amazing! No wonder her tears from trialsome times turned into laugher!
Now God could have given her that child when she was younger, but He didn’t. Sarah had to trust God at His word and stay in faith during difficult times before she saw her breakthrough miracle.
I imagine there were some "belly" laughs going on don’t you think when the big even finally took place?
Terrible to Terrific
There was another passage (2 Kings 6:1-7) where I can picture all the "boys" gathered when something strange took place.
The story begins with Elisha and the prophets gathered by the Jordan River because it was a larger area for prayer and meetings. This new location would be perfect, so they assembled with tools in hand to begin cutting down trees to create a log area for sitting.
Suddenly as one man was chopping, his ax head flew off and landed in the water! I know that situation probably wasn't funny at the time, but the way I envision this happening, it must have been a sight to see the ax head flying off the handle and through the air into the river.
I can picture the men watching and their heads follow the action as the ax head soars up into the air and crashes down into the river sinking with a big splash!
In desperation the man cutting the tree yelled to Elisha, "Oh Sir, it was a borrowed ax!" In other words, "Oh no!!! Do something! I will have to pay for that!"
Can you picture this ... Elisha takes a deep breath, then walks over to the man. Ok ... calm down.
This is what really happened.
Elisha asked, "Where did it fall?" When the man pointed to the place, Elisha then cut a stick and tossed it into the water at the exact spot the man showed him.
Immediately, the ax head floated to the surface and Elisha shouted, "Grab it." The man reached out into the water and grabbed the ax head that was borrowed!"
What a relief that man must have felt when the ax was retrieved, and what extraordinary favor in the way it happened! After the fact and perhaps years down the road, the story of the floating ax head told by this man probably incorporated a bit of laughter.
There is always going to be something that challenges and tests our faith, yet in the midst of those events God provides a way out with unusual opportunities where He shouts - "Here, grab it." In other words God is saying - trust Me, here is the answer, grab hold of it by faith before it slips away and is gone!
Laugh at yourself.
With so much negativity going on in the world and things not working out as planned I know it can be hard to laugh at the simple, so called "dumb" things we do that really don't make that much difference. We tend to take things to heart a little more than usual, but that is when we need to do exactly the opposite of how we are feeling. In fact, we need to learn not to take everything so seriously and laugh at ourselves even during difficult times.
A few weeks ago we found ourselves having our own tool mishap. Our beloved KC kitty was having another asthma attack. We administed her medicines and tried the inhaler but nothing was working this time. Hubby did mouth to mouth as I held her, but her tiny body did not respond and she went to Jesus in my arms almost immediately.
Hubby was experiencing pain from kidney stones again and was not up to what he needed to do for our sweet girl. The weather was brutal, cold and snowy with the ground frozen solid. For days we worked the land trying to dig a final resting place for KC. Losing daylight I held a flashlight for hubby as he dug and dug to no avail.
Suddenly the shovel broke and the end flew across the yard. We watched as it went into the air landing away from the dig site. Okay, it was dark ... but it went somewhere!
Turning to one another we began laughing ... now what are we going to do? ...oh Elisha ...
No, the situation did not change - it was a sad time with difficult circumstances, but our attitudes did and God worked everything out for our favor including Hubby passing a kidney stone and not needing surgery.
So,what is the point I am trying to make?
The lessons we can learn from Sarah and the prophet's ax head are that God does care about all the details, small or large, He is aware of our circumstances and in the midst of trouble God is always there with answers, even though they may seem strange, unlikely, impossible or humorous.
If we truly trust God and bring our cares to Him, He may provide or supply our need in surprising unusual ways of favor. Somewhere in it all there is something that will cause us to smile or laugh; not at the problem, but because God will come through with the solution and it might cause you to break out in laughter!
In the beginning there was unbelief, but in the end Sarah found laughter and new joy. The awkward flying ax story changed from a terrible unfortunate accident to a terrific impossible event that turned the prophet's crying into leaps of thankful joy.
The psalmist reminds us of God's promise when he triumphed over his enemies:
"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! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:4-5 NLT)
I do not know what you may be experiencing at this time, but encourage you not to give up on God - joy is coming! He holds nothing good back from you and is your hope of favor when faith seems weak.
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows (unique) favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless." (Psalm 84:11)
Like the anointed worship leader Don Moen wrote in an amazing song, "God will make a way, when there seems to be no way."
Believe God will do something new that will help you get through whatever it is by granting His unique favor to your situation as He did with Sarah and the perplexed prophet.
He will make a pathway to victory that you did not expect; it will cause joy and laughing to your spirit, soul and body. Then you will proclaim like Sarah, "God made me laugh!"
Until next time, favored blessings!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
Read Psalm 30 and Isaiah 43 promise for victory to a believer.
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.
Original Songwriter: Don Moen; God Will Make A Way, Integrity'S Hosanna! Music
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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.
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.
Join us for thirty days of thanks, as we enter into God's throne room to show our gratitude for His goodness and blessings through scripture, praise and prayer.
Day 15:
Heavenly Father, Right now I'm going through some really difficult times and keep coming to You for answers. Although I cannot see what may happen, I am so thankful that Your word gives me hope.
I know that by faith I will see victory through Jesus and the power of Your Holy Spirit. In advance I praise You that I will not be defeated and trust I will see the goodness of the Lord.
*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.
Until next time, favored blessings!
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.
Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. ImageCreative Common License if not specified.
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Upon waking each morning I have an idea of what I need to do and what I’d like to accomplish.With these things in mind I ask the Lord to direct my steps so that everything I do is part of His plan for my journey with Christ.
That's how I hope my day will carry out, but honestly, sometimes I forget that I gave my itinerary to Jesus! Can you relate?
There’s no getting around it; this is where we all have to begin … in prayer. Go before the Lord and apologize for trying to make your own way and seek His forgivenesss.
Stop trying to plan your journey without the Lord.Enjoy each place (and season) you are in along the way, beginning with today. I’m not telling you to “bloom where you’re planted” kind of thing.That’s something different. (You might want to read about that here.)
We don’t know the full life itinerary God has planned from before our birth, so why not “sight see” literally by faith.What’s in front of you right now is what God wants you to see.It’s all He is revealing at the moment, so there must be something important you need to learn or do at this stop in the travel.
Start to look at each situation as an opportunity God has placed before you as part of your journey with Him for that particular day.Enjoy this moment He has prepared for you.
Rest, live, love, embrace all that's around you. It may be the only time you will see this place (literally and figuratively). Move as the Holy Spirit moves, don’t get ahead of Him or pick up more baggage (by judging, rationalizing, developing an “It’s about me attitude”).
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD.
They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
We have to make the decision to trust God for and with our life on our journey with Jesus. He won’t force us to do it; after all, it’s our life as a “free will” agent, but He wants to be there for every step. God wants to make our dreams a reality, and knows which paths will make it happen.He knows if we have faith for His favor and when we don’t.
Don’t get ahead of Jesus thinking you can do it on your own.
It’s no less a journey if we travel it with someone else. Why not let it be Jesus? It's time to let go of our own itinerary and pick up God's. His faithfulness and favor will provide what is needed and our travels will be more FAVOR-able!
Where You go I’ll go, where You stay I’ll stay.
When You move I’ll move, where you serve I’ll serve.
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.
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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 favorbelieving
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)
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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specified. Image
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.
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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.
