Favor to the Humble

Any writer in their right mind comes upon times when they simply want to avoid certain issues concerning their personal lives.  

However, as I promised a few weeks ago, there are topics I believe all people shouldn’t shy away from when it comes to living a life that God honors.

Let me fill you in on a few details and then I’ll continue.

My husband made another visit to the hospital for three kinds of tests, one of which is to check if the Digoxin levels are too high causing nausea.  I don't really understand the other tests yet, but I'm sure they'll fill us in on the details soon.  By the way, his leg is healing great from the recent surgery.

While out doing errands, hubby has had some challenges of his own. There are times when people aren't very kind if he's moving a bit slower than they want when he's using a cane.  That brings me to sharing a side of our lives that is a little more private.  Besides being on topic, I feel that it's Biblically correct and necessary for Christians to speak-up and defend the righteous.

Finding Grace

Leaving the doctor's office (that we had to travel a great distance to) we decided to get something to eat before the long trip home.  While standing in line to order our meal, a young man foolishly made fun of my husband making some unkind remarks and laughing in an effort to humiliate or embarrass him.

It didn't work and this man found the grace of God that day, because he didn't know the strength or abilities of my husband.  Having a hard upbringing, Hubby was the kind of guy that would beat the stuffing out of someone, then pull you up and lay hands on you for healing.  To put it mildly in his terms – he doesn’t do “stupid.”

Being redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, the hubster has learned to refrain from certain past behaviors so that his testimony will not be ruined by responding to his feelings.  Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean that we don’t get angry.  The difference is that when tempted to give in to those natural flesh emotions, we are not to let ourselves fall into sin by acting out on them.

God has given us the ability to show others grace and forgiveness in difficult times.  He didn’t say we’ll always like it or find it easy to do so, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit favor to do it anyway.

Stripping the lad of any power over him, quietly hubby moved aside diminishing his attempts of belittlement, and let the person go behind the counter of the establishment.  Apparently, he worked there and was about to start his shift.

Taking A Stand for the Righteous 

The woman taking our order noticed what happened but didn't say anything.  Sheepishly turning her head, she quickly went about trying to fill our order without making any eye contact.

I could see that she felt uncomfortable over the situation, and felt the need to say something knowing at that moment it would be scripturally correct.  Wisdom led that it be short and to the point; God would do the rest.

After paying the bill I leaned over the counter and spoke to the cashier in a timid manner.

"You might not be feeling that great either if you've had ten operations." 

Instantly stopping what she was doing her jaw dropped, "Are you serious?"

Nodding my head, I gathered our order and we left the facility.  As we were leaving, her speech turned as sweet as cream with an apology to follow.

Bullies Beware

There's a reason I wanted to share this with you.  October is National Anti-Bullying Month, and although it's toward the end of it the action never ceases.

Please don't be fooled into thinking that this type of conduct only happens to kids, because it doesn't.  Bullying occurs in every race, religion, at all ages and to a both sexes.

Hurtful words and harmful behavior happen at all ages, and even though hubby isn't old, he is proof of that.  That person saw the cane as a sign of weakness, but was obviously mistaken in his view and belief.  

Scene from Miracle on 34th Street

Maybe if hubby was old he’d have used that cane like Santa in Miracle on 34^th Street did and pop that bugger on the head … but he didn’t.  (I wonder if that crossed his mind; I’ll have to ask him.)

He doesn't usually need a cane, but that day hubby did due to riding in the car for such a long time causing his leg (the surgery one) to swell.  If that individual walked past my husband any other day he'd probably steer clear of him.

A warning to those who bully.  Don't think because a person doesn't lash out or try to get revenge that you are off the hook.  Someone is watching and waiting - God.

He sees it all and will turn the situation around so that those who are mocked are shown favor, while the mocker receives shame or public embarrassment. 

“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but He blesses the home of the righteous.
 He mocks mockers, but He shows favor to the humble.

The wise gain respect, but fools receive shame."

(Proverbs 3:33-35 CEB)

This incident may not seem like anything big ( I gave the shortened version), but it does demonstrate a “type” of hate crime between generations or those with disabilities (even if temporary).  Bullying happens in more ways than most people realize, and at all levels from verbal to actual physical abuse.

There Is A Cause 

There are two specific issues that I'd like to address when it comes to bullying.  It’s not unusual for us to read, see or hear about bullying that goes on around us.  Christians get bullied and believe it or not, Christians bully.

In this case my spouse didn't do anything to warrant aggression toward him, and it had nothing to do with his faith.  However, in the past teen-hubby learned to bully from being bullied – through his pain he gave pain.  My husband came from a background of being bullied, and as he grew taller and stronger in anger he used to respond the wrong way.  

It was through God’s grace that he learned to recognize the reasons for the bad actions and types of bullying.  He came to understand that all of it is a result of something that had nothing to do with him.

As in every action, there is a cause and effect.  Hubby experienced the effect.  He wasn’t the cause of why this boy acted in that manner, but reaped the result of how the person learned to respond like he did.

Along his path to righteousness through Christ Jesus, my husband learned to  make Favored Decisions to change his own behavior even though he was hurting.  Only through the journeying with Jesus do we gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding for receiving His Daily Favor on our lives.

Learning not to react to someone else’s bad or bitter behavior is key to understanding the grace (unmerited, undeserved favor) of God.  It’s what allows us to demonstrate love and forgiveness to others even when they don’t deserve it.

Beloved, don’t be dismayed but believe.  By not getting angry and showing grace to others, God promises that He will increase grace (favor) on those who are humble.

Grace Forgives Stupid

What is your attitude when it comes to bullying at any age?  How do you respond when you see someone being bullied? 

Do you act the same way if it is geared toward an adult as you would if it was a child?  What does God say He will do for those who remain humble during difficult times of persecution?

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV)

The Bible tells us that we are to be kind one to another and be tenderhearted (showing compassion), forgiving one another even as Christ has forgiven us.  That includes when we are mistreated.  

I long to have a heart that forgives, is full of compassion and loves just like Jesus.  This is an attribute of Christ's that I strive for each and every day.  It takes work, but God's and unmerited favor are so worth it don't you think?

It doesn't mean we are to become doormats for bullying as believers, but that we are to let the grace and mercy we have been given through salvation be shown ... and yes, I'm going to say it ... even to the stupid-hearted!  After all, when we walked without Christ wasn't that a bit stupid as well?

 Stop Bullying Today (Christian Themed)

Until next time, demonstrate favor through God's grace!

I understand being persecuted and favor the humble heart.

-   Jesus Christ

What’s New This Week: Click on the link.

Confronting the Demon: A Gospel Response to Adult Bullying

by: Gerald A. Arbuckle

   

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.

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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 “TellMe About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Note: Emphasis may be given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.

When used, 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 is geared toward spiritual awareness.

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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 credit:  Creative Common License if not specified.  Humble in Spirit  Zechariah 4:6  Miracle on 34th Street  Heart that Forgives

News from Fay, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Relationships, Salvation, Favor of God, Favor, Favor to the Humble, Vessels of Grace, Grace, Forgiveness, Bullying, National Anti-Bullying Month, Santa, Persecuted Church, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Senior Citizens, Hubby Update, Holidays, Humility.

Becoming A Jonathan

Melvin was 92 years old. His wife of 66 years recently passed away.

Over the course of a few weeks his sons mentioned that he might consider moving into a retirement or assisted living community so he wouldn’t be lonely. 

This would be something new … totally different.  Is it a journey he wanted to take at this late stage in life?

Welcome new friends this week from: 

New on DFB – Algeria; Costa Rica; Slovenia; Pakistan; Czech Republic; Curacao; Hong Kong; Bahamas; Estonia; Ghana; Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago. 

USA: Enfield, CT; Security, CO. Thank you faithful ones. 

God continually sends us new visitors each week and we are so encouraged by that. Thank you for sharing this Inner Journey on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog) 

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I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life. Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week's post.

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Although it was difficult, this senior-senior made a decision to follow the new path God had set before him.  A short time later Melvin mentioned how excited he was that a new retirement center was opening and that he wanted to be the first resident there.  His son John asked why.  Without hesitation Melvin replied, “Son, those people will be old and some have never been away from home. They need someone to encourage them and I want to be the first one to welcome them there.”

Not long after Melvin moved into his new residence he became the Chaplin at the community. No, he wasn’t voted in, he was self-appointed.  God had shown there was a need for a church in the new residence location and that all He needed was a willing heart and vessel He could use.

After taking on the responsibility of a church things really stepped up in Melvin’s life. He gained a new perspective on walking in the will of the Lord. The congregation grew so much that he holds two services each week and is advancing into satellite to reach more people.

Our friend in this story has learned what it means to be a "Repurposed Christian", and is loving this part of his journey to Jesus with passion.

Not My Will, but Thine

What makes a person find renewed hope when they think they are at the end of their journey? 

According to Pastor, author and teacher John C. Maxwell, it’s all about having a surrendered will to God that says like Jesus,

“Not my will, but Thine Lord.”

Jesus said, “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42 NLT)

When our passion for God’s work is first in our lives, it ignites a passion for something He has set in our path that will take us to new heights and areas we’ve never known.  We gain energy that we didn’t know existed even though exhausted, because God is leading us all along the journey.

It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone has the same desire – “Finding My Purpose in Life.”

When a person finds that purpose, it brings something into their life that nothing can compare to or destroy.  With purpose comes passion that leads you into areas nothing else will.

There hasn’t been a time that I can’t remember wanting to be a teacher and writer, but it didn’t come easy.  Through all the twists, turns, tangles and trials I finally reached farther in my journey of dreams after I gave my will to the Lord for His vision.  To be honest I wouldn’t have taken this road, because it wasn’t in my comprehension at the time. Submitting to God’s will guided me to the path of my destiny, but I had to learn that on my own.

“I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.” (Psalm 40:8 NLT)

I Need A Hero

God instills purpose and passion in each of us, but all too often people never discover what that is, because they haven’t surrendered their lives and will(s) to the Lord. We’re looking for heroes to follow, but are walking on the wrong road.

Many think that if they don’t have this “big vision” that they are missing something in life and are a failure.  Let me get you off the hook here by saying not everyone has a “big” vision or dream to solve the world’s problems, be a superhero, orbit into space, conquer the highest mountain or even preach like the Apostle Paul. That’s OK and actually part of God’s plan. Whatever He has for you it will be big, but may not always look like what you think it should.

You might not have a super vision, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to have a great life and journey. As a matter of fact, God may have you help fulfill “a” dream/vision for His will through someone else. He knows that:

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Sometimes our passion isn’t wrapped up in what we’re doing, but what someone else is doing that really excites us.  We all have our part in God’s plan and all parts are equally important to the Lord.  No one is on the second wrung of the ladder in His eyes.  God isn’t looking for self-made heroes who follow their own plan.  He makes heroes when we pursue His.

Remember this when you are seeking God for your passion and plan.

“Those who aren’t willing to follow, 
He is not willing to let lead.”

If you want to be a leader in your field, you have to be willing to follow the lead of God in the direction He wants you to go. Until you do, you will never achieve all that He has planned for your life and journey.

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.  May Your gracious Sprit lead me forward on a firm footing.” (Psalm 143:10 NLT)

Wrong Answers Breed A Family Feud

When we pour our God given gifts and talents into a vision of the Lord’s, amazing things can happen. Since the beginning of man God designed us with the purpose of adding value to a vision and to come alongside Him in fulfilling the overall plan.

The Bible points us to two subjects we can use as examples – one got it and the other learned the hard way. I’ll begin with the one who refused to submit to the plan of God and it caused a humongous family feud.

In the Old Testament we learn about the coming of a Messiah and one who would lead the way.  We find out that the forerunner to Jesus was to come through a Jewish priest named Zechariah. (Luke chapter 1)

Although he was happy that he was going to be a father at his age, he wasn’t thrilled with the plan of God and didn’t follow the instructions of the Lord in Luke 1:3.  What happens when God says yes and we say no?  Just ask old Zech … well, you could ask, but he couldn’t tell you. 

We know what happened. God shut up or “silenced” his voice for nine months until he finally agreed with the plan of naming his only child John. 

That was a big “will” test, because it was tradition for a son to take the name of the father/family.  This created havoc among the village causing a family feud.

However there was a bigger plan in store for this priest, who before this point had a great track record with the Lord.

God chose the name John for a specific reason.  In Hebrew it means “YAHWEH is gracious,” however in Greek (which was for this purpose) means “the grace or mercy of the Lord.” This was a sign of the mercy through Jesus Christ that would soon come after baby “Zech”.  The name wasn’t as important as the message that was told through the name.

For Future Generations

Let’s move on to the second example, which really came before our beloved John the Baptist. Here is someone who understood that there was a greater vision than he could possibly execute on his own.

Prince Jonathan was destined to follow the reign of his father King Saul.  There was a problem; Saul would have no part of it and did his best to kill the future subject that would rule in his place. 

Nonetheless, Jonathan knew that even though he was in line to be the future king, he wasn’t the one God had chosen to lead Israel.

Putting his own will, desire and passion to be king aside, Jonathan did all he could to support his friend David going against his father the King.  He accepted that God had removed him from his rightful place as heir to the throne  allowing David to take his position.

By turning his gifts and passion toward what God wanted Jonathan’s son would receive favor from the King after his own demise.  It is here that the name John/Jonathan in Hebrew was given to establish the graciousness of GOD poured out on future generations. 

God gave favor to Jonathan’s family because he was willing to let the throne be transferred to the line of David, in which Jesus would be born.  Over and over scripture talks about the love of these two friends, and the name of Jonathan has outlived his father and old Zech. 

Jonathan is the unsung hero among men, but not forgotten by God. His surrendered will was for future generations so that the ultimate plan of God would be established.

Third John – No, not him …

Another John, not one mentioned in the Bible by name, but certainly one that was called by God is John Maxwell.  He too spoke of how his purpose for being came to life when he surrendered his will in exchange for God’s.  Once that happened his ministry exploded into the big vision God had always planned for him. 

Mr. Maxwell also said when asked, “What is the difference between success and significance?” he responded: “Success is when you add value to yourself. Significance is when you add value to others.”

Our purpose is greater when we lose ourselves to significance.  We have a calling not a career as believers. Careers end and change, calling remains and grows.  We retire from careers, but never retire from calling.  When you invest in others, everything changes.

What “will” you do to help someone so that they are free to do the vision God has set for them?  Are you willing to be a Jonathan for future generations?

If you want your vision or dream to come to pass, you have to be willing to let yours go by helping someone else reach theirs.  When you do this, God will cause others to come help you with your purpose, plan and vision for your life.

 “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me (Jesus).  Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.” (Luke 22:42 NLT)

A Willing Journey

We are at that place in our journey where God is asking us to let go of our will and take on His.  This week we are going to give ourselves to something bigger than self.

When we are bigger than our purpose thinking our careers, things or fame are  what counts the most, we are not in God’s will. It is when we lose ourselves to the will of God that we always find our true calling and purpose. 

You are never too young or old to make a difference in life.  Get involved with something and someone who is making a difference for Christ.  It takes a team to do something astonishing.  That’s what makes it wonderful and purposeful. 

It’s focusing on something that will live beyond you for future generations that makes it count.  Dare to become a modern day Jonathan and receive God’s grace and favor on your life.

This Week’s challenge:

Surrender Your Will

When you woke up this morning God had a plan and purpose for you.  Primarily it is to know Him, and that’s what this journey is all about this year.  Next, God wants us to have joy in the plan along the journey.

First – Find out what gifts and spiritual strengths you possess that aid your purpose? Whatever they are you will be good at them.  These gifts come naturally, are easy and energize you.  God gifts won’t wear us out, but on the contrary strengthen us.

Second – Connect to a Vision. Volunteer your time, energy and passion to someone else’s God vision. Do something to lift the load.  Your part may be to add value to another purpose and plan that is bigger than you (or them). It doesn’t have to be a pastor or specific ministry, but there is someone God wants you to hook up with right now - today.

Mow their lawn, pick up dry cleaning, cook some meals, run an errand ... do whatever you can so they have more time to pursue God’s universal plan and keep at it. Find out who it is and get connected with that vision.  The sooner you do, the sooner yours will take flight.

There is a great Jonathan plan in all of us, but we have to be willing to surrender to it if we are to be graced with the favor that comes through submission to God.

“…we ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Colossians 1:9 NLT)

Lord Jesus,

I’m sorry for my sins and holding on when You want me to let go of my selfish will. I know you have a plan for my life and I give myself to you.  I want a new beginning with the plan that brings favor in my life. Give me a willing heart and a Jonathan spirit to follow your direction with a passion to fulfill my purpose and Your plan.

4HIM - FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Until next time, a willing heart receives God’s favor.

What's New this Week: Click on the link. 

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them & Reach Your Potential (Large print edition) by John C. Maxwell

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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. A.N.A. logo by J.C.Penney, Inc.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Bible Gateway
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Images: Moving  Great Leader  Look What I Found  Jonathan/David    
Notes: Why John was not named “Little Zech.” (Luke 1:57-80)

Let It Go

Lori's books are available below.

A few weeks ago I had a brief conversation with author friend Lori A. Moore about people setting a time limit on grieving or any kind of grief for that matter. 

Grief doesn’t have to be only from losing a loved one, but comes in many forms.  This is a subject I’ve studied extensively for counseling people. 

There are numerous reasons why we grieve. People grieve over a job, pet, relationship, bad decisions, material things or loss of dreams.  Did you know that women even grieve over moving?

Lori made it clear that she doesn’t believe there is a time one should “be over it,” but there is a process along the journey. 

She explains in her book “Missing Andy” how she had to walk out the process with God in order to regain the “living” part of her life.

It was her journey through grief that “furthered her relationship with God and showed her how to truly live again. Come out of a place of inconsolable sadness and discover the joy that can only be found through Christ Jesus.” (Description quote)

Turning something that was meant for bad into good can only take place when you learn the meaning of trusting God.

Moving on from our past and the things we know is one of the hardest things someone can do.  Unfortunately, I can say this from too many experiences where I had to let go of my emotions in order to move forward in my life. 

Welcome new friends this week from: 

New on DFB – Kuwait; El Salvador; Dominican Republic; Lithuania; Kranj, Bohinj, Slovenia; Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India; Taiwan; France; Chili.  USA: Thank you faithful ones.
It gives me great joy welcoming new people each week.  What fun to meet you and share this Inner Journey together on Daily Favor?  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog) 
 

Feel free to leave your comments or prayer requests.  I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  If I’ve missed anyone forgive me. Please share this challenge and invite more friends to join us.  You are making a difference!

 

Don’t miss out on this week’s challenge (below). Q & A

It’s funny that I’m sharing this writing with you this week.  I wrote it on April 10^th 2014, but the timing wasn’t right. 

How I came about writing this was triggered by some teaching and a single movie clip from years ago that helped me step out in faith after some tragedies.  Yes, there have been a ton of books and videos that I watched to help me deal with the emotional part of loss and some helped.  

However, there was a silly opening scene from Night at the Museum 2 (Smithsonian) that my husband and I have ingrained in our thoughts whenever the devil tries to suck us back in past hurts...  “Let it go, baby!” 

It seems that the Apostle Paul felt the same way ...
“Brothers and sister (in Christ), as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, (letting it go) putting everything on the line for this mission (journey).  I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed.” (from Philippians 3:13-14 the Voice)

Vessels of Grace

About ten years ago there was a woman in our church that couldn’t let go of her pain and guilt.  The problem wasn’t something she did, but what she felt she didn’t do.  Her teenage son committed suicide.  The devil tried convincing her that it was her fault, even though it wasn’t true. 

The grief and emotional roller coaster she experienced literally prevented her from leaving her house and functioning in society.  It almost destroyed her marriage.

Instead of giving in to fear, by faith her husband allowed God to work through him and her other children.  The process was slow, but it was a journey the family needed to take with God where they learned “we are vessels of grace.”

Beyond the Comfort Fence

There will be a time in all of our lives where we will have to go beyond what we know.  Some refer to it as “leaving their comfort zone.” 

When we moved from all that we knew in life our lives changed dramatically – some good, some bad events transpired over the course of a few short years. 

There were things I was holding on to that I wasn't aware of until after we moved.  Bitterness, anger, resentment and unforgiveness stemmed as far back to when I was four years old. 

Not having television or a car allowed me plenty of time to think.  That's when my writing really got serious and so did my walk with God.

I knew if I didn’t get my act together emotionally that I would never reach any more of my goals or my potential.  My life could have easily been swept away in depression, self-pity and disappointment.

God showed me through simple things that were taking place in my “new life” how to move from the past and let things go.  Honestly, this wasn’t easy at first, but as I practiced what I learned the healing would come.

Lessons from My Dog

It has to make you laugh at times when God reveals things to you in the most unusual forms, for example, my dog.

When Sunshine and I went on our walks, she was always on a lead and could only go as far as the leash stretched.  If I dropped the leash on the ground she would sit down at my feet.

Even if I moved away from her, she wouldn’t move, I mean ever.  It was if she was ground tied.  I never taught her that, she did it on her own (making me look good).  It was a behavior I needed to retrain if she was to experience new things I had planned for her. 

While traveling in New York there were places we visited in Lake George that had great open fields where we could run our pets.  One particular place I loved the entire football field was fenced. 

We decided to take the pets off the leashes and let them go, running free to do what they were meant to do in life – be happy, carefree and one with nature.  As soon as I took off the leash, Sunshine would run around in every direction literally popping in the air.  Although she was free to play, she was always aware of where I was on the field and kept me in her sight. 

Sunshine would run a bit and then run right back to me.  When I called her away from an unsafe place she listened and moved with me trusting that the decision was in her best interest.

God showed me/us that no matter where we go, He is worthy of our trust.  The Lord is always going to be there and His Holy Spirit will comfort us as we venture into new territories.  He isn’t leading us into places that will cause us harm. 

Moving the Boundaries

Our lessons of trust and moving past our comfort zone wasn’t nearly over.  If we are to grow on our journey with Jesus we have to get our “emotional pain” under control.  That will take moving beyond our own boundaries of faith and into God’s faith world.

A few years ago we realized that Sunshine needed to move past some pain in her life both physically and emotionally.  Her sister moved to Heaven and so we wanted her to build new relationships with our neighbor’s dog.  In order to do that we had to make a big decision – move the fence!

When we moved the boundaries of the fence and created a new larger space for Sunshine, she still wouldn’t go past the old fence line.  The fence wasn’t there, but in her mind it was and she refused to cross over to the new area beyond the former boundaries.

Invisible Fences 

Even though we enlarged her world, Sunshine stayed in the “old” part of the yard with invisible fences holding her back.  Is that what’s happening in your world?  Perhaps God is trying to get you to cross over into the new things and has removed some fence boundaries in your life, but you are being bound by invisible fences. 

It took some retraining, but my pup learned that I was always with her guiding her into the new territory.  Don’t you get it?  I was the one who moved the fence and expanded her boundaries.  She didn’t ask me to do it, nor did I consult her on my actions.  Her “Master” saw that giving her more room would help her stay emotionally and physically fit.  Once she accepted the move, Sunshine thrived in the new area.  

For the longest time we could still see where the fence used to be.  It took a few summers for the grass to completely cover the line, and now you can’t even tell where the old fence was.

Holding on to God and letting go of the past.

 

Unleashed Faith

Sometimes God takes off the short leash we had as new born Christians and moves the fences in our lives to stretch our faith.  It is a testing that is implemented to encourage us to step out in faith knowing that God will be with us no matter where the fences are moved. 

In the new places He takes us, we learn different ways or approaches that we never knew existed or were needed.  Instead of getting overtaken by the “grief” of whatever it is, God helps us take that new approach so we can accomplish greater things for Him.

Jesus gave us a reason to hope when He made the statement that we would do greater things than He did.  How could that be possible?  All things are possible with God when we unleash our faith and act on His promises.  

“Jesus said to him, “If you (He meant you or me) can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NKJV)
Knowing Christ said we will do greater things tells us that there is more to be done, and that God wants to do it through us.  How exciting is that?  

A preacher once spoke on a conversation he had with God (in his spirit, not vocally). The Lord asked him this question:  “What things would you do if you had unlimited resources and money?”

I can imagine a list of things that popped in your head as did in mine when I heard him share this story.  You might even say, “…but I don’t have those things.”  Once more, “What if you did?”  You would be able to do all sorts of things, but that wouldn’t require faith. 

God wants us to understand we do have access to anything through Christ Jesus, but it will come through our faith when we let go of what’s holding us in the same places.


Challenge of the Week:

Unleash Your Faith

Every person who has chosen to walk this journey to Jesus on Daily Favor is experiencing new growth, whatever the level or pace.  God is removing some boundaries and asking us to let go of things that are stopping Him from taking us beyond our expectations or “more than we could ask or dream.”

Our challenge will require three things of us.

First: Literally write down the things that you haven’t let go of that are stopping your promotion in God’s favor.  These are the things that are keeping you bound and preventing you from being the best you. Be honest, you’re dreams and desires are at risk here.  Bring that list into your prayer closet and give them to the Lord one by one.

After you’ve prayed put the list inside an envelope.  On the front write this statement:

“These no longer belong to me but God, because I let them go.”

Then tuck it into your Bible at Mark 9:23 as if you were handing it to God Himself.  Use the Bible as your point of contact, believing all things are possible with God.  Ask Him to strengthen you as you take this step of faith not to steal back what you have given over to the Lord.

The next two steps involve memorization of God’s promises, so when satan tries to talk you out of your deliverance, you can say, “Not this time devil, I’ve got a promise from God!”

Second: If we are to believe by faith for our dreams, we have to believe God will first meet our needs.  Memorize Philippians 4:19.

“And my God shall supply all (speak your name here) according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Expect things to start going according to your prayers based on God’s Word.  It’s easy to recognize huge things, but make sure you don’t overlook the smallest boundary changes.  God is doing something, notice Him.

Third:  Every day (even past this week’s quest ending) pray the Disciple’s Prayer (some call it the Lord’s Prayer) in Matthew.  When you pray it, not quote, it something changes in the Heavenly atmosphere realm.  As you pray “us and our” be mindful that it is referring to the entire Body of Christ, not just you or your family.  

By praying for others, your prayers will be heard. In turn, God will respond to your faith granting His unlimited grace, mercy and favor. 

Jesus said, after this manner pray (say it like this):

Our Father, which is in Heaven, Holy is Your Name.

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from (all) evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.” (taken from Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

When we call on the Lord to lead us, we can freely let go of old painful boundaries and walk into a new life of hope.   Don’t count yourself out based on the fact that you lost your way on the path.  Hold on to the One who is faithful and makes all things possible.

Let your faith run wide (not your behavior) into places where you can grow.  In showing yourself faithful, God will expand the boundaries.  With your “griefs, worries and boundaries” taken away by the blood seal promise of Jesus, you are now an empty vessel waiting to be filled and used for the greater things. Unleash your faith; let it (faith) go and see where God takes you.  

 

All Things Possible Mark Schultz

Remember His Promises: Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies]  

Until next time, receive favor by unleashing your faith.

 

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