Loving the Me God Sees

Forming relationships is one of the hardest things we do throughout our entire lives.  Relationship building holds especially true if we are to journey with Jesus in order to accomplish all God has planned for us. We have to start doing things His way and loving ourselves is part of it. 

To truly be walking with Jesus on our life journey, we have to be in agreement with Him.  The book of Amos in the Old Testament really brings this to the forefront concerning the behavior of a believer.  I really like how this is said. 

“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? (Amos 3:3 NLT)

Most people think this verse is referring to a relationship with friends, relatives and so forth, which is correct ... in part.  This passage is referring to our relationship with God and being in agreement, alignment and purpose with Him including how He feels about us.

If one person loves and the other one only does so based on the situation, the whole “it takes two” thing is unbalanced.  There is no moving forward along the journey, because someone has forgotten that grace and favor are part of loving others and ourselves.  

People often say when they are not in agreement or moving in the same direction that they are not on the "same page".   When we are not on the "same page" as Jesus, He cannot agree with us, therefore whatever we are believing for is not going to happen.

Jesus repeated: "Again, I truly tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven." (Matthew 18:19 NIV)

Let's dig deeper into how important this is.

"And I tell you once more that if two of you on earth agree in asking for anything it will be granted to you by My Heavenly Father.  For wherever two or three people come together in My name, I am there, right among you."

(Matthew 18:19-21 Phillips New Testament)

You can be sure Jesus has not broken the agreement.  So if it is not God or someone else, who do you think has missed walking in agreement? 

Loving the Me God Sees 

I realize that it’s difficult for us to really see ourselves like God sees us. Nonetheless, we have to try.  No, that’s not right … we have to do it. 

In the coming weeks people will be sharing special times letting one another know how much they are loved.  When this message is conveyed to you, I want you to do something.  

Every time you hear or say "I love you" say the same thing to yourself!  Put aside how you look and feel about who you are, and start accepting the individual God created on purpose - you!  

He knows exactly how you look and He loves what you look like regardless if you do not.  He designed you and likes what He made. You are perfectly designed for His pleasure and glory.  Declare as the psalmist did:

"I praise You (God) because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  (Psalm 139:14 NIV)

When Christ walked this earth scriptures tell us that He knew His purpose by fellowshipping with His Heavenly Father daily.  As a result of being in agreement with God, He increased in every area of His earthly life.

"Jesus grew (increased) in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." 

Luke 2:52 NLT

If you want to grow in favor with God, grow in faith by getting on the same page as Him.  That does not mean you have to like everything about yourself, but love yourself enough to forgive what God has already forgiven.

Start walking in the same direction as God and learn to unconditionally love yourself.  Get into agreement with Him so you can walk in favor with everything else in your life.

Start believing and saying out loud "Somebody loves me, and that somebody is me!"

It’s not a sin to love yourself, but is actually a sin not to love what God said was made “good.”  As a child of God, grace and favor allows Jesus to partner with us for our journey in life.  

My husband and I really love you, and care about how you are progressing on your journey with Jesus.  It is our desire that you come to think of yourself as beautifully and wonderfully made by the Master, created for good works and to love the life you have been given. 

"God has made us what we are.  

In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do."  

(Ephesians 2:10 EVR)

From this point on, start "loving the me (you) God sees!  Whenever you hear or say “I love you” to someone else, make this statement.  When you stand in front of a mirror repeat it over and over until it sinks into your spirit and becomes a part of your thinking: 

Somebody loves me,

 and that somebody is me! 

“It would be a lonely life if no one ever said I love you, and knowing that God loves us is wonderful.  But it is so good when God loves us through other people.”

 - Aaron Wilburn

Somebody Loves Me - The Gaither Homecoming

If this article has encouraged or helped you please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.

Until next time, favored blessings

“I favor you because I love you.”

Jesus Christ 

More Spiritual Enrichment:

“But God, I Don’t Love Me!"

Key to Fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commandment

By Paul F. Allen

Also available in eBook format.

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

Note: If used, names in articles are changed to protect individual(s) privacy.

Note: 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 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.  

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Run Your Own Race

It was early in the morning when a man started out on a daily run in his neighborhood.  After a few minutes, he noticed a man running ahead of him.  Picking up the pace he gained on the runner and in no time blew passed him elated that he had gained the lead.  

Thinking highly of himself he suddenly realized he missed his turn. Now he had to go back several blocks to where he was supposed to go on his original run to get back on course. 

The man realized he focused on a race the other runner was not even running.  Distracted from what he should have been doing, he got caught up in a competition that never really happened. 

Certain Favor 

The bible teaches that each of us are to run our own race.  We are only given anointing and gifts to run the course God has set in place for us.  The problem is that we often get sidetracked and fail to be content in who God made us to be, which takes us off the course for running the best race (journey) we can and delays our own reward. 

Scripture teaches in Psalm 103:4 that “God redeems our life from destruction; He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”  The original Hebrew reference to lovingkindness literally means crowned with beauty, favor, good deeds, kindness, and mercy for life here on earth.  In other words, we are given the tools needed to get to the finish of our goals, dreams and vision in life. 

As a child of God, there is “certain favor” set aside only for you.  The same is for others, God will not grant favor that takes away from another in their race. 

No one else can receive what God ordained for you, but you have the choice whether favor manifests by running your own race or trying to compete with others for their prize (reward). 

Each of us need to be disciplined to run our race not someone else’s.  We will not receive something from God that is set aside for another person no matter how hard we try or how many others are in the race.  We receive the prize (rewards and favor) for the race, path, journey that is meant for us alone.  

Look at each translation in understanding the point made in the scripture: 

“Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) 

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NIVUK) 

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NKJV) 

“You know that only one person gets a crown for being in a race even if many people run. You must run so you will win the crown.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NLV) 

In each race, whatever it is, numerous people run, but there is only one who can be first to win.  God loves what He created you to be, and He made plans for success through gifting and favor to happen so that you will be first at the “thing” He had set aside just for you.  Specific favor, gifts, and talents fit you and are there for you to run your race with endurance so that you will (not may) win. 

Remember that, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others.” (Colossians 3:23) 

… and never forget that you are being cheered on to win: 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) 

Distractions, mishaps, delays, and interruptions may come … they are part of life’s journey (race).  God knew they would happen and He is still waiting to carry you through to receiving the prize here on earth and in eternity. 

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." 

Stay focused on who you are by fixing your eyes on Jesus so that one day you will hear Him say, "Well done My good and faithful servant".  Love the life God fashioned just for you and watch great things will come to pass.  

Run your own race knowing with confidence that you are indeed crowned with favor to finish your race. Step into your gifts and start living a life you love! 

Until next time, favored blessings!

 

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life 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 Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. 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.  

Welcome,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Favor, Run Your Own Race, Crown, High Calling, Prize, Run to Win, Certain Favor, Disciplined in Life, Life Journey

Believe that You Are Special

Talk and praise are cheap when they don’t have love to back them.  In difficult situations people often find out the true colors of others and how they feel about them in the way they are responding to individual burdens. 

Feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety are overwhelming, because some can’t fathom what it means to be loved unconditionally.  They don’t see a way out or hope beyond a current crisis.  Crying out in desperation they don’t feel heard or special in what they are going through, and because so many others may be experiencing their own difficulties, a plea for help goes unnoticed.

This is why the message in Exodus 19 God spoke to Moses to tell the people was so important.  Jehovah wanted them to know their cries were heard and that they were His own specially loved treasures.  God is still saying that message!

I can’t recall a time when someone praised me simply because of who I was. Nor do I remember anyone ever saying I was special.  In fact, I was told the exact opposite by someone I loved in my adult years!  "You're not special, and she's prettier than you."

Not thinking I was important really didn’t give me much confidence in succeeding in life, and being told unkind things about my looks really took me to a new level of feeling unloved and unworthy.  However, that changed through learning about the love of God through Christ Jesus.

Do I still think about those things that were said to me?  Of course, but not as often, and I no longer let them define who I am or how I feel.  

Coming to the understanding that God loves you not because of your gifts, talents or special abilities is eye-opening!  I think of it like this … God loved me so much that He picked special skills and selected attributes that would make me who I was, and I would love who I am (learning to like myself came first).

God loved and fashioned me into who I am because He wanted me to love what He loved – me!  He planned for and wanted me, not someone "like" me, but flesh and bones literal me who He knew would mess-up and not always get things right!

When a parent receives a newborn they love it unconditionally regardless of what it may or may not become in the future.  They see the bald, pink, pudgy child as perfect and beautiful. 

Now I have seen some of those "perfect" kids and  have thought, surely you are not blind - that kid is downright ... well, you know where I am going with this.  What others find beautiful is not always beauty or perfection in the eye of another beholder.

They same goes for how God created each person.  As a parent, He sees every child of His as perfection, not perfection in waiting.  He is fully aware of the downfalls that will come throughout our lives, the mistakes, and wrong decisions we will encounter, yet that does not stop Him loving us.

I am favored by God not because of what I can bring to Him or do for Him, but because He first loved me so much that He wanted favor, salvation and blessings to be on my entire life (throughout eternity).  

"We love Him (Jesus/God) because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19 NKJV)

He, on purpose, created me to be just like this for Himself and His glory.  He wants me!  He knows me!  He knows my name!

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (from Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV)

He wanted me, named me, and calls me His very own.  Not as a possession to control, but as a person to fellowship with and enjoy life with on a continual basis. He saved me (and you my friend) for this reason!

You Are Awesome to God

In prayer David praised Jehovah over the love of God in his very own creation as Psalm 139:14 states:

 "... I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Let us read the complete statement for a full understanding of his thankfulness concerning God's desire to have "David" (you and me as well) specifically in His life.

"For You fashioned my inmost being, You knit me together in my mother's womb.  

I thank You because I am awesomely made, wonderfully; Your works are wonders - I know this very well." (Psalm 139:13-14 Complete Jewish Bible)

David was fully aware of the care and attention given to each detail in designing him as a one-of-a-kind unique individual.  That statement can be told for everyone; no one is patterened after another.  Each has their own wonderfully made mold designed for them.  If that's not proof of God's love for you specifically, I do not know what is!

All those quirky things people find annoying ... God did that.  All the strange tastes, likes and interests you have that are so different from others ... God did that. Not to make you less than anyone else, but to stand out from everyone else!  You are truly special!

You are not the same or like anyone else on purpose, because God did not need two of anyone!  He wanted one you and you were called "good" in His creation of you!  No evil thought went into creating anyone, so if those things are present, they were not part of God's initial design.

"God saw all He had made, and it was VERY good." (Genesis 1:31a)

I love this about God.  He specifically picked out what He wanted to be in my "make-up" and fashioned everything else to fit in place so the outcome would be ME, not anyone else, but perfectly made to His satisfaction without any hesitation!  Isn't that amazing?  He has designed each person to ever be born (past, present and future) to be exactly how He wanted.

I totally get how King David felt when he wrote Psalm 23 from experiencing the love of God personally, no matter how many times He failed or fell from grace.

“Surely goodness, mercy (unending unmerited favor), and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place.” (Psalm 23:6)

These aren’t just words to make him feel good when things were going bad or when he had passed on to glory. They were words of hope for the living here on earth that helped David cope.  

Friends, Psalm 23 is not for the dead, but for the living!  You will have no enemies, dark valleys, fear or lack anything in Heaven.

David knew that God’s promises were real and for his life then and there.  They are just as real for us here and now!

In verse six the term “goodness” means in the widest sense it is God’s pleasure to present to His precious treasure the most beautiful, best, bountiful, kindest, loving, cheerful things shall be in his favor (yours, mine or anyone who believes).

Instead of thinking of this passage for just King David, put your name in it as I have and receive it as God talking to you personally.

"His mercy on me (say your name) is kind implying beauty, favor and goodness.  This mercy gift of favor will follow, run after with intent to pursue, chase or hunt after me (say your name) my entire life."

There will never be a time in your life when people or circumstances do not disappoint.  That is why what I am sharing is so important and vital for you to take hold of it in your spirit right now.

When you wholeheartedly believe this is true, the way you handle the unexpected challenges of life will be different because you are expecting God's covenant favor to always be with you.  It is a game and life changer when you finally believe you are truly special.

Until next time, favored blessings!

 

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life 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 Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels unless noted. Do not copy.  

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

Revise and rewritten exerpt from original article "Hope Beyond Lockdown: Part 1". 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.  

Welcome,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Favor, You Are Special, Loved, God's Love,  God Loves You, God Loves Me, Uniquely Made by God

Favor Is A Gift from God

Eighty and Fabulous Gift Set

On Tuesday, August 27th my husband and I had the pleasure of going to lunch with a friend who was turning a fabulous 80 years old!  Tris is spunky, funny, dresses to the nines, full of smiles, and without a crook in her walk.  She is full of life and a delight to be around.

We arrived at the restaurant and had parked when here she comes, right up behind us with a big grin on her face.  In a flash, Tris was on our heels with a stretched-out arm shouting, “I got the door.”

Entering the dining area the hostess instructed us to sit where we liked.  Plunking her pocketbook on the floor she pulled out her chair and started in on a story.  Oh no … it was not long before we were laughing anticipating the outcome of her “swallowed tooth” story!  We were not disappointed.

During our conversation, she was excited over showing off the new pink coffee mug gift set to her senior girlfriend group – the “magnificent seven,” and that she was going to bring it next time they met for dinner.   Her response sent us over the moon knowing it was something she liked.

“I’m glad you liked our gift and these are for you.” I said handing her a yellow bouquet of flowers and dripping water all over the table from the carry sack in which they were contained.  I quickly began sopping up the water with napkins when she took the flowers and leaned them up against her purse on the floor.

Pushing a small chocolate cream cake next to her plate I said, “This is for you as well.”  Putting down her fork she smiled and picked up the dessert. “Ooooh, let’s just eat this!”  She read my mind!

As we sat at the table I explained to our server that we were celebrating my friend’s birthday and shared her age.  Looking at her the lady acted surprised and could not believe it.  I felt the same and thought God surely renewed her youth just like it says in His word.

Abounding in Benefits

There are many “benefits” as the Bible calls it, described for those who accept and follow Christ as their Savior according to Psalm 103.  God blesses the soul, forgives sins, heals diseases, supplies good things, and even renews our bodies to name a few of those salvation benefits. 

However, there are more promises from God that go far beyond the few mentioned in this passage and one is His favor.  In verse 4 of that same chapter, it states how God gives lovingkindness and mercy.

“Who redeems your life from destruction (saves you from going to hell), Who crowns (adorns, encircles) you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”

The word “mercies” from the original Hebrew translation of this verse means that God has compassion for us from the beginning; we are cherished with great love from before we are born.  Here God implies that He cherishes, takes pity on, and has tender mercy for the fetus acknowledging it is a living being He loves.

8) “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (great in mercy).

In verse eight “merciful” means God is compassionate and full of mercy. Moving down in the blessing list of benefits we see the word mercy again several times, only it does not mean the same as in the previous verses.

Pick up with the last part of verse 8:

" ... and plenteous in mercy (great in mercy).

11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear (revere) Him.

12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions (confessed sins) from us.

17) … but the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children;

18) To such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them."

If we look at verses 8b (the term mercy), 11 and 17, the same word means a great deal more than God’s great compassion.  It includes: kindness, goodness, mercy, beauty and yes – favor referring to the person in reference.  

Not only does God give favor, He abounds in it!  These things cannot be bought, worked for, or earned, but are given freely from the Lord because of His mercy (compassion).

If you are born again God's favor is automatically on your life and available the moment you asked Jesus into your life and heart.  Favor is a gift from God if you are a believer, but many Christians do not know or realize it.  Even more they do not know how to walk in God's favor or recognize it in their daily lives.

Scriptures teach in Psalm 3:8 that the blessing of the Lord is on His people.  We can ask for favor on certain situations or increase of favor, but the initial blessing of favor (compassionate mercy) we do not need to ask for because it is already on you as a child of God’s. 

Every person who trusts Jesus as their Savior under the New Testament covenant, becomes an heir to the promises God made to Abraham.  We are identified as "seed" and “joint heirs with Jesus,” therefore qualifying us as heirs to the covenant promise made to Abraham in the Old Testament.

Upon salvation every individual receives the blessing of God that includes His favor.  They go together and cannot be separated.

Unfortunately, most Christians only believe in salvation that grants them a place in Heaven one day; they never walk in God's blessing or favor even though it is available to every child of God.  It cannot be earned, bought, or worked for … it is a gift!

It was one year ago since we first met sweet Tris at a water dispenser in Walmart, and a few weeks later we were honored to celebrate her 79^th birthday at her home.  After a wonderful time of fellowship, she shared her love for Jesus and we ended the afternoon in a time of prayer and blessings.

I am not sure how much she knows about God’s favor or understands the depth of it, but pray she will experience this gift from the Lord in ways more than she could ever ask or think.  My prayer is the same for you!

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV)

            Until next time, Favored Blessings

*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.

*Names in articles are not used but changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

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 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. 

Tags: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels,  Favor from God, Favor, Blessings, Salvation, Senior, Godly Woman, Psalm 103

Dealing with Life's Distractions: Part 4

Three Things that Make It All Work: 

Wisdom, Discernment

and Favor

Read Part 1 

Read Part 2  

Read Part 3

My husband and I have learned that there are certain things that mesh everything you want to achieve together. We ask God for wisdom, discernment, and favor in each goal making decision and we take this seriously.  

Everyone deals with the things I've discussed in this series including various errands and all it takes to keep a household going and we are no different in encountering these challenges.  Asking God to grant you wisdom, discernment and favor is key in not giving up on a dream, goal or vision when you feel like nothing is going right.  Using these tools from the Lord will help you reach any goal in life, despite all the distractions that sometimes take you off course. 

What I am about to share may not seem to be vision related, however, it does help us achieve what is important at any given moment, which includes living a goal-oriented life.

There are three things (specifically) that help us get through each day and difficult situations no matter how rushed, stressed or calm it is.  Each day we Laugh, Sing, and Pray together. 

I could not be more serious about this!  These three things have been the staple of our ongoing close relationship since before we were married.   When other things do not fall in place, these things keep you grounded and bring you back in focus.

LAUGH - We value each moment together and laugh a lot, I mean a real lot, especially if hubby is messing up on his speech in trying to find the correct word or phrase to say.  The brain bleeds affected his speaking abilities, and we work on this in his daily cognitive training.  

He knows what he wants to say, but as the day goes on his trying to say the right thing does not always come out the way it should if he is tired.  He automatically recognizes the mistake. In the past he would get angry or stressed out, which made it harder to say what he meant.  

Through training he has learned to slow down and ask the Holy Spirit to help him remember what he wants to say.  Sometimes it comes out quite funny.  Now he laughs and keeps trying rather than responding negatively or feeling defeated.

SING - Another thing we do is sing, mostly me ... all throughout the day!  I sing to God, to hubby, the pets, my plants, our stuff ... you name it, it has probably been sung to at some point!  I even sing to the cats when delivering their meals; it changes with the menu of course.

"I have some meat, meat, meat, for you to eat, eat, eat.  

It is some fish, fish, fish on the dish, dish, dish ..."  (There is more but I will spare you the rest.)

Singing happy, funny, or joyful songs literally changes how you feel instantly and it is actually biblical in maintaining joy, especially in trying times.  It may seem silly, but it makes me happy and cancels out any stress I have. Plus, the pets seem to like it.  I will save the songs about the cows and turkeys for their enjoyment.

PRAY - In no way am I disheartened that I "must do extra" work; I believe God's favor is on our lives and each day I see a walking miracle in my husband.  I am so blessed and prayer has been (and is) a main source of this entire process enabling me to see the blessings of God on our lives.

Praying together is something we have always done, but now it is different due to what has happened in our lives.  Each night we pray together and my husband prays over me in description: my face from eyes, mouth, teeth, ears, skin, breathing, hands, fingers, legs - you get the point.  He prays over specific points because he remembers certain issues that I have dealth with over the years like Bell's Palsy, skin cancer or trigger fingers.  

This may seem strange to some, but it stimulates the brain and helps his memory recover events.  He just started doing this on his own and when he forgets something he says, "Holy Spirit help me remember" and God does.  Part of my husband's goal (vision) is to do public speaking again, and memory is a part of gaining confidence that he will.  

There is no exact science as in how the brain heals, but we know that one of God's way is praying for others so that you may be healed.  If you are in need of healing, start praying for healing in someone else.

When hubby first started praying like this it was kind of funny and somewhat childlike, but as he continued day-after-day, I became more thankful that someone would even pray for me like that.

Distractions, rabbit trails or side roads to your vision are going to happen, there is no way of avoiding them. How they are handled will determine if you get through them or give in to them.  Learning not to be hard-hearted or stiff-necked about them will help you see things in a different light.  Asking the Lord to give you a discerning spirit will change the way you deal with each situation.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed (changed) by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12: 2 ESV)

When I get distracted, overloaded or tired at times, I am not burdened.  Instead I am extremely grateful to care for this man who has the love of God in his heart and loves me unconditionally, even if he gets my birthday confused with an anniversary or other holiday.  This is hard to do since I start reminding him every day a month in advance, but somehow, he did! 

No worries, I reminded him and he got a gift and two cards!  Granted, one was for our anniversary because he did not know what we were celebrating but this way he already has it.  I just need to find where he put it and remind him where it is when the time comes.

Do Not Be Discouraged

What does any of this mean in following my vision, dreams, or goals?  Should I scrap the goal and pull back on the vision God put in my heart when the distractions lead me away from it all?  Absolutely not, in fact, push harder!  

The enemy will try to use anything and everything he can to keep you from seeing your dreams manifested, and life's distractions are one way he uses to do that.   Scripture tells us how to handle these situations.  We are to live by faith trusting God to work everything out for our good and not give up, quit or run away in fear when things are not going as planned.

"Now the Righteous (those who trust in the Lord) will live by faith, but it he draws back (shrinks back due to fear or somethinge else), My soul has no pleasure in him." (from Hebrews 10:38)

No matter what may be distracting us from moving forward, we have to understanding these things happen.  By faith in prayer we are to expect that the "reality" of a situation will change into something good like God said it would in His plan.  

These (situations I am referring to as) distractions do not come as a surprise to God, but are lessons to learn from in reaching each goal. Do not be discouraged, but encourage yourself in the Lord.  (Read1 Samuel 30:6)

Always be mindful that God's plans for you are good, so if they are not at the time, it is temporary!  If what you see in the natural does not line up with what you have in your vision or goal, you have not finished yet - keep going!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you (they are plans for good and not evil), plans to give you a hope and a future.  

Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV)

My friend, God already knew all the life distractions you would encounter before you were born.  They do not change the good plans He has for your life, so do not quit dreaming or going after your life vision even if you are not where you want to be at the time. 

Instead, allow those distractions (set backs or delays) to teach you.  Learn and grow from their life lessons, then re-visit your vision goals. You will be surprised that you are right where God wanted you to be! 

Thank you for joining me for this series.  I pray that it has encouraged you in pressing on toward the high calling of God in reaching your goals and seeing your vision manifested.

Stay true to your vision and never, never, never give up no matter how many distractions there are or how long it takes.  Though it may take a while, it will surely come if you do not faint, give in or quit.  It is a promise of God!

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he (everyone who passes by) may be able to read it easily at a quick glance.

For the vision (dream in your heart) is yet for an appointed time (it will happen at the right time); but at the end it will speak (manifest), and it will not lie.  Though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come (take place).  It will not tarry (be late but perfect in God's time)." from Habakkuk 2:2

Read Part 1    Read Part 2   Read Part 3

Until next time, Favored Blessings

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*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.

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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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