This week Christians observe the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remembering the reason behind the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the basis for our beliveing in Him as the One and Only Begotton (Diety) Son of God. He rose from the grave, defeating death and is very much alive in Heaven!
He is the true God - there is no other. We believe in a living God who hears our requests and answers prayers. He is caring, loving, compassionate, a rewarder of those who seek Him, and longs for fellowship with His creation.
Our belief comes from the Lord and His promises for redemption of sin through Christ alone is the only way to GOD the Father. Being able to be redeemed of all our iniquity and transgressions against God is a gift from the Lord through grace alone - grace ... unmerited favor (forgiving us when we don't deserve it). If we confess our sin and truly are sorry for what we have done wrong, God is willing to forgive whatever it is.
The message of the cross is so amazing that it has to be shared. Has anyone told you Jesus loves you so much that He died for you to be cleansed from all unrighteousness (sin; things we've done wrong)?
He took the punishment of sin for all mankind and died on the cross to satisfy the debt. Think of every sin and crime ever committed (smallest to the biggest) - Jesus took the punishment on Himself for you and me!
Who would do that? Can you imagine love that deep or know anyone who would do that for you? People have died in sacrifice for others, especially when it comes to freedom. Their hope wasn't that they would die, but they understood it could or might happen.
This isn't what happened with Jesus. He willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice knowing the result was indeed death; taking our place and receiving the punishment for sins He never committed.
Christ not only took the penalty for all sin, but He also took upon His body all sickness, disease and death itself to conquer it once and for all! You know how it feels to have a sickness on your body right? Can you comprehend how it would feel to have every sickness and disease on your body at the same time along with being beaten beyond recognition by haters?
What man that would take this upon Himself and why? Jesus ... He did it because of "undying" love! This is what we refer to as God's Amazing Grace!
The sacrifice Jesus made through dying on the cross in taking all sin upon Himself, was and always will be the greatest form of grace –unmerited favor anyone could give for those He loved.
"For God loved the world (you and me) so much He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish in Hell, but will have eternal life in Heaven with God."
(John 3:16 emphasis mine)
Jesus loves you. He died to redeem (save and forgive) you from all sin. No other God has done that or ever will, because He is the One and only true God. He rose from the dead conquering death and sin that the devil lords over mankind.
We were created as eternal beings, meaning the soul of all mankind will live forever either in Heaven or Hell. Only those who believe in God's Son will share in the favored Heavenly Kingdom for eternity with a new healed and whole body. This is why we rejoice and can live in continual hope.
Those who deny Him will not go to Heaven, nor will they be redeemed of their sin or sickness. Anyone who is sick and dies in unbelief will live forever with that sickness or disease in eternal torment. Don’t be left out; believe in Christ now before it's too late.
Read about the greatest gift of love in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ in Matthew chapters 26-28. For more answers about the Christian faith and salvation through Jesus Christ visit the Tell Me section of this site.
In obedience to God’s command, the Daily Favor office is closed as we are observing Holy Week in remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the cross. You can read about it in my teaching on the "Beauty of Chen Redemption".
Use this time to study from the topical word search list on the right or catch-up on the trending article(s).
I am truly thankful for all of you, and looking forward to our next time of fellowship on Daily Favor! Blessings for the Easter holiday.
Until next time, have a blessed Resurrection Day!
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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.
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I want to take this time to thank everyone who
has been instrumental in being an incredible help to so many during this critical
period in the history of the world.We
are appreciative for all you are doing and uplift you in prayer daily.
The Redemption Promise
Although people of faith cannot gather in buildings or structures of any nature as usual to observe services for Holy Week, it does not
take away from the special time Christians celebrate the resurrection of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Events beginning with Palm Sunday through Good Friday all lead to Resurrection Day, where Jesus rose from the grave. This documented truth is the basis for our faith, and why we
believe what we do. Our hope comes from the Lord and His promises for redemption of sin
through Christ alone.
The sacrifice Jesus made through dying on the cross in taking our sins upon
Himself, was and always will be the greatest form of grace – unmerited favor anyone could give
for those He loved.
"For God
loved the world (you and me) so much He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Jesus will not perish in Hell, but will have eternal life
in Heaven with God."
(John 3:16
emphasis mine)
Jesus loves you. He died to redeem (save and forgive) you from all sin. No
other God has done that or ever will, because He is the One and only true God.
He rose from the dead conquering death and sin that the devil lords over
mankind.
As the world faces a silent enemy in the spread
of the “C-virus”, the real enemy behind it is satan.He is a thief and his goal is to kill, steal and destroy as
many souls as possible. (John 10:10)
It is vital that
we do not give in to his lies and fear, or believe that there is no hope, because that is simply not so! Our focus needs to be on what God is doing, because He is not silent! The message of a Risen Savior should be louder than anything the devil is trying to do.
Friend, no one conquers the grave without
Jesus. This is why we rejoice and can live in continual hope. He is
risen! Only those who believe in God's Son will share in the favored
Heavenly Kingdom for eternity. Don’t be left out; believe in Christ
now before it's too late.
Read about the greatest gift of love in the
death, burial and resurrection of Christ in Matthew chapters 26-28. For
more answers about the Christian faith and salvation through Jesus Christ
visit the Tell Me section of this site.
In obedience to God’s command and following governmental guidelines, the office is closed. We are
observing this special day during Holy Week in remembrance of what Jesus did
for us on the cross at home.
This is a unique opportunity for us to build
our relationship with Jesus and with those we love.Don’t waste it with things that have no eternal
value.
Be thankful that God is in control. His redemptive
promise through Christ Jesus is working things out for your good.
Use this time to study from the topical word
search list on the right or catch-up on the trending or popular article(s). You can read about Christ on the cross in my teaching the "Beauty of Chen Redemption".
Maybe
you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of
favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on
becoming a child of the Savior.
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible
Version provided by Bible
Gateway
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if
not specified. Image
Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet,
Favored1, Holidays, Good Friday, Easter, Resurrection, Resurrection Day, Cross,
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It’s
dinner time at our house on a Sunday night as I begin writing this.Actually, it’s a bit late to be eating, but
hubby and I are trying to keep ahead of things for tomorrow’s schedule so we
didn’t get around to the meal until 8 p.m.
I’m
not complaining, but am serenely calm and feeling rather blessed.A hot plate of leftover spaghetti sits on the
left of the keyboard.I dig into it between
writing and nibble on a slice of bread with butter that rests near the plate.
How
marvelously favored …you know, besides
so many other things, having food available and not thinking where the next
meal may come from or whether or not I will even get to eat that day.
You
may be surprised, but I know that feeling.Or should I say, I’ve experienced that fear.It was during times of lack that I came to
understand abundance and how it ties to being favored.
Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog.
Be sure to read News from Fay, updates and visit the Q & A or other sections.
Desiring
Favor
As
Christians our utmost desire should be to tap into the good things that
accompany salvation, which includes receiving being favored by our
Creator.The sad thing is that most of
us didn’t know about favor, grace or “the blessing” (not blessings) of God.
I
was never taught about the favor of God or “blessing”, even though it’s in the entire
Bible.It was a subject that was avoided
like the plague (that and anything about the Holy Spirit) as if it was sinful,
selfish and not Holy.
It
didn’t make sense to me that Christians knew nothing (or very little) about
favor, especially when we form our life choices around being accepted, liked
and yes – “favored” by society.
Tell
me you don’t want approval, acceptance and to receive special benefits
especially from your family, co-workers or boss?Don’t you want people to be kind, generous
and sometimes merciful in certain situations?
Of
course, you do, and so do I.So then, if
that’s wrong why can’t we get it out of our thinking?I’ll tell you why, because it is in our DNA to be Surrounded by Favor
There’s
nothing wrong with wanting people to be nice to you or even having a bit of
favor thrown our way.It’s how God wired
us – we desire to be liked and loved.The Bible tells us that even unbelievers know how to be kind, that leads
me to believe it must be something genetic that needs to be nurtured.
Everyone
ever born (or yet to be) has an inner desire to be accepted and
successful. From the beginning all
creation was genetically blessed by God.Mankind was created to be achievers, not deceivers, but sin changed what would
have originally come to us naturally.
“Then
God blessed them, and God said to Adam and Eve (mankind Genesis 5:2); fill the
earth and subdue it, have dominion (I give you power) over it …” (Genesis 1:
22-28 NKJV)
Adam
and Eve never had to ask for God’s favor or blessings, because their world was
Divinely created just for them.They
lacked for nothing so what could they ask for anyway?
Favor
surrounded them – literally, because they were already in “right standing” with
God. All Adam and Eve had to do was walk
in favor.It was their shield against
anything harmful.
“For
You, O Lord, will bless the Righteous; with favor You will surround him (them)
as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12 NKJV)
Mankind
learned that relationship was the key to everything the heart desired, whether
it was material, spiritual, mental or physical.It still holds true for today.
However,
when it comes to favor, we think there should be an equalizer – everyone who
does this or that receives it.You and I
know it doesn’t work that way.
Genetically
Favored
If
you are thinking there has to be something that sets a person apart from others
in order to gain such blessings, you would be correct (to some
extent).For man it’s works, but with
God, it’s righteous living or being in “right” standing with Him through
salvation (believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God).Adam and Eve stepped out of living right
before God, and it cost them the shield of favor they enjoyed from the
beginning.
This
is where physical DNA is shattered and having the DNA of Christ separates
everything of value.Every person that
comes into the saving knowledge of Jesus is automatically connected genetically
back to God’s favor, because of the favor He bestowed on Jesus.
I
know it may sound confusing, but let me put it like this to help you
understand.When Jesus died on the cross
as a sacrifice, all sin was covered by His blood making it possible for anyone
who believes to enjoy living in the favor of God.However, only “repented” sin receives the
blessing referred to as the favor of God.
Jesus
died for all, but not all believe.Those
who reject Him still live in their sin even though Christ died for them to be
free of it.
Those
who never believe in Jesus or seek forgiveness will go to Hell with their sin,
sickness, diseases and everything else that separated them from God.Can you imagine never being healed of
anything?That person who suffered in
life with a sickness will never be rid of it – ever!
It’s
important to believe today while there is still time and get back in “right” (favored)
standing with the Lord.The day of salvation
IS the day when God’s favor is genetically restored into our life through Jesus.
"For he says, In the time of my favor I heard you. and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you,now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV)
This
favor isn’t only for here on Earth, but for all eternity, just like it was back
in the Garden of Eden.No sickness,
disease, loss of limbs, blindness, sadness, regret, famine, drought or lack of
anything ever again - FOREVER! We can be restored to Divine favor in every way that could
possibly exist!
Salvation
is the means or the "only key" that unlocks the blessing of favor (now and for
eternity). Should we be angry that no
one told us about it when we were converted?Possibly, or maybe it’s our own fault for not learning more about “this
Jesus” when we first answered the call to repent of our sin.
You
Choose or Reject Favor
All
people were created by God, but not all are His children.Those who choose to believe by faith in Jesus
Christ as the Son of God, become accepted into God’s family.
As
His children, “Charis” or “Chen” (Hebrew/Greek for favor) is automatically
given.It’s something everyone should
want to explore more, until they finally grasp the concept of just how deeply
God loves us and wants to be in our lives. (Read more on Charis favor here.)
God
is a Father that desires for good things to happen in our lives. He longs to
have fellowship with His kids, but they’re not responding to His calls.When we finally let Him in (by accepting
Jesus into our hearts by faith believing He is God’s Son), something changes.
Basically,
it means that God smiles and takes pleasure in accepting us as His very own,
because bottom line, we believed what He said about Jesus! … and who doesn’t
want to be believed when we say something, right?
“….
A voice came from Heaven saying, this is My Beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased.Hear Him!”
(from Matthew 17:5 emphasis mine)
To
“hear Jesus” means more than listening to what’s being said.Believing God and acting on what He says is
what’s it’s all about, and when we do, we gain approval that rewards with
benefits or blessings (aka – favor!).
When
it comes down to it, we actually choose whether or not favor from God is part of
our lives from receiving or rejecting Jesus as His Only Begotten Son.
It’s
really not God’s fault, but our own if we never take full advantage of the
salvation benefit package.After all,
haven’t we seen it in the book of Psalms?You know, the “run to” section in the Bible for all our problems!
“Bless
the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits…”
(Psalm
103:2 NKJV)
When
a relationship between God and mankind becomes severed by sin, receiving His
blessings are also cut off until a person repents and seeks forgiveness.
This
Week’s Challenge:
Getting
All the Good Benefits
Friend,
God will allow us to go down into the “valleys” of life so we can get a
revelation that He is and always has been the source we desire, not just His
favor.
It’s in our DNA that we long to be
connected to something greater than who we are or what we can get out of this
world.
Having
a relationship restored to our Creator is the best benefit that should never be
forgotten, and our Heavenly Father wants that more than we could possibly
understand.God wants to fill your life
with good things that only He can provide; He truly wants to bless your soul.
Our
challenge is to deeply focus on the benefits (blessings, favor and goodness)
that God gives to those who put their faith and trust in Jesus alone.
Look
at what you could be missing, and this is just a portion of the promises of
God!
"Bless the Lord, O my
soul, And forget not all His benefits:
He forgives all your iniquities, He heals all your diseases, He redeems your life from destruction,
He crowns you with lovingkindness
and tender mercies.
He satisfies your mouth with
good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord executes (gives) Righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed."
(from Psalm 103:2-6 NKJV)
Today
is the day of salvation – today you can be “genetically” favored by God if you
want to be through receiving Jesus as your Savior or re-dedicating your life to
the Lord. Either way – the “benefits”
are in your favor.
The
back has to/from and room for a brief message.
Give
out as a reminder of the blessings of God through salvation. A
portion of every sale goes toward missions, specifically targeting the Middle
East for the spread of the Gospel.
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.
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Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible
Gateway.
Image
credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.
Labels:
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This is a very special time for
Christians when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. It is the basis for our faith, and why we believe what we
do. Our hope comes from the Lord and His promises for redemption of sin
through Christ alone.
The sacrifice Jesus made through dying on the cross in taking our sins upon
Himself, was and always will be the greatest form of grace – unmerited favor anyone could give for those He loved.
"For God loved the world (you
and me) so much He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Jesus
will not perish in Hell, but will have eternal life in Heaven with God."
(John 3:16 emphasis mine)
Jesus loves you. He died to redeem (save and forgive) you from all sin. No other God
has done that or ever will, because He is the One and only true God. He rose
from the dead conquering death and sin that the devil lords over
mankind.
Friend, no one conquers the grave
without Jesus. This is why we rejoice and can live in continual hope. He is risen!Only those who believe in God's Son will share in the favored Heavenly Kingdom
for eternity. Don’t be left out; believe in Christ now before it's
too late.
Read about the greatest gift of love
in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ in Matthew chapters 26-28. For more answers about the Christian faith and salvation through Jesus Christ visit the Tell Me section of this site.
In obedience to God’s command, the Daily Favor office is closed as we are observing Holy Week in remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the cross. You can read about it in my teaching on the "Beauty of Chen Redemption".
Use
this time to study from the topical word search list on the right or catch-up on
the trending article(s).
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.
Daily
Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Favored1, Holidays, Good Friday,
Easter, Resurrection, Resurrection Day, Cross, Jesus Crucified, Death of Jesus
Christ, Rejoice for Christ is Risen.
Emma was new to the neighborhood, but it didn’t take
long for the little socialite to make her way around the community.
When I first noticed her it was Sunday morning, early
morning before most people were out of bed. Still in her nightgown and
slippers, she was skipping from house to house knocking on all the doors trying
to get a rouse out of anybody who would talk to her.
It was Monday afternoon when I would finally meet our
newest neighbor.We had just gotten home
and I was about to go inside when she appeared at my doorstep.Her inquiry wasn’t about me, but the two cats
who were circling my legs.While I was
telling her their names, she scooped one up and began to carry Marylin kitty
off with her.
Immediately I put a stop to her planning a take-away. “They aren’t my cats, so I don’t think it’s
a good idea for you to be doing that. You better put her down.” Bending over to release Marylin from her grip,
our conversation continued as I distracted Emma from the fascination of our
neighbor’s cats.
Chattering on non-stop, she spilled all the information
about her family and the kids on the street. Emma was also delighted to share that she had
a birthday coming in two days, in which she would be turning the mature age of
seven!
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB – Mazabuka, Southern Province,
Zambia; Mannersdorf am Leithagebirge, Lower Austria; Tenambit, Australia;
Waitara Taranaki, New Zealand; Uster Zürich, Switzerland; Cambodia; Syria;
Nairobi, Kenya; Martinique; Fiorano Canavese, Piedmont, Italy; Toronto,
Canada; Latvia; Slovakia; Columbia.
I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back
each week to participate in the weekly challenges.God has been faithful and we expect His favor
to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on Daily Favor
Blog.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.All are private. 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.
“It’s your birthday?Oh, I have a
something for you.Do you like roses?” I asked. Suddenly her eyes got bigger with excitement.
“Yes!” Emma exclaimed with a smile that spanned from ear to ear.
Grabbing hold of the screen doorknob I told Emma to wait
and that I’d be right back.When I
returned to the porch I watched Emma spinning around merrily in her own world
of joy.Holding out a single yellow rose
she reached up and took it from my hand.As she was looking down at the flower I held out another gift.
“These are glow in the dark shoelaces.They tell us about how Jesus lights our way.” (The scripture on the laces reads: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path” from Psalm 119:105 and God Lights Our Way from John 8:12.)
Having given her instructions about going home to put the
rose in water, Emma ran off in a flash.
A few minutes later I saw her with a few kids from the street swirling
the laces in the air around her head.By
late day she was still flaunting her special gift.
How Fast She Understood
On Saturday (five days later) Emma had invited herself
over again, only this time she met my husband.
“It’s my birthday. You should give
me a present.” Emma announced to hubby, only his
response wasn’t like mine and one she didn’t expect.
“It’s not polite to ask people to give you gifts.”
“Oh?” She responded.
Before he could answer, Emma kept firing away questions
in which my husband wasn’t quick to show her favor.
“Why don’t you answer your door?” Apparently she
had been trying to gain more favor since Monday and we didn’t know it.
“I didn’t know you knocked.” Hubby said politely.
“Oh, why not?”Emma said as she picked up a cat.
Instead of granting favor, without hesitation hubby reprimanded
my little friend. “Put her down.She isn’t our cat but theirs (pointing to our
neighbor’s house) and unless you talk to the lady that owns them you aren’t to
pick them up anymore.”
Realizing if she wanted to hold the cats she understood
that she would have to knock on the door of the one who could give her that
favor.The conversation was abruptly
interrupted as Emma dashed off to knock on our neighbor’s door.(Hopefully she won’t read this post!)Our little friend caught on quickly that she
wasn’t about to gain any more favor talking with my husband.
Do You Have Favor?
Understanding the idea of favor is a pretty simple one
that even kids can grasp.When we
receive preferential treatment from others that isn’t given to anyone else it’s
recognized as “favor” or special privileges.It’s generally bestowed on someone because the other party has come to
like or approve of them for any number of reasons.
In order to grow in something you have to have it in the
first place. That is, we cannot grow in God’s favor if we don’t have it in our
lives as a seed.Emma received favor
from me because I liked her from the first time I saw her buzzing from house to
house to make friends.She has spunk,
is open to new things and ignites all situations she has anything to do with (both
good and bad).
When I eventually met her, Emma grew in favor with me
because she made me laugh, accepted me without hesitation and wanted to be around
me. She sought me out for friendship … the cats were a bonus.I know this because when I told her to put
down Marylin she did as asked and hung around for more fellowship.
When Emma approached my husband she thought she would
receive the same treatment but didn’t.It’s not that he doesn’t like her or wouldn’t show our young neighbor
abundant favor, because he does that all the time.His encounter with Emma was demanding of
favor and that doesn’t float his boat as he would say.
Emma had favor from me but not my husband.Sometimes it’s the other way around and other
times we both administer favor on an individual, depending how God leads.If my friend is to grow in favor with us it will
be because the seed planted in her grows as our fellowship develops.That can only happen if we choose to spend
time together and get to know one another.
Favored with Power
When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit
empowers every believer with favor or “grace.” Unlike favor from man, spiritual favor is a
gift from God through the blood of Jesus and cannot be earned.This favor gives us access to the Heavenly
Throne of God so that we can walk with Jesus for our entire earthly journey.
Both Greek and Hebrew scriptures translate favor as
grace, but in the New Testament grace and favor are almost always identified as
interchangeable.It is the unmerited
favor, grace of God on our lives that gives us power to finish the race set
before us.We need this power gift of
favor in order to become more like Christ and carry out the Great Commission
given to believers by Jesus.
In the past I have talked about the term grace (in Greek “Charis”
or “Chen” in Hebrew) – favor as a salvation gift. It literally means the Lord
takes action to bend or stoop in kindness as a Superior Being to an inferior
one. Sadly not many access the power of God to receive more grace (favor) from
the Lord.
We read throughout the scriptures how people grew in
favor or stayed in “good graces” with God, but how did they do it?The Bible talks about how Jesus grew in favor
with mankind and God. What did Jesus do
to grow in favor continually? (Luke 2:52-53)
The Root of Growing in Favor
Like Emma most believers are innocent when it comes to comprehending
the full power of favor from God.If we are to grow in favor we need to understand its purpose and how to
gain it.
There is the reason we need salvation favor.It is the access key to being in the presence
of God in order to live the life of a Christian.
In an article I wrote called “Know to Grow”
I explained how we can have knowledge of someone without actually knowing them
personally. Receiving personal favor
from the Heavenly Father is His way of giving us permission to knock on His
door anytime of the day or night (wearing jammies too!)
If God wants us to live as Christ did, doesn’t it make
sense that He gives us the power to do it?
Spiritual favor and grace allows us to mess up and receive forgiveness over and
over throughout the learning process.God never grows tired of our questions and delights in our fellowship
through prayer, conversation and obedience.
How to Grow in Favor from God
Jesus grew continually in favor from Heaven and Earth because
He sought out the will of God.“… and Jesus increased in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:53 NKJV)
He then set a pattern to follow for our new way of living
Holy so we could conform to His image. (See Hebrews 10:19-25) Without “inside”
favor how could we possibly carry out this task?
The Lord spent private time with God and received Daily Favor to finish the work He was sent to do. (See Luke 2:51-52)If we are to grow in favor as Christ did (and
we are to be like Him on this planet), our fellowship time has to get longer,
deeper and more inquisitive of the nature of God.
Like Christ, we have to have a desire to seek God and
find out what makes Him tick (so to speak).Jesus wasn’t trying to “get” favor; He “got” it because He understood
how to live in the Will of God.
Now that we understand that every believer receives a
measure of favor upon salvation, what are we doing with the favor we already
have? If we don’t access the power favor of salvation through seeking God on a
regular basis how can we expect to grow in favor daily?
It is through fellowship, stewardship of favor and distribution
of it that we are granted more favor, grace, mercy and blessings from God. Sadly many Christians get off the chosen path and
forsake their journey with Jesus. They wonder why they never receive favor from
the Lord or man to fulfill their dreams. Without favor it is impossible to be
all that God desires.
We Determine Our Increase
People have no problem with the concept of increase when
it comes to wages. With more productivity we expect to be compensated for the “little
extras” we do, and rightly so.
Some pay scales increase with time invested, others based
on quantity or quality determine the pay scale.All in all, it’s something we don’t question as we position ourselves
for raises throughout the years or time period of the task.
However, when it comes to stewardship of the favor we’ve
been given by God, we don’t take it as seriously therefore we don’t invest time
in trying to grow favor in our lives. At
work we are constantly in the office or “face” of our bosses or supervisors trying to gain favor in their sight,
but rarely seek God’s face for how He wants a job done.
The first time Emma approached me it was in boldness and purity
not seeking anything in return.When I
told her to put down the cat she took correction and continued sharing her life
story.She didn’t know I would show her
favor in the giving of gifts.
However her second self-invitation didn’t play out well
with my husband, because her motives were selfish.When he corrected her, Emma left to seek
favor from our neighbor.
Our little visitor returned to our home over and over seeking
a relationship.Sometimes she was granted
favor but not always, depending on her reason for fellowship.
When was the last time you tried to get in God’s “good
graces”? As His children we are already
there and don’t have to do anything else to be in His presence.On the other hand, God doesn’t want us to
stand before Him merely to get something, but to declare we have done something
for Him.
Jesus prayed to the Father: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You
have given Me to do.” (John 17: 4 NKJV)
Seven year old Emma is still learning as she grows physically,
mentally and socially. What is our excuse for wanting favor from the Lord?Is it for personal gain or to finish the race
we’ve been given to run?
This Week’s Challenge:
Grow in God’s Favor
It is true that all believers have the same measure of
favor, but not everyone utilizes the favor in which they’ve been given through
prayer or fellowship.In other words,
when was the last time you “hung out” with God like you do your friends or
family?We determine the increase of
favor by the amount of time we spend with God besides going to Him with petitions.
Our challenge this week will have us spending time with
God so we can grow in favor from Him and others. Simple one-on-one with nobody
else.
Here is an example of how one woman I know does
this.She literally sets up regular “dates”
as she would call it with Jesus.Scripturally
she is spot on because the Lord said He would be a husband to the widow.
She sets aside specific times to hang out with the Lord,
separate from her daily prayer or Word reading schedule.During that time she doesn’t focus on
anything else but God.Her fellowship
includes singing spiritual songs of praise, joyful dancing as King David
expressed before the Lord, laughing, reading the Word and carrying on conversations
out loud as if He were physically in the room with her.
As a result of her intimate fellowship seeking the face
of God, He has increased her favor allowing her to grow in grace/favor from Him
and others. She has been a good steward of that favor so it continues to grow.
“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the
error of the wicked; but grow in the grace (favor) and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:17-18 NKJV)
For me, I spend loads of tea time with my Savior on a
regular basis.As for you beloved, no
matter how you plan to spend time with God make sure that it revolves around Him.
Relax in His presence and just enjoy being there.The rest will come in due season as you grow
in grace, favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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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Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible. Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified. Image: Girl Holding CatGrow in Grace, Favor & Wisdom Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief. Growing in Favor, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Inspiration, Christian Living, Grace, Journey with Jesus,
