This Day

 “This” Day ...

as Every Day

 is a Gift 

There are those times when even though I feel things were not accomplished or have not gone as planned, I enjoy every “this” day God graciously gives. 

Besides the daily grind of any kind of work, attending parties, events and activities are great things to look forward to giving us some sort of break from it all.  However, taking time to enjoy today, this day you are living in presently, can bring a whole lot more happiness into a rather routine life.   

Somewhere right smack in the middle of things that are going on in your day, enjoy the moment(s) and learn to be thankful.  Rejoice in the simplicity of the “little” things that God allows along the journey.  

It took me a long time to appreciate those little moments, until something special happened at a time I least expected.  I remember years ago when we were moving, and everything was quite hectic.  

We had a kitten at the time and for her own protection she was in one of the rooms with the door closed.  The room was already empty with a few toys, and all of her essentials so she could run around, play or do whatever her little heart desired.  Placing her in that room allowed us to go in and out of the front door without her escaping.

As I finished packing up the kitchen and walked passed that closed door I felt so bad that she was in there alone.  "She is safe, it is okay."  This was the phrase I played over and over in my mind trying not to feel guilty and reminding myself that we had a timeline for moving.

Suddenly, in the midst of it all I heard the Lord speak to my spirit, "I'd take time to play with her."  I can look back with no regrets in listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We were blessed to have her with us for twelve more years and I am so glad to have taken the time on that day to play with her.  It is one of my most precious "this day" moments I have ever had, and to this day I make sure to bask in the "this day" gifts God puts before me without guilt or regret!  

Enjoy Life on "This" Day

God has given us the power to enjoy life if we choose, the problem is that we often choose the not so important moments of each day to focus on and totally miss out of the special times during the day.

Oh how quickly we forget ... When we wake every morning, blessings, mercy and favor are already waiting for us.  They were prepared in advance by God so we would be blessed in the midst of all else that may happen.  

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

In the original Hebrew writing, the word mercy is actually "checed" which means favor, loyalty, lovingkindness, steadfast love, faithfulness and goodness.  That one word says a lot! 

In the Divine plan of God He established that we should wake with these new blessings for a fresh new start to each day.  Knowing that we have Daily Favor should continually renew our hope, causing us to enjoy every single day we have breath to live!

Thoughout our lifetime we will have labored in much work to achieve certain goals set for ourself and/or our family.  In doing so we expect compensation for all our labor, but often fail to recognize the rewards that God drops along our path that have nothing to do with finances.

Be glad when you earn a living and take time to rest from that work, giving God the glory for the blessings it may bring.  If you are currently without a job or retired, praise the Lord that mercy will come again the next day filled with new blessings yet to unfold.

“As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor – this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NKJV) 

Meanwhile, take advantage of "now" time; the current moment and what is happening right before your eyes. There are "favored" moments about to take place - do not miss them! 

People are watching how you live life and respond to situations.  Decide to enjoy your favored life full of mercy (today, on this day as well as the rest) and make a difference for the Kingdom. 

"This is the day (not tomorrow, not yesterday, but today) that the LORD has made.  I will (you decide, not maybe I will, but I surely will) rejoice and choose to be glad in it."  (Psalm 118:24 emphasis mine)

Today is the only time you will have to enjoy “this” day, so why not make the most of it?  Do not wait until something happens before you appreciate the *vapor time you have here on earth.  Be sure that with every encounter you leave with something positive as you journey with Jesus.  (*James 4:14) 

Rejoice, be glad … this day God chose to give you “life” favor.  Learn to enjoy the favor of God in blessings and mercy on "This Day" and daily.

 This Is The Day by Planetshakers 

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, life itself is God's favor! 

“I came to give life abundant with favor .”

Jesus Christ 

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.  Image:  Life Gift

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.  

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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.  

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Difference Maker

The beginning of May has the world celebrating the appreciation of teachers, nurses, hospitals and mothers along with a few other holidays. Nowhere do I see the celebration of appreciation of your own life or the life of others who do not fall in a specific category. 

As the days wear on with me continuing in my husband’s responsibilities, I have come to appreciate what a burden he carries for me as well as others.  When I realize what he does on a daily basis as “the usual” stuff, I am so thankful that I don’t have to do those things and that someone else is gifted or willing to take on tasks that I’m not that good at.  It makes me appreciate my own life and the gifts God has endowed to me even more. 

Transfer the Burden 

In Galatians 6 we are asked to bear one another’s burdens to fulfill the law of Christ as we go about being generous and doing good deeds for the Lord.  God promises that our deeds won’t go unnoticed and we will be rewarded in due season.  Sowing seeds into the Kingdom of Heaven allows us to reap eternally as well as here on Earth. 

There are a lot of jobs that frankly I hope I’ll never have to do, but if I had to I pray that I would be willing to carry them out without grumbling. 

Like Moses we may ask, “How can I alone bear your problems, burdens and complaints?” (from Deuteronomy 1:12 NKJV) 

Well we can’t, and knowing that not everyone can do every job, the Lord places a desire for certain tasks in our heart to fit us uniquely.  We need to appreciate the skills He has placed in each individual. 

God does not call everyone to be mothers/fathers, nurses, teachers or even people who care for pets.  He does however call everyone to carry a burden for someone in need, before handing them over to Him.  

“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV) 

In other words, cast your cares (burdens) on the Lord, because He cares about your life and appreciates what you do for Him.

 

"Cast your burden(s) on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22 NKJV)

Are you appreciating the favored gifts God has given you to celebrate your own life by sharing those talents with others in order to become a "difference maker"?  When was the last time you showed appreciation to those who have shown favor by carrying a burden for you at some point in your life?  Obviously, they made a difference in some way.

Life is a precious gift to be celebrated - every life no matter their stance!  Every individual matters to God and it should to us as well.  Jesus has asked us to make a difference and do something that will count for eternity.  What will He have you do for Him today that demonstrates your appreciation for life?  Will you become a "difference maker" that get God's attention for granting more favor?

"For those who find Me find life and the LORD will be pleased with them to receive 

(gain, obtain, brings out good will) 

favor from the LORD." 

from Proverbs 8:35 

Until next time, appreciate favor when you receive it. 

Intro "Difference Maker" Display Sign

 

*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 unless noted. Do not copy.  

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

Exerpt from original article "Rolled Sleeves, Dusty Knees". 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.  Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels

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Twelve Days of Christmas Jesus Gave to Me

There isn't a Christmas that goes by when I don't hear the old time 1780 Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Chrismas".  It only takes a few notes in before I catch myself singing along without hestiation.

Apparently, somewhere in my childhood I learned the lyrics and they simply pop out of my mouth having been ingrained in my brain.  It got me thinking about what other things I've let take hold of my heart concerning the joys of Christmas, that don't really have anything to do with the actual meaning of the holiday for believers in Christ.

I believe the 30 Days of Thanks that we just finished this past November has given us a good awareness of how everyday represents the fullness of Christmas.  To give more insight I'm redirecting something a friend shared with me to what the true Twelve Days of Christmas means.  Carroll Roberson has put it best in his version of the this classic holiday tune.  Take a look.

The Twelve Days of Christmas by - Carroll Roberson

On the first day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: salvation full and free.

On the second day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the third day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: eternity to praise, a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace, in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

How can we limit all these precious gifts of Christ to a single day or even a lifetime?  We can't.  Another thanks is yet to be given for the favored gift that never stops giving.  The gift of Christmas, Jesus gave to me ... and all who will believe in Him.

12 Days of Christmas by Carroll Roberson

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

Until next time, favored Christmas blessings!

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.  

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. 

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Photo: 12 days of Christmas original song photo version DFB Wikipedia 2023 

Credits: Words by Carroll Roberson and Danny Jones.  Arrangemrnt by Carroll Roberson.  Published by Chestnut PMount Music/BMI