Remembering Grace

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Daily Favor for Palm Sunday!

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Born to Receive Grace

Did you know that the word “grace” is mentioned in the Bible almost 150 times in several aspects or contexts of the phrase or act?  That’s a fact, and so is this … Every person ever born will have received the grace of God in their lives whether they realize it or not. 

During my Bible reading I thought about all the people who received the grace of God during the life work of Jesus while here on earth.  This doesn’t even count those who walked in the favor of God recorded in the Old Testament.

The time period I want to talk about is around the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry when He fulfilled His calling by the Heavenly Father.  If you compared it to our times, to look at what was happening you would think Jesus had won a world title with all the praise He was receiving from “fans”.

“Christ became human flesh and lived among us. We saw His shining greatness. This greatness is given only to a much-loved Son, from His Father. He was full of loving favor and truth.” (John 1:14 NLT)

The Passover Story

It seems almost poignant that the world would be experiencing such harsh times as plagues, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes and devastation that the Easter holiday is upon us.

Picture Jesus slowly entering Jerusalem riding a borrowed donkey.  The streets overflowed with people anticipating the week long Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) feasts, parties and gathering whatever they needed for the events at hand. 

It’s a time where the Jews celebrated spring, birth and the forty-year long Israelite journey from slavery out of Egypt to freedom as told (mostly) in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Then there were the Jesus followers of that period – they were filled with joy due to the grace that was shown them in healing, restoring finances, relationships and so much more that isn’t even recorded! 

“For out of His fullness (the superabundance of His grace and truth)

we have all received grace upon grace (spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift).” 

(John 1:16 AMP)

The Forgotten Passover Story

Sadly, most of those people forgot about the grace of God as noted in the Bible.  I can give you an example right up to the time of Christ’s death. 

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, followers of the Lord laid palm branches on the ground crying out, 

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! 

The King of Israel!” 

Literally they were shouting (when saying hosanna that is) save us now, I pray O LORD and send prosperity. (Psalm 118:25)

Tracing back from the time spanning between the triumphal entry to the crucifixion of Jesus it was only a few days, but boy did mankind have a change of heart!   

It didn’t take long for them to trade in their loyalty coats of what Jesus did for them.  Whew … one wonders if they really understood the grace they received, forgetting what the Messiah did for them and witnessing all those miracles day after day too.

Although it’s easy to judge, let’s step into the present Jesus followers. Have we truly grasped the concept of God’s unmerited favor and grace?

Okay, what if I was to ask you this - How long does it take for you to forget when someone has shown you grace or mercy?  One week … one day … one hour?  Scary I know, it doesn’t seem like the first “Jesus followers” were that different than us.

When we fail to demonstrate the grace of God that has been given us, we have forgotten the New Testament Passover story also.  It’s as if Christ’s dying on the cross to redeem us from sin was of no effect and really wasn’t that big of a deal.

Thankfully by faith, when we repent of our sins, God’s gift of grace is available and still in effect.  Whether we receive it or not won’t change what Christ did and why He did it. 

“For by grace you (we) have been saved through faith,

and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God,

not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)

This Week’s Challenge:

Practice Grace

For those who believe in Jesus Christ as the risen Son of God, the next seven days starting with Palm Sunday, are referred to as Holy Week.  

As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday celebrations no matter where they will be, I’d like for us to remember the grace of God that is ours because of the work of Jesus on the cross. 

Our challenge this week is to be a vessel of grace in which God can use.  First, we have to identify if there is any recognizable sign of it before we can actually act on practicing grace (unmerited favor) on anyone.

Next, do a spiritual heart check-up on yourself.  Is there evidence that you’ve been changed by saving grace (the favor of God through salvation)?

Grace can change a heart if we live like God’s love is for real.  Believe you are forgiven by grace, then live like that (like you are forgiven!) and it will be easier to show grace (give favor) to others.

In these difficult times we especially want to live like, and show, Jesus to the “least of these” the way scriptures teach in Matthew 25:31-45.   Ask the Holy Spirit for help in living out God’s grace so that everything points to the redemptive cross of Jesus.

With feeling a bit crowed from having everyone home due to the pandemic, we reach our boiling points in frustration levels much quicker.  So, let’s put these few guidelines into action starting now.

When your children (or spouse for that matter) get into mischief, don’t blow it out of proportion, but show them grace (cut them some slack).  That may even mean you have to leave the room for a few minutes to get a deep breath and rethink the situation.

If your neighbor, co-worker, boss, friend or spouse seems unruly or unfair, remember grace … they’re going through this too, but may not be handling it the same!

While standing in line at the bank, check-out or deli (social distancing acceptable at six feet or more), administer grace while being patient.  No one wants to wait, especially if someone next to them may be harboring a disease. 

You are the “experienced” example … remember, the Christ follower others want to see!  Be that person Jesus trusted His favor to in forgiving you.

The world has never experienced anything of this epic nature. We truly are in this together, and I’m not referring to the “high school” kind of thing!  This is real, this has touched all of us on some scale and it isn’t over – yet!

No one needs to be pinned to the cross ever again for a sin they’ve committed. Jesus already took care of it, so we can (must) live by and through the eyes of His grace, giving favor to all even if it’s undeserving.

The world is hurting and is desperately seeking help, begging for someone to come save them from all that is happening.  People are looking to believers for answers and help that isn’t like what they can get on their own. 

They want rest for a weary soul, and we can show them how to receive it through Jesus by the way we act during any crisis.  As in the days of Noah, the door for coming to Christ is open, but for how long before God closes it?

We can show the world that grace through love can be theirs too.  Let this Holy Week be the start of your remembering the grace (unmerited favor) of God for whatever sins you’ve committed in the past. 

Remembering that we have been given the gift of grace through salvation by believing in Jesus Christ, living examples of God’s grace is what we want others see and receive from us.

In celebration of the love of Jesus who died for us on the cross, and as followers of the Messiah, may our prayerful words reflect those who first came to believe – “Hosanna, Jesus I pray, save us now and send prosperity!”

Save Us - Jesus Triumphal Entry

Until next time, remember God’s saving grace favor.

“My grace, saving favor I give to you.”

Jesus Christ

What’s New This Week: Click on link.

Live by Grace, Walk in Love Devotional

By Bob Goff

Available in Hardcover, eBook and audio.

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Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.

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: Palm Sunday  Passover News  Triumphal Entry Easter Challenge

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Grace, Forgiveness, Palm Sunday, Jesus Crucified, Resurrection, Patience, Unmerited Favor, Remembering Grace, Passover, Easter, Truimphal Entry, Salvation, Holy Week, Weekly Challenge, Pandemic, Patience, Bible Study, Forgiveness, 

Waiting for Favor Season: Part 2

It had been a while since my husband and I were able to spend time relaxing in a restaurant.  Without fail we would rush through dinner or even have to skip it in order to be at some after work activity.

Whether it was out on the ball field as coaches to a few dozen Little Leaguers, choir practice, teaching Sunday School, Advanced First Aid classes, graduate school or social events, life was pretty hectic with calendar overload.  Having the opportunity to sit down at a table without papers to grade was a “real” blessing (as the saying goes) and God made a way for that to happen.

Let’s continue with the story on how hubby and I went from waiting on God for a favored season to waiting in line for a table …

Haven't read part one?  Click here.

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Food Glorious Food

You didn't have to drive far to find a good place to eat.  One of the first places we tried was Luigi's Italian Restaurant.  How could it be anything but Italian with a name like Luigi's?  It had a romantic atmosphere and our table (by a side window) had the view of a small waterfall that flowed off a creek on the mountain and down into Lake George.  Beautiful!

The Log Jam Restaurant was (and is) probably the hottest place in town.  It's always busy, crowded with lines reaching out into the parking lot.  

However, once inside, you are greeted with logs and timber and the feeling of being inside of a giant cabin with antler chandeliers. 

The food was jammin' (get it?).  It made you glad that you braved the lines and waited for a table.

Our hands down favorite restaurant was The Coachman, located between Lake George and Glens Falls, New York.  They extended such favor to us going out of their way to make sure we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience.  Plus, their buffet was excellent with desserts to match, making it a “have to eat there” place every time we visited the area.

Fun ‘till Daddy Takes the Skee-ball away!

Being able to take a deep breath and not have it followed with needing to be anywhere in particular is calming in itself.  It makes my heart happy and it’s pleasing to the Lord.

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, 

but heartache crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13)

Adding a few of my FAVOR-ite game activities sends me merrily on my way and sure makes hubby’s life happier without taking meds!  We all know the phrase: “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”  Research has proved this is pretty much on target, but since God said it first, I’ll take His Word as truth for everyone.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, 

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Canada Street (the main street in Lake George Village) is one of my favorite places to stroll for popping in to some fun spots and arcades.  Since hubby got to do a few of his fav’s it was my turn to let loose.  My idea of exciting includes playing indoor miniature golf. 

(It’s not in NY, but on my Facebook page you can see the video of us playing Glow Miniature Golfing.)

Although that was pleasurable, whack a mole was on the agenda before settling into a game series of Skee-Ball in the arcade. If permitted, I could play it for hours and hours or until hubby took the tokens and said it was time to leave!  Who knows where my love for the game came from, perhaps it was because the inventor Joseph Simpson was from Vineland, New Jersey! 

The Sweet Life

I know that this is probably a stretch, but it definitely was a heavenly idea.  The Bible tells us in James 1:17, that every good and perfect gift comes from God.  

He certainly was in our plans during all our recreational activities and the next stop was one place where thanksgiving always came out of our mouths!

After a vigorous golf game (not really, but I am VERY competitive) or time at the arcade, we made sure to finish out the day at Wagar's Soda Fountain and Confectionery Shop stepping back in 

time as we entered the nostalgic styled ice cream parlor. The day only got better relaxing in that “old-time” atmosphere eating freshly made hand-dipped ice cream.

It was easy to forget about the rest of the world and get caught up in the moment, while inside listening to the Nickelodeon player piano tunes of the twenties or thirties.   

You can hear what the piano sounds like and see the style of the one in the shop here: Player Piano Demonstration

A large scaled train circled the perimeter of the store from the suspended tracks on the ceiling.  You could see it make its way around the room as you dipped into your sundae.

The entertainment didn't stop there.  Before leaving we’d browse through their selections of candy.  A must try was their signature Adirondack "bear claws" with your choice of almonds, cashews or pecans (my favorite for this candy) smothered in their famous caramel, then hand dipped in the finest milk, dark or white chocolate.  You just had to try them all ... it was a no brainer!

Standing in front of the glass cabinet full of goodies we watched the owners making their homemade fudge, offering each onlooker a piece of the creamy delights.

I was so sad when they closed in 2011 with the passing of the owners.  Visiting them was always the sweetest part of our day.

Making it Educational – A Bit of History

What is a trip for an educator if we cannot find something of interest for our classrooms, especially when it comes to the subject of history!  Each time we visited this part of New York we always found new sites to visit and learned something different about our country.

Fort William Henry was built in 1755 and sits at the southern end of Lake George.  Those interested in International war history surely would find it a point of interest. 

There are quaint shops at the bottom of the hill in front of the fort, one where I indulge in my only soft caramel candy apple of the year and a container of hot Mr. B’s tater tots.  As people come in and out of the stores its’ hilarious to watch the ducks quacking with disapproval when folks walk their dogs along the waterfront.

The Minnie-Ha-Ha Paddle Steamboat

Full Steam Ahead

At the head of the lake you can gather a boatload of information and knowledge concerning the three steamboats that cruise along Lake George - the Mohican, Lac du Saint Sacrement and our favorite, the Minne-Ha-Ha.  (You can see all three in this short clip from the company.)

Lake George Steamboat Company Ships

All three steamboats traveled back and forth in front of our chalet on the lake at Sun Castle.  We loved to watch them pass by and wave to the people as we sat out on our villa deck in the crisp October air. 

View as the Minnie passed by our deck.

This is a sample of what we saw and heard from our villa.

Minnie-Ha-Ha Playing Along

There was something really special about the Minne-HaHa.  She had a steam powered calliope (a paddle wheeler) that played old time songs at various times throughout the day. 

Calliope on the Minnie-Ha-Ha

As more and more outsiders purchased property along the lake, they failed to appreciate the music or “carnival-like” atmosphere it evoked and petitioned to have it shut down from operation. Unfortunately for visitors of this historical vessel, the Minnie-Ha-Ha became silent!

To see what the fuss is all about concerning the famous Lake District, here is a new video of a family who just finished their summer Lake George trip ending it with a ride on the famous Minnie-Ha-Ha.  No music, just a few whistle blows.  You can see people waving on the shorelines, while watching the glorious majestic view of the lake and mountains.

Minnie-Ha-Ha Cruise Summer 2019

Minne's calliope was dismantled and all she does now is puff a little steam like any other ship of her kind.  Disheartening ending, but our memories of her play loud and free. 

There’s Always More to It

Being able to get away for a few days every so often isn’t what this article was about, nor was it to promote some fun sites (even though they were cool).  With everything I write, there is an underlying purpose and I’ll get into that more next time.

I’d like to leave you with this thought when it comes to waiting on God for your favorite season, or whatever it is you’re hoping for in prayer.  No matter what I was doing whether making my bed, cooking dinner, doing homework, slipping away a few days for a mini-vacation – whatever it was, my mother would quote this passage of scripture to me:

"And whatever you do or say (no matter what it is), do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17 NLT)

Whether we are at work, home, relaxing or out having fun even on a mini-vacation ... "whatever we do (or say) should always be pleasing to God.  He has provided means of clean amusements as gifts.  They should not be taken lightly, but are to nourish our relationships and reflect the joy of the Lord that lives in those who have received the favor gift of salvation.

" ... I will rejoice in the Lord.  I will joy in the God of my salvation."

(Habakkuk 3:18 NKJV)

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of our weekend excursions from over the years. Come back next time for part 3 and final part of Waiting for Favor Season and learn what happened as a result of our Columbus Day weekend lake trips.

… but before you leave, I’ve listed some information below about the places mentioned in this article.

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

Until next time, your favor season is coming!

"Seasons of favor take patience." - Jesus Christ

Helpful Points of Interest & Information:

Places to stay, where to eat, shop, activities and enjoy the view.

Where to Lodging & View

Adirondack Region https://visitadirondacks.com/

Sun Castle Chalets: 3178 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845 (518) 668-2085

Sagamore Resort 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814 (518) 644-9400

Where to Shop & Outlets

Lake George Village Mall 204 Canada St. #1442, Lake George, NY 12845 phone (518) 685-5331

Shopping at Bolton Landing, NY 12814 518-644-3831

Glens Falls Mall Shopping Outlets https://www.glensfalls.com/shopping/malls-outlets-plazas/

Aviation Mall 578 Aviation Rd., Queesbury, NY 12804 phone (518) 793-8818

Where to Eat – Food, Food, Food

Log Jam Restaurant (always packed) 1484 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845 phone (518) 798-1155

Coachman Restaurant (our favorite outside of town) 99 State Street, Glen Falls, NY 12801 phone (518) 793-4455

More romantic and the view was fabulous.

Luigis (personal waterfall outside the window while you dine.)

Now closed, but it was fun –

Wagar’s Soda Fountain & Confectionery Shop on Canada St.

Lake George, New York with the Nickelodeon Player Piano

Activities & Entertainment

Minne-Ha-Ha & Steamboats, Lake George,

Adirondack Mountains, horseback riding,

Historical, Educational and Family Fun

Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions,

Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop.

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

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on link.   

The Trails of the Adirondacks: Hiking America’s Original Wilderness

by Carl Heilman (Hardback/ full color)     

Favored1 on Facebook, 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.

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: Calendar Overload  The Log Jam Restaurant  The Log Jam Restaurant Inside Wagar's Store  Wagar's Soda Fountain  Wagar's Candy Demo  Minnie-Ha-Ha on the Lake  Minnie-Ha-Ha Calliope on the Minnie-Ha-Ha

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Waiting on Favor Season Part 1, Holidays, Columbus Day Weekend, Columbus Day, Seasons of Favor, Waiting on God, Steamboats, Lake George, Adirondack Mountains, Horseback Riding, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions, Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop, Vacation

Dying to Live

Wherever the Wind Blows (Part 3)

Several months have passed since I began sowing my seeds for this year’s crop.  I was intent on getting them ready even earlier to make sure I had enough flowers for the flower competition at the county fair.

Batch number one was planted the first week of March and the second on the eleventh.  Some seeds were mail ordered, while others were my own.

About now they are doing their best indoors, but truly long to be planted outside in good soil so their roots can spread freely.  Just when I think the weather is about right, the winds come and temperatures drop back in the 40’s causing me to wait once more on God’s perfect timing.

Need to catch-up on this series?  

Wherever the Wind Blows (Part 1)

Wherever the Wind Blows (Part 2): Big Wind Day

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog. 

Be sure to read News from Fay, updates and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

Submitting to the Soil

For the past few months I’ve been watching how magnificent life is through seeds.  They are truly amazing don’t you think? 

Carefully I prepared the soil to receive these dried, lifeless, paper-like particles we refer to as seeds.  Some are as tiny as granules of salt, yet they were designed by God to produce something.

It reminded me of the mustard seed parable in the Bible.  When planted, this particular seed begins its life journey at only about 2 millimeters or 0.079 inches long.  You wouldn’t know it by looking at the seeds that the plant can grow up to nine feet tall.

I was intrigued how one of our very own states, North Dakota, produces the largest crop of mustard seeds in the USA and I never knew it!  One of these days I’ve got to visit there so I can cross it off my “places to visit” bucket list.

In order for it to become this remarkable tree, the seed has to be changed from its former self – a seed.  The seed has to die to being a seed so that it can become what God intended.  It doesn’t have a choice of what it wants to become, where or how it will be used.  It just has to submit when sowed in the soil in which its planted, and no longer be its former self.

Once plunged (submitted) into the ground and covered the transformation miraculously begins. The tiny, paper thin, lifeless, dry seed that was held in our hand no longer exists.  At the proper time it appears out of the ground totally different.   Literally it was changed from something dead into new life; it had to die so it could live!

Here’s my point. If God can cause a seed to die to itself so that it transforms into something else through submission, how marvelous is His favor toward mankind when it came to the redemptive work of Jesus in saving the lost?  God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die to self, submitting His earthly body to the ground to be used for His purpose, which was to bring souls back to Him.

By salvation through the death, burial and resurrection (rising from being dead) of Jesus Christ, we are sown into God’s Heavenly garden as “Kingdom seeds” and He expects us to bring a harvest.  However, the only way that can happen is if we die to self so we can become what God planted inside.  You see, the seed isn’t the final product; it’s the tool or source needed in order to produce a desired end.

The seed is only a vessel of something greater.  It has to die (submit) so what’s inside can be born or live.  When we die to self it allows God to transform us into something more, granting the inner beauty to be birthed or raised.  If we never die to self, we’ll never know what God had planned to emerge out of us.

The Most Difficult Prayer

Renowned author C.S.Lewis wrote a series of “life lessons” for those of the Christian faith, describing the temptation and failings seen through the viewpoint of the devil (satan).  It’s a dialog that we don’t want to admit happens when it comes to denying self.

In his Christian apologetic novel called “The Screwtape Letters” he writes:

“Humans rarely pray for the thing God wants them to pray for, they simply want enough grace (favor from Him) to see them through some moment or time of trouble.  They conjure up a vision of the future they want and appeal for that outcome.

They persist in wrapping their anxious hands around life’s steering wheel as if ‘it’s going to work this time if only they clutch it more tightly.’ The most difficult prayer for us to voice is, not my will, but Thine be done.”

Sometimes it’s not easy to “go wherever the wind blows” as in walking with the Holy Spirit in a direction that frankly, we don’t want to take.  Our carnal nature wants things to go smoothly without any uncomfortable circumstances. 

There’s no getting around it friends.  Basically, we want our will to be done – that’s why we prayed. If God’s gets accomplished along the way that’s great, but Lord, don’t forget what I asked for first.

We want life to be a breeze, with puffy clouds blowing gently among the blue, blue skies of our uninterrupted world.  Human nature wants to compromise, but the thing is, once a seed dies it can no longer be what it once was even if it wants to revert back to its former self. 

The fact remains, a seed will totally die if not sown because it becomes useless.  Humans are God’s seeds and if we aren’t sown into His good soil our souls will die, destined for nothingness and never become beautiful like He intended.

Instead of fighting against the “Wind – the Holy Spirit”, we need to prayerfully submit and embrace the journey in which God will have us take.  Dying to self is a process that requires Daily Favor to endure, without it we’ll keep “blowing” around and never take root.  When we finally grasp that concept it’s easier to move with the Holy Spirit and minister to the needs of others, because we are no longer obsessed with our own interests.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself (herself).  Let each of you look out not only for his/her own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV)

How Do I Die to Self?

I wish there was a perfect answer to this … dying to self, but the truth is it’s not easy.  One of the hardest scriptures that I have a difficult time with is 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells us that no matter what we’re going through His grace (unmerited favor) is enough for the situation.

“And He said to me, My grace (favor, loving-kindness and mercy)

is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Okay I get it - God shows Himself strong in my weakness … how does that help me?  Ah, read the last part of the verse.

“Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,

that the power (the Holy Spirit favor) of Christ may rest on me.”

Not until my weaknesses are exposed will the Spirit of God, the favor power that blows on my life, change the “infirmities” or situations. Yes, but wouldn’t that require me to submit to the will of God, becoming a living demonstration of Christ’s favor in order for something good to come out of a bad thing?  Of course, it does, but thankfully we don’t have to do it alone.

The Dirt Truth

There is no getting away from it, the only One who can make us grow into something amazing is God.  Using the Easy to Read version of the Bible, Paul the Apostle said in a way even a child can understand. 

“Is Apollos so important? Is Paul so important?  We are only servants

of God who have helped you believe.  Each one of us did the work

God gave us to do.  I planted the seed and Apollos watered it. 

But God is the One who made the seed grow.

So, the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters

is not important.  Only God is important, because He is the One

who makes things grow,” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7 ERV)

After preparing the soil, the first thing I did in planning for my summer harvest was to plant and water the seeds I was given.  I did my part then God took those seeds that died to being seeds and caused them to sprout into something different.  The beautiful flowers were always there, but not in a form we could recognize them as such.

Now let’s transfer this into how it relates to Christian living.  Each time I write an article, post something on the internet or speak I plant seeds into others with my words.  God initially gave me the “seeds” (words to share about His truth).  My part is done, except for prayer, because I cannot force anyone to do anything with the seeds I give/gave.

When Paul said “Apollos watered, he meant that the words he spoke or wrote were now being shared by someone else to keep the message alive.  Without the continual watering (sharing) of the gospel the words of Christ will die in the heart who received it. 

After the seed is sown (my part) and watered (your part) then the Holy Spirit goes into action causing it (His Word into the heart of another) to grow into something beautiful.  When God chooses to use us as seeds for His glory, our part is to plant and water what He has given individually. 

On the other hand, if you are not a believer in Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God and Risen Savior, none of this will work for you, because you haven’t received a new spiritual heart to do the will of God in your life.  Today you have been given favor by God in reading this so your can become a child of His.  It’s your choice, do you want what the Lord has prepared for you?

When a person accepts Christ through salvation, the Lord breathes Holy Spirit power (blows wind of eternal life into their soul) on them, and their entire concept or view of life literally changes.  It’s an experience that causes you to seek the Will of God out of gratitude and love. 

Requirement for Growing

From the very beginning in God’s Garden all living things were created to grow with a specific purpose.  Nothing was to remain in the initial “seed” stage.

Do you know the most interesting thing of all this?  There is still one aspect needed for it all to come together.  You know what that is?  Think about it.  Wind … yep!  No kidding!

The fourth part of making “this” (seeds dying to self, sowing, watering, growing … all of life) work, is that none of it can happen without the favor of God through the touch of His Holy Spirit.

I’ve been trying to move my seedlings forward into the purpose of what I intended, but the wind has prevented that.  There are both good and bad wind breezes that affect life – human, animal and nature. 

Touch test stimulated by fan wind.

Good wind is not just beneficial, but greatly needed for all plant life to grow.  When plants are seedlings the slightest breeze moves them gently back and forth strengthening their stems.  The "touch" result is that they become a hearty sturdier plant that can withstand all types of weather if correctly cultivated.  

It's the same for us. We need the touch of God's favor through His Spirit in order to fulfill the call on our lives.  His mighty surrounding Wind makes us stronger so that through Him we can do all things as scripture declares.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (empowers, infuses inner strength, gives me strength and confident peace to fulfill His purpose)." (Philippians 4:13  AMP emphasis mine)

The opposite is true with gale force, derecho winds, which come to kill steal and destroy. Sound familiar?  It should, because those winds aren’t of God. (See John 10:10)

We all learned this from childhood. All things living need air – oxygen to survive.  Plants use the carbon dioxide from the air to make sugars and starches which feeds them.  The roots have the job of gathering water and nutrients for the plants, but without air they wouldn’t be able to fulfill God’s purpose for them. The same goes for people, we all need “something” to grow and it isn’t always food!  

This Week's Challenge: 

Letting the Self-Seed Die

Admittedly, I don't like going through the process of anything.  Process for me means waiting on something or someone else, and that slows down my plans. I'm so thankful that Jesus didn't feel the same way when He died to self on the cross that we might live eternally.  

What I've learned through a lifetime of "seed processes" is that they're going to come whether I like them or not, so I might as well enjoy the journey.  This mindset of dying to self doesn't come easy, and can blow emotions all over the place or out of proportion if permitted.  

Daily I'm reminded of how much I need God and His Holy Spirit favor in all my plans or they just won't turn out the best they could be.  Maybe you have discovered the same thing.  If not, here are three things that help when going through the "self-seed dying" process.

1 – Remind yourself that you are not sacrificing anything, but seeking God’s Will when you submit to the Lord.  The attitude of your heart in obeying His Will over your own will determine if you are sifted and tossed about in the wind, which will cancel out favor on the situation.  (Read James 1 for guidance.)

2 – Be motivated by love for Christ.  Dying to self doesn’t mean that you obey God because you’re afraid of Him, that’s actually the opposite of loving Him.  Any results you may gain will be short-lived.

Submitting to the Will of God must be based on our genuine love for our Savior in redeeming us from our sins when He was crucified. (Read Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-14 and Titus 3:1 for how to submit to God’s authority in love.)

3 – Chose mercy (favor).  In other words, give mercy (unmerited favor) to receive mercy and experience God’s blessings (Matthew 5:7).  When we’re backed into “corners of life” the last thing we want to do is show or give someone mercy, especially if they don’t deserve it.  However, not giving mercy will get you into worse situations with no way out from the Holy Spirit. (Read Romans 12:8 about showing acts of mercy.)  

Dying to self is a testimony that you alone can live before a world that denies God exists.  Learning to submit your will is challenging, but remember what Jesus said?  His sufficient grace, favor and loving-kindness are right there with you.  He will supply the "Holy Spirit Wind" favor power for things to happen when the "self-serving seed" has died.

Heavenly Father,

You understand our hearts, know our needs and the root of our prayers better than we do.  Our spiritual needs are more important than anything here on earth that is temporary.

With love help us to joyfully submit to Your Will that gives life meaning, purpose and fulfillment beyond anything we could ever ask or think.  We are "Dying to Live" in Your Holy Spirit favor.  Let Your powerful Wind move among the Body of Christ now that we might accomplish the vision that is seeded within us.

In Jesus; Name, Amen.

“Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous – with 

life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of 

their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain 

(favor) mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 AMPC) 

Not My Will by Trinity Worship

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Until next time, God’s favor is sufficient!

“My grace, loving favor is all you need?”

-        Jesus Christ

News from Fay

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

A Godward Life by John Piper

and for those who are interested ... 

The Screwtape Letters - Audiobook on CD by C.S. Lewis

Narrated By: Joss Ackland

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