Danger on Route 666

It was in 1888 when a certain man was looking through the morning newspaper and became extremely upset by what he read.

"... became rich by finding ways to kill people faster than ever before ..."

He noticed his name was listed in the obituary column.  All the information was correct except for one thing. The person who died was his brother.

After reading that article he started taking stock in what he had accomplished in his life and what people really thought of him.

It was surreal. He wasn’t ready to die, yet in reality he felt he hadn’t even lived and definitely didn't want to be remembered like this.  His solitary lifestyle led him into depression even though he was famously successful.

The unsatisfied gentleman realized that his “dynamite” life hadn’t amounted to much.  He got off the road he had taken then took a new approach and direction. 

With a different outlook of life, in 1895 he changed his will and set up a fund that would give awards annually to individuals who had achieved great things in the sciences, medicine, literature and establishing world peace. 

Alfred Nobel was his name, the inventor of dynamite.  Now he had joy and found a purpose for living ... so he thought.

Contrary to what we have been told, as believers we aren’t to be looking for earthly things that give us a meaning for living.  It's not about leaving our footprint, but Jesus'. Our reason or purpose for living is all tied to God - to bring Him glory.

When we travel down the world's road, we actually miss out on the best things that God provided for us through His promises to those who believe on Him.

Welcome new friends this week from: Around the World!

I am so thankful for those of you who have chosen to walk this Daily Inward Journey with me. It has kept me before the Throne of God in prayer and seeking Him.

Invite at least one person this week to join us. Continue praying for your brothers and sisters of faith following Daily Favor from around the globe.

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

How Hungry Are You?

With all the famines that took place in the Old Testament of the Bible, it may be hard to believe there are people in this age who suffer from starvation and hunger like they did.

However, I’m pretty sure there are a lot of people who can relate to the biblical account of Esau where he traded his birthright to his brother Jacob for a savory bowl of lentil stew. 

How hungry was Esau that he was willing to trade away his entire life for one bowl of Lamb Stew for the Soul? (See Genesis 25-28)

We can’t point a finger can we?  There are times we give into fleshly desires for instant gratification, and don’t realize that we have lost something much more valuable.  The moment we submit to our earthly yearnings, we lose Heavenly rewards that can be cashed in here and in Heaven.

Esau gave up on his journey and Jacob took a big detour the day they both exchanged their birthright.  Have you exchanged God’s favor for something short term along your journey?  If so, it’s not too late to get back on track.

 

 

 

Living on Highway 666

So let me ask you … “What route are you taking on your journey in life?”

You don’t have to settle for the porridge from this world when you can have manna from on High.

In discovering ourselves on this journey there are highways or roads that we have taken; some on purpose, some by accident, some out of desperation.  They all have stolen something from us.

There is an ongoing joke that girls often attend college to get their MRS degree, that is, to find husband. 

It’s funny, but my sister was one that did get that degree.  You could say it was her “masters” degree, because she did aim higher and achieved her goal.

That doesn’t happen for many of us though.  All too often we set out with high hopes, but when disappointment comes, we give up on those godly aspirations and settle for less. Here’s where people take a detour and travel down the Route 666 Highway.

What’s the Route 666 road? Well I can’t speak for others, but somewhat agree with the observations of Pastor James Ford. 

"Some women, they set out on their journey for an anti-christ man … they want a man that has a chest like a 6 pack, is 6 foot tall and has a 6 figure income."

Instead of waiting for God to send the Right(eous) man they are settling for Mr. Right Now, and are stuck on that road because they took their own path.  Don't think this pertains just to women ... men do it also.

 

Our HIM Book

I’d like to make something perfectly clear here.  If you are taking this Inward Journey and just reading your Bible, you won’t reach the end of the road.

The Bible is the way that we draw nearer to God, but we have to reach higher for that relationship with the Lord if our journey is to have meaning and closure.

In John 5:39 tells us that we are to search the scriptures for in them we will find HIM.  The Bible is our songbook, our Him book to finding favor with God.  It shows us how to go beyond reading and step out into doing what we've read.

Jesus grew in wisdom and favor as He fellowshipped with God by doing the will of God. Jesus' joy was full and purpose established, because His relationship was right with the Father.

The Apostle Paul longed for that joy of fellowship with the Lord again, and said that his entire purpose in life was to “know Him.”

No Joy Suckers Here

One of the most important things we need in life is having our joy buckets filled on a daily basis. 

With so much depressing news it’s really hard to stay in a continual state of joy.

Some people are spreaders of joy whenever they enter a room.  We love being around those kinds of individuals. Then there are the others, the joy suckers; they spread joy when they leave a room.  Which one are you?  If you aren’t drawing people to you, guess what, you’re the second example here.

I don’t know if I shared this with you guys before, but if so, indulge me for those who haven’t heard it, OK.

By the front door of our house there is a sign I made that reads:

“No Joy Suckers Allowed Here!”

When someone enters my home with less than joy (a positive attitude) they have to step out and re-enter.

That sign has been hanging for so many years that we’ve learned to leave negativity outside.  There have been times when it has slithered its way in and my husband will automatically put on his hat, step out the door and come back inside with a big smile proclaiming, “Hi Honey, I’m home!”
 

Joy is a spirit that we are given when we receive salvation. Sadly, Christians are having their joy sucked out of them, because they are trying to find it through the things of this world.  They are pursuing Route 666 and not Route 66, which can be found in the 66 books of the Bible.

People of the world think they have it, but it is a Waldo Joy (remember last week ... a red herring, falsehood to lead you astray.)

Unless you are a born again believer in Jesus, it is impossible to possess the Spirit of Joy. It is a gift of favor bestowed on God’s children through the Holy Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23)

The Gospel of Joy

 

The book of Philippians is known as the Epistle of Joy, but when Paul wrote it, he was in prison.  What was there to be joyful about if you are bound in chains in a cold dark prison, below ground?

This is what Paul knew that we may not know. Situations, circumstances or events don’t give joy. They may cause someone to “feel” happy or excited, but that’s not joy.  We need to understand that joy is not an emotion, but an attribute we receive straight from God's spirit upon salvation.

Biblical joy has to do with the spirit man. When the spirit has joy, the flesh (body) and soul (mind of man) benefit from it, resulting in outpourings of happiness, elation, peace and serenity.

When will we realize that our setbacks are set-ups to stretching our relationships with the Heavenly Father?  Our stumbling blocks are merely stepping stones pushing us farther along the journey.

Philippians is such a short book with only four chapters, yet it mentions the word “rejoice” ten times, joy is used six times, rejoiced and rejoicing are written once.  It is so vital that Paul got the message of joy out that he wrote it 18 times!

Chapter 1: he rejoices in the service of Christ.

Chapter 2: he rejoices in the selflessness pattern to Christ.

Chapter 3: he rejoices in the suffering for Christ.

Chapter 4: he rejoices in the sufficiency of Christ’s power.

Re-Condition Your Condition

Just how far back would you have to go to check the condition your "condition of joy" was in on this journey?

You are no longer at the crossroad, but like Paul, are taking a new approach (A.N.A.) to the way you look at any situation. 

Things aren’t falling apart my friend, believe they are falling into place. 

Stop living in your situation and begin looking at the revelation God is showing you on this Inward journey.

While in prison, Brother Paul determined in his heart that his condition would not be the ultimate outcome to this current problem.  He talked about his past and the present.

Finally, Paul took the path on his earthly journey that would lead him to purposely pursue the promises of God in his life. (Now that’s a purpose driven life wouldn’t you say?) Read Philippians 3

Without hesitation I want to encourage you that whatever you are experiencing will be for your good, not that it “is” good.  The end result has to fit the plan of God for your life.  We already know He said it would turn out good for those who LOVE Him, but it won't always “feel” good at the moment.

At this point along our journey let's take a look at the condition our "condition of joy" is resting in at this time.

With A Joyful Heart

There isn’t anything more inward than the center of the heart of man, and that’s where we need to focus this week. 

If we are to gain ground in our relationship with Jesus we must operate in the joyful heart spirit as God’s does.

We possess it; now let's apply what we have already been given by the Holy Spirit.

This Week’s Challenge: 

Discover the joyful heart that is hidden inside you.  Don’t let circumstances or situations stop your joyful heartbeat.

That doesn’t mean you are to pretend that there aren’t problems, but to act on the knowledge that this state of affairs is temporary.

Since you are already talking, singing and now laughing with the Lord, you know how to ask Him questions. Get to the heart of the matter by embracing God’s joy.

First: The main thing you are to focus on this week is the joy in everything. It’s there, you'll find it. 

Finding the inner joy in you will help you reach peace about some things you have been dealing with for ages.

Second: Make yourself a joy sign and display it where it is highly visible.  You may need to make several. 

Be creative here and make one that fits your inner “character.” Without getting nasty, and with a joyful heart, follow it to the letter! 

 “No Joy Suckers Allowed Here!”

I’m telling you from experience, that this really does work and your stress levels drop dramatically.

Third: When you find that your joy is about to be “sucked out” by someone or something, don’t take the detour the devil has set for you.

Take the expressway to Philippians on route 66 – the Bible.

Stay hungry for the Lord’s favor and don’t settle for something now (a measly bowl of route 666 red herring Waldo stew).  God promises that something better is just a few miles up ahead on the Kings Highway.

If you don’t know how that situation ended, let me tell you … Jacob not only got Esau’s portion, but the whole pot of blessings!

Be determined to have a change of heart, a joyful heart … for now and forever!

Let the devil know you won’t let him steal your joy by using people or circumstances to take you off the right road.  Even if you are not quite there yet, begin to speak these words over your journey:

“I have a joyful heart and God favors me!  This condition is a temporary prison whose bars cannot hold my spirit of joy!”

 Change This Heart - Sidewalk Prophets

Until next time, God will favor your joyful heart.

 

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When Iron Sharpens Iron

Our yard was looking pretty shabby and needed a complete clean-up.  Without supernatural help from the Lord there was no way I could achieve this on my own in one day.

We hadn’t been able to do much in it because of all the extenuating health activity the past eight months. I knew my work was cut out for me realizing that my husband wasn't able to lift or bend much.

Last Saturday I prayed for strength physically to handle all the tasks that I had before me.  However, it was the meeting earlier that week that gave me emotional strength to endure in the first place. 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Bagmati Zone, Nepal; Auckland & New Plymouth, New Zealand; Swan View, WA, Australia;  Sevastopol, Ukraine; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Kicevo, Macedonia; Tanzania; Norway; Lebanon; Denmark.

USA – Fairmont, WV; Salem, OR, Kelseyville, CA; Seymour, TN; Omaha, NE; Phoenix, AZ; Riverton & Barnegat, NJ; Crete, IL; Augusta, GA; Durand, WI; Security, CO; McBee, SC; Waterford, NY; Mountain View, MO; Portage, MI. 

Thank you for your continued support and sharing Believing Our Belief on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog) Living my life before God and man, by sharing experiences as I walk out my faith.

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.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).

Read updates on Hubby’s Heart and visit the Q & A or other sections.

 

Setting A Date

While hubby was in the hospital I had to run errands that he usually made, including paying the local bills. I remember distinctly that it was a Friday afternoon when I needed to drop off the car insurance payment before they closed. 

The place was empty except for the receptionist.  She seemed glad for the company and expressed that it had been a quiet day.   Since she knew us I filled her in on how my husband was progressing.   

Our conversation led to her sharing her own husband’s story with his heart surgery in 2012.  I was glad to hear the details, but intrigued as to how she handled the situation, especially because she had children.  Their journey was quiet difficult with him having his operation over 100 miles away from their home. 

The verbal engagement left me wanting to learn more, so I asked Merry if we could have lunch to discuss what things she did to help her stay in faith.  On Friday, June 12^th, 2015 we kept that purpose driven lunch date.

 

11:30 AM ...

Not a second was wasted in our outing. Even our order was exactly the same with both of us getting iced tea (mine unsweetened), and a baked potato with broccoli and cheese. 

Our discussion was seamless and flowed from topic to topic, with each of us interjecting our life story throughout the conversation. To my surprise the things that concerned me had also plagued her thoughts during her family crisis.  She shared concrete information on what to expect and in what areas I could be supportive in the coming days of my husband’s rehabilitation. 

Both of us discussed how we prayed while we were in the midst of the storm.  In some instances our requests before the Lord were mostly the same when it came to healing our loved one. 

Not wanting to sound grim, I asked her about the emotional part and if she thought about what might happen.  Without saying the “D” word, she admitted that her thoughts did take a side detour down that road.  Chiming in I confessed that I was feeling selfish, because my concerns weren’t about that as much, because I knew he was born again.  No, my thoughts were mostly about not wanting to be alone. 

It felt good to openly discuss what we had been experiencing emotionally, since neither of us had shared these feelings with anyone before that time. Sometimes I think Christians believe that talking over such things are a sign of weakness and lack of faith, but I feel it’s the opposite.  Being able to remind one another of how God was in all of it was a comfort and boosted our faith. 

11:45 AM ...

Around fifteen minutes into the meal we talked about the physical side of all this. I questioned how she handled all the work load of caring for a farm, family and completing her “honey-do” list while getting very little sleep. 

Merry assured me that her strength to persevere did come from the Lord, but that she cast some of the burden on to her children when it came to chores around the house and farm.  Jokingly I said, “I don’t have any munchkin slaves to help, so I asked God for what I needed concerning those matters.”  She began to smile when I proceeded to explain my statement. 

I went on to say how I used to kid my mother that the only reason she had so many kids was so she didn’t have to do anything.  Well, if you knew my mom you certainly knew that wasn’t true.  My lunch buddy totally understood the humor coming from an extremely large family on both sides of her parents.  Large families have to work together or the household would always be in chaos. 

Say What? 

After we finished laughing about the sizes of our families, she followed with this statement.  “You did something right.”  That phrase will cause anyone to perk up and listen.   

“What did you say?" I inquisitively asked not being sure I heard her correctly. 

She repeated, “You did something right.” 

 

When we first sat down to talk, I explained how I asked God to pour out His favor and send people to help me do what I couldn’t do for myself. One of the things I prayed was for someone to mow and weed-whack (trim around the bushes, trees, etc.) our yard.  That was one prayer God answered, but there were others. 

I cast the burdens on the Lord and He met each need as they came.  My friend said she never thought to pray that way.  Several years ago I may not have either. I confessed to her that teachers have no problem asking for help or designating duties, so I did what I knew to do.  Knowing what the Bible promises was another thing that helped me in decision making.

Not in My Strength 

For as long as I can remember I have trusted in the verse Philippians 4:13 and relied on God giving me strength in every situation. Sometimes it’s physical, but not always.  God may give me strength to do a task on my own, but being of a small stature he often sends someone to do those things for me. 

What I was in need of at that time was spiritual and emotional encouragement.  The Lord has given me wisdom, guidance and understanding to recognize what happens when iron sharpens iron. 

 

In other words, what I can expect to happen when faith sharpens faith, and that is what this luncheon was all about for me.  

King David gave this declaration of faith in the promises of God concerning favor on his life. 

“The LORD is my Light and my Salvation. Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1(b) 

God promises that when we truthfully believe what we claim we believe about His Word, we won’t be disappointed or put to shame. (See Romans 9:33)  I have to believe that if I commit my life to Him, He will deliver me “through the fire” and grant the favor (answer my prayer requests) in the areas I asked. 

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it (our requests) to pass.” (Psalm 37:5 NKJV) 

 

Take a look at how the Wycliffe Bible states this passage.

“Show thy way to the LORD; and hope in Him, and He shall do (it). Give all thy ways to the LORD, and trust in him;

and He shall make it happen." (Psalm 37:5 WYC)

 

Whether it is spiritual, physical or emotional strength needed, it won’t come from me but from God.  He chooses how He will answer my requests and who He wants to use to accomplish the plan He has for me. I have to trust that those He brings into my life are for a specific reason by embracing every encounter as God ordained.  It will take fellowshipping with Him for me not to mess it up or miss it! 

Find God, Find Favor 

My husband and I have both sought out ways to sharpen with iron this week to uplift others and kindle our faith. 

 

Our decision over who we were to fellowship with came from time spent with the Lord and seeking His wisdom.  In doing so each individual come away from the meeting encouraged and enriched. 

Proverbs 8:35 tells how those that seek the Lord will obtain favor.  Literally if we “find” God, we will “find” His favor.  When we take action in doing the Word of God it means we want to find the Lord, because we are inviting Him to be a part of our lives.  Since He is in on the task, His favor will always be available. 

 

What does “iron sharpens iron” really mean?   

In the physical realm it is when two iron objects are struck against one another making the object(s) sharper.  Obviously a sharp tool is more effective than a blunt one.  The same metaphor is used in scripture concerning people of like faith, whether it is a man or woman.  

People of like faith stimulate, excite, spark, inspire and fuel a fire of God inside one another. The devil tries to extinguish that flame by using anxiety, worry or fear.  This is why we need one another to keep our spirit man sharp even when the flesh is weak. 

Proverbs 27:17 states “iron sharpens iron: so a man (or woman) sharpens the countenance of his friend."

When I seek out the company of my friends of faith for support it gives me joy that shines through the expression on my face (countenance). 

“Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.”

(Proverbs 27:9 NKVJ) 

 

Irons of Faith 

Spending time with God’s people should always leave individuals feeling inspired, light hearted, encouraged and invigorated to press on to the prize of the high calling. Passages of scripture like “I can do all things through Christ” and “all things are possible,” are the foremost thoughts as conquerors through our Lord and Savior. 

When I am weak God’s Word says for me to say I am strong. Why? It’s the Word of God living in me that fills my life with joy, knowing that all things are possible to me when I believe. 

If a feeling of being renewed over a time of fellowship doesn’t happen when you are with your Christian friends, than you’re doing something wrong or you’re not with iron strong believers.  You decide which you want to spend time with if your journey to believe what you believe is to succeed.  It takes iron faith to sharpen iron faith. Nothing else will work or last.

Our faith should be so strong that other believer’s would seek our godly counsel to sharpen their iron! 

Watch this 1:34 minute video that briefly explains the purpose of staying focused irons of faith. 

 

 

Iron Sharpens Iron Illustration

 

What happens when iron sharpens iron in the life of a believer?

Anything!

 

 

This Week’s Challenge:

Become an Iron of Faith 

It’s usually enjoyable to go out to lunch with a friend or visit them at their dwelling. However, do we always leave that place of fellowship with the other person glad they spent time with us? 

Our challenge this week will have us seeking God’s wisdom as He directs us to the individual(s) that need to have their faith iron sharpened.  Perhaps you are in need of that as I was.  Make sure your visit is with someone that will be able to give you the “edge” you are looking for in any given situation. 

Here is a key factor in making sure you stick to this task correctly.  Set your appointment in the middle of other engagements, this way you will not lolly gag or get on to another topic.  Also if you can, try to set something up outside of a person’s home, that way you will not overstay your welcome. 

Also, make it known that the purpose of the meeting isn’t for chatting, but to sharpen irons of faith.  Each individual should leave with spiritual and practical solutions along with answers to their questions.  Remember you selected this person for a specific reason; keep that in mind throughout your appointment. 

My time limit was one hour.  We set it that way so we could both be back to work on time and it helped us to stay on the topic.  Now my husband’s was one and a half hours, but he still redirected the task when it started to go off the purpose of the meeting. 

 

Both time tables worked, but I wouldn’t suggest it going over one hour if you can help it. 

Go - Do Something! Be strong faith irons for Christ this week and no power will stand against you! 

 

All things are possible to those who BELIEVE!

 

 

All Things Are Possible - by Hillsong/Darlene Zschech

 

Until next time, God’s favor is always available!

 

“My favor is always where I Am.”

Jesus Christ

 

Note: 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 book or link.

 

It Takes Iron to Sharpen Iron

by Donald Devereaux

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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” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

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

Believe in God, Daily Favor Blog, Do Something, Encouragement, Favor, Favor of God, Favored1, Mentoring Believers, Philippians, Prayer, Purpose Driven, When Iron Sharpens Iron, Christian Living, Darlene Zschech, Hillsong