Show Me

“Show me your favor Lord in things I may not have realized,” was the prayer for the morning on Wednesday. 

It’s easy to recognize the obvious things where God has shown us favor, but when things don’t seem to be working out we often think God isn’t doing anything and we’re coasting on our own.  That's pretty arrogant if I may say so, don't you think?

Most of you probably already know that Missouri is called the “show me” state, and that’s exactly what I was asking the Lord to do ... “show me” what He has done in regards to favor in my life that went unchecked.

I realized we had received favor from God throughout the week, but felt I may have missed some of the “not so clear” things He was doing for me.  I wanted a deeper sense of His daily presence and activity in my life that I may have overlooked in the past, so that my gratitude for God’s grace and mercy poured out on me wouldn’t go unnoticed any longer.

 

 Let it Rain, Rain …

It’s been raining every day for over a week.  For some, rain is a downer, but I love it.  Years ago when I studied Genesis in preparation for courses I was to teach, I learned about God’s favor on a particular area through rain.  Not to have rain means your land isn’t being blessed by the Lord.  I am so thankful, thankful, thankful for the rain, understanding it is God’s way of giving approval to a place. 

This week started out with favor by God opening the floodgates of Heaven with rain on our crops.  We have to pay for water, so God’s favor blessed our backs, time and pockets. Our grass and garden are looking better each day and we didn’t have to do a thing for it.  God was doing one of those “cuz” things … cuz I can!

Let It Rain (Original)  Isaiah 45:8 let it rain!

On Tuesday we woke up blessed again with more rain.  Mercy was waiting for us as we got up just like King David wrote in Psalm 23:6a “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.”  Do you really know what that statement means?  Let me back up a second and give you some great news. 

The Bible tells us that God’s mercy is new every morning.  How great is that? Really great! (see Lamentations 3:22-24)

Do you know what mercy is in the Hebrew language?  Plainly said, mercy is something given in exchange for something undeserved. 

It literally means “undeserved or unmerited favor” bestowed on someone.  God’s grace and mercy (unmerited favor) is new each day we wake up, because He has given us another crack at life for that time period.  We get another chance to get it right.  So each time you receive mercy you are actually getting favor you never earned.

Picture it like this.  How many times have you done something for your kids just because they were your kids?  They didn’t earn the gift, didn’t work for it or even do a good deed.  You wanted to do something for the sake of doing it for love.  That’s what God's mercy is … undeserved favor because of love.  We wake up to a world already prepared and waiting for us to show up to enjoy its glory. Goodness and mercy await us every day we are on this earth, but we may fail to recognize it when it’s right in front our eyes.

It's so hard to contain myself, I have to sing to the Living God for His bountiful mercy (favor) and love.  Want to join me for a minute?

Children of the Living God - Fernando Ortega - Lyrics HD

 

Taking Inventory of Past Favor

Even though it was Wednesday I started to revisit the beginning of the week in my thoughts for specific things that were favor. 

On Tuesday morning the rain was coming down in sheets.  We were soaked going from the car into the grocery store even though God opened a parking space right in front the store for us.  (Keep in mind rain is a blessing when the devil doesn't try to stick his hands in it.)

There were buckets placed all over the store catching water, because the driving rain caused the roof to leak.  But wouldn’t you know it, God was already there. My husband shared with me that someone in the store gave a stranger a ride home. The rain caused a man to show mercy (favor) toward someone he didn’t even know. 

God showed me favor at the market with cash that morning, in the way of putting more of it back in my pocket with about 70% off of several items I actually needed. (I didn't buy it just because it was on sale.  Oh come on, don't tell me you haven't done that too.)

At work later that day I was able to easily “fix” nine of forty-seven articles that had been “tagged” by Google or Amazon for updates, plus I received word that I have time to do the others.  We also received good news that my father was going home from the hospital.

More goodness and mercy …

• I was told that I was loved and received hugs and kisses every day.
• Received good e-mails both morning and night.
• More rain … yes, it falls on the just (believers) and unjust (unbelievers).  God’s mercy is available for everyone whether we like it or not.
• Still looking for specific favor I remembered there were three bottles of vitamins on sale, but I only needed two of them.  God was already setting up favor for someone and they didn’t even know it.  They would walk right into it when they saw that price.
• The fuel pump on the car was causing a problem and someone said they would fix it for free.  All this happened and it was only the beginning of the week.

 

By Wednesday I was intensely looking for and waiting on God for favor to come and overtake me.  When I opened my e-mail that morning I received word of an order of several items off one of my websites.  With millions of sites out there, the Holy Spirit  directed them to mine (and they probably didn’t know it)!  They chose me … wow.  That’s amazing or luck right? No, that’s God causing man to show favor on His child.

It’s the middle of summer and we’ve been able to comfortably turn off the air conditioner at night and only use the fans.  Are you starting to see the pattern of daily favor?  It’s there if you look for it to show up in your life.

"Open your hymnal please to page …"

If you have ever been to a church that has hymn books, you have probably sung the song “Surely Goodness and Mercy.” 

Did you realize that you were singing scripture or what we call a scripture song?  Well, now you do.  Instead of singing it the traditional way, sing it with joy and a smile on your face like this:

“Surely goodness and unmerited favor shall follow me, all the days, all the days of my life.” (from Psalm 23:6a)

Since Wednesday we’ve been singing that song with the new lyrics, and the favor of God showed up daily when I eagerly expected it.  As a matter of fact, I decided I’d better carry my notepad with me, because favor kept coming from every side like it was chasing us.  Wait a minute ... isn't that what scripture says it would do?

• Free seeds, plant food and a pen came in the mail. 
• In a radio trivia contest my husband won 2 free tickets valued at $36.00 for a Christian concert this Saturday.  Yeah, date night!  Think I can squeeze dinner out of it?
•  God revealed a medical help solution for one of the rescue kitties and she was finally able to get some rest.
• Getting nectarines and plums for .25 each.
• Loving on pets every day.
• Quiet time.
• I got paid a week early.

This morning (Friday) I was so excited that I woke up around 4:30 happy in wonderment of what God was about to do today.  I told my husband that he wasn’t going to believe what God was about to let him do to receive a blessing and favor for the day … make me breakfast!  Our day started with joy and expectation of God’s mercy (unmerited favor) to come.  I can hardly wait to see what He’s going to do.  (By the way, the breakfast was delicious.) 

Are you expecting?

Do you expect God’s favor to show up in your life daily?  If you don’t, why not?  Not expecting God to do something good in your life is not to believe what He said would do.  In other words, it’s calling Him a liar (oooh!).  When we commit our ways to the Lord, He is obligated by His own words to carry out grace, mercy and favor to His children.

I literally look for something to have been left on our porch when I return home.  A note, food, gifts, money, cat litter and more have been left for us awaiting our arrival home.  Seriously, living an “expectant” lifestyle is so much fun that it makes you want to testify of the "goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" (from Psalm 27:13).

Maybe you have been shown mercy and didn’t realize it. If you have a job, refrigerator with food in it, a place to stay, family or friends that care about you, clothes to wear, shoes on your feet, clean water (that’s a big one), well then you are receiving favor.

Sister Pierce, a dear friend of ours, once told my husband that if she could put her feet on the floor in the morning she was thankful and everything else was a bonus.  You see, she was on oxygen and even getting out of bed was difficult.  While believing God to heal her she praised Him for the blessing of life itself, and was granted another ten years.

 

When was the last time you said to the Lord, “show me?” Have you ever said that? Jeremiah 33:3 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible, because God Himself is telling us to ask Him to do something by showing us His secrets to things we couldn't have thought of ourselves.

We are to praise God and expect Him to show up in our life with daily favor.  It’s something He already said He would do, so believe it will happen for you too.  Mercy guarantees it.  “I will show you great and mighty things that you did not know.”

God is showing mercy (favor).  Do you see it?  No matter what you may be going through, He is there. Look for Him … He’ll show up.

“Blessed is the man that walks in Your favor” is the first line of Fernando Ortega’s song “Lord of Eternity.”  God loves you so much He wants to daily bless you with His mercy, unmerited favor.  Thank Him for it as you sing His praises for the goodness and mercy that follow you all the days of your life.

 Lord of Eternity - Fernando Ortega (Live)

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. 

Until next time, stay blessed and favored!

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Image credit if not listed by Google Images Creative Common License
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Gateway Bible

 

 

Favor Is A Gift from God

Eighty and Fabulous Gift Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abounding in Benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pick up with the last part of verse 8:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            Until next time, Favored Blessings

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

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

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

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

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  

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

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified. 

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

The Grace Card

I watched a program on You Tube recently where a boss observed some rude and unacceptable conduct by a supervisor in his company.

As the scene unfolded, it looked like this young man was about to be fired.

Even though the employee deserved to be let go because of his un-professionalism, the employer decided to retrain the fellow and give him a second chance.  The worker was so grateful for the opportunity that he promised to change his work ethics and comply with the company. 

Those who were watching the program may not have agreed with the owner’s decision, but the man was elated that he experienced grace and mercy that day. 

Welcome new friends this week from: (the USA) Washington, Minnesota, Colorado, New Jersey and the Ukraine.

I hope that you are showing signs of growth in your Inward Journey. Please continue to share this site along with 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).  View Q & A

Grace Denied

Since beginning this Inward Journey toward a stronger relationship with the Lord (and learning about ourselves), I have been thinking and viewing circumstances differently. 

One thing I’m doing a lot more of is asking questions and contemplating the way God might see a situation.

Last week while “Remembering the Birds” (last week's challenge) and how God shows them favor in caring for them, I began researching my own life in caring for others. 

The word grace and favor kept coming to mind as I played out situations from past experiences.  How had I cared for others in showing them grace or favor?  Then I thought about something a bit scarier.

What if the amount of grace we have available to us solely depended on how much grace we deposited into “a grace card” much like a debit or pay pal account?  In other words, what if the amount of grace we received depended on the amount we gave (showed) to others?  Would grace be denied to us if we failed to make regular deposits? I don’t even want to think along those lines!

Some of us would always be overdrawn on our grace card.  Others might be maxed out and would stop showing grace until the account was evened out a bit. Maybe a few would have some holding in reserve for emergencies.  Frightening isn’t it?

I’m glad God doesn’t operate that way, but extends our grace credit limit, even if we haven’t been making the payments into the account.  He is always gracious, loving and willing to extend His grace card to us.

Is it Grace or Mercy? ... or both

When writing this I realized that some people may not understand the difference between grace and mercy, so briefly I’ll try to explain with this comparison.   Take a look at the definitions of the two words according to the Bible dictionary.

Grace:  God’s free and unmerited favor toward sinful humanity (people); also see favor. 

Mercy:  A blessing that is an act of Divine Favor or compassion withholding of the punishment or judgment our sin deserves; also see compassion or forgiveness.

Grace is favor given to any person God desires for His purpose.  It is not based on whether we deserve it or not. This is what we received when we were forgiven of our sins and became born again believers.  Grace isn't something that can be earned, but freely given out of love.

If I show someone favor, it’s not always because I like or even know the person.  I may demonstrate Christ-like behavior through grace simply because I know it’s the kind, nice or right thing to do. It’s not even based on the individual most of the time.

Then there are other times however, when I specifically want to do someone a favor and show grace toward them just because I care about them.

Mercy on the other hand, is extending grace (favor) in place of a punishment and granting a pardon.  Jesus had mercy on us when He died on the cross for our sins.  He took the punishment we deserved by taking our place on the cross. 

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, you will never be punished by God for your sin.

We see more examples of this in the scriptures don’t we?  However, for modern day purposes, the illustration I mentioned previously was such a case where mercy was given instead of dismissal.

When we extend grace and mercy to someone, we represent and demonstrate the character of God.  It's another way to draw close to Him in our Inward journey.

Throne of Favor (Grace)

In following the right path with God so we can fulfill our journey, the Bible encourages us to enter into God’s throne room.

Not only are we to come boldly, but we are expected to enter shamelessly, confidently and courageously.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

Why is it important for us to approach God’s throne of favor?  The writer of Hebrews explains it clearly. “That we will find favor when we need it in any situation.” (emphasis mine)

See, our High Priest is Jesus. He understands our weaknesses, because He faced the same tests and trials we do. The difference, He never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15 NLT)

Jesus knows that we are going to need that “grace card” of favor to complete our journey.  That’s why He makes it available to all who will believe and act on His Word.

Grace Card Levels

Look back on how many times you should have been fired or punished when you messed up, but weren’t.   Have you even been let off the hook for something you did to a friend, sibling, boss or parent?  I know I have.

In my life I have seen and experienced the different sides or levels of grace.  You probably have also:

Receiving Grace

Witnessing Grace

Extending Grace

Where & When to Show Grace

There is a scene from a Christian western movie I saw many years ago, where a man who had committed a crime was set free.

I can’t even remember the name of the movie, but I’ll never forget the line Pastor Willie George (yep, that’s his real name) spoke when he released the villain,

“Today you found the grace of God.” 

The town wanted to do evil for evil.  Instead the man didn’t carry out what they could have or wanted to do, but instead chose to show grace (favor) and mercy (forgiveness or pardoned).

It’s easy to respond negatively when we are mistreated, harmed or abused.  That’s “normal” the world would say.  However, not acting in grace or mercy isn’t God’s way.

Showing grace is bestowing favor on humanity whether they deserve it or not.  It’s different than mercy, but includes it.

Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.  We can find grace (favor) also if our hearts are right before God.  God sends grace to us and causes others to show us favor.  Sometimes they don’t even know why they’re doing it, but say “I feel I should do this for you.” (Genesis 6:8)

If we are to mature on our journey, we have to stop acting the normal way of society, and do something differently like extending the grace card on a regular basis.

This Week’s challenge: 
Share the Grace Card!

Make a huge love deposit into your grace account this week.

Instead of doing things the way you used to, try a new approach (remember A.N.A. from past teachings) by utilizing your grace card.  It yields a great profit!

When someone cuts you off in traffic, don’t get angry, but let them pass.

While waiting in line at the checkout, motion for others to go before you.

Show grace when a co-worker or boss mistreats you and buy them a cup of coffee or a snack.  Say something compassionate like:

“I thought you could use this today.”

If your kids are about to be sent to the moon by you, take a deep breath … and calmly pull out your grace card.

Don't forget to generously disperse a little extra grace and mercy on that spouse that jammed the groceries into the freezer, causing the frozen spinach to fall out on the floor. 

Happily pick it up, wash it off and put it back in the freezer.  Remember  they "favored" you with a dozen red roses this morning!

Recognize when you have received grace.  Second, take notice of when you have witnessed grace happening.  Purposely look around to witness others showing grace and favor.

Finally, ask God to show you ways you can extend grace, mercy and favor on someone else. 

Be sure that you are making more deposits than withdrawals into your grace card account, so there will be some in there when you need it the most. 

Grace, grace God’s grace. 
His amazing grace and love flows down and covers me … it covers you! 

Grace Flows Down Chris Tomlin

Until next time, deposit favor into others.

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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. A.N.A. logo by J.C.Penney, Inc.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Bible Gateway.

Image credit: Google Images  Creative Common License if not specified.  Pastor George episodes of the Gospel Bill Show can be seen on You Tube.

Image: What If  Throne of Grace  Share God's Grace  Pastor Willie George