It was Thanksgiving Day 2014 around 8 am.The Family Dollar store was having a big
sale on selected holiday items so I wanted to get there early. I don’t think I’ve ever shopped on this day,
but thought they might have some things I needed for craft gifts I was making.
We were almost through our bargain hunting when an older
gentleman began talking to us.His cart
was overflowing with toys. The store sale on those things was buy one get one
free or 50% off the second item. Customers filled the aisles scurrying around the store hoping to get the
best deals before the selections were gone.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB – Apata, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria; Benin; Romania; Erdenet, Orhon, Mongolia;
Italy; Bulgaria; Cambodia; Nairobi, Kenya; Saudi Arabia; Malaysia; Costa Rica; Lusaka,
Zambia; Hungary; Turkey; New Zealand; Venezuela; Denmark; Colombia; Morocco;
Austria; Seoul, South Korea; Lima, Peru; Ghana & Hong Kong.
Thank you for your continued support and sharing this
Outer Journey on Daily Favor.(DFB -
Daily Favor Blog)
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.All are private. I would love to hear from
you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.Contact me by leaving a message in the box at
the bottom of this week’s post.
“Scott” (I’ll call him that because I forgot to ask his
name.You can’t fault me though, because
this happened before last week’s challenge. I learned he was a former firefighter, but is
still on the Board of Directors in his home town.
He looked to be about 70ish and was shopping
for the children of “Burn-outs,” which is when a family loses everything
because of a fire.
As he shared the stories of Christmas tragedies Scott
showed us what he had purchased for the kids.He was extremely proud of the selections and pointed out that they were quality
items, with no small parts that the children might choke on during play.
I asked him how many families he had to buy for this year
and he said none so far. Then Scott told me why he was purchasing toys anyway.
“I
buy the toys ahead of time and store them in big plastic bins in the
firehouse.That way, if a fire happens
we are prepared.What we need is
already inside the department, and will be distributed at the right time.”
Later that day I was thinking about our conversation in
the store with Scott.The Lord was showing
a connection between the fire and being prepared, but it was a spiritual one,
not physical.
Fanning
the Flame
What the retired fireman was doing reminded me of what
Christ did when He made provision for us through the giving of His Holy
Spirit.At that moment no children were
on the list for needing toys, but it could change at any time.He was gathering what “would be”, not “what
was” needed.
Scott told me that the children are always overlooked
during a tragedy like this, because everyone is focusing on immediate needs,
which is understandable.He was looking
at the “least of these” as Jesus put it.He saw what others missed.
Our faith is ignited through God's Word.
When Scott began this program three years ago, he was the
only one who participated in gathering toys. Word got out and spread throughout
the neighboring communities.
Two years
later it has caught on like “fire” and spread through the southern borders of
America.
It was the inner flame of faith in his
heart that God and others saw which led to his gaining favor from God and man.
Scott’s actions revealed his heart and the spirit of
caring for others is now being carried out by those who have heard his
story.He started a “spiritual fire” that
became visible.By fanning the flame
this outpouring of selflessness has been received and duplicated.Now people bring toys to the fire station
without him saying a word.The firelight
of giving and caring started in him; others saw it and the flame now burns
brightly making a difference in his community.
Fire
Seed
For the next few weeks our family schedule is super tight
and stretched beyond what it is normally. Even though that is true, I don’t
want to miss my part in doing God’s will along my journey. It was through study and prayer time that God
led me to our focus for the week.
Our Thanksgiving weekend was really busy with out of town
traveling, but the Holy Spirit planted a “fire” seed in us to build on
something we have been doing for many years during the Christmas season.
Every year we give out gifts for the children in our
community and neighboring areas.This
time God expanded the outreach by fanning the flame in an unfamiliar area.
On Sunday we took one hundred and fifty gift packs for
children to a church about an hour from where we live.These included spiritual items as well as
candy and coloring supplies for the kids.They were excited to receive the items and looked forward to
distributing them in the area.
Our part was to fan the flame that God had placed in our
hearts so that others would grasp hold of what He had for them through
salvation.My friend was so excited to
be a part of this that she called another friend as soon as she got home and challenged
her on the concept.The Holy Spirit fire
caught hold of her and she could hardly hold back her joy.
Find
the Spark – Pass it on
“It
only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those
around can warm up to its glowing.” is a phrase from the song “Pass It On” written
by Kurt Kaiser that we used to sing when I was a teenager.
I grew up with knowing about the Holy Spirit, but didn’t
always understand the fire of the Spirit of God that is available to every
believer.It’s something that has to be
kindled and nurtured in order to receive the full benefits of power.
Scott knows all about sparks setting things aflame, but he used his
inner gift from the Lord to ignite something good.
“John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but
One (referring to Jesus) mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not
worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirt and fire.”(Luke3:16 NKJV)
God has placed the fire of His spirit in us to spread the
Light of Jesus. It is there before we need it so that when the time comes we’ll
be prepared to distribute what the Lord has placed on our hearts.The Holy Spirit fire is the power of God that
brings His blessings and favor into the situation or circumstance.
Every
Christian needs this to be active in their life and what better time to act on
what we’ve been given than at Christmas?
This
Week’s Challenge:
Start a Spiritual Fire
Our outer journey continues to challenge us by taking us outside
our normal way of doing things.This
week it asks, “What can you/your family do in your community this season that
will let others know you are a child of the KING?”Lots!
God is ready to put His favor on the fire inside us, but
we have to prepare for it so we don’t get burned from the devil.As we begin this familychallenge our
prayer must be directed toward the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in us so that
others may follow.
Holy Spirit, You are the Fire, You are the Flame
You are the Light on the darkest day.
We have the hope, we bear Your Name
We carry the news that You have come to save.
Jesus, start a fire in my soul, fan the flame, make it grow!
Begin this challenge by looking into an untapped area
that has a need, but others aren’t seeing it. Ask the Lord to direct you to
what it may be so that His hand is on the activity that is geared toward the
masses, not just an individual.
Our new item of the week is an example of a children’s activity
booklet that has a message of salvation and can easily be dispersed anywhere.
Distributing gift packets for children in
another city is what we were to do for our challenge; God may direct you to
doing something else.Whatever it is,
the task will involve the message of salvation that reflects the Season of Light which is Christmas.
The Holy Spirit is working on your soul to start a fire. How long will you hide from His voice? You only need a spark to start a blaze. Fan
that flame and pass it on so others can see you are a believer.
Jesus, start a fire in my soul, fan the
flame and make it grow!
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.
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.
Listening to Christmas music gracing the airwaves, driving around to see thousands of twinkling lights strung throughout the city, and community events of all sorts fill the spaces in my December datebook. In the entire month there are but three squares that aren't filled in completely on my calendar ... but this year it was on purpose! After all, shouldn't we do all that we can to make the world a happier place for everyone? Isn't this what Christmas is about - keeping volunteers busy while spreading good cheer, being kind to others and giving gifts to people we probably never think of the rest of the year? Oh yeah, and if I could add anything else to the holiday, wishing peace would fall on the entire earth covering it like a blanket of fresh virgin snow! Here We Go A Caroling One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to sing Christmas carols throughout the community. Actually, caroling is something I've done with hubby since we were teens and before we dated officially. Whether it is walking, riding in a church bus or bundled up on a hay wagon, I love belting out the joy of Jesus with family and friends. Snuggling up to my sweetie is an added bonus. I have a ton of stories about what fun it is to ride in a four wheel drive, 620 horse power, open tractor sleigh/wagon/trailer (not really but wouldn't that be cool?). Granted it's not as exciting as dashing through the snow with a real horse in the lead, but it got the job done. Plus the promise of piping hot chocolate and homemade cookies is definitely worth it! Sing it Again Sam ... Making our rounds to the nursing homes is always a treat, because we can minister to visiting family members as well as the residents. A few years ago we were blessed to have been invited to join another church in their caroling schedule and I couldn't wait until the night came for us to go. We were on our last stop when the pastor asked everyone to join him at a local nursing home facility. It was so lovely and beautifully decorated. Even the giant bird cage was decked out with boughs of something ... holly was nowhere to be found! Gathering in the main room the residents were seated in a semi-circle so they could all watch as the group sang in unison mostly on key throughout the entire session. Hubby and I were on the outside near a water fountain that cascaded down the lobby wall from ceiling to floor. It had such a comforting soothing sound that it mesmerized everyone as we entered the building. Toward the end of our visit the pastor decided that since things were going well we had time for a few favorites of the group. After singing Silent Night and Joy to the World he asked for one more request from the carolers. Now I really haven't a clue as to what world my husband was in at that time, but I can assure you he wasn't thinking about peace on earth good will toward men. Suddenly something clicked in his brain telling him to rejoin the rest of us. Turning around from the trickling wall he called out with confidence, "Joy to the World!" For a second we all stood in silence, but it didn't take long before the gang burst into laughter. Looking straight in hubby's eyes I said, "We just sang that ... where were you?" His great comeback - "Oh, we did?" No, we didn't sing the carol again and that pretty much put an end to asking for requests. Even though it was funny, I'm not sure we added anything to their Christmas that year. Although our motives may have been in the right place, our focus on who we were singing about got blurred a bit. True, it was memorable, but for the wrong reason. It's no wonder we haven't been asked to go caroling with them since. A Motive for Christmas
If you thought about it, what do you think you could add to Christmas to make it better, besides caroling (obviously we've got that covered)? In reality, who can add anything to Christmas anyway? No one, because God has said and done everything we need to know in and through His Word. Corrie Ten Boom once wrote that the perfect motive for Christmas was because God loved the world so much that He gave us His only Son, quoting from John 3:16.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon,
that whoever believes in Him should (will) not perish but have everlasting life
(in Heaven).” (John 3:16 NKJV) She continued stating that there isn't any other perfect gift except Jesus Himself, and that the only requirement for receiving this gift is to believe in Him (referring to salvation). This is the same message all who come to Christ once heard before accepting the truth about Christianity.
Once we believe what scriptures say about the Son of God, our reward of faith in Jesus will be everlasting life in Heaven with our Savior. She was right. That almost sums up the entirety of Christmas don't you think? However, when I think about why we celebrate the true Christmas, it's important that the message of Jesus "from the manger to the cross" be shared right at this given moment. People are in the spirit of giving and receiving more readily, so it's a perfect time of year for ministering at all levels and to all ages. A Season of Hope Although this is generally called the season of joy, for some people this could be the last Christmas they will ever experience. Joy might be far from their thinking about now and they're looking for something greater. "For such a time as this" as spoken in Esther 4:14 was a Season of Hopefor deliverance from all the issues of life. Beloved in Christ, it's thousands of years later and people are still looking for that blessed hope today! It's not the time to be silent. We need to take advantage of every favored opportunity sent by God for proclaiming good tidings of great joy like the messenger angel Gabriel did when he proclaimed,
"... I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11 NKJV)
With so many activities going on all around us, it's not hard to find ways to share our faith in the reason for the season - Christ Jesus, and how we found God's favor through His amazing saving grace! Attending public gatherings while toting tracts, nativity story coloring pages, spiritual gifts and candy canes allows us to distribute the gospel to those passing by or strolling around the town square. Tidings of great joy is what others should be witnessing in us, especially at Christmas. Our Christmas Challenge: Bring Tidings of Great Joy We cannot add anything to what God has already done through grace, mercy and favor, but we can bring comfort, peace and good will to all men just as the original "messenger" did. This year I want to prayerfully challenge you to make it part of your Christmas event schedule to continue bringing good tidings of great JOY (Jesus Our Yeshua - the only Deliverer) to all people.
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.
*Unless
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Note: Emphasis may be given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding
and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God.
When
used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we
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If there is one thing that really excites me it’s when
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday.Surely
the churches would be packed with thousands praising God, and having favor with
all the people as He added to the Body of Christ. How much more perfect could
it get, right?
On Christmas Day the carols of the birth of our Savior
were flooding the halls of the church. Entering the sanctuary the instruments
were silent as the voices of the Saints rang sweetly throughout the room.In harmony we sang, raised our hands to give
praise, prayerfully stood in agreement and attentively listened as the pastor
spoke of the timing of God in the delivery of the promised Messiah that would
come to save the world.
The service closed with the congregation partaking of
Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) in remembrance of a Savior who was born to
die that we may live.Slowly the
sanctuary emptied into the corridor as each congregant was given a parting
smile with words of encouragement from our earthly shepherd.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB –Willemstad, Curaçao; Yaro, Western Division
& Suva, Central Division, Fiji; Trail, BC, Canada; Riyadh, Riyadh Region,
Saudi Arabia; Perosa Argentina, Piedmont, Italy; Diemen, Noord-Holland,
Netherlands; Ethiopia; Curacao; Kharkov, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine; Kikinda,
Serbia; Tel Aviv, Israel.
I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come
back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.God has been faithful and we expect His
Christmas favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to believe in
His Son, Jesus all year round.
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).
Be sure to visit
Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.
The Woman in Red
My husband and I were about to leave the building when I
noticed the attractive woman who sat a few rows in front of us during the
service.She was a refined lady
elegantly dressed in a beautiful Christmas red sequined poinsettia blouse and a
slim line black skirt.Her blondish hair
was perfectly styled with poufy curls, and every strand was sprayed in place on
the head of this lovely lady of seventy plus odd years.
Turning around I walked over to her and spoke about how
lovely she was in her “Christmassy” attire.Not two seconds went by when she grabbed me by the neck and gave a full
headlock hug, practically squeezing the stuffing out of me!
Boy was she strong for an older gal!I felt like a squirming cat trying to escape
the gripping wrapped arms of a human showing their affection a little too
vigorously.
As I tried to regain my stance, with a happy grin she
uttered, “Hardly seems like Christmas;
it’s like it’s already over.” That was it; she didn’t have anything else to
say. Now how should I respond to
her?I didn’t, but simply smiled and bid
her a Merry Christmas as I scampered toward the door.
Where was hubby through all this?When I told him what happened he said, “What lady?”Thanks for being there Hon!
Her statement left me a bit uneasy (or perhaps it was
trying to recoup air in my lungs …), but I soon forgot it after we got back to
the house.
December 26th, 2016
Someone is sharing the Christ-mas in their community.
Christmas was over technically, but the season was still
in full swing … so I thought.In an
attempt to lengthen the holiday, the next day we decided to drive around town
to see the lights.Oh my, it was like
the lady from the church was speaking prophecy!
We drove down street after street, and almost all of the
Christmas lights and decorations were already down.The atmosphere was as if people just wanted
it over and had a “Let’s get on with the next thing” kind of attitude.
When we got home we turned on all our Christmas lights to
remind people that the hope and joy of Christmas not only came, but is still
here.
… and the song plays on …
Continuing in our Christmas Favor series, the celebration
in song doesn’t end with Mary, Joseph or the angels during the first Christmas
season.God moved on the hearts of two
seniors that have been looking for signs of promises of the Lord to
unfold.Take a step back in time with me
as we glance into the lives of these individuals who served the Lord with
gladness.
The Time Has
Come
There is one
more song to be sung, that of Simeon, an aged man possibly with signs of
weathered storms upon his brow.His
voice is softened, yet not heavy with sadness or despair.In holy garments he sings joyful praises of
hope to Jehovah.
Serving in the temple at that time was an aged prophet,
named Simeon who was a Bible translator of the Septuagint besides a psalmist in poetry
and music. In hope and by faith, he was waiting for
God’s promise to be manifested to Israel, and that salvation to all mankind both Jew and
Gentile would come.
God has
proclaimed him to be a just and devout man, who at night in the Temple sang
praises to the LORD.He faithfully looks
toward the Heavens for the “Consolation,” which is the coming of the Promised
Messiah with salvation to be revealed to his people.
At some point
in his life, the prophet was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die
until he had seen the Lord’s Christ with his own eyes.That day had come … the timing of God to
fulfill His promise was at hand.
Now imagine the
event as it unfolds before Simeon.There
is no evidence of the actual age of this servant of God, only that he had
served the Lord and was really up in years (some even believe almost two
hundred based on the favor of God on his life).
Do the Math
Anna the
prophetess is the second person we see has entered the picture.For all of her adult life she never left the
temple area, but served God 24/7 with fasting and prayers.(Luke 2:35-37)
The Bible
describes her as an elderly lady, but let’s do the math shall we?Scriptures tell us that she was married for
seven years before being widowed for eighty-four years.This would bring her to the age of
ninety-one, except that we’re forgetting something.
How old was
Anna when she got married?Making a
general guess around the same age as Mary or at least in her teens which was
customary, Anna would be a good old age of one hundred and five plus years
(give or take a two).It’s highly
unlikely that she would have waited until the age of twenty to marry in that
culture, but if she did …. Anna would be a whopping one hundred-eleven years
old.
So could it
also be true that Simeon was much older than we even believed?Long life is a promise
from God to those who obey their parents; it’s actually the first law of God
with promise and is mentioned as such in over twenty-five verses in the Bible.
Examples
such as:
I will satisfy him with a longlife
and show him My salvation.
Honor your father and your mother so that you
may have a longlife in the land that the Lord your God is giving
you. (Exodus 20:12)
Follow the whole instruction the Lord your God
has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a longlife
in the land you will possess. (Deuteronomy 5:33)
Although
in Genesis 6:3 God specifies the number of days for mankind to one hundred and
twenty because of sin, extended yearscould very well have been part of God’s
favor on their lives based on their faithfulness and service to Him.
The Hope of
Favor
Just what was so special about this ancient of days
prophet they called Simeon?How was it
that God extended grace to him and not the other prophets?It was because of God’s plan on his life,
so that all would come to believe on His Son Jesus.
Something we need to clarify is that the work of the Holy
Spirit was different in this passage. Simeon was an Old Testament prophet and
like the religious leaders or prophets of that time period, the Holy Spirit was
“on” him and not “in” him as John the Baptist, Elizabeth and
Mary.
Simeon was told through the Spirit that he would not die
before he had seen the LORD’s Christ in person.He had no idea how this would come about, but stood on the favor promise of
hope that it would in his lifetime.
Favor - A Spiritual Gift
When Simeon was given word from the Holy Spirit about
being able to see God’s Christ, he received a special gift that only a few have
been blessed with throughout biblical history.The word pneuma means Spirit in Greek and “ruach” in Old Testament Hebrew,
always referring to the Holy Spirit as the giver of spiritual gifts.
However the word “pneuma hagion” is used when speaking of
Simeon referring to the favor of God Himself spiritually given to an individual.
It was the favor of God spiritual gift “pneuma hagion”
and not the Holy Spirit the “giver of gifts”.
God’s faith and/or power to believe was working in Simeon’s life
and that’s why he never got depressed or discouraged having to wait so long.
The Song of
Simeon
In the early
evening the Holy Spirit guided Simeon to enter the Temple.As he waited, in walks Joseph and Mary
cradling baby Jesus in her arms.They
didn’t utter a word, but the prophet knew immediately what he was about to experience.
He would behold the Christ-mas child.
Taking Jesus in
his arms Simeon begins the customary Jewish blessing on a child.Making a declaration he breaks into his
farewell address song referred to as “The Nunc Dimittis”, a traditional
canticle night prayer. In Latin, it translates as “Now, Master, You can let
Your servant go (rest and be relieved of duty and depart) in peace being
fulfilled, just as You promised.”
Singing his
last duty as a soldier of the Most High God this is Simeon’s Salvation Song:
Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:
Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in
peace, as You promised. For my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all
peoples— a Light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.
Luke 2:28-32 (HCSB)
By faith Simeon rejoices declaring that
because of the promise fulfilled he could now die in peace, knowing that
salvation was secure through Jesus.
How Christmas Favor Came to You and Me
Notice in verse thirty how Simeon uses the phrase “Thy
Salvation”.Translated from the Greek
word Soterion, it’s not the usual word “Soteria” which means nothing broken,
nothing mission.
The word here
(Soterion) is used of Jehovah Himself, not merely of salvation. God Himself has
come … Immanuel, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
In verse thirty-two Simeon spoke of a Light to the
Gentiles and Israel, meaning the revelation by unveiling and manifestation that
could be viewed or seen.In other words,
hey guys this baby is the One!
The “glory” spoken of in the last part of the song was a
fulfilled promise to the people of Israel who were waiting for the glory; that
special blessing from God and the Christ-mas child was that miracle.
Hope Has Come
At the same moment Simeon began sharing the
prophecy with Mary and Joseph, the widow Anna that served in the church entered
the room.She waited as Simeon
finished his message that the Deliverer has come like the prophet Isaiah had
said in chapter 49 verse 6.
Now it’s Anna’s turn to speak about Jesus to
all who were looking (hoping) for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)She would also share in the favor of God by
witnessing this promise being fulfilled.
A forty day old baby was the promise
Deliverer for the Jewish people, and Messiah to all nations who would come to
believe in Him as the Savior.The Christ-mas light is here and
shines throughout the earth with good tidings of great joy to all mankind.The hope of God’s favor for salvation was
marked for eternity when Christ was born in a "cattle’s" cave in Bethlehem.
Throughout the years Simeon continued to
believe, without knowing how God would work things out for his good.He saw a baby physically, but spiritually
Simeon saw the solution that would repair the breach that sin caused between
God and man.
In wisdom Simeon prepared the young
couple for what would become of the Christ child.The sword that would pierce the Son of God
would do the same emotionally as Mary would one day observe this prophecy before
her own tear filled eyes. (Luke 2:34-35)
Gender to Generation
As we have walked through the lives of those
who received Christmas Favor in this series, it isn’t surprising how God has
done so.He has crossed generations and
gender using a young virgin, a barren woman, a working class man, an elder in
the priesthood, an old prophet and a prophetess.
Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, Simeon
and Anna trusted God’s plan and remained faithful and receptive to the Holy
Spirit.Their faithfulness allowed God
to give them His favor and be a part of something great that others only
witnessed or missed out on altogether.
What did they all have in common (besides a
song in their heart)? Not knowing how
things would play out for their future, they surrendered their all to the
Spirit of God, reminding us that we are never too young or too old to be used
for God’s plan.
These now citizens of Heaven responded to the
call of God on their lives when their day of salvation came.Their hearts weren’t hardened, but surrendered,
ready and willing to do “whatever it takes” to get the message that Christ-mas
Light, that the Messiah and saving grace (favor) had come.
Today many Christians continue to sing the
songs of Christmas past but fail to remain a beacon of light so all would come
to believe, because they are not willing to be led.
Are you allowing the Spirit of God to lead
you so that you remain righteous and a devout servant of Christ?Perhaps it’s time to surrender to the plan so
that the Hope of Christmas Favor will flourish in your life every day.
As we come to the end of this series, believe and receive what you have heard on
this day.
God’s Greatest Hope
Driving to church on Christmas morning, I
noticed that the church parking lots weren’t full, and sadly the hope of the
Messiah didn’t reach as many souls as it could.It made me wonder:
“Have God’s people forgotten about the Hope of Favor
we received when the Christ-mas child was born into our own lives?”
This Week’s Challenge:
Surrender to the Christ-mas Light
The Christ-mas Light message is still shining bright, and
the hope of salvation favor to all who will believe is very much alive!
On December 27th, 2016 we received an
aerogramme from a man in Indonesia.My
husband asked me if I knew who he was, but I informed him that I did not.
Although physically our Christmas lights can only be seen
a short distance, the Light that brought us salvation reaches from sea to sea
around the world.This devout man of God
wrote a letter of thanks to us for helping them in their outreach missions so
other Indonesians would learn about the Christ-mas Child Jesus, and the hope of
salvation (through God’s Daily Favor) was now theirs by faith. Praise God for the Light of Christ-mas!
Our challenge this week is not one that should end for
any believer, but one of spiritual favor for all to witness as Simeon and Anna
did.
As you prepare to set goals and resolutions for the
upcoming year, through prayer surrender your life plans to the Lord no matter
how young or old you are.If you’re
still here, God has favor designated for your life plan.
Let this year be guided by the Holy Spirit so that He can
work joyful wonders of His love through you, and grant you more favor then you’ve
ever experienced.
Your life matters to God. There is a promise behind that
hope of Christmas Favor set aside just for those who dare to believe.
Let me leave this thought with you as to why God is
willing to show favor to those who will shine the Light of Christ-mas not only
on the holiday, but all through the year.
“The people are living very much below poverty line, and
in part living in fear, anxiety and are desperate.They very much need the news of peace, joy
and eternal life through salvation.”Letters
of Hope from Indonesia
Remember what you’ve learned this year, and take it to
the next step. Shine the Light of the Hope of Christ-mas Favor with others each
and every day God grants you life.
“For the administration of this service not
only supplies the needs of the Saints, but also is abounding through many
thanksgivings to God.
While, through the proof of this ministry, they
glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ,
and for your
liberal sharing with them and all men,
and by their prayer for you, who long for you
because of the exceeding grace ((His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing
which is shown forth) of God
in you.
Thanks be
to God for His indescribable free gift of eternal life through salvation!(2 Corinthians 9:12-15 NKJV
emphasis mine)
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 Jesus comes, share the message of Christ-mas
Favor!
“The Holy Spirit is waiting to give you Christ favor.”
Jesus Christ
*Unless
noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB).Emphasis is given in some scriptures
to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited
Word of God.
Disclaimer:
Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical
issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible. Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified. Image: Christmas ServiceChristmas Light on HouseAnna the ProphetessImmanuel God with UsHope Has ComeLed by the Holy Spirit Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief. The Hope of Christmas Favor, Christmas Favor, Christmas Lights, Charles Stanley, Holy Spirit, Christian Living, Birth of Jesus Christ, Simeon the Prophet, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Christmas Favor, Christmas Service, Anna the Prophetess, Immanuel God with Us, Led by the Holy Spirit, Christmas Favor Series, Communion, The Lord's Supper, The Nunc Dimittis of Simeon, The Spirit Filled Life.
It was Thanksgiving Day 2014 around 8 am. The Family Dollar store was having a big
sale on selected holiday items so I wanted to get there early. 
“Scott” (I’ll call him that because I forgot to ask his
name. You can’t fault me though, because
this happened before last week’s challenge. I learned he was a former firefighter, but is
still on the Board of Directors in his home town. 
Every year we give out gifts for the children in our
community and neighboring areas. This
time God expanded the outreach by fanning the flame in an unfamiliar area.
This
Week’s Challenge:
