Proverbs 11:27 - God's Favor

The other night when I was called to the hospital I heard something on KLOVE that got me thinking.  Unfortunately, I was in a hurry so couldn't stop to write it down.  And of course, since it was the middle of the night and I was in an emergency situation I wasn't able to remember all of what was said. But then this morning I came across Proverbs 11:27 and things started coming back to me.

Whoever seeks good finds favor,
    but evil comes to one who searches for it.

The disc jockey on KLOVE was talking about how we need to claim God's favor throughout the day.  He said every time we get into our car we need to claim it before starting out.   Before we start our day we need to claim His favor.  

I came across this prayer…

Heavenly Father, I declare that I have your favor today. I declare that I am strong and well able to fulfill my God given destiny; I know you are fighting my battles for me. I declare that I am a victor and not a victim. I may have been defeated in the past but the past is past, this is a new day. Your word says that ''I am the head and not the tail'', ''I will lend and I will not borrow'' . Every thing I touch will prosper and succeed according to your perfect will because of your favor my Father. I declare that by your stripes I am healed today. I will live and not die. I declare that you are restoring health unto me, and with long life you satisfy me.

Father, today, I declare your favor in my relationship with you, favor in my relationship with my spouse and my family, favor in relationships with my friends, and favor in relationships in my business. I want to thank you for causing me to be at the right place at the right time. I want to thank you for causing people to want to help me. 

Today, Father I want to thank you for blessing me with creativity, I want to thank you for causing me to make good decisions with a clear mind. I declare that you are smiling down on me today and that your favor will be in everything I do because I am pleasing to you. I declare that I will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country, blessed coming in and blessed going out. I claim right now, Psalm 84:11 that you are blessing me with favor and honor and no good thing will you withhold from me because my walk is blameless. I claim Habakkuk 2:3 that my vision is for an appointed time. Though it may tarry, I will earnestly wait for it, for it will surely come. I declare today that I am filled with your can do power my Father. Between you and me, we are the majority and I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I know that your Word says that, ''no man has seen, heard or even imagined the wonderful things that you have in store for those that love you'' and I want to tell you this morning that I love you and I want to thank you for loving me. 

God, I want to thank you for your favor today, not because of who I am, but because of whose I am. I am a child of the most high God, the creator of the whole universe. I commit this day to you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

When we pray for God's favor, it doesn't mean we won't have to deal with any adversity in life.  To me it means we will have the Lord's direction in our steps.  We will know exactly what He desires of us.  We will be blessed.  I am praying for God's favor upon me.  I truly believe I have already experienced His favor in many ways.  But beginning today I will be more intentional in seeking the benefits of His favor.

Ten Benefits of the Favor of God

1.  God’s favor produces supernatural increase & promotion (Genesis 39:21).

2.  God’s favor produces restoration of everything the enemy has stolen from you and your family (Exodus 3:21).

3.  God’s favor produces honor in the midst of your adversaries (Exodus 11:3).

4.  God’s favor produces increased assets, especially in the area of real estate (Deuteronomy 33:23).  That includes, houses, cars, churches, buildings, land, income property, etc.

5.  God’s favor produces great victories in the midst of great impossibilities (Joshua 11:20).

6.  God’s favor produces recognition even when you seem the least likely to receive it (I Samuel 16:22).

7.  God’s favor produces prominence & preferential treatment (Esther 2:17).

8.  God’s favor produces petitions granted  even by ungodly civil authorities (Esther 5:8).

9.  God’s favor produces & causes policies, rules, regulations & laws to be changed & reversed to your advantage (Esther 8:5).

10.  God’s favor produces battles won which you won’t even fight because God will fight them for you (Psalm 44:3).

Dear Jesus,
Today is a new day.  I praise You, Lord, for encouraging me.  I praise You for loving me.  I praise You for guiding me.  Most of all I praise You for bringing favor upon me and my family.  Lord, guide my steps…put opportunities before me today to be You to others…open doors that need opened and close doors that need closed.  Thank You Jesus for being so awesome!  Thank You for being The One To Bring Favor Upon Me and My Family.  Amen.

Psalm 136 - "One Thing Remains"

One of the worst things to wake up to in someone with MS is vision issues.  I had one time several years ago where I lost clear vision and it was terrible as I wondered if I would ever see clearly again.  When I woke up this morning, my right eye was doing weird things.  It kind of reminded me of those pictures where you stare into them to see a hidden figure or number.  I had a major crying melt-down.  I didn't want to have to deal with something else on top of the back pain.  Thankfully my husband calmed me down and I went back to bed.  After resting a couple hours I thought things were improving so I got back up.  Sure enough they were.  

When I came into where Doc was and told him, he was nonchalant and said, "I was praying."  I had thrown up a couple prayers but was so distraught I couldn't actually pray for any length of time.  Three simple words with so much power.  "I was praying."  Woo hoo!  Thank You Jesus for my husband and for Your faithfulness.  

When I got into the shower the song, "One Thing Remains" came to my lips.  I started getting very emotional.  "Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me…"  Woo hoo!  The song starts with "Higher than the mountains that I face…"  I face this mountain with MS each and every moment.  I am so thankful I can stand on the statement in this song.  "In death and in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love…"  Yes, I may fall apart at times but I am confident the Lord is in control.  If I have to deal with things such as vision issues, He will get me through it.  "One thing remains…"  Yes, His love remains through the mountains of MS.  Woo hoo!

Was my vision issues MS related? Does it matter what caused the issues?   I don't know nor does it matter.  But I do know whatever they were caused from the Lord answered prayer.  

Did I need reminded of His faithfulness?  Probably.  I don't think anyone can have enough reminders of what He does for us each and every day.  

Was my faith strengthened?  No doubt!  

I am praising the Lord as I read Psalm 136…

Praise the Lord! He is good.
    God’s love never fails.
2 Praise the God of all gods.
    God’s love never fails.
3 Praise the Lord of lords.
    God’s love never fails.

4 Only God works great miracles.
    God’s love never fails.
5 With wisdom he made the sky.
    God’s love never fails.
6 The Lord stretched the earth
over the ocean.
    God’s love never fails.
7 He made the bright lights
in the sky.
    God’s love never fails.
8 He lets the sun rule each day.
    God’s love never fails.
9 He lets the moon and the stars
rule each night.
    God’s love never fails.

10 God struck down the first-born
in every Egyptian family.
    God’s love never fails.
11 He rescued Israel from Egypt.
    God’s love never fails.
12 God used his great strength
and his powerful arm.
    God’s love never fails.
13 He split the Red Sea apart.
    God’s love never fails.

14 The Lord brought Israel safely
through the sea.
    God’s love never fails.
15 He destroyed the Egyptian king
and his army there.
    God’s love never fails.
16 The Lord led his people
through the desert.
    God’s love never fails.

17 Our God defeated mighty kings.
    God’s love never fails.
18 And he killed famous kings.
    God’s love never fails.
19 One of them was Sihon,
king of the Amorites.
    God’s love never fails.
20 Another was King Og of Bashan.
    God’s love never fails.
21 God took away their land.
    God’s love never fails.
22 He gave their land to Israel,
the people who serve him.
    God’s love never fails.

23 God saw the trouble we were in.
    God’s love never fails.
24 He rescued us from our enemies.
    God’s love never fails.
25 He gives food to all who live.
    God’s love never fails.

26 Praise God in heaven!
    God’s love never fails.

Dear Jesus,
I praise You for Your faithfulness!  I praise You for the way You show Your love to me each and every day.  I thank You for giving me exactly what I needed today.  Father, please use me to be a beacon of light for You today.  More of You Lord and less of me.  That's my prayer.  Thank You for being My Faith Booster!  Amen.

Psalm 16 - Hearing the Lord's Voice

I have so many people ask me how I know it's God speaking to me.  For one thing, He addresses me as "Daughter."  Another thing is that I feel at peace when He speaks to me.  Even if I am in a distressing time I still feel His Peace instantly when I hear and listen to Him.  

There is a difference in hearing and listening.  We hear lots of things throughout the day but unless we are listening we won't grasp them.  If we hear the Lord's Voice but don't listen to Him, we won't experience His Peace.

The one thing that I am 100% certain of is when the enemy speaks to me.  He is clever and tries to disguise himself but his voice doesn't give the same peace as the Lord's no matter how hard he tries.  I use to have a problem with differentiating between the Lord's Voice and my own.  I am grateful that is no longer an issue.  As I seek the Lord and the direction He desires of me I draw closer to Him.  Living in the Lord's Presence is a life that I don't ever want to lose.  I pray every day for more of Him and less of me.  

In order to listen to the Lord, I first must hear His Voice…

In order to hear His Voice, I first must be living in His Presence…

In order to be living in His Presence, I first must be totally surrendered to Him.

Psalm 16

1 Keep me safe, my God,
    for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
    “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
    I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
    or take up their names on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
    you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this life You have given me.  I praise Your Holy Name for the way You direct my path.  I especially praise You for the Joy You give me as I live in Your Presence.  Woo hoo!  Thank You Jesus for being My Everything!  Amen.

Hebrews 10:19-25 - Church Cancelled

Another snowy, blowy, cold day.  Today is Sunday but church is cancelled which is sad for me.  I don't like not being with my sisters and brothers worshiping our Daddy.  Yes, I worship other days of the week besides today but it's different when you get together with your church family.  

Canceling church is one of the hardest decisions a pastor has to make.  No matter what you do, you are wrong.  People will be upset when you cancel because they "don't have any trouble on the roads."  While others are upset when you don't cancel because "the weather is too bad to be out on the roads."  It's a lose-lose situation.  Thankfully, when you pray and have the Lord's guidance there is a sense of peace with the decision.  Of course, that doesn't stop the enemy putting doubts into your mind about your decision.  Nor does it make everyone happy with your decision.

I am reminded of the words in Hebrews 10:19-25 this morning as I think about my church family not able to meet today.  Verse 25 reads, "not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..." Yes, we aren't having church today.  But how many have been missing sporadically over the last few months or how many have not been there in months?  Too many.  Back in Biblical times they had this problem and it continues today.  Why is church not top priority for some?  I personally can't answer that question because it is top priority for me.  When I ask people why they miss, I hear all sorts of excuses.  Time constraints such as work and kids sports schedule top the list.  

I agree with ones who tell me you don't "have to" go to church to be a Christian.  My response to that is "but it sure helps."  It encourages not only yourself but those around you.  The second part of verse 25 reads, "...but encouraging one another--all the more as you see the Day approaching."  We need to encourage one another.  Today as we are not able to be in church we encouraged people to call those who are sick, elderly, live alone, etc. to check on them and see if they need anything.  During one of my calls this morning I had the opportunity to encourage someone through listening and praying with them over the phone.  I pray others will make contact so they can be Jesus to others today.

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the beauty of Your creation.  I'm sorry I've been grumbling about this weather. It's hard to deal with sometimes.  But Father I'm excited that You have given us the opportunity to be You to others today.  I pray our church family will reach out to others since we can't be in church.  I also pray You will squelch the enemy when he tries to cause havoc in our church families lives.  Take away doubts.  Take away fears.  Fill them with more of You and less of themselves.  I praise You Lord for being My God!  Amen.

Matthew 21:18-22 - Ask, Believe, Receive

As I was on the way to the hospital this morning I asked the Lord to open doors so that I could talk to people about their relationship with the Lord instead of just praying with them.  Let me just say, I am amazed at how He answered this prayer.  Woo hoo!  I think of the story of Jesus cursing of the fig tree in Matthew 21 and what His response was to the disciples, specifically verse 22.  "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree

18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. 20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. 21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt,not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

I asked.  I believed.  I received.  Woo hoo!  I have never had so many open doors as I had today.  It was amazing!  There were times when I was asked questions that I truly didn't know the answer to but the Lord filled me with His Words.  What a tiring day it was but yet it was such a blessing!  

Tonight I am praying for the seeds I planted in those conversations…

…for the one who compared God and Big Foot

…for the one who hasn't been to church in years

…for the one who believes but doesn't have a personal relationship

…for the one who struggles with his relationship with the Lord

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for answering my prayers today in such a mighty way!  Thank You for loving me so much that You entrust me with planting seeds.  Thank You for giving me Your Words to the difficult questions.  Father, You are awesome!  I praise Your Holy Name for who You are in my life.  Thank You Lord for being My Answer to Prayer.  Amen.

Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 18:21; I Thess 5:11 - "Words"

When I saw this picture, I was reminded of the song called "Words" by Hawk Nelson.

We have a choice each and every time we open our mouths to speak.  That choice is to give life-breathing words or to give death.  I don't know how many times I've said something that came out wrong or that I was caught up in the emotion of the moment and said something not life-breathing.  Everything that comes out of my mouth should be to glorify the Lord not give the enemy pleasure.  The song goes….

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to you

I am praying Psalm 19:14 today….May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  

I also am praying for my words to be those of life as is Proverbs 18:21…The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

My third prayer is that I will do my best to do as the Lord tells us in I Thessalonians 5:11...Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Thank You Jesus for being The One I Desire to Glorify!  Amen.

Proverbs 31:10-31 - Happy Birthday, Momma

Today is my Momma's 83rd birthday!  Woo hoo!  Thank You Jesus for her!  She is such a blessing to not only myself but to many others.  I am so thankful for all she has taught me...how to be a giving person…how to not be selfish.  

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.

She was the love of my Daddy's life for 66+ years.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.

She and my Daddy have provided food to many, many people in time of need and in time of celebration.  The other day she made a meal for a couple going through a rough time with his heal.  
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.

She has always worked hard no matter if it were as a mother, nurse, going to college…whatever the task was in front of her.  
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.

She was always involved in ministries such as the Free Store.  With being a nurse she always was extending her hand of healing.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She was always by my Daddy's side…they were one in all they did.  She completed him and he completed her.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.

Her strength since my Daddy's death has been phenomenal.  I know it's because she lives by Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She has taught me so much not only from her words but also her actions.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

She has always looked so much younger than her age.  I tend to think part of that is because of the way she loves the Lord!31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Yes, I am so thankful for having the Momma that I do.  I am grateful for all she has taught me. I know today will be a lonely day.  I was telling someone the other day that with her birthday being in the middle of winter we didn't always get to see her for it.  But my Daddy was always there to give her a good day and make her feel special.  I hope we can help her day to feel special.  

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for my Momma.  Thank You for the love she has for You.  Father, I pray for Your strength to be with her today in abundance.  I pray blessings over her and ask You to stay so close to her today.  Thank You Jesus for being My Provider of such a great Momma!  Amen. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Never Once"

I was listening to KLOVE as I called to the hospital in the middle of the night.  Matt Redman's song "Never Once" came on.  I became a little emotional as I sang along with it.  The Lord continues to be faithful no matter what.  He never leaves us stranded by the roadside of life.  When we have a break-down, He is there to fix us.  When we run out of gas, He is there to fill us up.  When He sees that we need a tune-up, He is right there to do it. 

When I think about how some vehicles go for more miles than others, I contemplate why.  Some would argue it is because of the make/model it is.  I believe it's because of the way the vehicle is cared for.  It is the same with our spiritual bodies.  When we feed them with prayer, Bible study, praise and worship, etc., we are healthier spiritually.  We will have "breakdowns" from time to time but the Lord will be right there to take care of us.

I love the part in this song that goes, "Every step we are breathing in Your grace...Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise."  Amen!  As we walk in His Grace He enables us to praise Him!  Yes!  I also like the part that goes, "Knowing every victory...Was Your power in us"!  Woo hoo!  He is the reason we are able to have victory each and every day as we live in this world!  He is the reason we are able to claim victory over physical issues!  He is the reason we are able to know we have victory over spiritual issues!  

Moses spoke to Israel and gave them these words in Deuteronomy 31:6...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The Lord is always there for us.  We don't have to worry about doing anything on our own.  When we live in His Presence, we know that He is always there to guide our path.  He blesses us as we bless Him in the way we live.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for always being here for me.  Thank You for caring for me so much.  You are so awesome in the way You guide my steps.  Thank You Jesus for being My Victory!  Amen.