Here is the devotional:
God’s favor flows as naturally into our lives as a father’s favor flows into the lives of his children. (And He is the greatest picture of a father you could ever dream of or imagine.) God loves you. He considers you his kid, and that makes you a generational recipient of his blessing.
Don’t feel like you need to apologize to people, or legitimize God’s goodness to those that may not understand or agree. There are always people waiting to criticize your victory or ignore your timely blessing, because they felt someone else was more deserving. In fact, if you’ve ever felt that someone doesn’t deserve a blessing they’ve received (hey, we’ve all been there . . .), you’re probably right! But here’s a sobering moment of truth for all of us: we cannot resent undeserved favor in someone else’s life if we’re going to welcome it in our own.
When we start to understand that favor is an expression of God’s grace, we are able to comprehend that the favor that we receive—exactly like grace—is disproportionate to what we deserve.
Think about it: What are some examples in your life where you’ve received unexpected or undeserved favor?
PRAY: God, thank you for being a Father to me. No matter what my earthly dad has been like, you are a generous Father and have ongoing favor in store for my future. Teach me today to accept the family favor that you have put on me as your kid. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Here are the scriptures referenced:
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:18 KJV
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Ephesians 1:4-6 KJV
Here are Stu’s thoughts:
Let me just get this off my chest at the beginning. The word favor is a huge turnoff for me!
Yes, I said it!
The word favor/favour is in the Bible. It is mostly mentioned in Proverbs and Psalms.
And it’s meaning is true in scripture.
But this world and even the Christians in it have taken that word and have abused it!
If you have a social media account anywhere I know you have seen those posts where someone has shared a saying that goes something like this….
You have the favor of the Lord. Money and blessings are coming your way! Comment Amen and share this post.
Sometimes they will add the “claim it” to the post as well.
And everytime I see one of these I comment God does not work like this and I am sorry you have been listening to false teachings.
My favor from the Lord does not have a damn thing to do with if I comment amen and share a post. As a matter of fact that favor from the Lord has nothing to do with anything I have done…ever!
I have yet to read anything in scripture that says I can claim wealth or even health and have it sent to me from my stash of treasures in heaven.
If that were true I would already have a nice car, a nice home and Angie by my side. It just doesn’t work like that.
For those reading that believe that type of favor we will just have to agree to disagree.
Now I do have favor from the Lord. He loves me! I am one of his children! And he blesses me just like he blesses everyone else. And Jesus took my punishment upon himself for my sins knowing I could never pay the price.
That’s my favor. I am not loved by God more than anyone else including that person on the streets who fell upon hard times.
Blessings, grace, mercy and favor can all mean the same thing when it comes to how God loves us and shows himself in our lives.
And they all boil down to this. God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins.
*Sorry ya’ll. I’m a killjoy on this one. I’m sure this is not the thoughts you felt you would see with the word Favor in the title. But when something rubs me the wrong way I can’t just go with he flow as they say.
Something to Stu Over 