The Favour of God

Scripture: Isaiah 66 v 1 - 2:  "Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?  
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

Luke 2 v 52: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

The more humble we are, the more we see spiritually, the more we grow in grace, the unmerited favour of God.  To be humble is not a weakness, it is a result of putting our strengths under control of the Holy Spirit.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

As Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, so must we follow Him to gain deeper insight into the Word and purposes of God for our lives.  His stature never meant that He could lord His religion over others as the Pharisees did, but that He could comfort and reassure those who followed Him of eternal life, salvation, healing, deliverance and victory over the enemy.

When we finally overcome our flesh and its demands, we enter into God's real purpose for our life.  He singles us out and takes us out of the mainstream to deal with us face to face in a beautiful way.  When this happens we are receiving the favour of God, and the world and its ways no longer have a grip on our soul.  The relationship between us and our Father God gains a new dimension and nothing exists to replace this sweet fellowship.

Our Father longs for every Christian to reach this unique place in their spiritual walk.  His favour falls on those who tremble at His Word.  He instantly knows when we are ready to move forward with Him into the depths of experience with Him.  From this moment on we are filled with the wonder of God.  He fills our thoughts, He communicates with us constantly.  The mundane issues of life are turned into opportunities to serve Him in every way possible.

People who walk in this bright light of God's favour, will also find favour with man.  There are no obstacles when people love the Lord.  Life flows smoothly and closed doors fly open, and the ministry He has given blossoms and grows.  He leaves us in no doubt of what that ministry is, and as we obey His promptings, then miracles of salvation, healing and deliverance abound around you.

He pours out His Spirit upon those who are truly aware of His mighty power, but never abuse this power to make themselves great.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to enhance our ministry as we learn to be Christ-like in our dealings with others.

The meek are called poor, not because they lack wealth, but because they do not rely on high self-esteem. They rather know they are unworthy to exalt themselves with pride and arrogance.  Having good self-esteem is the catchword of preachers and psychiatrists alike, but it is a barrier to anyone who is poor and contrite and who trembles at God's Word. For in God's Word there is a mirror for our souls and it must bring us to our knees when we see how imperfect we still are.

So if we are seeking a deep and holy walk with Our Father in spirit and truth, we must abandon our pride, ruthless ambition, and self glory, to yield completely to our all-sufficient God, who will favour our trembling heart above others who are caught up in their own abilities.  When you tremble at His Word, you are acknowledging His authority and your need to obey it.  And obey it you must if you want to live in the favour of God and Man.

Deuteronomy 8 v 17 - 18: "And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
 18  But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."

Always give thanks and credit to God for the blessings He gives us, and don't let us think we are better than others because we have greater wealth.  The original followers of Jesus shared everything they owned with fellow-believers.
Acts 4 v 31 - 35: "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
 32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
 33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
 34  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
 35  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."

This is true Christian love in action and that which brings the true favour of God and man.  We cannot out give God for He matches and doubles and triples what we give to His people in need......
Luke 6 v 38: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Prayer:  Heavenly Father how we long for the courts of Heaven where we will dwell securely with You forever. Help us to know that Your power is used for our protection and help at all times. Let us tremble in awe before Your majesty.   In Jesus' name.  Amen.