Thanking God For Favor!

There is nothing quite like knowing we are walking in God’s favor.

 He gives us favor with men (all of mankind) when we are walking in obedience to Him.

 We maintain favor with Him when we do all that He has asked us to do.

 Favor with God is not fair (not everyone at all times gets it), but it is just because He is a “just” God, not a fair one.

 Having Favor with God allows us to expect the abundant blessings that He promises, without a trace of doubt in our hearts.

 Having Favor with God puts us in a position to know He is faithful to complete (accomplish through us) all He has inspired us to do.

 Thank You, Lord for Favor! Thank You for favor with those who read everything I write! Bless them abundantly, beyond anything they could ever imagine. Thank You for favor with those I teach. May their lives be enriched beyond measure as they receive instruction to help them succeed! Thank You for favor with total strangers! Instill in them a desire to get to know me and through them, help me to share the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ in everything I write. Thank You for favor with family and friends! Enrich their lives by our relationship and encourage each and everyone to sustain a right relationship with You!

 Thank You for grace, mercy, love and all the gifts we receive that are without repentance that we might use them to Your glory!

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Stimulating Wholesome Thinking!

“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” (2 Peter 3:1 NIV).

When I read this passage this morning, I was reminded of the reason I write. I don’t expect people to agree with everything I say; not even some of what I say, but I write to encourage and stimulate wholesome thinking especially in how we treat people.

We live in a society where are constantly bombarded with everyone’s thoughts through various types of media–online media, television, radio, blogs, all the social media, books, magazines, hand-bills, posters, bill-boards, and online news commentaries. Some of the thoughts we read can readily be dismissed when we recognize the influence behind the thoughts. Some of the thoughts, we may actually consider to be genuine from rational people, until we continue to read what they write. And some, thoughtful writers will actually challenge us to think.

How do we know when we see “wholesome writing” that will ignite “wholesome thinking?”

If what someone says aligns with The Word, explains The Word, expounds on The Word, and is not judgmental, obscene, or profane, or full of hate; we can probably conclude that the writer is thinking wholesome thoughts.  If what someone says, denies or scoffs at The Word, is in opposition to The Word, then we know who is influencing the words they write. What they say will not lead to wholesome thinking, but to chaos and confusion designed to get people off track.

How far off track are we in our society today? Should not our thoughts be the same as the thoughts of Christ?  If we have the mind of Christ, should we not have the conduct of Christ? Should not our heart be as His–loving, full of compassion, and always forgiving?

Nothing in life is fair–God did not promise us fairness. He said, “the just shall live by faith.” So, don’t be bitter about things that didn’t “seem fair”, move forward and know that if we continue in The Word, we shall receive God’s many benefits and He is not slow to fulfill His promises to us! We are the “just” and “the righteousness of Christ” because He said so, not us.

Now, think on these things–whatsoever is pure, lovely, and of a good report–all leading to wholesome thinking. Remember to love and forget all the things that would cause you to hold onto bitterness and unforgiveness. Keep your focus on the prize ahead of you in Christ Jesus! Rational Thinking > Rational Decisions > Rational Behavior–towards all!