On whom God's favor rests. A Shepherd's Joy Series (3)

When I read about the heavenly choir's song, it completely makes sense to me that the angels gave glory to God when Jesus was born. Yet, their blessing of peace intrigues me.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth

peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

-Luke 2:13-14, NIV

"... on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." - NAS

What does this mean? On whom DOES God’s favor rest? With whom is He pleased? 

Throughout the Old Testament, God shows mankind what pleases Him: live right out of a holy fear, love mercy and justice. These things were more important than sacrifices. In the New Testament, Scripture clearly states God is set apart and all of us have fallen short.

In this verse - the only occurrence of this particular word/form - "eudokia" is the idea of God taking good pleasure in showing His kindness. It's the same idea, spoken throughout Paul's letters especially, that God extends His good will toward mankind because He wanted to. 

"... on earth peace, good will toward men." - KJV

And I am reminded... This proclamation is BIG! Revolutionary! NEW! 

No longer will mankind have to try to attain God's favor.

It's God's kind intention... Undeserved.

That's something to celebrate! Joy to the world, indeed!

Abba God, thank You for sharing the big news with the shepherds and for "changing the rules" so we can know You. I'm so thankful for your gift of Jesus. Soften my heart more each year to the amazing NEW promise You gave through Jesus. Thank You for showing me The Way. Your kindness is beyond my comprehension... When I dwell on knowing You and your kindness forever, I am humbled. Who am I? Wow... Speak clearly with your grace and truth to those around me who don't yet know your peace. As I wait, I will continue to say, "Glory to God in the highest!" For You reconciled us to You through Christ Jesus, bringing us peace and favor in His sight! Hallelujah! In Jesus' name...

The King Knows My Heart (Warrior Princess series)

Dear friend in the faith,
I am pressed for time all around, but as there is one more Truth I learned in the recent Desert of Shame, I wanted to make sure it was sent by messenger before the next battle begins.

A Messy, Beautiful Love.

I've really messed up. I chose Easy, instead of Right. God still wants me. At this very moment. 

When I don't care about potential consequences of my actions. He desires me. At that very moment.

In my filth, He is with me, longing for me to look into His peaceful eyes. When I crossly turn away because He doesn't "fix me" or my circumstances, He doesn't force me to look and seek truth. Perfect gentleman. Patiently waiting. For me. Who else waits for me like He does? 

 

He's secured our relationship with His Spirit and through Christ Jesus. It's done. I'm His and He is mine. Why do I withhold myself from the only One who cares for me fully, infinitely more than any human can love another? 

At this moment, what will I choose? Will I turn toward my Lover or turn away? Will I hold onto my struggles instead of running into His strong embrace, trusting His real and constant provision for me? 

Whatever my choice, He chooses love - always. He waits for me. That is grace beyond my comprehension. 

Abba God, thank You for being who You are - Love. Open my eyes to see how much You love me. Give me courage to look through the glass that separates me from You - the glass of circumstances, struggles, emotions - instead of only looking at the dusty, bug-covered glass itself. Teach me what I'm to focus on and give me courage to let go of the rest. In Jesus' name... 

Romans 8, NIV & Message paraphrase

Listen!

I wonder how often God stands beside me. Waiting. Ready to help me.

Yet I'm unwilling to stop my attempt at controlling the situation long enough to look into His eyes and ask.

Repeatedly, He offers His help, His kindness, His love... No, not repeatedly. Constantly!

While Isaiah 30:15, 18 (click to view) is written to Israel, hasn't God echoed this same message throughout history to all people?

Listen!

Do you have trouble? Are you tired, bruised, or burdened?

I will provide all you need. No one else can.

Simply COME TO ME.

I will help you.

Gracious... Abba God... You are pure, holy and good. I don't deserve your help, but You graciously long to give me help to live well. Give me eyes to see Your constant love for me and courage to trust You to provide all I need. Thank You for loving me so well. In Jesus' name... 

The Kindness of God Changes Me

I had an "Aha!" moment recently. It's still sinking in, but I just had to share.

God's kindness leads us to repentance according to Romans 2:4 (Amplified, NASB, & Message paraphrase). Truly, as I look back on my spiritual journey, it's been when I realize God's kindness toward me that I've learned the most from my failures and have wanted to please Him more.

When I stumble or am convicted of sin, I choose to wrap up in a scratchy, foul-smelling interfacing of lies. I berate myself for failing, instead of accepting the correction and asking Abba for His warm embrace, sweet fragrance, and strong arm. Only He can save me from the wretched person I am, and He does. 

Instead of focusing on my failures, maybe I could just focus on how good God is to me. (I know, it sounds so simple, and yet it seems so hard to live by.) I guess it's another "KISS" moment...

Keep It Simple, Sistah! 

Abba God, You are so very kind to me. I don't deserve anything good. It's clear that I've fallen short of holiness repeatedly, and You still extend kindness. Remind me when I stumble that You are kind to me, and your patience is long-suffering. Remind me of who You are & who I am in Christ Jesus. Teach me the depth of Your kindness. Ingrain it so deeply in my heart and mind that I can more quickly stand up when I falter, instead of struggling with discouragement and lies. Thank You for loving me so well. In Jesus' name...   

Do you remember what He has done?

Ps 107:43 keeps coming to mind, often when I’m struggling with Abba’s seemingly slow answer to my prayers.  You can read it here, in 4 translations.  That’s just like my Abba. He reminds me of hard truths when I feel weak and unable to do anything about a situation. It used to frustrate me. Ok, so it still often does. 

I’m starting to gradually learn that He does this in kindness. He extends His strong arms toward me, looking into my soul’s eyes with tender kindness. He offers me a yoke that is easier, a burden that’s light. He asks me to trust Him to carry my burdens, which I wasn’t shouldering well to begin with. He beckons me to focus on HIM instead of whatever burdens me. He longs for me to turn my eyes, my heart, and my mind solely toward Him. He reminds me that He alone

Is the way, the truth, and the life…

He brought me into an intimate relationship with Abba through Jesus, and He will lead me to the land of Fully Living (where nothing can touch my joy or peace). He teaches me what it means to abide – rest, trust – so that He can do the lasting work of creating fruit and answering prayers (as only He can).

He reminds me of what He’s done for me individually, and what He has already done for those I care about. 

He teaches me to remember… and rest in His ability.

Abba God, thank You for Jesus and the gentle teaching He offers through the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the imagery in Scripture which helps me to understand truth. I’m so glad You are patient and kind toward me. Help me to remember what You have done throughout history, from creation until now, and to remember that You are still at work. You are faithful and hear my prayers. Thank You so much for being with me, for going ahead of me, for surrounding me with great care and kindness.  Give me courage today to believe that You will never stop fighting or being faithful. Give me courage to pray for the lost, that they will have this understanding, too. Lastly, I ask that You give me courage to keep praying for what you lay on my heart. In Jesus’ name…

Goodness! Gracious!

Ever say that?

"Goodness, gracious!"

I'm not sure where the saying originated - and being that I was only a southerner for a few years of my life - it's funny that I even use the term.

I used to try to make myself stop the bad habit, but one day I realized that

I need help
(I know, you're SO SURPRISED, aren't you.)

I need help to remember

God is goodness.
God is gracious. 

So, when I'm frazzled, before "Goodness..." is finished on my lips, I've recently trained myself to say to myself, "Even though I'm frazzled & things aren't going my way. It's still true, that God is good. His goodness is with me. Even now in this very instance. He says His grace is sufficient." Then, I ask for His help.

I know this isn't the best of habits, and eventually I do hope to be "mature" enough of my strong rudder of a tongue. Meanwhile, I think it's ok to use some bad habits to kick-start good thinking. My Abba's grace is greater than my weakness, and I think He's pleased that I'm trying to develop good habits to replace those bad ones.

So, fellow sistas.... how about it? Is there something you frequently think or say that could become your jump start to transformed thoughts, taken captive according to Christ Jesus?

Abba God, You are good. You are gracious. Your grace IS enough in all circumstances. I do believe, and ask for help in the places of doubt which still permeate my live. Thank You for saving me completely from all that is not of You... and for assurance that You will finish what You have begun in me. Let my lips continue to learn to finish the sentence in the moments which test me. In Jesus' name...