"How to Have God's Favor"

Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head"- Luke 9:58

The sun was shining warmly through patchy clouds on a sweet summers' day in our little town.

I found myself praying confidently that God would show me 'favor' as I approached the courthouse, to deal with a financial issue.

After a short conversation with one of the city clerks, I quietly emerged from the courthouse.

Actually, I emerged with the very same late fees, that I had entered with.

Of course, this got me thinking about His favor.

The funny thing is...

I still "felt" favored. 

I had a persistent (yet pleasant) conversation with someone. 

And I was able to give a few smiles on the way out. 

Our fines were still intact. 

Still..seemed like someone could have helped. 

But on this day...
I had a moment of clarity. 

And everything just rolled right off.

Trust me, not every day is like that. I grumble and mumble with the best of them! 

But I'm a thinker, and this got me thinking.

Thinking about the favor and the prosperity
we seem to hear so much about these days.

I often wonder about the prosperity teaching!!

And I wonder, what do the prosperity teachers do with Jesus.

I find myself thinking on Him.

We are told..He had no place to lay his head.

Homeless perhaps?

Was He concerned?

Didn't seem to be.

Jesus was always more in tune with extending Himself, than 'seeking' favor.

He was concerned....instead.....

about how 'we' might prosper when we leave this life.

His life exuded....a willingness 

to "give" prosperity rather than to receive it.

He said.."I go to prepare a place for you....a mansion with many rooms."

Over and again, He tells us 

to not worry about the day...and to instead draw so close to our Heavenly Father, that when difficult times come our way...we find ourselves so wrapped in Him, 

that even though trouble comes...

we still know..
He is the quiet strength that stills our heart. 

In fact, It is His presence alone that becomes "precious favor" in our pain.

I absolutely believe God's Word..

I believe He will meet every need and then some. I've seen Him bless us in so many ways, I've lost track.

It just seems, when we choose to trust Him more, our hearts begin to turn outward...

We find ourselves seeking more to bless others than to be blessed.

He will then in turn, 

faithfully meet us at our need and 'work out all things for our good and His glory'.

Of course, He wants us to come to Him with our hearts desires... But we must not lose sight of the very way Jesus Himself, lived and died.

I think our purpose is not to "continually" ask Him for favor...or the worlds definition of prosperity.

For, He is already at the helm of our lives caring for our every need 

and often for our silliest wants.

Truly, it is a better purpose to seek hard after His face..so we might reflect the way He lived.

It is then...

that we will find ourselves 

Absolutely rewarded with 'favor'. 

(the 'favor of His Presence')

Application: This week; think about the time of day that you are most fresh and alert. 

Spend quiet moments alone, reflecting. 

Grab your Bible and get away with Him, even if its for a few moments.

Search the New Testament (specifically, the book of John)

Look at Jesus...study His actions, and watch Him come ALIVE in your own reflection.

Remember: ...it is better to seek hard after His face..

It is then that we will find ourselves favored and blessed...

in and with His presence....and in all things.