I AM AMAZED at how many Christians seldom read the Bible. Reading God’s Word is like reading instructions to new equipment. Some people try to assemble a new machine without reading the instructions, only to find that the machine does not operate properly because it was not put together correctly. People wonder why their life is not going as smoothly and productively as it should. When they ask me why, I reply, “Have you read the instruction book—the Bible?”
The Bible contains all the instructions we need to live a productive, successful, and satisfying life. In it, we learn about God’s character. He tells us of His love, mercy, and grace. Within it are the promises He has freely given to us. We can understand our authority and our rights and privileges.
I also call the Word our “how to” book. How to pray, how to resist the devil and temptation, and how to stand in the storms of life. To understand God, we must meditate on His Word. He often speaks to us through scripture. When we don’t have any feelings—the Word is still there. I have found that one of the hardest disciplines for Christians is to consistently read God’s Word. I have often told people in an amusing but honest observation, if you cannot sleep, start reading the Bible. You will fall asleep immediately!
Often, we wait until our Thanksgiving celebration to think about giving thanks. However, it is important to thank God daily for everything He provides for us. Do you realize that, as a believer, you are surrounded all day and every day by God’s favor? When you understand and recognize that fact, it will change your life and your attitudes in life. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Many Christians believe they have to somehow earn God’s favor. But the truth is, we already have it. God saved us because of His favor toward us. God’s favor is the power that changes things for us.
You must first recognize that God’s favor is yours. Secondly, you receive favor by asking for whatever you need. John 16:24 (NKJV) says it this way: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” Thirdly, you receive God’s favor by faith—believing that God will supply whatever favor you need.
My parents taught me Luke 2:52 (NKJV) as a young child. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Then they added, “If Jesus had favor with men, you can too.” I have believed that from an early age and have practiced it all my life.
As a five-year-old, I was staying with my aunt over the weekend. She had a huge mulberry tree in her front yard, and I wanted her to make a swing to hang from that tree. Of course, that meant we needed some chain. It was late on a Saturday and the stores closed at 5 p.m. She had gone to several hardware stores and found no chain. She told me, “Lynette, this is the last store we can go to before they close. If it is not here, you will have to wait until you come to my house again.” Of course, I wanted that chain now, so what did I do? I prayed. “God, help them to have chain.” I was sitting in the car waiting, and to my delight, she came out of the store with a sack of chain.
Recently, I was on a waiting list for a puppy I wanted. The breeder had seven females available. I was last on the list to choose a puppy. The website had pictures and descriptions of the puppies. There were two I told God, “Lord, I would be happy with either. I thank you that I have favor, and one of them will still be available, even though I am the last to choose.”
One lady who was sixth in line removed her name from the list because she wasn’t sure she would get the puppy she wanted. I was the last call, of course. And I was delighted to hear that both of the pups I wanted were still available, even though five people had chosen before me. God’s favor! Know that He will do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or think if we just put our trust in Him (Eph. 3:20).
Author
Lynette Hagin
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