Windows of the Soul

In Favor

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)

Jesus was growing up as a boy, and we are told he grew not only in stature in the physical realm, but in wisdom. He also grew in favor with God and men. So, how can we do the same? How do we grow in wisdom, and favor with God and man?

Let’s look at how wisdom may be acquired. According to the internet, wisdom can only be acquired through experience, reflecting on that experience, learning as much as you can, analyzing your experiences and putting your knowledge to the test. This seems so much like a recipe that you really can’t measure.

What is wisdom, exactly? Merriam Webster says wisdom is experience, knowledge, and good judgment. According to the Psalms and Proverbs, wisdom comes from the Lord. It has to do with knowledge and understanding about what we do, and what others do; of God and having a godly perspective; it is something we can pray and ask God for in any and every circumstance of our lives.

So, what is favor? Favor is liking, showing approval, preference or kindness towards another. So, in this case, Jesus grew in wisdom and approval not only by God, but also man. Similar to wisdom we can pray for favor, and we can know that we are blessed and highly favored by the Lord.

I believe we grow in wisdom and favor by walking in relationship with God and by praying for wisdom and favor. I believe we can find limited wisdom on our own; but with God, He can reveal so much more to us through prayer and the Holy Spirit. As far as favor goes, we walk in favor and will find favor, again, by asking God for it.

Praying for wisdom and favor in any and every circumstance can and will make a big difference in your life and in everything you do. As you pray daily for wisdom and favor, you will see over and over how the God of the universe reveals Himself and His wisdom to you and grants you favor in your life and circumstances.  In no time, you will not want to go even a moment without His wisdom and favor in all things.

To grow in wisdom and favor, all we really need to do is ask, seek and knock. God will provide the answers. Selah.

Mission: Possible

For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

Read this verse again. And again, and again.

Do you believe it? I mean, do you really believe it?

It is true, there is nothing that God cannot do. He is the creator of our world, our universe, and nothing is to difficult for Him.  This is one of those verses, like so many others that you must believe by faith. I believe God has put some things in place that make it a little easier to believe that nothing is impossible with God.

First, nature itself points to an Eternal Maker with unending power, might, majesty and creativity. Just look at the world around you. The sky, sun, moon, stars, clouds, rivers, trees, rocks, the sea all point to a God of infinite proportions to have spoken all of these things into existence. The abundance of creativity in the animal world, on land and in sea and sky. They silently point us to a Creator God who has no limits.

Then look at people. The wonder of the human body, emotions, thought, birth, the cycle of life, and the spirit within. Our bodies, procreation, beauty, love, mental toughness, inspirational thoughts, birth, life, death; all point to a God in whose image we are made.

Finally look at your relationships. The power of love, friendship, goodness, kindness, the ability to change, grow, mature, and belong. All of these things are possible due to the love God bestows on each one of us.

I have often said, I don’t know how anyone can look at the majesty of the clouds, the vastness and beauty of the earth, sky, our galaxy, and not believe in God. It is simply incomprehensible to me.

The point of this verse, however, is not only to recognize God as Creator, but also as Sustainer. When we intentionally place our concerns, problems, difficulties, weakness, sin and injury before Him, God can make a way. We must believe that. And often times we are fortunate enough to see God work. When God does not fix our issues, we cannot blame Him, or think He is not up to the task. The answer is perhaps, “wait”, “no”, or “I have other plans for you.” He is our maker, and truthfully, knows each one of us better than we know ourselves. We are wise to follow His lead.

When we truly believe God’s ability, and know in every cell of our being that NOTHING is impossible for Him, we can not only live abundantly, as we are intended to do, but we can also relax, because God is in control. Take all your cares to Him, because He cares for you, and know in your heart, mind and spirit that nothing is impossible for God. Selah.

So That People May Know

    “This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of 
to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, 
to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: 
2 I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. 
3 I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, 
so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. 
4 For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, 
I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. 
5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. 
I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, 
6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting 
people may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:1-6)

    God is speaking to his people once again through the prophet Isaiah, and letting them know he will be with them, in so many different ways. He will go before them and level mountains, give them hidden treasures, strengthen them. Why? So that people may know that God is the LORD and there is no other God before Him. He is the God of Israel.

    God does all this despite the fact that Israel is unfaithful, unbelieving and refuses to acknowledge the LORD. God blesses even when they don’t deserve it -- so that others may know.

    For me, I see grace, sacrifice, and greater purpose coming from an all wise God. He will do what is gracious, benevolent and kind despite Israel’s sin of omission. So that other people may know that He, the God of Israel, is the LORD of all.

    Pretty amazing. In response, I wonder, have I acknowledged God and given Him all He is due, especially in light of all of the blessings in and on my life? It’s a sobering thought to ponder. Despite my many shortcomings, I am certain God has blessed me -- so that other people may know.    

    LORD, thank you for your many blessings: going before me to level the mountains of difficulty; cutting though the bonds of sin; strengthening me so that I may receive honor and the title that comes from You. May I in turn, love, worship and adore You and live a life worthy of the calling You have placed on me. Amen.