Favor With God

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 20:12; Luke 2:45-52; John 19:25-27 (day four)  When Jesus remained back at the Temple and His parents finally missed Him, they searched and found Him in the middle of the teachers.  Jesus’ response was “Why is it that you were looking for Me?  Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”  From early in His life, this was His driving goal…to be about His Father’s business.  John 4:34 says, “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work’.”  John 5:36 says, “…for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish–the very works I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.”  Is that our driving goal in life?  Are we so concerned with doing God’s work He has for us, that we lose track of things that are going on around us?  Do others recognize this goal as a driving force in our lives?  The result of a ‘yes’ to these questions just might be favor with God!

Jesus Believed…

Re: Verse reading–John 11:17-44 (day five)

When Jesus walked the earth, his actions and attitudes are worth noting and following.  By becoming flesh (human), Jesus affords us opportunities to see His Wisdom, Strength, and Authority.  There are great insights to be gained as we are presented with occasions to understand what Jesus really believed about:  scripture, eternity, heaven, a relationship with His Father (to name a few).

John 11: 41 – Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”

Jesus believed that not only was He able to hear from God, but also that God heard Him.  He really believed that God hears and responds to the prayers of His children.  He really believed that in a relationship with God, communication was not only possible, but also essential.

What would a real and honest conversation sound like between each of us and the Living God this day, this moment?  What would we say?  More importantly, what would God say?