Favor of God

Thursday, January 13, 2005

9:14 PM

 

 

People with God's favor:

Genesis 6:7-9    

   8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

   

   9These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.

 

 

Exodus 33:11-13

(Moses to God) Moreover, You have said, 'I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.'

   

   13"Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight

 

Numbers 12:3

3(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)

1 Samuel 2:26

   26Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the LORD and with men.

 

Luke 1:30

   30The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.

 

 

Luke 2:52

52And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men

 

David had God's favor:

 

1 Chronicles 17:16 

16Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD and said, "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far?

 

1 Samuel 16:7 

7But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

 

David decided as a youngster that he would give his life to God:

·         Disadvantaged as youngest of 8 boys (likely many girls too!)

·         Given lowliest job - sheperds were the lowest esteemed

·         Often lonely (and likely afraid too, alone in the mountains at night)

 

David's response:

·         He depended on God

·         He gave thanks

·         He nurtured his relationship with God

·         He made songs to God

·         Served faithfully and with courage

·         Did not move agains the Lord's anointed (Saul) even after he had been anointed king instead of Saul - was not presumpteous

 

 

 

Proverbs 4:23

23Watch over your heart with all diligence,

         For from it flow the springs of life

 

How to watch over one's heart?

 

Luke 6:45

45"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

 

Luke 8:15

15"But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance

 

2 Timothy 2:22

22Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

 

Proverbs 14:30

30A tranquil heart is life to the body,

         But passion is rottenness to the bones.