I Am Favored Of The Lord
http://www.newyorkgospel.com/articles/28/1/I-Am-Favored-Of-The-Lord/Page1.html
By Rev. Craig A. Brown
Published on 12/16/2006
Luke 1:28 reads as follows, “And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” (NAS)
Be encouraged you are favored of the Lord
Luke 1:28 reads as follows, “And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” (NAS)
Mary was a simple girl that came from a poor family. She had no pedigree or ancestral significance that warranted the attention of the upper class of that day. The salutation and proclamation she received from the angel Gabriel troubled her greatly.
English raconteur T. H. White recalls in the “Book of Merlyn” a boyhood experience: "My father made me a wooden castle big enough to get into, and he fixed real pistol barrels beneath its battlements to fire a salute on my birthday, but made me sit in front the first night to receive the salute, and I, believing I was to be shot, cried." How many times have we, too, misinterpreted the ambiguity of life and thought ourselves to be "shot" when delight was intended?
When you consider His tremendous majesty; the perfections of His nature, in particular His power, purity and holiness; and the law of God that your sins are in violation of, it becomes indeed a challenge to think that the Lord desires to do something wonderful in your life. Thoughts of the wrath of God run uncontrollably though your mind like a vehement stream of water.
Allow your soul to flee from distractions, guilt, sorrowful thoughts, conflicts and the cares of this world. Fly to the delight and comfort of your soul, which is the presence of God. He has promised exceedingly great and precious promises. You have eternal love, covenant promises, and an inexhaustible ocean of forgiveness. You have the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of your understanding, sheds abroad the love of God in your heart and comforts your weary soul.
Worldly comforts may delight the carnal nature, and please the senses, but cannot delight the soul, especially a wounded spirit, a distressed mind. Jesus will replenish the weary and sorrowful soul with an unspeakable joy full of glory.
Yes, like Mary, it may be difficult to fathom that the only, true, living and wise God desires to do something so special in your life. You have been favored to be fused with an illimitable and wonderful community of purpose-driven believers to dispense the purpose of God in the earth. Don’t be troubled with the awesome plan God has for your life. Be strong and courageous.
There is no challenge your support system (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) can’t handle. There is no mistake too great too forgive, no disease too formidable they can’t conquer, no pit too deep to lift you up from; no sadness so immense His joy can’t reach. Be encouraged you are favored of the Lord.
Have a Purpose Driven Day.
P.S. Always remember…Worship is a lifestyle, not a momentary experience.
Rev. Brown is the President/CEO of Word-Song Ministries and Ministry Solutions Group. To schedule a ministry or consultation appointment, please contact Rev. Brown at revcab@aol.com.
Mary was a simple girl that came from a poor family. She had no pedigree or ancestral significance that warranted the attention of the upper class of that day. The salutation and proclamation she received from the angel Gabriel troubled her greatly.
English raconteur T. H. White recalls in the “Book of Merlyn” a boyhood experience: "My father made me a wooden castle big enough to get into, and he fixed real pistol barrels beneath its battlements to fire a salute on my birthday, but made me sit in front the first night to receive the salute, and I, believing I was to be shot, cried." How many times have we, too, misinterpreted the ambiguity of life and thought ourselves to be "shot" when delight was intended?
When you consider His tremendous majesty; the perfections of His nature, in particular His power, purity and holiness; and the law of God that your sins are in violation of, it becomes indeed a challenge to think that the Lord desires to do something wonderful in your life. Thoughts of the wrath of God run uncontrollably though your mind like a vehement stream of water.
Allow your soul to flee from distractions, guilt, sorrowful thoughts, conflicts and the cares of this world. Fly to the delight and comfort of your soul, which is the presence of God. He has promised exceedingly great and precious promises. You have eternal love, covenant promises, and an inexhaustible ocean of forgiveness. You have the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of your understanding, sheds abroad the love of God in your heart and comforts your weary soul.
Worldly comforts may delight the carnal nature, and please the senses, but cannot delight the soul, especially a wounded spirit, a distressed mind. Jesus will replenish the weary and sorrowful soul with an unspeakable joy full of glory.
Yes, like Mary, it may be difficult to fathom that the only, true, living and wise God desires to do something so special in your life. You have been favored to be fused with an illimitable and wonderful community of purpose-driven believers to dispense the purpose of God in the earth. Don’t be troubled with the awesome plan God has for your life. Be strong and courageous.
There is no challenge your support system (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) can’t handle. There is no mistake too great too forgive, no disease too formidable they can’t conquer, no pit too deep to lift you up from; no sadness so immense His joy can’t reach. Be encouraged you are favored of the Lord.
Have a Purpose Driven Day.
P.S. Always remember…Worship is a lifestyle, not a momentary experience.
Rev. Brown is the President/CEO of Word-Song Ministries and Ministry Solutions Group. To schedule a ministry or consultation appointment, please contact Rev. Brown at revcab@aol.com.