When God Looks on Us with Favor
Isaiah 66:1-2 (New American Standard)
1 Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool . Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest ? 2 "For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
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Believers are always under the canopy of Gods grace and love. Nothing we do can change that. At the same time, our behavior and heart condition do determine whether we receive the fullness of His blessings. Todays passage teaches us how to experience the Fathers favor.
First, He desires that we have a contrite heart and a humble spirit (Ps. 51:17). For that to be the case, all aspects of our lives must be surrendered to Jesus. Yet some dreams, desires, and people are difficult to release into His hands.
Anything we do not give over to His authority is evidence of pride, the exact opposite of what our Father wants in His children. Remember that God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Lack of submission proves that we think our way is better than His plan.
Second, God tells us to tremble at His Word (Isa. 66:2). Scripturethe unfolding revelation of Jesus Himselfis living and powerful to teach and transform us. Consider how we treat this treasure. Do we devote time each day to know what the Bible says and how to apply its principles? Do we hunger for more of the Word in our lives so we can know its Author better? One measure of our reverence is obedience: to honor the Lord, we must obey Him.
We all desire Gods favor. Are you living in a manner that positions you to receive His full blessings? Prayerfully consider whether you have submitted all areas of your lifefrom finances and health to relationships and work habitsto Jesus Christ. Recognize His authority in all things, and revere His Word.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit In Touch Ministries > Home.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
Isaiah 66:1-2 (New American Standard)
1 Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool . Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest ? 2 "For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Start
Believers are always under the canopy of Gods grace and love. Nothing we do can change that. At the same time, our behavior and heart condition do determine whether we receive the fullness of His blessings. Todays passage teaches us how to experience the Fathers favor.
First, He desires that we have a contrite heart and a humble spirit (Ps. 51:17). For that to be the case, all aspects of our lives must be surrendered to Jesus. Yet some dreams, desires, and people are difficult to release into His hands.
Anything we do not give over to His authority is evidence of pride, the exact opposite of what our Father wants in His children. Remember that God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Lack of submission proves that we think our way is better than His plan.
Second, God tells us to tremble at His Word (Isa. 66:2). Scripturethe unfolding revelation of Jesus Himselfis living and powerful to teach and transform us. Consider how we treat this treasure. Do we devote time each day to know what the Bible says and how to apply its principles? Do we hunger for more of the Word in our lives so we can know its Author better? One measure of our reverence is obedience: to honor the Lord, we must obey Him.
We all desire Gods favor. Are you living in a manner that positions you to receive His full blessings? Prayerfully consider whether you have submitted all areas of your lifefrom finances and health to relationships and work habitsto Jesus Christ. Recognize His authority in all things, and revere His Word.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit In Touch Ministries > Home.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
