“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
– Psalm 5:12
There’s nothing like the love of a grandparent. While parents get to deal with all the tough parts of raising kids, grandma and grandpa get to do the fun stuff. Though not true across the board, most grandparents take joy in spoiling their grandchildren, whether it means buying them gifts, taking them on outings, getting their favorite food, or sharing a hobby or craft with them. Since they are typically older and less busy than mom and dad, they can give the kids their undivided attention and spend focused time with them (often to the delight of their parents). If you’re wondering where I’m going with this, the fact is that I believe envisioning the lavish and unconditional love of a grandparent better equips us to understand the role of God’s favor in our lives. Though many of us get uncomfortable with the use of this word, especially since it’s been abused by a few prosperity preachers, the truth is that our Lord wants to bless us. Unfortunately, when we pray, we often assume that He’s only interested in meeting our most basic needs and not in providing for our wants. However, I’m here to tell you that this is not the case! Like a doting grandparent, Jesus is overflowing with tenderness toward us, and He delights in giving us — His kids — the kinds of good and perfect gifts that cause our hearts to abound with deep joy and happiness. My friend, you are blessed and highly favored! You are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, and your Savior takes joy in seeing you live a whole and prosperous life. Though physical health and wealth or not a guarantee, neither are they something that He withholds from you. In fact, God’s heart overflows with abundance, and healing is the essence of who He is. He doesn’t want you to be bogged down by the belief that He’s a cosmic killjoy, but rather, to receive His overflowing goodness so you can thrive. He’s delighted when you expect blessings to find you, and He reveals Himself mightily when you stretch your faith and make room to see His power revealed in a very personal way. |
Prayer
Jesus, regardless of what I see or what I’ve been taught, help me to believe that there’s divine favor for me.
Reflection
Do you live each day expecting God’s favor to find you?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
2 Responses
Yes most definitely. I continually give praise to God for the many favors that he has
given to me.Such as good health. And the gift of a beautiful voice for singing and also for proclaiming the word of the Lord during the 7:30 am Sunday Mass.For eyes to see the beauty of nature all around. And up in the sky. Clouds The Sun Moon and brilliant twinkling stars.The gift of friends far and near.And also for a deeper understanding of what I am. I also believe that my Aspberger’s Syndrome is a gift.It was given to me as a purpose of using to the fullest of my potential. I am so blessed that my heart overflows with gratitude and thankfulness.To everyone at Hour of Power. Much love. Warm thoughts and good wishes.To Pastor Bobby Schuller and his beautiful family.Love blessings and happiness. To the musicians and choir and directors much thanks for the beautiful and triumphant music and singing. As always I remain a faithful viewer and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ.
May God bless The United States of America
If you could all humour me deviating from the core topic Myself and my wife Sharon are so blessed to have found your Church on TBNUK a year ago and would just Love to thank you Bobby, Hannah and Church family from the depths of our souls for your ministry!!!! I don’t think we have missed more than a hand full of your sermons on Sunday morning since first discovering… Thank you and God Bless You!!!
Much Love in Jesus name,
Owen Smithard
Ps. We are both South Africans living in the Uk and would never have come across you had we been at home!