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Are You Favored By God? - 10/14/2008 10:55:39 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 1341
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I was thinking about favortism today from a spiritual point of view and immediately thought about King David and the relationship that God had with him.
And then I thought... I want God to favor me and I guess the Holy Spirit reminded me that I have indeed been favored and greatly blessed.
I have everlasting life. I have a promise that I will live forever in the presence of Jesus Christ who made my salvation possible.
Favortism has caused much heartache among humans and it is something that is sometimes difficult for us to prevent.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons...
Deut. 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward...
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
Do you feel favored by God? Why?
Have you shown favortism to someone and it turned out to be a bad experience? What did you learn from the experience?
Do believe that what seems to be favortism from God is in fact His reward to us for our love and service to Him?
Finally: Why do you believe Israel was chosen by God?
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/15/2008 7:38:50 AM
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Giulia
Posts: 928
Joined: 9/29/2005
From: Giulia
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Yes I do feel favoured by God. Mainly because I trust and obey Him. Your second question I don't see the relevance to: the showing favouritism and having bad experiences bit.
quote:
Do believe that what seems to be favortism from God is in fact His reward to us for our love and service to Him?
Yes, our love for him, obedience and service.
_____________________________
Rejected by the world but loved by heaven
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/15/2008 8:01:22 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3156
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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It is...what it is.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/15/2008 9:13:15 AM
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makarizo
Posts: 2998
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quote:
Do you feel favored by God? Why?
yes!!! because of all those promises that are there for me.... not just words.
He put a love in my heart that makes me feel very favored.
quote:
Have you shown favoritism to someone and it turned out to be a bad experience? What did you learn from the experience?
when my boss quit, and the new guy took his position, the first thing he did was hired 3 women, took the all the men out of the positions, and put the women in those jobs. & made one of those girls the "assistant warehouse manager"
4 men have basically no responsibilities, and 3 new girls have all the keys, passwords, email addresses, overtime, and they call him "uncle bill" even tho he is no relation to them.
would you want to give 100% to job?
quote:
Do believe that what seems to be favortism from God is in fact His reward to us for our love and service to Him?
absolutely!!
1Sa 16:7 But 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."
that kind of sums it all up!!
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.) .......Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
quote:
Why do you believe Israel was chosen by God?
it was a promise to Abram called the abrahamic covenant.
_____________________________
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/15/2008 7:05:15 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 1341
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ta_mosquito
It might be the Calvinistic teachings I've been sitting under for the past 3 years, but I hesitate to say that the favoritism God shows us is due to our service and love for Him.
We can learn from the book of Job that sometimes the LACK of favoritism (trials, etc.) are not due to our lack of service and love for Him, but simply because He is God and has His own reasons. I would think that the converse is true, also, that God has chosen to bestow His favor on me, not because I'm anything special, but because He chose to do so for His own purposes and glory.
But I don't want to turn this into a debate on TULIP, LOL! 
Joh:14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments.
This verse sums up what is expected and we know there are no promises while we live but there is no doubt, if we have a place in heaven, we are favored. We are favored because we love Him and keep His commandments not because we do nothing.
We all know that there are many who face a terrible existence from the moment they are born and I have heard story after story and at some point, they are miraculously changed. So, when were they favored. They were favored with life regardless of the situation or environment.
It is hard to comprehend that a person such as Helen Keller, born blind and deaf, could have a relationship with almighty God and communicate this relationship with such eloquence as she did. Was she favored? You bet!
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/15/2008 11:36:18 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2073
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Walker311
Do you feel favored by God? Why?
It's not what I feel but what I know. Just as the angel Gabriel told Mary she was the Lord's favored one, that is His word to each one of us who are His. Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. What could be more wonderful than that? Nothing.
Have you shown favortism to someone and it turned out to be a bad experience? What did you learn from the experience?
Being favored by God and showing favoritism are entirely different. Favor is God's kind regard for you. Favoritism is partiality and that is sin. Favoritism is extremely destructive and wreaks havoc in family relationships especially.
Do believe that what seems to be favortism from God is in fact His reward to us for our love and service to Him?
I don't believe being God's favored one has anything to do with me. It is His response, His action, to which I have responded in love.
Finally: Why do you believe Israel was chosen by God?
So He could reveal Himself and His love for mankind through them. They were blessed to be a blessing to all mankind.
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 7:46:29 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3156
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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God's done some stuff for me...despite me.
I would say 99.9% of the tribulations I have faced have been born from my poor decisions and the results from those decisions.
Did I deserve the lung disease I had? Well, the moldy hay I breatrhed in and the stone dust I breathed in...I don't know. Maybe. I know I didn't deserve to be healed of that incurable lung disease.
Do I deserve the nerve damage in my hand? I don't know. Maybe it was one way God dealt with my prayer for patience because it sure slowed me down, and I guess I needed that.
All the poor choices of my youth..and when I wasn't so young? Yeah, I deserve death and hell a thousand times over. The sin since salvation...hardest to deal with.
Am I favored by God?? You betcha. I am not dead and in hell.
Did I...or anyone...earn favor? Impossible. Enoch and Jesus, as far as I know, were the only people in the entire biblical account that earned God's favor. Everyone else fell short.
Deuteronomy 28 says we can be blessed by God for obediance...but Job was obediant too..eh?
God is God and does what He does. Our role in the covenent is faith. What happens...is what happens.
It is, what it is.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 1:27:25 PM
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Little_1
Posts: 1589
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Walker311
I was thinking about favoritism today from a spiritual point of view and immediately thought about King David and the relationship that God had with him.
And then I thought... I want God to favor me and I guess the Holy Spirit reminded me that I have indeed been favored and greatly blessed.
I have everlasting life. I have a promise that I will live forever in the presence of Jesus Christ who made my salvation possible.
favoritism has caused much heartache among humans and it is something that is sometimes difficult for us to prevent.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons...
Deut. 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward...
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
Do you feel favored by God? Why?
Have you shown favoritism to someone and it turned out to be a bad experience? What did you learn from the experience?
Do believe that what seems to be favoritism from God is in fact His reward to us for our love and service to Him?
Finally: Why do you believe Israel was chosen by God?
I don't believe in favoritism in the worldly sense. It causes hurt, confusion and jealousy.
Like you - I do believe I am favored by God and for the same reasons you mention. I don't believe God's favour is dependant upon our service to Him however (see the book of Job). I would say that grace is behind God's favour upon us and not our works.
I'll be honest, I've never wondered why God chose Israel as His chosen nation and I don't know why. Maybe have to study that but looking forward to your answer.
_____________________________
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 2:11:53 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1227
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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quote:
but I hesitate to say that the favoritism God shows us is due to our service and love for Him.
God 'favors' allegiance to Himself(He's a jealous and rightfully so); Job's history illustrates that. Our obedience(to Him)is it's own reward physically, emotionally and spiritually.
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 2:41:52 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 1341
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I totally agree with LCannon!
I don't understand why some of you seem to have a problem with "service" as in serving God. God desires our worship. We cannot do this if we do not love and "serve" Him. We desire to serve Him because we love Him not because He does great things for us but because He is God, our creator.
Also, I included in the OP the question to how humans favor others so that everyone could think about the difference between human and Godly favor.
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 3:38:29 PM
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rofaith
Posts: 81
Joined: 1/17/2008
From: rofaith, a believer
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I am favored by God I think because I realize what I am, and I also know what He is. He is God and I am not. Knowing that despite my sinfulness, selfishness, disloyalty and it goes on and on ( I won't belabor the point ) God chose me before I chose Him. I am saved by grace and by His mercy as exemplified by the cross and resurrection. <actually everyone is, if they chose to believe> .... as such, I am favored.
Doesn't mean I won't have issues between now and when I see Him face to face. But, I will have an advocate who favors me because He loves me. He will see me through whatever I encounter.... sometimes it will be easy, sometimes rough but God is Faithful.
BTW, regarding service. Wow, it is something I give out of gratefulness for what He has done for me. Not, out of some legalistic, contractual arrangement to obtain favor. Because He has favored me, I owe Him, pretty much everything. So, its Romans 12:1-2 .... I offer myself everyday as a living sacrifice... because He loved me and gave Himself for me, I do this with a grateful heart. Knowing that if He hadn't been there for me, I would be a dead man walking.
I think this again, is rooted in knowing what I am.... a saved and grateful sinful man...capable of anything, but for the grace of God, my eternal salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit... and who He is; God, Savior, Friend, Counselor, Supporter, Redeemer etc.....and I am not.
rofaith
_____________________________
There is no other name....
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 3:43:49 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 1341
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quote:
God chose me before I chose Him.
This pretty much somes up any question about being favored by God.
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/16/2008 7:04:14 PM
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delete123
Posts: 991
Joined: 6/1/2005
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Galatians 2:19
(NLB) For it was through reading the scriptures that I came to realize that I could 'never' find God's *favor by trying and failing to obey the laws. I came to realize that 'acceptance' with God comes by believing in Christ.
The only 'Favor' we receive, comes by believing in His Son.
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/17/2008 1:24:49 PM
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Little_1
Posts: 1589
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I don't have a problem with service - I believe service to God comes from a heart that loves God. However, I don't believe God favours me because I serve Him. I believe God favours me because He loves me. He is a gracious and merciful loving Father and in response to this, I serve Him because I love Him in return.
_____________________________
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/17/2008 1:26:11 PM
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Little_1
Posts: 1589
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quote:
ORIGINAL: delete123
Galatians 2:19
(NLB) For it was through reading the scriptures that I came to realize that I could 'never' find God's *favor by trying and failing to obey the laws. I came to realize that 'acceptance' with God comes by believing in Christ.
The only 'Favor' we receive, comes by believing in His Son.
AMEN
_____________________________
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/17/2008 1:32:34 PM
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Little_1
Posts: 1589
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Walker311
...Also, I included in the OP the question to how humans favor others so that everyone could think about the difference between human and Godly favor.
Difference between human favour and Godly favour:
quote:
- Human favour causes chaos, e.g. confusion, bitterness, jealousy, rivalry, etc...
- Godly favour brings blessing, e.g. accepted in the beloved, chosen by God, seated with Christ in the Heavenlies, etc... -- Little_1
_____________________________
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/19/2008 8:11:14 PM
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tapestry
Posts: 176
Joined: 8/19/2005
From: Ontario, Canada
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I think it is more like tollerated. You know, that kid that can never seem to get things right, but you love em anyway because they try so hard!
_____________________________
Joshua 24:15 B
..."As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/19/2008 8:17:19 PM
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delete123
Posts: 991
Joined: 6/1/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: tapestry
I think it is more like tollerated. You know, that kid that can never seem to get things right, but you love em anyway because they try so hard!
Now stop talking about me like that! 
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/20/2008 9:28:13 PM
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jbow
Posts: 628
Joined: 2/16/2007
From: Dixie
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I don't have to read past your title... Are you kidding... I am very fovored by God. I have mostly been unfaithful and self centered. He on the other hand has been totally faithful and loving, raising me up to be a son. He has been icredibly gracious and longsuffering.
Yes, I am favored and I am thankful. I am thankful for all I have suffered due to my obstinance and sin. I have learned some obedience through it. That is favor. He favors me enough to treat me as a son and discipline me. How awesome is that?
Israel was chosen by God to fulfill a promise made to Abraham.
Julien
_____________________________
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/21/2008 6:53:35 AM
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growingseed
Posts: 149
Joined: 5/24/2005
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Yes i am favored, i was in darkness and his light shined upon my heart,
yes i am favored, i was a lost Gentile and now i'm a member of his church
yes i am favored, i have become his bride waiting for the bridegroom.
yes i am favored, he has open both understanding and scriptures.
yes i am favored, he lives in my heart with his son and comforter.
yes i am favored, we see what the prophets wish to experience.
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/22/2008 7:04:31 AM
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Wild-Rose
Posts: 426
Joined: 1/11/2006
From: Upstate NY
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There are verses that talk about how God will bless your children. I often feel that I am blessed because of who my parents and grandparents are (were). I know God loves me myself, but I do believe in generational blessings that God promised to my elders. I can feel it.
_____________________________
Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
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RE: Are You Favored By God? - 10/23/2008 9:36:11 PM
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deborlie
Posts: 54
Joined: 8/9/2007
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quote:
Do you feel favored by God? Why?
DAD loves me best!
.........I most deffinately am favored. When it's just Him and I, communing together, I feel the most favored, most beloved. All consumed in that space of time. What we share in those moments, I feel singled out for that particular time. Yes, I am favored ...... at the same time, I know He favors you, just like He does me. In that knowledge, I am not jealous,
but would thrill to hear of your like experiences. And glow in the knowledge, the remembering...... These moments are far too few.
Have you shown favortism to someone and it turned out to be a bad experience? What did you learn from the experience?
My mistake. They are human, just like me.
Do believe that what seems to be favortism from God is in fact His reward to us for our love and service to Him?
Not on your life! Nothing I can do, would be good enough. In spite of my failures, He is there, because He is God. His ways are not our ways. (I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago.) If that is not being favored, what is?
Finally: Why do you believe Israel was chosen by God?
My understanding of this is: (In brief)
Abraham and God's promise/covenent to him and his heirs.
It begins with Abraham.........and his realization that there is but one God.
and....... Abriaham's obedience. After all of this time, GOD NOW HAS A HUMAN FAMILY TO WORK WITH, to favor. The human race is now in the position/ready to learn., to be loved and groomed, for a special work.
Abraham is separated from his former world. And is headed for the land of promise. He obeys and goes in faith. Abraham has many sons but it is thru the son Isaac....... and then, Jacob.
The sons of Jacab (Israel) are to be the heirs of the promised covenent. They remain set apart even to today for their pre determined mission. To be preists to the Gentiles in the Kingdom on earth. Now, since the Cross, this mission is being held until the Millenium. (sp)
I hope I didn't misunderstand you. Interesting thought.
BJ
I haven't gotten the hang of quote's. My answers are within the quote box. Sorry, for any confusion.
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