Happy New Year! It’s Jan. 1, 2025. What is the word God might have laid on your heart for the new year? Mine is “favor,” and it began at Christmas! Later, in the synagogue, Jesus reinforced this in His very first sermon.
Today's Reading:
Genesis 1,2; Luke 1
Scripture
“ … the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)
Observation
Favor … it comes up again and again. It’s often spoken over those whom God intends to endorse or bless. Jesus Himself declares it again just three chapters later when He reads from Isaiah:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me... to proclaim good news to the poor... to proclaim freedom for the prisoners... to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." — Luke 4:18
It’s time we start proclaiming what God is proclaiming so we can claim what God wants us to claim! If we don’t, we may unintentionally declare setbacks and woes that keep us as victims. We risk slipping into a “hopeless faith” by misusing “hope.”
Here are some examples:
-
“I hope I don’t get sick.”
Instead, say: “I hold great hope that this year will be one of strength and health!” -
“I hope our money doesn’t run out.”
Instead, say: “I put my hope in the One who is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides!” -
“I hope I pass this class.”
Instead, say: “I have high hopes that this will be my best class to date! God’s favor is on me, and I will pass with flying colors!”
It’s time to proclaim His favor.
Application
Each year, Americans forfeit over 1.5 billion dollars by not claiming tax refunds. I wonder how much of God’s favor and blessings we forfeit because we fail to claim them.
It’s time to proclaim the favor of the Lord over our lives, families, and churches. Let’s begin by declaring this year as a year of God’s favor.
Words are powerful, and the most important ones are the ones we say to ourselves. It’s easy to talk ourselves right out of God’s favor! This year, I choose to proclaim God’s favor and refuse to let denials diminish my faith. I trust that God delights in releasing the people and resources needed to bring His intentions to reality.
It’s time!
Prayer
God, you are "able to do more abundantly than all that we dare ask or think [beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.” — Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
