From Evernote:

Living in God's Favor by Sis. Techie Rodriguez

Psalms 8:4-6

Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them,

and make them a little less than the heavenly beings? You grant mankind honor and majesty;

you appoint them to rule over your creation; you have placed everything under their authority, -

Dt 28

"If you indeed obey the LORD your God and are careful to observe all his commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth. -Deuteronomy 28:1

Requirement: Continue to follow, pay heed, "nakinig at sumunod" God's command

Benefits/blessing: Promote, lift up, elevate

For God is the judge! He brings one down and exalts another. -Psalms 75:7

God gives you advantages ("nakakahigit")

Example: Frequent Fliers have many advantages: lounge, preferred seats, extra baggage weight, express check-in, partner airlines (star alliance), miles for personal use and gift to others

He gives you preferential treatment.

e.g. Upgrades to Business Class

Our position in the organization gives us privileges and honor.

As Christians, are we using our position as members of the family of God to gain favor from Him.

The men and women that were favored by God:

1. Nehemiah

Please, O Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion (favor in NAB) to me in the presence of this man."  Now I was cupbearer for the king. -Nehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah was aware of the privileges his position can accord him especially access to the king's presence.

He was able to ask the king a great favor.

and said to the king, "If the king is so inclined and if your servant has found favor in your sight, dispatch me to Judah, to the city with the graves of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it." -Nehemiah 2:5

The King granted all his request for the favoring hand of God was upon him. Nehemiah 2:8.

He always acknowledged God as the one giving him the favor.

People will marvel at the privileges you receive and thus give glory to the God whom you serve.

Claim the favoring hand of God upon yourself.

2. Joshua

I am handing over to you every place you set foot, as I promised Moses. -Joshua 1:3

No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone. -Joshua 1:5

3. Joseph the Dreamer

The LORD was with Joseph. He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful.So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. -Genesis 39:2-4

He was promoted from slave to manager.

People will see the glory of God in you.

These men were men of prayer. They spent time communicating and talking to God. Prayer is their way of life. They spent time waiting on the Lord.

3. Esther

And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti. Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants - it was actually Esther's banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king's expense. -Esther 2:17-18

While at the banquet of wine, the king said to Esther, "What is your request? It shall be given to you. What is your petition? Ask for as much as half the kingdom, and it shall be done!" -Esther 5:6

Steps to win God's favor

1. Live favor-minded. Expect God to assist us.

Always thank God that His angels are in charge over you and your family.

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and take up residence with him. -John 14:23

TO BE CONTINUED.