A good [man] obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

Proverbs 12:2 (NKJV)

Good Morning!

This week, we examined the wisdom of Proverbs 11:27. In Proverbs 11:27, it says that the person who earnestly seeks good will find favor. The phrase of earnestly seeking good comes from the Hebrew word that paints the picture of someone rising early to start a task and pursuing that task with discipline and focus. We should pursue what is good with the passion this Hebrew word describes.

In Proverbs 12:2, we see a similar proverb. A good person obtains favor from the Lord. Well, how does God define being good? One definition is to be a person who allows the fruit of the Spirit called goodness to operate in their life in an ever increasing way.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

In describing goodness, Rev. Rick Renner shares, “The word “goodness” is the Greek word agathusune, which comes from the word agathos, meaning good. But when agathos becomes the word agathusune, it means goodness in the sense of being good to someone. This word was used to portray a person who is generous, big-hearted, liberal, and charitable with his finances. We would call this person a giver.” In addition, Rev. Gloria Copeland shares, “Goodness is a change in your spirit that comes when you are born again and then transformed by the renewing of your mind by studying the Word of God. Kindness is the action that comes from that place of goodness.”

The person who allows the fruits of goodness and kindness to continually operate through them will obtain favor from God. As I shared yesterday, our good works and acts of kindness shine light into the lives of others and cause them to give glory to God. (Matthew 5:12-14). When we decide to be good and kind to others, we are allowing God’s love to work through us and open their hearts to our Heavenly Father. Today, make the decision to be good and kind to others. Look for ways to be a blessing. Even if it is in a seemingly small way. Living this way is an important step in the upward cycle of favor we have been discussing over the last week.

We will continue to unpack goodness and kindness as we continue in this journey of better understanding favor together. As we grow in understanding and application, I know we will see the marvelous results of God’s favor in our lives. Pray this prayer with me today, “Father, thank you for your favor. I believe it surrounds me as a force field. I ask for greater levels of you favor to manifest in my life. Lord, help us grow in understanding of your favor so that we can live in the upward cycle of favor. I ask that you show us how we all can be wise stewards of your favor. Your favor makes the difference in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

In our podcast devotional today, I interview Mondo De La Vega from the Mondo Show! Stream today’s podcast and be encouraged knowing that God has wonderful things in store for your life!

Thank you for starting your day with Faith in the Morning. We love you and are praying for you. Have a miraculous day!

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What Am I Listening To? I’m listening to a series called God’s Favor Opens Doors by Jerry Savelle. This link is to part one of the series. It’s from a couple of years ago, but it is still relevant today!

Don’t forget to read through the Book of Matthew with us this month!

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