January 19, 2010

Joseph's Tips for having FAVOR:
1. Make sure God is with you. Genesis 39:2-5
2. Have godly character (e.g. trustworthy, faithful, pure). 39:7-9
3. Don't lose your character under duress 39:19-23
4. Pay attention to people and be a loving servant. 40:6-7
5. Know your gifts and glorify God with them. 40:8
6. Do whatever you do very well. 40:22
7. Remember-- your favor comes from God, not people. 40:23
8. Don't forget good grooming! 41:14
9. Be confident that your gift will always function when you give God the credit and not yourself. 41:16

Jesus' Tips for having Favor (HE IS your FAVOR):
1. Do the Father's will. Matthew 12:50
2. Learn to speak the language of the Kingdom. 13:3
3. Learn to see, hear, and understand the language of the Kingdom 13:16
4. Be good soil for the Word and bear fruit. 13:23

David's Tips for having Favor: Psalm 17:1-15
1. Pray for favor.
2. Speak the truth.
3. Stick to the Way.
4. Trust the Lord.

Solomon's Tips for having Favor: Proverbs 3:34
1. Don't look down on people.
2. Be humble.

Bonus:
"To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." Matthew 13:11 Seek the Lord for wisdom, discernment and the gift of interpretation (e.g. dreams). They were keys for Joseph's favor, and they will be much needed in the days to come.

January 10, 2010

OYB: As I was reading, I was struck by how Abraham was respected by the people among whom he resided. They considered him "a mighty prince among us" Genesis 23:6. Abraham treated the Hittites with respect-- related to them and did business with them according to their current customs. He lived "in the world and not of it." And he had favor.

When Jesus healed the leper, He told him to "show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them". He was demonstrating New Covenant truth while maintaining a respectful attitude to those of the Old Covenant who did not yet believe. Matthew 8:4

If we want to have a good witness in the world and favor with the people, we have to behave in a manner that is respectful, understandable, and unoffensive. Culture and customs are a language, and it is possible to communicate effectively with them without compromising truth and uprightness.

I was extra pleased, then, when I got to the Proverbs selection: "Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you. . . so you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people." Proverbs 3:3,4

Respectful manners go a long way to bring you favor.