"Favor Allows, Victoriously Our Redeemer! (F.A.V.O.R)"/"When have you experienced the F.A.V.O.R of the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy

Updated on Thurs, Dec 20, 2012 at 12:33 p.m. (EST) & 11:03 p.m. (IST), DEC 2012 Edition

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“Favor Allows, Victoriously Our Redeemer! (F.A.V.O.R)”

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
“The angel [Gabriel] went to her [Mary] and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:29-30, NIV)

APPROACH QUESTION:
If an angel were to meet you, what would you expect?

OBSERVATIONS:
I asked myself what 5 things did the Angel Gabriel do?

1. “The angel went to her [Mary].
2. The angel said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored!
3. The angel said, 'The Lord is with you.'
4. The angel said, "Do not be afraid, Mary,
5. The angel said, 'You have found favor with God.”

OBSERVATIONS:
I asked myself what can I learn about Mary?

Mary was not just troubled but greatly troubled at his words.
Mary wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Mary found favor with God

IINTERPRETATION:
I asked myself why Mary was greatly troubled?
We do not know what Mary was doing at the time the angel went to her. Angels do not always give a warning before they appear but just appear. The Angel Gabriel had appeared to the Virgin Mary, greeted her and told her that she is highly favored and the Lord is with her. To be met by an angel who spoke certain greetings to her, she now wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Angels were sent with different greetings to different people. Not knowing the meaning of the greeting alone greatly troubled her . The angel knew she was greatly troubled and acted to alleviate the trouble.

I asked myself what is the significance of the angel’s statements?
It is very significant that when Mary was greatly troubled, the angel not only told her, 'Do not to be afraid Mary' but goes a step further. This is the first time we hear the angel call Mary by name. Before that the angel had just appeared and given a message. Mary never introduced herself to the angel but the angel already knew her name. Now the angel calls her by name making the visit very personal and caring like. After that the angel says, 'You have found favor with God' ending the greetings with a blessing.

IMPLICATIONS:
I asked myself what are the implications for my own life?
I learned that God's favor comes unexpectedly when we least expect it and with the favor we can know that the Lord is with us. How amazing to know that the Lord can choose to highly favor those He chooses to. In this instance, the high favor fell upon a peasant girl named Mary who was highly favored. This also taught me that God's favor is not dependent on me but on Him. He can choose to favor me however He wants to if He chooses to. Thank you Lord. The purpose of today's study was for me to understand the importance of understanding the Lord's favor can come unexpectedly during His greeting to us. What is amazing is that those who serve the Lord are greeted daily by Him when we spend time with Him in His Word. During that time, we can experience His favor in different areas of our lives in His timing. Thank you so much Jesus!

I ask you now dear friend, when have you experienced the favor of the Lord?
Dear friend, if you cannot think of a time when you have experienced the favor of the Lord, I want you to know that it does not have to be that way always. The Lord Jesus loves you so much that He wants to favor you with His love and blessings. Yes, He does friend but I am not talking about a prosperity Gospel of material riches but a Gospel that transforms and changes lives.

This Christmas season that favor can be there for you and your loved ones as you turn to the Christ child who is not a child anymore but the King of kings and Lord of lords. The greatest favor He wants to shower up you is His Salvation to save you and me from the captivity of sin and death. He wants to be our Immanuel - God with us.

It starts with Jesus as we realize our own worthlessness before the Lord and acknowledge our total dependence on Him. So when we are favored in an area, we do not have to take credit for ourselves but can know it is because of the Lord's favor especially when it comes to the Salvation of our souls. Thank you Jesus.

I felt I experienced that favor of the Lord when I was chosen to be His very own on Valentine's Day, healed of my asthma. I felt that when I was given as my first assignment to cover a murder story for the Pitt News and multiple legal stories at the Allegheny County Courthouse. I felt that when the Pitt News published evangelistic columns of mine sharing the love of Christ and principles from the Bible . I felt that when the Pittsburgh Standard asked me to become their managing editor during the print edition. I felt that when the Pittsburgh Standard name was given to me to become it's published and run it online. I felt that when the Lord Jesus gave me my precious Chandraleela to be my precious wife. I felt that when Pastor Hugo was willing to give me leadership positions at church though I had messed up badly in the past. I felt that when Chandra and I could become parents to a lovely 11 weeks + baby Esther.

These are only some I am listing but the point is when the favor of the Lord falls upon us, we can know for sure that it would not have happened if not for the Lord. Thank you Jesus.

This Christmas season, maybe you can list all the time you have experienced the favor of the Lord or maybe you feel have not experienced the favor of the Lord and are in a dry season or time. Don't despair because He who loves you so much wants to be there for you to get you through. We cannot go by feelings but by faith. This is what Joseph did when the angel of the Lord met him though he was totally confused and troubled what was happening to Mary.

Come as you are friend and lay everything before Jesus Christ who wants to be your Immanuel - God with us. When He saves you that is the greatest favor of the Lord you can experience. Thank you Lord Jesus! Love has come into this world to save! So give your life to Jesus Christ just as you are and have Him work in your life now and for eternity, for He will! Praise the Lord!

May you come to experience the favor of the Lord in His precious timing now and forever more! Amen!

"Favor Allows, Victoriously Our Redeemer! (F.A.V.O.R)"/"When have you experienced the favor of the Lord?"

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you so much for the favor that was bestowed upon your mommy. What an awesome blessing Oh Lord to have you be born to the Virgin Mary. Lord Jesus, you became God incarnate to save us and redeem us. Thank you Lord. Thank you for your favor that we experience in our own lives. When we look at situations, we can know it would not have happened without your intervention. For that I thank you. I pray Oh Lord for the one who feels they are lost and need of help. They need to experience your love and favor. They need your help Oh Lord to change and be transformed. You alone can change their darkness into light. You alone can change their dependence on self to dependence on you. Come Lord Jesus and please help. Thank you so much Jesus. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers and answering me. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

Lord Jesus, You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”)

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help!

No matter who you are, it is not ever too late to join a Bible-believing church or a college fellowship. I highly encourage each of you to come to Transformers Small Group on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. and Oakland International Fellowship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for prayer, 11:30 a.m. for worship, 10:30 a.m. for Sunday School, and 12:30 p.m. for fellowship lunch.

May the Lord's presence and peace fill you with His love now and forever! Amen!

Friend, if you have prayed this prayer and meant it in your heart, you are a new creation in Christ and all old things are passed away and everything has become new! You may feel something or may not but don’t base it on feelings but base your new life in Christ on the promises of our Savior who will never leave you nor forsake you! Amen!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

ADVENT 2012 DEVOTIONALS:

Matthew 1:24: "In what outcome will you give C.R.E.D.I.T to the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 19, 12, 09:09 a.m.)

Matthew 1:24: "Whose C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S do you obey in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 18, 12, 11:41 a.m.)

Matthew 1:23: "What does I.M.M.A.N.U.E.L mean to you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 17, 12, 05:01 p.m.)

Matthew 1:22-23: "How can P.R.O.P.H.E.C.Y make you believe in Jesus?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 15, 12, 09:12 a.m.)

Matthew 1:21: "Who are you depending on to S.A.V.E you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 13, 12, 12:44 p.m.)

Matthew 1:21: "What significance do you give a N.A.M.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 12, 12, 1:27 p.m.)

Matthew 1:20: "Why expect a M.I.R.A.C.L.E. in your life this season?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 10, 12, 10:40 a.m.)

Matthew 1:20: "What has a D.R.E.A.M revealed to you in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 08, 12, 11:42 a.m.)

Matthew 1:19-20: "Why W.A.I.T through conflict in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 08, 12, 11:40 a.m.)

Matthew 1:18-19: "How has your L.O.V.E influenced others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 01, 12, 11:32 a.m.)

Matthew 1:1-17: "What does God do with your G.E.N.E.A.L.O.G.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 01, 12, 11:32 a.m.)

2012 DEVOTIONALS:

"What place do you give T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 22, 12, 9:05 a.m.)

"Who are you campaigning for and V.O.T.I.N.G for in your heart: Jesus Christ or Satan?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 04, 2012, 11:41 a.m.)

"What is your view of T.I.M.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 24, 12, 11:02 a.m.)

Mark 1:12: "How do you handle T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 22, 12, 10:10 a.m.)

Mark 1:12: "What determines your G.R.O.W.T.H in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 19, 12, 08:46 a.m.)

Mark 1:9-11: "Who will you P.R.A.I.S.E publicly in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 13, 12, 06:16 a.m.)

Mark 1:9: "What do you S.T.A.N.D for in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 08, 12, 07:59 a.m.)

1 Thessalonians 1:3: "What does your L.A.B.O.R show in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 03, 12, 06:30 a.m.)

Mark 4:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sept 01, 12, 10:10 a.m.)

Mark 1:1-4: "How seriously do you T.E.S.T.I.F.Y about prophecy?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 29, 12, 09:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:1: "Why bother with the G.O.S.P.E.L when you see yourself as a good person anyway?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 28, 12, 09:00 a.m.)

Mark 1:40-42: "How do you deal with the L.E.P.R.O.S.Y of sin?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 07, 12, 11:21 p.m.)

Mark 10:10-12: "When have you become an A.D.U.L.T.E.R.E.R in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 02, 12, 12:54 p.m.)

Mark 10:6-9: "What should your take be for M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 02, 12, 12:54 p.m.)

John 6: "What kind of B.R.E.A.D do you eat to live forever?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 02, 12, 12:48 p.m.)

John 10:9: "What D.O.O.R is the only Door that will save you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 31, 12, 09:08 a.m.)

John 8:12: "How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 30 12, 08:28 a.m.)

Matthew 25:14-30: "What are you doing with the T.A.L.E.N.T the Lord Jesus has given you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 28, 12, 10:38 a.m.)

Matthew 22:36-40: "How are the dimensions of L.O.V.E in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 27, 12, 09:13 a.m.)

Matthew 18:12-14: "What hope is there for the L.O.S.T in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 26, 12, 09:50 a.m.)

Mark 4:22-23: "What happens to a sin you C.O.N.C.E.A.L in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 25, 12, 07:23 a.m.)

John 15:18-21: 'Is it better for you to experience H.A.T.E or love, why or why not?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 24, 12, 01:01 p.m.)

John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 19, 12, 06:03 a.m.)

John 15:10-14: "What does it mean to remain in the V.I.N.E always?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 18, 12, 10:13 a.m.)

Matthew 18:21-22: "What stipulation do you put to F.O.R.G.I.V.E. someone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 17, 12, 09:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:20-23: "How do you see F.A.T.H.E.R in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 13, 12, 07:39 a.m.)

Philippians 4:19: "What are your N.E.E.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 12, 12, 08:51 a.m.)

Philippians 4:15-18: "Who will you F.I.N.A.N.C.E in ministry?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 11, 12, 05:42 a.m.)

Philippians 4:14: "How do you S.H.A.R.E in others troubles?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 10, 12, 08:30 a.m.)

Philippians 4:12-13: "Where do you need S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 09, 12, 08:59 a.m.)

Mark 5:24b-29: "Where do you need F.R.E.E.D.O.M to move on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 07, 12, 10:43 a.m.)

Philippians 4:10: "Why show C.O.N.C.E.R.N for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 03, 12, 09:18 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9b: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 02, 12, 08:33 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9a: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 30, 12, 09:58 a.m.)

Philippians 4:8: What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 30, 12, 09:56 a.m.)

Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 28, 12, 08:05 a.m.)

Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 27, 12, 08:57 a.m.)

Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 26, 12, 09:26 a.m.)

Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 25, 12, 08:58 a.m.)

Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 23, 12, 10:45 a.m.)

Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 23, 12, 10:40 a.m.)

Philippians 3:20-21: "What C.I.T.I.Z.E.N.S.H.I.P should you desire the most?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 12, 07:28 a.m.)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed T.E.A.R.S for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 20, 12, 08:37 a.m.)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who or what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19, 12, 07:30 a.m.)

Philippians 3:12-14: "How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 18, 12, 11:43 a.m.)

Philippians 3:1-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N do you need the transaction of the cross?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 16, 12, 8:57 a.m.)

Philippians 2:25-30: "When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 15, 12, 6:43 a.m.)

Philippians 2:19-24: "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 12, 8:18 a.m.)

Philippians 2:17-18: "How do you live out your F.A.I.T.H in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 12, 6:58 a.m.)

Philippians 2:14-16: "How is your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R. in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 12, 12, 8:15 a.m.)

Philippians 2:13: "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 12, 8:36 a.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13:"What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 09, 7:50 a.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13: "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 7:51 a.m.)

Philippians 2:9-11:"How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 7:47 a.m.)

Philippians 2:8: "Why should you make a C.R.O.S.S transaction in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 06, 7:26 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:5-7: "How do match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 9:09 a.m.)

Philippians 2:3-4: "How do you respond to C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 6:19 a.m.)

Philippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 02, 6:52 a.m.)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (June, 01, 6:52 a.m.)

Philippians 1:27-28:"How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 12, 7:32 a.m.)

Philippians 1:22-26: What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 12, 6:27 a.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29, 12, 4:59 a.m.)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 25, 12, 8:08 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19:"Who do you C.A.L.L often in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 24, 12, 8:32 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 22, 12, 8:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 22, 12, 8:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:13-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 21, 12, 9:04 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12: "How can you feel so S.P.E.C.I.A.L when things are going so wrong in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 18, 12, 8:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response in life based on?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 18, 12, 8:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 17, 12, 6:32 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7: "Why cannot you be saved by G.R.A.C.E. alone?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 16, 12, 9:55 a.m.)

Philippians 1:6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 15, 12, 10:54 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 14, 12, 08:38 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" (May 11, 12, 09:53 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" (May 09, 12, 7:30 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" (May 10, 12, 9:01 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of being a sinner?" (May 08, 12, 8:05 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

Philippians 1:1: Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life? (May 07, 12, 7:06 a.m.) By Ramesh C. Reddy

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