How many of us want to experience God's compassion and favor? Many don't know what this feels like and for those who do, they want more.
Let's examine Isaiah 27:11 - ...For this is a people without understanding; so their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor.
This scripture warns that people who lack God's understanding will not experience His compassion and favor. Therefore, the opposite is true - people who have God's understanding will enjoy His compassion and favor.
This begs the question, how does one acquire God's understanding? Well, there's a Bible verse for that, praise God! James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
This instruction couldn't be any more straightforward! If you want God's understanding/wisdom/knowledge, simply ask Him. He has promised to give it regardless of your sin and shortcomings.
There is, however, a caveat we must all be aware of. Hosea 4:6 warns us that if we reject the Lord then He will in turn reject us. Therefore, when you ask for God's understanding in an effort to be a recipient of His compassion and favor, be mindful not to reject Him and what He has to offer you.
The consequences of such rejection might not occur because you choose to ignore God's instructions a few times. Still, a flagrant disregard for His wisdom will eventually be an indication that His help is not wanted. And if you choose to reject Him through your cumulative actions, thoughts and words, getting that wisdom back might not be as straightforward as it once was. This is because of the word in 2 Peter 2:21 - It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.
Please don't reject the Lord. Receive His understanding and let Him lead you to a place of sustained compassion and favor that you enjoy the fullness of life He has available for you.
God bless you and see later at fellowship when we'll worship and intercede in prayer for others. Then, we'll look within to see what we can do to receive and maintain God's understanding that we then enjoy the benefits. See you at Noon EST!
For more related content, please read:
Fear The Lord: Praises & Favor - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) February 25, 2022
Don't Turn From God - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) February 17, 2023
Acknowledge God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) February 14, 2023
CLOSING PRAYER
What a mighty God we serve! Heaven and earth adore You, angels bow before You, what a mighty God we serve!
Father, thank You for in Your kindness, You've brought us to the end of another Praise & Pray fellowship. Thank You for gathering us together in this way. It is a testament to You that this platform can be used to Your glory. Lord, continue to be elevated in this place.
Proverbs 4:7 - The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Sovereign Lord, Your word instructs us to get wisdom and understanding and today, we have requested this. Please let Your understanding come upon Peppers. May they receive Your compassion and favor. May their lives be a living testimony to Your greatness and might. IJMN, Amen.