Ps 44:3 “They did not conquer by their own strength and skill, but by your mighty power and because you smiled upon them and favored them.”  (TLB)

Can we really have the favor of God upon our lives in 2012?  Can we walk in divine favor from heaven?  I believe we can.  This year God has tremendous things in waiting for you and for Bethel.   This is “The Year of Opportunity” for all of us.  Join me in believing God for great things!

King David was just a man, a man like you and me. Some days he seemed to be a saint and other days a sinner. Have you ever felt like David did?  I know I have days when I feel so terribly unworthy.

David had times of despair and times of victory.  As David walked in the path of God his strength increased.  As we make our goals for 2012 to be His goals a true and healthy life can be experienced!  We have placed a help in setting your goals on our web page which you can go to by clicking HERE.

How can we walk in a continual state of the favor of God?  Life is full of challenges and crisis. Some days we are convinced that we are in a war zone of the mind.  How can we conquer the challenges of those days?

Ps 25:4-5 “Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.”

David knows where to go when he feels lost and defeated. He asks the Lord to show him the path that he should walk. He is confident that the Lord will point out the right road.

We know we can conquer our challenges and fears through the strength and skill given to us by God.  It is Christ in us that gives us this strength and skill to overcome.  The skills to slay these dragons of life are taught to us through the Word and by the still small voice of the Spirit.  Let me remind you of this strength that is within you when you accepted Christ into your heart and life.  God smiled upon you and has now given you favor because he loves you and wants you to be victorious and have peace and contentment in life.

This week I found myself relating to God with a new intimacy.   As I laid out my burdens to Him it wasn’t someone pleading with a far superior omnipotent power but the cry of a son to his Dad.  I was telling Dad how much I needed Him and in my heart was a strong realization that He had not only the means but the willingness to help.  I know how much my earthly father was there for me – how much I want to be there for my children and grandchildren – and I realized my heavenly Dad wanted to be there just for me.

Today is in the hands of our ever attentive Dad!   He makes this year for each one of us and for our church The Year of Opportunity!  2012 is filled with great opportunities!  We live in the favor of God!   Now is the time to rise up and lay hold of them.