God's Favor....The Perfect Christmas Gift

by Denise Mistich
(Mt. Juliet, Tennessee)

Face it ladies, you've been lied to. From the time you were born, although unintentionally, someone taught you lies about yourself that left you struggling and striving to earn someone's favor; to be the best; to be perfect.

Maybe your parents told you that you were an accident, or maybe they didn't always have much time for you. Maybe you could never do enough to please your mom; you weren't the favorite.

Then your teacher in elementary school passed you up way too many times when you raised your hand to answer her questions; you weren't the favorite.

By the time you got to high school, you were already doing things to try to become the favorite, right? In college, maybe you competed, struggled, crashed, burned and started all over again; trying to be the favorite.

Now you have matured beyond those years of struggling to be the best. Then why the credit card debt? Why the best piece of real estate in the best neighborhood? Why the luxury car? Why the breast enhancements? Why are you working two jobs to pay for it all? Why do you find it so difficult to say no, when someone asks you to do something you really don't have time to do?

It's about being someone's favorite. It's about being a number one top hit!

I want you to know that your pain is a billion dollar industry. Look at all the products and advertisements out there that are based on self promotion; things that make you feel better about yourself. Then, there are the self-help books and talk shows that make millions helping you get over it.

In my study about the Virgin Mary last month, I pointed out that she didn't earn the title highly favored. I also pointed out that neither did you nor I, but the title is ours. Later, in reading the next few verses (Luke 1:30) I became a little concerned that perhaps she did earn it.

Luke 1:30
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. NIV

Now, to me the word found was a little disconcerting. Perhaps she was one of those ladies that had the high status, the smooth skin and hair, the composure of Queen Elizabeth. (You know the type. They are wrinkle free from top to bottom. They are always the favorite.)

So, my second question in Seven Questions for a Pregnant Virgin is how did the Virgin Mary find God's favor? Where did she go? What did she do?

I could not find the answer! But, I found this: Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. WOW!

Since the word favor in this verse comes from grace in the Greek language, and that grace is of God, I believe the Virgin Mary found God's favor because she simply looked in His direction. Seek God and you will find God's favor.

After all, how do you find the best piece of real estate in the best neighborhood? How do you find the perfect luxury car? How do you find the right company to help you consolidate your credit card debt? You look!

It is almost Christmas again and isn't that the best time to find God's favor so that you can give it to others? Wouldn't that be the perfect Christmas gift for your teenage daughter, your niece or your best girl friend! (My husband said to tell you the guys need it too.)

Cut up your credit cards ladies, because you can't buy God's favor. Put down your working gloves, because you can't earn God's favor.

Get up every morning and look Him right in the face and say "Good morning Father God!" That is where you will find God's favor.

Now, you are a number one top hit for a lifetime, not just a few weeks. Now, you can relax!

Comments:


Truly uplifting
by: Jacquie

Hi,

I stumbled onto this site quite by "accident" but I love it. I am renewing my commitment after a 7-year absence from the throne room.

And this message just affirms God's love for me.

Thank you and God bless you.



by: Lynn Mosher

Thanks, Denise, for reminding us all that God's favor is not earned but gifted by Him. What a comforting Christmas gift! Blessings to you and your family this season...



by: Anonymous

What a beautiful message in this article, Denise. You have a great way of communicating the truth.



by: Ellen

In my life, it was always a struggle for acceptance. Not until I found this treasure of truth myself that Denise talks about here, did I accept myself for who I was - for the person God created me to be.
This is powerful truth that needs to be taught to our little girls and boys from the cradle. It will change their lives.

The Power of Positive Speaking

by Denise Mistich
(Mt. Juliet, TN)

Positive speaking is all the rage now days. Is it a new fad in Christianity, or is there real, meaty substance behind the claims of Joel Osteen, Joyce Myers, Charles Capps, Dr. Frederick Price and many others who seem to have jumped on the band wagon of teaching us to practice positive speaking in our lives?

The next question addressed to Mary, in the study "Seven Questions for a Pregnant Virgin" is, "How exactly did you become pregnant?" The answer is, "With the power of positive speaking."

Everybody knows that God created the universe and everything in it with His words, right? God said "Light Be" and light was! Is that not absolutely marvelous to think about? God's belief was spoken into being. His dream of a universe came into fruition through His words! Then, God said "Let us make man in our image..."

IN OUR IMAGE!!

God created us in His image, thus with the power of positive speaking! There are two instances in the Christmas story that back this up. In Luke 19, the angel, Gabriel told Zechariah that his wife would have a son. Zechariah responded with negative words of doubt, because of his wife's age. He did not believe and his disbelief came out of his mouth. Apparently, his words were so important, so powerful, that Gabriel closed his mouth until after John the Baptist was born.

When Gabriel told Mary that she, too, would become pregnant, she didn't doubt. She asked only how this was going to happen, since she knew no man. Then came her famous response "May it be to me as you have said." You see, Mary's words, mingled with God's words, manifested into a baby boy named Jesus...

...Who grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men, and SAID:

Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

WHATSOEVER HE SAITH.

I cannot "saith" this enough. I cannot "saith" it any better than Jesus did. If you believe in your heart that you are sick, and you talk about how sick you are - you will be sick. If you believe in your heart that you are a failure, and you talk about what a failure you are - you will fail.

"But," you say, "I don't feel well, how can I be healed?" Notice that Mary didn't wait until she saw results to believe and she could not possibly have based her words on her feelings. She must have been terribly frightened, but did she say that? No. She based her words on her faith that God would keep His word, not her circumstances or feelings!

Put the power of positive speaking into action. Turn it around. Belief is a choice, so receive God's word as Mary did, with faith like a child. Then, proclaim your victory out loud. Let the power of God's words within you come out! Shout it Ladies - all in your space - shout it. (Who cares what the neighbors think.)

Saith it - I'm a Child of the Most High God! Saith it - I'm a winner! Saith it - I'm healed! Saith it - I'm prosperous!


This is so important, that I will repeat it. What is behind the power of Positive Speaking? Listen to God's words and believe what he says. Speak that belief all into your world. You will have, whatsoever you saith. I don't know about you, but I feel better already.

Luk 1:45 "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." (NASB)

Happy New Year

by Denise Mistich
(Mt. Juliet, Tennessee)

Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

Hello again ladies and Happy New Year (a bit early). My next study in Seven Questions for a Pregnant Virgin is titled Future's so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades! That's not just because I'm an old rocker and it is not because another new year is coming soon, it's because I sense a change coming; a change that will truly ring in a happy new year.

Why is that? Well, in the midst of preparing to cook my once-a-year dishes, preparing to visit my favorite people and preparing the house for Christmas decorations, I'm also preparing my heart for the big plunge! I'm preparing for a happy new year! Let me explain.

By now you are all convinced that you are God's favorite, right? (next in line to me - just kidding) You know that no matter what you may have done or did't do, you still have His favor, right?

Still not convinced? Let's do a brief recall from childhood. Do you remember this scripture? John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Everyone who believes has Godâ's favor. Now, how's that for a happy new year?

Now that we are finally convinced, we are going to move on with the very next verse in Luke, chapter 1. Now ladies, you probably need to sit down for this one, because it is going to rock your world:

Verse 31: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

If Mary found God's favor and then conceived a baby named Jesus, then so must we! It's not that this is new information to me, but it is new revelation. It is in my heart and not just in my head. I am definitely impregnated with a spiritual baby Jesus! Wow!

I found this so fascinating that I looked up the word Jesus. After all, if there is a Jesus growing inside of me, I need to know what that means. (Really, when you're pregnant, you take all kinds of tests to see what's in there, so why not check this out?) It is actually two words combined; Jehovah and saved. Hidden in the second word that means saved, lies also the word succor. What? Yes, succor (aid, assistance, support, relief, comfort), or to nurture.

Moms, you know this well. When your babies were born, they relied on you completely. You held them, fed them and nurtured them until they grew old enough to do things on their own. Then you wished you could hold them, feed them and nurture them some more.

If you are not a mom, maybe you can relate to the time you saved a baby bird or the first time you got a puppy. That is what this word represents. Jehovah held, Jehovah fed, Jehovah nurtured, means Jesus. That is how Jehovah saved Jesus. That is how He will save your spiritual baby Jesus and that is how he will save you, if you let Him.

Think about it. A pregnant virgin must have a gestation period, during which the unborn baby is nurtured properly in order to give birth. Your only other choice is be a pregnant virgin for the rest of your life or lose the spiritual baby. Since I don't want to lose my spiritual baby, and being pregnant is more than slightly uncomfortable, I'm planning to move on and I'm inviting you to move on with me! Let's do this together in expectation of a truly happy new year!

I'm not sure what the gestation period is for a spiritual baby. Only you and God can determine that, but I'm going to base it on 40 days and 40 nights; that's what Jesus did! Thanksgiving Day is forty days prior to New Year's Eve.

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, accept the fact that you are highly favored. Climb into the lap of Jehovah and be held, fed and nurtured by God himself.

Second, read, absorb and soak in God's word. Your spiritual baby Jesus is hungry!

Third, you've got to give it up; fast from controlling anything and everything for 40 days. Let it all go into Jehovah's hands! (I'm sorry, but you still have to cook the turkey.)

Fourth, this is your first Christmas! Give birth to a spiritual baby Jesus! Wow! Bells will be ringing, Angels singing and shepherds quaking. People will see the Christmas star shining in your eyes; in the smile on your face! The wise will follow the star from near and far to see your new King! You will be walking on water! (I'll meet you on the lake.)

Now you have a ministry; a purpose! Lives will be changed and souls will be saved. Families will be healed and children will grow up in healthy, happy homes; all held, fed and nurtured by Jehovah.

Happy New Year to all of you, from all of us:

Steve and Denise Mistich from www.spiritual-health-source.com.

Don't forget, Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.

See what others are saying about their plans for a Happy New Year.


Comments:


Great!
by: Lynn Mosher

Denise, This is a wonderful piece! So great to start off the New Year with a bright outlook! Christ grows within us if we say to God as Mary said to the angel, "Be it unto me according to your word." Thank you for sharing this. I loved it!



by: Angelia Nabors

Thank you Denise again!
Your insight (God's knowledge and wisdom; yours for the asking) is amazing!

Keep on sharing with us,
Angelia

Greetings, The Lord is With You!

by Denise Mistich

Throughout the next few months I will focus on the life of the Virgin Mary in a study called "Seven Questions for a Pregnant Virgin." I believe God led me to this study, not because it is close to Christmas, but because I am a believer who cannot live with a stagnant relationship with God.


The spiritual Jesus within me develops and grows much in the same manner that the physical Jesus grew and developed within the Virgin Mary's body. This development is my drug of choice; my prescription for depression.


To be quite honest with you, I see the church, at least those who are true seekers, as a group of "Pregnant Virgins." God planted a seed within us. Now, we are seeking, growing, and waiting for the day when Jesus is revealed in our lives both physically and spiritually.


How appropriate it would be, this Christmas, if we all made the decision to become as Mary. In order to do that, we need to take a look her life.


Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!


Some of you are looking at your screen sideways with one eye partially squinted, as if to say "what in the world is she talking about?" Some of you had a fleeting thought of your mom or aunt, or some sweet little lady in the church. You know the one. She attended every Sunday morning, evening and back again on Wednesday.


She is the one who wears her little navy blue, sailor dress with white pumps and white beads (but never after Labor Day). She is the one who cooks for the church luncheon and cleans up afterward. She teaches your daughter's Sunday school class. "She" does it all, and "she" does it well. But, is "she" you?


Trust me, when I typed that greeting, I was well aware that I may not be writing to "she." I knew that I may be writing to Christian ladies who have faced far more controversial issues in their lives than "she" ever thought about. Issues that some have never even mentioned out loud; after all, what would "she" think if "she" knew?


Whoever you are, or whatever your walk has been in the past, your response to the greeting above was probably the same response that Mary had when the angel, Gabriel, said those words to her.


Luke 1:29 - And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. KJV


Given the fact that I am not "she," I found it very intriguing that Mary had this response to Gabriel's words. After all, Mary was perfect, wasn't she?


Mary had to have been the ultimate "she," right? Wrong. Mary was a virgin, and yes, God needed a virgin, but do you think they were as difficult to find in Mary's day as they are now? I don't think so.


If Mary had been perfect, she would not have been surprised by Gabriel's greeting. She would simply have said "Hello." Or "Yes, that's me, the highly favored one, how can I help you?"


Her social and economic background actually rendered her as an "undesirable" by Jewish standards, so what was it about the life of Virgin Mary that made Gabriel greet her in this manner and why did she respond with such fear and confusion?


Paul used the same word translated to "highly favored" in Gabriel's greeting, in his letter written to the faithful in Christ Jesus, in Eph 1:6.


Here, the word is translated to "hath made us accepted." So, Mary received the greeting because she was a believer. She was confused by the greeting
because she didn't think she deserved it. In other words, Mary was the same as you and I; without some of the mistakes and consequences. "She" was simply a believer made accepted by God.


Now, let's try again. So you have things in your past that you regret; things you can't let go of. Maybe you were not a virgin when you married. Maybe you've had an abortion; perhaps divorce.


Now, you have decided to walk with God. Let go of the past because, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!"


To become as Mary this Christmas, we must accept the greeting. Remember, the Virgin Mary didn't earn the title "highly favored" and neither did you or I, but it is ours to claim. Simply respond: "Be it unto me according to thy word."


Comments:


Thanks!
by: Deb

Thanks for making my day! When the going gets tough it is great to know that I am highly favored to the One that matters most. A true inspiration!



by: Laurie Glass

Denise, what an uplifting. This is great. The truths you've presented here really make a person think. Thanks.



by: Lynn Mosher

Denise, I loved your article. Very thought provoking.

That same word in Ephesians is defined as endued with special honor, grace, or blessings. If we carry the Seed of Christ within us, we have Immanuel, meaning God with us, planted within us for eternity. Each of us is then highly graced.

Wonderful. Insightful.



by: Anonymous

The thought of being highly favored is quite humbling! It makes me realize that I don't have to work so hard to promote myself, garner attention, or pout about not being appreciated. The King of Kings is with me, and I am highly favored! I think I will spend my time and efforts focusing on Him and His plan for me, and let Him take care of the rest!

Can't wait for the next article...



by: Ellen

What a testimony to the working of Jesus Christ in a person's life! Denise writes from her heart and opens herself up for everyone to see. That is truly the dying to yourself and responding to HIM that Jesus calls us all to. My first name is MARY - may I continually respond as Mary did!



by: Shirley Peter

Very, very, good, and I am looking forward to the next installment. Thanks.

A Time to Forgive

by Denise Mistich
(Mt. Juliet)

Hello everyone. I must first apologize for my delay in writing. My husband is now at home, still recovering from a severe stroke and the road has been long and very difficult to travel! Among the many lessons we have learned through this phase of our lives is the lesson of forgiveness!

I know you have seen the insurance commercial that uses the phrase "Life Comes at You Fast." I'm here to testify that sometimes, "Life Comes at you Fast and Hard!" You never know what lies around the bend, my friends so let us take one very simple step to prepare.

Take a load off ladies!

That's right, loose the burden of anger and guilt. Whatever lies between you and good peaceful rest lies between you and God, get rid of it! It's a small thing you waste your peace of mind upon.

A True Story...

While my husband was still in the hospital, I received a call from his caseworker letting me know that I would be allowed to bring him home for a trial run in just a few days. I was excited, yet frightened and felt a terrible fear that my car was going to break down on the freeway with him in it. (It was just one of those horrible feelings that you can't shake.) The thought was terrifying to me, so I asked God not to let that happen to Steve.

On the way home from work that very day, my car broke down. It didn't surprise me at all and I simply limped over to the side of the freeway. I knew it was a "God Thing." I knew He was protecting Steve. I called my daughter and asked her to call a tow truck for me and she said she would call me right back.

When she called back, she said the terrifying words to me, "Dad is coming." You see, her dad and I divorced several years ago and the situation had been rather hostile for a long time. I was really afraid of him, he was extremely angry with me and we hadn't really spoken much since the divorce. Obviously, this situation had caused a great deal of pain for my daughter.

Now, here I was, stuck on the freeway, with "Dad" on the way!

As I waited, my heart pounded in fear, but somehow I knew this too was a "God Thing." He arrived at the scene, patted me on the arm and said, "It's ok, we're cool." He told me exactly what the problem was, had my car towed into a good mechanic and actually paid to fix it. My jaw still drops when I think about it.

Later, we spoke about our forgiveness over the phone and among many other things, he said he could see God all around him. He sounded so genuinely blessed and excited about it! I know God was always all around him, but with the burdens of pain and anger lifted, he could SEE God all around him. He could rest!

I am truly happy for him and more importantly, I could not be happier about the changes this has brought into my daughter's life! I can't even imagine the changes this will bring into the Kingdom!

***

My point is that without forgiveness, one cannot see God face to face. When one cannot see God, one cannot rest. That rest is so very important in this world, because life really does come at you fast...sometimes fast and hard.

---

Here are some more articles to help you in this important area:

I Need some Scripture on Forgiveness

How Do I Pray for Forgiveness?

How Do I Forgive Myself?

Pregnancy Problems in the Third Trimester

by Denise
(Mt. Juliet, TN)

You may well know by now that I consider each and every believer in the body of Christ to be pregnant virgins so to speak. There are some still in the first trimester, with very little development for their unborn spiritual child. Some have moved beyond that into the more pleasant middle stages, where the discomforts have eased a bit and they can actually feel the growth inside them; changes are coming soon!

There is also a group that has accepted their gift of grace and the fact that they are actually carrying the unborn child of the King within them. This group has nurtured that unborn babe with God's word and through prayer. This group, you might say is in their third trimester. Their very physical form is changing, growing and getting into position to deliver! It's time to take a look at Mary again; she has experience with this sort of thing.

Mary's third trimester was spent in route to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey. Ouch. Can you imagine the back ache, swollen feet and irritable mood she must have experienced! Can you imagine what she was feeling and possibly even praying? "Lord, first you impregnated me and left me to face my family and friends and FIANCEE (who almost divorced me) as a pregnant virgin. Then, I have to ride on the back of a donkey, carrying your baby all the way to Bethlehem to be counted so that I can be taxed for money that I don't have. Then, I have no place to deliver your baby. I'm doing all of this for you, so why don't you help me?"

Although most of us would be complaining, I imagine Mary, by this time had picked up her cross. (Bear with me. I'm not getting my holidays mixed up.) She had already responded to God "Be it done unto me according to thy word." While the physical form of Jesus was taking over her body, her desires were already hanging on the cross. She had made the sacrifice that allowed Jesus to live. I imagine that she was actually saying something like, "Lord this is pretty miserable, but I know you will keep your promises." Or maybe, "Lord I thank you for choosing me. I trust in you completely. I know your word is true, no matter how I feel."

Christians in their third trimester are going to have pregnancy problems and their solution is the cross. In my
recent battles, I have learned:

1) Never forget to be thankful. The moment I start to complain, my spirit darkens and I can't stand to be around me! I'm thankful that God chose me and if suffering brings me closer to Him, so be it. I'll hang my desires on the cross.

2) Never walk by sight. Some of the things we see in our walk can definitely cause us to question God's word. I walk by faith and faith alone. This is what keeps me standing tall (Eph 6). If God's word says we are healed, then we are healed. I'll hang my worldly knowledge on the cross.

3) Break your crystal ball! The moment I peer into the future, I panic. I'll hang my plans for the future and my fears on the cross.

These are the things Mary must have practiced in order to get through her pregnancy problems and deliver such a beautiful gift and these are the things I will practice.

Remember, there is always someone who wants to destroy your spiritual baby. Don't forget. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. If you are still in your first trimester and having pregnancy problems, that's ok.
Start over with Greetings...

Christian Family Values or the Image of a Christian Family?

by Denise Mistich
(Mt. Juliet, TN)

As a newly rededicated Christian, Christian family values became a priority for me. Now, when I rededicated, my family was as far from Christian as possible in my eyes, so I began focusing on what I wanted in our lives. I patterned my new goals after other Christian families within my new church. I compared myself to them constantly and always ended up looking down at the ground; not into their eyes and not into the eyes of Christ.

I will never forget one evening at choir practice, while singing my heart out, doing what a Christian should do and feeling like I finally belonged, I fell. Right there in my seat in church I fell into a darkness that was so overwhelming and devastating that I quit singing and just sat there. I didn't belong in this group. None of these ladies could possibly have committed the atrocities that I had. What was I thinking? I felt so low, that those old suicidal thoughts started to creep back in. It took weeks for me to bounce back.

When I bounced back, I took on more chores at church, went back to choir practice, did more things that Christians ought to do, and then I fell again. This stumble, fall, bounce back up pattern went on for quite some time.

It lasted until I realized that doing chores at church, singing in the choir and doing things a Christian ought to do were mere pieces of an image of Christian family values that I had branded into my mind. These pieces were not providing the salvation and sanctification that I needed. These pieces did not bring Christian family values into my home. As a matter of fact, looking at the pieces was much like looking into a broken mirror. Something was definitely missing from the image I wanted so badly to achieve.

What did I do about it? I left that church and left that group and completely gave up on doing things a Christian ought to do. I left legalism for good! I turned up the Praise and Worship music in my home, opened my Bible and began to study feverishly the word of God. I found the missing piece: a one-on-one relationship with God, the Creator and Master of all things through the indwelling of His word in my heart, Jesus Christ.

Consider Mary, called into service by God, highly favored, yet humble and obedient. Was she called into the Synagogue, into legalism and an image of Christian family values?

No. As the mother of our beloved Jesus, she was called to Egypt, the "house of bondage", away from the religious leaders of Israel and away from those who would kill her baby. She must have wondered how she would raise a Godly son in such a place, but rather than seeking a mere image of a Godly family, she obeyed God's word. She fled to a country filled with idolatry and sin. The good news is that she was called back out of Egypt.

Mary and Joseph were born under the law. Legalism was a part of the very fiber of their being, but they had to let it go. Perhaps their flight to "the house of bondage" served to rescue them and their beloved from a deeper bondage; legalism. Jesus was all that we seek, because He was seeking and obeying God, not chasing an image of Christian family values. There are no missing pieces in the mirror for Christ Jesus.

Luk 6:40 A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.

* Stop comparing yourself to other Christian women and chasing a mere image of Christian family values. You really don't know what their lives are like at home.

* Choose the teacher that is whole and perfect. That's Jesus!

* Fill in the missing pieces with the word of God. That's Jesus too!!

* Be called out of the house of bondage of doing Christian things and allow God's word to rule in your life. That's Jesus too!!!

* When you are called back out of Egypt, serve as God wants you to serve: through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That's Jesus.

The Apostle Paul has this to say about it:

Gal 1:12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.


Comments:


GOD FIRST
by: Anonymous

LET US MAKE THE FIRST THING THE FIRST THING. GOD FIRST



by: Lynn Mosher

All that matters is our relationship with Christ. If that doesn't come first, all the other things we do are merely wood, hay, and stubble. However, if, out of love for Christ, we do things, then they are eternal. Without that relationship, nothing else matters. Great column, Denise, and I pray things are improving for your husband. Be blessed...



by: Katherine Harms

There is one teacher for us, and that is Jesus himself. But it is a shame that the community of the faithful was not pointing you to him. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus spend a long time talking with the disciples about the importance of loving one another and helping one another in his name. When our worship and service leads to a list of accomplishments rather than to Jesus, we are going in the wrong direction. You said it well.