The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV
Most dogs like treats. They might like different types better than others but they eagerly wait for their reward, take it to their special spot and enjoy. Some trainers even carry a pouch filled with the bite sized training treats as an incentive for obedience.
I’m certainly looking forward to heaven and view it as an incentive for obedience. Knowing Jesus gave his life for mine makes me want to please and serve him. I want to live for him because he died for me.
Heaven is not our only reward. The bible is full of precious promises to those who love the Lord. Genesis 6:8 says that, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” It is recorded in Genesis 39:21 that, “the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.” Moses and Samuel both found favor in God’s eyes, also. Proverbs 12:2 says that a good man will obtain favor from the LORD. Mary found favor with God and gave birth to the Messiah. The list goes on and on of biblical characters for whom God granted favor.
Favor is defined as approval, support, or liking for someone or something; an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual. So how do we find favor in the eyes of the Lord?
To find favor with God you must have faith. We must believe in God and in his son, Jesus Christ and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Salvation is a gift from God and so is his favor. Ephesians 2:8 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” The Amplified Bible lists grace as God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ.
We cannot earn God’s gifts. They are freely given but there are logical conclusions we can draw from many of the bible passages. For example, God says if we honor our father and mother our days will be long on the earth. If we disobey his commandments and murder or steal, it is safe to say that God’s favor will not rest upon us, even though, he still loves us. He loved us while we were still sinners and he makes the rain to fall and the sun to shine on all of us (Matthew 5:45).
Psalms 5:12 says, “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” Jesus Christ is our righteousness and God is surrounding us with his protection and his favor. Every good and perfect gift is from the Father (James 1:17).
The dogs enjoy their treats and I do, too. I love to receive gifts for no apparent reason but that someone loves me. I am thankful for God’s gifts that I have done nothing to earn. His salvation, his love, his protection and his grace are gifts I do not ever want to take for granted. I am blessed and I thank him for his favor.
Just Another Dog Devotion 