14 And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number,
15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.
16 Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.” Acts 5:12-16.
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Today’s Scripture reminds me of Acts 2:43-47 in several points: signs and wonders, one accord, the Lord was adding to the number of the saved, and favor with the people.
“Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:43-47.
We see favor throughout Scripture. We see individuals and peoples favored by God. We see individuals and peoples favored by other individuals and other peoples. We see the use of this favor. Here are some examples.
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
Genesis 33:10
“Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.”
Genesis 39:4
“So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge.”
Exodus 12:36
“and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
Numbers 32:5
“They said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not take us across the Jordan.”
“23 Of Naphtali he said,
“O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the LORD,
Take possession of the sea and the south.”
24 Of Asher he said,
“More blessed than sons is Asher;
May he be favored by his brothers,
And may he dip his foot in oil.
25 “Your locks will be iron and bronze,
And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be.” Deuteronomy 33:23-25.
Ruth 2:2
“And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after one in whose sight I may find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
1 Samuel 2:26
“Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the LORD and with men.”
1 Samuel 16:22
“Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”
2 Kings 13:4
“Then Jehoahaz entreated the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them.”
Esther 7:3
“Then Queen Esther replied, ” If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my petition, and my people as my request;”
Psalm 5:12
“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 30:5
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.”
“Remember me, O LORD, in Your favor toward Your people; Visit me with Your salvation,”
“I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word.”
“The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.”
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
“For he who finds me (wisdom) finds life And obtains favor from the LORD.”
“He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.”
“A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man who devises evil.”
“Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard.”
“The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.”
“In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.”
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.”
“Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.”
“The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.”
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.”
“He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.”
“Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.”
“Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials,”
“The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will also go.”
” ‘So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.’ “
“This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”
“And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
“The angel said to her, ” Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”
“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
“and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.”
“David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.”
“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
“For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.”
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 