Thanksgiving: Free, Sovereign Grace of God

“Christian! The only thing that makes you differ from the vilest being that pollutes the earth, or from the darkest fiend that gnaws his chains in hell, is the free grace of God!” (Octavius Winslow, Jesus, Full of Grace)

As we gather with friends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday, may each of us who have been called by His name, be ever so thankful for the richly undeserved, sovereign grace of God!

Amen? Amen!

Increasing In God's Favor: What's the Bible Say?

Well, it appears that good ol' Joel is out with yet another uplifting, encouraging book to scratch the itching ear (2 Timothy 4:3). Its title - It's Your Time: Activate Your Faith, Accomplish Your Dreams, and Increase in God's Favor.

Now, without even having to crack open the book, the front cover alone should bring a moment's (or two) pause.

Here's my questions - focusing on the line, "and increase in God's favor," what is the scriptural answer, response to this assertion? What does the Bible say about God's favor and our ability to "increase" His favor toward us (Christians and/or non-Christians)?

And if you've read the book, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on it (doctrinally/theologically grounded, preferably).