A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 15, 16 & 17

Jehovah-M’Kaddesh – Sanctifier

God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLV)

May Your favor be upon me. You have tested my heart and have visited me during the night. My steps have followed Your paths. My feet have followed Your leading.

Choosing to live in this manner, I will never be shaken. We are glad for our troubles also. We know that troubles help us learn not to give up. When we have learned not to give up, it shows we have stood the test. When we have stood the test, it gives us hope. Romans 5:3-4 NLV

So I call to You, O God, knowing You will listen to every word and answer me with Your great loving kindness. You save by Your right hand and help in my time of need. O Lord, save me by Your hand and I will see Your face in what is right and good. Keep me, O God, for I am safe in You. You are my Lord. All the good things I have come from You. I will find joy and happiness when I wake.

May I renew my mind daily to Your goodness and may I possess a desire to…

Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.

Speak words that encourage and never hurt.

Never wrong my neighbor or bring shame to my family.

Choose a Godly lifestyle; despise despicable actions.

Keep my commitments and promises even when it costs me or causes sacrifice.

Make an honest living with a giving heart.

Lord, You are all that I am to receive. You are my cup. My future is in Your hands. My life and everything that has been given to me is good. Yes, my share is beautiful to me. I will give honor and thanks to You Who tells me what to do. I place You always before me. Because You remain at my right hand, I will not be moved. And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body will also rest without fear. You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy and happiness forever.

Choosing to live in this manner, I will never be shaken.

A Spring Song of Worship and Praise adapted from Psalm 97 & 98

May21

Jehovah-Adon Kal Ha’arets “The Lord of all the Earth”

The Lord rules.

Jehovah, You are King! Let the earth be full of joy with me. Let the many islands be glad. It is amazing to me that even the clouds and darkness surround You. My strength comes from the foundation of Your throne that is built upon what is right and fair.

Sing a brand new song to the Lord.

I will sing from my heart as I know that You have done great things in my life. I have experienced Your saving power. You are all that is good and right. Your loving kindness is beautiful to me.

All the earth calls out for joy to the Lord. Join me in song. Sing songs of great joy and praise. Sing praises to the Lord with all that you possess and with your voice.

Fire blazes out before You. Even Your lightning lights up the world. The earth sees and shakes. The mountains melt like a candle before You, the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens tell about how right and good You are. And everyone will see Your shining greatness.

I will worship the one true God.

I am full of joy. For You are the Lord Most High over all the earth. You are to be honored above all. I love you, Lord. This love for Your righteousness causes me to hate what is bad. For You keep safe the souls of Your faithful ones. Light is spread like seed for those who are right and good. I will be glad in You, Who is right and good. I will give thanks to Your Holy name today and every day of my life.

Sing a brand new song to the Lord.

I will sing from my heart as I know that You have done great things in my life. I have experienced Your saving power. You are all that is good and right. Your loving kindness is beautiful to me.

All the earth, call out for joy to the Lord. Join me in song. Sing songs of great joy and praise. Sing praises to the Lord with all that you possess and with your voice.

You are my King and I will continue to sing of your greatness. The world joins with me in praise to You, mighty God. The seas’ waves make a loud noise, the rivers rushing waters clap and the mountains rise to praise You. You will return to put the world, and everyone in it, right.

Shout praises to the Lord.

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 73, 78 & 79

May20

Jehovah-Naheh – Lord who Smites

My eye will show no pity, and I will not let you go without punishment. I will make you pay for your ways, and for the hated sins that are among you. Then you will know that it is I, the Lord, Who punishes you. Ezekiel 7:9 (NLV)

Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

O Lord, the God Who punishes, let Your Light shine! Truly You are good to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. They seemed to live such painless lives; their bodies were so healthy and strong. They didn’t have troubles like other people; they weren’t plagued with problems like everyone else. These fat cats had everything their hearts could ever wish for! They boasted against the very heavens, and their words strutted throughout the earth. Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiplied.

Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Then I realized that my heart was bitter and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—yet even today, I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but You remain the strength of my heart; You are mine forever. How good it is to be near You! I have made You my shelter and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.

O Lord, I am a sheep of Your pasture, I will thank You forever and ever, praising Your greatness from generation to generation. Help me, O God of my salvation! Help me for the glory of Your name. Save me and forgive my sins for the honor of Your name. Demonstrate Your great power by saving those condemned to die. And I will not hide these truths from my children; I will tell the next generation about Your glorious deeds, Your power and Your mighty wonders.

A Spring Song of Worship and Praise adapted from Psalm 93 & 99

May19

Jehovah Hamelech– God Is King.

God, You are my King. You rule with great power and strength. Your heavenly throne is set up from long ago and is eternal. You have always been and forever will be.

Strength is found in You, Lord. All honor and glory are Yours, my Lord and my God. I will worship on my knees. For You alone are holy!

I have stood at the waters edge and watched the fierce tide rush in. I have heard the thunder of the angry sea and felt the power of its relentless waves. But mightier than the violent raging seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore— You above are mightier than these! You are Lord on high. You are unshakeable. Your Word is very sure. And Your Kingdom is perfect in every way as it lasts forever.

Strength is found in You, Lord. All honor and glory are Yours, my Lord and my God. I will worship on my knees. For You alone are holy!

I fear Your holy name, the One who sits on His throne above the angels. Let the earth shake! Lord, You are great and to be honored above all people. I will praise Your great name. I will honor you with fear and respect because You alone are holy!

Strength is found in You, Lord. All honor and glory are Yours, my Lord and my God. I will worship on my knees. For You alone are holy!

I will do as the saints of the Old Testament, who called on Your name. They called upon you, Lord, and You answered them. They kept Your Word and the Law that You gave them. You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them. I will be faithful as the saints of old and honor you, the Lord our God. I will worship lifting up Your Name on high from the mountains tops. You are the Lord our God who is holy!

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 26, 42 & 59

May14

A Evening Prayer of a Woman of Faith

As the deer desires rivers of water, so my soul desires You.

When I come in desperate need and meet with You, tears have been my food day and night. It is in You, Lord, that I find hope. I will praise You again for being near me. When my soul is troubled within me, You send Your loving kindness. You have given me a heavenly song that stays with me through the night. I will praise You, my help and my God.

O my Strength, I will sing praises to You. For You are my strong place.

O Lord, continue to stand by me for I have lived my life without blame. I have trusted in You without changing. Continue to test me and try me. Test my mind and my heart. For Your loving kindness is always in front of my eyes and I have walked in Your truth. I will wash my hands of any guilt and will humbly approach Your altar.

O Lord. I will speak with the voice of thanks and tell of all Your great works. For You are my strong place.

I love the house where You live, the place where Your shining greatness lives. As for me, I will live a life without blame. Make me free and show me loving kindness. My foot stands on a good place. I will give honor to You in the meeting of worship. In Your loving kindness, You will meet me. I will sing of Your strength. Yes, I will sing with joy of Your loving kindness in the morning. For You have been a safe place for me in times of trouble.

O my Strength, I will sing praises to You. For You are my strong place.

GOAL SETTING–ISSUES OF THE HEART AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH: Lesson 14 Bonus Content

May13

A GOAL IS A SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE RELEVANT ASPIRATION IN A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE.

Scripture Memorization

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” Psalm 20:4

The Study

It is true that God is faithful to grant our heart’s desire. But we have a responsibility to do our part.

The Brain Research Institute reported that people’s number one desire is to be happy. It is a mindset to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Happiness is experienced everyday by those who choose to live at a higher level; a level of Excellence. Why? Because individuals pursuing excellence are actively committed to excelling and living intentionally every day. They set goals that lead to fulfilling their dreams and improving their life. This journey will require you to daily choose and intentionally live out these goals that directly lead to excellence. It also requires you to take captive every thought and action that will directly get you to your goal. This pursuit requires commitment. Each goal will require a different level of engagement. You might need a coach to keep you on track whether its just an occasional conversion to encourage you or an actual physical coach or counselor to meet with daily/weekly. For example when I decided to set a goal to run a half marathon, I used an online coaching schedule for my daily run and cross fit training,. I consulted one time with a nutritionist and then nightly reported my progress to my son and daughter in law in a daily text. They had experience running long distance races and were running this half marathon with me.

The pursuit of excellence just like any worthy pursuit takes practice to be proficient but also requires sacrifice. Anything that is worthy of your time; I can guarantee , there will be sacrifice. The accomplishment of a well sought after goal brings unspeakable joy, for me it was that first half-marathon run and finishing in 2nd place. Wow! Happiness. This was the high life and it was worth every sacrifice I made to prepare for the run.

When you have made the decision to choose the high life, you are choosing to give up the low life. The low life is “spending like there is no tomorrow, partying like there is no tomorrow, eating like there is no tomorrow and playing like there is no tomorrow.” It’s making choices with the sole purpose of satisfying spur of moment whims to achieve instant gratification without considering any consequence. It’s happiness short-lived. This defines ‘low life’. Deuteronomy 30:19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you and your descendants might live!’

The harsh reality is that your happiness is all up to You! It is not the responsibility of your family or friends. Or maybe… you are mindful of your happiness but you carry the attitude of postponing your happiness until.. “when I get a bigger house or when I get married or have children, or get out of debt. Then I will be happy.” STOP! I encourage you to please not delay your happiness! Life is too short. The psalmist said “This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it” .

Let’s identify the issues of the heart that hinders happiness.

Emotional brokeness includes issues of anger, anxiety, disgust, fear, unforgiveness, loneliess, insecurity and sadness, to name a few. Emotional brokeness can come from within you or be a reaction to your environment. Emotional changes can be normal, temporary responses to events; however, disproportion heart issues need your attention. Here is an opportunity for you to set goals pertaining to the issues of your heart and to emotional health. Set goals that will allow happiness to flourish in your daily routine.

GOAL ACQUISTION

How does a person accomplish a goal?

1. Look at it.

The best way to achieve any goal is to have a written plan. A goal that isn’t written down is just a dream. Here are five reasons why you commit your goal to paper.

*It will force you to clarify what you want.

*It will motivate you to take action.

*It will provide a filter for other opportunities.

*It will help you overcome resistance.

*It will enable you to see and celebrate your progress.

2. Tell people.

Telling everyone you know develops instant accountability.

3. Break it up.

Take measured steps. Long term goals of 10-20 years can be broken down into short term goals of 1-5 years and the objectives can be written out to become attainable daily acheivements.

4. Be realistic.

A good goal will take you out of your comfort zone, but it must be attainable. Do not set yourself up for failure.

5. Set a date.

A goal must be measureable and have a finish date.

6. Find an accountability partner.

You must have accountability. The accountable partner is being assigned responsibility for something you are supposed to do. Find someone who is willing to hold you responsible and is bold enough to ask you tough questions. This person will also be your best cheerleader.

7. Be committed.

Longfellow quote, “Success is doing what you can do well and doing well whatever you do.”

You can choose to set goals and realize your potential. Or you can choose not to set them. Life’s purpose and fulfillment doesn’t happen by accident. The reality of not choosing to set goals is that the consequences more than likely are not going to be good down the road. Fulfilling the desires of the heart and fulfilling your dreams happen when we are willing to write them down and make a plan.

Lets get started.

*Write the goal plainly.

*Engage in a personal assessment which will determine where your current status is in relation to your goal.

*Write the objectives; the action plan.

*Develop a time frame.

*Write down the benefits to you as a result of accomplishing these goals.

Complete p70 in Excellence with Simple Elegance companion workbook, The Study.

Both books can be purchased at http://www.Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/8DKuzV0

https://a.co/d/cWPewTn

Women of faith, you will only rise to your full potential when you set goals and take action to achieve them. Have you ever baked southern biscuits? It is so disappointing when you take them out of the oven and they did not rise. They were made to rise. Those biscuits baked in the squat position. Many women wait for a perfect time to begin goalsetting. After the children are grown, when they have more money, when the weather improves, when the economy improves and after vacation…see those who wait get baked in the squat position. They are waiting for changes out there before they do the changes within themselves. God has made you to rise. Don’t wait! The rule is simple. ‘Do it now’.

Be confident that you can accomplish these goals. Scriptures says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do everything through Christ, who gives us the strength.

Promise

“Riches and well-being are in his house. And his right-standing with God will last forever.”

Blessing

“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 40, 41 & 43

Apr19

Heavenly Father, do not wait. You are my Help and the One Who sets me free.

How happy is the one who has made the Lord their trust.

Many are the great works You have done. No one can compare with You! If I were to speak of all You have done and tell of Your good deeds, there would be too many to number. I have shared the good news about what is right and good. I have never closed my lips, O Lord. I have not hidden Your righteousness and goodness in my heart. I have spoken about how faithful You are and about Your saving power. I have not hidden Your loving kindness and Your truth. I am happy to do Your will. Your Word lives within my heart.

You are my Help and the One Who sets me free.

I trust You and have come to You with my pain and fears. Have loving kindness for me. Raise me up and set me beside You forever. You do not answer quickly and I know that I am impatient, but I will not give up on waiting for You. O Lord, have loving kindness for me. Heal my soul for a friend of mine whom I trusted has turned against me. You, however, have turned to me and have heard my cry. Even though I have sinned and have not handled my trouble well, I know You will bring me up out of turmoil and despair. You have faithfully set me on a rock, making my feet sure. You put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise. I sing for You because all hope is in You. O Lord, Your compassion stays with me. Your loving kindness and Your truth always keep me satisfied. Be pleased to save me. Hurry and help me. Let all who look for You experience Your joy. May they also be glad in You. Because I am in need, think of me.

Please do not wait. You are my help and the One Who sets me free.

Stand by me, O God, and speak in my favor against a sinful nation. Save me from the lying and sinful man. For You are the God of my strength. Send out Your light and Your truth. Let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to the places where You live. Then I will kneel before Your altar, God of my joy, and I will praise You. Honor be to You, the God of Israel, forever and ever!

Let it be so for You are my hope and the One Who sets me free. I will praise You, my help and my God.

Find the collection of Spring Prayers of Petition and Blessing in Journaling through the Seasons: Spring&Spirit. Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/a7BVg9Z.

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 23

Apr14

Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord is my Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself, which brings honor to His name.

Yes, even if I walk through devastating dark times, I will not be afraid of anything, because He is with me. He has promised to guide and to help me every step of the way. This comforts me. He provides my every need.

He has poured oil on my head. Yes, I have everything I need.

For sure, He will give me goodness and loving kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with Him in His house forever.

Find the collection of Spring Prayers of Petition and Blessing in the new series of guided devotional journals; Journaling through the Seasons: Spring&Spirit. Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/a7BVg9Z

SIMPLY FORGIVE: Lesson 13 Bonus Content

Apr14

“FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO” Luke 23:34

Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision. A life of excellence comes with a forgiving heart. Let these words that Jesus spoke on the cross resonate with you this week.

The concept that forgiveness of others is what’s best for ourselves is sometimes difficult to grasp. But not only is it healthy for us to forgive others, it is required of us. Our heavenly Father requires us to forgive others daily. In obedience to our Father, when we forgive He forgives us.

Scripture Memorization

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25

So how do we ask for help to forgive when we do not have the strength or desire? Let’s look at the model prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples found in Matthew 6. Beginning with, “Give us this day our daily bread,” Jesus leaves no question of how often we should pray. This means we daily come to Him in prayer. In that daily prayer we are instructed according to Mark 11:25 to first forgive those that have hurt us. Then in verse 12, He continues to teach us to pray: “Forgive us our sins just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Refusing to forgive others is too high a price to pay. WHY? The act of forgiveness grants us the privilege of being forgiven by our heavenly Father.

How often should we forgive that person who did us wrong? Scripture spells it out in simple math: seventy times seven times, and if I do my math right it equals 490 times. The message here isn’t to literally forgive someone 490 times—-I believe it means no matter how many times someone wrongs you, you keep on forgiving. You forgive, you forgive again and you forgive again.

Just as forgiveness sets us free, a lack of forgiveness creates resentment that will eat away at our lives. It is unhealthy to allow these feelings of resentment and bitterness to grow or before we know it, these feelings will occupy our minds. The inner chatter begins. We will go to bed thinking bitter thoughts and wake up thinking bitter thoughts.These thoughts halt us from renewing our mind daily to the gifts of Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Before we realize we will begin to enjoy holding onto the offenses more than reflecting His image. This resentment truly interferes with a routine of reestablishing our commitment to God daily.

Bitterness robs us of the joy that would normally be experienced with our family, friends, or other blessings that God has for us. Unforgiveness is like carrying a 100 lb. backpack everywhere you go and while you carrying that weight everything you do is so so hard. But when you “forgive” you are throwing that heavy backpack off . You are removing the very weight that slows you down. Without the weight of unforgiveness everything becomes light and manageable again as you purposely keep your eyes on Jesus. Forgiveness allows you to let go of the hurtful events of the past. The act of forgiveness ushers in freedom. This freedom will physically, emotionally and mentally bring you to a place of health where you can Run to the very bright future that God has for you.

We need to forgive because we desperately need forgiveness. For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Without a doubt, that is why God created forgiveness. God has made a way for us to start anew.

“ you may fall on your knees and pray—to God’s delight!
You’ll see God’s smile and celebrate,
finding yourself set right with God.” Job 33:26

We all have made mistakes but we don’t have to carry it and regret it for our entire life. We can lay it at the feet of Jesus.

“You’ll sing God’s praises to everyone you meet,
    testifying, ‘I messed up my life—
    and let me tell you, it wasn’t worth it.
But God stepped in and saved me from certain death.
    I’m alive again! Once more I see the light!” Job 33:27-28

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

God did not give us life to just endure, but to enjoy abundantly. What is holding you back from the abundant life? What are you holding onto? I believe the hardest thing to do is to forgive yourself. If this is your struggle, decide today to forgive yourself. There is no offense that God does not forgive.

He will forgive you. Begin today, reading scripture and renewing your mind daily to the promise of forgiveness. Share your story here on this blog site, http://www.bonnieliabenow.com and allow us to pray for you. There is such freedom in forgiveness. Allow yourself to experience it.

Take this opportunity to write your stories. Complete pages 63-66 in The Study.

In the Act of Forgiving when someone does something wrong; don’t forget all the things they did right.

First Corinthians 13 says^“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

We do not keep record of being wronged because we have forgiven ‘the wrong’ immediately! Women of faith we need to be ladies who do not take offense easily. Certainly this is not easy to do. It is true. But many things are not easy and there are few things in life that don’t require practice to be proficient. So practice forgiveness with instant reconciliation. Understand that conflicts cause much greater damage to relationships when left unresolved. Love by choice, not by circumstance remembering to overcome each conflict with love.

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa

My husband is always reminding me that it is better to be righteous than right. Choosing a life of faith and living it in excellence always comes with sacrifice. Choosing to be righteous (morally upright and acting according to the holiness of God) might feel like a sacrifice when you really want to let the offender know that YOU ARE RIGHT in a situation and they are wrong!

Please share your story where you were required to sacrifice for ‘holy living’.

Jesus understands the sacrifice you endure, because He made the first and ultimate sacrifice for you.

While hanging on the cross He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. His blood shed covered it all. Receive His forgiveness and live freely in His unconditionally love.

A major emphasis of Jesus’ teaching is how to build and maintain right relationships with God and others. God views these relationships as vital components of our Christian lives. (I suggest reading Gary Smalley’s book, The DNA of Relationship. It is an excellent read) Our pursuit of excellence and personal relationship with Jesus should produce within us the qualities of character that builds and sustains all our relationships. Adopt the forgiveness of others in your prayer life as a daily discipline.

Promise

“Forgive other people and other people will forgive you. Give, and it will be given to you. You will have more than enough. It can be pushed down and shaken together and it will still run over as it is given to you. The way you give to others is the way you will receive in return.”

Blessing

“the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Both books can be purchased

http://www.Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/6hXht6n

https://a.co/d/deAvt5A

A Spring Song of Worship and Praise adapted from Psalm 103

Apr10

Praise for God’s Love

Praise the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, praise Your Holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

I will not forget Your acts of kindness. You are the One who forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. You have saved my life. You have crowned me with loving kindness and mercy. I recognize that You have filled my years with good things. These good things have brought me much joy. They make me feel young again.

Lord, You do what is right and fair. Your grace and mercy is around me. You are slow to anger. Your love is unconditional and abundant. You correct my wrongdoing with tenderness.

As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is Your love to those who fear You. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, You have separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, You feel for those who fear You. You know us inside and out, and You continue to love us even with our faults. God, You alone make everything right.

My days are few. I grow like a wildflower in the field. This wildflower springs and blossoms when the wind blows over it, leaving nothing to show it was there; just like my life. Your love, though, is ever and always eternally present. Your promises and ever presence bring great comfort to me. It is You, God that makes everything right for those who follow Your Covenant ways and remember to do whatever You say.

You have set Your throne in heaven, ruling over us all. You’re the King! I will praise You Lord, O my soul!

Find the collection of Spring Songs of Worship and Praise in the new series of guided devotional journals; Journaling through the Seasons: Spring&Spirit. Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/a7BVg9Z