A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 20, 25 & 77

Apr5

Jehovah-Hoshe’ah – Lord Saves

O God, Your ways are holy and Your timing is perfect. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders!  You save me when I call Your mighty name.

I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I thought of God and I moaned, overwhelmed with longing for His help. This trouble still robs my joy and my sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of the days when things were good; those days have long since ended, when my days were filled with joy and my nights were peaceful. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will He never again allow goodness to be in my life? Is His unfailing love gone forever? Have His promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He slammed the door on His compassion? Where is He?

But then I recall all You have done, O Lord. I remember Your wonderful deeds and have realized that I have moved from Your presence. You, Lord, are always near.  I will constantly keep You in my thoughts. I will not stop thinking about Your mighty works.

Your ways are holy. You are the God of great wonders!

Please answer me today in my hour of need! May You, the God of Jacob, keep me safe. May You send me help and give me strength. Grant me the desire of my heart according to Your riches and glory and make all my plans go well according to Your will in my life. I will sing for joy when You answer. In Your name, I will lift up my hands in praise.  May You grant me all that I need.

Now I know that You save Your chosen one. You answer me from Your holy heaven, with the saving power of Your right hand. I will trust in Your name, my God. Your ways are holy. You are the God of great wonders!

Good and right are You. You teach sinners in Your ways. You lead those without pride into what is right, and teach them Your way. All Your paths are loving and true for those who keep Your agreement and keep Your Laws. For the good of Your name, O Lord, forgive my sin, even as big as it is.

I lift up my soul to You, O Lord. I trust in You. Show me Your ways.  Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me. For You are the God Who saves me. I wait for You all day long. Keep me strong, remembering to bless with Your loving kindness. Please do not remember my sins from when I was young, or my sinful ways.

By Your loving kindness remember me, for You are good.

The faithful ones who fear You will be taught in the way they should choose. Their soul will live a rich life and their children will be given the land. Let that be in my life, Lord. Turn to me and show me Your loving kindness. Forgive all my sins.

Keep me safe, save me and set me free. Let what is good and what is right keep my mind stayed on these things, because I wait for You. Your ways are holy. You are the God of great wonders!

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

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A Spring Song of Worship and Praise adapted from Psalm 21 & 64

Apr4

Jehovah-Mephalti – Lord my Deliverer

O Lord, I delight in Your strength! Yes, How great is my joy in Your saving power!

You bless me with the desires of my heart, keeping nothing from me.  For You meet me with gifts of good things, crowning my efforts with success. You give me life, a long life forever and ever. You make me glad with the joy of being with You.

 Please hear my voice when I pour out my heart. Keep my life safe from the fear of those who hate me. Hide me from the secret plans of the sinful and from the noise of those who do bad things. Their tongues are sharp like a sword. They use poison words like darts and shoot at me without blame. They are quick and are not afraid to hurt me.  For their heart and inside thoughts  are deep and pursue sinful things. These things rob me from the joy I feel when I am with You.

Because of Your loving kindness, I will not be shaken. I will pray as written in the book of Isaiah: 

 

“Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness;

Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, And let righteousness spring up together…”

For Your hand will find all who fight against You. Your right hand will find those who hate You. They will be made to trip and fall. Their own tongue is against them. But for the one who is right and good, they will be glad in You and will give You praise.  

O Lord, our deliverer, Your righteousness will prevail. In Your strength, I am glad! Yes, How great is my joy in Your saving power!

You continue to bless me with the desires of my heart, keeping nothing from me.  For You meet me with gifts of good things, crowning my efforts with success. You give me life, a long life forever and ever.  You make me glad with the joy of being with You.

A Spring Song of Worship and Praise adapted from Psalm 147, 148, 149 and 150

Apr2

Jehovah-Sabaoth – Lord of Host 

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His holy place! Praise Him in the heavens of His power! Praise Him for His incredible works! Praise Him for all His greatness! Praise Him with dancing and with loud clear sounds.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

It is so good to sing praises to my God.  It is pleasing to Him. My praise is so right. He heals my broken heart and heals my many sorrows. Great is my Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding has no end.  God favors those who fear Him and those who wait for His loving-kindness. His goodness brings a song to my lips. I will sing to my Lord daily with thankfulness and praise. His goodness makes me sing a new song and His wonderful name moves me to dance. The Lord is happy with me. He saved me and has made me beautiful. My pursuit is to be God-like and full of His joy and His honor. I will sing for joy and the high praises of God will be on my mouth. This is an honor for me to give my daily praise to my Lord and Savior.

God sends His Word to the earth. And His Word runs fast. God knows the number of the stars and names them all. He covers the heavens with clouds. He gives rain for the earth. He makes grass grow on the mountains.  He gives food to the animals, and to the young birds that cry. He gives snow like wool. He spreads ice like ashes.  He throws down His ice as hail stones. He sends out His Word and melts the hardened stones. He makes His wind blow and His waters flow. God spoke and His creation came into being. He has made it last forever and ever.

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise Him on high! Praise Him, all His angels! Praise Him, sun and moon! Praise Him, all you shining stars!  Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let all creation praise the name of the Lord!

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 24, 60 & 61

Apr1

Jehovah-Gador Milchamah–The Lord powerful in war.

Lift up your heads, O gates. Lift them up, O doors that last forever, and the King of shining greatness will come in. Who is the King of shining greatness? The Lord of All. He is the King of shining greatness; One Who is mighty in battle.

Lord, this earth is Yours, and all that is in it, the world and all who live in it. For You have built it upon the seas. You have set it in the valleys where rivers flow and on the mountains where Your shining greatness is displayed. And who may stand in Your holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. The one who has not lifted up their soul to what is not true and has not made false promises. I will receive what is good from You, Lord, for what is right and good only comes from the One Who saves me.

 I will look for Your face, O God of Jacob. In Your shining greatness will I experience your strength and power. You are mighty in battle. Heal me and turn me toward You.  It is You who has made the land shake and have torn it open. Heal it where it is broken, for it shakes. I also have suffered hard things.  Save me with Your right hand and answer me so that I may be set free.

Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me. Let me live in Your tent forever. Let me be safe under the covering of Your wings. For You have heard my promises, O God. You have given me that which You give to those who fear Your name. Add days to my life so that I may sing thanks to Your name forever and keep my promises day by day.

Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

PRAYER: Lesson 11 Bonus Content

Apr1

 

 Adjusting prayer time to quiet moments alone was so out of my comfort zone.  When I came to the realization that prayer is not dictated by place and time; that it’s place is everywhere, it’s time is any time, this revelation was the beginning to a pray life of truly knowing Him and experiencing His presence in my life.

Scripture Memorization:   “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen.”  Jeremiah 29:12

 I see how my life was similar to the struggle of Martha in the story of Luke 10. I was so busy serving, working and doing that I was not spending time daily preparing my heart for service by having conversation with God, listening to God, spending time in worship and singing praises, and reading God’s Word.

Read the story of Martha and Mary. Are you a Martha or a Mary? Read their story in Luke 10

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were considered good friends of Jesus, often hosting him in their home in Bethany on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Martha is said to have run the household, although she was the middle child—Lazarus was the oldest and Mary the youngest of the three siblings.

Early historians believed Martha to be the daughter, wife, or widow of Simon the Leper, and that the house became hers when he died. This has not been substantiated, but what is clear is that Jesus did not return to his own home for rest and relaxation during his three years of ministry. It was to the warm, hospitable home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus at Bethany He retired. We also know that their home was large enough to host Jesus and his followers, and we suppose the family had means because the Bible does not mention a family trade, although they were never noted as being wealthy.

All we know about Martha and Mary come from two encounters with Jesus that were documented in all four Gospels. The first is a visit from Jesus to Martha and Mary’s home during one of his many trips to Jerusalem. We realize that because of the casualness of their visit that Jesus visited their home often. On this day Jesus arrived in time for dinner and Martha became angry that she was doing all the work in preparing for the meal while her sister was simply sitting around listening to Jesus. Martha insisted that Jesus tell Mary to get up and help her. Jesus rebuked Martha and told her that her sister had it right—she was focused on what was important (Luke 10:38-42). The next encounter comes after Martha and Mary’s brother fell ill and they’d sent word for Jesus to come, but several days had passed. Lazarus died. Martha meets Jesus outside their home—her brother had been dead four days. After complaining about his tardiness, Martha affirms her belief that even now God will do anything Jesus asks. Jesus says that he is the “resurrection and the life” and asks if she believes this. Martha confesses, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world” (John 11:27). Her words are similar Simon Peter’s reply to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15-16). Martha was a woman with managerial talents, the gift of hospitality, and a woman of means. Once she recognized Jesus as her Messiah and confessed her faith in him, her whole world changed. She found new meaning, purpose, and life.

Have you found success in this world and yet still wonder if all your hard work here amounts to anything? Have you been frustrated that God was not there when you needed him most? Martha can speak to you:

  • Martha was doing what she thought God was calling her to do—serve him with her gifts and talents, but when Jesus rebuked her, she learned a great lesson. All of her ‘doing’ needed to be balanced with time for ‘being.’ You can’t work your way into God’s favor. He is already impressed with you, so take time to sit at his feet and allow his approval to shine upon you.
  • Martha’s disappointment in Jesus was great. Have you been disappointed in God? Yet, Martha didn’t hide her disappointment from Jesus. Instead she took her anger, fear, and belief directly to him. Then, in spite of her doubts, she declared her faith. Great was her reward, and great will be yours, too, when you have the courage to share even your disappointments with God. Then declare your belief in spite of your doubts and new life will come to you, too. He is your resurrection and your life.

The Study                                                                            

study mockupComplete page 53 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study. 

If you have no format for your daily prayer life, please take the opportunity this week to use this simple format from Nehemiah. These will be the beginning steps to having a Mary heart. A.C.T.S.

Adoration

 It is a time of praising God for Who He is, His attributes, His Names, and His character.

Exalting the Name of Jesus Christ “If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.”

I challenge you to select one of Jehovah’s Name each week and praise Him for that particular attribute and character.

Jehovah’s Name (prayertoday.org)

  • Jehovah – The Lord – Exodus 6:2-3
  • Jehovah-Adon Kal Ha’arets- Lord of Earth – Josh 3:13
  • Jehovah-Bara – Lord Creator – Isaiah 40:28
  • Jehovah-Chatsahi – Lord my Strength – Psalm 27:1
  • Jehovah-Chereb – Lord the Sword – Deut. 33:29
  • Jehovah-Eli – Lord my God – Psalm 18:2
  • Jehovah-Elyon – Lord Most High – Psalm 38:2
  • Jehovah-Gador Milchamah – Mighty in Battle – Ps 24:8
  • Jehovah-Ganan – Lord Our Defense – Ps 89:18
  • Jehovah-Go’el – Lord My Redeemer – Is. 49:26, 60:16
  • Jehovah-Hamelech – Lord King – Psalm 98:6
  • Jehovah-Hashopet – Lord My Judge – Judges 11:27
  • Jehovah-Helech ‘Olam – Lord King Forever Ps10:16
  • Jehovah-Hoshe’ah – Lord Saves – Psalm 20:9
  • Jehovah-Jireh – Provider – Gen. 22:14, I John 4:9, Philip 4:19
  • Jehovah-Kabodhi – Lord my Glory – Psalm 3:3
  • Jehovah-Kanna – Lord Jealous – Ex 34:14
  • Jehovah-Keren-Yish’i – Horn of Salvation – Ps 18:2
  • Jehovah-M’Kaddesh – Sanctifier – I Corinthians 1:30
  • Jehovah-Machsi – Lord my Refuge – Psalm 91:9
  • Jehovah-Magen – Lord my Shield – Deut. 33:29
  • Jehovah-Ma’oz – Lord my Fortress – Jer. 16:19
  • Jehovah-Mephalti – Lord my Deliverer – Psalm 18:2
  • Jehovah-Metshodhathi – Lord my Fortress – Psalm 18:2
  • Jehovah-Misqabbi – Lord my High Tower – Psalm 18:2
  • Jehovah-M’gaddishcem – Lord my Sanctifier – Ex 31:13
  • Jehovah-Naheh – Lord who Smites – Ezekiel 7:9
  • Jehovah-Nissi – Banner – I Chronicles 29:11-13
  • Jehovah-Rohi – Shepherd – Psalm 23
  • Jehovah-Rophe – Healer – Isaiah 53:4,5
  • Jehovah-Sabaoth – Lord of Hosts – I Sam 1:3
  • Jehovah-Sel’i – Lord my Rock – Psalm 18:2
  • Jehovah-Shalom – Peace – Isaiah 9:6, Rom 8:31-35
  • Jehovah-Shammah – Present – Hebrews 13:5
  • Jehovah-Tsidkenu – Righteousness – I Cor 1:30
  • Jehovah-Tsori – Lord my Strength – Psalm 19:14
  • Jehovah-Yasha – Lord my Savior – Isaiah 49:26
  • Jehovah-‘Ez-Lami – Lord my Strength – Ps 28:7
  • Jehovah-‘Immeku – Lord Is With You – Judges 6:12
  • Jehovah-‘Izoa Hakaboth – Lord Strong -Mighty – Ps 24:8
  • Jehovah-‘Ori – Lord my Light – Psalm 27:1
  • Jehovah-‘Uzam – Lord Strength in Trouble – Is 49:26

CONFESSION

Scripture says that God is faithful in forgiving us and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

THANKSGIVING

God requires us to believe and to be thankful. Be thankful in all things. Offer a prayer of praise each morning using the words of the psalmist. Note that I have 2 categories of adapted prayers from the Psalms that you can access Worship & Praise and Petition & Blessings. Simply use these prayers daily to offer your words of admiration to our wonderful heavenly Father.

SUPPLICATION

Scripture says we have not because we ask not. Share with God your needs and your heart’s desires. As you are faithful to His call on your life, watch how He blesses you. Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for me?” Again if you feel you lack the words, please use the adapted prayers found on this blogsite http://www.bonnieliabenow.com and http://www.facebook.com/bonnieliabenow The petitions to God is our ‘want list’ the adapted prayers from the psalms titled Petitons and Blessing will launch you into His presence and into a meaningful personal time with God.

“Pray without ceasing”

Just like many of you there are situations that I have no control.  It is in these moments that have driven me to pray.                                    My life as a Christmas tree farmer lead me to pray often as farms are vulnerable to environmental attacks.  The days of summer of 2013 had brought extreme heat, dry weather and sunny skies to Michigan which is unheard of up north. And of course the fraser fir farm suffers greatly in these weather conditions. No problem! I will turn on the irrigation system.  But the irrigation didn’t respond. No water! Equipment breakdown!  This can’t be happening and the worse news was it could not be fixed for several days. “Lord, what do I do?” PRAY! I walked thru the fields asking God to protect these trees and to send rain soon.

My Psalm reading for that day– Psalms 65 “You take care of the earth and send rain to help the soil grow all kinds of crops. Your rivers never run dry, and you prepare the earth to produce much grain. You water all of its fields and level the lumpy grounds. You send showers of rain to soften the soil and help the plants sprout.”

The next day–Rain, 50 degrees and cloudy skies! Thank you Lord for taking care of my “bit of earth”.

Complete pages 54-55 in The Study.

Are you excessively critical of the language and style of your prayer? Do you find yourself stumbling along and groping for words? I always felt my language was too simple, kinda uneducated far from sophicated so I didn’t prayer much. But I have since grasped the understanding neither God nor others are concerned with eloquent words, only that genuine communication takes place. Paul assures us in Romans 8:26 that” In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps us where we are weak. We do not know how to pray or what we should pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays to God for us with sounds that cannot be put into words.” Many times the best prayer is the one most difficult to express,coming from the heart and reflecting genuine concern. As John Bunyon said. “In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

The Lord’s Prayer is the model of prayer that Jesus taught us, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke consider beginning with this prayer.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever. Amen
The Lords prayer, or the “our Father prayer” is prayed daily by thousands of Christians, and can be seen both as a model for prayer, and as to be repeated as part of our daily prayer. It starts by addressing God as our Father in heaven, that although His name is honored, and above all other names, we are His children. As such, we occupy a place of privilege, and He wants us to spend time in prayer with Him. The Lords prayer then moves on to pray that God’s Kingdom, or rule, will become the norm on earth, replacing human rules and governments, which too often are driven by greed and power. Only then do we turn to our own needs, and ask our Father for our basic human needs to be satisfied, and that He would forgive the wrong things that we have done. We ask for God’s guidance and protection as we journey through life. Finally we turn back to God, and acknowledge His supremacy and position as the Almighty ruler.
Pointers for Prayer : Pray the Lords Prayer through, and then take one of the phrases. Spend a few moments reflecting on that phrase, for example, imagining what it means for God’s Kingdom to come, or how we forgive those who sin against us. Then use these thoughts for further prayer, finally coming back to pray through the Lord’s Prayer again.Promise“Ask…, Seek…, and Knock, and it will be opened to you”Blessing“May the LORD grant all your requests”

 Excellence with Simple Elegance

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THE HEART OF EXCELLENCE: Lesson 10 Bonus Content

Mar20

 True beauty comes from the inside. It comes from the heart. This is an everlasting beauty which is most precious to God. It’s a beauty that is gentle and of a quiet spirit. In God’s sight this is of great worth and no amount of money can buy it.                                                                         1 Peter 3: 3-4Maggie

God is most concerned with what 1 Peter refers to as the ‘hidden person of the heart’. Our heavenly Father understands that out of our hearts, our inner-being, flow the issues of life. He has a way of equipping our hearts for each season of our lives. There are three specific God-given elements to the heart of a woman of excellence: prayer, grace, and forgiveness.

Scripture Memorization

“A sound heart is life to the body” Proverbs 14:30 NKJV

Several winters ago I read RC Sproul’s book, “The Holiness of God”.  In his writings, Sproul reminds his readers that…The task that is given to us, mankind, is to bear witness to the holiness of God–to be His image bearer. As a image bearer we are made to mirror and reflect the holiness of God. Essentially we are made to be His ambassadors.

In this pursuit of excellence we embark upon, Matthew 7:14 tells that the gate is narrow, the path is difficult and only few ever find it.  So this speaks to us, that living God’s way and being His reflection is not easy, especially when life experiences brings constant hurt, emotional turmoil and disappointments. So we must draw from the elements of the heart of prayer, fasting, worship, unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness. To be motivated to do this, you have to be passionate about your faith and intentional about living God’s way. In 1 John 5:3 says living God’s way and keeping His commandments are not troublesome to those who truly adore and love Him.
Living out our faith in love and commitment is seen in the way we conduct ourselves; in our family relationship, our work relationships and our community relationships.

The StudyThe Study (workbook)

Complete pages 51-52

Even with our incredible drive, our energy and among our successes we get off track. We are experiencing exhaustion, discontentment, unfulfillment, maybe even depression and discouragement. I know this has happened to me. Just the other day, I must have experienced every emotion that a person can experience.  Instead of laying my concerns at the feet of Jesus, I did the opposite I held on to every obstacle and every worry.  Thinking I could control others and the situation I was facing, my misguided path only successfully put me on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Distracted and Riding an emotional roller coaster?

 In this lesson you have the opportunity to write one of your stories where you were distracted, maybe treated unfairly and hurt.  As you write this story, take time to reread the words you have committed to paper. As you read , you will gain clarity of your struggle then pray for God’s healing. Give it to Jesus.  Lay it down daily.  Allow God’s divine strength to move you pass the brokenness. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Read Ephesians 6. And Once again experience emotional health knowing truth.  God has it in His hands.

Between our work lives and our home lives, we all have moments that are chaotic, crazy, stressful, unpredictable and uncomfortable. This is reality. This is life. Life happens and it throws us off track. In all this chaos, there is one thing that I know is true: Women, we desperately need God and His healing touch. There is only One who can steady your heart.  Take time to Worship, Read God’s Word, Pray, Seek His Grace and His Forgiveness. And when you have experienced God’s love, grace and forgiveness; then in His strength you will freely extend love, grace, and forgiveness to others.

“Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal.”
―    Mother Teresa,

  Promise

“a glad heart has a special supper all the time”

  Blessing

   “May He give you the desire of your heart”

 Excellence with Simple Elegance

 

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A Winter Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 115,140, 142 & 143

Mar20

A Prayer for Help

Jehovah-Ma’oz – Lord, my Fortress, my strength and my strong-place, my safe place in the day of trouble.   Jeremiah16:19                                                 

O Lord, You are faithful, kind and loving. You are my strength. Bring light where there is darkness, heal where I am weak and love where my heart fades. Let my life bring glory and honor to Your name and not to me, O Lord, not to me.

 Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen when I ask for help. Answer me because You are faithful and right. Do not find me so guilty where there is no forgiveness, for no one living is right and good in Your eyes. This world is cruel and the one who hates me has made it hard for my soul. This torment has crushed my life to the ground and I live in darkness. My spirit is weak and my heart fades.

I cry with a loud voice and pray with my voice to You.  I talk and complain, telling You all my trouble.  When my spirit grows weak within me, You know my path. My enemy has hidden a trap for me in the way where I walk.  There is no one who thinks about me. There is no place for me to go to be safe. No one cares about my soul. Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to You once again.

O Lord, You are faithful, kind and loving. You are my strength. Bring light where there is darkness, heal where I am weak and love where my heart fades. Let my life bring glory and honor to Your name and not to me, O Lord, not to me.

You are my God. Listen to the voice of my prayers, O Lord.  You have covered me with Your grace. Please do not give the sinful what they want. Do not let their plans work, or they will be honored.  You are my safe place, my share in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am brought down. Save me from those who make it hard for me, for they are too strong for me.  Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Your name. Those who are right and good will gather around me for You will give much to me.

You have been mindful of me, O Lord. I know You will bless me along with those who fear You, both small and great. May You give me increase more and more as I choose rightness and goodness. I will be thankful, as You are my strength.

O Lord,  let my life bring glory and honor to Your name and not to me, O Lord, not to me.

 

If you have enjoyed the Prayers and Songs inspired by the Psalms, you will be delighted to know you will find them in my New Series: Journaling through the Seasons.  A series of 4 guided devotional journals are available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com.

When days get quiet and hearts turn reflective, Winter & Word invites readers to slow down and sit with Scripture. Each section opens with these beautiful Songs and Prayers from the Psalms and prompts that lead gently from reading to response–gratitude, confession, hope, and next steps–plus space to pen personal reflection. Winter & Word helps readers anchor their season in God’s voice–and keeps them coming back for the full set. The journal has three sections; Response writing, Reflection writing  and Note writing. I invite you to experience the power of journaling in faith today.

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A Winter Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 10 & 90

Mar20

Jehovah–Helech ‘Olam: God Is Forever

Lord, You have been the place of comfort for me.  Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, forever and ever, You were God.  A thousand years in Your eyes are like yesterday or like the hours of the night.

You know my sin and have set each wrongdoing before You. My secret sins are illuminated in the light of Your face. All my days pass away in the midst of Your anger. I will finish my years with a quiet cry. The days of my life are short, maybe seventy or eighty if I have the strength to carry on. Sometimes it seems the best of my days are only hard work and sorrow. Oh, how I long for Your mercy and forgiveness.

Rise up, O Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget me. You have heard my prayers.  Give strength to my heart and listen to my petitions. For You, O Lord, are King forever and ever.

Teach me to understand. Give me a heart of wisdom so that I may give back to You. Teach me to live well so I may experience happiness. Teach me to live wisely!  Fill me every morning with Your loving kindness so I may sing for joy and dance all the day long. Let me see Your best works and the ways You rule and bless Your children. Let Your loveliness rest on me, confirming Your work in me.

 Each day I long to experience Your greatness and Your favor. For you, O Lord, are King forever and ever. Ame

If you have enjoyed the Prayers and Songs inspired by the Psalms, you will be delighted to know you will find them in my New Series: Journaling through the Seasons.  A series of 4 guided devotional journals are available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com.

When days get quiet and hearts turn reflective, Winter & Word invites readers to slow down and sit with Scripture. Each section opens with these beautiful Songs and Prayers from the Psalms and prompts that lead gently from reading to response–gratitude, confession, hope, and next steps–plus space to pen personal reflection. Winter & Word helps readers anchor their season in God’s voice–and keeps them coming back for the full set. The journal has three sections; Response writing, Reflection writing  and Note writing. I invite you to experience the power of journaling in faith today.

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GOAL SETTING–FOUNDATION AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH: Lesson 9 Bonus Content

Mar3

 Living with intentionality and purpose will put you on the path to excellence.The goal setting worksheet is a tool which will be used to write spiritual directed goals that lead to spiritual growth and health.

 Scripture Memorization

 Habakkuk 2: 2

“Take the vision, write it down, make it plain  so that you can run with it.”

Read the book of Habakkak.  Habakkak desired change. He was overwhelmed by the circumstances around him.  Habakkuk lived during one of Judah’s most critical periods. His country had fallen from the heights of Josiah’s reforms to the depths of violent treatment of its people. Ungodly men were acting in ungodly ways. In the first chapter, Habakkuk asked God why?   “O LORD,  how long shall I cry” (1:2) His circumstances demanded that he ask God about the unrighteousness around him. Because he believed in God and believed that God had an answer to his problem. Habakkuk listened to God.  God granted him the gift of a truth that satisfied his longings as well as provided the solution to his present situation. “The just shall live by his faith” (2:4) By chapter 3, the prophet’s prayer, we read that Habakkuk  found his hope, strength and joy in God. “He will make me walk on my high hills” (3:19)

Dear friend, you also can find your hope, strength and joy in the God of Israel. As you approach lesson 9 with the desire for change, let your heavenly Father guide you. Like Habakkuk, we can desire change and find direction in seeking God’s plan for us.  1) Pray daily  2)Look with expectation for God to speak to you and read His Word daily 3) Listen for God to speak and receive it in your heart  4)Simply write the vision/dream down  5)Run with it knowing that God-given dreams are possible.

The Study

Lets review the terms GoalSetting/Assessment/Objectives

Goal setting involves establishing specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals. Work on the theory of goal-setting suggests that it’s an effective tool for making progress by ensuring that participants in a group with a common goal are clearly aware of what is expected from them. On a personal level, setting goals helps people work towards their own objectives—most commonly with financial or career-based goals. Goal setting features as a major component of personal development.

  • Goals provide a sense of direction and purpose
  • Goal setting capitalize on the human brain’s amazing powers of problem-solving and goal-achieving.

Goal commitment: People perform better when they are committed to achieve certain goals. Goal commitment is dependent on:

  1. The importance of the expected outcomes of goal attainment.
  2. Self-efficacy – one’s belief that he is able to achieve the goals.
  3. Commitment to others – promises or engagements to others can strongly improve commitment.

Goal-commitment: the most influential moderator, becomes especially important when dealing with difficult or complex goals. If people lack commitment to goals, they lack motivation to reach them. To commit to a goal, one must believe in its importance or significance.

Attainability: individuals must also believe that they can attain — or at least partially reach — a defined goal. If they think no chance exists of reaching a goal, they may not even try.

Self-efficacy: the higher someone’s self-efficacy regarding a certain task, the more likely they will set higher goals,  and the more persistence they will show in achieving them”

Assessment definition:

The purpose of a personal self-assessment is to get to know who you are better. Understanding where you are helps to give you a clearer picture of where you want to be.  Personal self-assessment assists in identifying your likes, dislikes, personal characteristics, values, wants, needs, strengths and weaknesses.  First knowing who you are is a significant step that must be taken before you can begin writing goals for yourself .

First of all, you have to be honest. You should set aside your fears and insecurities. This step will determine the success of the self-assessment process. It is important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Look in the mirror and face the person that you see in front of you. Take time to reflect on your imperfections and take note of your best features as well remembering that God made you exactly the way you are and that you have value and purpose. You need to look at who you are inside and out. Reflect on your good and your bad characteristics:  physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually.

As soon as you have reflected on your strengths and weaknesses, take note of your likes and dislikes. It will be better if you can also include the reasons why and what triggers you to like or dislike them

Next, take note of the things that make you happy and the things that make you sad. Ask yourself what makes you to get out of bed each day and what makes you feel frustrated. This will help you identify your joys and sorrows that will serve as your foundation for building on your happiness and learning from your sorrows.

Your personal self-assessment should also include a list of your interest. What are the things that you enjoy doing during your free time? Are you the type of person who spends time sitting and reading or do you prefer getting out and participating in a sport or any physical activity ? This will help you understand your interests and where you would excel in service to others.

Another factor to consider is your personality. Are you the type of person who likes to talk to other people a lot (extrovert) or are you the type of person who prefers to work on something alone(introvert). It is important to know your personality type to identify where you would be most effective in community service (work, career, volunteer, ministry)

Aside from understanding your personality, you should also take note of your skills and abilities. What are you good at?  Talents and natural abilities can help you identify what opportunities would enhance your potentials.

In conclusion, making a personal self-assessment will make you more aware of what you are really made of.  Personal assessment will assist in pinpointing areas of vision for your life regarding your faith, family and community..

Determine Objectives

List (in simple terms) what you will have to do to reach your goal. Create an exact detailed strategy! Be realistic whether the goal can be achieved short term (1-5yrs) or long term(5-10yrs).

Objective Definition according to www.businessdictionary.com: ” An end that can be reasonably achieved within an expected time frame and with  available resources.  In general, an  objective is broader in scope than a  goal, and may consist of several individual goals.  Objectives are a basic tools that  underlying all planning  and strategic activities.  They serve as the basis for policy and performance  appraisals.”

TAKE THE VISION:

Step 1:  Decide what is your number one desire, the overall goal -Label the desire – Outcome Goal

 Step 2: Decide what you want to have, to be and to do as it relates to Outcome Goal. This is the Behavior Goal that will directly achieve an Outcome Goal. 

Write IT DOWN: KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS

MAKE IT PLAIN: Assessment results

RUN WITH IT! Once you have determined that your vision is worth any sacrifice it may cost you to accomplish, and you have scripted a route to reach it; it’s time to execute. Do what is required to accomplish the goal. Get an accountability partner and cheerleader to assist in your success.

Complete page 48 in

your workbook

Tell everyone you know of your written goal.  Telling others makes it official and brings about accountability.  Know that I am cheering you on to excellence!!!

Promise

“God has given you everything you need for living a godly life.”

Blessing

“May God  give you grace and peace.”Excellence with Simple Elegance

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COMMUNITY: Lesson 8 Bonus Content

Feb22

The Great Commission

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16: 15Public domain image, royalty free stock photo from www.public-domain-image.com

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. Matthew 28:16-20

Your career and community service can be your outreach or mission field that will give you a platform to put your faith foundation into action. Having a job affords you room to challenge yourself, to exercise your God-given talents, and to share God’s love.  The commitment to community is the third step in building the foundation that leads to a life of excellence.

Scripture Memorization

“Love your neighbor”

As a woman of faith, community should matter to you.  Jesus said to the scribes in the passage of Mark 12: 28-34, “The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Why should community matter to you? Because Jesus said there is no other commandment greater than loving the Lord your God and loving your neighbor. In obedience to our heavenly Father, we are compelled to love others. And so this is why we serve in our community.

The Study

Complete pages 43-44 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study.  The Study (workbook)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Become a mentor page 45 in The Study.

“God did not call us to have lots of friends, but to be a friend” Dr. Bill Anderson

As a mentor and a life coach for 20 years, I am totally convinced that we can positively affect our community one person at a time.  We  must first realize our need to have a lifestyle that reflects the excellence of God. We must actually live out our faith putting God first in all areas of our life. It is imperative that the actions of life model the words spoken.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
―    Mother Teresa

Mentoring is defined in the Merriam-Webster as “a trusted counselor or guide”.  A mentor is a coach, a tutor, or an advisor. One who speaks encouragement and wisdom to the one being mentored.  A mentor is an individual, usually older, always more experienced, who helps and guides another individual’s development. This guidance is not done for personal gain. To mentor, you must be sincerely interested in someone else’s growth assisting in goals setting and holding them accountable.

Be mentored page 45 in The Study,

Women’s ways of mentoring in the business world call it “wo-mentoring”.  It is a refreshing new approach that’s more about commitment and learning.  Women’s mentoring is about personal growth and development. You should pair with someone who, by her very nature, will challenge you.

New Rule of Mentoring: Everyone needs mentors. The old school taught that mentoring was for the young. The new style adamantly rejects such an antiquated notion.

The most important lesson that the women’s approach to mentoring has to teach: It’s not about a mentoring relationship. It’s about a mentoring mentality. You don’t need a single mentor. God can use different mentors during a lifetime. What you need is a mind-set that allows you to learn from those around you. My husband’s saying is “you are the average of the people you hang with” so with that in mind choose mentors who will challenge you, who are passionate about life, and foremost women who are in pursuit of living God’s way.

Please let me know your progress. I want to hear your stories. Take time to comment on this blog site.

Our pursuit of excellence demands that we have a routine of sharing our faith.  We have been called to share the biblical truth  about eternity with those we love. It is wonderful that we have the certainty of heaven but how much more joy we would experience  knowing that we are taking our family and friends.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Matthew 28:19

I believe we are not bold when it comes to sharing the Good News, the plan of salvation. Why? Is it a possibility that we truly don’t believe that hell is for real or that a loving God would condemn good people to a life of eternal damnation. And if there is hell, an eternal separation from God, then it must only be a mere annoyance and mild displeasure. It certainly cannot be fire!

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” Rev 20:15

When we truly understand the nature of the Holiness of God, we then will understand how unrighteousness and unrepentant violates His Holiness, insults His justice and be littles His grace. Jonathan Edwards is known for the most famous sermon preached in America titled, ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’. In that sermon he says,” almost every natural man who hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is doing, or what he intends to do. Every one lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes will not fail.” God’s wrath is divine, fierce and everlasting. But God provided a way to escape His wrath by way of the cross.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

In your pursuit of excellence, make a routine that includes sharing this good news with your community.  Women of faith your community’s eternal fate should matter because Heaven is real and so is Hell.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16  
 

Promise

” His love never fails”

Blessing 

“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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