Tag Archive | bible

SIMPLY FORGIVE: Lesson 13 Bonus Content

Apr14

forgiveness

“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

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SIMPLE GRACE: Lesson 12 Bonus Content

Apr5

“GRACE is poured upon Your lips;

Therefore God has blessed You forever”   Psalm 45:2

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give GRACE and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

Scripture Memorization

“For by grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

As a woman of faith of 68 years, I have been blessed to have had enough of a taste of the majesty of God to want more; more of His presence, His words, His anointing and His grace. I know what it means to be forgiven, to be blessed with His grace and to be loved extravagantly by His unfailing love. I have experienced His faithfulness and I am fully persuaded that the world needs to see Jesus in me. I can simply do that by extending grace.

Complete page 59 in Excellence with Simple Elegance companion workbook, The Study. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

imagesHave you ever received a gift you didn’t deserve? And the treasured gift was given to you out of pure love. I have. My husband has surprised me many times with flowers and other little gifts throughout our 44 years of marriage. Oh! how delightful it is when a thoughtful gesture of love through a simple gift is given brings unexplainable joy.  God also gives a gift. His gift is His grace, an abundant favor given to you in love.

Grace is God showing His love to you even though you don’t deserve it. You can’t do anything to earn God’s grace. This righteousness so  undeserved saved us from our sin and blessed us with His eternal presence in our life.  God’s perfect gift given is Jesus. Our Savior brings not only grace but divine guidance, strength and power. If you know Jesus as your Savior, be thankful.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. Women of faith because of  His grace shown to us , we must be compeled to show grace to those around us.

” But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard–things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” 

Galatians 5:22 & 23 is our goal! No matter what comes in our life. No matter what life throws at us, we choose to operate in His spirit of grace.

It is His grace that makes it possible for us to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control in situations where it is humanly impossible, undeserved or during times when circumstances and character are so attacked by an ungodly world. Grace makes “holy living” possible.We embrace the idea to live in holiness not set by rules or regulations, but from a heartfelt love and respect  for our heavenly Father.

Leviticus 11:44 instructs us to be holy because  He is holy.

There is great joy in extending grace to others. This special saving grace that we have experienced as a believer should drive us to care about the general welfare of others. Feed the poor, house the homeless, love the unlovely, clothe those less fortunate, pray for the sick, and care for the orphans and widows.  Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “For sure, I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of My brothers, you have done it to Me.” Extending grace to the world should become our pursuit and passion.

Complete pages 60-61 in The Study.

God’s Grace  the unmerited, undeserved and unearned favor  is the component of faith that motivates us to pursue a heart of excellence.

Promise

“the Lord is always kind, patient and loving”

Blessing

“may the God of love be with you”

 

 

Purchase The Study (workbook) and Excellence with Simple Elegance 

 At Amazon.com https://a.co/d/0g6IpPg and https://a.co/d/1AXSD5aExcellence with Simple Elegance

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”

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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 a emotional roller coaster ride.

Distracted and Riding a 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,    In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers  

  Promise

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

  Blessing

   “May He give you the desire of your heart”

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A Winter Song of Worship and Praise adapted from Psalm 3, 22, & 29

Mar20

Jehovah-Kabodhi – Lord my Glory

I will be faithful to honor You, Lord, for the glory of Your name. In the splendor of Your holiness, I will fall down and worship You. Be close to me! You bring me strength. In Your faithfulness, You answer me and save me.   Lord my glory!

Salvation belongs to You alone for Your blessing is upon me. You shield me. You are the One who lifts up my head when I do not have the strength. I cry to You and You hear me.

I will make Your name known. I will praise You. I fear You and will give You all my praise. I will honor You and fear You, for You have not turned away from my suffering or trouble. You have heard my cry. My praise will be from You. I will keep my promises to You in front of those who fear You. Those who look for You will praise You. May Your heart live forever!

O Lord, be close to me! O my Strength, save my life for You are faithful to answer me. Save me, O my God!

Salvation belongs to You alone for Your blessing is upon me. You are a shield and the One who lifts up my head.  I will be faithful to honor You for the glory of Your name. In the splendor of Your holiness, I will fall down and worship You.

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to You. All the families of the nations will worship before You. For the holy nation is Yours, and You rule over all the nations. All the proud ones of the earth will worship. All who go down to the dust will fall to their knees before You, even those who cannot keep their soul alive. Future children will serve You, and they will tell of Your greatness to their children. They will tell of Your saving power to a people who are yet to be born. Your mighty voice  echoes above the sea. Your voice is powerful and majestic. Your voice strikes with bolts of lightning as You rule over the floodwaters. In all Your glory, You reign as King forever.

 Your blessing is upon me. It brings peace to my chaos. O Lord, You are a shield for me and the One who lifts up my head when I have lost all strength.  I will be faithful to honor You for the glory of Your name and will fall down and worship You in the splendor of Your holiness.

A Winter Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted by Psalm 4, 6, 7 & 141

Mar20

An Evening Prayer

Jehovah-Magen – Lord the  Shield of my help; Deuteronomy 33:29

O Lord my God, in You I have put my trust.

                                                                                                                                             

 Awaken, my God, and help me for I cannot sleep. Prove what is  right.                                                                  

Build me up for I desire to be right with You. For You are right and good and the One who tests both my heart and mind. O Lord, do not speak sharp words or punish me when You are angry. Be kind to me for I am weak and so tired. Heal me for my bones are shaken. My soul is in great suffering.

Return, O Lord. Set my soul free. Save me because of Your loving-kindness.

I am tired of crying inside. All night long my pillow is wet with tears. I flood my bed with them. My eyes have grown weak with sorrow. Lord, You hear the sound of my crying and my desperate plea for help. Receive my prayer, tonight. Answer me, O my God Who is right and good! You have faithfully made a way for me when I needed help. Please grace me with Your kindness and hear my prayer.

 You, Oh Lord, set apart the one who is God-like for Yourself.

Hear me when I call. While I am on my bed, may I look into my heart and be quiet. May I feel the light of Your face shine on me.  Your presence has filled my heart with happiness and brought peace as I lie down to sleep.

I call upon You, O Lord. Hurry to me! Hear my voice when I call to You! May my prayer be like special perfume before You. May the lifting up of my hands be like the evening gift given on the altar in worship. O Lord, put a watch over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart turn to any sinful thing. I am kept safe as You save those who are pure in heart. You are always right in how You judge.

In the quiet of this night I will give thanks to and will sing praise to Your name Most High. For my eyes are toward You, O God. In You, I am safe.