Tag Archive | faith

COURAGE: Lesson 16 Bonus Content

God grants seasons of favor for His people in order to extend His kingdom

Heavenly Father, please give us the courage to walk confidently onto the stage of what you have called us to. Release all worries. In this season of favor, help us to let go and trust You.

Scripture Memorization

“Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23

Strength in Courage

Deuteronomy 31:6“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Joshua 1:7-9 “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

1 Chronicles 28:20 “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

Isaiah 41:10-13 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Courageous and Unafraid

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 56:3-4 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Isaiah 54:4 “Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.”

Matthew 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

1 Peter 3:14-16 “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Courage brings Freedom & Peace

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Romans 8:15 “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Philippians 1:12-14 “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

The Study

Courage, do you possess it?

“A truth I have come to realize is that God does not care who you are, man or woman—or where you are, rural town or urban city—when He puts His call out to you. He expects an answer, followed up with perseverance and courage; for the rewards He has planned for you are unimaginable. My reward was excellence in my life in an abundance of ways,” JENNY A. LIABENOW, Major, USAF

When obedient to God’s call, we can be assured that it leads us many times to unfamiliar where courage is required of us. In my life, I have experienced the unfamiliar. It was a place way out of my comfort zone.

We all love comfortable: sitting in the same pew on Sundays, having coffee with the same friends, vacationing in the same location, staying in the same job, volunteering in the same position…but it’s not always the best of us so God expands our horizons and leads us out of familiar to unfamiliar.

Because I made a commitment to be obedient to the task God put before me, I chose to step out of comfortable. Even though I had done my part to be well prepared for the task, I was sure that I would fail. Lacking confidence in myself and in my ability I walked into the unfamilar and was welcomed to a wonderful truth. God is faithful and He shows up.

In these scary moments, we have an increased awareness of needing Him. It’s a desperate need. But it is here that God blesses us with His presence, His Words and His anointing.

I like to think that embracing the challenges of the unfamiliar is God’s promotion, an opportunity to grow and to be bold for Him. As a woman of faith of 51 years, I have been so blessed to have had enough of a taste of the majesty of God to want more. More of His love, His guidance, His strength, and His protection. It is in the unfamiliar, that leap of faith that we take, because we know it’s right, that leads us to the purpose we are meant to find; that leads us to the realization of the God-given dreams in our hearts. It is here that we see God work in a Huge way. But it requires courage.

Read the story of Esther.

This is story of a woman who possessed remarkable courage. Her courage is even more remarkable when we consider that the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. This is the author’s way of depicting the hidden hand of providence; the Lord’s sustaining power, divine guidance, and care; working in ways that are not immediately discernible to us. Esther trusted this providence even when she had no idea how things would turn out.

Complete pages 77-81 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study.

Both books can be purchased at www,Amazon.com https://a.co/d/8DBgVpF and https://a.co/d/7Zn8Csf

For the most part, God’s hand of providence remains hidden, and we do not always know how things will turn out for us. Trusting Him and doing the right thing even if we know it might cost us; is not an easy feat. But I do know for certainty that God is ever working for our good and His glory. God’s protection and favor is available to us just as it was for Esther. Esther’s courage resulted in the deliverance of God’s people.

Have courage and answer His call.

Promise

“Do not be afraid, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Blessing

“You’re blessed when you stay the course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”

THE INGREDIENTS OF EXCELLENCE: Lesson 15 Bonus Content

Jun6

Time, energy, and desire is required to achieve excellence and to establish the ingredients that comprise it. Once you have established that you are on a journey to excellence, it is important to realize what it will take to get there.

Scripture Memorization

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.” Deuteronomy 6:18

The Study

Much is required of us on this journey to excellence: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

First it is essential that you surrender: John 5:30 and Luke 22:42

As Jesus surrendered to The Father so we must do the same. The task that has been given us, women of faith, is to bear witness to the holiness of God. We were created for commitment to serve God. We were made to mirror and to reflect His image. Surrendering our lives to God’s purpose must be our passion and desire. As woman of faith, we establish a routine that displays what God is like. But we quickly realize that we lack ability to achieve and we simply can’t do it. In sin we broke the mirror; shattered the image; blurred the reflection. Until Jesus. Jesus perfectly reflected and mirrored the character of the Father. Jesus came to show us how to live. It’s possible because of Jesus. When we totally surrender our life, it is then we find divine strength to pursue this worthwhile journey. So our praise and worship is inspired by the remembrance of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for us. We are thankful and our passion becomes to live God’s way. Take this time to worship before the heavenly Father. As you listen to worship music daily surrender every part of your life to Jesus.

Then be committed to the renewing of your mind daily: Psalm 51:10 and Roman 12:2

Make a clean heart in me, O God. Give me a new spirit that will not be moved. Women of faith commit to renewing your mind daily to what is good and pure. To renew is to renovate. It is a restoration to freshness. The mind is the intellect or understanding, but also includes all that is described in the word ‘mindset’. The mindset is the feelings and the will. As Romans 12:2 says being” transformed by the renewal of the mind”, this indicates a literal change in the form of thought or being. In this scripture, it describes redemption’s provision of power to instill godliness in us–a power that transforms our thoughts, our purposes and our actions. The path to holy living is not complicated, nor is it energized by the flesh, but it does call us, women of faith, to surrender and to submit to God’s provision and ways.

In this journey to excellence, you will need three primary ingredients: courage, passion, and discipline. Complete page 74 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study.

Bonnie’s books can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com

Promise

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

Blessing

“Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”

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

May30

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 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.

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

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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

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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

Have 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

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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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