Category: Fruits of the Spirit

Day 1: Hannah’s Prayer Challenge {Praise and Deliverance}

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praise god“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.”

The first memory that comes to my mind when reading this verse, is that of a child and two women in a park blowing a shofar. And, that child my friends, happens to be me.

I was fortunate enough to be raised by a godly family. My mom and her friends were rooted in scripture – so when they read of the shofars being blown around the City of Jericho that meant that we were going to blow on a shofar in the present day and praise the Lord for knocking the walls down in our lives. I thank God every day for this experience with them.

There is something about the horn in scripture that really brings chills to my body. It is often quoted as the ‘horn of praise.’ In Psalm it is used to make music and truly exalt the Lord. But, it is also referred to as the ‘horn of salvation.’ This phrase is cited with physical words such as rock, fortress, strong rock and shield.

And in Hannah’s prayer she lifts her horn up to the Lord which denotes the power of truth. I love that in ancient days the shofar was used for both battle and praise. To me, this points to the significance in praising our Lord and Savior. If an instrument for war was used to praise the Most High God, imagine the effect our praise out of our lips today.

Deliverance. That is the second part of this opening prayer of thanksgiving. She is delighting herself in the deliverance of the Lord. How often do we think of despair and ruin? Sadly, I know my thoughts run haywire when it comes to that subject.

I aspire to be like Hannah and truly delight myself in the precious deliverance God has purchased me with his blood. He died for our deliverance. So, this is something that we should praise him for each and every day.

Take time to delight yourself in his goodness, which means to allow our hearts to truly find peace and fulfillment in Him and Him alone. I pray today reading Hannah’s pray inspires you and makes you think of the power of praise and His deliverance.

20 Day Hannah Prayer Challenge

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worthDriving to work today, I was listening to Michael Youssef, one of my favorite pastors of all time. If you have not checked out his daily podcast, Leading the Way, you should. Dr. Youssef was talking on prayer – the importance of it in our lives. And one powerful prayer he mentioned was Hannah’s song of Thanksgiving. It resonated within my soul and something within my spirit told me to take a ‘20 day Hannah Prayer Challenge.’ So, that is what I am doing and would be thrilled if you joined me.

Every morning or every night, say this thanksgiving song (below) either aloud or just quietly within your soul to your Maker. There is power in praise.

I have always known about Hannah. She was a kind, lovely lady in the Bible; however, she was sorrowful. She could not have children and was deeply upset by that fact. However, in her pain, she did not give in to tempting worldly vices; she dropped to her knees and asked for her deepest desire – a son.

She promised to give that son to the Lord if he granted her that one desire. And, the Lord breathed his favor upon her and gave her that beautiful desire. She was true to her word and set aside her son, Samuel’s life, to the Lord. I also love the fact that God did not bless her with just one child, later in scripture it notes, she had many!

Hannah’s song of  thanksgiving comes from the mouth of a lady who sacrificed and trusted her all to her Lord. May we be women of this caliber. Let’s join together and pray this woman’s fervent prayer. Let’s praise the Lord for his presence in our lives, lift up to him our desires and early wait for him to do great and mighty things. Amen.

1 Samuel 2

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.

2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.

3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.

4 “The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.

5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.

6 “The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.

7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.

8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.
“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.

9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails;

10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

Fear – The Nasty Poisonous Berry

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FEARFear. It rears its ugly head in our lives so often. It’s fear that tells us that we are not good enough or will never measure to the standard of perfection.

It’s fear that is that snake in the garden handing us that apple of pleasure. It whimpers ‘eat,’ knowing full well, that we are protected and under the power of God’s grace.

Fear is a nasty poisonous berry. It hinders and destroys us from blooming fully and assuredly into the beautiful flower that God has called us to be!

You see, God waters us every day with his loving kindness. His Word is the Miracle Grow to our lives; but, we can so easily get entangled and chocked by the thorns of fear.

We can choose to listen to the thorns around us and forget that Jesus wore that crown of thrones for you. He choked that weed, took your fear and replaced it with his grace and mercy. He did this all at the foot of the cross.

You can grow fully in Him, if you follow his Word. He has spoken everlasting promises over you, sweet one – promises that no eye has seen nor ear has heard. He has handed you the keys to his kingdom and said ‘love me and others.’ How beautiful.

Don’t let fear steal your perfect joy. Don’t let it rob you of your eternal riches. Look at that snake in the face and say, ‘Christ died and took my thorns of fear and insecurity. He replaced it all with grace, hope and anticipation.’ How great the love the Father has lavished upon us!

Seek To Be Worth Knowing Rather Than Be Well Known

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worth knowingThis phrase hit me like a load of bricks. I absolutely love it especially in the culture we live in – the culture of instant stardom. We see pictures of beautiful movie stars online. These starlets or superhuman men grace the pages of the magazines or stand like a pristine statue on the runway.

They are graceful and elegant with their painted smiles and piercing eyes. But, honestly, what do we know about them? There are some stars that I’ve never even heard their voices. Being well known does not define your worth.

Your worth is defined by who you are inside – your personality, kind heart and desire to serve. This has nothing to do with outward appearance. Society has it messed up. it associates beauty and celebrity status with worth. Not so.

Jesus says in John 17:25,

‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me.’

This verse shows that the ‘world’ did not know the Father – the King of Kings. He was not Cesar. He did not have elaborate parties. He washed people’s feet and ate at the table of sinners. His heart was not fame focused but rather God focused.

Beautiful One – seek to be worth knowing rather to be well known. The actions you make today may not be splashed across magazines or proclaimed on news sites; but, your Father will take note of it in heaven.

The hungry man you feed or buy a sandwich for may go unnoticed here on earth; but God sees you. That song you sing to that bed bound elderly lady will not be posted on YouTube, but God hears it. The love you give to your family members and friends may not win an award – but your Maker notices.

May we seek to be people of humility – people truly worth knowing, unaffected by the limelight and the bright billboards of fame. Like moths, we are surely drawn to the flame but the flame of self gratification burns and destroys. Dear One, do not seek to be a star – because you already are one in the eyes of the Lord.

Sparkle and shine with the light of Christ. You live for an audience of one. Tabloids will last for a moment, but your character and love and will stand the test of time.

Carrying The King of Kings

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donkeyToday I cannot help but dwell on that dirty, young donkey that our Savior rode through the streets of Jerusalem. That clueless donkey was a conduit for and carried our Price of Peace through the crowded streets.

What a beautifully unique picture of grace and humility.

Vibrant green palm leaves under the donkey’s feet, he trotted along with a rider of the deepest mercy and grace.

Wonder if this little animal held his head up high? Do you think his hooves made a louder clanking sound carrying the Christ?

They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Matthew 21: 7

Thinking on this donkey, I am bit envious of him. The Lord rode upon his back! Talk about a grand mission in life. I wonder if he was born for that reason – to carry the King of Kings! He was birthed for such an awesome mission. Can you imagine the cries in the streets and the joyous faces in the crowds! To think – this little colt was a part of showing off the Savior and Redeemer of the world. How magnificent.

You know, we are all like little donkeys in this world. Christ has given us his Holy Spirit and light. If we believe in him, this illumination is within our hearts. Therefore, just like the donkey, we carry the Lord of Lords.

No, we cannot feel his physical weight on our backs; but we can feel his goodness and kindness inside our hearts. After all, God has told us that we are the ‘light of the world.’And, he has given us the better deal – he carries our burdens and makes our loads light.

Let us trot ahead and hold our heads high – we carry the truest Light of Life within us. Hosanna in the Highest.

I Love You, Just For Being You

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Did you know that Jesus says to us every single day, ‘I love you – just for being you?’ I don’t think that I dwell on this concept enough. I am too busy focusing on my flaws to fixate on my Creator who absolutely loves the person he has formed.

I look in the mirror and see those smile lines in the corners of my eyes and gasp with horror. Or hone in on those little white hairs mixed in with my red locks. But, you know what, I may see flaws, but my Maker sees perfection.

He smiles with a big toothy grin at his magnificent creation. Just like when we were children in art class – we were proud of our clay creations or watercolor paintings hanging on the wall. God is so proud of you! He looks at his masterpiece and says, ‘it is good!’

We are his art projects, his canvases if you will. I don’t know about you, but I sure am happy to be carved into something wonderful from the master craftsman! He does not mess up. He draws with a sharpie and does not need to worry about erasing a mistake – because he does not make them!

He may have to use an eraser on our blunders from time to time, when we decide to color outside the lines of his perfection! But, Dear One – he looks at you and says, ‘beautiful!’ What a joy to know that this artist is prolific and profound. This artist sees beauty in the work of his heavenly hands.

Look at yourself in the mirror today and observe God’s handiwork. Thank him for the uniqueness of you. No one has your face, your hands, and your eyes. Isn’t that grand!?

I love this statement, ‘You were born an original. Don’t die a carbon copy.’ Be you. Jesus loves and adores YOU.

The Precious Gift of Peace

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beach dinnerSpilling coffee – black with hints of almond milk folded in the dark roasted waves. This is generally how my morning begins. A little bit of hurry with a whole lot of chaos. Trying to clean the stain from my white pressed shirt, all while sliding up that black pencil skirt – a little bit more snug than the week before. Thinking about the commute to my office, slamming on my breaks in traffic and the beautiful peppered noise of honking horns in the horizon!

Simply glorious. Mornings in the big city are idealized by most. But, take it from me – they are not that great. Happy Hours at local, niche restaurants and stiletto heels are awesome for a while until the novelty wears off. Give me a rocking chair and a rocky mountain view any day over the metal gridlock called your commute! Or better yet, an ocean view and the sound of the frothy waves.

Often times, I like to envision myself in a different setting – dressed in a white linen dress, frolicking on the sand with the sun hitting my exposed back. I think of that beach house I want to own someday – the one with the floor to ceiling windows that serves as my writing room. That old desk, glass plated with dried starfish lined under the clear top. Now, that is peace – or is it?

We often times idealize peace just like we can idealize the big city. If I am in this setting, I will feel that peace that passing all understanding. Only if I own a home will I feel free. Achieving motherhood will allow me to feel that peace that I so gravely desire. Not so. These are all wonderful things – but achieving them will not give you peace.

I absolutely love Jesus’ words in John 14:27. He says, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Peace is an inward triumph. And true peace is not from your doing – it is from God. You see, we can never attain peace on our own. No matter how many yoga retreats you go on overseas or stellar work goals you achieve, peace cannot be reached.

Sure, it may be great to free yourself from all worries and stress. Escape this world and live on a secluded beach somewhere. But, that’s not life. We can’t eliminate all the stress around us. We need to work in order to live and afford nice things. That’s the nature of life.

I like knowing that there is nothing I can do to attain peace on my own. It is a gift from the Father of all good things. I can pray for peace and seek his peace – these are things I must do. As Psalm 34: 14 says, may I “depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

When Real Love Sets In

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ImageOften times I feel society has a skewed sense of love. To the young, love is something magical – like fairy dust. It lifts you off your feet, makes life sunnier, brighter and heightens your senses. Everything has to be going right to feel you are wonderfully ‘in love.’

However, when these feelings no longer take root in our hearts and real life [rather real love] sets in, these feelings are cast aside and love is forgotten.

Did we miss the part in the Bible which states, ‘love is long suffering’? 

Love has become more about the experience you have – rather than the commitment you make. To the world, it’s more about the happiness than the grief, the excitement more than the mundane.

But, love is not love unless it truly encompasses all those feelings. Love is not just a pristine vase full of sea glass hearts. It’s messy, yet beautiful all at the same time.

It’s grieving with your spouse when he or she has lost their job. It’s encouraging a child who is afraid to start a new school. It’s holding a wrinkled and worn hand and looking into the aging eyes of your loved one, or just sitting there, in silence, when a friend is in tears.

True love is the picture of Christ’s hands and feet nailed to a cross and blood flowing down from His divine head of thorns. That was not pretty – that was messy and real. It was not a storybook or an instagram moment. Rather it was heart wrenching, earth shattering and a long suffering moment.

Love is both pretty and sometimes tattered. How vain to walk away when the stitches are loose. 

Like the Skin Horse said to The Velveteen Rabbit:

‘It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”  [Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit]

 

I Am Not Afraid. I Was Born To Do This.

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joan of arcI am not afraid. I was born to do this. Chills, puzzlement, depression – then inspiration.

That’s a profound statement. Chills. What type of person says that? Puzzlement. Why can’t I have this type of strength? Depression. I will strive harder every day – to attain this spirit. Inspiration.

These words were uttered by Joan of Arc. She is not a foreign figure to most. A young lady burned at the stake then elevated to sainthood. She led an entire army in strength and dignity –the Braveheart of her day.

This is her actual quote:

“I do not fear the soldiers, for my road is made open to me; and if the soldiers come, I have God, my Lord, who will know how to clear the route that leads to messire the Dauphin. It was for this that I was born!”

Why can’t I have this faith – that mountain moving, earth shattering faith? The faith that gathers warriors to link up their rusty battle armor and march for a cause void of fear!

Fear is a pesky, life crushing thing. We are told in 1 John that ‘perfect love casts off fear.’ Reading this I worry that my love is not perfect for I am prone to fear. I know my faith is smaller than a mustard seed – and, I confess, worry lines my stomach at times.

What can God do with a person like that? I tell you what, he can transform her. He can whisper his mission in her heart and soul. He can call her from picket fence living into front line fighting.

I want to be like this sister of sainthood. Her courageous cries inspire me. Her bravery is one to elevate but not to worship. For, it was not her personally that was the magnificent– it was the cause that riled her heart. That cause, that belief made her fearless.

We have a cause, a Savior to shout valiantly about. He is more than a cause – he is life everlasting. Every day by proclaiming his marvelous name – we are acting like daughters of steel, like present day Joan’s. That is a battle cry. In a world that is cascaded with darkness we are the light.

We can hold our heads up high – and say, I am not afraid. I was born to do this.

Stuck In The Smelly Belly of The Whale

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ImageI am not my own. This is a phrase that should pervade my spirit from day to day. Yet, it is so easy to act like we are the captain of our ships.

It’s easy to grab the reigns – to be a Miss Bossy Pants and exude the attitude of ‘let me lead!’

However, in the long run, that’s a Jonah attitude. And, I surely do not want to be stuck in the smelly belly of the whale. I want to obey and let his light shine in me.

God’s way is higher and his direction is key. So often we lean on our own devices. We whine, cry and make ourselves feel miserable because life is not fair. We let the green eyed monster of jealousy and that soothsayer, pride, abound in our souls. How ugly!

I want my confidence and assurance to be found in Christ and Christ alone. I cannot boast about my accomplishments or ideas – for it is Christ who lives in me. What a hollow existence gloating in moves made without acknowledging the Giver of All Good Things.

Life is not a walk through Candy Land. It is full of hardships, failures and grief. But, there is joy in the growth. There is contentment in the love that the Lord offers. And there is peace in reliance of his faithfulness and direction.

I am not the Captain of my own ship. I have a choice – to let him lead. I’m just a sailor – confident in the one who steers the ship of my life. Where you lead, I will follow. Whether the sea is rough or calm, I will praise you – for I am your vessel.

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord. – Jonah 2: 8-9

Read Jonah’s FULL prayer, here.