Doing Life with Good Friends

"Doing Life"

This term is synonymous with prison terms, but recently I heard it used another way. Karen Robinson, the executive director of Solomon’s Porch Society and my adorable cousin, used this term at a women’s conference at my church. She wasn’t talking about incarceration, but about the rich fellowship that happens between people who share their lives with one another in real and meaningful ways.

The other night, I had an opportunity to "do life" with a few of my girlfriends. Each woman is significant to me in a specific way. For instance, Brenda is wise and deeply in love with Jesus. Her very presence makes a lunch better and a room brighter. I'm blessed to know her. Like me, she's a busy bee, but through the years, we have maintained a close connection that enables us to pick up right where we left off every time we see one another.

Like Brenda, Rachelle has been my friend for many years. She doesn't say much, but what she does say always has depth and meaning. I love to spend time with her and exchange God's goodness in our lives. She balances my energetic personality very well. Then there's Cheryle Ann - as I call her. Cheryle is as close to a sister as I have on this earth and our twenty year friendship has stood the tests of time. I always call us the Golden Girls because we have done life for so long and- God willing- will do so until we're both old and gray. I'm very blessed to have these ladies in my world.

It's a beautiful thing to have people with whom to share life's struggles and joys. These women were each involved in some of the most challenging transitions of my life. They each comforted me through change, encouraged me through struggle and pointed me to the cross the entire time. Brenda did so once at the "Grand Street Cafe" as we ate yummy food. Rachelle and I have gone through so many deaths, struggles and challenges, I don't remember them all. And Cheryle is just...family...there forever. I admire her and love her incredibly.

I thank God for my friends and the joy of "doing life" with them. I praise God for the kindness of sending good people my way. I am also thankful for the great evening of movies, cheesecake, key lime pie, cake and pizza we enjoyed last night!

Top 5 Challenges: #4 "I'm too sexy for my...OWN SELF"

It's Everywhere!

This particular 2010 challenge affects just about every Christian woman in one way or another. Either we are caught in the web of it's deception ourselves or we are worried about girls struggling to define their own identity. Either way, it is part of our reality.

Big business has discovered - all too well - that sex sells. Sadly, the suggestivetive sex-charged messages become ingrained into our culture and socialization process. The result is confused young people, disgruntled older people and a booming cosmetic surgery industry.

What amazes me is the ubiquity of it all. We can't live twenty minutes of our lives without a sensually charged message on the radio, television, bill board or other media. It's everywhere and in my opinion worse than ever. It's affecting us. It's affecting our husbands, children and families.

A few weeks ago, I visited Girl Scouts troupe. I created an activity to help them dispel the pressures of conformism beauty. Here's what I did: I brought tons of magazines for them to use to create a collage of beauty. Then I'd somehow link it to scripture. Well, what I found was that the magazines (Ladies Home Journal, Woman's Day, Vogue and others) had tons of sexually-charged images in them! All of them where advertisements for items as simple as perfume! Wild!

The Symptom and The Result
You may have heard the new excuse...I mean buzz word in our culture - "sexual addiction". Most every man that cannot control his impulses cry this newly coined disorder. Frankly, I find the issue more spiritual than anything else, but I'll leave that to another topic. Still, no one can deny the culpability of sexually charged media and how they affect us all - particularly our men.

According to the XXX Church, a Christian website helping those struggling with pornography, forty seven percent of families say pornography is a problem in their home. Not a small number; but a serious issue that escalates from what seems innocent to what can cause lasting damage.

Nothing About Being a Sex Machine
The word of God gives numerous admonishments for the Christian woman. According to I Timothy 2:9 we're advised to focus more on the inner than the outer. In chapter 3, we learn how our persona and representation is linked to her husband's ministry. We have a place in the kingdom.

But ironically, no where, absolutely nowhere in scripture are we advised to be sexy, physically alluring or arousing. But still so many of us hinge our very self worth on the ability to attract and draw attention. Even worse, the media perpetrates this frame of mind by limiting women to objects defined by prominent body parts and sensual behavior. It's easy for us, as Christian women, to fall right into society's rhythm of sex appeal as power and status.

Nothing New Under the Sun
The world of God defines me - and you - by a much higher standard of Christianity. For instance, I must repeatedly tell myself time and time again that my ultimate sense of worth is rooted in who God is creating me to become in Him. My ability to think, ponder and conceptualize is a great strength to the Kingdom of God. My desire to give to my community [and even the world] is a beautiful thing. How about my (and your) ability to care and pray for the hurting - wow, that's a beauty mark for sure! I must remind (and recondition) myself to be who God tells me I am - not the Super Bowl commercials or the latest fashion wave.

A few scriptures are the cornerstone of my self identification. One of them I quote often here at GodsyGirl.Com. Romans 12:1-2 answers the 2010 challenge of living in our erotic society:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)

This helps me when I'm tempted conform to this world's pressure of how I should look and present myself. I hope it helps you too as you deal with this 2010 challenge.

Remember, the Christian Walk is a Process

I received an email from a person that is experiencing what many of us struggle with. This is my response. I am posting it because I pray that it encourages all of us as we journey through life as Christians.

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If this post encourages one person our struggles are not in vain. If you feel led to do so, post a comment to encourage this person. They may see it and be blessed!

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"I can totally relate to how you feel. When I was younger in Christ, I struggled just as you are describing. But I finally found the right church and good, sound teaching and the result was liberty. Every single has dealt (and deals with) the feelings you are experiencing.

Remember this Christian walk is a process. Hebrews 12:1 tells puts emphasis on "endurance". That's because there will be times you may "feel" like giving up. But stay on track! During those times, remind yourself that you are not alone and that all you have to do is endure. Sometimes, I think more emphasis should be on enduring than how we run the race. Sometimes, I crawl in the race, but I'm still in it. Other times, I sprint. The running is not as important as the hanging in there.Just because you have committed and recommitted your life to Christ doesn't mean you will be perfect.

Take the pressure off yourself and allow God to do His perfect work in your life. Stay close to Him through reading His word and prayer. He will use those vehicles to change you and conform you into His image. Get into a good church. That's an important part of the process. Sometimes, we want to rush that maturation process and try to do it ourselves and that's when we [all] fall flat on our faces. :) Allow Him to work in you, through you and in you. You stay close and you'll soon find that the things you used to do don't seem quite as appealing, that's when the change will occur.

I have a personal example. For me it was a particular man. I couldn't say away from him in my twenties. He was bad for me and I knew it, but I just wanted to be with him. Once I got serious about my walk with Christ, things began to change almost effortlessly. The closer I got to God, the stronger I became in His word. I soon saw him for what he was - a doggie in a Mercedes. God did what I could never do; he made him and the sin disgusting to me. Does that make sense?

Don't worry about how you feel. Feeling is a sense that should be applied to earthly things, not spiritual things. We live by faith; it's the cornerstone of the Christian walk (Read 2 Corinthians 5:7). Those times when you “feel” alone remind yourself of scriptures like Deut. 31:6 and Matthew 28:20. Feelings are not always true and reliable. You may feel alone, but the truth is that your Heavenly Father is right there with you, ahead of you, along side you and behind you – all at the same time. He's always there, even when you don't feel Him. It's similar to oxygen, you can't feel it, but it's keeping you alive.

Finally, don't give up. If you fall, get back up and begin again in grace and forgiveness. Stay in the Christian walk, God will blow your mind with victories and more testimonies than you could imagine. The key is to endure and stay in it.

I've prayed for you today and will continue to do so for a while.

Stay in touch.
Teri
GodsyGirl
P.S. I may post this as a blog entry WITH YOUR NAME REMOVED. :) So many people feel the way you feel. So, hang in there."

What an awful bug!

A terrible "bug" has swept through my house. At one point, it seemed that my husband and I were sneezing in perfect synchronized unison. Thankfully, he's over his and I'm well on my way.

Always looking for the "up" side, I can say the rest has been a blessing. Even creatively, it's good to "shut" down when possible. Let your body rejuvenate and your mind regroup.

In all things...God's good. Amen?

Top 5 Challenges: #3 Submission to Husbands

Challenge # 3: The issue of submission and head of household.

Did you know that some Christian women have more power and influence at work than in their own homes? Really. It’s ironic, because we live in one of the most liberating generations for women. Today’s woman has options and choices that our grandmothers only dreamed of having. Women are educated, fiscally independent and taking their place in today’s world.

At the same time, some Christian women contemplate scriptural concepts to make peace with Biblical expectations of submission in today’s marriage dynamic. The perspectives of man as head of the house and feminine submission hinge on scriptures found in Genesis 3:15-16 and Ephesians 5:22 and 25.

“My salary pays the majority of the mortgage, I run the home, a department in a corporation and yet I am expected to submit to my husband?” Is it fair for this woman to be expected to submit ‘head of household’ to her husband? Similarly, what if she is more competent than he is with life issues? How does it work then? Some mean cannot make a simple decision, much less a complex one.

How does today’s independent Christian woman adapt? Should she have to?

“I just felt powerless.” Her eyes dropped downward. As her friend, I almost felt guilty asking her to re-live the pain of her marriage. She grew up in a denomination that taught that men should have unchallenged authority in the home and the woman’s role was that of servant to the male head. “The hardest thing is they justified my mistreatment with the Bible”. This young woman is now divorced from her husband and has since remarried another man.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, some wives support the concept of male superiority in marriage. One friend of mine said she feels liberated in their [male-led] marriage. “Submission for me is not oppressive; I don’t feel oppression is God’s plan for any marriage”. Partnership is the word used by this Christian wife. According to her, she and her husband collaborate on household issues. But should there be an issue that they disagree on, he has the “winning vote”.

Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Is the concept of the male-dominated home archaic or is it part of God’s timeless plan? What do you think of this challenge facing the 2010 Christian woman?

Top 5 Challenges Facing Christian Women in 2011

Challenge #2:

“Where do I fit? What do I believe”
The Role of Women in Ministry

Would you sit under a woman pastor? Do you?

Scores of modern day Christian women assume nontraditional leadership roles in churches and ministries. For some, the new open mindedness is refreshing indicative of a fresh move of God, but for others it is threatening and damaging to the status quo of male leadership.

To further complicate the issue, some modern-day female leaders [like their male counterparts] have fallen shamefully short in ministerial leadership giving their critic ministerial “ammo” against women in headship.

But does that mean that women should not be empowered to be leaders in the Church?

Let’s look at this challenge from both perspectives. Some would say the Bible gives several examples of women in ministerial roles of responsibility. Others would counter by declaring that none of those Godsy Girls™ were pastors or senior pastors, thereby nullifying the role of women in pastorial leadership. Complicated, huh?

One of my girlfriends, a college-educated, seasoned Christian celebrated her twenty ninth birthday last Spring. When I asked her opinion, she paused to ponder the question. Shortly thereafter, with a sigh, she said “if God cannot find a man suitable for leadership, He will choose a willing woman”.

Later, I asked another friend in her mid-forties. Ironically, her denomination ordains and develops women as ministerial leaders. She articulated her opinion this way: “Teri, where does it end? We cannot re-write the Bible to suit our culture – our culture must be re-designed to suit the Bible.” She is opposed to women as pastors.

Is pastorial ministry only for males? How does a contemporary Christian woman reconcile the myriad of issues and determine on which side of the line she stands? Is a sense or “feeling” of a call from God enough? Or should she, and the Church, follow strict Biblical precedent as interpreted by some? The questions are endless.

As a 2010 woman (or loyal Godsy Girl reader), what do you say about this challenge facing today’s Christian woman?

Melchizedek in Our Lives...Praise God!

For years, the first few chapters of the book of Hebrews befuddled me during my personal Bible study. In those days, I read only from the King James and couldn’t quite grasp the concept of Melchizedek. Matthew was my friend. I understand that book, but Hebrews with Melchizedek sincerely baffled me. Am I alone?

“Who the heck is Melchizedek?” I wondered in my teens. So, I’d usually fast-forward past that part and get to the “good” and easy to understand stuff in Hebrews 11 and 12.

Well, what I later discovered is that Hebrews is multi-dimensional and pregnant with astonishing life lessons and principles for Godsy Girls™. For instance, Hebrews chapter 7:2 depicts Abraham (then Abram) as he encountered Melchizedek after a victory in Chedorlaomer. (Genesis 14:17-18 NASB). (Other translations interpret the place differently.)

What does this tell Godsy Girls?

After the battle, Melchizedek came to meet Abram and those with him. That reminds me of how Jesus redemptively came for us. He came to seek (and save) us when we were lost beyond earthly salvation (Luke 19:10). He came [and continues to come] to us in our despair, our grief, our pain and the rigors of daily life. You’re never alone with a Savior that comes for you.

Back to the story. Just after meeting them, Melchizedek broke out bread and wine to feed and fellowship with them. Jesus is our bread – He’s the bread of life! Read Luke 19:10. You’ll never be hungry again if you trust Him. He will give you spiritual fullness you can’t get anywhere else. But it’s on you to fellowship with Him, to experience Him, to explore Him. I could go into the parallel of the wine and the power of the blood of Jesus, but this post would become a book!

A blessing…lots of blessings!

Then Melchizedek blessed them. I don’t have to explain that parallel. Our most precious blessing is salvation, communion with and access to God in prayer for fellowship and direction. Then there are the natural blessings. For example, as a young single mom, I’ve seen Jesus work wonders when my resources were minimal to none. God just does unexplainable things to care for His people. Many times, I didn’t even have to ask and God just pulled out the “bread and wine” and met my practical and spiritual needs. Beautifully amazing.

He came for me and I’m blessed…now what?

So, after you receive His wonderful blessings, what’s the next natural progression of love? Well, after the blessings from Melchizedek, Abram offered his gift of tithes. After receiving God’s love, forgiveness, patience and kindness, it’s only natural to want to give Him our sacrifice. Repayment is impossible for all He’s done and will do, but we can demonstrate our love by humbly offering what’s in our hand (or power) to give.

Romans 12:1 says that we should offer our bodies, “holy and acceptable as our spiritual act of worship”. Present your body, your habits, your strengths, your weaknesses, your time, your talents and your obedience as a start. Lay on the alter everything your are and all that you hope to become.

That would be a perfect sacrifice to offer to your High Priest.

He's Worthy to Be Praised!

Been somewhat tired lately. My little one is recovering from Strep and frankly...I'm feeling a little "draggy" too.

You know how it is. You feel tired, weak and stinky. But then God does something that makes you feel renewed! A spiritual vitamin that leaves you feeling terrific physically, emotionally and spiritually.

{Note to you religious people. Things may get a little "wild" so, talk amongst yourselves. }

Praise God for His wonderful faithfulness! We are so blessed to serve a living God - a God that moves! I wouldn't serve a God that would sit lifelessly in a museum, so dead he couldn't brush off the dust that falls onto his should. A statue just won't do! No offense, but Jesus Christ reigns in power and excel in strength. Regardless what you are dealing with in your life, whatever you're facing, be encouraged - YOUR GOD LIVES!

Think of it! We serve a living, breathing, wonderous God that kind, loving, patient, longsuffering and the best news of all-- He calls us...His. If you don't already, get to know Him.

Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD.

[a] Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Ok, I need a nap. Love ya!

He’s Always Willing: He is the God that Healeth thee.

Have you ever wondered if God wants to heal someone or even yourself?

This morning I was reading Luke 5:12-15. The story is about a leper that approaches Jesus in hopes of being healed. He asked the way many of us petition the Lord – safely and petrified with fear. His request was buried in a statement and masked in uncertainty.

“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

I like the way Peterson’s Message interprets the scripture. He says “if you want to…”

I’ve read articles and listened to sermons that make me wonder if people are not so wrapped up in learning about God that they don’t intimately know Him. They seem to get some kind of pleasure from making God’s intentions toward us vague and almost indiscernible. That frustrates me. I in no means want to imply that I completely understand the will of God – far from it. But I do understand that God loves you and I with an everlasting love. I understand that perfect love casts out all fear. I know that all power in heaven and earth dwells in His beautiful, powerful and almighty hands. I further understand that He means to do me good and not evil all the days of my life. That much I know and understand – no seminary training required.

With this understanding, this comprehension, why would I hesitate to fellowship with Him in prayer? Why would I waver in my prayers for healing for myself and for others? Jesus has demonstrated time and time again His ability and desire to heal and make whole. Check out scripture. He healed time and time again. He described healing as the bread of His children. He’s a Healer – plain and simple.

Like you, I’ve prayed for people to be healed only to have God choose to end their life here on earth. Before you run the next time I offer to pray for you, let me say that I have also seen God raise up the sick as a result of fervent prayer. In either scenario, He’s a healer.

I know my stance about healing is perplexing. After all, I have lost most of my family to sudden death. But still I’m convinced of His healing power. Jesus said of himself that he came to heal the sick and I believe Him. Now, whether He chooses to heal on this side of heaven or the other side of heaven is His business. I pray in faith nonetheless – that’s my part. His part is to deliver on His promises to heal. Again, He may bring healing here on earth or in glorification in heaven. He knows what’s best.

Not only is the Lord Jesus able to help us and bring healing; but let me reinforce something very beautiful: He wants to help us. He called us by name and we are His. He would be an infidel (by Paul’s terms) if He didn’t take care of us. Trust Him and if you have stepped into His family by way of Jesus Christ, He wants to help you and He is committed to care for you as a Father can and should. I hope I stirred up your faith in God’s power to heal and deliver. Now, once He heals, tell everyone you can, share your testimony! In doing so, you’ll bring glory to Him and build the faith of those struggling in faith.

Love you!

1 John 4:18
Jeremiah 31:3
Psalm 107:20
Matthew 6:13
Mark 7:27-29
Exodus 15:26
James 5:14-16

Download "I am the God, that healeth thee" By Don Moen

A Day Made...

I'm so geeked!

I wrote a very humble blog entry about John Bevere's book "Drawing Near". It's been a blessing that has impacted various areas of my life. Funny, as you 'draw near' to God, other areas are affected positively - marriage, parenting, work, etc.

Anyhoo, I digress.

I just noticed a comment from the Beveres on my site. Whether it was one of them or their staff, it speaks volumes to the type of ministry culture they have. Imagine, they would take the time to blogging mom. Now, I love them more than ever! :)

Be sure to check out and subscribe to their blog at by
clicking here or visiting the url
directly at http://www.messengerinternational.blogspot.com.

Their website has tons of resources and even free downloads!
The url is www.messengerintl.org

Take the time to bless and encourage someone today. You never know, you just may make their day!

By the way, here's the book blowing my mind!

Ever wondered which Bible translation is best? New translations seem to pop up almost everyday. How do you know which is the most dependable to entrust your spiritual growth?

Well, I’m no theologian, but I have enough commonsense to research and compare translations for myself. God wouldn’t create His Word and make it too complex for you to understand with out a litany of degrees and accreditation. You can do it.

If you desire, seek guidance from your pastor or mentor, but use your own critical thinking skills to identify the best Bible for your personal study.

During my private study time, I tend to draw from several translations. My favorite is the New American Standard Bible because it is the most accurate translation word for word. The King James gave me a good start, but the old English is cumbersome. We’ll talk more about the King James later.
The New American Standard Bible (NASB)
According to Bibla.Com the NASB “became respected as a good study Bible that accurately reflects the wording of the original languages yet is not a good translation for Bible reading”. Good enough for me. Here’s how it translates the all-famous 2 Corinthians 10:13:
“But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.”


The King James Bible (KJB)
The King James Bible is a staple in church culture. It’s most popular with tradionalists and older Christians. It’s written in 17th century English and can be misleading and difficult to understand for us today. Check out how the King James translates our sample scripture:

“But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.”

Good Old Faithful – The NIV
Then there is the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. This easy to read and easy to understand adaptation of scripture is popular for obvious reasons. It’s accuracy is rarely questioned, but some say the text may take some textual liberties to boost our understanding.

Check out 2 Corinthians:

“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.”

Don’t You Love The Message?
Finally, I also use the Message alongside my other versions to study scripture. This amazingly clear, concise rendering of scripture makes Bible study fun as well as educational. Here’s how it handles 2 Corinthians:

“We're not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they're our superiors. We wouldn't dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, the quite miss the point. We aren't making outrageous claims here. We're sticking to the limits of what God has set for us. But there can be no question that those limits reach to and include you.”

Lots more words than the other translations, but I challenge you to be confused! I love The Message!

Again, these are just a few of my favorite “go to” translations and versions. Go online to read and compare countless variations to find the perfect study Bible for you!

Further reading:

• Biblca.Com
  

• Zondervan Translation comparison
  
  
• Which translation to choose?
  

A First-Hand Experience with a Living God

I’m stuck in a particular spiritual “lane”. Not long ago, I did an exhaustive study on prayer. Since then, the topic of communicating with God has captivated me. The very idea of being able to communicate with the mighty God of the generations mystifies me. Beyond that, I’m further perplexed that He wants to talk to me. Aren’t you?

I have proof that God wants to fellowship with you and I. Want to know what it is? It’s His Holy Spirit! One of the chief purposes of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the heart of God so we can learn His ways first-hand. He speaks the words of God in ways we can understand. He helps us comprehend Scripture.


In John Bevere’s book “Drawing Near”, he explains it so well. He says God wants a dialogue with us and not just a monologue. Very often, we come to God with our laundry list of needs, desires and wants. For most of us, it is very rare to wait during prayer. Sit quietly at His feet and listen for His responses. Personally, I think one of the reasons God must use others to speak to us so often is because we don’t listen during our own prayer time.

Furthermore, I love Bevere’s revelation about Israel’s extravagance with God’s grace. As I read the words on his page, they seemed almost three-dimensional to me. They spoke to me and they rebuked me – all at once!

Check it out. Have you ever noticed how the children of Israel got into such trouble in the dessert while Moses did not? They fell into recurrent disbelief, lived in rebellion and consistently complained about everything! I often wondered what was up with them. Not long after, I would wonder “what’s up with me?” I do the same thing sometimes!

Honestly, I never caught on until Bevere explained it so wittingly. The answer lies in the burning bush and the mountain in which Moses went to pray.

Do you remember the burning bush? In Exodus 3, Moses was going about his usual work day when he noticed the bush burning. The bush burned, but wasn’t consumed. Moses was puzzled. He went over to investigate this strange phenomenon. Little did he know he was walking into a life-changing encounter with the living God! He would never be the same after hearing the beautiful voice of our God. He cultivated a closeness to God in that moment that propelled him into His destiny!

The children of Israel did not have such a personal encounter with God. Their relationship with Him was second-hand. As a result, they didn’t know Him the way Moses did, they didn’t love Him the way Moses did and they couldn’t trust Him the way Moses did. How many of us [needlessly] live our lives with a second-hand experience with Jesus. We rely on grandma’s faith, mama’s faith or daddy’s experience with Jesus. Not good. We need our own to trust Him as we should.

Jesus’ death on the cross gave you unlimited access to God. He made a personal encounter with God possible and available. Genuine encounters with God change your life. After an encounter, it’s easier to behave in alignment to His word and trust Him with your destiny-it’s all in the fellowship and the personal encounter.

Encounter God in prayer, Godsy Girl. Learn to respond when He calls you as He did Moses in the manner of Exodus 19:3. When He beckons, go to Him. When He doesn’t, go to Him. Spend regular time with the Living God and experience for yourself the mighty One who mends broken hears, repairs marriages, calms wayward children, brings resources when times are tight and heals the sick.

Final Notes and Scriptures from Prayer Breakfast!

This is a little slow coming! Thanks for the emails reminding me of the other notes! God bless you and I love you!

Also: Thanks for the encouragement! I love you loads! Prov. 16:24

I. Prayer as a lifestyle (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

a. Pray without ceasing

b. Drive-by prayers okay [sometimes]

c. Important to have regular set aside, committed prayer time (like Daniel 6:10)

i. Why?

1. Builds intimacy with God

2. We learn to hear his voice (John 10:27)

3. Be sure to listen…wait

II. Lessons from a Woman’s Prayer

a. Hanna (I Samuel 1)

i. Childless vs.2

ii. Mistreated by other wife vs. 6

iii. Depressed; couldn’t eat or sleep vs. 7

iv. Went to the house of the Lord

1. She knew where to go!

b. Although her womb was closed; she still love God and trusted Him

1. allowed Him to deal with rival

2. Bible does not record her fighting back

3. Didn’t pray “mean” prayers about rival

ii. Her Peculiar Style of Praying

1. Silent prayer – first Biblical reference!

2. Reminds us of personal connection to personal connection to God (and access)

iii. She Got up Free! (no longer sad or heavy -I Sam 1:18)

1. She must have known Philippians 4:6-7 

2. Samuel means asked of the Lord

a. Named her son after prayer

b. Trust God with your situation

III. Take-Away for us

a. Prayer is a Lifestyle – built into your being

b. Pray from Jesus’ model

c. Look at Hannah – completely trusted God with outcome; overcame depression and oppression through prayer

d. Commit yourself to a lifestyle of prayer

IV. Recipe for Successful prayer

a. Time Alone with God

i. Mark 1:35

ii. Left the house

iii. Jesus went to the Lord after a “big day”

1. Good idea to run to pray after you’re taxed and tired

b. Taking Your Time

i. Nervous praying with others?

ii. Spend more time around God in private

iii. You’ll become more comfortable talking to Him everywhere and anywhere!

c. Pray the word

i. According to His will (1 John 5:14,15 )

ii. Power in the Word

V. Formula for Intercession - B.L.E.S.S.

a. Body – healing, strength, choices, etc.

b. Labor (Work) – promotion, peace, advancement, etc.

c. Everyone around them (family, spouse, friends, etc)

d. Social life – - Godly relationships, Holy opportunities to fellowship, “lights”

e. Spiritual Growth – closer to God, service, conformed in the image of Christ; know they are dead to sin.

VI. What Hinders Prayer?

a. Doubt - James 1:6-8

b. Unbelief - Hebrews 3:12,13

c. Selfish Motives - James 4:3

VII. Let’s pray