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One Great Name

11/20/2017

"Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call."
Psalm 20:9 (NKJV)

“Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.”

As I close our study of Psalm 20, let me say once again, I am no Bible scholar. This verse seems a little confusing to me, and commentators have various interpretations, but in my limited understanding I will say this: There is only one king who can always “answer us when we call.” He is not only The Lord who saves, His name is the one great name to which every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, the name that is greater than every other name. Every one of God’s Great Names are fulfilled in just one name : Jesus.

I am so thankful that God has gotten me, and each person reading today, through most of another year. I am humbled that He has helped me share the words He placed on my heart during 2017. When He placed this study of Psalm 20, and the study title, “God’s Great Name” on my heart, I didn’t know all the great things He had in store for me and my family. I didn’t realize how much more I would need to call on His great name in new and exciting journeys. His grace has been ever present and abundant. He has helped me, rescued me, heard, and answered me. Because of Him and His great name, I stand here, victorious in the promise we declared at the beginning of the year. It is with indescribable humility I say thank You: Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Sabaoth, El Shaddai, and my personal favorite, Jehovah M'kaddesh. Jesus is His name!

I pray that many of you were blessed this year. I would love to hear some of what God has been doing in your lives. Please feel free to share. If you want to talk personally, just email me at [email protected].

Although this is our last blog for Psalm 20, please stay tuned as we ramp up again for our end of year prayer project! Stay Tuned!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

Trust God III

11/13/2017

"But we have risen and stand upright"
Psalm 20:8(b) (NKJV)

“But we have risen and stand upright.”

What could be better than knowing that when we trust God over all other powers and resources, we cannot fail? I don’t know about you, but that is pretty awesome! It is awesome because although the Psalmist wrote those words from his own experience, we can have that same experience. God wants us to be successful, can use our success, but He can accomplish His will with or without us. The fact that He chooses to include us in what He is doing is amazing. I heard this statement on the radio this weekend, "God does not need our success, but He wants our surrender " In our success driven culture, this is something to think about. Success means nothing to God outside of a surrendered life. But surrender ABSOLUTELY equals success...this verse proves it! Our "success" may not be defined by the standards most people hold to, but God's standard is all that matters. In comparison to the resources and things society calls powerful, we may not appear to be rising up and standing firm, but when we trust fully in God, in His eyes we are giants! Trust Him!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

Trust God II

11/6/2017

"They have bowed down and fallen;"
Psalm 20:8(a) (NKJV)

This month we will be wrapping up Psalm 20 with two verses instead of one. We will blog through the final two verses, which are very short, and be done with our 2017 study the week of Thanksgiving. Mid-December we will pick-up with our second annual “New Year Prep Prayer Project,” which will run through mid-January. Although this is only the second year in doing this project, it was highly popular and successful last year! I’m praying that more ladies participate and that we hear God speak and see Him move more than we did last year. So please make plans to stay tuned and join in on the project!

This week I would like to blog about Psalm 20:8(a) which says, “They have bowed down and fallen.” First of all, who are “they”? Well if we look back at verse 7, you may realize that “they” are the chariots and horses some trust in. Ouch! Remember me talking about one of my chariots I have been unknowingly trusting in over the past several years? Anybody remember any chariots and horses that came to mind during the month of October? Those horses (powers), those chariots (resources), and all who trust in them will bow down and fall…all to the authority and majestic Hand of The Lord. Lord may I not be found trusting in anything or anyone other than YOU!! Amen.

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

Trust God

10/23/2017

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)

"...we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

Now we come to the best news from this verse! Where our resources and sources of power fail, The Lord does not…if we will just remember to call on His great name! When we remember the Name of The Lord our God, we invite him into our situations. We consider Him as we consider what direction to take and how we should proceed. He is our first line of defense and our primary source of help in times of need. We trust no one and nothing more than Him. Why? Because we not only remember who He is, but we remember that He has been good. He has come through time and time again. He has done miraculous things in our lives. He has never failed.

Have you identified some resources and sources of power that come before God at times? Have you tried to make it work and just keep falling short? Are you tired of worrying and wondering about the economy, society, community, and family? Has the instability of it all just worn you down and out? Jesus, The Lord, says in the Bible these words, “Come to me, all you who are burdened…I will give you rest.” What was He saying with these words? “Remember The Lord Your God. (His Name is Jesus) Stop trying to make your chariots (resources) and horses (your own power) work things out. Let me (The Lord) take control and do what you alone cannot do.”

Do you know Him? Have you made Him your Lord? Have you trusted Him with everything? Answer yes to all these questions today. If you don’t know how to make sure your answers are ‘Yes,’ email me and let’s talk!

I love you all dearly and pray for you often!

Blessings this Monday,
Dawn~

Power

10/15/2017

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)

I really hope and pray that my last blog got many of you thinking, reflecting, and possibly acknowledging some “chariots” you may have gotten used to in life. Over the two weeks since writing that blog, I have had to come face to face with and acknowledge a “chariot” that I have tried and tried to deny over the years. I had to call it what it is: a resource I turn to at times when I feel like God is taking too long, or not showing up at all. I also recognize that it may not be easy to fully relinquish this crutch, but admitting is the first step. Right? My prayer is this: Lord help me to keep this resource in its proper place at all times. Help me to trust in you fully and to wait for you faithfully. Help me to truly acknowledge you in everything that I do, and then obey as you lead me.

As we look at the next portion of Psalm 20:7, let’s consider horses. "...and some [trust] in horses...." If chariots of old can be compared to resources of today, horses in Bible days can be compared to power of today. Actually, I think horses are still compared to power. (How many "horses" do you have under your hood??) It’s is interesting that the main comparison to horses of today can be (and often is) seen as a reflection of human power. But what other sources of power do we trust in today? I won’t step on toes or make a list. What some people look at as powerful, others see as shackles. Only you can decide for yourself. The point here is the same as our last blog. Is there anything on earth that makes you feel powerful, or that you look to as a source of power that you trust in more than or equal to God?

Let’s think about it, confess it, and talk about it if you so desire. Next week we wrap up this favorite verse of mine talking about the One True Source who is all powerful.

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

Resources

10/1/2017

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)

Some trust in chariots…

In an effort not to get into a deep theological discussion about the metaphorical and literal use of the word “chariots” here, let’s keep it simple. Let’s assume that a chariot in Bible days would be the equivalent of any modern-day military vehicle that could transport soldiers and equipment for battle. But what about in the life of a regular old Christian? What kinds of “vehicles” help us fight our financial, relational, emotional, physical (health), and spiritual battles? What resources do we turn to to help us “win” or overcome our challenges? What are your financial, emotional, and physical crutches? What/whom do you trust most to help you succeed, or at the very least defeat your adversary? On what/whom do you lean most for help in times of trouble?

We will get to the one true Source in a couple of weeks, but for now, this week and next are weeks for reflection. Think about the above analogy and questions, and answer them honestly with you and God alone. He already knows, so pour out your heart to Him. Remember our analogy from last week: Trusting God through the power of prayer is like giving your heart to true love…you can never go wrong! Talk to Him about it! If you want to share with the rest of us, I would love to have that conversation as well…as someone who has some of the same exact battles and crutches. I love you and am praying for you always!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

God’s Power...

9/25/2017

"Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand."
Psalm 20:6 (NKJV)

...through prayer. “With the saving strength of His right hand.”

Last week I shared how I went for an extended period of time not believing in prayer, and therefore not praying at all. What I want to share today is that instead of praying, I began to lean on my own power of meditation and “attraction” to make things happen in my life. Meditating on scripture is great to grow and increase our faith in God’s promises. And how and what we think can certainly impact our reality by encouraging or discouraging us in certain directions. But meditation to manipulate situations and attract good fortune is something different. I won’t say that this strategy does not work, because I probably had just as much success with that as I did with materialistic, self-centered and self-directed prayers of desperation.

However, when I turned back to trusting in the power of God, began praying faith-based prayers of surrender, letting go of my agenda and simply trusting God’s plan and purposes for my life…THEN I began to see consistent answers to my prayers! I would be lying to say that I never pray self-centered prayers, or that God has never answered some of my self-directed prayers. Yet, whenever I pray, I never have any attachment to the outcome. I always want ONLY what God wants for me whether it is what I prayed for or just the opposite. Sometimes I get what I pray for, sometimes I get just the opposite. But I always trust that whatever the outcome, it is best.

The point I’m making here is that when I began trusting God’s power again and not my own, I can 1000% testify that however my prayers were answered, they ALL turned out for my GOOD…better than good, the best! Trusting God to work in my life through the power of prayer was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The decision was not a mental decision though. It was a decision of the heart. Like deciding to give someone your heart in love. You take a risk. You give them the best and most vulnerable part of yourself, and you trust that they will treat it well and do what’s best for you all the time. That is what prayer is like. Experiencing the power that comes with prayer is like giving your heart to true love…you can never go wrong!

Give your heart to true love today…trust in the power of prayer to make your life into everything God says is possible! He loves you with an everlasting love!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

Answered Prayer

9/18/2017

"Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand."
Psalm 20:6 (NKJV)

He will answer him from His holy heaven...

There was more than a year-long period in my life when I stopped praying. I just stopped. I stopped praying because I stopped believing in prayer. I was not seeing the answers I needed, so I stopped believing. How can we know that as Children of God we can have confidence that God hears and answers prayer, even when we don’t receive (or more like just don’t see) the answers we need? One way is to consider the title, “Child of God.”

If we view our relationship with God as a relationship between a loving father and child, it becomes easier to see what, when, how, and why God answers prayer. Not just that, if we view ourselves as blessed and loved children, it becomes easier to see the answered prayers. We look less for the big “Christmas list” items, and more at the easy to overlook daily “little blessings.” Those little blessings really add up and can paint an overwhelming picture of abundant love and favor…if we have the right perspective. Another consideration is faith.

I stopped praying because in spite of all that I had experienced with God and prayer previously in our relationship, I lost my faith. I lost my faith that God was listening and was willing to answer. How can we continually combat this all too common reality? I will end this week's blog with a list of some great Bible verse reminders about prayer. It would be a good idea to memorize all of them…

Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”
Luke 18:1 “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,”
Matthew 7:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Psalm 145:18 “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”
Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;”
Psalm 102:17 “He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer.”
Proverbs 15:8 “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.”
Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
James 5:13(a) “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.”
Jeremiah 29:12 “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”
Ephesians 6:18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints”
1 John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!”

AMEN!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

The Name of Jesus

9/10/2017

"Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand."
Psalm 20:6 (NKJV)

Have you ever heard someone say that Jesus is mentioned all through the Old Testament of the Bible? Have you ever wondered where He is talked about? The first part of this month’s verse is literally the definition who Jesus is. The name Jesus means: Jehovah is Salvation. The first part our Psalm 20:6 says, “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;” …the Lord saves… The word “Lord” is taken from the original Hebrew word that is translated as Jehovah.

The name Jesus may have been a very common name among Israelites in Biblical days, but there was no coincidence or accident that the One who committed no sin, did countless miracles, and rose from the dead had the name that matched his purpose perfectly for all to see! There is only one name under heaven given among men so that we might be saved (Acts 4:12). Whatever you need God to save you from today, this week, this month, this year, it is found in Jesus. Call on His name and trust Him to take care of it!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

Make Your Petition

5/22/2017

"We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions."
~Psalm 20:5

As mentioned at the beginning of the year, and as is stated under the MMM blog description, “Psalm 20 is my favorite Psalm in the Bible.” As such, the third part of verse five is a statement that has help shaped my prayer-life, “May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.”

A petition is defined as: a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause; make or present a formal request to (an authority) with respect to a particular cause.

I was a pre-law major as a youth in college, and so whenever I read this part of Psalm 20:5, I envision myself on my knees bringing an actual either written or verbal appeal to the throne of God. Psalm 20:5 has become my reality for prayer. Whenever and wherever I kneel, I am not just reciting nice words of prayer, but I am making an actual appeal, bringing a petition to Him for resolution and favor.

This verse and visualization process also explains one reason why Habakkuk 2:2 has become so dear to me in relation to prayer. It says, “Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.” There is something about writing things down that makes them official and more concrete.

As you go into your prayer time from now on, don't just say repetitive or “appropriate” prayers to The Lord, but consider actually [from time to time] presenting a case, making a petition, creating an appeal to The One who holds the entire universe in His hands, and is willing and able to rule in your favor. Furthermore, here is a free legal tip for creating your petition in prayer: Attorneys never create a petition or appeal without researching and citing law. Make your petition and appeal filled with support from God’s Word, the Bible, which is His law!

Hey friends it has been a wonderful half of 2017 so far!! This will be my last blog until September when I will pick back up at Psalm 20:6, but be on the look-out for a short mid-summer Bible Study Blog! Details coming later. In the meantime, in the vein of today’s lesson, consider checking out our last Christian Woman Chronicles project [Click Here and scroll down to "Bible Study Blog and Discussions."] from December where we wrote out and presented our petitions to God for 2017. What better way to go into the second half of the year than by renewing or creating our petitions to The Lord and then expecting great results in His Great Name!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~