by faith

Sunday, July 31, 2016 (6:57 am.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the hope we have in You. Mm, yes. Hope in You.

I am blessed by the ready access to Your Word. Your promises. Your Truth. Considering the hope we have in You I turned to Psalm 147:11 (New International Version), “the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.”

Yes. Thank You.

(10:37 a.m.)

You blessed us with a conversation with our son earlier. Thank You Father. Thank You for Your ever watchful eye on him in his travels. Thank You for Your mighty, powerful hand of protection over Him. Keep him in Your good stead we pray.

As I prepare to leave our time here together, it was Hebrews 11 and the Great Examples of Faith that I had begun looking at. So many of Your people lived their lives “by faith”. Count me as I one I pray Dear Father.

Take me out into this day that I would follow You by faith. I love You so very much. Use me exactly as You wish. Thank You. I pray it all in Your Son's most dear and holy name. Thank You. Amen.

(202 words ~ 10:46 a.m.)

"There is always hope!"

Saturday, July 30, 2016 (7:09 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You so very much. Thank You that we get to thank You. Thank You that Paul teaches us this in his letter to the believers in Thessalonica.

Oh Blessed Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You cover our every need by the Truth of Your living Word.

Mm. What hope and encouragement are found in these pages. What joy to know that our son just had the opportunity to actually view this city. Mm!

Truth. Trust. Hope. Encouragement. Love. Joy. Power. Grace. And peace. They are all found here. Oh how I thank You for the hope I glean from this reading.

Quoting a RECOVERY THEME from The Life Recovery Bible, “If we have placed our trust in Christ to save us from sin, we will live with Him forever – we have eternal life. But we can hope in more than just life beyond the grave; we can also hope in what God brings to our life in the present.”

I'm stopping right here to thank You again for the work You are doing in each of us! Work that You know is imperatively necessary. Praise You Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Thank You!

“The power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is nothing less than the power of God – the God to whom we have entrusted our life. With this kind of power available to us, there is always hope!”

Oh how I thank and praise You for Paul's words of Truth (especially 1 Thessalonians 5:14-28) which led to these statements. Urge. Warn. Encourage. Take tender care. Be patient. See. Do good. “Always be joyful (16). Keep on praying (17). No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (18).”

And it continues from there! “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit (19). Do not scoff at prophecies (20), but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good (21).”

Mm, blessed Father, how I ask You to continue Your work in directing me in letting go of all that is not Your best for us. Keeping us away from every kind of evil (22).

You ARE the God of peace who alone is able to make us holy in every way; whole spirit, soul and body kept blameless until that mighty day when “our Lord Jesus comes again” (23). You are the God who calls us. And You are faithful in doing all You say!

Most blessed God, I absolutely turn to You and the love You provide, to the grace of our Lord Jesus and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:13) in teaching me to actually live the joyful life You offer to each of us.

Always prayerful. Continually seeking Your will. “Reminded of the gift of the Holy Spirit, [Your] continual helping presence in our life” (TLRB comment). You give us exactly what You know we need to succeed. “Our part is to participate in the good plan [You have] set out for us.”

Yes. Please. Thank You. I love You. Use me as You know is best. Amen.

(534 words ~ 8:23 a.m.)

never alone

Friday, July 29, 2016 (6:42 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. I walked through the house earlier this morning thinking of You as being our Voice in the wilderness. And then humming the Truth that ♫You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes There may be pain in the night But joy comes in the morning... You make all things work together for my good♫

Thank You Father. Thank You for joy. And hope. And Truth. Thank You that we have You to turn to. Thank You that You are good. And holy. Loving. And kind.

Thank You that whatever is going on with us, we are never alone.

(7:28 a.m.)

Blessed Father, there is just so very much hope offered to us in Your Word. One snippet of a verse leads me to another. I sit here knowing, trusting, believing, nodding my head, being reminded and becoming excited [agog] again about the hope we have in You.

Thank You Jesus that joy truly does come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Work in me this day I pray. Guide and direct my decision making. Be with me as only You can.

I love You. I long to serve You. And I look to You to make that happen. Thank You Father, thank You Jesus, thank You Holy Spirit for never leaving us alone (Matthew 28:20; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8).

Yes. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(238 words ~ 8:03 a.m.)

confront

Thursday, July 28, 2016 (6:36 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I love You. I have thoughts and fears and hopes and doubts all swirling around inside my head. Once again I look to You.

You are far greater than our imaginings. I look to You for Truth. Faith. Hope. Love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Yes, Father. You know the plans You have for me. They are plans for good and not for evil. They are plans to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

I have questions concerning my physical health. I confess to jumping ahead of the future appointment wondering if I could be dealing with this, that or something else. I admit to being stubborn and refusing standard treatments for certain problems.

Again Father, I look to You. You know what is best. You know exactly all You have planned. Not one single bit of worry or concern on my part will change a darned thing. So I look to You.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 tells me, “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.”

Here I pray, telling You that I have trouble trusting. I hope. I think. I wish. I want. I believe. And I also doubt. And dread. And struggle regularly to avoid being afraid.

And here again I smile. Thank You Jesus. A very deep breath followed my looking up the word avoid. The antonym for it being confront. I don't have to be afraid. I know You have me. I can choose to trust. Or not.

I can sing, smile, stretch and surrender. I can confess my fear and ask You to guiding me in doing all that is needed to confront each new fear as it arises.

Thank You Jesus. Thank You God. Thank You Holy Spirit. Do all You must in making me teachable and receptive to all the good You have planned for me.

I love You. Thank You so very much for loving me first. Use me this day exactly as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(357 words ~ 7:25 a.m.)

absolutely vital

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 (8:57 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your care. Thank You for Your watchful eye.

(10:42 a.m.)

You provide for us in so many incredible ways. Continue Your leadership. Guide us in all the unexpected ways of which we are completely unaware. We love You so very much. We know You to be absolutely vital to our very being.

Mm. Deep breath. A renewed sense of vitality. Mm, yes!

Blessed Father, how I thank You for Your living, breathing, power giving Word (Hebrews 4:12). My mind is exploding with hope as I read in Psalms (92:12-15), Proverbs (3:7-8) and Colossians (2:6-7). Oh praise You Father.

Work in me. Through me. By me. For me. With me. Exactly as You know is best. I love You Dad. I long to serve You. Exactly as You know is best.

Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(160 words ~ 11:07 a.m.)

looking to God

Monday, July 25, 2016 (6:33 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God and Father,

I look to You. My body is dragging and I look to You. Sleep was great. Food choices were too. And my body feels exhausted. I look to You.

Most dear and holy God, thank You that we do get to come looking to You in all things.

Such a celebration!

Sunday, July 24, 2016 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Blessed Jesus. Thank You!

Thank You for the love of family we got to experience again yesterday. A much loved mother, aunt, friend was joyously surprised by her loved ones. Such a celebration. I likened it to the one we will have with You someday.

This morning I have the opportunity of reading of You preparing a table for us (Psalm 23:5). I see pictures of great beauty and elegance. And I think once more of the love we witnessed again yesterday.

Planning. Preparation. Hard work. And the ultimate “Surprise!” Live music. And all that love. Thank You Father. Thank You that we are honored to witness all that love.

Psalm 150 and Philippians 4:4 come up as places to read of celebrating You. That is truly what I long to experience. Praise. Rejoicing. Such a celebration!

such a giant step

Saturday, July 23, 2016 (6:41 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy God,

Thank You! There was not a lot of sleep and I thank You for that which was. You are so good. We have You to turn to. Talk with. You. Over all.

I look to You Blessed Dad. You who supply our every need. This morning we have challenges. And opportunities. I look to You to provide for our needs, exactly as You know is best.

How grateful I am to depend on You. Breathing deeply. Singing ♫Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee♫ Reading Your Word. Reflecting on the hope that lies within.

I confess to feeling scattered. I look to You to corral my thoughts.

See? I was looking at Psalm 139:14, the verse referenced in the above hymn and thanking You for indeed making me “so wonderfully complex”. Going back to the beginning of this favored psalm I am excited to be reminded, “O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me” (v. 1).

Mm, yes!

“You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment You know where I am” (vs. 2-3).

Mm, yes. And yes!

You know me. You know where I am. I'm safe. In You. Thank You Father. Be with me this day as I truly look to You. Thanking You for making me so wonderfully complex.

The Life Recovery Bible tells me that “Saying we are God's 'workmanship' means that we are unique and beautiful masterpieces – works of divine poetry. Beauty and value are designed into the very fiber of our being by virtue of our Creator.”

Allowing You to work in our lives, removing all that is not Your best for us is such a giant step toward believing that I am truly treasured by You.

Use me this day, precisely as You wish Most Dear and Awesome God. I love You. I thank You. I praise and worship You. Guide, direct, prune and nurture me exactly as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(363 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

God Most High

Friday, July 22, 2016 (6:17 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

What does it mean that You are most?

(6:48 a.m.)

Oh, Father, how I love asking You questions and watching where Your answers lead!

This morning we took awhile to get to Psalm 57:2. Oh, but here we are! “I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.”

It's You who does Your work in and through me. You to whom I get to cry out. You who are most high. Over all.

The various translations say You: are “perfecting me”,“performeth all things for me”, “accomplishes all things on my behalf”, “performs on my behalf and rewards me [brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]!”, “comes through for me”, “takes care of me completely!”, “does everything for me”, “supplies my every need”, “performeth His promise toward me”, “completes what He began in me”, “does such wonders for me”, “vindicates me”, “holds me together”, “finishes all things for me”, “always does what is good for me”...

Holy God Most High, all these ways of reminding me that it is indeed You who does the incredible work. You who fulfills Your purpose in me. Thank You Father. Thank You that we do get to cry out to You. Pray to You. Turn to You. Run to You.

Thank You Father for the many times and various ways that David wrote and spoke of his reliance on You. Mm. Continue Your work in me that Your purpose is fulfilled.

I love You. I thank You. And I long to glorify and enjoy You. Thank You God Most High. I love You. Amen.

(279 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

trusting God alone

Thursday, July 21, 2016 (6:30 a.m.)

Oh Most Dear and Holy Father God,

Thank You that You are indeed dear and holy. Thank You that because You ARE, we are never alone. Praise You Father!

As Moses was telling Your people of Israel that he would not be crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:2), he let them know that they would not go alone. “But the LORD of God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua is your new leader, and he will go with you, just as the LORD promised” (v. 3).

It is YOU we need to learn to trust! Far more than programs and people and meetings and the latest health findings. YOU!

Verses 6 and 8 of this chapter echo one another. “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you... Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD is the One who goes before you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.”

I look to You this morning Father. Not knowing what today holds. Absolutely believing and trusting that You hold it all right in the palms of Your very capable hands. Thank You.

Thank You for this kind of trust. Thank You for the ability to take the next step into a brand new day. Holy Father God how I ask that You would bless and keep each and every one of us. There is so very much strife and struggle going on in this world in which we live.

We desperately need Your guiding presence. Fully trusting in You alone. I love You Father. Fill me this day with Your love, Christ's grace and the fellowship of Your Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14) that I would indeed continue to grow into the woman of Yours You would have me to be.

Thank You Father. Use me as You wish this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(353 words ~ 6:56 a.m.)

And so much more!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 (6:53 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Oh how I thank You, Father. Oh, and praise You as well. You have been providing our every need. Exactly as Your Word promises You will.

The word I thought of first this morning was “manna”. Having You provide our daily needs is still something I seem fairly new at being aware. And I think I often appear as disgruntled as the Israelites.

Thank You for this opportunity to read again of Your people's journey across the desert (Exodus 15-18). I see myself so very much in their whining and lack of faith and gratitude.

They experienced the miracle of You parting the Red Sea and still “the whole community of Israel spoke bitterly against Moses and Aaron.” Blessed, Holy God, in verse 15:26b You describe Yourself as “the LORD who heals you.” I believe You to be exactly that.

And so much more!

Yes! You are so much more than just the God who heals us. You also provide our every single need. Exactly as is needed. You love us. And care for us. You save us. And the list continues.

As I continue reading of Your perfect provisions to Your people I'm not sure if I am more dumbfounded or comforted by the beginning of verse 15:20. “But, of course, some of them didn't listen”.

How often do I find myself in the not listening category? Today I am here asking that I would not only be aware of Your provision, but far more importantly - be grateful! And obedient!

Dearest Father, I long to serve You as You so rightly deserve to be served. I ask that You would do every single thing necessary in making me exactly who You create me to be. I love You. And I look to You that I would represent You well. And so much more!

Praise You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(319 words ~ 9:09 a.m.)

becoming

Tuesday, July 19, 2016 (6:12 a.m.)

Holy, Mighty, Awesome God,

Thank You. Thank You that You are holy. Mighty. Awesome. Thank You that I want to know You. Love You. Serve You. Follow You.

Work in me in becoming the woman of Yours that You would have me be. Oh, thank You Father. Thank You that I get to read in Your Word. Thank You that I believe that You do truly speak to us through these pages of old.

This morning it's 2 Corinthians 3:18b that is speaking loudest to me. “And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.”

Oh, blessed Jesus, make it so!

The Voice uses the word metamorphosed and I am intrigued by the definition; “the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.” I really like reading “or more”. I believe myself to be taking much more than two distinct stages in becoming all You have for me to be.

Keep up Your good and perfect work Blessed God.

promises, promises

Monday, July 18, 2016 (7:48 a.m.)

Holiest, Holy God,

I think about You. I talk to You. I'm amazed by You. I read Your Word. Your promises. And I hope. Thank You Blessed Father for the ability to hope. The privilege. The honor. The decision to believe You at Your Word.

Blessed, Holy God I confess that fearing and feeling dread comes much easier to me than hoping does. Thank You that You are so much bigger than the things of this world that take our attention away from You. Thank You for the blessed opportunity of turning to Your Word regularly and often.

This morning I am again reading Your Promise of Victory, Isaiah 43:14 – 44:5. Oh how I pray Your presence into our day this day.

poured blessings

Sunday, July 17, 2016 (6:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. And thank You. Thank You for the blessings You pour into us.

(9:29 a.m.)

Oh praise You God!

Bless You and praise You for the nuggets of Truth You keep providing me.

First a call to pray. Then a pertinent, completely unexpected section of Scripture to offer to a much loved one. Isaiah 26: 3-4, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock.”

I confess to having qualms about sharing the verse that immediately follows. “He humbles the proud and brings the arrogant city to the dust. Its walls come crashing down” (v. 5).

Father God, I trust You to lead and guide me. What do I do with my own reluctance? How do I know all You would have me share? And when is too much?

I look to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. And just as I am ready to turn away and take an extra rest, You bless me again.

Isaiah 44:3. “For I will give you abundant water to quench your thirst and to moisten your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit and my blessings on your children.”

Father, I am taking You at Your Word! Standing on Your solid ground. Truly craving Your blessings on our children.

Oh bless You and praise You, most dear and precious God. Your Word. Your promises. Please. Bless as only You are able.

Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(266 words ~ 10:07 a.m.)

time together

Saturday, July 16, 2016 (6:49 a.m.)

Most Dear and Loving Lord God,

Thank You! Thank You that at this very moment I am feeling exhausted. Sleep was illusive. Hard to come by. Practically non-existent. And I am here with You because I desperately want to be. Thank You for helping me know how extremely important our time together is.

Time together. Hmm. Yes. Blessed God, Thank You that as tired as I am and as busy as this day is supposed to be, I want so very much to spend time together with You!

Be with me this day as I prepare to line my ducks up in their row. Yes. Things need to be organized well. Our house is long overdue of being put in order. And I look to You.

You are my need. You are my source of strength and energy. I am feeling quite tired and am asking You to fill me with Your vitality. Punch. Vim and vigor. Stamina. Power.

Thank You for time together to read in Your Word. Isaiah 55:6 says...

best choices

Friday, July 15, 2016 (5:45 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for some quiet time to be alone with You. I have definitely not been intentional about that this week. Forgive me Father. Forgive my thinking and reasoning. You know, things like “I need more sleep”. “I shouldn't make too much noise.”

Yeah. Not my best choices. Hmm. Best choices. Yes. I definitely am coming before You asking that You would improve my decision making process. Provide me with everything I need to respond well, making the best choices possible. Hmm. Yes.

Holy, Holy God. Once again You amaze me and I am truly grateful. I came before You because I knew I needed to. Half efforts of lying in bed and thinking to You between snoozes seems even worse than trying to drive a car that way.

You deserve my full attention! Thank You for reminding me of this. Thank You too for taking me to Isaiah 66:3 in Your Word this morning.

The Life Recovery Bible comments for verses 2, 3 and 4 begin by stating, “God will respond to us when we demonstrate these key recovery principles: the humility to acknowledge our faults, the willingness to turn from and deal with our sins (contrite heart), and a desire to do what is right no matter how difficult (tremble at God's Word).”

I confess to barely resembling that statement!

“God is not fooled by our religious games.” Oh how well I know this.

“If we 'play church' and have no desire to follow God but choose to go our own way, we will be judged. God's deliverance comes from honestly seeking His will and honoring and obeying Him.”

I confess my need for You. I can not continue pretending my way through trying to feel, be, think and do all I believe You would have of me. I truly love You so very much. Work in, with, by, through and for me this day. It is You I long to see glorified and enjoyed.

The closing sentence of these two comments states, “The process of recovery will succeed when we learn to really depend on God, not just go through the motions of following Him.”

Yes! My best choice? Coming before You. Adoring. Confessing. Thanking. And supplicating. Thank You Father. Praise You. Be with us this day providing every single thing we need to make the best choices possible.

I love You. I need You. I thank You. Amen.

(411 words ~ 6:38 a.m.)

receptivity

Monday, July 11, 2016 (7:47 a.m.)

Good Morning Blessed Lord,

Mm. Yes. Good morning.

(8:38 a.m.)

Yes. Again. Good morning.

Father, thank You for the opportunity of taking a slower than usual approach to our morning. We are preparing for a big week of swimming and playing outside with two much loved children. Thank You!

Thank You for the opportunity of sharing all we have with them and learning all they have to teach us. Blessed God, I am here this morning asking You to tune me into Your channel. Yes Father, fine tune and make me receptive to what YOU would like to teach me this week. This day. This moment.

Holy, holy Father God. I love You. I love sitting with You and following as You lead me into Your Word. This morning it's to Matthew 13:11-15 in The Message. Jesus answering His disciples' question of always telling stories when He talks to the people (v. 10).

“Whenever someone has a ready heart for this [gift of insight into God's Kingdom], the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears” (v. 12).

It is absolutely to You I turn this morning asking that You would make me keenly receptive to Your message. I love You. I long to know and serve You. Lead me. Guide me. Do all You must. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(232 words ~ 9:14 a.m.)

ASKING

Sunday, July 10, 2016 (6:25 a.m.)

Holy, Holy Father God,

Thank You. Thank You for time to come and be alone with You. Thank You for an opportunity to be together with family members yesterday. Thank You for added information to an already confusing family tree.

Mm, Father. Yes. Thank You. Thank You that nobody knows us like You do. Thank You for the desire to know more about You. Your Word. Your will. Your way.

(7:04 a.m.)

Most Blessed Holy God,

I start reading in one direction, thinking I know for sure where we are headed. As I continue reading I realize that I am once again attempting to steer the ship. Here I stop Blessed Lord, asking instead that You would lead and I would truly follow.

I love You Father. I really, truly love You. I love that we get to come to You exactly as we are. I don't have to have any answers as to how that love is to look.

In fact, isn't it far more to Your liking that I would come before You this morning ASKING how You would have Your love look through me this day.

Mm, yes. Your love.

Holy, Holy God. I look to You. Asking You to love others through me. Yes. That is my prayer this day. Love others. Through me. Please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(231 words ~ 7:45 a.m.)

constant

Saturday, July 9, 2016 (6:53 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that You provide us the opportunity to readily read of all the things You are.

Oh and thank You even more for knowing my heart! Because I believe You know every single thing that's going on with me, I get to choose to be honest with You.

Right now I confess to feeling fickle. Changeable. I want to say what I believe are the “right” things. All with the “right” attitude. And the truth is, my attitude is not matching up with all I am reading in Your Word.

Forgive me as I tell You straight out what my heart and soul and mind are screaming. “It's not right.” “It isn't fair.” “Where are You God?” in the midst of all the shootings and the death and the carnage. “How much longer?” “How much more?”

That being said, that underlying every single word I say to You, I believe You to be a good God. I believe Your Word when it says that You “so loved the world” that You sent Your only Son to die “so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Blessed Father, an antonym for fickle is constant. Thank You Father that You are constant. Thank You for this privilege of coming to You with a VERY fickle heart. Believing, absolutely depending on You to love me even when the things I say and think and feel are anything but lovely.

Thank You for Your constancy. Thank You for the extremely subtle smiles that keep gracing my face every time I find a verse in Your Word that corresponds with my thoughts and fears.

I confess that it is not my place to ask You “When?” as I read Your promise in Psalm 12:5. “The Lord replies, 'I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.'” Yes. I confess.

Again and again I confess my fickleness. I know You are good. And just for right now, this very moment, I am going to breath deeply. Allow Your peace to wash over me. Asking You to not let the negative thoughts take root in me.

Blessed, Holy God, use Your constancy in my life this day. As I pray to You my true, fickle self, I ask that You would entrench Proverbs 3:5-6 deeply into my being. Let me truly, “Trust in the Lord with all my heart; to not depend on my own understanding. Seek Your will in all I do, and You will direct my paths.”

Yes Father. Please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(471 words ~ 8:27 a.m.)

breathing deeply

Friday, July 8, 2016 (7:23 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Get my head in the game please. I keep making mmistakes. [See what I mean?]

Deep breath. Mm. Yes. Deep, cleansing breath.

Holy God, thank You for always being here to remind me to stop what I'm doing and look to You. Breathing deeply.

Thank You that every single time I take the time to “Stop!” and breath deeply, a calmness settles in. Would this be a direct link to Paul's promise to the Philippians (4:6-7)?

“Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Mm. Yes. Peace! Your blessed, precious peace.

Thank You Father. Thank You that while insanity seems to be running amuck in America, there is still peace to be found in You.

The practice of breathing deeply takes me to The Message to the Church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). The apostle John was tasked “To give hope to believers and warn them not to compromise their loyalty to God” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE).

Many of the translations for verse 2 tell the believers in Sardis to “Wake up!” and “Strengthen what is left, or it will die.”

Blessed Dad, when I take the time to stop and breath deeply, I liken my spirit to a flame that is just getting ready to fade completely out. The added oxygen sparks a flicker that reignites the hope that is necessary to trust You in all things.

The Message tells of John's encounter with the Glorified Jesus on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:17-18). Writing down Your words to him, he penned “I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead. Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there's life in you yet” (3:1-2a).

How is it that we get so sidetracked that we forget to put You first? 

“But I wouldn't know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of God's work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears – grasp it again and turn back to God” (2b-3a).

Yes please. As the peace of Your presence reminds me to ever look to You, equip me to 'be strong in Your mighty power' (Ephesians 6:10).

I love You Father. I need You. I want You. And I thank You. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(462 words ~ 8:38 a.m.)

Praise!

Thursday, July 7, 2016 (6:18 a.m.)

Praise You, Father!

Mm. Yes. Praise! An antonym for the word malign.

I awoke with a choice this morning. I could once again focus on a character malignment forged against me many years ago. Or I could seek Your better way. Thank You for reminding me that I always have a choice.

Thank You that this morning I again chose You. Your Word. Your will. Your way. Thank You that Your peace truly washes over me as I sit here, reading and reflecting on Your Truth.

Psalm 119:129-136 from The Message, “Every word You give me is a miracle word – how could I help but obey?” Being honest here, there are far too many times that I fail to obey.

Continuing, “Break open Your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning.” Mm. Yes. Please.

“Mouth open and panting, I wanted Your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as You always do to those who personally love You.”

Mm. Yes. Father. Thank You for the absolute privilege of loving You. Personally. Mm!

“Steady my steps with Your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me.” Yes! Your Word of promise. Yes!

“Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live my life Your way.” Yes, please. YOUR way!

“Smile on me, Your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by Your book!”

Oh, most dear and awesome God. Thank You that we have You to love and to guide us.

Thank You that we can choose to praise You, rather than curse others. This morning I pray the Expanded Bible's translation for verses 132-134 right to You.

“Look at [Turn to] me and have mercy [compassion] on me as You do [as is Your custom] for those who love You [Your name]. Guide my steps [Steady my feet] as You promised; don't let any sin [guilt] control [dominate] me. Save [Redeem] me from harmful [oppressive; exploitative] people so I can obey [keep; guard] Your orders [precepts].”

Yes. Please!

Father, You know my heart. You created me in Your image and are more aware of every single one of my foibles than I could ever be. Do everything You must to turn all of my feelings, beliefs, thoughts and actions (heart, soul, mind, strength) into the ultimate praise of You.

I love You. Lead and guide me that I would follow exactly as You wish. Thank You for again reminding me of the importance of bringing You praise. Teach me to do it well. Thank You. I love You. Praise You. Amen.

(457 words ~ 7:44 a.m.)

it's all in a name

Wednesday, July 6, 2016 (6:36 a.m.)

Awesome, Amazing, Incredible Father,

Thank You. Thank You that You are indeed awesome, amazing, incredible and most importantly, Father.

Mm, Father. GOD, Lord, Lord God.

Blessed, Loving Lord, how I thank You for the opportunity of looking to You. Looking at the variety of names there are for You.

Father, thank You that there are so very many names used to describe You: Lord God Almighty; The Most High God; Lord, Master; Lord, Jehovah; The Lord My Banner; The Lord My Shepherd; The Lord That Heals; The Lord Is There; The Lord Our Righteousness; The Lord Who Sanctifies You; The Everlasting God; God; Jealous; The Lord Will Provide; The Lord Is Peace; The Lord of Hosts. And these are only the names from the Old Testament.

Mm. This morning I'm sticking with Father: Dad; Daddy; Pop; Pa; Dada; Papa; Originator; Creator; Maker; Author; Architect.

My heart, soul, mind and even my strength are at peace. Content; satisfied; pleased; happy; glad; unworried; untroubled; serene. All this from considering Who You Are and the names that tell us just a little bit more about You.

Father God how I thank You. Lead, guide, direct and empower me to Your good and Your glory this day. Let me represent You well. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(221 words ~ 7:58 a.m.)

everything we need

Monday, July 5, 2016 (6:17 a.m.)

Mm, Most Holy God,

Thank You for rest. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for reminding me yesterday that “our hope is in You alone” (Psalm 33:22b).

May I just say, so incredibly truly, “Oh my God!”

Turning to The Message just now I have tears stinging my eyes before they roll down my nose. Thank You Father for this heart that is so very sensitive to Your Truth.

“We're depending on GOD; He's everything we need. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own His holy name. Love us, GOD, with all You've got – that's what we're depending on” (Psalm 33:20-22).

Depend on You. Everything we need. Hearts brimming with joy. Your love.

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC), “Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name. Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.”

I confess to You right now the frustration that led me to this Truth. As embarrassed as I feel to say it, I was complaining about the hopelessness of ever having a green, healthy lawn. The words I used were, “There is no hope in...”

Thank You for stopping me mid-sentence to remind me that my hope is in You. You have us covered. Covered by Your Son's precious blood (1 Peter 1:9). Wow! We are truly blessed!

Thank You Blessed God. Use me this day exactly as You wish. I love You. Thank You. Praise You. Need You. Want You. Trust You. And hope in You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(299 words ~ 8:05 a.m.)

prolific

Monday, July 4, 2016 (7:48 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You! You have blessed us repeatedly. Regularly. Abundantly. Prolifically. Now there's a word I haven't considered before.

“prolific – adjective (of a plant, animal, or person) producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring”.

Hmm. I like the way one word takes me to pages and people in Your Word that I rarely visit. This morning it's to Josiah, “one of Judah's best kings, even though he was the son of one of Judah's worst kings” (The Learning Bible).

Oh most Holy God, thank You for the example of this one man working hard to break the sinful patterns set for him by his father and grandfather. Thank You for this history lesson of personal and national reform.

Thank You that we get to read of kings who ignored Your warnings (2 Kings 33:10; 21-25) to their own detriment. Thank You that one single word can lead to so much Truth.

I love You Father. Use me this day exactly as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(179 words ~ 10:46 a.m.)

greatness beyond discovery

Sunday, July 3, 2016 (6:42 a.m.)

Most Holy, Awesome God,

Thank You that You alone are God. Thank You that You are worthy to be praised (Psalm 145:3b). Thank You that Your greatness is beyond discovery! (c).

You truly never cease to amaze me. My thoughts so often and easily lean toward the negative. Oh, but when I turn them to You I find one surprise after another.

Thank You for ready access to Your Word. Thank You that we have a multitude of translations at our fingertips.

Thank You especially for the many ways this one verse can be presented:

“The Lord is great and so worthy of praise! God's greatness can't be grasped” Common English Bible.

While the beginning of the verse remains much the same, words for the last section are varied. “No one can measure His greatness / comprehend His magnificence”; “unsearchable”; “incomprehensible to man”; “beyond all searching out”; “greater than anyone can understand”; “beyond understanding”; “indescribable”; “unfathomable”; “there is no end to His greatness”.

Mm. Thank You Father. Thank You that You are our God and King (v. 1). Thank You that we have Your Word on which to meditate.

Oh, yes, Blessed Father. Thank You that as I sit in Your presence more pieces of Scripture come to mind. And with each added component, another smile.

Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Mm. Yes. Greatness beyond discovery. Work in me this day as only You can. I love You Father. I worship, adore, praise, bless and thank You. These things I pray to You through Your Son's most holy name and by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Thank You for loving me. Let me use it well. Amen.

(306 words ~ 8:27 a.m.)

undeserved kindness

Saturday, July 2, 2016 (7:21 a.m.)

Holy, Holy, Holy God,

You are good. You are holy. You are loving. Kind. I am looking to You to do all You must to set my mind on Christ.

Wow! Thank You! I ask. You answer. And I am amazed!

Colossians 3:1-4.

abundant pardon

Friday, July 1, 2016 (5:46 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Holy. Loving. Kind. Mighty. Forgiving. Hmm... yes. Blessed God, talk with me this morning about forgiveness.

Pardon. Excuse. Overlook. Feel no resentment toward. Truly, Father, what would that be like?

I get to read in Your Word (Isaiah 55:1-9) of Your abundant pardon and I marvel. Blessed God, I absolutely want the life You offer.

Illustrated Bible Handbook states, “all are invited to come to the Lord, to experience fully and freely the complete satisfaction He provides (vs. 1-2).” Thank You Father.

Thank You for not only inviting us to “Come to me and live” (v. 3) but for offering us Your “inexhaustible forgiveness” (v. 7).

Abundant pardon. Generous in forgiving. Lavish with forgiveness. Merciful and quick; very ready to forgive.

Yep! Let me again practice being like You. I love You. And I so want to be like You. Do all You must that I will follow exactly as and where You lead. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(169 words ~ 6:54 a.m.)