Jesus came to bring joy

Friday, December 30, 2016 (5:27 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You for waking up to more Christmas carols in my mind. ♫O Come, Let Us Adore Him♫, ♫Go, Tell It on the Mountain♫, ♫The First Noel♫.

Thank You for songs. Thank You for Christmas. Thank You for the joy Your Son came to bring to the world. Oh look, another song! ♫Joy to the World♫

Mm, Jesus. Thank You for the joy You came to bring.

(6:53 a.m.)

We have much to accomplish this day. Let Your joy be our focal point.

Reading in John 15 (vs.1- 17) of You as the True Vine two more songs sang out to me. ♫Joy, Joy♫ and ♫This is my commandment that You love one another that Your joy may be full♫. Jesus, how I ask that I live this day in Your joy.

John 15:11 (The Living Bible), “I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!” And The Message, “I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.”

Yes, please. It is Your joy I long to experience. Wholly mature at that!

Come with me this day. In my thoughts, my words, my actions. I love You Jesus and I want the world to know it. Thank You for loving us so much that You came to bring Your joy to the world. Hmm. Yes. Thank You. Guide and direct me in using Your joy well. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(264 words ~ 7:22 a.m.)

our Ransom

Thursday, December 29, 2016 (6:50 a.m.)

♫Sweet Little Jesus Boy♫

The song started singing again just a little bit ago. Thank You Father. Thank You for time and occasion to reflect on what the birth of Your Son truly means for us.

I fall into the category of being one whose “eyes was blind” and “couldn't see”. One who “didn't know who You was”.

Holy God, how I thank You for coming into the world to be our ransom (Mark 10:45).

(8:21 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

Thank You for the privilege of searching and reading. Thank You for the honor of being called to be Your friend. So many verses. So much Truth.

"and ransom captive Israel"

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 (7:51 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

(8:49 a.m.)

You are so good. So kind. You provide so much. Thank You.

Thank You for time to sit. To ponder. Consider. Reflect. Review. Wonder.

Blessed Father, how I thank You for the love You have for mankind. That You would come to earth in the form of an infant.

I woke up several times singing ♫O Come, O Come, Emmanuel♫ I thought heavily on the words ♫and ransom captive Israel♫ Now I find myself singing ♫Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel♫

How I wonder, what would it be to truly live a life of rejoicing? I confess to thinking of joy. And there are many instances of my genuinely experiencing delight and gladness.

This I bring back to You Blessed God. You came to be with us (Emmanuel). You came to “ransom captive Israel”. And we are to rejoice. Let me live this day reflecting the delight and gladness that comes from truly celebrating the birth of Your precious Son.

Happy Fourth Day of Christmas, Father. I love You. Amen.

(185 words ~ 10:08 a.m.)

worship, adore, extol

Tuesday, December 27, 2016 (7:21 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

It's the third day of Christmas. How would You have me proceed? Worshiping. Adoring. And extolling. Yes!

Holy God, teach me to worship, adore and extol Your Blessed Son.

My mind is swirling with tiny bits of information. Words describing other words. Christmas carols referencing Scripture verses. Those verses prompting more melodies. Very akin to the chicken, the egg and which came first. One thought blending right into another.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity of truly focusing our thoughts and time on You. Thank You for The Celebration Hymnal and its Worship Sequence for PRINCE OF PEACE.

Let's Worship and Adore Him (Revelation 15:4). I Extol You (Psalm 111:1). O Come, All Ye Faithful (Luke 2:15). And then my own head singing O Come, Let Us Adore Him (Matthew 2:2).

Blessed God, how I ask You to guide my worship, adoration and extolling of Your precious Son's holy birth. These are truly powerful words that point to other strong meanings.

Worship = admire. Adore = love dearly. Extol = praise enthusiastically.

Big words. Bigger meanings. Teach me how to use them well this day. In my actual execution of worshiping, adoring and extolling Your Holy Son. ♫O Come, Let Us Adore Him♫ indeed!

Thank You Father. Happy Third Day of Christmas! I love You. Amen.

(228 words ~ 8:33 a.m.)

truly celebrate

Monday, December 26, 2016 (7:44 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! It's what some of the world has come to know as the second day of Christmas. Teach us what You would have us know about truly celebrating the birth of Your blessed Son.

Hmm... truly celebrate. How do we learn this Blessed Father?

Joyce Meyer references John 10:4-5 in reminding us that we are Your sheep, “and the sheep know the Shepherd's voice – the voice of a stranger they will not follow.” She declares, “You can hear from God; it is part of your inheritance as a Christian. Don't ever believe otherwise!”

Because Your Son was born, we have this gift from You. Thank You Father. Teach me to use intimacy with You as You would have me use it.

The comment for this section in The Life Recovery Bible expands on the Truth of sheep and their shepherd by likening Jesus knowing “our personality, needs, feelings, and desires.” This comforts me deeply.

Jesus came into the world as an infant. And He knows my personality! Thank You Father. “He even knows our faults and our sins, yet He still loves us!” Mm. How truly grateful I am.

Continuing in the comment, “He [Jesus] calls out to us and leads us in the way that is best for us. To be set free from the pain of our past, we must respond to the guiding voice of our Shepherd, who knows us fully and loves us completely.”

Jesus, we are here to celebrate Your birth. Let us readily hear and recognize Your voice that we would follow Your best for us. Thank You for this time to learn even more of what it will be to truly celebrate Your arrival!

Thank You. We love You. And are glad You came to be Lord of all. Guide us I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(312 words ~ 9:36 a.m.)

first day

Christmas Day – Sunday, December 25, 2016 (7:27 a.m.)

Merry Christmas, Father!

♫On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...♫

Mm... first day. Christmas. True love. Gave...

Oh, how I thank You!

Friday, December 23, 2016 (5:57 a.m)

Holy God,

Thank You! Mistakes are happening. Along with sniffles and a sore throat. Yeast dough didn't rise and there's more on the to do list than there is time or energy with which to get it all done. And I'm looking to You for direction. Guidance. Your plan. Not mine.

Blessed Father, we love You. That's what we want to be evident around here. You have blessed us this Advent Season. Grown us as a team like never before. Let us not lose sight of that. You are what matters. Not presents. Nor baked goods. You!

Mm, this morning I'm encouraged by Paul's words in his second letter to Timothy.

There's a lot going on in my head right now. There's one extreme and then another. A little bit of all or nothing thinking. YOU know exactly what You would have me do with the time You have provided me this day.

Two sections of Your Word stand out for me at the moment. 2 Timothy 2:22, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I look to You Holy God. Asking You to guide and take charge of my efforts and their results. You are Who I long to glorify, worship and adore. Make it so Dearest Lord. Use me exactly as You wish. I love You. I need You. I want You. I ask You. And I thank You. Oh, how I thank You! Yes. Thank You. Amen.

(339 words ~ 7:16 a.m.)

no surprise

Thursday, December 22, 2016 (6:40 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Surprise! On us! It's raining. And cold. Plans have changed. And none of this is surprising to You. Thank You God. Thank You that nothing surprises You!

Thank You that You know Your best for each and every single one of us. Thank You that even though we often times miss out on all You have to offer us, You never change (Malachi 3:6a). In You there is no surprise! You are the Lord and we are grateful.

Father, You know the plan You have for this day. How I ask You to adjust my thinking to match the pace You have set for me.

You have been doing an amazing work in us this Advent season. We ask that You continue training us in hearing and following You.

We love You. We long to serve and glorify You. Do all You must to make it so. Thank You Father. We love You. Amen.

(162 words ~ 8:12 a.m.)

God's grace

Wednesday, December 21, 2016 (6:01 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You.

(6:47 a.m.)

You bless us. You keep us. You smile on us. You gift us. You look us full in the face and make us proser (The Message Numbers 6:24-26).

You grace us. That's what I'd like You to help me in grasping this morning. Your grace. What does it really mean?

An Old Testament word, chesed, “speaks of deliverance from enemies, affliction or adversity. It also denotes enablement, daily guidance, forgiveness, and preservation” (allaboutgod/definition-of-gods-grace).

The New Testament word is Charis, focusing of the provision of salvation.

These are big meanings. Much larger than my understanding. Thank You, in advance, for where You will take us today in our experience of Your grace.

Holy God, while I absolutely do not claim to understand Your loving kindness on our behalf, I am eternally grateful. Your goodness, Your grace allow us not only to seek You, but to find You (Matthew 7:7). Thank You.

Worldwide English (New Testament) tells us, “You have been saved by God's love and kindness [grace] because you believed. It was not because of anything you did, but it was a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8).

In this season marked for giving, the gift of Your Son to mankind is the greatest we could ever hope to imagine. Continue Your work in helping us accept Him as You intended. Yes Father! Teach us to welcome Your Son into every single aspect of our beings. Our hearts, our souls, our minds, our strength (Mark 12:30).

Bless You Father. Praise You. Thank You. Use us this day exactly as You wish. We love You. We thank You. Amen.

(278 words ~ 8:06 a.m.)

God's gift of love

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 (6:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for loving us. What a gift. What an honor. What a privilege.

here and now

Monday, December 19, 2016 (7:33 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Sleep happened for us. Not easily. Nor soundly. Oh, but finally! And extendedly. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the practice of staying in the here and now. Every time my thoughts started going ahead or behind my breathing and surroundings I was reminded that ruminating on should haves or what ifs was not keeping me present.

Thank You Father. Thank You that somewhere in the dark night the word jubilance came to mind. When I needed a counter to where my thoughts wanted to take me various forms of the word swam around within.

Jubilation. Jubilate. Jubilant. Even jubilee, which turns out not to be related. One a noun, another a verb

the next an adjective. All relating to the Latin verb, jubilare, which is used by Christian writers to mean 'shout for joy.'

That's the other thing I was doing during that long night. While not actually shouting out loud, the singing within was filled with rejoicing and praise to You.

Thank You for all the reminders You gave me Father. Thank You for the rest. Use us this day. As You wish.

We are inching our way closer to the celebration of Your Son's holy birth. Let us do what honors You and Him the most. Make sure all our shouts are those of joy!

We love You. We long to serve You. We thank and praise You. Right here. Right now. Thank You Father. Use us. Amen.

(257 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)

freedom and contentment

4^th Sunday of Advent, December 18, 2016 (6:06 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! How long has it been since I've woken up saying, “Wow!”?

There was sleep. And every time it was interrupted, I remembered to breathe and notice what I heard and physically felt. Thank You Father.

Thank You for Your process in teaching

(7:16 a.m.)

Yes Father, Your process is teaching us to be Your good stewards. How I thank You for the work You are doing in us.

In the Story of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) Jesus told His followers in verse 15, “Beware! Don't be greedy for what You don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.”

The comment in The Life Recovery Bible for this section of Scripture tells us, “True freedom and contentment cannot be found in the things we own; recovery can never be bought. These gifts are freely given to us as we humbly turn to God for His gracious help.”

Father, this particular Advent Season has been wonderful. You keep reminding us where You would have us place our priorities. On You! Thank You.

thoughts and feelings

Saturday, December 17, 2016 (7:57 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! It's taken almost two hours for me to decide that yes I DO actually want to be grateful. I allowed my thoughts and feelings to run amok much of the night. The chattering inside my head bounced from topic to concern. Landing often at frustration. And occasionally, fear.

No matter the inner chastising I did on myself, it wasn't until I searched “thoughts and feelings” that I truly relaxed.

(9:39 a.m.)

Holy God,

I truly can be my own worse enemy. No one else seems to think of me as negatively as I think of myself. Thank You that You love me in spite of myself.

Thank You that much is said of negative thoughts and feelings. Thank You that I am not alone in the patterns they actually make in our brains. And thank You especially that there are proven ways out of the loop that so very often ingrains me.

Holy, holy God and Father, thank You that praising You is the antidote for everything that tries to poison our soul. I confess to trying to smile, sing, read and pray my way out of the downward spiral my thoughts and feelings were taking me.

Never once did I pause to breathe You in deeply, connect with my surroundings and truly praise You for Who and all You are. Father, thank You! Thank You for reminders. Thank You for hope. Thank You for love. Thank You for joy!

Psalm 42:11(a) poses the question with which I admonished myself repeatedly, “Why am I discouraged? Why so sad?” It's the end of this verse I was missing. “I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!”

YES! Hope in You. Praise You again.

Do all You must Father in helping me get in good practice of this powerful Truth. I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to provide exactly all that is needed to make this happen.

I am Yours. And I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(354 words ~ 10:12 a.m.)

opportunities of joy

Friday, December 16, 2016 (4:03 a.m.)

♫Sweet, Little Jesus Boy♫

Good very early morning. Thank You for the rain. Thank You for the blessings. Thank You for the many opportunities of joy. Thank You for memories. And traditions.

Thank You Jesus.

(7:28 a.m.)

Oh my gracious! I fell back to sleep. D-e-e-p sleep. Complete with a dream I still remember in detail.

Jesus, thank You! Thank You for added rest. And a touch of whimsy. Thank You that while I have no idea where our time together may take us, I know I am grateful.

Yesterday You provided me with a multitude of reminders that the word for this third week of Advent is joy. Written versions of it showed up in the most unexpected places. Thank You!

Thank You also for the amount of times I noticed myself saying, “Yea!” throughout the day. I found myself smiling every time I noticed. Thank You.

Thank You for the work You are doing in me. How I ask that You would continue growing me.

(8:42 a.m.)

Just as I was prepared to go deeper with You and the Truth of Colossians 2:6-7 circumstances rushed me over to Revelation 22:20b. Blessed Jesus how I thank You for being eternal. Infinite. Outside of time and space.

I try to keep track of all the thoughts running through my head at any one given time. You DO it! Thank You Jesus. Thank You for leading me first from one section of Scripture, then to another. Yet having them all underlying linked to You.

Oh holy Jesus, thank You for Your Truth. Your promises. Your coming. Your birth. Your life. Your teachings. Your suffering. Your death. Your resurrection. All leading us to Your promise in Revelation 22:20a, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

To which I wholeheartedly plea, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20b). Please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(316 words ~ 9:46 a.m.)

GIVE!

Thursday, December 15, 2016 (8:16 a.m.)

Loving Lord,

I was prepared to jump up and start running around here. Probably much like a chicken with its head cut off. Instead I will sit here and ask that You would order my day.

The moment I decided to take this time, a song began in my heart. ♫Ask and it will be given to You... with good measure, pressed down...♫

Oh. Would You just look at that! It's GIVE!!!!!

Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

So here I am, ready to ask You to order and direct my day and I receive the command to give. Thank You Father. Oh, praise and thank You!

While I am still asking Your guidance and direction today, I am now asking that You guide and direct me in the actual giving of myself. To tasks. To others. To purposes You choose for me.

The Message says this, beginning with verse 37, “Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults – unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier.”

Doesn't that near-perfectly represent all I was about yesterday?

And now verse 38. “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back – given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

Oh YES Blessed Dad. Teach me to GIVE! Freely. Openly. Readily. Eagerly.

Illustrated Bible Handbook Judging Others; 6:37-45 tells us, “Relationships with others are to be free of judging, filled with forgiveness. The promise is that, as God's people set a new pattern of life, others will begin to respond in similar ways (38).”

You have so very much to teach me Father. Help me be a better learner!

“For this kind of life self-examination, not criticism of others, is important (39-42). Actually, it's never necessary for us to judge others. As time goes by, each life produces its own fruit: good fruit comes from those with good in their heart, bad from those who have evil stored within.”

Oh, look, here's a bonus I didn't expect. Foundation for Life with Others; 6:46-49. “The foundation for life with others is not just knowing what Jesus says but practicing it. How clearly the words of Jesus in this chapter call us to live a life of constant love for one another.”

Blessed Jesus, I absolutely cannot do anything good without You. Guide, direct, empower and embolden me to Your will this day. Work in, with, by, through and for me as only You can. I love You and I long to represent You well. Do all You must. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(486 words ~ 8:47 a.m.)

"YEA" saying

Thursday, December 15, 2016 (4:23 a.m.)

Blessed God,

(5:25 a.m.)

I am not yet awake. And still working on being grateful.

Father, thank You for the blessings You provide. Warmth. Shelter. Challenges. Hope. Love. Joy. Thank You for this Advent season. Thank You for the things of which to be aware.

Dearest Dad, I confess to cutting myself off. Setting myself apart. Not wanting to get too close to any one or any thing. Trying to figure things out, so I can keep myself safe.

This is not Your best for me. How well I know that. My feelings have been so close to the surface. Very easily hurt. I can be acutely aware of how You would have me respond to circumstances yet I dig in deeper instead of just letting go.

Help me please. I long to enjoy time spent with You and with others. Silence the naysaying that continues taking place deep in my soul. Holy Father God, I long to be a “YEA” sayer!

(6:36 a.m.)

Yes, God, please empower me in saying, “Yes” to You.

Yesterday I repeatedly and doggedly grunted, “No!” every single time You reminded me to simply forgive and let go of the slights I perceived as grudge worthy. Forgive me for not simply forgiving another.

Father, You are so good. So kind. Your love is perfect. Do all You must in preparing me to reflect You well. I haven't been.

A hymn of COMMITMENT AND OBEDIENCE entitled ♫Yes, Lord, Yes♫ speaks to this and references Samuel's willingness to obey You (1 Samuel 3:9). Again, not who I was yesterday!

♫I'll say yes, Lord, yes to Your will and to Your way. I'll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust You and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me, With my whole heart I'll agree, And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes♫

Make it so, Blessed God! It sings so beautifully. My desire and intent are actually in accordance to Your teaching. It's in the execution that I fail most.

I lean more towards the Immaturity and Call to Spiritual Growth referenced in Hebrews 5:11-14. “There is so much more we would like to say about this [Christ is Our High Priest]. But you don't seem to listen, so it's hard to make you understand” (v.11).

I WANT to not just listen Most Holy One. I want to obey! Truly. Make it so. Rid me of the attitudes that make me say, “nay” instead of “YEA!”.

I genuinely long to point all our blessings back to You with the greatest most resounding “YEA!” of all time.

I love You Father. Help me be obedient to Your call this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(455 words ~ 7:57 a.m.)

choosing to trust

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 (5:33 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I don't feel good. There's discomfort. Unease. Nothing to worry about. Just uncomfortable. Thank You that even in the midst of feeling off I get to look to You. Knowing, trusting, believing that “this too shall pass”.

While this phrase isn't found in Your Word, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us to “never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed everyday day.” Thank You Father.

Thank You that while my head feels dizzy and there are waves of chills I don't understand, making the choice to entrust my life to You is comforting.

Verse 17 tells us, “For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!” I like when You remind me of Your promises and Truth. Thank You.

“So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever” (v. 18). Yea! Thank You God!

While a comment for this section in The Life Recovery Bible helps us remember, “... the body's physical deterioration and eventual death are inevitable, as are the distressing trials that accompany life on this earth” it also points us to hope.

The very next line declares, “... our spirit is being renewed, preparing us day-by-day for the overwhelming glory and blessing we will experience in the presence of God throughout eternity.” Talk about something to look forward to! Thank You Father.

Yes. At this very moment I still don't feel good. And the glory here is that You are still God. Thank You that I get to choose to trust that You know exactly what You are doing.

Lead me today in all regards. Thank You for letting me know, believe and trust You. Thank You for loving me that I can in turn love You back. I do! Thank You. Be with me I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(355 words ~ 7:20 a.m.)

life lessons

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 (7:16 a.m.)

Holy God,

I woke up thinking these words, “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” (Psalm 23:1). What a wonderfully comforting Truth.

Father, how I thank You for knowing me. Loving me. Leading me.

“He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors Him the most” (vs. 2-3).

Yes please. Help me do what honors You the most.

I love You so much. You keep teaching me life lessons.

And with that, it's time to go for the day. Please come with me. Pointing me exactly where You would have me go.

Thank You for guarding and guiding me (v. 4). Providing my needs as You know is best (5). Thank You that “Your goodness and unfailing kindness are with me all of my life” (6a).

Use me as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(165 words ~ 7:47 a.m.)

in the moment

Monday, December 12, 2016 (5:34 a.m.)

Holy God,

Can You keep me in the moment today? My thoughts tend to swirl ahead, behind, all around.

Even as I considered the very first word I paused, knowing that of course, You can do absolutely everything! Father, thank You.

Thank You that I get to know You. And trust You!

How blessed we are to have ready access to Your Word. Thank You for the privilege of breathing in deeply as I think about just what I am reading here.

(7:07 a.m.)

Searching “in the moment”, Living Bible led me to Luke 12:36. Reading verses above and below I am reminded in Illustrated Bible Handbook of the importance of Watchfulness; 12:33-48, as well as Do Not Worry; 12:22-32.

Oh, how I thank You Father. Thank You! I keep inching my way up the pages. The Rich Fool; 12:13-21. On Guard; 12:1-12. And now a THEOLOGY IN BRIEF, Money and the Christian.

They all serve in reminding us that our confidence is to be in You and how very much You care for each of us. We are to live generously. Free from fear of others and materialism.

Even here I turn another page and read Dangers to Be Faced; 12:49-59. “Jesus does not promise an easy life... [He] speaks of the storm about to break over them and the necessity for each person to make his own decision about what is right.”

Comments for this chapter in The Life Recovery Bible point to Your deep and personal care for our thoughts and feelings. “True freedom and contentment cannot be found in the things we own... [they] are found by depending exclusively on God and obeying Him... Trusting God's supreme providential care enables people in recovery to live one day at a time.”

Mmm, one day at a time... in the moment.

Another TLRB comment, 12:32-34, “The heart represents all that motivates us – our thoughts, ideals, inclinations, priorities, convictions, worries, and fears. If we want genuine recovery in problem areas of our life, we must first release our heartfelt attachments to the dependency or compulsion we are struggling with. The things we value most and spend time and money pursuing – that's where our deep attachments and personal identity can be found. Our checkbooks and date books are barometers of our heart condition and our progress in recovery.”

Hmm... “checkbooks and date books... heart condition... progress...” Verse 34, “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.”

Oh Blessed Father, let my treasure, heart and thoughts be on You! Every moment of this day. Keep me in YOUR moment Blessed God. I love You. I want to serve You. Make it so I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(455 words ~ 8:15 a.m.)

pleased and content

3^rd Sunday of Advent, December 11, 2016 (7:39 a.m.)

Incredibly Awesome God,

Thank You! You are working in me. I was keenly aware of it yesterday. I experimented. Had some success. Made a few mistakes. Rested. Regrouped. And went away feeling pleased. And content.

Holy Father God, how I thank You for the genuine joy You provide to my heart. Beginning much earlier this morning as I made the conscious decision to practice smiling. I confess to You Father, I honestly forget to smile.

Thank You that You often remind me of the importance of not taking things too seriously. A simple smile breaks the negativity that many times takes up far too much space in my mind. Thank You for the change that comes with smiling.

Simply turning the corners of my mouth up instead of down settles my soul. It reminds me to breathe in deeply. To consider You and all the opportunities You provide us. Father, how I thank You.

Thank You too for this particular season of Advent. Two weeks ago we thought about the hope that is ours to come. Last Sunday we were reminded of being surrounded by Your love. Today we begin a week of considering “a grace note of joy”. Thank You Father.

How glad I am to be reading in Deuteronomy 6. A chapter subtitled, A Call for Wholehearted Commitment in one Bible and The Most Important Commandment in another. Love the Lord Your God is used in yet one more.

No matter how we phrase it, it all comes back to being quick to hear (“Shema”) that You alone are the only true God (6:4) and that we must love You with all our heart, soul and strength (v. 5). Thank You for reminders Father. Reminders to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to Your laws (6) and repeatedly talk about them to our children (7).

When we talk about You and Your unconditional love for each of us, how can we help but smile? Keep reminding me Blessed God. It is still not my first, go-to facial expression.

(12:05 p.m.)

Thank You for the privilege of reading and contemplating Your Word. As I prepare to leave here for now, I ask that You would continue teaching me the value of joy. And risk! An important word that just again came back to mind.

Let me use well the lessons I am learning in experimenting and not being afraid. Empower me to take the risks You would have me take. As well as remember the importance of Deuteronomy 6:12. The verse that started this whole line of thinking.

“When you take it all in [cities you didn't build, houses you didn't buy, wells you didn't dig, vineyard and olive orchards you didn't plant (vs.10-11)] and settle down, pleased and content, make sure you don't forget how you got there - GOD brought you out of slavery in Egypt.”

Yes, Father! Make sure I don't forget! I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(500 words ~ 12:14 p.m.)

cross

Friday, December 9, 2016 (7:33 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I failed. Again!

Cross words led to silence. A minor misunderstanding has become a major blowup. Why? Because I refuse to forgive.

Thank You that I can practice my ridiculousness on You before I drop the iron guard I have placed around myself.

Father, You are so good and I am so grateful to be allowed in Your presence exactly as I am. I honestly feel myself softening. A bit.

Take the word I used earlier... cross. I used it as an adjective. Describing having been annoyed. Irritated. Angry.

I had completely forgotten its use as a noun. Especially with a capital C. Usually preceded by the definite article “The”.

Talk about humbling me back out of myself. Thank You Father.

Thank You that You will use whatever You must to bring me back to obedience to Your Word. It's not enough that I know how or what I am to do or say. No, no. I must actually do all You command.

Forgive? “But what about...?” It doesn't matter. Forgive anyway.

“But, I...” And I sound exactly like a three year old we love.

Mm. And there it is. Love.

Love? “I don't feel like loving.” Love anyway.

Yes. You are right. As always!

Thank You Father that I can tie myself up into all kinds of knots and You are not put off by them. You do indeed know best.

There is a song singing itself to me. We sing it in church. It has to do with The Cross. I can't find it in my searching. Please help me as You always do.

Matt Redman. “For the Cross”.

(9:28 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

I can't even begin to describe the back and forth I'm doing here. I start to make progress in my thinking and my doing. Then CRASH! Four steps back. The childhood Chutes and Ladders game at my worst!

Forgive me. Again!

My feelings got hurt and “Waa, waa, waa”, I want understanding. Or revenge. This is absolutely NOT why You came!

♫You came into a world of shame And paid the price we could not pay Death that brought me life Blood that brought me home... And I love You for Cross I'm overwhelmed by the mystery I love You for the cost That Jesus You would do this for me♫

I believe it as I sing it. And as soon as I'm confronted with discord, BAM! I want to make somebody “pay”!

Forgive me. Yet again!

Oh. I'm starting to see just how very much I need Your forgiveness that I would willingly offer it to another.

Jesus, thank You for Your life. Your willingness. Your suffering. On my behalf. Forgive me for not taking it all as personally as I would like. I tend to push You away. I know I do. Again, forgive me!

♫When You were broken, You were beaten You were punished, I go free When You were wounded and rejected In Your mercy I am healed, I am healed♫

How I ask that You would live this day in and through me.

♫Jesus Christ the sinners friend Does this kindness know no bounds With Your precious blood You have purchased me Oh the mystery of the Cross You were punished You were crushed But that punishment has become my peace Yes that punishment has become my peace♫

Hmm... There's already been the perfect punishment. I can never make another “pay” enough. I have to forgive. And forgive. And forgive again. I need You for that. Teach me. Empower and enable me to do that which I cannot, and often times do not desire, to do. Yes!

♫I will love You for the Cross And I will love You for the cost Man of sufferings, Bringer of my peace♫

Powerful, powerful Truth here. Do all You must in changing me to reflect You more clearly. I love You Jesus. Thank You for Your cost. Thank You for Your cross! Amen.

(674 words ~ 10:16 a.m.)

relentlessly pursued

Thursday, December 8, 2016 (5:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I keep making mistakes. There are SO many things I don't know. Can't understand. Haven't figured out. The seemingly simplest things get the better of me. Repeatedly!

Again I turn to Your Word and am once more immediately brought to tears. Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity of reading Your Truth and promises.

I definitely have a problem being kind to myself. Second guessing, self-doubt and relentless inner criticism come easy.

(7:01 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You that even though negative attributes quite often seem to rule my thinking, YOU are Truth! Thank You that in the very midst of reading Faith and Reason in Illustrated Bible Handbook regarding Job's struggles, my soul again started singing...

♫All my hope is in You♫

Wanting to continue reading instead of singing, I tried ignoring the prompting. Ever so subtly, there it was again... ♫My hope is in You, Lord In You, it's in You♫

Thank You Father. Thank You that You will not be ignored!

Here (hear?) again the word “relentless”. Persistent, continuing, constant, never-ending, tenacious, single-minded...

And I give in. To You! Looking up the song I find that it's ♫My Life is in You, Lord♫ Yes! My life... My strength... My hope... it's in You!

I have tears and tissues all over the place right now. My eyes are blurred. Nose is running. Heart is breaking.

I miss my mom and the delight she brought into all of our lives! I constantly fight the turmoil in my head of “What's the point?” and “It's not worth it.”

Father, YOU are the point! YOU are worth it all!

Forgive my shortsightedness. Thank You for taking my emotional weariness and reminding me again of just exactly what we are here for. YOU!

Thank You for an e-article entitled God's Relentless Pursuit of Us in Love by Jim Feiker. Thank You that its opening Scripture reference is one that I know well, but given here in The Message did not immediately recognize.

“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life” (Psalm 23:6a). Chase after me. Like I often do with misbehaving children. Bringing me full circle to the mistakes I keep making.

Thank You Father that You are permanent. You last. You provide. And I get to keep practicing trusting You and Your promises.

Father, I am asking You right now to fill me with Your Spirit that I would truly live this day as You would have me live it. Joyfully. Lovingly. Hopefully. Through the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

I love You, Dad. Discipline me exactly as You know is best. I am Your child. Train me up in the way I should go (Proverbs 22:6). Teach me to choose the right path that I would not depart from it.

I love You. I want to serve You. Exactly as You wish to be served. Do a miracle in me this day Blessed God. Let me live and use wisely and well all the blessings You have provided. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(526 words ~ 8:09 a.m.)

blessed

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (6:22 a.m.)

Holy, Blessed God,

You bless us. And bless us. And bless us. Thank You.

(8:18 a.m.)

I confess to feeling unsure as to how best to use these blessings.

Thank You that feeling is NOT being! Thank You that just as I started to tell You that I am unsure, I remembered that I am to be sure in You.

(10:41 a.m.)

Mm... 1 Samuel 12:24 New Living Translation tells us, “But be sure to fear the LORD and sincerely worship Him. Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you.” I truly have tears at the very thought.

You bless us. And bless us. And bless us! Let me fully esteem and revere You! Serving You in Truth with all my heart.

It's a process. I will never do it perfectly. I may very often times feel unsure. But in You, I AM sure!

YOU bless and keep us. YOU smile down and show us Your kindness. YOU answer our prayers and give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26 Easy-to-Read Version). All our blessings come from You. On that I am very sure.

Thank You for reminding me. Every time I need it most. I am sure in You!

I absolutely LOVE when reading Your Word brings me to tears! Even when they are the shaky “oh my goodness, I don't know if I ever knew this before” signs of emotion.

Romans 8:38 Contemporary English Version begins, “I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love...” Other editions use the words: persuaded, convinced and certain.

Thank You Father that while there are so very many things of which I may feel unsure, being separated from Your love is never to be one of them.

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

(314 words ~ 11:26 a.m.)

surrounded, part 2

2^nd Sunday of Advent, December 4, 2016 (6:06 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You for surrounding us with Your love (Psalm 32:10b). We started talking about it yesterday morning and the power of this Truth remained with me throughout the night. Thank You God.

Thank You that in looking at the various translations and paraphrases I saw so many other words describing the same fact. “... mercy shall compass...” Lovingkindness. Compassion. Faithful / unfailing / steadfast / constant / loyal / abiding love. Grace. “... Your kindness shields...”

Reviewing these many renditions, I take notice of the adjectives used in describing Your love. Blessed Father, thank You that You are so very intentional in Your teachings. You mean for us to learn. To trust. To follow You.

Thank You for this Season of Preparation to celebrate Your Son's birth. Thank You for His precious life. Thank You for the supreme cost of Your plan to rescue and redeem Your people.

Thank You for the following two rewordings of Your Truth. Please note the genuine, complete smile encompassing my entire being as I consider myself in this passage (verses 9-11).

The Voice, “But don't be stubborn and stupid like horses and mules who, if not reined by leather and metal, will run wild, ignoring their masters. Tormented and empty are wicked and destructive people, but the one who trusts in the Eternal is wrapped tightly in His gracious love. Express your joy; be happy in Him, you who are good and true. Go ahead, shout and rejoice aloud, you whose hearts are honest and straightforward.”

Words like stubborn and stupid ring so very true in describing me at times. Running wild. Ignoring masters. And then Your Truth reminds us of being wrapped tightly in Your gracious love, to express our joy and be happy in You. To rejoice. Aloud!

Thank You Father. Truly, absolutely thank You.

The Message, “'Don't be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.' God-defiers are always in trouble; GOD-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around. Celebrate GOD. Sing together – everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!”

Oh yes please! Father I long to be a GOD-affirmer. To truly celebrate You and raise the roof in the process. Empower and embolden me to do exactly that. Every time I turn around.

Thank You for time together this morning. Be with us as we use this day as yet another adventure in serving and celebrating You. We love You Father. Thank You for surrounding us in Your perfect, incredible love. Amen.

(423 words ~ 6:52 a.m.)

surrounded

Saturday, December 3, 2016 (6:08 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Good morning. I sit here surrounded by clutter. And so much bigger than that, I am surrounded by Your love!

(9:00 a.m.)

New Century Version for Psalm 32:10 tells us, “Wicked people have many troubles, but the LORD's love surrounds those who trust Him.” Thank You Father!

I have the privilege of sitting here surrounded with various renderings of Your Truth.

always!

Friday, December 2, 2016 (6:02 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. I woke up singing. And thinking. ♫We need a little Christmas Right this very minute♫ And I need to love and forgive freely. Always.

(6:25 a.m.)

As I sit here looking up our current traditions and their origins, Father again I turn to You asking (Matthew 7:7) that You would guide my search. It is You I long to honor and glorify. Not only during this season... always!

Hmm. Always - “at all times; on all occasions”. Yes, Father continue Your work in me that I would come to know You. Really, truly know You. At all times, on all occasions.

Holy Father. Thank You. Thank You that I get to look to You, read Your Word and be filled with the hope that comes only from knowing You.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for John 17:1-26 speaks of Jesus as “our high priest and intercessor (Hebrews 8:1-6).” It goes on to tell how that in this final prayer of His, “He makes God's will known to us and our heartfelt needs known to God.”

Thank You Father! Thank You Jesus!

When I awoke this morning singing ♫We need a little Christmas♫ It was YOU I knew we needed. You, wrapped up in the Spirit of Christmas. You, Who can speak to our souls that have ♫Grown a little leaner, Grown a little colder, Grown a little sadder, Grown a little older♫

Thank You for this uninterrupted opportunity of sitting here, reading Your Word and being reminded that “Jesus' words and deeds reveal God's mercy, justice, glory, truth and His desire to establish a personal relationship with each of us.”

When I sing of needing a little Christmas, this is exactly what I mean! You supply our every single need. Always!

“Jesus intercedes with God the Father on our behalf, bringing our needs and requests continually before God. He prays that we would know His perfect joy, be protected from all evil, grow in truth and holiness, and show love toward all people.”

The song reminds us ♫For we need a little music, Need a little laughter, Need a little singing Ringing through the rafter, And we need a little snappy “Happy ever after” Need a little Christmas now♫

YOU meet our every need! Always.

Thank You Jesus for this Advent Season. Continue Your work in causing us to remember that it's You Who provides perfect joy, protection from evil, Truth, holiness and the ability to show love towards all people.

We DO need a little Christmas. One only YOU can supply. Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Ghost.

I love You. I thank You. And I need You. Always! Thank You. Amen.

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