juncture

 Tuesday, November 30, 2021 (6:54 a.m.)

Christmas Chateau Family Room

Thank You, God. Thank You, God. Thank You, God,

It’s what I’ve said repeatedly for the last several hours. My mind would start to go where I didn’t want it to go. Thinking thoughts I had no interest in thinking. At every juncture, “Thank You, God” came easily. Almost automatically. To which, again I say, “Thank You God!”

(7:17 a.m.)

What a surprise! And another “Thank You, God!”

Acts 7. “STEPHEN, FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” Brought here because of the word ‘juncture’ (v. 20 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition). Thank You, God that we get to read of his faithfulness, even unto death (Revelation 2:10).

Blessed God, I look to You for faith such as his. Described in The Life Recovery Bible as “a man filled with the Holy Spirit, exhibiting God’s power and love in everything he did.”

Oh yes, Dear Father! Continue Your painstaking work in changing me from who I appear to who You would have me be. One who trusts You with my very heart, soul, mind and strength. Fully loving You, others and myself (Mark 12:30-31) as we go through each and every day.

Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit to do and to be all that You know is best. Wholeheartedly singing ♪I Will Enter His Gates with thanksgiving in my heart; I will enter His courts with praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad…♪ (Psalm 100:4; 118:24).

None of this am I able to do on my own. But You are able! Ephesians 3:20. “Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.”

Oh Amen, Amen Dearest Lord. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me to Your good and glorious end. Continue resetting my very being with every “Thank You, God” I utter. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(376 words ~ 7:56 a.m.)

"Thank You, God..."

Monday, November 29, 2021 (4:17 a.m.)

“Christmas Chateau” Family Room

Thank You, God!

That’s what I woke up saying just earlier. They also may have been the words I thought just before going to sleep last night. “Thank You, God…” Yes, You’ve helped it become my go-to phrase.

Found what was missing? “Thank You, God…” Killer cramp in my calf muscle? “Thank You, God…” Positive or negative circumstance? You are teaching me to encounter them with thanks and praise.

“Thank You, God. Thank You, God. Thank You, God.” I find it normally comes in threes. Much like my sneezing used to. 😉

Thank You that the message we watched from a Hawaiian church yesterday had much to say about developing a grateful heart. That’s what I’ve been experiencing with You these past several days.

♪Give Thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thank because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, “I am strong” Let the poor say, “I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us Give thanks♪

Mm, yes! Thank You, God.

Even here. Getting to read the origin of this “simple song of thanksgiving and trust” I am filled with thankfulness. Thank You, God.

Following this line of thinking and thanking, I’m smiling as I recognize having just transposed the numbers leading to a Bible verse. Thank You God for my error here.

While my heart fills with awe and wonder for the Truth of 2 Corinthians 8:9, it’s 9:8 where I feel my feet standing firm. Thank You God for the hope Henry Smith found in Jesus’ love and kindness (v. 8:9) that led him to pen this hymn (1978) I’ve sung for decades.

Verse 9:8 seems to be another reminding nudge toward my becoming a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Oh yes Dear Father. Make it so!

”God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share” (2 Corinthians 9:8 The Voice). Continue You work in making us eager to share Dear Lord.

Go before us. Behind us. Beside, beneath, above and within us this day. Using us as we prepare our hearts and our homes for the hope of Your Son’s coming. We love You.

Thank You, God. Thank You, God. Thank You, God! Amen. 

(414 words ~ 5:52 a.m.) 

Your Truth

 Sunday, November 28, 2021 (6:53 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m looking to You for Truth Lord. Your Truth!

(7:18 a.m.)

Mm, yes. Let’s start there. Your Truth.

Lord, there is so very much untruth in the world today. It’s exhausting. Life sucking. Thank You that Your Truth is life giving! Healing. Powerful. Holy.

Today marks the First Sunday of Advent. A time of preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Guide us please, I pray.

(7:42 a.m.)

And just like that [SNAP!] I’m smiling! My heart feels lighter. Open. Hopeful. Father, thank You!

Directed to Jeremiah 33:14-15 I read Your “Promises of Peace and Prosperity” and am immediately filled with hope. Looking at the world around us offers very little in that regard.

Reading a comment in The Life Recovery Bible I find great comfort. “33:1-26 When life seems like an unstable disaster, there is one thing we can count on. God is committed to us and to our recovery. He has promised to never abandon us. No matter how gray our life may be, no matter how dark the future seems, our loving and faithful God can heal us, restore our hope, and lead us toward recovery. As we trust Him with our disappointments, failures, sins, and confusion, we will find Him faithful to comfort, forgive and guide us.”

Your Truth! That’s where we find hope for “the sounds of joy and laughter” (v. 11 a). Your Word promises “The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!’” (11b, c).

It is in You and Your Truth we find the hope we need to continue in the day to day nonsense that surrounds. Prepare us Lord.

In this “time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas” draw our attention to You. And all this season is meant to represent. Your Truth, Dear Lord. Your Truth.

Use me as only You know is best. Glorifying and enjoying You. Thanking and praising You in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Trusting. Believing. Hoping. Preparing. Yes, Lord!

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

(404 words ~ 8:31 a.m.)

spirit of gratitude

 Saturday, November 27, 2021 (4:34 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I practiced intentionally saying that to You yesterday. Just earlier in the day You had reminded me of the importance of giving You thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Right here I remember the joy I felt the very moment I substituted “Thank You God, Thank You God” for the crass expletive that had readily flown out of my mouth at the very first sign of frustration. Thank You God, indeed!

All my thanks and praise are jumbling together wanting to be the first expressed. Let me take a step back remembering a want that came to mind yesterday. I want to glorify and enjoy You forever!

Father, I’m asking You to do all You must in making me obedient to Your call on my life. Glorifying and enjoying You. Forever. Beginning before yesterday. Thanking You readily. Often. In all things.

Tomorrow marks the first Sunday of Advent. “A period of spiritual preparation for the coming birth of Jesus Christ.” I want to glorify and enjoy You during this extraordinarily special time of year Dear Lord. I look to You to prepare me for all that lies ahead.

Joy? Give thanks. Frustrating circumstances? Give thanks. Continue Your work in replacing my deeply ingrained first reaction of negativity with a genuine spirit of gratitude.

Thanking You the moment I awoke this morning. Thanking You again for readily identifying the song in my head. Hall & Oates ♪You Make My Dreams Come True♪ You do Lord. YOU make my dreams come true.

Turning to You. Practicing obedience. Dropping my guard. Letting You be Lord of my life. ♪What I want You’ve got…What I’ve got’s full stock Of thoughts and dreams that scatter Then You pull them all together And how I can’t explain… YOU make my dreams come true♪

Yes Lord. My dream for today? To glorify and enjoy You forever. Giving thanks to You in all things. “In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (Amplified Bible).

Do all You must in me to Your good and glorious end. Keep working and reworking me to Your image. I love You. I want to glorify and enjoy You. ♪You Make My Dreams Come True♪ Thank You. Praise You. Use me. Amen.

(402 words ~ 6:11 a.m.)

good Shepherd

 Friday, November 26, 2021 (5:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

Lead and guide me into Your Word this morning I ask. Psalm 23 again comes immediately to mind. Let’s go there together.

(6:32 a.m.)

And together we went. Thank You Lord.

Reading various translations and commentaries, my heart quickens as my head nods. Thank You God. You are such a good Shepherd.

(7:11 a.m.)

Good News Translation states David’s psalm so simply. You as Shepherd. Needs met (v. 1). Rest in fields of green grass. Led to quiet pools of fresh water (2). What comforting word pictures, Lord!

(7:53 a.m.)

New strength given. Right paths promised and provided (3). Trust of Your presence, without fear, even in the deepest darkness (4a). Your rod of protection and staff of guidance reassuring and comforting (4b).

Father God, how I thank You for time together this morning. Looking more deeply into these verses of hope and Truth.

A banquet prepared, in front of enemies; welcomed as an honored guest with cup filled to the brim (5). Your goodness and love with us all our lives and Your house as our home forever (6).

I am asking You to guide and direct us in every aspect of this day Dear Lord. Using us as You know is best.

We love You. Long to serve You. Thanking and praising. Worshiping and adoring You as we go. Glory to You Dear God. Amen.

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

Your intervention

 Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2021 (4:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

You did it again!

Provided me JOY! Elation. Hope. I was completely aware of experiencing another grip of gladness with You. Right there in the moment. Practically walking on air.

And then? Frustration. Dark heart. Bad words.

Lord, I went from flying high to crashing and burning in practically no time at all. Thank You for intervening on my behalf.

Anger. Bitterness. And Your involvement. Reminding me to be honest, opening, willing. Thank You Father. You saved us from ourselves again.

It’s on Your precepts that we continue building our relationship. You make us aware of the need to speak kind words. Using gentle tones. To love and respect one another.

Thank You for another opportunity to come to You exactly as I am. Just the right set of circumstances to lay myself before You asking for Your intervention.

I look in Your Word and find examples of others who railed at You. Questioned and doubted their understanding of Your leading. And chose to obey anyway.

Yesterday, as my frustration grew, I chose to pull in my horns. Be honest. And ask for what I wanted. In no time at all another problem was successfully solved. This was You at work Dearest Lord. Your intervention of teaching us to work well together.

On this day set aside to be thankful, my gratitude goes straight to You Dearest God. You are great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. And we are truly grateful for Your intervention.

Work in, with, by, through and for us this day. Using us to Your good and to Your glory. We love You Lord. And we want to serve You as You so rightly deserve.

Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(295 words ~ 5:56 a.m.)

many good things

 Wednesday, November 24, 2021 (5:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. That’s another good thing, isn’t it? I’m asking You to make me fully aware and appreciative of the many good things You provide us.

(5:59 a.m.)

Once again, I ask and You answer! Thank You God. Praise You Father.

Reading in and of Your Word, hope begins to bubble up. Yes. Reminders abound of Your goodness. Your grace. Your kindness. Your promises. Your peace. Your Truth.

Align me with all You would have me learn this day. Sharing {2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Forgiveness. Your will (Ephesians 2:10). Your way.

Blessed God, Your Word is filled with direction. And correction.

Turning to The Passion Translation and its explanation for the word toowayhon I find myself looking again at the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). Father I can’t thank You enough for the many good things You provide.

Blessings. Enrichment. Happiness. Fortune. Delight. Bliss. Contentment. Prosperity. Abundant goodness. The capacity to enjoy union and communion with You.

As I continue searching Your Word I’m feeling so encouraged Lord. Guide and direct me in the verses You would have me stand on today.

You point us to Your Truth and give us peace. To rest in. Depend on. Use. To Your good and to Your glory.

None of these things can I do on my own. But in, with, by through and for You? The sky isn’t even the limit! Your goodness knows no bounds.

Psalm 119:68. The Message. “You are good, and the source of good; train me in Your goodness.” Oh yes, Lord! Train me in Your goodness.

I want to live this day fully aware of the many good things You have for us. I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to ♪Be Glorified Today. In my life… heart… praise, Lord Be glorified today♪

Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(318 words ~ 7:35 a.m.)

One Good Thing

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 (5:22 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! You reminded me to be grateful yesterday. While focused on hating the wind, You reminded me to name one good thing about it. One good thing? Yes! One good thing...

The sky! The harder the wind blew the more beautiful the clarity of the sky became. Bright blue in some areas. White clouds in others. Detailed precision in the view of the mountains. Even now, the smile returns at the thought of it all.

Father God I confess to You the repeated ease with which my hope fades.

(6:05 a.m.)

And with that confession came a whole new opportunity! To learn to ask why, instead of how or what.

Lord God, my thoughts get so lost in trying to figure things out. I forget to laugh. I choose to rehash, dwell upon and repeatedly go over disappointments and failures. Why? Habit! It’s what comes easy.

Thank You Father for teaching me much better ways. Changing my focus. Like yesterday in the wind.

Thank You for reminding me to be aware of every single time I smile. There’s joy in there somewhere. It helps me remember that I truly am grateful.

Because You are great, glorious, good and gracious, I get to sing practically at the drop of a hat. While thinking of one good thing I am reminded ♪Your Love Ever Fails It never gives up It never runs out on me… Higher than the mountains That I face Stronger than the power Of the grave Constant in the trial and the change [look who’s smiling again!] One Thing Remains…♪

Mm, yes Father. One good thing remains! Your love never gives up! Thank You. Praise You.

Use me this day in sharing Your Truth. Your hope. Your power. Your strength. All the good things You provide us every single day.

Turning to the Scripture verses involved with the Truth of this worship song, I get to agree again with David. Psalm 103:5. “He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”

Most Holy God and Father, none of this can I do on my own. But in and with and by and through and for You “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need” (Philippians 4:13).

Lord, I want to glorify and enjoy You forever. Beginning again, right here and now. ♪Constant in the trial and the change… One Thing Remains♪ Thank You that YOU are our One Good Thing!

I love You. I need You. I want You. I choose You. Remind me as often as is necessary that ♪Your Love Never Fails It never gives up It never runs out on me♪ (Psalm 136). Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

pursuing blessings

 Monday, November 22, 2021 (4:55 a.m.)

Holy God,

Blessings. I’m hear singing of and seeking Your blessings. Please lead and guide us in this pursuit. Not as an end to itself. No Sir. Blessed as a way of blessing others.

Here’s something I hadn’t considered. We are to pursue YOU! Not just Your blessings. Again I actively seek Your guidance.

Reading more, I come upon the concept of contentment as a blessing. Mm, yes Blessed God. Learning to be content in all things (Philippians 4:12). Living in the Spirit. Growing to know You more. Leaning in. Trusting. Believing You to do and be all Your Word of Truth promises.

Much like a famed advertising phrase, I’m excited to keep reading. “But wait! There’s more.”

“If we want blessings from Christ, we must follow Him.” Yes! Those seeking healing blessings mentioned in the Bible were prepared to turn from their indifference (Revelation 3:19).

(6:20 a.m.)

Blessed God, I confess to the disinterest with which I have recently been approaching each of the days You’ve set out for me. You are worthy of so much more than what I’ve been offering You. Forgive me Father for my own self-absorption.

Getting to read of You and a lukewarm people in the book of Malachi I find myself smiling again. I am grateful and filled with hope when I realize I am never alone in my dispassion. Thank You Lord.

Dearest Dad, turn my heart, soul, mind and strength back to You. I want to be obedient to Your promptings. Lead. Guide. Direct me to feeling, thinking, saying and doing the things that will honor You.

I love You. I need You. I want You. I choose You. Work in, with, by, through and for me as only You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Use me. Amen.

(309 words ~ 6:50 a.m.)

suddenly smiling

 Sunday, November 21, 2021 (7:40 a.m.)

Holy God,

Five hours. It took that long for bits and pieces of a melody to come together into one song.

♪God Only Knows what you’ve been through God only knows what they say about you God only knows how its killing you But there’s a kind of love that God only knows♪

And here’s a smile. Sudden. Seemingly out of nowhere. Singing one moment. And suddenly smiling the next.

Again and again. Singing Truth. Experiencing Your peace. The hope that comes from believing ♪God only knows the real you There’s a kind of love that God only knows♪

Comfort. Hopefulness.

♪You keep a cover over every single secret So afraid if someone saw them they would leave Somebody, Somebody, Somebody sees you Somebody, Somebody will never leave You♪

Thank You God for being our Somebody! The God who ♪only knows where to find you God only knows how to break through♪ You see us. You know us. Thank You that You only know our every need and how to fill it.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Needed. Your will. Your way. My obedience to Your leading.

Yes Lord. Do in, with, by, through and for me all that I can’t on my own. Singing. Smiling. Loving. Sharing. Readily. Willingly. Freely.

Illustrated Bible Handbook offers “ISAIAH Chapter 55. Invitation to the Thirsty Now all are invited to come to the Lord, to experience fully and freely the complete satisfaction He provides (1-2)…”

Thank You Father. Bless us and keep us (Numbers 6:24-26) as only You know You have planned (Jeremiah 29:11).

Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

singing, smiling, hoping, praying

Saturday, November 20, 2021 (5:19 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I am here, Dearest Lord, on behalf of others. And myself. Trusting. Believing. Depending on You to be great. Glorious. Good. Gracious.

There is tremendous need of You in hearts and households around this entire world. Thank You God that You are ♪Mighty to Save♪

While waking, my mind immediately went to the chaos. Crisis. Confusion. All caused by addiction. Need of Your presence abounds and surrounds. Father God there are mass casualties everywhere we look. Recovery. Relapse. Broken hearts. Fear. And faith. In You.

Thank You God that You remind us to look to You. Through it all. Yes! And with that bit of hope comes another song. ♪It Is Well with my soul… Through it all through it all My eyes are on You Through it all through it all It is well♪

Dearest God, thank You that as I remember to turn to You rather than the problems, Your Truth sings. And rings true. A smile begins. As does hope. And another prayer. For healing. Wholeness. Well-being.

Oh God, our Father. Here come the tears! So much Truth and hope found in Your Word. I stand firm, staying my mind on Your promises.

Beginning the paragraph above I searched for lyrics and found ♪O God, Our Help in Ages Past Our Hope for years to come…♪ Turning to the associated Scripture verse (Psalm 90:1) again I reach out to You! Your Truth. Your promises.

satan would have us despair. Be sad. Morose. You call us to joy. Delight. Faith and hope!

These are steps I cannot take on my own. I can however change my focus. Looking past the problems. To You. And Your promises.

Reading in and of Your Word I am reminded of the faith of others. Abraham. Joseph. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Jesus. Paul. Each with the faith to look past the problem right in front of them, to the glory and joy that is promised.

An e-article dealing with looking past problems teaches, “You see, you must look beyond the problem and go through the suffering and affliction and while you are in it you will see the Lord or the Lord’s hand.”

This I ask of You Dearest Father. The faith and hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13) to trust, honor and believe You through the entire process. Remembering and calling on Your Truth and promises.

I love You Lord. I want to glorify You in my thoughts, words and deeds.

♪Light in my darkness Peace for my soul You are my rescue You’ve never let go All My Hope Is In You All my strength is in You With every breath My soul will rest in You♪ Make it so Dear Lord.

♪My Life Is In You, Lord, my strength…, my hope…, is in You, Lord, in You, it’s in You♪ Do all You must that I will truly ♪praise You with all of my life…, strength… hope♪

I love You. I praise You. I need You. I trust You. I want You. I choose You. Be glorified, I pray. In, with, by, through and for me. Heal, comfort, provide for all those in such desperate need Dear Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(541 words ~ 7:35 a.m.)