Light to the darkness

 Monday, April 29, 2024 (6:12 a.m.)

♪I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm Louder and louder You’re gonna hear my praises roar Up from the ashes hope will arise Death is defeated, the King is alive♪

Thank You Father. THIS is the song with which to awaken!

♪I Raise a Hallelujah In the presence of my enemies I raise a "Hallelujah!" Louder than the unbelief I raise a “Hallelujah!” My weapon is a melody I raise a “Hallelujah!” Heaven comes to fight for me♪

Father, thank You for the ability, the songs and the desire to sing them. To smile. Too stay our minds and stand firmly on Your Word of hope and promises.

♪I raise a “Hallelujah!” With everything inside of me I raise a “Hallelujah!” I will watch the darkness flee I raise a “Hallelujah!” In the middle of the mystery I raise a “Hallelujah!” Fear, you lost your hold on me♪

Yes! See the chorus from above! ♪I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm Louder and louder, You’re going to hear my praises roar Up from the ashes hope will arise Death is defeated, the King is alive♪

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. ♪You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore every heart that is broken And Great Are You Lord♪

Mm, yes. Thank You. We had fun yesterday. With family and friends. Kindnesses. Concern. Joy. Laughter. Sharing. Caring. We looked for these things. And found them. Thanks Dad!

(7:26 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I am confessing fear to You right now. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of overwhelm. And too much information.

Thank You Father that we can bring every single fear to You. You ARE our Light in the darkness! ♪You give hope, You restore every heart that is broken And great are You, Lord It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise  It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only♪

Yes! ♪I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm! Louder and louder You’re gonna hear my praises roar Up from the ashes hope will arise Death is defeated, the King is alive♪

Yes, yes, yes, Father! It is in YOU I place my trust. Ephesians 3:20. The Message. “God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.”

Yes. Yes. Yes! This I pray. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7). That You will do in, with, by, through and for us all that we are completely unable to manage on our own.

We love You God. We need, trust and want You. Use us exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

proof positive

 Sunday, April 28, 2024 (5:30 a.m.)

You did it again. Thank You Father. Proved positively that joy does indeed come in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

Having spent much of the night humming, considering and clinging to the Truth of Psalty the Singing Songbook’s ♪Cares Chorus♪ I was delighted to recognize upon my waking, the song had changed to ♪Raise a Hallelujah♪ That was Your work Dearest God. Thank You.

From casting cares (1 Peter 5:7) to hearing my praises roar (Revelation 19:6). This hope and faith and trust is all You Lord and I am supremely grateful. Thank You for the multitude of ways you remind me what a ♪Good, Good Father♪ You truly are.

We are called to trust in You with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5a). Leaning not on our own understanding (5b). In all our ways acknowledging You and You will direct our paths (6). Thank You Dearest God.

For every “if only” and “what if” my mind conjures I get to stay my mind and stand firmly on Your Word instead. 1 Peter 5:7. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” Yes! I get to choose my thoughts.

Philippians 4:8. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Yes! I am to “keep putting into practice all we’ve learned and received… Then the God of peace will be with us” (v. 9).

Our time together just keeps getting better. And deeper!

The Message. “Summing it all up, friends I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me [Paul], what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Like being able to ♪sing in the middle of the storm Louder and louder hear(ing) my praises roar Up from the ashes hope will arise Death is defeated, the King is alive♪ Thank You Father.

Here I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to do all You must in enabling me to live Paul's words. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about ANYthing; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done [like changing my song ♪in the middle of the storm Louder and louder, You’re gonna hear my praises roar♪]. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Lord, Illustrated Bible Handbook has these verses under “Chapter 4. Joy in the Lord A Plea for Perspective; 4:2-9. Paul speaks of joys that are found through relationship with the Lord (4). In Christ we have release from anxiety, for we can express every need to God and experience peace…” Continue Your work in reminding me of Your presence. In every single aspect of our day.

I love You Lord. I need, trust and want You. Do all You must that I will truly glorify and enJOY You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(603 words ~ 7:21 a.m.)

every day

 Saturday, April 27, 2024 (5:40 a.m.)

♪Every Day With You, Lord Is sweeter than the day before Every day I love You more and more More and more and more… And when I go to sleep at night time It’s YOU that I’m praying for ‘Cause every day with You, Lord Is sweeter than the day before♪

(6:16 a.m.)

Thank You Lord for the desire and ability to be here with You. Singing. Learning. Wanting to know You more.

Thank You for the writings of the apostle Paul. His devotion. Obedience. Examples.

Reading Faith Brings Joy (Romans 5:1-11) again I start singing the first song from much earlier. ♪I’ve Been Redeemed…By the blood of the Lamb… Saved and sanctified I am. All my sins are washed away, I’ve been redeemed♪ Father, thank You for the various ways we are reminded of Your Truth each day.

Staying our minds and standing firmly on Your Word centers and balances us. Truly offering hope. An absolute freedom from fear.

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth (Ephesians 3:14-21) calls on Your “glorious, unlimited resources” to strengthen and empower us (v. 16). Allowing Christ to make His home in our hearts as we trust in Him. Our roots will grow down into Your love and keep us strong (17). Thank You for the life and love Your presence completes in us (18-19).

Father God, I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to use me exactly as You know is best. Remembering that You, the LORD our God are the one and only LORD (Mark 12:29). I want to love You, others and myself with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (vs. 30-31). Do all You must Dear Lord.

I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

no bad days

 Friday, April 26, 2024 (6:43 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Again You lead, guide and direct us. Our thinking. Our praying. Our sleeping [when it happens]. And our waking. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Oh yes. Thank You Dear God!

Thank You for calling to us. Teaching and reminding us that Yours is the perfect way (Psalm 18:30). Yes. Yes. Yes!

Blessed Father, I woke up playfully singing to You. ♪We had a bad night♪ to the tune of Daniel Powter’s Bad Day. Even thinking of it now brings a smile to my face. 

Thank You for teaching me to recognize Your power behind every smile that comes to me. Across my face. My heart. My soul. Even my mind. Giving me strength to carry on.

You’ve taught me through the years the importance of giving thanks to You in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thank You for the practice Lord.

(7:26 a.m.)

Searching the phrase “No Bad Days” I found [and ordered] a book with that title. Written by JT Jester. Showing readers, as expressed in its subtitle How to Find Joy in Any Circumstance “that there really are no bad days - only hard ones.” Thank You Father.

We had a hard night. Oh look. Now I’m singing a sixty year old Beatle’s song. ♪It’s been A Hard Day’s Night… I should be sleepin’ like a log♪ Thank You that we can bring the most unusual thoughts to You and Your Word.

“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? [♪on which we stand… All other ground is sinking sand♪] God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; Your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping” (Psalm 18:30-36).

You do in, with, by, through and for us all that we can’t possibly accomplish on our own. Thank You that because of Your unfailing love (Psalm 143) we don’t have to depend on our own strength and power (Ephesians 6:10).

Illustrated Bible Handbook says of Psalm 18 “Shout out joy and love! David’s feelings when delivered from Saul and his other enemies. In graphic language David portrays God coming to aid His trusting servant.”

Mm, yes Father. I long to shout out joy and love! Even ESPECIALLY when ♪we’ve had a hard night♪ Thank You for loving us as only You are able. We love, need, trust and want You Lord. Use us exactly as You know is best. Thanking and praising You all the day long (2 Corinthians 1:3, Hebrews 10:22-24).

♪On Christ, The Solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand♪ Amen. And amen.

(508 words ~ 8:51 a.m.)

continuously

 Thursday, April 25, 2024 (6:07 a.m.)

Holy God,

THANK YOU! You alone are good (Matthew 12:35, Psalm 14:3). Thank You that You are.

Thank You that You remind me continuously of Your presence. Your grace. Your glory. And greatness (Psalm 145:5-8). 

It’s when we place our focus on You, Your Truth, Your promises that we practice trust. Thank You Lord.

It’s in You we find our hope (Romans 15:13). Yes! ♪All of my hope is in You My Life Is In You, Lord My strength is in You, Lord My hope is in You, Lord In You, it’s in You I will praise You with all of my life I will praise You with all of my strength With all of my life With all of my strength All of my hope is in You♪

I’ve been collecting phrases recently. “Be prepared, not scared.” Liz Curtis Higgs offers me another. “He gave us His Son, His Spirit, and His Word. Friends, we are good to go.”

I want to continuously stay my mind and stand firmly on Your Word. “Be(ing) alert and aware, not afraid.” Yes. You tell us repeatedly “Fear not.” 

Lord God, I want to practice being strong and of good courage (Joshua 1:9a). Not afraid or discouraged (9b). For You are with me wherever I go (9c).

“Jesus looked at them [His disciples] intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God’” (Mark 10:27. See also Ephesians 3:20). Thank You that I get to continuously practice trusting and believing that all You say is true.

Work in, with, by, through and for me that I will love as You would have me love. You. Others. Myself. Wholeheartedly. Soulfully. Mindfully. ♪With all of my strength…♪ (Mark 12:30-31).

I love, need, trust and want You. Use me. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(320 words ~ 7:37 a.m.)

permanent yet changing

 Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (6:03 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! The moon was beautiful last night! Well worth our going out to gaze upon and contemplate it. Thank You Lord.

My plan was to come before You bemoaning our combined wakings throughout the night. Thank You for taking me instead to thankfulness.

Searching “contemplate moon” I find paintings and a song with these words. Reading e-articles I am reminded that while the moon is permanent, it appears to change each day.

Lord, You are so good. ♪You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes There may be pain in the night [THIS is the song I was thinking of so much earlier!] But joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5) And when the oceans rage I don’t have to be afraid Because I know that You love me Your Love Never Fails♪

Thank You Father! Following this full moon contemplation into Your Word (Isaiah 30:26) I am thrilled to read the title of this section (vs. 18-33). Blessings for the LORD’s People. Thank You Father for the blessings You provide us.

Under the Principles of Judgment Illustrated Bible Handbook describes the woes to those who reject trusting in You. “The poetic warnings [30:1-31:9] are interrupted by a great passage of promise: God will bind up the wounds He inflicts: Jerusalem will weep no more (30:19-26). Grace, not judgment, is nearest to God’s heart!”

Again I say, thank You God! “The moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will be seven times brighter - like the light of seven days in one! So it will be when the LORD begins to heal His people and cure the wounds He gave them” (Isaiah 30:26).

Yes Lord. As beautiful as the moon was last night in all its fullness, it will be different tonight. You won’t. ♪You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes♪

Thank You that with every mistake I make I get to smile ♪’Cause You make all things, work together for my good (Romans 8:28)… You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes…♪

Thank You Lord. Use us exactly as You know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(347 words ~ 7:09 a.m.)

search and change

 Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (5:58 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. Singing [and smiling] has already begun. ♪Search Change My Heart, O God Make it ever true Change my heart, O God, May I be like You♪

Psalm 139:23-24, 51:10.

(6:52 a.m.)

Sitting with You Lord is an absolute gift. To my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength. Thank You Father.

As I stay my mind on Your Word, I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to keep teaching me to stand on it. Thank You for continuously reminding me to turn to You. Your goodness. Your grace. Your greatness. And Your glory (Psalm 145:5-8). Yes Father. Thank You.

You keep me calm. ♪You Make Me Brave♪ I need You. I trust, want and love You.

(7:33 a.m.)

The Message for Psalm 51:10. Starting at verse 7. Following through to 15.

“Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to create holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels Your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I’ll sing anthems to Your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I’ll let loose with Your praise.” 

Such Truth. Such wisdom. Encouragement. Power. Yes! Search and change my heart Oh God and I’ll let loose with Your praise. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

very present help

 Monday, April 22, 2024 (6:23 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are good. Great. Glorious. Gracious (Psalm 145:5-8). Our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1a). A very present help in trouble (1b).

(6:50 a.m.)

Mm, yes. Thank You.

I get to sing. ♪Hey! Look Me Over♪ (Psalm 139:23-24) and ♪Believe For It♪ Seeking You in it all.

Father, thank You. You take what I have to offer and give me more in return. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

You provide hope. You ♪move the immovable Break the unbreakable God, we believe God, we believe for it… From the impossible We’ll see a miracle… You said it I believe it You said it It is done… Yes, Lord God, we believe for it♪ Continue Your work in us I ask (Matthew 7:7).

Guide me in my thoughts, words and actions. I want to represent You well. Singing. Smiling. Standing firmly on Your Truth. Staying my mind on Your promises.

Use me as You alone know is best. Loving You, others and myself with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31).

Thank You Father. I love, need, trust and want You. Amen.

(202 words ~ 7:33 a.m.)

beyond the obvious

 Sunday, April 21, 2024 (5:27 a.m.)

Holy God,

You are good. I am glad. Life is strange. Different than I ever expected. My feelings get hurt over the seemingly smallest things. Thank You that You are so much bigger than every single issue I encounter in this life.

Thank You that I can find You when I look beyond the obvious. Yes Lord. I like the way You take my random thoughts and lead me into Your Word. Thanks Dad.

(7:03 a.m.)

Thank You God. Yes. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

(7:33 a.m.)

Yes, thank You Lord.

I want You. Your thoughts to overpower my own. Thank You for allowing/encouraging me to follow where You lead.

Right now? 2 Corinthians 10:5.

(7:42 a.m.)

And this time together with You just keeps getting better and better. Thank You God!

The Message. “The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way - never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.”

Yes Father! Build my life. Obediently into maturity.

I need You Lord. I love You. I trust and want You. You know Your best for us. Continue guiding my thoughts and steps. Far beyond the obvious.

Thank You that You do. Illustrated Bible Handbook. 2 CORINTHIANS “Chapter 10. Appeal, Not Command Meekness and Gentleness; 10:1-6… Paul is engaged in a spiritual warfare, so he can never rely on worldly methods. It requires divine power to demolish the inner strongholds and bring hearts and minds into an obedient relationship with the Lord.”

There’s that reference again. Obedience. To You. Keep capturing my fearful thoughts and bringing them to You for Your good. Your grace. Your glory. Your greatness (Psalm 145:5-8).

Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. Use me. Amen.

(383 words ~ 8:19 a.m.)