depending on the Spirit's power

 Monday, June 30, 2025 (4:50 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are good, glorious, great and gracious (Psalm 145:5-8). It’s the very last day of a month that has endured severe loss for a much loved family.

Father, this morning I come to You praying the Truth and promises of Your Word written by Your apostle Paul for the Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Rome. Especially regarding The Spirit’s Power he taught in Chapter 8.

Father God, there are loved ones experiencing an unfathomably tragic loss. It is only the power of Your life-giving Spirit that will free them from the pain they each are suffering.

Blessed Lord, how truly I ask (Matthew 7:7a) that Your Spirit come upon each of them (Romans 8:10) to soothe and comfort them. Give them all the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) that comes only from knowing and loving You.

While we experience the devastating loss of our loved ones' physical presence, You provide them the ultimate gift of Your eternal presence. Father, it is far too great a burden for any of us to carry alone.

I ask (Matthew 7:7a) the Truth of Matthew 11:28-30 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 come to realization for this gravely hurting family. Your promised yoke for light burdens. And Your powerful grace made perfect in their weakness.

Father, this current loss seems incomprehensible. I call on the Holy Spirit to “help us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26). Not knowing how to pray, I’m trusting the Spirit to speak to You for us. Believing You know what the Spirit is saying (v. 27) and will ultimately “cause everything to work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose for them” (28).

Blessed Lord God, we absolutely love, need, trust and want You. Exactly as the good, good Father that You are. Be glorified here Dear Lord. Using this devastating loss to strengthen and empower Your children. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(343 words ~ 6:28 a.m.)

acquiring knowledge

 Sunday, June 29, 2025 (5:03 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

There are so many things to learn. Thank You for the resources and exploration attempts necessary for acquiring knowledge.

The plan for today is to drive many miles to worship You. As excited as I've been about the prospect, this morning I’m recognizing apprehension.

Thank You God that I can talk with You about everything that comes to my mind. And heart. Fear of the unknown. Nervousness. “Butterflies in the stomach.”

John 4:23-24

2 Peter 3:18 

(5:51 a.m.)

Searching to learn more, I read about the importance of becoming an image bearer. Meaning that I am to find my true self in You. And represent You well.

Father, I look to You. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) that You will provide all that is necessary for me to learn [acquire the knowledge] You have for me today.

I love, need, trust and want You God. Do all You must in using me exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(179 words ~ 5:59 a.m.)

joy of God's presence

 ♪… my Place In This World♪

Saturday, June 28, 2025 (3:42 a.m.)

Awesome, Loving, Faithful Father God,

Thank You for the positives that far outweigh the negatives. I think of You and the list of descriptive words just flows. Thank You Lord.

(4:13 a.m.)

Thank You for the desire and opportunity to sit and explore Your Word. Turning first to 2 Corinthians 9. Then Psalm 112. And finally Psalm 16:11.

All the while still singing

♪…my place in this world♪

Lord God, how truly I thank and praise You for who and all You are. Inviting us in to be shown “the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever” (Psalm 16:11).

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes this psalm as beautiful. Expressing “satisfaction with personal relationship to God.” Regarding You alone as “the source of all good” (vs. 1-4). Assigning our place in life (5-6). “The one who guides us by His presence (7-8).”

Father, my own words are few this morning. Yet my heart is ever expanding. Having this time to search, find and read of other people encountering such deep joy and satisfaction in and with You truly delights me. I associate my own experiences with theirs and consider myself exceedingly blessed.

(4:58 a.m.)

Looking to You, I ask (Matthew 7:7a) that You would continue blessing and keeping me (Numbers 6:24). Make Your face shine upon and be gracious to me (v. 25). Turn Your face toward, SMILE! and give me Your peace (26).

I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Use me exactly as You know is best. Pointing to You every step of the way.

♪I’m looking for a reason

Roaming through the night to find

My Place in This World…

Not a lot to lean on

I need Your light to help me find

My place in this world♪

 

Thank You God and Father. Praise You. Amen.

(327 words ~ 5:29 a.m.)

not yet the case

 Friday, June 27, 2025 (4:04 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for who and all You are.

♪Let everything

That has breath

Praise the Lord♪

(Psalm 150:6)

(4:40 a.m.)

I confess. I’m not there yet.

I believe You to be good Father. Absolutely 100% good. And at the very same time I am experiencing feelings of sadness. Indecisions. Unsureness.

Confessing again, I prefer the alternative. Trusting. Believing. Letting go and letting You be the good and glorious God You are. Work Your mercy and grace in Christ [magic] in, with, by, through and for me I ask (Matthew 7:7a).

♪Let everything

That has breath…♪ 

(5:26 a.m.)

Proverbs 16:9, 19:21

Isaiah 46:10

Many times when I come before You, I think I know where we’re going. Or maybe what I’m thinking or feeling. Father, that is NOT yet the case this morning.

Rather than waste time, energy and words, let me sing out instead:

♪Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 

Look full in His wonderful face;

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace♪

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

Yes please Lord.

This hymn is found in THE LIFE OF CHRIST section of The Celebration Hymnal. Under the subsection THE REDEEMER: HIS GRACE, LOVE AND MERCY.

Blessed [happy] Father God, I have NO idea what plans You have for me today. I ask (Matthew 7:7a) that You line me up according to Your will and Your way. I want to be honest, open and willing in my dealings with You, others and myself.

I want to fully trust Your mercy and grace in Christ’s abiding love [magical] to lead, guide and direct my thoughts, words and actions. Empower and enable me to truly embrace and impart the teaching of Your apostle Paul in strengthening the believers in Ephesus in their relationship with You and with each other.

While in prison for serving You, he begged them “to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

I am experiencing Your peacefulness. I thank and praise You for that. Use me as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You. Do what is needed Lord. Amen.

(413 words ~ 6:06 a.m.)

finding ease

 ♪God, I’m still Counting My Blessings♪

Thursday, July 26, 2025 (4:03 a.m.)

Blessed [Happy] God,

Thank You! I was really honest with You yesterday. Took my time getting started. And You worked through me in ways I could not have imagined.

Effortlessly, one long disregarded task led straight into another. You prompted me to get things done that I had previously been putting off. Phone calls. Various cleaning projects. You just took charge of it all. Thank You Lord.

Long looked for items were found. Along with supplies I didn’t even know we had.

♪God, I’m still counting my blessings…

Knowing I can’t count that high♪

Searching to find how others experience an effortlessness with You, I am repeatedly directed to Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus’ speaking. Here in The Message.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Hmm… “learn to live freely and lightly.” I very much like the sound of that!

The most common translation for verse 30 is, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Other versions describe Your yoke as “soft”, “comfortable”, “fit[ted] perfectly” and “easy to wear.”

EasyEnglish Bible sums it up quite nicely. “I will not tell you to do things that are too difficult. I will not tell you to carry anything that is too heavy for you.”

You provided me that freedom yesterday Dear Lord. Challenges were encountered. Mistakes made. And intentionally appreciated. Your presence was clearly felt. Thank You for being here with me every step of the day.

Travel is scheduled for today. I’m asking (Matthew 7:7a) You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me. Keeping me clearly connected with You over and back.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each of You providing exactly what all of You know I need. Thank You for Your presence and Your provision. Do exactly what is necessary in, with, by, through and for using me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(386 words ~ 5:13 a.m.)

"not yet"

 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (5:41 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m thinking. Wondering. Trying to remember.

(6:58 a.m.)

Bits and pieces of various songs. Each wanting to out-sing the other. Father, I have a case of “not yet”s this morning. I want to do this, that and something else. Just “not yet.”

Here I am asking (Matthew 7:7a) Father. Please work in, with, by, through and for me. I want to praise You. Be grateful. Sing and smile. Stand firm and stay my mind on Your good, great, glorious graciousness (Psalm 145:5-8).

I confess I cannot do any of this in and of myself. You can. I will let You. Yes!

♪Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay

Mold me and make me after Thy will

While I am waiting, yielded and still♪

(Jeremiah 18:1-6)

(7:49 a.m.)

Here it is! That spark of joy. A smile. Contentment. Excitement. Your reminder to me. Proverbs 16:9. “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Match mine with Yours for me dear Lord.

♪I wanna dance like David

I wanna faith like Paul

I wanna sing like Silas tearing down the prison walls

I wanna face that fire

It won’t burn me through

God’s got my back

Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego…

…I’m gonna praise

I praise the heaven seated undefeated highest of names

That’s Who I Praise♪

Yes! It took more than a minute to remember all You are. And who I am in You. Free. Alive. Forgiven. Redeemed.

The list continues. And so does my hope. Thank You Father. Use me as You alone know is best. I love, need, trust and want You.

♪All praise to God the Father

All praise to Christ the Son

All praise to the Holy Spirit

Our God has overcome

The king who was and is and evermore will be 

In Jesus mighty name, I Believe♪

Yes Father! It is in Jesus’ mighty name I believe. Thank You. And truly praise You. Amen.

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

seasons

 ♪From (In) the middle of the (my no way out)…

You always have

And You always will♪

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (4:38 a.m.)

Thank You Father,

At first, there was no song. Then there was. But I didn’t know what it was. Now I do. Thanks Dad.

I like the ways You provide for us. Friendships. Peace. Your Truth. Seasons. Changes. Growth. Faith. Hope. Love. And the greatest of these IS love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Father God, You keep changing me. Growing me. Settling my heart, mind and soul. You ARE ♪the God of impossible♪ Thank You that You are!

♪And I’ve seen Your faithfulness all over my life…

And You’re the God of miracles

Some way, somehow You come through every time♪

Holy God, thank You for the ways You work in, with, by, through and for us. Bending. Shaping. Teaching.

♪I know my God can do it

So I’m gonna Worship Through It 

Before I see my breakthrough I’m gonna choose to praise You

I will sing hallelujah to the One

Who can do what the world says can’t be done…

I hear You whisper to me “peace be still”

This is why I believe

That You will deliver me

You always have and You always will♪

Father God, thank You for all those You provide us in every season of our lives. Friends. Family. Teachers. Preachers. All the models You’ve set before us in learning how to love You with all of our hearts, souls, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). And our neighbors as ourselves (31).

Do all You must Dearest God and Father in making me a better student than I've been in the past. In every season and chapter You have for me. I love, need, trust and want You. Use me as You alone know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(303 words ~ 5:12 a.m.)