glorifying

Sunday, September 30, 2012 (6:25 a.m.)

Jesus,

You did it again! Yesterday, I called upon Your name several times. Quite readily and without thinking. I confess to You though, at least two of them were not the least bit glorifying. Would you talk to me this morning about glorifying You?

And in looking in Your Word for verses to back me up in this quest, I find none. There are several about glorifying God. About glorifying Him through You. So is that it?

(9:35 p.m.)

So much was found. And such a day was had. It's such a big topic. We'll talk about it again in several days when my head is clearer. Until then, I love You Jesus. Thank You. Amen.

(122 words ~ 9:39 p.m.)

follow through

Saturday, September 29, 2012 (7:08 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy Jesus,

I love You. I don't say that often enough directed toward You. To God? Yes. Readily. Easily. Pretty much just slips off the tongue. With You? Kind of forced. I have to think about it. And even then, I have to follow through with actually saying it. Why do You think that is?

We've had this conversation before. And it looks now (7:40 a.m.) that we get to have it again. Thank You Jesus. I'm 'following through' with looking up verses that use those two words. Philippians 3:9 in the Easy-to-Read Version, under the bold heading “Christ Is More Important Than Anything”.

Jesus, thank You that Paul knew “The Value of Knowing Christ” (The Life Recovery Bible) and he wrote about it that we would know as well. Even in reading an overview of his letter to the believers in Philippi I am again reminded of the Truth You came to bring to this world.

“Paul wrote this letter to thank the Philippians [for their support of his ministry] and to challenge them to remain true to Christ and joyful in their circumstances. Wholeness of life, he reminded them, does not come from material things or pleasant circumstances. Genuine joy, meaning, and satisfaction come as we follow Christ and help others to grow spiritually.”

Ah Sweet Jesus, help me call out Your name as readily as I do Our Father's. Paul knew how to do this. After detailing his heritage and his past (Philippians 3:4-6) he went on, “At one time all these things were important to me. But because of Christ, I decided that they are worth nothing. Not only these things, but now I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Christ, I lost all these things, and now I know that they are all worthless trash. All I want now is Christ” (7-8).

Jesus, I want to love, trust, honor You that much! The verse (9) that led me here in the first place, “I want to belong to Him. In Christ I am right with God, but my being right does not come from following the law. It comes from God through faith. God uses my faith in Christ to make me right with Him.”

Blessed Jesus, keep teaching me. Continue having me practice calling out Your name. Let it become one that readily rolls right off the tip of my tongue, without forethought. Automatically. Make the follow through of saying Your name out loud as spontaneous as breathing.

I love You Jesus. Thank You. Amen.

(442 words ~ 8:24 a.m.)

resolution

Friday, September 28, 2012 (5:43 a.m.)

Hallelujah Jesus!

You TRULY did for us what we could not do for ourselves. You brought Truth, communication and resolve to some long outstanding problems we've been plagued by. You did this Jesus. You gave to us resolution. Thank You Jesus. Thank You.

Resolution. SO many different ways to look at that word. Not just the same as I've always thought.

(6:47 a.m.)

Resolution AND that beautiful sky? Just how good can this day get? Thank You Jesus! Thank You for this opportunity to wake up with a grateful heart. Thank You for the chance to sing wholeheartedly another song from my younger days, ♫It's a beautiful mornin', ahh I think I'll go outside a while and just smile Just take in some clean fresh air, boy Ain't no sense in staying inside If the weather's fine and you got the time It's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day♫

Thank You Jesus that You are good. Holy. As I get to explore 'resolution' this morning I read of Paul's change of plans in Acts 20:3. He had stayed in Greece for three months and was planning to sail to Syria. When he learned of a plot against his life, he changed his plans and decided to go north to Macedonia first.

We get to change our minds! When things aren't going well, whenever we're in danger we can 'purpose', 'determine', 'come to a decision', 'decide', 'resolve', 'take a resolution', 'go the other way', 'change plans', 'have counsel'. YOU know all that is best for us. YOU provided us with Your Holy Spirit to comfort (John 15:26) and to guide (Acts 16:6-7) us. How I thank You!

Thank You for this most recent adventure in experiencing resolution. Resolution: a firm decision to do or not do something; the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter. In music – the passing of a discord into a concord during the course of changing harmony. And as with a scientific (especially optical) instrument – the smallest interval measurable.

YOU provided our much needed resolution! YOU Jesus! You did all for us that we had so very clearly been unable to do for ourselves. Thank You Jesus. Bless You. Praise You.

Enable and empower me through Your most Holy Spirit to use this beautiful day to Your good and Your glory. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(406 words ~ 8:46 a.m.)

reminders

Thursday, September 27, 2012 (5:57 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed Lord Jesus,

Thank You. You are calling us to change and I am grateful. Thank You. Thank You for the opportunity to read through some of my own prayers from the past and find a reminder of the awesome work You do.

Thank You that as my tendencies in the past are to mope and fret, this morning I am choosing to look to You and hope. Blessed Jesus, there is a phone call I am expecting in less than an hour. A phone call I continue believing doesn't have a chance of going well. And then I come across and reread a comment for Philippians 4:4-8 from The Life Recovery Bible.

“True happiness can be found in any situation of life when we recognize that God is at work. Because Christ is with us and His return is certain, we can act calmly in the face of painful and difficult situations. Peace comes when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life.”

I can act calmly? And look at this... Just as I was preparing to tell You that I don't want to pretend to be calm (“act calmly”) I looked up other words for 'act'. “Take action, take steps, take measures, move, behave, conduct oneself, operate, work, function, serve...”

Jesus, I am truly asking You to settle my stirring insides. So much is at stake with this early morning phone call. Being calm, conducting myself calmly, can only happen as a byproduct of YOU being in the very midst of the conversation.

Another misunderstanding has developed between much loved ones. Feelings have been hurt. Assumptions made. Slights 'gunny sacked' and only now coming again to the light of day. This is not how You would have us live in sweet communion with one another. Do for us that which we absolutely can not do for ourselves!

Thank You Jesus that not only did I get to find a comment to Your Word to give me hope, I have found a different translation in which to read the Bible verses referenced.

The Worldwide English version says, “Do not worry about anything. Talk to God about everything. Thank Him for what you have. Ask Him for what you need. Then God will give you peace, a peace which is too wonderful to understand. That peace will keep your hearts and minds safe as you trust in Christ Jesus. Here, my brothers, are some things I want you to think about. Think about things that are true, honest, right, clean and pure, things that are lovely, and things that are good to talk about. If they are good, and if they bring praise to God, think about these things” (Philippians 4:6-8).

Jesus, You give me hope. My pattern is to cower, to be afraid, to be very afraid. Thank You that even this reminds me to search another verse. John 16:33. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Thank You Jesus. Thank You that indeed, You have overcome the world. Thank You that even in the midst of foolish misunderstandings You will be here because we are inviting You in to be the major component to this healing. I love You Jesus. I trust You. We need You. Please help us. Thank You. Amen.

(582 words ~ 6:59 a.m.)

"Hello"

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 (6:01 a.m.)

Sweet Jesus,

Good morning. Hello. I am chiding myself because the most I've got for you this morning is a simple “Hello”. Yet even this seems enough in the scheme of things.

I bring You a simple basic word and You bless me many times over. Romans 16. Paul sent personal greetings of “Hello” to many at the close of his letter to the church of Rome. And in the midst of them is a warning with a snippet of hope that leads to his final prayer. All this I found because the only thing I could muster for You this morning is this simple “Hello”.

Holy Jesus, thank You. Thank You that what I have to offer You leads to these words of counsel. In verse 17 we're called to “Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching... and then use them to make trouble.” We're told, “They have no intention of living for our Master Christ. They're only in it for what they can get out of it, and aren't above using pious sweet talk to dupe unsuspecting innocents” (18).

He goes on encouraging them (19b-20a) “I want you also to be smart, making sure every 'good' thing is the real thing. Don't be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt.”

And here was my “Aha!”. Verse 20b, “Enjoy the best of Jesus!” I've read translations that say, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” and thought warm, fuzzy thoughts. The idea of enjoying the best of You? Whole different ball game!

Most blessed and holy One, I confess this current storm that continues tossing my thoughts and feelings about. How I thank You that right in the midst when all I could think to say was, “Hello” You brought me right, straight to Romans 16.

“All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ” (25a). “All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!” (27)

All I had was a “Hello” and You used it mightily. Thank You Jesus. Use me mightily for Your good this day I pray. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(408 words ~ 7:43 a.m.)

hurt feelings

Tuesday, September 25, 2012 (7:52 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

You did it again. Kept me company all through the night. Thank You. I woke often with thoughts of hurt feelings. You reminded me not to let them become hateful. You are such a good and mighty Lord and Father.

Thank You. Thank You for the hurt feelings that have once again brought me to Your Word. I come to You as a beggar Father. Begging forgiveness. Patience. Understanding. I beg Your mercies on equipping me to good stewardship and kindness.

Father God, I say to You unreservedly, “I love You!” I love Your lessons. I love Your teachings. I love the ways You work Your will into our lives. Keep up the intensely delicate work You are doing in removing from us that which is not glorifying to You.

The apostle Paul wrote a second letter to the people of Corinth defending the first he had written them. “I don't feel bad anymore, even though my letter hurt your feelings. I did feel bad at first, but I don't now. I know that the letter hurt you for a while. Now I am happy, but not because I hurt your feelings. It is because God used your hurt feelings to make you turn back to Him, and none of you were harmed by us. When God makes you feel sorry enough to turn to Him and be saved, you don't have anything to feel bad about. But when this world makes you feel sorry, it can cause your death” (2Corinthians 7:8-10).

Father, I absolutely want to feel sorry for the things You would have me feel. I get so caught up in the things of this world that I too often lose sight of Your MUCH bigger picture – eternity!

A Life Recovery devotion for this section of Scripture is entitled Constructive Sorrow. It begins, “We all have to deal with sorrow. We may try to stuff it down and ignore it. We may try to drown it or avoid feeling it by intellectualizing. But sorrow doesn't go away.”

Thank You Father. There are SO many things that hurt my feelings. I try to avoid them. Talk sense to them. Make things better so they'll go away. ANYTHING but feel them! Thank You for Your Word that constantly reminds us that we do not need to be afraid. Of feelings, or anything else.

This particular devotion quotes Jeremiah (Lamentations 3:32-33) “Although God gives... grief, yet He will show compassion too, according to the greatness of His loving-kindness. For He does not enjoy afflicting men and causing sorrow.” It ends with this Truth, “This grief was good – it came from honest self-evaluation, not morbid self-condemnation. We can learn to accept our sorrow as a positive part of our recovery, not as punishment.”

This is exactly why I get to say, “Thank You.” Again and again. Thank You that You do not leave me alone with my hurt feelings. You have devised a way for me to feel them. Grow from them. And be done with them. Thank You so very much Most Dear and Blessed Father God. I love You. I thank You. Use me this day to bring glory to Your Kingdom. Amen.

(544 words ~ 9:03 a.m.)

changes ~ Old and New

Monday, September 24, 2012 (7:13 a.m.)

Thank You Most Holy God,

Thank You for change. Thank You for sharing. Thank You for whatever it is You are teaching us through our present circumstances. Change. Hmmm. Let's exam 'change'.

(8:01 a.m.)

And as it turns out, I'm looking at 'changes'. Old Testament and New. Isaiah 35:3 “[God changes everything]” and Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ never changes!” Father God, thank You for the hope that comes from these two verses that remind us that You are always, ever in control. YOU are the God that changes things, while staying ever the same.

As I prepare to begin the day, Father I ask that You would keep me closely with You. Don't let me stray too far off to the right or left of where You'd have me. So many changes going on around and within us. I can much too easily lose my equilibrium and fall down. Hold tightly to me this day. Ever reminding me of Your goodness. Your grace. Your love. Your plan. Help me approach the changes You would have me make this day with complete and wholehearted trust in You.

I love You Lord. I long to serve You well. Not reservedly. Not tentatively. Well! Thank You for the courage to make changes. Show me how best to make them. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(228 words ~ 8:17 a.m.)

unable

Sunday, September 23, 2012 (7:01 a.m.)

Here I am,

Brat like. Brattish. Out of sorts. Disobedient. Unforgiving. Stubborn. Proud. YOU name it Father, I'll wear it.

“Loved”. “Much loved”. “Well loved”. “Blessed Child of God”. I don't deserve these titles. I know my childish behavior of yesterday. I saw all I did. I mindfully refused to love and forgive. I caught a grudge and I held tightly to it.

Even with the praying I continued doing throughout the day, I still wouldn't budge. This is me, confessing to You Most Holy God, I don't know how to come back from shutting down. I withdraw. I back away. And find myself stuck. Unwilling. No. Make that unable.

I am unable to love and forgive as You would have me do. It's a great concept. Just walk around through life not getting too irritated and annoyed because we know and love the Heavenly Father. Talk about having a childlike faith!

Father, I confess to having ample opportunity to do things differently yesterday. And I refused. I had my grudge and I continued adding to it with every perceived slight. It's exhausting carrying around bitterness and resentment. Especially that much!

Forgive me Father, I pray. Forgive the brat in me. Here again I am willing and not able to do this on my own. I shut down. It's easy for me to just say and feel like “I don't care”. But I do. You know I do!

I am willing for You to do in and through me that which I can't do for myself. I can will it 'til the cows come home. How do we proceed from here? How do I really, truly practice all this love and forgiveness I believe You want me offering to myself and others.

Mad and sad just seem SO much easier for me than glad. “Turn that frown upside down”. But I don't want to! There must be some kind of subliminal payoff.

Oh but look! Over here in First John. There are 'reflections on' and 'insights into confession and forgiveness'. Starting by referencing 1John 1:8-10, the insight reads, “The lesson is simple: confession must precede cleansing. Confession should be followed by a willingness to make amends where possible.” Ouch! Awkward. I don't want to! But I will. 'Cause Jesus died for my sins. And all this negativity I have so successfully stirred up is absolutely sin.

Forgive me Father, for I HAVE sinned! And thank You Jesus for covering my debt! You are so good and so gracious that I am again blessed by reading a devotion title Recurrent Sins. In it I am reminded, “We may feel awkward about bringing our recurrent sins before God. We may be embarrassed by the number of times we have had to deal with the same issues – issues that stubbornly refuse to be washed away.” Well 'Amen' to that!

Further down the author tells, “To confess means to agree with God that what He declares to be wrong really is wrong.” Yes Father. My current attitude and disposition are entirely wrong! Out of line with Your teachings of love and forgiveness.

And here comes the part that not only brings the faintest hint of a smile to my face, but the tears of repentance to my eyes. “And each time we confess a sin we have dealt with before, it's forgiven all over again. Some areas of our life need more cleaning than others! God doesn't get angry when we come back to Him again and again. This is the process He set up to cleanse the areas in our life that cause the most trouble.”

Thank You Father! Thank You for setting up a plan that provides a way out of my own self-imposed stubbornness. I'm willing. Make me able!

“There is no need to feel awkward. God wants us to come every time we sin.” Thank You for knowing me so darned well! Keep me practicing Your love and forgiveness through YOUR strength and power. I am absolutely unable to do it on my own.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(687 words ~ 8:24 a.m.)

really see

Saturday, September 22, 2012 (8:00 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Surprise! What a morning we've had so far. A mile and a half walk to watch the sunrise. Emergency medical treatment for one of our neighbors. And plans to do what next?

Father, thank You for the beauty in the sky that took us outside the house even before the sun had come up. Thank You for things we had never taken time to really see before.

Really see. Hmm. How many things do we automatically pass by without really seeing them? How much of our everyday existence is lived on automatic pilot?

How grateful I am to You Blessed Father for the opportunity to turn to Your Word and look for what You would have me “really see” this morning. The book of Revelation. Written to warn us as well as to give us hope. Jesus, speaking through the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, “God's Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God's creation, says: 'I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking...'” (Revelation 3:14-15a).

Ah, but He doesn't just leave us there. He describes the church of Laodicea as being neither hot nor cold, stale, stagnant, lukewarm, making Him “want to vomit” (The Message version). Then He adds, “'Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. The people I love, I call to account – prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!'” (18-19).

Most Blessed Jesus, thank You for getting us outside early this morning. Thank You for being in our hearts and our souls, our minds and our strength (Mark 12:30). Thank You for calling us to love, really love. You, ourselves and others (31). Thank You for showing us glimpses of You, Your goodness and Your glory. Help us use it well.

The devotion in The Life Recovery Bible for these verses from Revelation (3:14-22) says, “Perhaps we have problems loving because we are disconnected from the source of true love.” Connect me to You and help me see, really see all You would have me see (and LOVE!) this day.

Thank You. Bless You. I love You. Amen.

(414 words ~ 9:08 a.m.)

Personal Boundaries 101

Friday, September 21, 2012 (9:29 a.m.)

Beloved and Blessed, Awesome Father God,

Thank You. I'm getting to learn again. Boundaries. Healthy relationships. Finishing business. Things I know of, but don't do well.

Father God, You know how best to teach me. Make me a quick and eager learner. So many things I long to master. Yet none of them enough to really exert myself. Balance. I don't know how to balance desire with follow through. I either storm on ahead with excitement and burnout much too quickly. Or I sit and wait for the proverbial spirit to move me. Trouble is, I KNOW there's a Spirit that moves us. I just really don't know It well enough to heed the call.

I look to Your Word.

(11:44 a.m.)

Two hours later and I have to admit, I LOVE Your sense of humor! The Life Recovery Bible is open to the story of Jacob setting up a monument (Genesis 31:45) and his men following his directions and making a heap of gathered stones(46a). “Jacob and Laban ate together beside the pile of rocks. They named it 'The Witness Pile'” (46b-47a) in each own's language. This after Jacob had taken his family to return to his own relatives (vs. 17-20) and Laban had chased after them (23).

Father, as I read more of this story I keep shaking my head. It seems like something straight out of “Dysfunctional Families 101”! I am shocked. And also encouraged. We have The Book! Your Book that tells us how all this plays out. How can I do anything but hold onto hope in You!

A comment for verses 14-15 says, “At this point Jacob's family needed to move on if they were to become the family God intended them to be.” The comment above it (for verse three) begins, “Moving can be a time of major crisis...God is always there to help us during our crisis moments. During these times we need to learn to stop and listen to what He has to say.”

Most Blessed God and Father, I long to hear You. I believe You to be telling me of the importance of letting go of so many things I have clung tightly to in the past.

Reading more about “The Witness Pile” I see “it was also called 'The Watchtower'” (49a). They set it up as a witness of their vows not to cross a certain line and attack one another (vs. 51-52). A devotional on Personal Boundaries stresses the importance of “clearly defining our commitments to others” agreeing on “certain limitations in order to maintain peace”. Key here is “Once boundaries have been established, honesty is needed to maintain them.”

Father, this all seems like such a 'no-brainer'! Then why am I still nodding my head in agreement! How dishonest have I been, not only in my relationships with others but with myself as well?

“Restoring trust in our relationships is part of recovery. To do this we should define our expectations and cautiously enter into commitments” Wow! Talk about “Personal Boundaries 101”!

Father, again, I am looking to You. Asking You to do in and through and with and for me all that I am unable to do myself. Help me grow. Mature. Blossom. Propagate Your Truth. Your love. Forgiveness. Hope.

I love You Father. And I thank You so very much. Help me. Amen.

(564 words ~ 12:55 p.m.)

purposed

Thursday, September 20, 2012 (7:11 a.m.)

Hi God,

Looks like I'm gonna be learning something new again. A different program on the computer today. A modified headstand yesterday. Wow Father! Intentional learning. Deliberate. Purposeful. Goals. All here for the taking. Thank You.

Thank You that Your Word offers much in the teaching department. I don't know what it is that You have for me most this morning. I've gone from this verse to that seeking the “Aha! This is it.” I've yet to know for sure what You have purposed for me.

Using a quote [found in the movie Hook] from our kids' childhood upon finding an answer. “There you are Peter!” Isaiah 14. Promises of Mercy.

There is talk here of the mercy You will one day have on Your “special ones” (v.1). A “wonderful day when the Lord gives His people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains” (3). There are descriptions of when “at last the whole earth is at rest and is quiet!” (7) and of Lucifer's fall from heaven (12). Much is said to give Your people hope.

Verse 27 is where the 'Aha! set in this morning. “For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn back?”

A footnote tells how foolish it is to ignore You and Your moral laws, still hoping life will go well anyway. It adds that it is not too late to turn to You and start living for You now. Another makes clear that it was pride that was at the root of Babylon's problem with her king. It tells of the importance of healthy self-esteem and warns of the sin of pride.

“Sometimes our pride is an unhealthy attempt to cover up deep insecurities that can be dealt with only by the love and grace of God”!

Yes! “There You are Peter!” Work in me this day Dearest God and Father, exactly as You have purposed. I love You so much and long to be who it is You created me to be. Thank You for Your love. Your forgiveness. Your will. Your way. Your goodness. Your grace. Your mercy Your purpose. Amen.

(372 words ~ 8:34 a.m.)

♫Love and Forgiveness♫

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 (7:03 a.m.)

♫Love and Forgiveness♫

♫Love and forgiveness, love and forgiveness now♫ Or please. Or wins. I’m not sure which of those three fits best. But I DO know that we are called to love and forgive!

♫Thank You ma Daddy, Thank You ma Jesus, Thank You ma Holy Ghost♫ You see where the ‘sillies’ have taken me this morning. Oh, but it’s the fun of the song that continues reminding me that it’s not how we FEEL about anything that matters. It’s about ♫love and forgiveness♫ At all cost!

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Spirit. We want to make this our family theme song. Too many hurts and slights to count. Let us count our blessings instead! You used Jonah to send a message loud and clear. He wanted You to destroy the people of Ninevah. He absolutely did NOT want to go there preaching Your love and forgiveness.

How blessed we are to have his example AND the opportunity not to follow his pattern. You called him to go and warn the Ninevites. Instead he boarded a ship headed in the opposite direction. Father, today I ask that You would continue guiding me toward ♫Love and Forgiveness♫ LAF [laugh J] if You will.

Thank You for the ways in which You remind us of Your priceless gift of love and forgiveness! It’s Your love and forgiveness we want to share. Work in us to that end. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(252 words ~ 7:59 a.m.)

One

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 (9:45 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

I confess to You. This morning I don’t even know to Whom I am addressing this. Is it Father? Son? Holy Spirit? How does one determine a distinction between the most Holy Three-In-One?

Blessed One? Yes. ONE! “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). One. I am having trouble getting my head around this. Help me, I pray.

Help me to learn what You would have me take from this. You are One and we are to ‘love the Lord our God with all our heart and all our soul and with all our strength’ (v.5). I believe You can make that happen. And in the mean time [and these really are pretty mean times!] I keep splintering away from that command.

I try to figure things out. Make them ‘right’. Set the record straight. Instead Dearest Father, help me “Hear!” Unstop my ears that I truly would “Listen”. Okay. Not just listen. Listen and love. You.

We, as Your people, are in a world of hurt right now. Things don’t always go to our liking. Remind us again and again that You, alone, are One God. You have One standard. We are to be One people.

Jesus said it in His answer to those religious leaders who attempted to trap Him. “The first (commandment) in importance is ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these” (Mark 12:29-31).

Oh, make it so Blessed Father, Blessed Son, Blessed Holy Spirit. Blessed One! Make me the loving woman You created me to be. Thank You, I pray, in the Oneness of You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(321 words ~ 10:35 a.m.)

loyalty

Sunday, September 16, 2012 (6:43 a.m.)

Awesome God and Father.

I love You. Thank You. Speak to me this morning about surrender or loyalty or WHATEVER it is You want.

~

Experimenting ~ five minutes timed writing. No editing. No stopping. Rereading. Doing over. Just writing to see what comes out of the dregs of my heart. I’m sad. And sorry and so so so mixed up. I don’t know which way is up. Well in fact I really do and if I was in the water I would just follow my bubbles. I do feel better in the water. But I can’t stay in the water so what do I do? How do I surrender myself fully to God so that I can love and be loved by Him as is promised. I keep reading about it I sometimes think that His love and power really IS readily available to all who love and claim Him as their own And even when I say this am I actually talking about God, the Father or the Son or the Holy Ghost. I get so confused. I keep looking for the secret handshake I know it’s all supposed to be here for the taking.

Fully Utilize Christ’s Kingdom

stubbornness

Friday, September 14, 2012 (6:47 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

This morning I am confessing stubbornness. Mule-headed. 

this day

Thursday, September 13, 2012 (7:30 a.m.)

Today Blessed Lord God,

Today. This day. Now. Currently. “THIS is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). What TRUTH to remember during the course of this morning! Thank You Lord.

Thank You for the date that represents three years of hope for a much loved “Loved One”. [And anonymous and at that! J]

Thank You for the way You work Most Blessed God and Father in bringing us to You. Thank You that Your plans for us far surpass anything we could ever try to imagine. Your Word even attests to that.

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8 NKJV). And the New Living Translation spells it out even more fully. “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’”

With that being said, Father I turn to You asking that You would bless every single aspect of this day. Use it for Your good and Your glory. Use me exactly as You wish. May I be considered a good and faithful servant at its end. I love You so much. And I thank You that I get to part of Your perfect plan. Thank You Father. Amen.

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

nag

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 (7:18 a.m.)

Most Dear and Awesome Father God,

There are so many things to consider. Conflict. Lack of communication. Hurt feelings. Love. Fellowship. Forgiveness. Your goodness, grace and glory. Let’s go with those.

(7:55 a.m.)

And on the way in that direction, I remembered my desire to talk with You about nagging. What do You think? Where shall we focus today?

Living Reminder

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 (7:49 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

It’s that date again. That same date we all remember, year after year. I confess to You most dear and blessed Father, I don’t even know what to do with it. I don’t like to think back too much. It’s still tragic. It still hurts.

Once again, songs come to mind. Looking just outside, gray clearing skies remind me to ♫Put On A Happy Face♫ The idea of smiling leads me to think we should ♫Come On Get Happy♫ These just don’t seem appropriate at all. A line from a song we heard the other night begins and now start the tears I don’t know when will stop.

♫They are the living reminders Of all the good we failed to do We can’t forget Must not forget♫ Oh Most Dear and Blessed God, thank You that we have Your Word to bring our hearts and souls and minds to.

While I don’t necessarily want to remember details of such tragedy, I know we must not forget either. Thank You for the key words of this song which bring me right to the core of Your message for us. We are to live out Your Truth by loving one another.

The aging apostle John wrote a letter ‘to commend a faithful woman and to encourage her to continue teaching others about Christ.’ 

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth, exactly as commanded by the Father. But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other” (2John 1:4-5).

Oh that we would Most Dear and Blessed Father! Oh that we would truly love one another. On this day of remembrance, let our Living Reminder be Your Precious Son and the love He brought into this world for us to share.

Thank You Most Blessed Father. I love You. Amen.

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

accountability

Monday, September 10, 2012 (6:58 a.m.)

Most Blessed Awesome God and Father,

Thank You! Again, thank You. You keep working in us and I am grateful for that. We still have so very much to learn about treating each other well.

(7:58 a.m.)

I’ve been searching Your Word wanting to learn more about communicating. The topical index says, “see also Criticism, Gossip, Witnessing”. When I do, it then leads to Lying and Denial, Honesty, Truth and lastly “Accountability”. ARGH! This isn’t where I expected to be.

Father, You have SO much for me to learn and right now I’m confessing it all seems so overwhelming. This is Truth. YOUR Truth! “But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and the strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God’s love can reach and bless you” (Jude 1:20-21).

That reads wonderfully. It truly IS what I long for! Praying in the power and strength of Your Holy Spirit? Heck yeah! Staying always within Your boundaries… Oh, but there’s that word again. “Learning”. I get frustrated with the lessons Dearest Father. More practicing usually means more mistakes. Help me look for and be satisfied with progress.

Yes Dearest Father, help me stay “right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!” (Jude 1:21)

Teach me to be accountable to You. Mistakes and all! I love You Blessed Father God. Thank You. Amen.

(272 words ~ 8:29 a.m.)

exercising faith muscles

Sunday, September 9, 2012 (7:01 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

Thank You! I don’t know if I’m here to talk to You about finishing business. Forgiveness. Blame. Or the ♫long way to Tipperary♫

Whatever it is, I’m asking that You would take the lead and I’ll follow. Funny how the pride talking we did together yesterday hit me later in the evening as I was plotting revenge and making one pay.

Hence my wondering, what do You have for me this morning? I awoke singing about the distance to Tipperary, wondering where in the world that tune came from. Second line into the ditty I read ‘the streets were paved with gold’ and immediately thought of the main street of Your New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21).

Still I ask You Father, where do I go with all my disjointed thoughts and feelings this morning? Yesterday we hit such a rough patch of blaming and miscommunication. We sank so easily back into the patterns of old. To behaviors that have never served us well.

So Lord as I once again consider the distance to Tipperary show me where in Your Word You would have it take me. Colossians 2:5, thank You Father.

While he was in prison in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote to the people in Corinth to show us that Christ is the only real source of power in our life. We found that out again here just yesterday! “I’m a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I’m on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.”

I don’t have to tell You how far from careful and orderly we were in conducting our affairs yesterday. Nor could anyone have been impressed with what did not come anywhere near resembling a solid substance of faith in Christ.

Dearest Father, again I confess to still being the person whose spirit is so easily broken by circumstances. Talk about the need to exercise one’s faith muscles!

All the confessing and rambling and confessing again yields Your Truth [and just a few tears J] once more. Luke 17:1-10, Teachings about Forgiveness and Faith. The Recovery Principal Devotional running right along side in The Life Recovery Bible has much to say about the importance of faith.

“How many times have we wished the we could overcome the addictions and compulsions that keep us in bondage? We know what it is to struggle with the effects of addiction and the craziness this brings to our life. We may feel despair and wonder if there really is any way out of the insanity of our current circumstances. Maybe our plight is impossible, at least without God’s help, but faith can make even the impossible happen.”

This section goes on to quote Jesus’ answer to His disciples’ request for more faith (vs. 5-6) followed by even more words concerning faith. “Faith is a mysterious commodity. Jesus says that if we have faith, real faith, it only takes a small amount to make a big difference. We may be exercising faith without even realizing it. It takes faith to believe that a Power greater than ourself could restore us to sanity. It takes faith to work through the steps of a recovery program. It is comforting to know that God only needs a tiny bit of faith in order to work in powerful ways to restore our sanity.”

So most dear and blessed Father, just as I’m preparing to leave here knowing my heart is still filled with unforgiveness, SMACK! You get me again. The Illustrated Bible Handbook on these very same verses.

“Forgiveness No Option. Jesus tells His disciples that they are to extend unlimited forgiveness to each other (1-4). They are shaken by what they view as a difficult command and beg for more faith (5). Jesus corrects them. Faith is for moving mountains (6). Those who are servants, and hear their master’s command, have only duty (7-10). This matter of forgiving is not a matter for faith but for obedience. Forgiveness has been commanded by our Lord.”

Oh Blessed Lord, forgive me for being unforgiving. It truly IS a long way to Tipperary! I am nowhere near obedience!

“Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (Psalm 51:10). Even with all the right words being said and hoped for, I keep feeling the bitterness well up. Help me exercise my faith muscles Dearest Father. As well as those of obedience! I love You. I want to serve You so much better than I currently do. Thank You. Amen.

(775 words ~ 8:59 a.m.)

pride

Saturday, September 8, 2012 (6:32 a.m.)

Oh, Most Blessed, Blessed Father,

Talk to me this day about pride. I recognized it in myself yesterday and it wasn’t the least bit attractive. Especially up against a four year old.

Oh, Father God, I confess to You the senselessness of it all. I truly thought I could distract a child’s physical pain and redirect it back to the fun being had just moments before. I absolutely heard the request to be comforted by another and I completely disregarded the plea, thinking I knew best.

“First pride, then the crash – the bigger the ego, the harder the fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Ouch. Ouch. And ouch again! Father God, I HATE getting it wrong! Especially when others feelings of safety are at stake.

“A haughty spirit”, “arrogance”, “proud thoughts”… ARGH! So unattractive.

(8:58 a.m.)

Some time taken for more rest and here I am reading Proverbs 16 in its entirety. “We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands” (v. 1). “We can always ‘prove’ that we are right, but is the Lord convinced?” (2). Verse three has me sitting up taking special notice. “Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.”

Father. I confess. I don’t even know how to do that! I often think that’s what I’m doing only to realize I’ve gone off again ahead of You. Verse nine would work out wonderfully if I could let it. “We should make our plans – counting on God to direct us.”

Hmm… what would that look like? I have a little one coming here soon. I know MY plans. How much better if I were able to follow Your direction.

Ever so humbly I am asking You most dear and blessed Father, keep my pride out of the way of Your leading. Let me be perfectly in tune to Your plan for this day. “God blesses those who obey Him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord” (v.20). Do in and with and through and for me all that I am incapable of doing myself.

I love You. I long to glorify and enjoy You forever. Beginning now. Thank You. Amen.

(367 words ~ 9:16 a.m.)

♫Because of You♫

Friday, September 7, 2012 (6:55 a.m.)

♫Because of You♫

(7:57 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

How awesome it is to truly wake up with ♫a song in my heart♫ What’s even greater is taking the words of that song to Your Word and learning something new.

Father, thank You! This was absolutely not the direction I thought these lyrics would take me. I had the romanticized version in mind. You know? ♫Because of You the sun will shine The moon and stars will say I’m Yours Forever and never to part♫ A little schmaltzy perhaps, but true nonetheless.

I wasn’t expecting to be directed to the words of Ezekiel to learn more about his complete dedication to you. He spoke Your Truth regardless of the opposition. He offered Your words of hope to people who were broken and needed to admit their sins and turn back to You.

Where I came here singing ♫Because of YOU♫, Ezekiel [whose name means ‘God strengthens’] used those words to tell Your people, “They will shave their heads because of you and will put on sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning” (Ezekiel 27:31). This to let them know that no matter their material success, they were headed for destruction if they didn’t get back in line with Your will for them.

Father, how I thank You for using what You have to [in this case this song] to get me deeper into Your Word. It is so true that it’s ♫Because of You my life is now worthwhile And I smile Because of You♫

Thank You Father. Help me use Your Truth to Your good and Your glory. I love You so much and long to be the woman You created me to be. Build me. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

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

hold

Thursday, September 6, 2012 (6:25 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Good morning. What does today hold? Thank You for holding me whatever may come.

So... It seems a small word. Only four letters to it. I am asking You to talk to me about the things I hold. My breath. Back. Grudges. Ideals. The list could very easily go on and on. Thank You that instead, I much rather think of You holding me.

And with that the Truth of Your Word comes bursting off the pages again. Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll keep you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”

Mm. Yes! Father, speak to me here. There is SO much for me to learn about trusting You to hold me! And the truth is, I DO! I am one that honestly believes that ♫Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand But I know Who holds tomorrow and I know Who holds my hand♫ I DO believe this! Help me live this day in the confidence that trusting You brings.

Other translations of this comforting verse use words like: uphold, hold you up, support, protect, save, hold on to you, hold you steady, take good care of you. Father, I can ask for nothing more than the willingness to trust You to do what You have already promised to do. I love You so very much. Be with me this day. Holding me with Your “victorious right hand”. The one that is “right and good”.

Thank You for being such a good and loving Father. Thank You for all there is for me to learn in trusting You. Help me truly let go and let You be the God who holds me!

I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

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

morning songs

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 (6:05 a.m.)

(7:02 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

The songs of this early morning keep changing. Thank You that You and Your Word do not.

♫It’s a Great Day to Be Alive♫, ♫Here Comes the Sun♫, ♫It’s a Beautiful Morning♫ and ♫To God Be the Glory♫ I think that’s the one we’ll go with.

And just when I think I know what I’m doing… another song! One I don’t even know. Taken directly from Your Word. Deuteronomy 31:30-32:47, Moses’ Song.

He began it with, “Listen, O heavens and earth! Listen to what I say!” From here he goes on to praise You for who You are – great, glorious, strong, perfect, just and fair, holy.

Then he concluded with this truth, “Meditate upon all the laws I have given you today, and pass them on to your children. These laws are not mere words – they are your life! Through obeying them you will live long, plentiful lives in the land you are going to possess across the Jordan River.”

Blessed Father God, let the morning songs I sing praise and glorify You. As I go into this day, may I take and apply Your Truth in all my dealings. I love You Father and I long to serve You well. Make it so! Thank You. Amen.

(219 words ~ 7:36 a.m.)

intensity

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 (5:46 a.m.)

Awesome God,

You are so good and I am so grateful. Thank You! Thank You for what looks to be an absolutely beautiful morning sky. Thank You for the desire to come witness it. Thank You for some unidentified noise (perhaps our watering system?) that finally stopped. And thank You for the glory of Your Word.

(6:55 a.m.)

Incredible Father God, I spent much time outside just now waiting for the beauty of Your sky to unfold. How blessed that I could walk safely out in front of our home, reading Your Word while gazing skyward.

There’s a word I’m seeking. It describes the intensity of the white I saw in the clouds. They practically glowed because of it. It’s a word possibly related to the glory hole of a refiner’s fire. Brilliance? Glorious? Intense? These just fall short.

Reading of John’s vision of You and Your throne room in Revelation 4:3 is almost what I’m thinking. “Great bursts of light flashed forth from Him as from a glittering diamond or from a shining ruby, and a rainbow glowing like an emerald encircled His throne.” The clouds were practically glowing as the sun was preparing to crest the mountains.

Father, its sights like these I want to put my focus on. I keep getting distracted from Your gloriousness. I continue passing out judgments on others. It’s YOUR best I seek Blessed Father. Help me think on Your things that are lovely (Philippians 4:8) instead of the critical attention I’ve become prone to paying.

Father I love You. I long to serve You well. Remove this bent toward bitterness I seem to have recently acquired. You deserve so much more than I have been offering. Remind me to continuously ♫turn my 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♫

I saw an intensity of Your glory this morning. Help me draw on that this day. I love You Blessed Father. Thank You. Amen.

(346 words ~ 7:41 a.m.)

pause

Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2012 (7:15 a.m.)

Blessed, Blessed, Blessed, Father God,

I wanted to come here and complain. I’ve been working on it for over an hour. The beauty of Your early morning sky gave me much pause, changed my attitude and I am grateful.

Thank You Father for beauty that actually takes my breath away. Color and clarity that are here one minute and gone the next. Thank You Blessed Jesus that You are not like that. Thank You that You are eternal.

Thank You that the verse I had turned to relating to ‘pause’ speaks of these very things. “Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or whine, Israel, saying ‘God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me’? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch His breath. And He knows everything, inside and out” (Isaiah 40: 27-28).

What a thought! Just now while tapping the keys I considered You as the Creator of everything. If I truly believe You to be in charge of every single aspect of life, why would I ever want to waste precious time being concerned about all the little details of things not seemingly going my way? What TRUTH! What HOPE!

I confess to You Most Faithful Father, I keep feeling disappointed. I look forward to some things and I expect certain outcomes. Very often these expectations are not met and I become resentful. I want very much to change that approach to life. The idea of watching things unfold, as if in a movie, just came to mind. I don’t waste time arguing with directors when things don’t go the way I think is best. Please, Father, help me trust You far better than I have been doing.

“He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind” (vs. 29-31).

I want to trust You Blessed Father. Pure and simple. I want to trust that You have our very best interests at heart. Trust that You do indeed know exactly what You are doing. Trust that You love each of us more perfectly than I could ever begin to.

Yes Father. Help me pause long enough this day to consider how perfect Your love for us is. And to trust Your direction in it. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(455 words ~ 9:19 a.m.)

I call Your name

Sunday, September 2, 2012 (6:52 a.m.)

Most Blessed, Incredible, Wonderfully Awesome God,

Thank You! Yesterday morning I was trying so hard to remember a song from the early morning hours. Just an hour ago there it was again. Only this time, I asked You to help me remember it until I got here. Thank You.

Although the words themselves are not exactly what I thought they were, taking them to Your Word changes everything to the good. YOUR good!

It’s the chorus that keeps seeping through… ♫Oh, I can’t sleep at night But just the same I never weep at night I call Your name♫ Imagine that. The most perfect reminder for the dark hours before the sun [YOUR Son J] rises, ♫I call Your name♫

Father God, even as I begin to apply these words to Your Word (Isaiah 43:1-3) another verse of the song rings true to Your Truth. ♫Don’t You know I can’t sleep at night♫ Of course You do! It says so right there in Psalm 139.

I have nothing to fear. Even when I can’t sleep at night! Thank You that I get to ♫call Your name♫ Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

words of love

Saturday, September 1, 2012 (6:10 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

Bless You. Praise You. Thank You. During the night a song came to me and I immediately thought of how perfectly it represented You for me. I was certain that was the direction You and I would pursue together this morning. And it might have been… if I could only remember what it was!

Thank You for the opportunity to smile and be at peace with my own forgetfulness. There was a time that I would still be attempting to rack my brain for even longer than I’ve already spent trying to think of it.

Thank You that as I was preparing to get out of bed just now a completely different song hasn’t left me alone. ♫Words of love♫ While looking up the lyrics didn’t yield me the sentiment I was expecting, seeking them in Your Word absolutely has!

The Message version of Psalm 119:33-40 speaks directly to my heart. “God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me – my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of Your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm Your promises to me – promises made to all who fear You. Deflect the harsh words of my critics – but what You say is always so good. See how hungry I am for Your counsel; preserve my life through Your righteous ways!”

Ah, yes, most wise and righteous Father, I AM hungry for Your counsel! Paul’s final greetings to the people of Corinth (2Corinthians 13:11) sum up what I long to do with Your words of love. “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words. Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

YOU are our ultimate source of healing love and peace! I ask You most holy God to open my heart, soul, mind and strength and fill it all with the ultimate healing only You provide. I love You. I long to serve You. I praise You. Bless You. And thank You for all Your words of love. Help me use them well. Amen.

(406 words ~ 8:13 a.m.)