benediction

Monday, December 31, 2012 (6:55 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

           The last day of the year and the seventh day of Christmas, where do we go together this morning? Let's start again with, “Thank You”.

Thank You for blessing us. And keeping us.

Father God, You are so very good. So holy. So perfectly wonderful and marvelous. I'm pouring over Numbers 6:24-26 right now, while also considering the various meanings for the word Shalom. Right in the midst, the first words of ♫It Is Well With My Soul♫ began singing. There is a peace that absolutely only comes from You. A contentment. A hope. Joy.

Yes Father. We are ending one more year. And beginning another. And there is an overall sense of shalom. It's “more than just simply peace; it is a complete peace... a feeling of contentment, completeness, wholeness, well being... perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full” (The Refiner's Fire).

So as we prepare to end this 'old' year and begin the new, Father how I ask that The Priestly Blessing You provided to Moses to tell Aaron and his sons (Numbers 22:22-23) be upon each of us. Using the GOD'S WORD Translation, I offer this perfect benediction for the closing of 2012 and opening of 2013.

“The LORD will bless you and watch over you. The LORD will smile on you and be kind to you. The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 GW).

Make it so Dearest LORD. Make it so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(274 words ~ 9:02 a.m.)

"Back to Step One"

Sunday, December 30, 2012 (6:51 a.m.)

Holy Blessed Father,

Another year has almost past. I am thanking You for the changes You are making in me. Thank You for teaching me the importance of meeting with You every morning. I've yet to do it perfectly. There are still far too many times I let other thoughts or plans get in the way. Keep working in me and my priorities Blessed Father God.

I am supposed to be packed and ready to go this morning. I tend to take too much. This is a habit that needs to change. There are many things I want. Few I need. Show me Father. Work in and through me to Your good and Your glory.

I don't know where in Your Word to turn this morning. I'll be looking for six things today. I thought it was going to be 'children playing'. It made sense while I was awakening. Now? Not so much.

My head doesn't seem to be in the game. I keep wanting to jump up and get busy. Where do You want me Father? What do You have for me to learn?

I am reading in Mark (10:13-16) and tears are falling. I don't know what has been triggered. At first I couldn't even remember how I got here. I was looking through the Topical Index at the back of my Bible, trying to find something on 'priorities'.

Yeah. You're right. “Powerlessness”. I forgot. Seven Twelve Step Devotions [Hey! At least I have tomorrow's verse for the 12 Days of Christmas Song! Thank You very much!] Okay. Okay. Back to Step One.

Yes, Father. That is EXACTLY where I need to be. And the line for today followed quickly. Going back to step one, ♫Our True Lord gave to me, six words for saying♫ “...that our life had become unmanageable.”

Father, thank You. Life doesn't always make sense. Simple things become ridiculous. Thank You that I get to come before You exactly as I am. Confused. Fragile. Weak. Afraid. Nervous. Upset. And confess that my life has become unmanageable.

The 12 Step devotional I choose for this morning is The Paradox of Powerlessness. It correlates with 2Corinthians 4:7-10. Paul tells about “this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us” (v.7a) that we carry “in our weak bodies”.

“Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken... perplexed... but don't give up and quit... get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (vs.7b-9).

And how is this? “Everyday we experience something of the death of the Lord Jesus, so that we may also know the power of the life of Jesus in these bodies of ours” (v. 10 – PHILLIPS).

And here is my hope. The last paragraph of The Life Recovery Bible's devotional, “Once we recognize the paradox of powerlessness it can be quite a relief. We don't have to always be strong or pretend to be perfect. We can live a real life, with daily struggles, in a human body beset with weakness and still find the power from above to keep going without being crushed or broken.”

YES! I get to admit to being powerless and trust that You will help me. ♫Six words for saying♫, “...that our life had become unmanageable.” Thank You for reminding me. Thank You for being my True Lord. My True Love! Work in me as You need to make me who You want.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(605 words ~ 8:25 a.m.)

♫Five Holy Things♫

Saturday, December 29, 2012 (7:18 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

You did it again! Without any trying on my part, somewhere during the early morning I knew this fifth day of Christmas would represent ♫five holy things♫ What I don't yet know is what those five holy things are.

Just a moment ago I thought they were: “beauty, joy, faith, hope and love”. Then I started thinking too much and am left wondering what YOU have for them to be. Speak clearly and directly to me, please.

The song ♫Holy, holy, holy♫ is singing to me. Is ♫merciful and mighty♫ to be added to ♫God in three Persons (blessed Trinity)♫ for a total of five? How about the number of members in our immediate family? No. That's not it.

(9:48 a.m.)

Oh, but I think this is! You tell me Blessed Father. Are the five holy things actual things or names? I am in such a state of absolute AGOG at this very moment, much of me can't even think straight!

Here is Jesus with His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:6 - Common English Bible) telling us straight out, “Don't give holy things to dogs, and don't throw your pearls in front of pigs. They will stomp on the pearls, then turn around and attack you.”

Father, I KNOW that “You alone are holy” (Revelation 15:4)! And then I come across the five holy names Isaiah prophesied. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 – NKJV).

These will ALL be His name! So again I recognize the ♫Five Holy Things♫ [that I will NOT give to dogs!] as being One. As “You alone art One”.

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. Work in me to remember the five separate pieces of Your most holy name.

“'Wonderful', without equal. 'Counselor', who can help us sort through our inner mess and guide us into truth and reality. 'The Mighty God', who can supply us with the power to stay on the path of recovery. 'The Everlasting Father', who can love us more deeply than any earthly father can. 'The Prince of Peace', who can fill our mind with peace and our life with wholeness” (The Life Recovery Bible). The five holy things I want to hold tightly to, yet share freely with others as well.

I love You. Help me glorify and enjoy You as You desire. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(441 words ~ 10:30 a.m.) 

on the lookout

Friday, December 28, 2012 (7:26 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Today I am on the lookout. I am looking for the four things I am sure You are going to provide for me to add to the ♫Twelve Days of Christmas♫ song I've been building since Tuesday. You are good. You are holy. And You are gracious. Generous. Loving. Kind.

Thank You for continually reminding me of Your goodness. Your grace. Your mercy and Your loving-kindness. Would You take a look at that? Four things. ♫Four useful words♫ Thank You God!

Various translations of Psalm 23:6 are allowing me to once again explore Your shepherd like care for each of us. You know what we need far better than we do ourselves. You always want what is best for us. Looking to You as our Shepherd, we get to follow along to places of safety. Thank You Father. Thank You for the gifts You give to us so perfectly.

And now, back to being on the lookout. Two verses stand out very clearly to me this morning. 2Chronicles 16:9 and Mark 15:43.

The first speaks of You “always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to Him” (MSG). The second tells of “Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Jewish Council” who worked up his courage to ask Pilate for Jesus' body after He had been crucified. Joseph “was one who lived expectantly, on the lookout for the kingdom of God.” These are two Truths I want to take with me into this day.

The fact that You are constantly on the lookout, 'watching the whole earth, ready to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed [devoted, loyal, true, blameless, perfect] to You' is phenomenal to me. I want to be counted in that lot!

To be described like Joseph of Arimathea, [noble, honorable, respected, brave] as one who was always on the lookout for Your Kingdom seems quite lofty to me. Oh but bigger things have happened.

Father, how I ask You to continue Your good work in each of us. Truly make us into the people You would have us be. Good. Gracious. Merciful. And lovingly-kind.

Yes Lord, keep us ever on the lookout for Your return and Your Kingdom to come, as You continue on the lookout of our hearts.

I love You so very much and I honestly want to serve You well. Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. Do in and with and through and for me all that I am absolutely incapable of doing for myself: loving You with ALL of my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:30-31).

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(456 words ~ 9:01 a.m.)

traditions

Thursday, December 27, 2012 (6:57 a.m.)

Beloved Father God,

Thank You. Yesterday I was going to come here talking to You about traditions. One moment led to another and before I knew it, the day was gone. So here I am, as the saying goes, “A day late and a dollar short.” And maybe, just maybe, more ready to hear what it is You have to say to me about traditions.

Father, thank You. Thank You that You continue to call me to You. You have so much to teach us.

And here are tears I didn't expect. Emotions I wasn't anticipating. Father You give us SUCH good gifts! Please how I ask You to help me sort through the various traditions You would have us keep and those You would have us let go of.

Your Precious Beloved Son is Who we are to honor each and every day of our lives, not just during some preordained holiday time. Too often I want things to look and be different than they are. Keep working in me Most Blessed Father.

Thank You for bringing me again to Paul's letter to the Colossians. I confess to You right here and now that I believe myself to be in way over my head! There is SO much here that is exciting to me. An outline [Illustrated Bible Handbook] to this book breaks it up very simply:

     Introduction (1:1, 2)

     I. Christ, The Full Expression of God (1:3-29)

     II. Christ, The Way to God (2:1-23)

     III. Christ, The Pattern for a Fulfilling Life (3:1-4:1)

     Personal Notes (4:2-18)

Father, I have put so much time, energy and focus on too many things through the years that do not yield good fruit for Your Kingdom. I want desperately to change our traditions around here.

A quote [again, Illustrated Bible Handbook] under Wisdom, New Testament says, “The Bible is not just a book about 'what' Christians are to believe. It is a book that helps us to see the way God looks at and interprets all the issues of our lives.” THIS is a tradition I want to forge into the very fiber of our family's traditions!

“God has given us more than the Word. He has also given us the Holy Spirit, who will help us understand and apply the written Word. Because the Spirit is in us and the Word with us, we can know God's viewpoint on any situation in which we find ourselves. In the Bible and the Spirit we have access to the very mind of Christ, to give us guidance for daily living (1Corinthians 2:15,16).”

Yes, please Father, teach us to depend solely on You. Your Word. Your Son. Your Spirit. The ABSOLUTE Traditions we need for whole and healthy living!

“What a privilege when we face a difficult situation, to know that we can look into the Bible, and ask God's Spirit to give us the wisdom we need to find God's way.” Oh Most Dear and Blessed Father God, that is EXACTLY what I am asking today.

Yesterday when I was contemplating traditions, the old and the much needed new, a song from my childhood kept coming to mind. Once again it is singing softly to me. ♫Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold♫ Keep refining these cherished traditions that we have brought with us through the years. There is much dross that needs to be burned off so that we can truly shine as the precious treasures You would have us be.

“Remove the impurities [dross] from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith” (Proverbs 25:4 - NLT). I want our traditions to be sterling in Your eyes, Dearest Father. “Remove the worthless things from silver to make it pure, and a worker can make something beautiful” (ERV). “Silver must be purified before it can be used to make something of value” (CEV). Your Word. Your Truth. Make it so in our lives Most Dear and Precious Father.

I am here before You in tears and supplication - [“the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly”]. Father I love You so very much. Let it be made apparent in the traditions we take forward into the coming years. Oh how I pray in Your Precious Son's Jesus most holy name. Thank You. Amen.

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

"from darkness to Light"

Christmas Day - Tuesday, December 25, 2012 (7:02 a.m. CDT)

Son's Forest Park Living Room

Birmingham, AL

Holy Blessed God,

Thank You! Merry Christmas and thank You! Thank You for the Gift of Your Son. Thank You that You spared no expense in giving us exactly what we needed. A Savior. The One who came to turn Your people “from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God” (Acts 26:18).

Words that stick out from this phrase [according to The Learning Bible] are:

Darkness = places of pain and suffering (Psalm 107:10) or confusion (Ecclesiastes 2:14)

God's opponents = rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12) will be thrown outside into dark (Matthew 22:13)

Light = God / God's Word (1John 1:5; Psalm 119:105) and those people or things that reveal God's Truth (Isaiah 49:6)

satan = opponent

(10:53 a.m. PDT – SWA)

“An hour and fifteen minutes (172 miles out of Las Vegas).” That is how much time is left on this flight. An hour and fifteen minutes until we land in Las Vegas, NV to wait two hours before flying 55 minutes to Ontario, CA and then drive an hour to Anaheim. A most unconventional Christmas Day. Second only to the year we had Christmas dinner for four at a Chinese restaurant in San Bernardino.

Father, I am asking Your mercy and grace on this day's reuniting of families ~ not just our own. Familial love can be tricky. Hopes and unfortunate expectations far too often give way to hurt feelings and resentments. Again I beseech You ~ mercy and grace ~ ♫Love and forgiveness♫

In the deep recesses of my mind is an image of my dear husband imitating a dancing frog, complete with hat and cane singing his own rendition of a well known cartoon. Sometimes I need the levity of pretend to lull me into the seriousness of life.

We've had an easy time these last four days. Truly enjoying the company of strangers and friends we've made on past visits. Do a Christmas miracle in our family's dynamics. Shine YOUR Holy Light on the things You would have us place our focus on. TRULY take us from darkness to light.

Too many occasions have been fraught with pretense, tolerance and resentment. Let us genuinely experience Your Light this day. Your love. Your forgiveness. This I ask in the Name of He who we come to celebrate. YOUR Blessed Son who Mary and Joseph obediently named Jesus (Matthew 1:25). Make us obedient to You Blessed Father. We love You. We praise You. We thank You.

Merry Christmas! Amen.

(433 words ~ 11:23 a.m.)

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve – Monday, December 24, 2012

“A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols”

Independent Presbyterian Church – Birmingham, AL

(6:00 p.m. Service)

Most Holy God,

Thank You! What an opportunity. Such a blessing. A true gift. Thank You Father! Words fail me. Traffic. Crowds. Throngs of people. Anxious to get to CHURCH! Is it merely tradition? I pray it to be so much more than that. Father, let it be the desire to truly worship and adore the coming of Your Son into this world. You are so good. So holy. Thank You for allowing us to be in this place, experiencing this pageantry.

The ULTIMATE Christmas Gift

Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, 2012 (7:48 a.m. CDT)

Justin's Forest Park Living Room

Birmingham, AL

Wonderfully Loving Father God,

Thank You. Again and again and again, thank You. You have blessed us this trip like I can't even begin to express!

Little things like a leg lamp in an upstairs window while touring neighborhoods looking for decorated homes. Wonderfully friendly people. Hearts and faces softened by the kindnesses of others. True Christmas blessings in every sense of the words.

Father thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The ULTIMATE Christmas Gift!

Wow! Father, YOU gave us the courage (or was it wisdom?) to break out of a lifetime tradition of never having been too far from home at Christmastime. What another gift of love on Your part!

Keep teaching us Blessed Father, that Your TRUE meaning of Christmas will never be found in all the wrappings and trappings that we've attempted to create it into being. It's found in strangers dancing with and embracing one another. Wishing each other a “VERY Merry Christmas”, not merely another “happy holiday”.

This Christmas, Father, I truly long to continue learning to love You with ALL of my heart and soul and mind and strength AND my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:30-31). I believe that to be the ultimate Christmas gift I can give back to You.

Keep working in me Wonderfully Loving Father. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(262 words ~ 9:34 a.m.)

incredible love

Saturday, December 22, 2012 (10:24a.m. CDT)

Justin's Forest Park Living Room

Birmingham, AL

Incredibly Loving Father God,

Thank You! We followed our instincts and did what seemed to be the 'right' thing at the time. We flew on the day that was supposed to be the end of the world. And here we are waking up in our son's bed. Safe. Sound. And incredibly loved. Thank You Father.

(12:14 p.m.)

It is thoughts of Your incredible love for us that keep grabbing my attention this day. I am so blessed to be Your child (1John 3:1 - Phillips).

We met a variety of people yesterday. People who were friendly. Accommodating. Kind. In over ten hours of travel time, there were very few that weren't putting their best foot forward. This, I choose to believe is further evidence of Your work in people.

The Message has two passages that give me pause this morning. I love the way Job's words are paraphrased in chapter 10, verses 8-12. “You made me like a handcrafted piece of pottery – and now are you going to smash me to pieces? Don't you remember how beautifully you worked my clay? Will you reduce me now to a mud pie? Oh, that marvel of conception of as You stirred together semen and ovum – What a miracle of skin and bone, muscle and brain! You gave me life itself, and incredible love. You watched and guarded every breath I took.” Such poetry used to describe Your incredible love for us.

Poetic as that is, Ephesians 2:1-6 speaks of our being Made Alive in Christ. “It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose His temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, He embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on His own, with no help from us. Then He picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.”

Father, I cannot even begin to thank You enough for Your incredible love of us. Continue teaching me to use it lavishly, freely, carefully as the sacred gift that it is.

Here we are, coming together to celebrate the greatest example of incredible love (John 3:16) the birth of Your beloved Son. Enable us to use this time to worship and honor You as You so rightly deserve.

It IS in Your Son's most holy name that I pray asking You to make me worthy of Your incredible love. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(505 words ~ 12:54 p.m.)

Psalm 136

Friday, December 21, 2012 (5:49 a.m.)

Fabulous Father God,

Thank You. There was a lot of awkward with us yesterday. Misunderstandings. Hurt feelings. Even some tears.

Oh but look how good You are! Just as I was going to say something about how Your love endures forever, Chris Tomlins' song ♫Forever♫ came to mind. As I was looking up those lyrics, Psalm136 caught my eye.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His loving-kindness continues forever” (v.1 - TLB). And so it goes, “Give thanks to the God of gods,” (2a). Why? “...for His loving-kindness continues forever” (2b).

I don't know if I've been aware before that throughout this entire psalm it is the worshipers who respond to each statement made about You by saying, “His loving-kindness continues forever.” One response to twenty-six statements. Help me remember this Truth today!

We're going to be traveling. It's going to be different than we've ever experienced. And guess what? “His loving-kindness continues forever”!

Many versions of Your Word have used other words to express the faithfulness of Your love. “God's love never fails” (CEV). “His faithful love will last forever” (ERV). “His love [loyalty] continues forever” (EXB). “His love is eternal” (GNT). “For His mercy endureth for ever” (KJV). “His love never quits” (MSG). “His faithful loves endures forever” (NLT). “For His steadfast love endures for ever” (RSV). “For to the age [is] His kindness” (YLT).

And do You know what I've learned from all these comparisons this morning? Again I find that I truly long to Keep It Supremely Simple! Let me go back to singing the song that started it all for me. ♫Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, Forever God is with us, Forever♫

Following each line of Truth this song sings about You, we get to join together proclaiming ♫HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!♫ Yes Father. Thank You. I love You. Enable, empower, embolden me to use Your Truth well this day. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(339 words ~ 7:25 a.m.)

catalyst

Thursday, December 20, 2012 (5:12 a.m.)

♫Hum, hum, HUM, hm, hm...♫

It's another song I can't yet remember the words to, or even the rest of the melody. What would You have me do with it?

Let me use it as a catalyst to tears? I definitely didn't see that one coming! Whatever it takes to get my attention, huh?

So I'm going to take this time right now and confess to not knowing how very close to the emotional edge I currently am. I'm also taking this occasion to thank and praise You.

Father, thank You for knowing me so well. Thank You for having Your hand on me. See? Even something simple like that Truth leads me all over the place trying to find a Bible verse to substantiate it.

Let me just get back to basics. You love me (John 3:16). This morning I followed the word 'melody' to 1 Corinthians 14:6-8. The next thing I know I am reading a commentary for verses 26-39. It talks about healthy, interdependent relationships and I'm on the verge of tears.

While consciously holding them at bay, I keep looking here and there in Your Word for the “Aha!” verse of the day. Each turn of the page brings me closer to either standing tall or collapsing in a puddle.

Father, You know my heart. You know my desires. And my needs. There is much to be done today. There is Your love to share with others. Keep humming Your Truth to me, changing my focus directly back to You.

Bringing all my jumbled thoughts, concerns, doubts and confusion to You seems like such an offense until I mix them in with the Light of Romans 8:26-27. “In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God's people.”

With this all said, still I hum and fight back tears. Father I look to You, asking that You will use whatever catalyst necessary to bring me around to glorifying and enjoying You. I love You. I need You. I want You. And I thank You.

Thank You for allowing me this time in Your presence. Use me this day as You wish. I love You so much. Thank You. Amen.

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

all because of You!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 (6:22 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

You keep blessing us. Even in the midst of tears, a stream of laughter erupts. Only, ALL because of You! Look. There's a song right there. ♫Because of YOU there's a song in my heart...♫ It's always, only because of You!

You keep working in our lives. Habits, patterns, mistakes of the past pale in Your Holy Light. Your Light which guides my path (Psalm 119:105).

Yesterday I got caught up in a project. I could feel myself getting frustrated. Irritated. Annoyed. Because of the work You have been doing in me, I recognized right away what was happening. Not only that. I got up and changed what I was doing. I realized I was hungry. I needed a break. All because of You.

Thank You Father. Thank You that even in the midst of great sadness, there is hope. Why? All because of You!

Psalm 119 is speaking to me this morning. A short description of this, the longest psalm says that the subject of these 176 verses is the impact Your Word has on believers. That is exactly what I am trying to say here.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (v.105 - KJV) is the translation I remember most. A few other versions offer even more light on the subject [little play on words, just to lighten the mood... tee-hee].

The Contemporary English Version declares, “Your Word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” The Message says, “By Your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.”

I started walking down a dark path of exhaustion yesterday. And all because of You I recognized it and changed directions. Your Word does that in us and for us. Thank You Father.

You are loving. You are kind. You are faithful. Holy. Worthy. And we are blessed by being Yours. Thank You Father for all You have planned for us. Keep us close to You.

Moving up two chapters, I am now reading the shortest psalm. Both verses remind us to praise You. Again it's The Message that tweaks it up just a little. “Praise God, everybody! Applaud God, all people! His love has taken over our lives; God's faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah!”

Hallelujah indeed! Father, thank You. Use me this day as You wish. Make me pliable and agreeable to Your will and to Your way. It's all because of You I can even ask such a thing. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(437 words ~ 7:32 a.m.)

HOME

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 (6:19 a.m.)

Awesome Father,

Thank You. Again, I come to You with thanksgiving in my heart (Psalm 100:4). The difference this morning is that I do not have a clear direction to take with You. I am here asking You to lead, guide and direct our time together. My thoughts throughout what seemed a very long night were all over the place. Yet here I am once again able to say, “Thank You”.

Thank You for sparking so many wonders. HOME keeps coming to mind. It started with ♫There's no place like home for the holidays♫ and my question to You of where is our home really? Is it there in heaven with You?

(7:15 a.m.)

Just so You know ~ the more I read this morning, the more confused about HOME I become. Because of that I am asking You to speak Truth to me.

I woke up believing heaven to be our ultimate, eternal home. While reading a piece from The Word of Righteousness, titled Our Eternal Home, the pastor brings up the concept of YOU as our Home. He uses John 14 as his points of reference. In regards to verse three, he states, “There is a huge difference between going to the Father as a Person and to Heaven as a place.”

I look to You Dearest Father, the Truth of Your Son (v. 6) and His promise of Your Holy Spirit. “If you love Me, obey Me; and I will ask the Father and He will give another Comforter, and He will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all Truth” (John 14:15-17a).

Speak Your Truth to me this day concerning our True HOME. John 14:23 tells us, “Jesus answered [a question from verse 22] and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our home with him.'”

I'm going out on a limb here until You teach me differently and believe that my home is with You. It is in You and You are in me.

So as I continue singing ♫There's no place like HOME for the holidays, 'Cause no matter how far away you roam – If you want to be happy in a million ways, For the holidays – you can't beat home, sweet home!♫ I will incorporate YOU as my HOME and rest in the comfort of Your Spirit.

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You comforting Holy Ghost for being my HOME. Not just for the holidays, but for all of eternity which began the day I first asked You into my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength (Mark 12:30).

Guide me. Teach me. Love me so much better than I am ever able to love You. Thank You. Amen.

(482 ~ 8:16 a.m.) 

Psalm 100:4-5

Monday, December 17, 2012 (6:18 a.m.)

Where do I begin,

Let's see... Thank You. Always “Thank You”. And then praise. Psalm 100:4 (The Message) says, “Enter with the password: 'Thank You!' Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him.

Mmm... Make myself at home. In Your presence. What an honor! Such a privilege. Thank You Father. Thank You for allowing me this opportunity.

Even as I consider the password (“Thank You!”) my heart, soul and mind start 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 hath made I will rejoice for He hath made me glad"♫ Hallelujah ~ Yes! You have made me glad.

Father, there is so much dissension and sadness, blame and despair going on around the world. How does one even come close to rejoicing and being glad? By remembering the Truth of Psalm 100:5. “For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and His faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation.”

The Life Recovery comment to this Psalm tells us, “We always have reason to rejoice: we live in God's presence, under His continual care, and we experience His love each day. Such a realization should fill us with gratitude and praise each time we come before Him in prayer. God never stops showering us with His compassion, He always keeps His promises to help us when we call on Him.”

Thank You Father! Praise You. Worship and adore You. You are good. You are holy. You are merciful. Kind. And we are grateful.

Shower Your blessings down on this hurting world. Flood us with Your presence. It truly is Your presence, NOT 'presents', we need every single moment of our lives here on this earth.

Thank You. ♫He has made me glad He has made me glad I will rejoice for He has made me glad, glad, glad♫

Only YOU have the power to make any of us glad under such current circumstances. Continue Your work in each of us that we would all come to thank, praise, worship and adore You in all things (1Thessalonians 5:18). Thank You Loving Father. I love You. Amen.

(380 words ~ 7: 05 a.m.)

choosing to believe

Sunday, December 16, 2012 (7:13 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, Wonderful, Powerful, Mighty God,

THANK YOU! Thank You for once again providing refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) for the weary. Last night I went to bed feeling sleepy and sad. Soon I began experiencing anger and bitterness. YOU intervened! Quickly.

Past case scenarios would have involved an exchange of harsh words met with deafening silence, tremendously hurt feelings and finally snoring. Last night I heard nothing but sweet attempts of communication, followed by an offer of a hug I promptly ignored and almost immediately a suggestion of prayer. What? In THIS household? By THIS husband?

You Lord! YOU intervened with refuge and strength like I have not known. Honest conversation took place. Even laughter. All this on a night of great national sadness.

During a time of disturbed sleep I started singing to You ♫O Little Town of ~ Connecticut, How sad we all feel for thee♫ I thought for sure that was the way I was going to begin our time here together.

Ah, but You are so much bigger and kinder than our sadness! You reminded me that I don't have to TRY to believe, I get to CHOOSE to believe! I get to believe in a heavenly Father who “so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

I'm not going to lie to You, Dearest Father [what good could that EVER possibly do!] I am horribly affected by the media coverage of the tragedy at Shady Hook School. The unspeakable suffering that took place on Thursday is beyond my comprehension. The sensationalism of the news crews I still find despicable.

Thank You Father for reminding me that my focus is to be on the Solution [YOU, Your Word, Your Son, Your promises], NOT the problem. By choosing to believe You are holy (Revelation 4:8, see also ♫Revelation Song♫) I get to offer You gratitude and praise. There is no other way I could even begin to muster up any form of thanksgiving under these circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Because of Your holiness, Your refuge and strength in times of trouble, Your promise to know the plans You have for us ~ plans for good and not for evil ~ plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and Your Truth as spelled out in 1 Corinthians 13:13 (“There are three things that remain – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love”) I get to continue choosing to believe in You. In Your goodness. Your glory. Your power. Your strength. Your Promises.

Thank You God. Thank You for BEING our Hope, our very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Thank You Father. I love You. Keep reminding me that I must continue choosing to believe. Thank You. Amen.

(481 words ~ 8:10 a.m.)

giving

Saturday, December 15, 2012 (4:56 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

Thank You! We had an impromptu visit from a young family last night. It was a true gift in ever sense of the word. Traveling to the nearby mountains they stopped to share a meal, use our facilities, borrow an item and ultimately gave us the greatest gift. Their time. Unhurried. Playful. Spontaneous.

Thank You God. Thank You Jesus. In this time of preparing our hearts and our home for the celebration of Your birth, I got to sit and enjoy unrehearsed conversation. There was fun. Laughter. Even a reluctance to leave. And the promise to come again.

As I examine the eagerness with which I am looking forward to their return tomorrow, I am keenly aware that THIS is the excitement I am to have in the planning and waiting for Your Second Coming!

My thoughts thus far this morning have been of what holiday decorations I want to have out for their revisit. While it's been just the husband and myself here all this time, readying the house hasn't been a big priority. But now there's a reason! Loved ones are coming.

Jesus, as I look further at this subject of giving of our time and energy, I desperately want You to be glorified and honored in every effort we make. Here I get to read in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (8:1-9:15) where much is said about giving. He saw it as a privilege in following the example You set when “though He was rich, yet to help you He became so very poor” (8:9b).

The Truth that we can't outgive God is reiterated throughout this section as we take a good look at all the Father provides. Just when it seems 'giving' couldn't possibly get any more exciting, we come to the last verse of this section. And a whole new avenue opens up.

The Living Bible paraphrase says “Thank God for His Son – His Gift too wonderful for words” (2Corinthians 9:15).

Without mentioning Jesus at all, other translations use words like: “gift so great that no words can ever tell it all!”, “No language can praise it enough”, “indescribable gift!”, “unspeakable gift”, “inexpressible”, “unutterable bounty”, “generosity”, “priceless”, “words cannot describe”, “beyond telling”...

A sermon by Wayne Solomon entitled God's Unspeakable Gift ends thusly, “Human religions do not reveal Him. Human thought cannot conceive Him. Human psychology cannot analyze Him. Mathematicians cannot calculate Him and computers cannot compute Him. Explorers cannot discover Him. He is the ultimate adventure, the supreme thriller, the most exciting, amazing, astounding, astonishing, startling, remarkable, wonderful, incredible, awesome gift. He is the gift that keeps on giving. He gives help to the helpless, He gives hope to the hopeless, He gives health to the sick. He gives peace to the troubled, He gives tranquility to the uneasy. He gives strength to the weak, He gives blessing to the meek, He gives comfort to the mournful, He gives joy to the sorrowful. He is food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, rest for the weary. He loves the unlovely, He encourages the discouraged, He lifts up the fallen, He delivers the oppressed and He comforts the grieving. So this year I want Jesus for Christmas. I want God’s unspeakable gift.”

Blessed Father, as You continue teaching me more about giving, help me be such a better giver. Thank You so very much for all I have yet to learn. I love You so very much. Amen.

(589 words ~ 7:34 a.m.)

Word of God, Speak

Friday, December 14, 2012 (5:55 a.m.)

Awesome Blessed Father,

Thank You. Thank You that I get to come before You asking that You would speak with me this morning. I have fleeting thoughts. Nothing tangible. But then the music starts. ♫Word of God speak

♫Would You fall down like rain Washing my eyes to see Your majesty To be still and know That You're in this place Please let me stay and rest In Your holiness Word of God Speak♫

Mm, yes! Father God how I ask You to speak to me this day.

(7:12 a.m.)

And speak You are doing. Trouble is, now I'm confused! I don't know that I have ever sung this song in regards to Your Son, The Word (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13). I think I've always considered Your Holy Scriptures as the subject.

Father, thank You! Thank You that as I was waking this morning I gave thought to the way You call us to love. “Your Word” (1Corinthians 13:4-7) spells out what real love is, as well as what it is not. We are to live Your love.

Peter wrote a letter to hurting people to show them how to live well in a shattered and hopeless world. We get to take advantage of his “call to healthy living” (1Peter 1:14-2:3). In the midst of this passage (v.25a) Peter told the persecuted early Christians that “the Word of the Lord will last forever.”

Whether it is Your Son, The Word, or Your Holy Scripture, Blessed Father this morning I continue singing ♫Word of God speak Would You fall down like rain Washing my eyes to see Your majesty To be still and know That You're in this place Please let me stay and rest In Your holiness Word of God Speak♫

Wash my eyes to see Your majesty, reminding me to love as You would have me love. Thank You Father. I love You so very much. You are so good. Thank You. Amen.

(331 words ~ 8:16 a.m.)

ease

Thursday, December 13, 2012 (5:47 a.m.)

Good Early Morning Blessed Lord,

Mmm, yes. An early, rainy morning. Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You even before the sun has come up. Thank You for the ease we are experiencing as we prepare our hearts and our home for the coming of Your Son.

(6:54 a.m.)

Holy Father, thank You! I didn't see it. I thought it the wrong word. I even felt awkward using it. Thinking myself haughty. Proud. Arrogant.

Oh, but You DO know best! Ease. Not as in easy, or effortless. Ease also means peace. Calm. Tranquility. Serenity. Restfulness. Security. YOU are doing that in us this year Blessed Father.

Getting to sit here with You and the Internet and Your Word and writings about Your Word as the rain falls gently outside I again count the blessings You provide us. A decision to back away from the hustle and bustle of commerce has allowed tremendous ease to transpire.

Father, I can't thank You enough. Our house looks nothing like it has in the past. Decorations aren't even halfway put up and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter.

What DOES matter is You. Your Son. Your Word which reminds of His first and second comings.

In all of the various readings I've done this morning attempting to find where You would lead me, it's in Micah that I have come to rest. It's a treasure trove here. It's in YOU we are to trust. YOU are where we will find our hope.

♫O Little Town of Bethlehem♫ is what brought me to this book (Micah 5:2). It's Your Truth that is keeping me here. Overall it speaks of 'the downfall of the haughty', 'the deliverance of the helpless' and 'the defeat of the oppressors'. It reminds us of 'the dangers of pretense', Your promise to 'deliver the powerless' and Your 'cares for the hurting'.

In referring to Bethlehem, The Life Recovery Bible says, “Out of a place that the world considered insignificant, God would bring greatness. God made the tiny town of Bethlehem an internationally famous place when He chose it as the birthplace of His Messiah. God is famous for using 'insignificant' people and places to achieve great things. He can take our broken and useless life and turn it into a blessing to others if we turn it over to Him.”

Father I am blessed by Your presence in our lives. You provide the hope we need to continue seeking Your will and Your way. Use us this Advent Season to share our own stories of Your work in our lives.

Continuing with the above quote for Micah 5:1-5, “Out of a hopeless situation, God can bring hope. Out of the confusion and chaos we have created, God can rebuild a world of peace.”

What a perfect reason to prepare our hearts and homes to wait expectantly for the arrival of Your precious Son. Thank You Father. Use us well this day, I pray. I love You. Amen.

(509 words ~ 7:49 a.m.)

12:12 12/12/12 12:12

Thursday 12/12/12 12:12 p.m.

Holy Father,

What better way is there for me to acknowledge such a momentous moment than this. Thank You for the inspiration.

Thank You for bringing to mind searching Bible verses that are 12:12. Romans popped up immediately.

“Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always” (Romans 12:12).

Help me remember this moment Father. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(74 words ~ 12:13 p.m.)

eternal worth

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 (5:38 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

It's 12/12/12. What can this possibly mean to any of us that is of eternal worth? Along with this thought is the song ♫There's no place like home for the holidays♫ and the saying “grow where you are planted”.

All of this is I bring to You asking that You help me sort through and take away Your Truth from it.

How truly grateful I am Blessed Father that I am allowed into Your presence. In coming before You just now I've come across a word I don't know.

Denouement – the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved; the climax of a chain of events, usually when something is decided or made clear. It comes from a French word meaning 'unknot'. The J.B. Phillips New Testament uses this word in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians (chapter 1, verse 7).

While commending the believers in Thessalonica for their “patience and complete faith in God in spite of all the crushing blows and hardships” they were going through (v.4), he ultimately spoke of the rest they would receive upon Christ's return (v.7). Denouement.

Most other translations say “revealed from heaven”. Some “revelation”. Others: “comes down” and “appears”. I read the many versions and again I am particularly drawn to The Message.

“All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with His strong angels, He'll even the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we've been waiting for” (vs. 5-7). Denouement!

Father, thank You. Thinking of Your Son's “personal coming from Heaven with the angels of His power”, bringing “full justice in dazzling flame” (J.B. Phillips) THAT'S something of eternal worth!

Let me use this unusual date (12/12/12) to grow where I am planted, offering Your faith, hope and love (1Corinthians 13:13) to all I encounter. I love You Father. I long to serve You well. Make it so. Thank You. Amen.

(382 words ~ 7:01 a.m.)

backwards

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 (6:40 a.m.)

Beloved Father,

I've done it backwards again. I woke up with some words and a melody to a song and instead of coming directly to You with it, I tried to find it on my own. I do that a lot don't I? I don't want to bother You with something I think I can do by myself.

Yeah. Backwards. That does tend to describe me rather well. Thank You Father. Thank You that in my quest to find one thing (this particular chorus that is still singing in my head) I've found so much else instead.

Time spent alone with You is so uniquely beneficial to my soul. The way one word (in this case 'backwards') leads to information I would not otherwise know. You sent “the sun backwards ten degrees as measured on Ahaz' sundial” (Isaiah 38:8a).

Here I am reminded of the hope Hezekiah found when “he turned his face to the wall and prayed” (v.2) to You wholeheartedly. He held nothing back in his poem of praise to You (vs.9-20) following his recovery from near death. He saw that “Your discipline is good and leads to life and health” (16a).

Father how I thank You that even when I approach You backwards, You turn me around. While I still don't know the song I had originally planned to bring to You this morning, I get to leave here with Hezekiah's song of praise and thanks. How cool are You!

Thank You Father for the way You work in our lives. Keep me pliable and supple this day. Easily molded into the woman You would have me become. You are so good. So holy. And I truly long to serve You well.

As the elusive song of the early morning continues evading me, I will continue humming its truth back to You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(319 words ~ 8:08 a.m.)

A.C.T.S.

Monday, December 10, 2012 (6:06 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Good morning. Thank You for so much rest. I confess I don't even know what to do with our time here this morning. Adore. Confess. Thank. Supplicate. Let's see if I can pull that off. Not on my own. I need the power and help of Your promised Holy Spirit.

Father, I DO adore You. I don't have any idea how that adoration translates to You. You know my heart. You know how I falter and waver. But You ARE God and You are good. You are the Constant in my life that I believe in and trust. Thank You Father.

Today I confess sadness. I confess to wanting too many things to be different than they are. I confess to the tears that keep falling because of my not being satisfied with what I have.

Ah, thanking. Thank You Father that this part still comes easily for me. There are SO many things for which to thank You. Beauty. Warmth. Vision. Senses. Your presence. Your Word. Your Truth. You. Your Son. Your Holy Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Father, supplicating is hard for me. I don't know how to ask earnestly. I don't know Your will so how can I ask accordingly? There are so many things I see that are wrong. But just because that's my view, my opinion, my interpretation doesn't make it right. So how do I ask? I ask that Your Holy Spirit would come upon the people and circumstances that are in need of Your Divine Guidance.

Father my heart is heavy. It hurts. It doesn't represent all that I have worked so hard for all these years. It feels sad. Disappointed. Disillusioned. So I turn back to Your Word seeking Truth. Yes Lord. Again I pray the Truth of John 8:31-32.

The tears aren't stopping. The sadness not lifting. And still I look to You. To Your Word. Searching. Seeking. Asking. Praying. Thanking.

Father, thank You that in all things I get to turn to You. I can choose to thank or fuss. You gave us free will to do with as we choose. Let me keep choosing You. Your Will. Your Way. Your Word. Your Truth. Your FREEDOM! I love You Father. I long to serve You well. NOT depending on circumstances.

Be with me this day. Guiding, directing, convicting and using all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) to Your good and to Your glory. I love You so much. Thank You Father. Amen.

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

no place

Sunday, December 9, 2012 (5:23 a.m.)

Most Loving Father God,

Thank You that You are such a loving God. Thank You that as I have lain awake this last little while, the song that impacted me repeatedly is titled ♫Home for the Holidays♫. I confess to changing some of the words to fit while my mind and soul keep singing it heartily to You.

♫Oh there's no place but with You for the holidays For no matter how far away I roam – When I long for the sunshine of a friendly gaze For the holidays – I can't beat You, sweet You!♫

Blessed Father I love when I think of You as my home. A phrase from several years back says, “Home is where your heart is.” I love when my heart is with You.

Psalm 142 (v.4 - Contemporary English Version) seems an unlikely place to find inspiration this morning. The words don't exactly speak encouragement into the soul. Until, that is, we take into account the psalm's entirety. “Even if you look, you won't see anyone who cares enough to walk beside me. There is no place to hide, and no one who really cares.”

Verse seven is where the praise comes, when we realize we are free to express our needs to You. “Rescue me from this prison, so I can praise Your name. And when Your people notice Your wonderful kindness to me, they will rush to my side.”

The whole psalm reminds us that any suffering we experience is meant to drive us to You, not to despair. We are free to express all our feelings about any trials we face directly to You. You care about us. Turning our life and our will over to You leads us out of bondage to our habits. You help us escape from our past and surround us with people who strengthen and encourage us.

That is why it is so perfect for me to unabashedly sing, ♫Oh there's no place but with You for the holidays For no matter how far away I roam – When I long for the sunshine of a friendly gaze For the holidays – I can't beat You, sweet You!♫

Thank You Father. Use me this day as You desire. I love You. Amen.

(384 words ~ 6:42 a.m.)

perfect at the time

Saturday, December 8, 2012 (12:07 p.m.)

Awesome, Blessed Father God,

Thank You. Thank You for spending time with me throughout the past twelve hours. Thinking about You. Internally speaking with You. Singing a song to You so many hours ago that I don't even remember what it was. However, I know that it was perfect at the time.

Perfect at the time. What a phrase. The Contemporary English Version of Your Word ends one sentence in Hebrews 7:19 with “perfect” and begins the next with “At the same time,”. Put all together it reads, “because the Law cannot make anything perfect. At the same time, we are given a much better hope, and it can bring us close to God.”

As I read back to the beginning of the chapter, I am unfamiliar with Melchizedek. The King of Justice and of Peace (v.2) having no father or mother, no record of any ancestors, no birth or death – a priest forever (v.3).

I confess to feeling a huge question mark over my head. The more I read and try even harder to understand, the more confused I become. I read over to chapter 5. Not a lot of understanding to be found by me here either.

What I AM getting though is so very much hope. Joy. Peace. Under a section entitled A Call to Spiritual Growth (vs.11-14) I read of the importance of “practicing doing right”. In a commentary at the bottom of the page, The Life Recovery Bible reminds, “Spiritual growth, eventual maturity, and balance can happen only through application: acting on what we know to be true”. Here it directs me to “(see 4:12)”.

Going there I read another commentary that says, “During hard times our faith tends to dwindle; it is easy to grow angry and harden our heart to the truth about ourself. There is an antidote to this problem: the Word of God, which has spiritual power to penetrate even the deepest denial.”

Father, I thank You for the opportunities You give me to practice doing right. I confess to not always choosing to follow through in what I believe to be best. How I thank You for Your Word to remind and guide me to that end.

Thank You for Your presence in my life. Thank You for keeping me company long before the sun came up. Thank You for singing with me a song that was perfect at the time. Thank for the opportunity to once again say I love You. Use me well this day I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(431 words ~ 1:19 p.m.) 

an anniversary

Friday, December 7, 2012 (8:20 a.m.)

Most Heavenly, Holy Father God,

Today is an anniversary. Seventy-one years ago lives were lost and a war declared the following day. Father, let us remember with gratitude those who have fought bravely for the freedom You have so generously blessed us with. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(46 words ~ 8:09 p.m.)

"Continue!"

Thursday, December 6, 2012 (6:03 a.m.)

Most Holy and Awesome Father God,

There is an estrangement going on within our family. It was quite subtle at first. Now there is no way of denying its existence. Thank You that Your Word even speaks to this.

Blessed Father, I am coming to You asking for a miracle. A miracle that will transform our lives. I confess to not really knowing how to pray specifically. I tend to pray in general. You know? YOUR will in all situations.

Where I want desperately to see healing in this life and all of our circumstances, too often I have not experienced the results for which I have prayed. So what am I to do? Continue!

Father, You are good! Here I am searching Your Word. Pouring over Ephesians and all the exciting Truth found there. Written by Paul “to strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their relationship with God and with each other.”

Why would he have written this letter? “Last of all I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord's mighty power within you” (Ephesians 6:10). He knew that being grounded in sound doctrine was just the beginning to standing firmly against the fierce, invisible warfare that is being waged against us (v.13).

So there I was, fairly agog with Your leading me to the introduction of this letter. Then I asked what I am to do with a heart that keeps breaking with fear and disappointment. And You answered! “Continue!”

Taking my cue from You, I searched “continue in prayer”. Lo and behold, Colossians 4:2 (KJV) says exactly that! “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving”.

A few other versions offer the same Truth with various word choices. Contemporary English Version, “Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful.”

Darby, “Persevere in prayer, watching it with thanksgiving”. Easy-to-Read Version, “Never stop praying. Be ready for anything by praying and being thankful.”

Father, I cannot even begin to know Your plans for any of us. But I absolutely believe them to be plans for good and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). And our job? Continue!

Father, I ask You for the faith and the courage to continue. With the power and strength that come only from You (Isaiah 40:29).

Be the God of our family. Deliver us from evil. We love You and need You. And we thank You. Repeatedly. In all things. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(428 words ~ 7:52 a.m.)

preparing hearts

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 (5:29 a.m.)

Living, Loving Father God,

You sent Your Son to save us. This is the time of year we are supposed to be preparing to remember that. I keep forgetting to prepare.

Even as I consider preparing our home and hearts, I turn to Your Word and am surprised. And willing, as well. I thought we'd be exploring the Advent of Your Son. Instead I'm reading of a day a month before the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

It was the day (Luke 1:8) when Zacharias was going about his work in the Temple and an angel appeared (v.11) sharing Your declaration to Malachi (4:5-6) with him.

After telling him not to be afraid and calling him by name, Gabriel went on to tell Zacharias of the son who would be born to his wife Elizabeth and they were to name John (v.13). He told of the “great joy and gladness at his birth” (14) and John's being “one of the Lord's great men... filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth!” (15).

It's verse 17 that mirrors Your conversation with Malachi (4:5-6) over four hundred years earlier. “He [John] will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Most blessed Father God, I ask You to use Your Word in me today. As we prepare our hearts, as well as our home, for the Advent of Your Son's birth let us remember well the lessons of his cousin John's ministry. The Life Recovery Bible says this, “His message called for personal repentance and the restoration of broken family relationships.”

Wherever that needs to happen, I ask You Dearest Father to be at work. Preparing (and repairing) our hearts. You are so incredibly good and we are so very grateful. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

one at a time

Tuesday, December 4, 2012 (5:10 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed Father God,

Thank You. There was sleep. And warmth. And awake time. Time. There's that word again. Please tell me, what is it You want me to know about time this day?

(6:12 a.m.)

Let's see... that it passes quickly? That many of the things I thought to be original I have actually expressed to You before?

It all seemed to have started much earlier when I recognized the song in my head as ♫Time After Time♫ Thinking it not to be relevant I looked it up anyway. Smiling, I continued wondering where else You would take me.

The Complete, Unabridged, Original Version of Reinhold Niebuhr's Serenity Prayer. Ahhh, now I see it! I didn't as I skimmed it before.

After asking You to “give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other” he followed with more.

“Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time,” here I wholeheartedly ask You Blessed Father to grant the Truth of Psalm 90:12. “Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” Oh that we would Blessed Lord!

As I sit here on the verge of tears considering all the blessings You provide, I continue asking You to enable me toward “Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next.”

One day, one moment, one blessing at a time. Father thank You for the joy, the beauty, the hope, the love You offer us. One at a time. You are Holy and I am glad. Thank You for time to spend alone with you. Time to ask You to teach me and to use me. Honestly, openly, lovingly, yieldedly. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(356 words ~ 7:10 a.m.)