more so

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (6:22 a.m.)

♫You are my Hiding Place♫

Blessed Father,

I desperately want to trust You. The very first words I woke up with were the ones I went to sleep thinking, “I'm afraid.” I know that is not Your best for me. You want me to be alert and keep on praying (Ephesians 6:18). Not afraid. You want me to be strong in Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Earlier You blessed me with the song above. When I couldn't remember anything other than the importance of not being afraid, You reminded me of the tune played so soulfully on the guitar in church the other day. Father, how I thank You. It took almost to the end before I finally remembered the words.

♫You are my Hiding Place. You always fill my heart with song of deliverance; Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. I will trust in You. Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord!”♫ That's me Father. One who is weak and desperately in need of trusting You.

I don't want to be afraid. I want to stand firmly upon Your Word and Your promises. Psalm 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” I am excited to read that. And even more so the next two verses.

“The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'” (Psalm 32:8-9) That's me! A senseless horse. I've been reckless. Careless. Foolhardy.

Today I ask You to keep me SAFE. Strong in You and Your great power (Ephesians 6:10). Alert and always praying (Ephesians 6:18). Faithful, even unto death (Revelation 2:10). Earnest and repentant (Revelation 3:19).

Fear comes easy to me. How I thank You for again reminding me that Who and What I am to fear is You (Revelation 14:7). “'Fear God,' he [an agel] shouted, 'and extol His greatness. For the time has come when He will sit as Judge. Worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, the sea and all its sources.'”

Yes! Fear YOU! Thank You Father. Thank You for the reminder to Fully Esteem And Revere You. ♫You ARE my Hiding Place! You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance; Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You♫ Thank You Father. Thank You for rebuking me. Thank You for doing what You have to do to get my attention.

Thank You for the many translations of Revelation 3:19 that invite us to get back on track with You. “I correct [rebuke] and punish [discipline] those whom I love. So be eager to do right [zealous; earnest], and change your hearts and lives [repent]” (Expanded Bible). “I correct and punish the people I love. So show that nothing is more important to you than living right. Change your hearts and lives” (Easy-to-Read Version). “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference” (New Living Translation). “I speak strong words to those I love and I punish them. Have a strong desire to please the Lord. Be sorry for your sins and turn from them” (New Life Version).

Do in and for me Father all the things I am incapable of doing on my own. Like making the right choices that will lead me back out of the bondage of indifference and fear. Thank You for being my Hiding Place. Thank You for Your love and Your presence. Help me use them well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

Psalm 89:1

Monday, April 29, 2013 (7:07 a.m.)

♫I am a C, I am a C-h, I am a C-h-r-i-s-t-i-a-n And I have J-e-s-u-s inside my h-e-a-r-t and I will l-i-v-e e-t-e-r-n-a-l-l-y♫

Blessed, Holy, Father God,

THANK YOU! Here I've been for almost an hour trying to 'feel' connected to You. I woke up not feelin' it. I said a few Scriptures, sang the song above, started to tell You how I was just going through the motions and a different song started singing to me.

♫I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever I will sing... I will sing of the mercies of the Lord. With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations♫ And here You are. I don't feel all that different. But I KNOW.

I know You are good. You are faithful. And I am grateful. I'm not here because I have to. Not because I should. I'm here because I want to know You. I want to know You so that I truly will sing of Your mercies forever.

Father God, thank You. Thank You for this reminder. Thank You that I came here in faith and You blessed me with a song. A song I can take with me and sing throughout the day. A song taken straight from Your Word. Psalm 89:1, ♫I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever I will sing... I will sing of the mercies of the Lord. With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations♫

Thank You Father. Live in and through me this day. Make me obedient to Your will and to Your way. I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to bring glory and honor to Your most holy name through my thoughts and actions this day. Keep me close to You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(328 words ~ 7:50 a.m.)

"live well"

Sunday, April 28, 2013 (7:09 a.m.)

Amazing Father God,

I want to live Your Word today. Far too often I am content with just living my feelings. Today I am asking that I “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Father, I want desperately to “live well” this day. I have no idea what exactly that is going to look like, but I'm excited to think of all the changes it will bring to us.

Yes Father. I want to live Your Word this day that I may indeed “live well” with You. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Colosse to show that Christ is the only real source of power in our life. When I allow my thoughts to drift over to focusing on the fears of living in this world I lose the power I gain from Your Truth.

Paul told the Colossians, “Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to His will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making Him proud of you as you work hard in His orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unedurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that He has for us” (Colossians 1:9-12).

Father God, I want to live well for You. You have blessed me repeatedly. I long to have my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) aligned with all You know is best for me.

Your Word is a treasure trove of how to live well. We are told to love You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as well as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Yesterday I was blessed by being a part of a wedding ceremony. I got to read Paul's words describing love to the people of Corinth. I want to live each day here as though I truly believe what I read, because I do!

“I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don't have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal... Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. Love is never happy when others do it wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits” (1Corinthians 13:1-7).

Father God, it is only in and through Your mighty strength and power that I can live well Your love. Psalm 23 reminds me that You are my Shepherd and I am sheep. I am safe in You! Ephesians 6 (13-17) tells me that I must dress each and every day in Your armor, preparing for the spiritual battle that is sure to come. You have equipped us with every single thing needed to live well this day. Do NOT let me go out again without: the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. You know my every need. You have provided for them all. Let me use well the resources You knew to give us.

Finally, I ask You to make me truly grateful. In all things. Always. “Always grateful of grace with God”. It's a tall order. One I absolutely cannot achieve on my own. I need the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10), the alertness to pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18), the faithfulness to follow You even unto death (Revelation 2:10) and the earnestness to repent and “become enthusiastic about the things of God” (Revelation 3:19). These are what I need to live well this day. I ask You, in Your Son's most Holy name to supply my every need. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(755 words ~ 9:16 a.m.)   

"teach me" to "be strong" in You

Friday, April 26, 2013 (5:55 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Father God,

Thank You! Thank You that You have much to teach me. Thank You that I am called to “be strong” in You and in Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Father, as great as that seems, I confess I don't know how.

I read various translations. I even start to get excited thinking oh, maybe this is it. J.B. Phillips New Testament, “In conclusion be strong – not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of His boundless resource.” Yeah. That sounds good. Contemporary English Version is helpful too. “Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.”

How does this all come about? I am to walk with You. Be still and know that You are God. Trust. Believe. Have faith.

And again, like so many times before, I ask and You answer. Right here where my Bible is open. Psalm 119:64-68, “O Lord, the earth is full of Your loving-kindness! Teach me Your good paths. Lord, I am overflowing with Your blessings, just as You promised. Now teach me good judgment as well as knowldege. For Your laws are my guide. I used to wander off until You punished me; now I closely follow all You say. You are good and do only good; make me follow Your lead.”

Yes Lord. Do that. “Make me follow Your lead.” All the other translations I've found this morning say, “Teach me”. This is where I revert back over to being strong in Your mighty power. I can do none of this on my own Blessed Father. I need You. The presence of Your Holy Spirit.

Yes. Again. Turning to Your Word. Depending on Its Truth, I ask that You would manifest 2Corinthians 13:14 in and through me and others this day. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Come Lord Jesus Come. Be THE most important part of this day. This I pray in Your name. Amen.

(346 words ~ 7:11 a.m.)

♫ Jesus Loves Even Me! ♫

Thursday, April 25, 2013 (10:16 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

I love You. And way better than that, YOU love me! I must confess though, that is a fact that I still can't begin to comprehend. I read of it. I consider it. I choose to believe it. And I fall tremendously short of actually living it!

Thank You Father that I even have words to sing of it. Randomly. Intentionally. Heartfully. Soulfully. Mindfully. ♫I am so glad that our Father in heav'n Tells of His love in the Book He has giv'n. Wonderful things in the Bible I see – This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me. I am so glad that Jesus loves me; Jesus loves even me!♫

I read Your Word. I find so much hope in believing that I am included as one who is described in Jeremiah 17:7-8. “But blessed is the man [woman] who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his [her] hope and confidence. He [she!] is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water – a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.”

Father I confess to living much more like the man detailed in verses five and six. “The Lord says: Cursed is the man who puts his trust in mortal man and turns his heart away from God. He is like a stunted shrub in the desert, with no hope for the future; he lives on the salt-encrusted plains in the barren wilderness; good times pass him by forever.”

I have been focusing so much on disappointments and hurt feelings, I haven't been at all willing to look to You for the riches You have in store. The longer I stayed away from You and Your Truth, the easier it was for me to wall myself off with bitterness and fear.

Father, thank You that even this tendency is represented in this blessed hymn dating all the way back to 1871. ♫Tho' I forget Him and wander away, Still He doth love me wherever I stray. Back to His dear, loving arms would I flee, When I remember that Jesus loves me... Jesus loves even me!♫

As I continue searching Your Word, I am reminded even more of Your all encompassing love. The apostle Paul wrote Your church at Rome to tell them, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady” (Romans 5:3-4).

You are more keenly aware of the weakness of my character than I. You see how easily my heart, soul, mind and body (Mark 12:30) jump ship when any hint of trouble arises. Thank You Father that none of me surprises You. I ask that You would continue Your good and faithful work in me that I will more closely resemble Paul's words in verse five.

“Then when that happens [our hope and faith are strong and steady], we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”

Yes Father, I love You. But W-A-Y more important than that, YOU love me! WOW!! Thank You. Help me do something wonderful with Your love this day. Thank You. Amen.

(646 words ~ 1:31 p.m.)

More than enough!!!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 (11:12 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

I am here asking Your forgiveness of my self centeredness. I have been moping and coddling and all in all just plain out feeling sorry for myself for awhile now. I'm not good at acceptance. I keep wanting what I don't have instead of being grateful for all I do.

Ah, yes Lord! There is that word which was spoken last night. Grateful. Ah yes Lord, make me grateful!

An entire week has passed with my feeble attempts at spending time with You frittered away. I have been extraordinarilarly careless with my health, time, energy and thinking. Father, I take Your love and faithfulness far too much for granted and I want desperately to revere You with the awe and esteem You so rightly deserve.

Negativity is such a slippery slope with me. One I know far too well to stay away from. Yet there I was, once again thinking, “just this little bit won't hurt me”. I stopped exercising. No longer cared to make healthier food choices. Spent very little (next to no) time with You in Your Word. And here I am once again afraid of practically everything!

I'm not nice enough. I don't care enough. I haven't tried hard enough. And I am harder on myself than anyone else could ever be.

(5:10 p.m.)

And here I am all these hours later reminding myself that I am grateful enough to say “Thank You, Father.” Thank You that I am loved enough (John 3:16).

You certainly have Your work cut out for Yourself in regards to me. We take a few steps forward Together; then my mind gets side-tracked, my heart becomes discouraged, my soul grows weary and my physicality weakens.

Here I am Father, after all these days of false starts and stops. Here I am FINALLY saying, no, make that SINGING ♫I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me♫

I will NEVER be enough! But Jesus is!!!! Thank You Father for this l-o-n-g difficult week of being reminded just how very much You and He love even me. More than enough!!! Thank You Father. I love You! Amen.

(381 words ~ 5:31 a.m.)

powerful words

Tuesday, April 16, 2013 (6:45 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You. May I once again say how amazed I am by the power of words? YOUR Words especially.

The one I started out with this morning was 'blame'. I'm not sure where I got it, but there it was. Thank You that I knew I didn't want to go in that direction. In looking up it's antonym (opposite) and origin I was schooled more than I expected.

The antonym listed was 'absolve', which quickly led to 'set free' and happily for me 'forgive'. These are powerfully important words. Words I want to incorporate into my everyday being.

Next up came the origin and its association to 'blaspheme'. Speaking irreverently of You and Your sacred things is absolutely not what I want to be known for. Instead I ask that You guide and direct my heart and soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) along the lines most pleasing to You.

Looking for a scapegoat or pointing fingers at others for my circumstances are no longer avenues I wish to explore. Instead I want my thoughts and feelings lined up with the all Truthful power of Your Word.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity to call You “Father” (Luke 11:2). Thank You for the freedom of approaching You exactly as I am; fully hoping, expecting, believing that You will change me right where I am.

There are changes that need to be made in my attitude, my work ethic, the ways I use the time You have allotted me. Do for me here what I am unable to do in myself. Forgive me for wasting. Work in me that I truly become a blessing to and for others.

I love You so much and I truly long to be all You have created for. Thank You for the ♫wonder working power of the precious blood of Your Lamb♫ The mighty Power available to us all. Help me live this day in, through and on Your powerful words. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

considerate

Monday, April 15, 2013 (7:01 a.m.)

Most Wonderfully Awesome, Incredible God,

Father, thank You! Thank You for Your love which inspires our love for You, ourselves and others (Mark 12:29-31). Talk with me this day about all it is that You would have me thinking and doing.

I came out here expecting to explore the word 'considerate'. Is that what You have for me? Or are we going with 'inspire'. Guide and direct me I pray.

(8:19 a.m.)

And guide You did. Romans 15:1. Under Living to Please Others, the apostle Paul emphasizes what he has been teaching about The Danger of Criticism (Chapter 14).

Father, there is just so darned much here! One verse takes me back one chapter which leads me back even further. While my head is nodding, my soul is screaming, “Yes! Yes!”

Father, I LONG to live my life (each and everyday!) with the commitment for others that Paul encourages. The Roman believers were not perfect. They had serious problems. There were racial and cultural differences, including what to eat and drink.

Paul urged Your people to set aside the competitive nature of the world and work together with a sincere love for one another. That all encompassing love which comes only from Your perfect love for each and every one of Your believers; of which I am blessed to be considered one.

Father, it is Your forgiving love that allows me to spend time in Your Word learning what it is to forgive ourselves and others. Again and again Paul teaches that forgiveness leads the way to joy. Too often we take the wrong road and have to go back and pick up again where we left off. Thank You that Your love offers us that opportunity.

There is much to do around here today Dearest Father. Much more than I could ever hope to accomplish. I myself do not have the wherewithal to stay focused or commited to the task. YOU have the power to do in and through me that which I cannot do myself. It is to You I turn asking that You would order my day and attitude to match what You would deem worthy of Your daughter.

Romans 15:1 is the verse that brought me here, “We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things [eating and drinking practices] like this. We must not just please ourselves.” But there is so very much more to all Paul had to say. 

Work in my heart Dearest Father. Change all I feel, am, think and do (Mark 12:30) to align with the woman You would have me be.

I love You Father. I cherish, worship and adore You. Work in me that I would do it so much better. Thank You Father, that I get to pray saying, “Amen.”

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

Your presence

Saturday, April 13, 2013 (8:18 a.m.)

Hi “Dad”,

Thank You for Your presence in our lives. Thank You for allowing us into Your presence any and every single time we need.

There are so many verses (Psalm 33:20-22; 46:1-6; 73:21-24 to name just a few) speaking of our need of Your presence. Thank You Father for making us aware, attuned and able to find them. You are such a good and loving Father. We are grateful for Your love. And Your presence.

Use us this day Blessed Father to Your good and to Your glory. It is in You that “we live, and move, and have our being;” (Acts 17:28a). Thank You Father. We love You. Amen.

(117 words ~ 10:51 a.m.)

busy brain

Friday, April 12, 2013 (6:46 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You! I had a very 'busy brain' for most of the late night and early morning. Throughout it all thoughts of Your Word, Your Son's sacrifice and Your love for each and everyone of us shone through above it all. Thank You Father.

There was a time when this would not have been the case. Too often I get caught up in the 'he saids and she saids' and in trying to make sense of it all. Thank You for allowing me into Your presence on the behalf of others and myself.

Father God, You are so incredibly kind. You have done so much to bring us to Yourself. We stumble. We fall. And through it all You remain. Faithful. Kind. Forgiving. Mm. Forgiveness. Such a big and powerful word. Speak with me this morning about sharing Your power through forgiving ourselves and others.

So many verses and sections are written on the subject and I don't have time to look at them all. Narrow down the search for me I ask.

Hebrews 12:15. No sooner asked then answered. Thank You Father. “Make sure that no one misses out on God's grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people” (Common English Bible). And said this way in The Voice “Watch carefully that no one falls short of God's favor, that no well of bitterness springs up to trouble you and throw many others off the path.”

Yes Father. How I ask You to help me live Your Way of forgiveness this and every single day. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(284 words) 

ladybugs

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 (8:52 a.m.)

Most Blessed Father God,

Where do we start? ♫At the very beginning♫ Yes, ♫a very good place to start♫

(10:13 a.m.)

♫When you read you begin with A-B-C♫ which took me right back to remembering the importance of accepting, believing, and confessing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Father, I admit to continuing trying to do my way to You.

Thursday, April 11, 2013 (6:50 a.m.)

And this morning I get to come here absolutely grateful. Yesterday You gave me ladybugs. I was feeling grumpy and getting more upset as I haphazardly jerked at weeds in the yard. I grumbled to myself. Rehearsed all my justifications for feeling as I did. And then I realized. I didn't HAVE to be mad. I was choosing it!

Just like that I changed locations, to a more pliable piece of property. And what did I get for my efforts? Ladybugs! Thank You Father. Thank You.

Bless us and keep us this day I pray. We love You. Amen.

(171 words ~ 7:03 a.m.)

mistakes

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 (6:31 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Tell me. Just how many mistakes can one person make? Never mind. Rather than answering that, let me thank You instead for providing Your Word on the subject.

Your Word. Specifically 1Corinthians 10:11-12 and 2Timothy 3:14-17. In both cases Paul was writing to encourage Your believers. His letter to the Corinthians was to urge Your people to resolve their problems and honor You. His words to Timothy were those of blessing, advice and comfort.

Father, thank You! All these centuries later they bless, advise and comfort me as well. The Life Recovery Bible says this, “Paul had made mistakes in the past, but that didn't disqualify him from helping Timothy. Neither do our mistakes disqualify us from reaching out to others.”

As I come before You this morning I thank and praise You for the work You are doing in this household, the work You are doing in me. And I ask You to fulfill Your Word, Your Truth in me.

“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone” (2Timothy 3: 16-17).

Yes Lord. Make it so. Thank You for the mistakes I've made so far this morning alone. Thank You especially for all You are going to teach me through them. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

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

"be a Barnabas"

Friday, April 5, 2013 (7:23 a.m.)

Awesome God,

♫If they could see me now...♫ This sang to me all through the late night and early morning.

Sunday, April 7, 2013 (7:06 a.m.)

...and I couldn't stay focused. I tried to read something into it. I wanted to have it come from You. Even now, with the tune of ♫Unchained Melody♫

Monday, April 8, 2013 (5:26 a.m.)

At least this morning I am up before the sun. I don't know if that will get me any closer to finishing. I think not when my thoughts so far have been, “I don't want to” and “Do I have to?”.

Father, You alone know what is going on with me. 'Out of control' comes to mind. As does 'not caring'. What is it going to take for me to take that first step toward caring?

That's the word Father! I desperately want to care. Yesterday in church [thank You very much that we finally did go] I heard the word 'chained' and thought back to the first song of the day.

(7:17 a.m.)

“Try again.” “What's it going to take?” “How do I stay here?” Father, I do not have what it takes to finish well. My thoughts too often take me down a rabbit hole. I find myself lost.

(9:19 a.m.)

Now here I am! Not only in the flesh, but with my heart and mind and soul (Mark 12:30) as well. Thank You Father. Thank You!

It has taken several days and a lot of instances to get me where I am right now and I thank You for Your patience with me. Yesterday I remembered the importance to “Be still and know” that You are God (Psalm 46:10). Too often I see my stillness as weakness, even laziness.

Ah, but You just reminded me of all the little things You've been letting me learn these past few days. Thank You Father. Thank You God!!!

First off, on Saturday when I didn't even show up here with You, I shared You and Your love with the 'witnesses' who came to our door. For every Bible verse they shared with me, I had one to share with them. This was not something I had planned. I usually don't even answer the door to them. But there I was, barefoot, in my morning robe telling them of the importance of starting my day reading in and standing on Your Word.

When I was asked what my thoughts were of the pamphlets they have left for me in the past, I took the time and confessed my struggle in finding the answer I wanted to use. “Nothing to conflict with what I've been taught.” I shared our place of worship with them. I told these two gentlemen of the postings of my prayer time with You.

Upon the reading of Your Word, I erupted with a resounding, “Amen!” As the larger of the two men opened His Bible, the taller opened his as well. When I asked to use the first's, the second's eyes widened. Both thanked me for my time and said how refreshing it was to have a neighbor willing to speak of my faith with them. Something they don't get a lot of.

YOU did that Father! It was YOU who so willingly opened the door to them. You who gave me the verses to share with them. Thank You Father. Thank You!

Now we are on to yesterday. I didn't necessarily want to go to the early service but the opportunity to worship with our son was not one I wanted to miss. A bonus to the willingness of being there was this description of Esther, “Her meekness – her quiet, gentle strength – saved the Jewish people. It is a reminder that meekness is not weakness, but strength under the control of the Holy Spirit.” Oh, amen!

And just now I read this by Greg Laurie, concerning the suicide of Matthew Warren, “At times like these, there really are no words, but there is the Word.
There is no manual, but there is Emmanuel.
God is with us.” Father, You send us reminders all the time.

As I prepare to finally end this time with You once again I am hopeful. While my hope truly is in You (Psalm 25; Romans 15:13) I am asking You to fulfill Your work in me. The desire to serve and represent You well is deep. As is the want to “be a Barnabas” (Acts 4:36).

Full of hope I leave this time with You; asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7-11) that You lead me exactly where You would have me this day. Give me Your power and strength to persevere in what You have for me. I love You Father. And I thank You so very much. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(811 words ~ 10:33 a.m.)

fear and trembling

Thursday, April 4, 2013 (12:04 p.m.)

Most Amazingly Blessed Father,

Thank You! You have taken my usually fearful heart and laid a new piece of optimism. I followed Your lead yesterday. You told me to be reconciled with a loved one. With fear and trembling I obeyed.

After receiving confirmation that there was not the problem I had thought there was, You laid upon my heart the desire to call a completely different person. Again, with fear and trembling, I obeyed.

This morning You blessed me with a 55 minute phone call reconnecting me with a dear friend from the past. Immediately following that call came the desire (again, YOU!) to dial another. Again, the same opportunity to reconnect. And this time to share some of the practice following You yields in our lives.

Father, I love You. There is a peace inside that is motivating me to take care of business I have been avoiding. This is not something I can ever manufacture on my own. I took that one step of faith yesterday and today I am experiencing a power that is absolutely not my own.

Much like the woman in Mark (5:25-34) who believed she would be healed just by touching Jesus' clothing (v.28) it is YOU I want to step toward with fear and trembling (v. 33). It is so easy for me to get side-tracked. My focus gets taken off of You and I forget all I am in Your presence. Thank You for the ease with which my giants have been met this day. Thank You for reminding me who I am in Christ.

Thank You for the gladness with which this day began and the joy in which it has proceeded. Continue using me as a light of Your grace and glory. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(308 words ~ 12:40 p.m.)

"I am glad."

Thursday, April 4, 2013 (6:59 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

You ♫have made me glad♫ Thank You. It's the song I started singing right after I heard myself think, “I am glad.” Glad. Thank You, Father. “I am glad.”

I don't always remember that. Too often I fall prey to thinking of all the things I am not. Thank You for reminding me. I have no idea what You have in store for me this day but ♫I will rejoice for You have made me glad♫ Thank You.

Father, thank You for the joy You bring into my life. This is not something I can do myself. You provide our every need.

In looking up and finding the words to the song my heart is still singing, I smiled immediately. ♫I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart I will enter His courts with praise I will say this is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice for He has made me glad♫

“I am glad.” Because YOU have made me glad! Only because You have made me glad. Thank You Father.

Psalm 100:3 tells us, “Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

I did not make myself glad. You did. And I thank You. Help me use this gladness well this day. Let it be the base of all I do. Remind me as often as necessary that ♫He has made me glad He has made me glad I will rejoice for He has made me glad♫ Thank You Father.

'All glory and grace with God' is how I long to live each day You have given me. Make it so, I pray, in Your Son's most holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

reconciliation

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 (6:37 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy Father,

Will You speak with me this morning about reconciliation? Just yesterday I read somewhere that it is more important than resolution because while one (reconciliation) deals with relationships the other (resolution) focuses on problems. I think I have a problem with a relationship. I need Your help.

(9:52 a.m.)

Following what I believe to be Your lead (Mathew 5:23-24) I left here 'to be reconciled with my brother'. While it doesn't feel any different, I'm going on in faith that we are indeed 'okay'.

I have to confess to You Dearest Dad, this everyday life business is way harder than I ever expected it to be. I have what I believe to be great ideas and interests and attempts and ambitions and for the most part they fall along the wayside for lack of commitment on my part. I can waver and avoid with the best (or is it 'worst') of them. Change this in me please.

(11:11 a.m.)

Because I keep getting distracted by thinking You are leading me this way or that, I am going to get up, get busy and keep asking You to bless me and keep me (Numbers6:24-26). Father, I love You. I want to be Your obedient daughter and for just right now, I have no idea what that looks like. Work in me I pray. I love You. Amen.

(236 words ~ 11:15 a.m.)

ABC

Monday, April 1, 2013 (7:28 a.m.)

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 (5:11 a.m.)

Amazingly Beautiful Christ,

I readily accept and admit that I am a sinner (Romans 3:23). I believe You came and died for my sins (John 3:16). I confess with my mouth that You are Lord (Romans 10:10).

I have spent days feeling guilty for not loving, being, wanting and doing enough for You (Mark 12:30). These are all things I have imposed upon myself. Thank You that I get to turn in Your Word (The Life Recovery Bible) and read that I am "Declared “Not Guilty” BIBLE READING: Romans 3:23-28".

This particular devotion speaks of falling short of our own personal ideals. “At some time, all of us have held high ideals. We have used them to define what we think life should look like. But most of us learned early on that we couldn't measure up to them. Worse yet, we have fallen short of the expectations of others and the desires of God. Oh, the weight of guilt we carry! Oh, the pain to think of how we have disappointed those we love! Oh, the longing for some way to make up the difference between what we are and what we should be!”

And that is where I quit every single time. I see the vast distance between who I am and all that I ever wanted to be. I declare myself weak. Lazy. Uncommitted. And then I start building walls to protect myself. I don't want to get hurt so I refuse to care. I look at life from my own vantage point and hide myself even more.

Father, again I thank You for the love You have for us. A love so big and perfect that I can't even begin to understand it.

The Living Bible uses these words for Romans 3:23-24, “Yes, we all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal; yet now God declares us 'not guilty' of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away our sins.”

You have given me such an enormous gift which I absolutely don't deserve. Help me us it wisely this day. Your love. Your forgiveness. Your power. All in the form of Jesus. I accept Him as my Savior. I believe Him to keep His promises. I confess Him to be Lord.

♫Lord I lift Your name on high, Lord I love to sing Your praises, I'm so glad You're in my life, I'm so glad You came to save us. You came from heaven to earth, to show the way. From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord I lift Your name on high♫

Thank You, Amazingly Beautiful Christ. Thank You, Always Bountiful Creator. Thank You, Love and Lord of my life. Surround me with all grace and glory (Romans 5:2) that I would use them well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(498 words ~ 6:27 a.m.)