f words

Friday, May 31, 2013 (6:51 a.m.)

June Lake Loop, CA

Awesome God,

How I thank You! There are so many 'f' words this morning for which to give You praise. Found glasses. Fish. Fireside fables. Fun. Even fear – and being frozen by. Father. Ah, yes! Yours is the ULTIMATE 'f' word.

I used that other, most despicable one yesterday. Not glorifyingly. Not without much thought and consideration. I stood on a log. Swaying in the wind. Honestly frozen by fear and the word that escaped my mouth, repeatedly, was that one of which we ought not utter.

How much better to have “Father” come to mind. But it didn't. I expressed fear. Not faith. Repeatedly voiced aloud variations of, “I'm so scared.” Father, thank You for this experience. Thank You for fear. Honest to You, genuine fear. Fear that kept me in place. Fear that kept me from moving. Fear from which I can learn much.

I forgot to breathe. I thought about the importance of keeping my balance. Courage and confidence were nowhere to be found. Kind, gentle, encouraging words were effectively spoken. And finally I was sitting on a large rock, just feet from shore.

Faithful Father, I remain acutely aware of the number of f words I've used and am reading. Psalm 73 speaks of feet slipping (v.2). There's mention of a finger (12) – one was severely snagged with a fishing hook yesterday.

As I prepare to leave this time with You and our present location, Father how I ask to take this lesson of the f words with me. “My health fails, my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; He is mine forever!” (Psalm 73:26) Now that's an f word to bank on! Thank You Father.

Fuel me to use Your love and faithfulness well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(315 words ~ 7:35 a.m.)

"Attitude PLUS!"

Thursday, May 30, 2013 (8:44 a.m.)

June Lake Loop, CA

Most Holy God,

Time spent with You has given me “Attitude PLUS!” and I am asking You to temper it into something glorifying to You. Left up to me it will take us south really quickly.

Just looking up the meaning of the verb 'temper' causes me to smile. Thank You Father. “Improve the hardness and elasticity by reheating and then cooling it.” Yes Blessed God, cool me every time I get reheated!

Another meaning is, “serve as a neutralizing or counterbalancing force”. YOU are my neutralizing and counterbalancing Force”! And again, I thank You!

Father, You make me so grateful. Having softened my unruly attitude, I turn again to Your Word. Ephesians 4:23, “Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better.” Amen to that!

Your Word is such a blessing and a help. I turn to You asking that I truly LIVE Your Word this day. Keep me so attuned to it that I recognize immediately when I begin to stray. I love You and I thank You. Amen.

(190 words ~ 9:04 a.m.)

gratitude

Thursday, May 30, 2013 (6:38 a.m.)

June Lake Loop, CA

Most Holy God,

Again I look to You with gratitude. Paul wrote to the believers at Colosse so we would know that Jesus is “the only real source of power in our life” (The Life Recovery Bible). Oh, amen and amen to that!

When I look around at such beauty and an ease with which to approach it, I am filled with wonder. Lost for words. And with that I turn to Your Word.

(7:58 a.m.)

Reading. Absorbing. Praying. Asking. Seeking. Thanking. Yes, Father, I am thanking You. One verse (Colossians 3:16) led to a whole book, which pointed to other verses and a heart overflowing with gratitude. Father, ever-so humbly I sit here aware of my imperfections and my heart's desire of serving You well.

The NIV Compact Concordance's only entry for gratitude shows, “Col 3:16 with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Oh yes Dearest Father. I have gratitude in my heart to You!

The Living Bible says, “Remember what Christ taught, and let His words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts.” Reading further, through verse 17, “And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with Him into the presence of God the Father to give Him your thanks.”

This book (Colossians) speaks of Christ's power. Showing Him to be the only real source of power in our lives. How very often I forget this Blessed Father. Thank You for this opportunity to be reminded.

Holy God, this morning I ask You to work mightily in and through our relationships. YOU have the power to grow us and change us and make us into exactly all You would have us be.

I am asking. Seeking. Knocking. Begging. Pleading. Requesting that You would have Your blessed way in our hearts, our souls, our minds and our strength (Mark 12:30). Turn us into the people who would love You first and foremost with every single fiber of who and what we are.

You, Father. I want to serve You. Well! Thank You for the gratitude which has sparked this desire. I love You. I am grateful because of You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

love and happiness

Wednesday, May 29, 2103 (3:33 p.m.)

June Lake Loop, CA

Most Holy Father God,

Another year, another journey. Father, thank You! Thank You for a husband who loves to travel. Thank You for the patience that allows us to work well enough together to get us to that end. Thank You for a very safe five hour drive and all the love and happiness that came along with it.

Blessed Father, You keep working in us. I see it often. Some changes are more obvious than others. Oh, but the work You are doing! Thank You.

Thank You for helping me learn the importance of listening more and speaking less in my quest to communicate effectively. Thank You for allowing me to experience first hand the affect my words have. In my search for energy yesterday, I voiced the following self-imposed [You ordained, I pray] mission statement: “I aspire to inspire the practice of love and happiness.”

Today seems the perfect day for such an aspiration. Sixty-five years ago my parents drove several hours to be joined in a marriage that lasted until they were parted by death over forty-five years later. Love and happiness was practiced repeatedly. Father, how I thank You for their example. Their intent.

Continue Your patient work in growing us through Your Word. We DO love You Father. And we absolutely thank You for Your grace and glory being evidenced in our love for You and each other. Use us well this day I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(257 words ~ 4:49 p.m.)

search for energy

Tuesday, May 28, 2013 (6:24 a.m.)

Loving Lord,

You are good. You are REALLY good! Thank You. Only up for a couple of minutes and already You've helped me smile. Thank You.

Lying in bed, I was thinking of and singing to You. Coming out here I looked up the word energy. A glance at the top of the webpage showed, “search for energy”. Yes Lord, I am absolutely searching for energy! I feel as though I have none.

My head hurts, my body aches and there is MUCH to be done. I have come to You to search for energy.

How excited I am to be reading in Malachi as ♫Just A Little Talk With Jesus♫ sings within my being. ♫I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears But Jesus is a Friend who watches day and night I go to Him in prayer, He knows my every care And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right♫ How incredibly grateful I am for this Truth. YOUR Truth!

The prophet Malachi wrote 55 verses to the people of Judah after Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. He recognized them as Your chosen people (1:1-5), told how they: neglected You (1:6-2:9), broke Your commitments (2:10-16), doubted Your involvement (2:17-3:5) and Your significance (3:6-4:3). Finally (4:4-6) he urged them to get back on track by remembering the law You gave to Moses while they await the prophet You have promised to send.

We get tired Father. And lazy. Forgive me. I have been using these very words to describe myself, thinking them to be funny. Not so. I look to You in my search for energy. And I find it in the promise of Malachi 4:2.

Your Word contains such poetry. “The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking” (The Message).

Other versions say, “... and you will go free, leaping likes calves let out to pasture” (The Living Bible). Gambol, playfully jump, happy, light-hearted, skip, go out and dance, grow up, springing. These are words I want to use concerning myself.

There is MUCH to do today, Father. I have consciously put it all off until now. This is where I turn to You. Searching for energy. Do in and for, with and through me that which I absolutely cannot even begin to do for myself. I love You Father and I thank You for guiding me in Your Word. Let me apply this lesson well. I love You. I thank You. Use me well this day. Amen.

(439 words ~ 7:55 a.m.)

choosing to say

Memorial Day Monday, May 27, 2013 (6:39 a.m.)

Awesome, Glorious, Father God,

Thank You! I cried yesterday. Hard, emotional, unspeakable, in church tears. And You heard the prayers of my heart and healed me. Right then and there. One moment I couldn't even sing the words and the next I was calm, standing strong, while joining my voice in singing Your praises.

Thank You Father. Thank You for never leaving us alone. Thank You for reminding me that not only is Your name to be blessed when things are going well, but ♫When the darkness closes in Still I will say Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name... Blessed be Your glorious name You give and take away... My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name♫

I get to choose. You keep leading us to You. Your Truth. Your will. Your Way. And I am choosing to believe that what You have set out for us is good.

While here with You yesterday morning before church, I asked You for the grace and serenity, acceptance and ability to deal with the frustrations and disappointments I was sure were to come. You supplied them all. After time spent with loved ones, Your Truth rang supreme.

Looking to You, depending on You, I was blessed again and again. There was a freedom that came from choosing to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord”.

Your Word speaks of Truth and freedom. John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” I experienced Your truth and freedom yesterday Father. How could we possibly ask for more than that? You surrounded me with Your Holy care. Thank You.

Through another song yesterday morning I was also reminded that what You require of us is “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). As I read the various translations Dearest Father, I see again how far short I fall of Your ideal.

New International Reader's Version says, “The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what He requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to.”

Even something as seemingly simple as this is not possible in and of myself. I need You and Your Holy Spirit in and near me at all times. Guard my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength that I would truly love You and my neighbor as You desire (Mark 12:30-31).

Be in and with me every step of today as I choose, in all situations, to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord, it IS well with my soul!”

I love You Father. Thank You so very much for loving me first. Use me well this day I pray. Thank You. Amen.

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

real vs. ideal

Sunday, May 26, 2013 (6:00 a.m.)

Yippee Skippy! Thank You God,

How's this for timing? We covered the clock so we wouldn't keep checking the time throughout the night. Listening for morning sounds and looking toward the curtains for signs of daylight was a nice change. There was even a dream or two. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Yesterday, after never getting here to explore with You, I had the inclination of examining what is real and what is ideal. So far this morning I haven't found a lot I can bank on or even really understand. Instead I am turning to You, asking if this is something You would have me look into any further.

I love You Father. I like watching You work. What we are experiencing around here is real. The new patterns and habits that are being established are really happening. Are they ideal? Maybe not. But they are real! And I am excited.

Father, I don't know where to go in Your Word to support or dispute this thought pattern. I'm asking for Your guidance.

What I'm finding, in the simplest explanations of the words, is that ideal comes from idea and is a standard of perfection. Real, on the other hand, is true. Actual. I'm going out on a limb here when I liken Jesus to the only One who meets both criteria.

Father, all this is being said in an effort to ask You to enable me to lower the expectations I unintentionally set for myself and those around me. While it's good to have a goal, if I'm constantly disappointed at no one's ability to meet the expectation I place on them it is all truly a lesson in futility.

Your glory is our ideal. Romans 3:23 is our reality. And would You just look at that? I am most familiar with the New King James Version, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. The Living Bible has this to say, “Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal;”.

YOUR ideal is real and not one any of us is able to meet. Instill in the me the grace and serenity needed to accept and properly deal with the frustrations and disappointments that come in that vast chasm between what is ideal and what is real.

Father, I love You. I trust You to do in and through and with and for me all that I am unable to myself. Go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me this day. Cover me with Your ideal love that I would share it freely in this real, not ideal, world. I love You. Thank You for sharing time with me this morning. Empower me to use it well. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(470 words ~ 7:39 a.m.)

"No owies"

Friday, May 24, 2013 (5:50 a.m.)

Most Holy, Awesome God,

Thank You! There was a problem with sleep and You were right here reminding me of what things to think on. And which to leave alone. Thank You Father. Thank You.

A pre-two year old taught me the importance of “No owies” the other day. Concerned there was a problem, I let it be known that I was checking for an owie. Smiling and quite matter of factly I was told, “No owie.”

Father, walking and talking with You I am reminded to check around for owies. Those things that aren't serving a positive purpose. Yesterday I was not only able to identify some negative energy, but to quite non-judgmentally address it as well. Score!

It's You Father. ALL You! Thank You. As sleep continued to be interrupted, thoughts of You were present. A song, not especially well known to me, was comforting.

♫I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears But Jesus is a Friend who watches day and night I go to Him in prayer, He knows my every care And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right (Now let us) Have a little talk with Jesus (Let us) Tell Him all about our troubles (He will) Hear our faintest cry (He will) Answer by and by Feel a little prayer wheel turning (And you'll) Know a little fire is burning (You will) Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right♫

Yes Father. I found my little talk with Jesus did make it right! Thank You. Focusing on the positive, not the negative allowed me rest. Whenever my mind goes off toward “what if”, thank You for bringing it back to “whatever”.

The Names of God Bible expresses Paul's words to the people of Philippi thusly, “Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right and deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable” (Philippians 4:8).

New Living Translation says it this way, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Yes Father, one of Your precious little ones reminded me very sweetly of the importance of “no owies”. Let me remember this and use it well this day. I love You. Empower me to serve You well. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(415 words ~ 7:12 a.m.)

justified / "just as if I'd"

Thursday, May 23, 2013 ( 10:41 a.m.)

Holy Father,

I'm making myself sick here. I made a mistake. A judgment I thought to be correct that turned out not so. I'm struggling with feeling sad and embarrassed and judged and awkward. And I keep trying to think of ways to justify myself out of it.

Instead of continuing to check for emails that aren't there and plotting my own course of justification, I'm bringing it to You. Tears and all.

Father, I love You. I have spent many of the past twenty-four hours agonizing over yet another mistake with a grandchild. My first inclination is to give all the power of my being deemed a worthwhile human being over to the parents. Thank You for putting Your proverbial foot down on that one.

(2:24 p.m.)

All these hours later, I'm still feeling a little shell shocked. You and I spent some time together in Your Word on the subject. I read a few things about justification elsewhere. I know forgiveness (of myself, as well as others) is a key component. Here is where I ask for You to do in and for me that which I cannot do myself.

I love You Father. Make me ready, willing and able to get up and get going around here. You, indeed, are Lord. Your Word tells me that I am to be strong in You and in Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). You are where my strength begins.

Thank You for loving each of us so very much. Work in and through me I pray. I love You. Amen.

(268 words ~ 2:34 p.m.)

truly

Thursday, May 23, 2013 (6:20 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You for freedom to come be with You. Thank You for desire. Opportunity. Willingness. Thank You for Your love and Jesus' sacrifice.

Thank You that of all the words available to me this morning, 'truly' has taken me to Psalm 118:21. The Message says, “Thank You for responding to me; You've truly become my salvation!” How blessed are we dearest Father for the privilege of loving and being loved by You.

Thank You Father. “Truly: to the fullest degree; absolutely; completely; without doubt; truthfully”. How grateful I am to be considered Your child. Yes Father, truly Your very own!

Romans 8:14-17 confirms this. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but behave like God's very own children, adopted into the bosom of His family, and calling Him, 'Father, Father.' For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God's children. And since we are His children, we shall share His treasures – for all God gives to His Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.”

See? I used to think when I went through hard times it was because I had done something wrong. As I've continued reading Your Word, I'm beginning to understand that it's all just part of the process. My job is to trust You to know what You're doing. I confess. Sometimes that's much easier than others. But truly, I say to You, I am so very grateful for Your love.

All the things I am unable to achieve on my own are made possible by the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Keep working in and through me I pray. I love You so very much. Truly I ask that I bring glory and honor to Your most holy name this day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(342 words ~ 7:29 a.m.)

communicate, take 2

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 (6:12 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

I'm here again. Seeking Your will. Your way. Mine doesn't work. I make messes. Thank You that You are far greater than any problem I can create. Thank You for loving me. Flaws and all.

Again I am asking Your help and guidance in my learning to communicate more effectively. I know what's in my head and my heart. I know what it is I want to get across. And I use far too many words trying to do it. “Less is more.” I know that to be true.

In Listening First, a Step 12 devotional about Philip's experience with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) it is said, “We all have a valuable story to tell; we just need to discover the best way to communicate it.” I need Your help here Father. You know the words You would have me use and when You'd have me use them.

I look to You Dearest Father. I look to You and Your Word. I trust You to balance my desire to be heard with the truthful, helpful, inspiring, necessary, kind words You would have me share. I love You, Father. Embolden me today to use Your love for each of us in ways I can't even begin to imagine. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

communicate

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 (6:15 a.m.)

Holy Father,

Good morning. I'm here. Loving You. Grateful for all You provide. Thank You for this current desire to communicate effectively.

Father, I've known for so long that I use too many words. Much more can be said using far less. Work in me here. Remove this long existing pattern and replace it with something far more effective. I've turned to Your Word.

And just as I was asking You to guide me, Ephesians 4:29 (The Voice) says it all. “Don't let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them.”

I truly worked at choosing my words carefully yesterday. Make it so again today I ask. Father, I love You. I long to serve You well. Equip me to that end. With far less words. Thank You Most Holy God. I love You. Amen.

(170 words ~ 6:50 a.m.)

Foundation

Monday, May 20, 2013 (6:23 a.m.)

Mm,

I'm not even sure how to start this morning. ♫My Sweet Lord♫ was my first thought, but I'm not at all sure about the Hindu overtones. When I sing all the other words, it fits You to a tee. However it is that we finally begin, let me just say, “I love You!” Father (there it is!) I really, truly love You.

I came out here to talk with You about foundations. Because You absolutely are the True Foundation of this family! Father, thank You. You gave us Jesus. And the Holy Spirit. When we build our life, our day, our plans on Your firm foundation, we are solid. In You!

♫The Church's One Foundation♫ references 1Corinthians 3:11. “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid; Jesus Christ.” Yes. Jesus, You ARE this family's One Foundation!

And now I'm pleasantly smiling on the outside while cracking up laughing on the inside. Excited to see the verse attributed to ♫The Solid Rock♫ I'm comforted and pleased to read again, “1Corinthians 3:11”.

Christ, You are indeed the Solid Rock on which this family stands, ♫all other ground is sinking sand♫ Thank You for all You have done and continue to do on our behalf.

Paul wrote this letter to the believers living in Corinth to encourage them to resolve their problems and honor God. Well that certainly seems pretty basic! “Resolve problems. Honor God.” Sign me up!

In the overall synopsis for this partcular letter I see myself, as well as our family, described in the words used: “had received new life in Christ”, “had much to learn”, “baby Christians”.

Blessed Father God, You know exactly what You are doing in us. Thank You for giving us Your Word, Your Son, Your Holy Spirit. There is so much hope to be found in each.

This morning I ask You to continue building each of us on Your perfect Foundation. I long to stand firm. The Life Recovery Bible encourages me to this end: “...dear brothers, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truth...” (2Thessalonians 2:15).

The commentary at the page bottom tells us that Paul praised and encouraged the Thessalonians to continue seeking You, Your will and Your power. He reminded them to hold on to Your truth. It prompts us to recognize our powerlessness and our need for Your help. And it ends with, “Recognizing this truth is a foundational step toward our recovery.”

Father, I ask You to continue building something wonderful on Your very firm Foundation. Thank You for loving us. Calling us. Delivering us.

Use me to Your good and to Your glory this day. Keep me firmly on Your Foundation I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

expecting

Sunday, May 19, 2013 (6:05 a.m.)

Father God,

Thank You. I came out here expecting. And for the most part, I know much better than to do that. But expecting I was.

This was going to have a title of a song and I was going to talk with You about how well things went yesterday after I read aloud my prayer to You. The good thing I can say right now is that I am smiling. Smiling because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You are good. You are faithful. Righteous. Holy. And I am safe in You.

Mm. Safe in You. Psalm 4:8, “I will lie down in peace and safety, for though I am alone, O Lord, You will keep me safe.” Thank You Father. I may not know what the next thing holds, but I absolutely know You hold it. Thank You.

So. Back to talking about surprises and expectations. Up until this very morning I had come to label expecting a 'bad' thing. A precursor to disappointment and resentment. I was prepared to continue going along that line of thinking until I tried looking up an antonym for it. Instead I found a synonym. A word I wasn't expecting. “Hope”. Pure and simple.

Yes Father, I can still get caught up in assuming. Supposing. Presuming. Imagining. I tell You this, if I'm going to get caught up in anything, let it be hoping. Believing. Trusting. All these things in You!

Yes, Father. You hold us. You hold our days. Psalm 73:23 (The Voice) says, “But look at this: You are still holding my right hand; You have been all along.” Because of this, I want to keep hoping. Believing. Expecting. And asking that You will keep holding. Me. My thoughts. My hopes. My dreams. My right hand. Safely. Lovingly. Kindly. Protectively.

Father, I love You. And I am expecting that You love me even more. Thank You. Use me well this day, I pray. Amen.

(330 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

confident

Saturday, May 18, 2013 (7:22 a.m.)

Blessed, Awesome God,

I love You. I'm grateful and I want that to be evident in my attitude, my being, my thoughts and my actions this day. You provided me a day of personal interactions yesterday. There was driving and visits and food and my self-confidence took more than a few hits.

Because You are such a good and awesome God, I get to bring even a shattered sense of self-esteem before You and smile as I watch You transform it into something worthwhile. Father God, thank You.

Thank You that while my first inclination this morning was to look up words like: dissatisfied, discontent, reflection and self-conscious; “confident” is what stuck and is holding firm. Father, thank You. I never knew. The roots of the word, whether in French, Italian or Latin, when put together mean 'having full trust'. While that is absolutely NOT what I have in myself, it is certainly what I know to be true in, with and through You.

The fact that I am here, wanting to focus on You and Your Truth rather than on my own hurt and feeble feelings is clear evidence to this. Though tears blur my vision, I am excited to continue reading what Your Word has to say about being confident.

1John 5:13-15 in The Message was the last of thirty-two entries and while it spoke loudest to me, Philippians 1:6 also muscled it's way into my thoughts. Father God, I am so extremely grateful to You for Your Word. It truly has the power to change everything. Even/especially a “little girl's” really hurt feelings!

Beginning the passage with italtics I was drawn in by the use of a word from the other day, “[The Reality, Not the Illusion]”. Yeah. I desperately crave reality! From there it goes on, “My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in His presence, freely asking according to His will, sure He is listening. And if we're confident that He's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours.”

When I began my time here with You an hour ago, I did not want to whine and feel dissatisfied. The antonym was 'contented'. That's what I asked to be. And You have presented it to me. Thank You Father.

I get to keep unwrapping this package of contentment and become confident in the process. Reading a seventh step devotional entitled Eyes of Love I am told, “God's primary goal is to make us holy – that is, to form His character in us. Looking through the eyes of love, He already sees us as we will look when His work is done... It is clearly God's will to have our shortcomings removed. And He has promised to give us anything we ask for within His will. Therefore, we can have full confidence that God will remove our shortcomings in His time.”

I see it happening Father. I've wtached You work in me for all these years. And yes, I still get impatient. But just like this current time spent with You in Your Word, “I am confident [certain, sure, having full trust] that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world” (Philippians 1:6 The Voice).

Yes Father. Because of You and Your everlasting Word, I'm confident. And so very grateful. Thank You Father. I love You. Use me well this day I pray. Amen.

(632 words ~ 8:39 a.m.)

♫Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah♫

Friday, May 17, 2013 (6:12 a.m.)

Most dear and heavenly Father,

Thank You. Again I say it. “Thank You!” Yesterday I wanted to cry. I recognized something inside me just wanted to cry. I thought about it. I thought about giving in to it. And instead I started singing. The only song I could think of at the time. ♫Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah♫

Wouldn't You know it? The very next thing, the sadness started lifting. With every passing phrase, my heart felt lighter. And before I knew it, I was smiling. A real, genuine, honest-to-You smile. And here again, another smile. As big as You please.

I searched Your Word using 'bluebird' and immediately found only one entry. Jeremiah 8:4-7 in The Message. “[To Know Everything but God's Word] 'Tell them (the people of Judah) this, God's Message: 'Do people fall down and not get up? Or take the wrong road and then just keep going? So why does this people go backward, and just keep on going – backward! They stubbornly hold on to their illusions, refuse to change direction. I listened carefully but heard not so much as a whisper. No one expressed one word of regret. Not a single “I'm sorry” did I hear. They just kept at it, blindly and stupidly banging their head against a brick wall. Cranes know when it's time to move south for the winter. And robins, warblers, and bluebirds know when it's time to come back again. But my people? My people know nothing, not the first thing of God and His rule.'”

Father, thank You that You WANT us to know You and Your best for us. Thank You that the decision to sing the only song I could think of at the time has brought me to this section of Your Word. A section that reminds us of the importance of following Your principles for healthy living. Too often we seek solutions to our problems apart from You. We grow weary looking for meaning and truth when we don't put You first in the search.

Father, how I thank You. One simple song has opened the door to so much thought and truth this morning. From one Disney song with the mention of a bluebird to a Disney movie (The Rescuer's) with a poem stating, “Faith is a bluebird you see from afar It's for real and as sure as the first evening star You can't touch it or buy it Or wrap it up tight But it's there just the same Making things turn out right”.

Yesterday I had faith to sing. Singing that led me to smiling. Which brings me back to thanking You for the blessings You provide. Thank You Father for music and songs and bluebirds and the love You would have us share with others. Thank You for loving us so much that even when we're feeling sad we get to come into Your presence. Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You.

I love You so much. Enable me to share Your love as You would have me do this day. Thank You. Amen.

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

illusions of loveliness

Thursday, May 16, 2013 (10:30 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I just used a new to me phrase, “Illusions of loveliness”. Father, thank You that You do NOT offer us illusions. You offer us Truth. Your Truth.

Thank You Father. Thank You that the book of Isaiah speaks to this very thing. In regards to Your people of Judah, “They say to the seers, 'Don't see the future.' They say to those who have visions, 'Don't have visions that tell us what is right. Tell us what we want to hear. See illusions” (Isaiah 30:10).

Oh how long and hard I have worked to produce illusions of loveliness. Father, thank You for the work You are doing in us around here, produing the fruit of Your Spirit. It's been a long time coming. There have been no shortcuts. No quick and easy solutions.

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; and here there is no conflict with Jewish laws” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Father God how truly grateful I am to have You working so diligently in and on our behalf. The Life Recovery commentary at the bottom of the page says this, “These characteristics are a product of the Holy Spirit's work in a life submitted to God and His plan. Just as a tree bears fruit by means of God's silent work behind the scenes, we experience these fruits of the Spirit by means of God's power alone. Our part is to entrust our life to Him. When the Holy Spirit begins to bear these fruits in our life, our dependencies lose their power. With joy and peace we overcome the pain of a broken past. With love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness we restore our relationships and make amends. With patience we persevere through the difficult times. With self-control we stand against our tendency toward a relapse. God's Spirit can supply everything necessary for a successful recovery.”

Amen, amen! It's so true. I will take Your Truth and Fruit over my own stress producing illusions of loveliness anyday. Thank You for leading and guiding us toward Truth. Your perfect, life producing Truth. Thank You Father. Enable us to use it well this day. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(388 words ~ 10:58 a.m.)

exciting words

Thursday, May 16, 2013 (6:59 a.m.)

Awesome, awesome God,

I acknowledge You working in my life. Just a little bit ago, my thoughts started going toward the negative side. You reminded me of the importance of positivity. I wasn't even sure that it was really a word, but it made sense to me and opened the floodgates to other exciting words.

Mm. Yes. Exciting words. Revitalization → revitalize: reinvigorate, reenergize, resuscitate, refresh, breathe new life into. Isn't that exactly what You do in and with and to and for us? You breathe new life into our sagging spirits.

Father, I truly am grateful. I look around me and I see You at work. In attitudes. Helpfulness. Camaraderie. And I think of Ezekiel's experience in A Valley of Dry Bones. Following the destruction of Jerusalem, when all hope seemed to be lost, You continued Your work in Your people.

After You promised to “give you [the people of Israel] a new heart – I will give you new and right desires – and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love. And I will put my Spirit within you so that you will obey my laws and do whatever I command” (Ezekiel 36:26-27) Your prophet saw a valley full of dry bones (37:1-14).

You told him to prophesy toward them and they came together, covered with flesh, but still lie dead on the valley floor. Then You told him to speak to “the breath”, the wind (v. 9) and he did as You commanded him (10) “and the bodies began breathing; they lived and stood up – a very great army.”

You do that in us Father. We fail. And You breath fresh, new life into us. I see it happen again and again. With every single loving, helpful action. You are indeed at work in us. How I thank and praise You! And I ask that You would use the power You provide for Your good and Your glory.

Work in and through me this day. Allow me to accomplish those things that You would have me do. Those things that are of lasting value. Those things that will revitalize and breathe new life into our beings.

Thank You Father. Thank You for such exciting words to apply to our day. Enable me to put them to Your good use. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(411 words ~ 8:23 a.m.)

mysterious ways

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 (6:31 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed Father God,

I like the way You work. The phrase that begins with You working and ends “... in mysterious ways” has led me to 1 Corinthians 2. Yes, dearest Dad, I like the way You work.

I confess. I'm not always that agog [eager, excited, en gogue 'in fun'] to be here with You, yet You never cease to amaze me! Anytime I think I have a new thought or idea about life, when I check Your Word it's already there. That's when I feel reinforced. Strengthened. Fortified.

Thank You Father. I came out here to You practically dragging. I was still tired. Couldn't hold a complete thought. Once again, You and Your Word have changed all that.

In reading Paul's words to the Corinthians about the Holy Spirit's power (2:4) I find myself smiling, excited, raring to go. He told them that it is the Holy Spirit within that teaches Your thoughts, using “the Holy Spirit's words to explain the Holy Spirit's facts” (vs. 13-14).

Father, it is Your power I seek this day. Your power to operate all of my emotions, inner being, thoughts and actions (Mark 12:30) from the very core of Your Spirit, which is love. Yes, Father. You absolutely work in mysterious ways. And I am grateful! Thank You. Use me well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(235 words ~ 7:48 a.m.)

good answer

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 (6:23 a.m.)

Awesome God,

What would You have me do with the mistakes I keep making? Turn to Your Word. Good answer! I was here prepared to go over the list of all the errors I've made in just the last ten hours. But turning to 2Timothy 3:14-17 changed that for me.

Holy God, how I thank You for the privilege of reading Your Word. Thank You for the variety of translations and versions I have available to me for better understanding. I get to turn in Your Word and read about mistakes. And the best part of all is that I don't have to feel ashamed.

In his final letter, Paul tells Timothy the importance of being prepared to use all the tools he would need to be an effective minister of Your gospel. He reminded him, “God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right” (2Timothy 3:16).

Father, how I thank You for the sovereignty of Your Word. Thank You for it's power. Thank You for it's truth. Jesus told His followers, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

The Life Recovery Bible says, “The truth is this: we are slaves to sin and powerless to manage our life effectively.” True that!

Father, I come before You looking for Your good answer to what I am to do with the mistakes I keep making. I am to confess them to You. Jesus told John to tell the people of Laodicea, “I correct and discipline those whom I love. So be earnest and change your hearts and lives” (Revelation 3:19).

I'm going to take this one step further and ask You to do in and for me that which I can't do for myself. Change my heart, my attitude, my desires. Line them up to Your standard. Empower me to live this day as Your good and faithful servant.

I love You Father. Thank You for Your very good answer! Amen.

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

reprioritization

Monday, May 13, 2013 (1:08 p.m.)

Blessed Father,

It's me again. And this time I am feeling excited. Excited because I just now heard myself think the word, “reprioritize”. That's what's happening around here. It's been such a l--o--n--g time coming. But it IS indeed what we're experiencing. Reprioritization.

And then, just as if on cue, a section of scripture to turn to. Acts 2:42-47. Some 3,000 people responded to Peter's preaching and were baptized. They became a people devoted to loving one another as Jesus commanded (see: John 13:34). Their interests and concerns were reprioritized. That's what You are doing in us. Reprioritizing our interests. Our concerns. Our energies. Our thoughts. And values.

Father, again, I ask You to have Your way in my heart, soul, mind and strength that I will truly come to love others as myself (Mark 12:31). As I take some time to rest, I ask that You will ultimately be glorified in and through my thoughts and actions upon my return to activity.

I love You so very much and I want desperately to serve You well. Thank You for Your love and kindness. Use me well I pray. Amen.

(199 words ~ 1:46 p.m.)

Standing in the need of prayer

Monday, May 13, 2013 (11:42 a.m.)

♫It's me,

♫It's me, it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer♫ Not prayer for anybody else Dear Lord, straight on prayer for me.

I felt frustrated. Bitter. Started becoming resentful toward another and recognized I was standing in the need of prayer.

Just saying this alone with You right now, I find myself smiling. Relaxing. Enjoying the idea of bringing my “stuff” to You and just leaving it here. Thank You Father. Thank You for reminding me that I had a whole lot of choices.

You've been working in us so much around here that I am truly experiencing Your peace rather than any other form of upset. Thank You Father. Thank You for the reminder that I get to even come unto You for my own needs.

I'm not prepared to take any actions. I'm not yet ready to change what I've been doing up until now. What I AM ready, willing and able to do is bring myself before You, standing in the need of prayer.

Have Your way with my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). I love You so very much and I want them all to belong to You. Thank You for this little bit of extra time with You. Let me use it to Your good and to Your glory. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(235 words ~ 12:11 p.m.)

Praise God!

Monday, May 13, 2013 (7:54 a.m.)

♫Praise God!

♫Give thanks to the Father of all That you say and do. Well, amen, amen, Sing glory hallelujah! Christ the Lord is risen for you♫

Yes, Father! ♫Amen, amen. Sing glory hallelujah Christ the Lord IS coming for me♫ Thank You Father. Thank You for all You have for us to learn. Thank You for all You have put into place to teach us.

Praise You Father for the Truth found in Your Word and the availability to applying it to our everyday lives. Thank You Father that I get to read these words from The Message and be blessed by them. 

“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ – the Message – have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way” (Colossians 3:15-17). Yes, thank You Father!

Thank You that the purpose of Paul's letter to the believers at Colosse was “to show us that Christ is the only real source of power in our life” (The Life Recovery Bible). ♫Well, amen, amen, Sing glory hallelujah! Christ the Lord is risen for me!♫

Thank You Father. Let me use that power well this day. I love You. I thank You. And I long to serve You as You wish to be served. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(292 words ~ 8:18 a.m.)

a mom

Mother's Day Sunday, May 12, 2013 (6:54 a.m.)

Most Holy Father,

You made me a mom. Long before I ever had kids of my own, I had a love for others that only comes from You. You provided me a heart with patience to listen and to care. Thank You Father. Thank You for all You have done in my life in making me a mom.

Thank You for the experience of truly feeling honored yesterday. I was given the opportunity to share a beautifully set table, delicious food, wonderful flowers and fun, loving conversation. I could not have asked for anything more than that.

On this, the official day set aside for honoring moms, I ask that You would truly be glorified in and through all my love, being, thoughts and deeds (Mark 12:30). You are so good Father. The perfect Model of all I want to be as a mom.

(9:02 a.m.)

Father, You just blessed me again. A phone call from my dearly loved brother, thanking me for three times in the past ten years that I have been a mom to him. His very words. And it's always been You working in and through me. Thank You Father. Thank You.

The apostle Paul said this in his letter to the believers in Thessalonica, “We weren't aloof with you. We took you as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did” (1Thessalonians 2:6-8 The Message).

Make me a mom like that I pray. A mom who loves as You do. Wholely. Completely. Unconditionally. You are so good and I love You so much. Thank You for loving us. Empower me to use Your love well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(322 words ~ 9:12 a.m.)

continued healing

Saturday, May 11, 2013 (6:53 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Thank You again for the healing I spoke of yesterday. I kept meaning to come back to finish up on the theme and I chose other things instead. Forgive me Father, I prayerfully ask.

The fingers continue healing but this morning my physicality isn't what I am most appreciative of. Yesterday You worked in our hearts, our minds, our souls as well. It began by searching Your Word for the word 'healing' and led to two wise sayings (Proverbs 12:18; 13:17) preserved for us by King Solomon.

Those two verses stayed with me throughout the day. Reminding me of the healing or harm brought onto us by our choice of words. Proverbs 12:18, “Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.” I long to represent healing. Health. Recovery. Not wounding. Injury. Pain.

Thank You for the reminders Father. They served us well. There were a few occasions where I normally would have launched into a tirade. Under different circumstances I might have challenged attitudes. Motives. Intentions.

Yesterday, however, I remembered the wisdom offered up by Solomon. “Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence” (Proverbs 13:17). Father, You bring healing. Your Word, Your Truth bring continued healing and I am grateful.

I confess that far too rarely gratitude comes easier than others. Thank You that as I continue following You, sometimes I recognize it sooner than others. Thank You that You know exactly what You're doing in our continued healing. Thank You that You love us. You want us. You sacrificed for us and You bless us. Empower and embolden me to use Your blessings well this day. Live in and through me I pray. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

healing

Friday, May 10, 2013 (6:59 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for a blistered finger. Thank You for the burn that led up to the blister. Thank You for the kindnesses and understandings that followed the initial burning. And thank You for the healing that is already coming.

(47 words)  

Mighty God

Thursday, May 9, 2013 (7:38 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You! Before my eyes had even opened this moning You had changed my focus! The word I was going to use to explore this morning was unflattering and has since been forgotten. YOU did that!

As I recognized the negativity of my early (3:21 a.m.) thoughts I started thinking instead of all the things You are. Mighty. Powerful. Kind. Loving. Before I knew it my whole thought pattern had changed from one of dread and remorse to that of eager, excitement. AGOG once again.

Thank You Father. Thank You that You are indeed mighty. May I please express how very much I love You! The words themselves do little. I pray You will use me today to show Your love to others.

There is much I would like to accomplish this day. I need You and Your power to set the course that I would follow. Eliminate distractions that would take me away from the direction You would have me go.

The phrase “Mighty God” has taken me to Psalm 93 and I am thrilled to be here. The Message uses these words to tell of You, “God is King, robed and ruling, God is robed and surging with strength. And yes, the world is firm, immovable, Your throne ever firm – You're Eternal! Sea storms are up, God, Sea storms wild and thundering, Sea storms with thunderous breakers. Stronger than wild sea storms, Mightier than sea-storm breakers, Mighty God rules from High Heaven. What You say goes – it always has. 'Beauty' and 'Holy' mark Your palace rule, God, to the very end of time.”

Five verses. A relatively short chapter with so much power and might declared. The Life Recovery Bible describes it this way, “A powerful, holy, unchanging God is able to help us exercise control over our universe – our life. He always keeps His promises. Since He has said He will help us if we turn to Him, we can count on it.”

I turned to You early on this morning and You righted my thinking. With that, I ask that You order my day. There is so much to do with limited time and energy. Truly, readily define which are the first things and work in and through me to put them first.

Thank You “Mighty God” for loving me. Enable, empower, embolden me to use that love for Your good and Your glory. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(417 words ~ 8:01 a.m.)

The One Who Lifts My Head

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 (7:02 a.m.)

Father,

I feel weary this morning. Tired. Saddened. Not the gratefulness I want to share. You are good. Holy. Patient. Kind. Loving. Faithful. Change my thinking to the things You are, instead of what I feel.

Thank You, Father. Exodus 34:5-7. Yes, I thought that's where I was headed. But now I'm singing Psalm 3:3 instead. A hymn entitled A Shield About Me reminds me that ♫Thou, O Lord, are a shield about me; You're my glory, You're the lifter of my head. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! You're the lifter of my head♫

Several translations and paraphrases say the same thing in various ways. The Living Bible, “But Lord, You are my shield, my glory, and my only hope. You alone can lift my head, now bowed in shame.” New Century Version, “But, Lord, You are my shield, my wonderful God who gives me courage.” New Life Version, “But You, O Lord, are a covering around me, my shining greatness, and the One Who lifts my head.”

There are so many verses that tell of the many things You are. This morning it seems a good and prudent thing to stay here with these three examples. New English Translation, “But You, Lord are a shield that protects me; You are my glory and the One Who restores me.”

Is that what it means to have my head lifted? Given courage. Restored. The Expanded Bible says it this way, “But, Lord, You are my shield [protector], my wonderful God [glory] who gives me courage [lifts my head].”

How I thank You Father! I didn't know where we were headed this morning and You once again took the reigns and led me to hope. Thank You.

And would You just look at that? A few more translations up and the Easy-to-Read Version says, “But You, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; You give me hope.” That's where we are headed right now. Me hoping in You.

The Common English Bible, “But You, Lord, are my shield! You are my glory! You are the One who restores me.” And You did just that. You've restored me and given me hope. I have no idea where today will take us Father, but I absolutely trust You to get us there. Thank You for once again changing my tune.

I woke up singing ♫Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me♫ but I wasn't believing it. Here now You've brought me fully around. ♫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... Jesus loves even me!♫

What a wonderful note to leave on! Thank You Father that You and Jesus love even me! Help me use that love well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(497 words ~ 8:05 a.m.)

thanks and praise

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 (5:57 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You. Thank You for work and rest. Thank You for hope and love. Thank You for the privilege of coming before You saying, "thank You".

When I was awake enough to think clearly, I was excited for this opportunity to come be with You. My thoughts went immediately to Psalm 100. Yesterday was my first realization of just how powerful these short five verses are.

Through the years I've been most familiar with verse four. That's the one that calls us to enter Your gates with thanksgiving in our hearts to enter Your courts with praise. Several years ago I was introduced to the idea that we thank You for the things You do and praise You for all You are.

That's exactly what got me excited to come out here. The fact that both thanks and praise are covered right here. Beginning in verse one, “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth!” Or put another way, which I just now recognized ♫Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth, Make a joyful noise unto the Lord... Make a loud noise, and rejoice sing praises! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord♫

Oh Father. How I thank You for the reminders You give us of all You have done or us. Verse two of the Old 100th tells us to “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” Another version says, “Obey Him gladly; come before Him, singing with joy.” Yes Father. I ask that You would continue Your work in my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) that I truly would come to obey You gladly!

I look at various translations of these verses and I am pleased to read, “Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to Him. We are His sheep, the sheep He takes care of” (v.3 Easy-to-Read Version). It's one thing to think of myself as a sheep of Your pasture, which many renderings use. The reminder that You take care of us is wonderfully comforting.

So far we are reminded of what You do for us, then we get to verse five which spells out three things You are. The Good News Translation says, “The Lord is good; His love is eternal and His faithfulness lasts forever. The Living Bible puts it this way, “For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and His faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation.”

You are God. You are good. Loving. Kind. Faithful. Eternal. And another song starts singing. ♫Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King. His love endures forever! For He is good, He is above all things. His love endures forever! Sing praise, sing praise!♫

Father, thank You that I get to come before You with thanks and praise. Remind me to use them well this day. I love You. And I long to serve You. Empower and enable me to feel and be and think and do all that You have for me this day. Thank You Father. Praise You. Amen.

(521 words ~ 7:18 a.m.)

sing praise

Monday, May 6, 2013 (7:04 a.m.)

♫Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,

♫Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above♫ This is where I stopped and searched for over half an hour. I like to understand what I'm singing and “ye heavenly host” usually gives me pause.

The idea that it meant “my host in heaven” came to mind and was somewhat discussed in various forums. “Angels” seems to make the most sense.

As I continued the search, so many other praises came along. ♫All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.♫ Just a few pages over ♫O worship the King, all glorious above, And gratefully sing His wonderful love♫

Yes! That is exactly why I am here this morning. To gratefully sing of Your wonderful love. Thank You Father for the love You have so generously provided to each and every one of us. Thank You for Your provisions.

I had opportunity to read again of the grumblings of the people You had Moses lead out of slavery. In one verse (Exodus 14:10) they were terribly frightened and called out to You to help them. The very next lines (vs. 11-12) has them forgetting Your miracles and turning against Moses.

Father, I so closely resemble their wavering. Thank You that You have given us Your Word and songs about Your Word to remind us of the praise we are to sing to You. ♫Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise ~ You alone are the matchless King To You alone be all majesty Your glories and wonders, what tongue can recite? You breathe in the air, You shine in the light♫

Wow! One song just leads right into the next. Praise You Father! From Whom all blessings flow. Thank You for this time together. Help me use it well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(323 words ~ 8:28 a.m.)

coming and going

Sunday, May 5, 2013 (7:51 a.m.)

Holy God,

Greetings. Good morning. Hello. I love You. Father God, how I thank You. I didn't know where to start and now I'm singing and reading and hoping and rejoicing. Thank You.

Thank You that in choosing the Topical Index of Songs in The Celebration Hymnal I find myself excited to sing this and read that, all the while growing with hope and joy. Thank You Father.

Thank You for all the resources You have provided to take us to the heart of worship. And how do we do that? I found it this morning under OPENING OF WORSHIP - ♫Come, Christians, join to sing... Loud praise to Christ, our King... Let all, with heart and voice, Before His throne rejoice; Praise is His gracious choice: Al-le-lu-ia! A-men!♫

From here I went to THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION from Psalm 95:1-5 “Come! Let us sing for joy to the Lord” then over to Ephesians 5:19-20, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks.” Father, You provide the desire to search and find You within song, praise and Your Word.

Somehow I landed over in Revelation (7:9-14) reading of the vast multitude of all races and nations represented in the harvest Christ envisioned from His great commission to His disciples to “Go out and train everyone you meet” (Matthew 28:10 The Message).

Yesterday I was buoyed by the simple greeting Jesus gave the women (Matthew 28:9) as they ran from His empty tomb (v.8). Even then He followed His welcome by saying, “Go tell” (v. 10). This morning I was excited at the instruction to “Come!”. Now I am somewhat daunted by the command to “Go!” Here I ask You to be in and with me as I prepare to go out to start the day.

I love You Father. I thank You. And I truly want to serve You well. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(328 words ~ 10:57 a.m.)

"Good morning"

Saturday, May 4, 2013 (7:03 a.m.)

“Good morning”,

That's all I've got right now. So far I've thought about feeling tired. Slow. I'm searching Your Word and wondering where You'd have me focus. Instead of just turning from verse to verse, I'm asking You Father, where would You like me to read this morning?

Matthew 28:9. Jesus' resurrection. He said “Good morning” to the women as they were running away from His empty tomb. My mind is jumping all over the place. I'm feeling excited and sad at the very same time. And comforted in the fact that as “the women ran from the tomb” (v.8) they were “badly frightened, but also filled with joy”. Frightened and joyful at the same time? Now there's a thought!

Blessed Father God, Your Word has so much to teach us. Make me a good learner. Oh, but not just a good learner, a good follower as well. I truly want to be obedient to Your leading, to Your teachings.

Reading here in Matthew I am rekindled. Eager. There is truth. And hope. You do that for us. Thank You Father. With a simple greeting this morning, I am now reading of: The Power of the Resurrection, The Importance of Hope, and God's Kingdom – A Model for Recovery. Thank You Father.

It is so easy for me to feel overwhelmed. “And instead of finding deliverance” to “remain in a state of oppression” (The Life Recovery Bible). Too often I try standing on my own two feet without first coming to You for Your strength to do all. Thank You for every reminder You provide of the riches we have in You.

“As they were running, suddenly Jesus was there in front of them! 'Good morning!' he said. And they fell to the ground before Him, holding His feet and worshiping Him” (Matthew 28:9). Would I fall to the ground in worship? Oh how I pray so!

Father God, use me today for Your good and Your glory. Thank You for meeting with me after such a simple start. I love You Father. Thank You for so loving (John 3:16) each of us that You sent Jesus “to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Use me well this day I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

singing

Friday, May 3, 2013 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for rest. Thank You for singing. Yes. I started thanking and the next thing I know I was singing. ♫I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise♫ (Psalm 100). Right after that, I was singing ♫Sing praise, sing praise♫ (Psalm 136).

Thank You Father. Thank You that we can so readily come before You. Thank You that You are all the things (and more!) Your Word and praise songs tell us You are. You are Lord. You are God. You are always good. You are loving and kind. You are faithful and Your ♫love endures forever♫ These are truths we not only can stand on, but sing about as well.

Empower me to use these unchanging truths well this day. Remind me to keep singing of Your goodness and mercy. I love You so very much Dearest Lord and I ask that each and every day I be a good and faithful servant to You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(184 words ~ 9:18 a.m.)

National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 2, 2013 (7:31 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

I am confessing to You that I feel extremely shaky right now. Fearful. Disconnected from myself. Odd. Strange. Different. Unfocused. Scattered. I tell You this because I don't want to pretend with You. You know me. Every single thought and feeling.

(10:28 a.m.)

And then You took me to spend time listening to, praying and talking with a tearful friend. We spoke of problems. But much bigger than that, we spoke of YOU! You, Father. Your Word. Your Truth. Your goodness. Your kindness. Your faithfulness. Thank You Father. Thank You for the ability to draw on Your mighty power. Thank You for the reminder to trust in You, NOT on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:4-6).

The following is a prayer I just sent to another hurting friend:

Blessed Father God,

Your Word tells us that we are not to worry about anything; instead we are to pray about EVERYthing; telling You our needs [although You are already fully aware of them!] and to be sure to thank You for Your answers (Philippians 4:6). That is what we are practicing right here, right now.

We are asking You to bless us with the peace that is promised us in verse seven of this same chapter. YOUR peace which is far more wonderful than our human minds can understand. Your peace which will keep our thoughts and hearts quiet and at rest as we trust in Christ Jesus.

Father, this is a HUGE order for us. We are used to worrying, fretting, stewing, being fearful and afraid. These feelings come naturally to us. How we ask Your presence with us as we STAND on [and IN] the promises Your Word offers us.

You sent Your Son to be our Good Shepherd (Psalm 23; John 10). Let us rest our fears in Him. John 10:10 tells us, "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." Father, how we ask that we would live this day as though we truly believe what we know to be true: You are good. You are holy. You love us with a love absolutely unparalleled by any other. We are to trust and not be afraid. It's hard. It's out of our norm. But with You ALL things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

We are here asking You for the willingness to trust You... completely. In ALL things. Help us lean not on our own understanding but in all things acknowledge You, that You will direct our path (Proverbs 3:4-6).

And finally Dearest Dad, let our strength come from Your mighty power that is within us. Empower us to put on Your armor that we 'will be able to stand safe against all the strategies and tricks of satan. For we are NOT fighting against people made of flesh and blood', but against a whole spiritual realm that is very real but NOT as powerful as YOU! (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Father, we love You and we humbly ask that You would bless us and keep us. May Your face radiate with joy because of us. We ask that You would be gracious to us, show us Your favor and give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

This we ask in Your precious Son's dear and blessed name. Amen. 

Thank You that on this National Day of Prayer, my go to response has been You. From exploring James' words to Your believers (primarily verses thirteen through eighteen of the third chapter) over to the book of Hebrews (12:10-13) I am again encouraged to continue believing that You dearly love us. We absolutely need to 'take a new grip with our tired hands, standing firm on our shaky legs' (v.12).

I confess, I am still feeling shaky. Odd. Not quite like myself. But I am encouraged. Grateful. Replenished.

As I prepare to take a new grip with my tired hands, I ask You Lord to bless this nation. Turn us into a people bent on pursuing “the wisdom that comes from heaven”. That wisdom that “is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere” (James 3:17). Make it so that “those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness” (v.18).

Turn us into a people that truthfully confess “In God we trust”! I love You Father. I pray You will be glorified this day. Thank You for blessing us. Let the Truth of Psalm 33:12 reign supreme in the United States of America. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen as His own.”

I love You Father. I thank You. Amen.

(817 words ~ 11:10 a.m.)