♫ Rise and shine ♫

Saturday, August 31, 2013 (6:28 a.m.)

Good God,

Good and kind, loving and merciful God. Thank You!

There has been outstanding, unsurpassed beauty in the sky these past several days. The phrase “Well worth the price of admission” flows freely from me. And I am thrilled to give You the glory for it all.

Father, thank You! No sooner had I thought 'glory' then another children's song began singing in my head. ♫Rise and shine And give God the glory, glory... Children of the Lord♫

It's a song I first heard about 30 years ago. It tells the story of Noah, the ark, Your plan. The flood. Noah's obedience. And ends with ♫Everything is hunky dory, dory Children of the Lord♫

So maybe it's a bit simplistic, yet it's what brought back the memory of seeing last evening's rainbow.

(7:47 a.m.)

And right here may I just say, “WOW!”

And thank You!!!

In looking up 'rainbow', I turned to Ezekiel. The PURPOSE of this book is “To help the people in exile understand how God's glory and righteousness made their present judgment necessary and their future restoration certain.”

The KEY VERSE (36:26) tells of the new heart, the new and right desires, the new spirit You will provide Your people. “I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love.” The verse right above it (25) speaks of being cleansed, “as though I had sprinkled clean water on you... your filthiness will be washed away, your idol worship gone.”

With all the rain, preceding last night's rainbow, we've had plenty of clean water sprinkled on us. Which brings me fully around to Ezekiel 1:28a. “Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him [the vision You provided Ezekiel]. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.”

Rainbows. Outstanding beauty. And Your glory. Yep! ♫Everything is hunky dory, dory Children of the Lord♫ Thank You Father.

Empower and enable me to serve You well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

Everyday

Friday, August 30, 2013 (7:21 a.m.)

Most Blessed God,

THANK YOU! Thank You. Thank You. It's exactly the same thing I said when I first started waking up. Thank You.

“Thank You, thank You, thank You” quickly became ♫Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children, God is love, God is love♫

As I look all over Your Word this morning, I am reminded of Your enormous love and provision for us. Thank You Father. Thank You for the privilege of being loved by You.

In the midst of singing praise to You another song inched its way into my being. A 50's rock and roll song. It speaks of love, most probably not sung in regards to Your love for us. Or even ours toward You. Yet here it is at the base of my soul.

A song, with a very 'catchy' tune telling that ♫Everyday it's a getting' closer Goin' faster than a roller coaster Love like YOURS will surely come my way♫ As it continues through the verses, “everyday it's a gettin' faster” until ♫Everyday seems a little longer Every way love's a little stronger Come what may do You ever long for True love from me♫

Your Word teaches that You DO long for true love from us (Mark 12:30). Oh how I long to give You the love You so rightly deserve.

With both songs alternating themselves within me this morning, I bring You all the verses that have come through looking for You in them. “Everyday” led me to Romans 12:1-2, An Appeal for Commitment. While ♫Praise Him♫ ultimately took me to Psalm 8 (v.2) by way of Matthew 21:16.

Father God, there is absolutely no way I can ever give You all the thanks and praise You so rightly deserve. I get to come before You exactly as I am. Offering You what little I have. And You change me right where I am.

Taking these verses to The Life Recovery Bible, I read how skewed our Self-perception is and I am excited to follow the lead over to Psalm 139:17-18. “How precious it is, Lord, to realize that You are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day Your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, You are still thinking of me!”

Thank You that when I awakened this morning my first thought was to just start saying “Thank You”. Look at all the treasures that have already come from that choice.

With that being said, I turn back to where I started. Romans 12:1, The Message. “So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.”

Today I ask You Father to keep working in me that I would truly embrace all You do for me. Wholeheartedly saying, “Thank You!” Everyday.

Thank You Father. I love You! Amen.

(509 words ~ 8:54 a.m.)

♫Give Thanks♫

Thursday, August 29, 2013 (6:29 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! It's a phrase I want to say more readily and often. It's a habit I long to cultivate and have grow into something wonderful on Your behalf.

I woke up singing a different song. It was about smiling. I alternated using our grandsons' three syllable names. Imagine my surprise [except You would have already known!] when instead of coming here singing ♫Smile a Little Smile for Me♫ it changed the minute I sat down.

I was more than pleasantly surprised to find ♫Give Thanks♫ in The Celebration Hymnal. Thank You God. While singing twice of giving thanks with a great heart, as well as giving thanks to the Holy One, we are reminded to ♫Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son♫

Continuing on, it tells us twice more ♫And now let the weak say, “I am strong;” Let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us.♫ Ah, yes Father. Strong and rich.

Psalm 126:3 is referenced here. That's why I took the chance of finding it in the hymnal in the first place. To see if there was a Scriptural mention I could turn to. Rather than reading only the one verse, I am delighted to be reminded through the chapter of how You deliver Your people from captivity and fill them with laughter and joy.

The Life Recovery Bible's comment for this psalm affirms the pain of exile and the promise of complete transformation while reminding us that change rarely comes overnight. Father, thank You that You absolutely know what is Your best for each of us.

Thank You that You know exactly how to teach us to truly give thanks. I ask to be a good and faithful student, as well as servant this day. Continue Your perfect and transforming work in and through me I pray. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

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

choose wisely

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 (8:29 a.m.)

Awesome God,

You helped me change my thinking. Before even getting out of bed my mind was going in one direction and You brought it completely back around to You. Thank You Father.

This morning I am here asking that You would help me learn to choose wisely. I am so grateful to You for the change that took place in me earlier just by remembering that “perfect love casts out fear” (1John 4:18). With the thought having barely come into mind, the music started immediately. Strong enough that I could honestly almost physically hear it.

♫Even though I walk through the valley Of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear... And I will fear no evil For my God is with me And if my God is with me Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? Oh no, You never let Through the calm and through the storm Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me♫

Blessed Father, there is a peace that washes over me when I allow my mind to relax and truly take this in. ♫And I can see a light that is coming For the heart that holds on A glorious light beyond all compare And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes We'll live to know You here on this earth♫

Strengthen my heart to hold on Dearest Father. You are Truth. You are wise. And I am here asking to live Your Word. In response to the disorder and evil that comes from jealousy and selfish ambition, mentioned in James 3:16, verse 17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven 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.”

Oh, to be able to live each day as one who truly embraces Your Truth! To choose wisely all Your Word says to us. “And as we live with Christ, our love grows more perfect and complete; so we will not be ashamed and embarrassed at the day of judgment, but can face Him with confidence and joy because He loves us and we love Him too” (1John 4:17).

Let me live in and with and through and for Your perfect love that I would truly fear no evil. I love You Father. Thank You for loving me into being. Keep me close to You this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(460 words ~ 9:57 a.m.)

God's glory

Tuesday, August 27, 2013 (7:03 a.m.)

Awesome God of Glory,

One look outside just an hour ago and I was immediately reminded of Your glory. Psalm 19:1-4 sums it up wonderfully.

“Heaven is declaring God's glory; the sky is proclaiming His handiwork. One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. Of course, there's no speech, no words - their voices can't be heard - but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun.”

Oh but it's not only the beauty of Your natural world that pours forth out of this psalm. Continuing I read, “The LORD's Instruction is perfect, reviving one's very being. The LORD's laws are faithful, making naïve people wise” (v.7).

Verse eight tells that Your “regulations are right, gladdening the heart”, Your “commands are pure, giving light to the eyes.” While verse nine reminds that “Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD's judgments are true. All of these are righteous!”

Father God, I am so blessed to be considered one of Your children. As I continue reading of the desirability and sweetness of Your laws (v. 10) it's the end of verse 12, the beginning of 13 and all of 14 that I pray for myself right now.

“Clear me of any unknown sin and save your servant from willful sins. Don't let them rule me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Blessed Lord God, thank You that this morning it was the sheer beauty of Your sky that brought me directly to Your Word. Let me use and reflect Your glory well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(310 words ~ 8:05 a.m.)  

providence

Monday, August 26, 2013 (7:06 a.m.)

Awesome, Glorious, Omnipotent God,

Thank You! Things went wonderfully well yesterday. Plans and ideas fell into place. So of course, today it is easy to come to You with praise and thanksgiving.

The songs we sang in church lent themselves to producing genuine praise, chills and even some tears in me. But Father, I'm asking You to teach me to live in the Truth of Your goodness and grace regardless of the external circumstances.

Yesterday we learned about Your providence through a teaching of Acts (23:11-35) entitled “The Invisible Hand of God”.

providence: the protective care of God; timely preparation for future eventualities; from Old French and Latin words meaning 'foresee, attend to'; see PROVIDE.

provide: make available for use; equip or supply someone with something useful or necessary.

You do that for us. Again and again. I confess that far too often I don't eagerly, readily or willingly yield to Your provisions in my life. Going even further, many times I'm not even aware that it's really You at work. Oh, but when the end result is made clear and Your glory shines through that's when I praise You.

Father, I ask that You would continue Your work in me that I would come to truly thank and praise You in the midst of circumstances. Two songs come immediately to mind. ♫You Never Let Go♫ and ♫It Is Well with My Soul♫

Songwriters who have experienced Your providence through the years share deeply that it's not only in the happy times that we are to trust and believe in Your divine intervention. Whether it's ♫peace like a river♫ or ♫sorrows like sea billows♫ because of Your providence, it IS well with our souls!

YOU, the promise of Your Son's return on our behalf, are the ♫light that is coming for the heart that holds on♫ Father how I ask that I would live this day as though I wholeheartedly believe exactly that!

Oh how I love, thank and praise You! Make Yourself clearly visible to all I encounter this day. Truly I long to share Your Truth, Your faith, Your hope, Your love as I walk through any valley fully believing that Your perfect love casts out all fear (1John 4:18).

Work in and with and through and for me this day, Dearest Dad. I love You and I absolutely thank You. Amen.

(401 words ~ 8:15 a.m.)

"Praise the Lord"

Sunday, August 25, 2013 (7:32 a.m.)

♫Praise Him, Praise Him...

... Praise Him when the sun goes down♫

Blessed Father God, thank You that the very first thing I thought to do this morning was to sing to You. Thank You that the mindset truly is to bring You praise and glory. Why am I so incapable?

How is it that while my intentions and desires are to think and feel and be and do all the things that will bring You glory and honor and praises, my mind flits off in such a myriad of directions?

I look. I read. I hope. I search. I ask. I wonder. I seek. I try. I complicate. And then I start over again. “Praise the Lord”. I read it in subject titles. Psalms. Commentaries. Hymns.

I look to You Blessed Father. Asking that You would take my heart and soul and mind and strength and make them Yours. Do in and with and through and for me all that which I cannot possibly do myself. Work all the things together for Your good (Romans 8:28) that I would truly come to worship and adore, glorify and “praise the Lord” as You so richly and rightly deserve.

I love You so very much Dearest Dad. Thank You for blessing and protecting me (Numbers 6:24 CEB). Thank You for making Your face shine on me and being gracious to me (v. 25). Thank You for lifting Your face to me and granting me peace (26). Thank You for calling me to “Praise the Lord” this morning.

Use me well this day. Teach me. Grow me. Live in and through me. Empower and enable me to truly “Praise the Lord”! I love You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

thanksgiving

Saturday, August 24, 2013 (7:42 a.m.)

Grumble, Growl, Snarl, Hiss, Boo,

Honest to YOU that's my heart at this moment! You have given me blessing after blessing and still I persist in the negatives. How will it ever change? Or will it?

Talk to me Father. I truly ask You here to straighten me out!

For the better part of two hours much earlier, my plan was to come out here and go through the motions. I was going to put on a happy face and fake my way through this. Why would I want to pretend with You?

The phrases, “Act as if” and “Fake it 'til you make it” come to mind. Is that really something You would ever have me do? You are good. True. Loving. Kind. Would You really have me pretend? Talk to me Father. Straighten me out I pray.

Thank You Father! I ask. Honestly. And You answer. With Truth. Your Truth. The Truth of Your Word. The Truth of the ages!

Searching “Life Recovery Topical Index” I was looking for 'pretense' and found “PROMISES”. Reading the lengthy list that followed, I saw “Step 11 – Finding God”. Turning to Psalm 105, I was again reminded to “Thank the Lord for all the glorious things He does” (v.1a).

Much earlier this morning I had been wholeheartedly singing of all I was going to do, left over from yesterday's unfinished prayer. My plan was to ♫enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart; enter His courts with praise; say, “this is the day that the Lord hath made”; rejoice, for He hath made me glad♫

Each one of those sentiments was based on something I was going to do. ♫I will...♫ Thank You Father for reminding me that it's by seeking 'through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out' (Step 11, of 12). It's not through my own power and strength that I get to love You as I do. It's because of Your love for each of us.

I confess to getting caught up in mistakes of the past. There's all the woulda, coulda, shoulda's that seem to compound daily when left unchecked. I look in this Psalm, reading the comments below and am reminded that I am not the only person to “grow impatient with our slow progress”.

As I sit here, brought nearly to tears once again by records of Your goodness and grace, how I truly thank You for all You have done in my life. I absolutely seek You for the strength I need today. And I wholeheartedly ask You to fulfill Your promises of hope and victory.

You are so incredibly good. Why I insist on allowing my focus to be taken off that Truth I will never truly know. Thank You for reminding me! Thank You for all the glorious things You do! Thank You for being my God. My Father. My very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Thank You for Your promises to listen when we pray (Jeremiah 29:12) and to be found when we seek and look for You in earnest (v. 13). Deuteronomy 4:29-31 affirms this Truth. The words jumping off the page right here are “and listen to what He tells you” (v. 31b). This is where I desperately need Your help Dearest Dad! It's not only in the listening that I have trouble. It's in the hearing and the obeying as well.

Have Your way with me this day. Empower me to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. I long for that to be evident in all I say and do this day. Be my focus. Let ♫the things of earth growing strangely dim In the light of Jesus' glory and grace♫

Thank You for the privilege of being honest in Your presence. I love You. Amen.

(662 words ~ 8:53 a.m.)

gates, courts, praise

Friday, August 23, 2013 (8:07 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Upon awakening, my mind replayed thoughts, mistakes, judgments, projections and started repeating them as though a rolodex was continuously spinning. I believe You intervened on my behalf. A choice became evident. I could continue being drug down by my own thinking OR I could ♫enter Your gates with thanksgiving in my heart... enter Your courts with praise♫

practicing

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 (6:55 a.m.)

Father God,

I'm here this morning practicing. The question I have is just what am I practicing? Showing up? Being here?

I want to practice “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a). Is it in my power to do so? The beginning of the verse says, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us”.

I confess Father, I don't know what it's really like to have the Holy Spirit control my life. Truly I believe I'm still trying to follow some archaic set of rules that will make it happen. I am more than convinced that is NOT the way it works.

So once again, here I am asking You to speak to me. Teach me. Guide me. I want to be present with You. Yes. I don't want to jump through hoops. Dot i's, cross t's. Show me Father...

And then You did! Searching Your Word. Looking from this verse to that section and Your peace settled right here within me. Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

But it goes so much deeper than that! “Cease striving”. “That's enough!” “Calm down, and learn”. “Stop fighting”. “Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God.” “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God!” “Be quiet”. “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.”

With this I breathe in more deeply. I relax. I trust. I believe. I ask that You would make Yourself even more obvious to me this day.

I love You, Father. I long to serve You well this day. Make it so I ask. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(317 words ~ 8:47 a.m.)

action plan

Tuesday, August 20, 2013 (8:15 a.m.)

Loving Father God,

This morning I want to talk to You about the importance of having an action plan. We've been taking some health classes and it keeps getting mentioned. Never have I witnessed a better example of having a plan of action and putting it into practice than I did yesterday.

Driving home from a very nice time away, the good driver that the husband is saw a horrific accident take place right in front of him. He stayed calm. Didn't over react. Took appropriate action. He put on the flashers, slowed down, changed lanes, accessed the situation and drove on. Safely. Why? Because he had been properly trained and practices good driving habits.

Father, thank You for the action plans of others yesterday. As we approached the scene, some (witnesses I presume) had pulled safely to the right side of the highway. One very young man stood ahead of his vehicle calmly directing traffic into the slower speed lanes. Various people had approached the overturned van with helpful intentions.

Blessed God, thank You for such a reminder of the good of humanity. The kindness of strangers willing to stop and be helpful. Tears fill my eyes once more just thinking about it.

Father, thank You that even the idea of having an action plan I get to bring back to Your Word. Directed to read in second Corinthians again this morning, I get to learn what You have to say about the choices we have every single moment of our lives here on earth. Our life with You is not just happenstance. We must admit our powerlessness in helpless situations and come to You for help.

That is exactly why I am before You again this morning! Confessing that change is not easy. Asking that these habits that die so hard would be replaced by healthy, positive traits. I look to You, Your Word and the power of Your Holy Spirit for the confidence and motivation to set up an action plan that will bring glory and honor to Your most holy name.

Father God, I love You and I truly long to serve You well. Work in and through me this day to that end. Thank You for ALL You do on our behalf. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(389 words ~ 9:09 a.m.)  

direction

Monday, August 19, 2013 (7:54 a.m.)

Las Vegas, NV

Fabulous Father God,

I don't know which direction to take here with You this morning. Do I thank You for all the fun we've had these past few days? Or do I ask You about pursuing the things I don't understand? One thing is for sure, I am coming to You for direction!

Mm, come to You for direction. Oh, that I would do that on a regular basis! Looking to 2Timothy 3:14-17, The Life Recovery Bible refers to Your Word as “the wonderful resource” and “the ultimate guide to help us realize what is wrong in our life.” Seems like excellent direction to me!

Continuing in the same paragraph, The Bible is described as, “the only accurate measuring stick available”. It also “reveals God's program for healthy living and shows us how to relate properly and unselfishly to God and other people.”

This comment also shares that “God's Word offers more than just good advice. It promises God's powerful help to all who turn to Him with a humble heart.”

Father, going up just one verse in the section mentioned above I am reminded that Jesus promised us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). Ah, but He didn't leave us with that truth alone. No, He added, “but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”

Blessed Father, it is so very easy (natural) for me to feel frustrated and beaten down by circumstances. Thank You that Your Word repeatedly directs us to “cheer up” and “take heart”.

The examples set for us in the history of Your Word show people who suffered and had faith in You in the midst of their suffering. Paul, for one, continued to show his love for You along with his patience (2Timothy 3:10). He promised Timothy that “those who decide to please Christ Jesus by living godly lives will suffer at the hands of those who hate Him. In fact, evil men and false teachers will become worse and worse, deceiving many, they themselves having been deceived by satan” (vs. 12,13).

This is where I normally throw in the towel. Give up. Mope. Brood. Despair. But Your very next verse gives me such good direction! “But you must keep on believing the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know that you can trust those of us who taught you” (14). And this from a man, alone in prison, shortly before his death!

Paul went on encouraging Timothy in his faith in You. “The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us 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” (vs.16-17).

Oh! And now back to the end of the comment. “God has given us a wonderful resource in His Word. Our recovery will benefit when we take the time to understands what it says.”

And now, referring all the way to the first paragraph with which I began... “pursuing the things I don't understand”. Your Word holds answers. Guidelines. Direction. Empower me to use it well this day.

I love You Father. Thank You for this time of being away from home and responsibilities. I ask for Your safe travel mercies as we return. As well as Your continual direction on choices that I make. Let them be glorifying to Your most holy name. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(611 words ~ 9:28 a.m.)

time away

Saturday, August 17, 2013 (4:50 p.m.)

Las Vegas, CA

Loving Father God,

Sunday, August 18, 2013 (7:29 a.m.)

Las Vegas, CA

Gracious, Good and Glorious God,

Thank You! I didn't realize how desperately I needed time away from routine and responsibility.

I recognized a stiff necked tendency on the drive over yesterday when our path was altered due to severe traffic conditions. Rather than pray and thank You for our safety, I began harrumphing and grumbling to myself.

(9:49 a.m.)

(10:22 a.m.)

Start. Stop. Start again. Father, thank You! Thank You that no matter the things we allow to get in the way of You, YOU do not ANYthing get in Your way!

Father, thank You that in all these past weeks/months that I have not been 'okay' You never once lost sight of me or my needs. Thank You Father that I get to come to You with better clarity. A renewed sense of awe and respect for who and ALL You are!

Thank You that You do NOT leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) alone in our pain. Disappointed. Disillusioned. Never do we have to be afraid. Too often I choose fear. Forgive me Father. You have gifted us with Your presence. You gave us Your Son in the flesh and still too often I turn away. Stamping my foot. Wanting things MY way. Foolish child that I am.

Thank You Blessed Father, for coming into this world in the form of Your Son, to give us Your Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13). Let me use that hope well. It truly has taken me this time away to see more clearly just how dank and dark my spirit had become. “Going through the motions” is NOT what Your Son sacrificed Himself for on our behalf. That You for the fresh eyes with which to see.

Everywhere I turn in Your Word this morning is bringing me hope. Reading again in Daniel I am reminded, “You are a great and awesome God; You always fulfill Your promises of mercy to those who love You and keep Your laws” (9:4). “But in God's time and plan, His judgment will be poured out upon this evil one” (v. 27).

And then these words in the next chapter (Daniel 10:19) “God loves you very much... don't be afraid! Calm yourself; be strong – yes, strong!”

Yes! Strong! In the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Father I keep making mistakes and limping my way back to You. Thank You for accepting me exactly as I am.

Continue fining and refining me. Keep up Your good works of cleansing me and making me whole. Thank You for this time away to fully experience once again what it is to truly be AGOG with God!

I love You so incredibly much and I am eternally grateful for Your willingness to care for one such as me.

Thank You Father. Let me use this day to Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(515 words ~ 11:06 a.m.)

Psalm 90

Friday, August 16, 2013 (6:41 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

May I just say the days are whizzing by?

(7:55 a.m.)

And with that said, I myself went zipping around the computer. Looking at this. Checking that. With my Bible open to Psalm 90:12 the whole time, asking You to “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.”

Here's something I never knew: “Psalm 90. The only psalm attributed to Moses, this meditates on human frailty (1-12) and on dependency on the Lord (13-17).” (Illustrated Bible Handbook)

And with that said, I have the silliest grin on my face. Taking the time to read the beginning of this psalm, “A prayer of Moses, the man of God” I was getting lost in the poetic descriptions he used. Until verse six and the sounds of a distant lawn mower brought me back to my current surroundings.

“We are like grass that is green in the morning but mowed down and withered before the evening shadows fall”

pray without ceasing

Thursday, August 15, 2013 (6:47 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Will today be the day that I actually stick to it and finish a prayer with You? With us being charged to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17), are we ever really done?

Father God, I love You. Far too often my emotions get the best of me. How much better when YOU get my best! I start out with the finest laid plans only to allow them to be sidetracked. Waylaid.

How I LOVE being in Your Word! I turn to a section (1Thessalonians 5:14-28) and my heart, soul, mind and body feel stronger. Hope pervades. And truly, I just want to stay right here. Learning. Filling up on You.

I read Paul's words of commendation and encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica and I wholeheartedly ask You to include me in the blessing with which he greeted them. “To you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: May blessing and peace of heart be your rich gifts from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord” (1:1).

As he continued urging them to “live blameless lives while looking expectantly for the Lord to come again” (Illustrated Bible Handbook) he drew his letter to a close with even more words of confidence in Your willing ability. “We pray that God Himself, the God of peace, will make you pure – belonging only to Him. We pray that your whole self – spirit, soul and body – will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. The One who chose you will do that for you. You can trust Him” (5:23, 24).

Father God, as a Believer and Follower of Your Son, I humbly ask You to 'bless me and keep me this day. Smile down and show me Your kindness. Answer my prayers and give me Your peace' (Numbers 6:24-26) that I would readily share You, Your will and Your way with others. I love You so very much. I no longer wish to feel apathetic or afraid. Teach me to live abundantly (John 10:10) in and with, through and for only You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(367 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

alert, not afraid

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 (7:44 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You. Sleep. Restful, regenerative sleep again renewed my soul. You provided me the peace with which to relax, refresh, recharge. Thank You Dearest Father that Your faith, hope and love never fails. Thank You that You provide everything we need to turn our trust back over to You.

Father, I confess the FEAR that has been running rampant over my very being. FEAR of people, places and things. FEAR of the unknowns and what ifs. Thank You Father that You call us again and again to not be afraid. Have faith. Believe. Trust. Ah, to truly rely on You and Your Word. Yes Father. I am here asking You to make it so in me this day.

The thoughts I think too often take me far from Your best for me. How I ask that You would continue Your work in teaching me to be alert, not afraid.

restless

Monday, August 12, 2013 (7:14 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You. It was a l-o-n-g restless night. Much tossing and turning. Too many thoughts countered with the wonderful reminder, “If I'm worrying, I'm not praying. If I'm praying, I'm not worrying.”

renewal

Sunday, August 11, 2013 (6:40 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for rest and renewal. Thank You for the willingness to practice healthy communication.

Blessed Father, we fell so far away from Your best for us. Thank You for Your grace in allowing us to again make that sharp U-turn and come back to Your way of loving.

Father, I was trapped in the snare of score keeping. My feelings were hurt and bitterness festered. Thank You that no matter the severity of mistakes I make, You are more than willing and able to forgive and transform me.

Thank You Father that once again I get to read Paul's letter to Titus. Thank You for the reminder I find in chapter 3, verses 3-6a. “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient; we were misled by others and became slaves to many evil pleasures and wicked desires. Our lives were full of resentment and envy. We hated others and they hated us. But when the time came for the kindness and love of God our Savior to appear, then He saved us – not because we were good enough to be saved but because of His kindness and pity – by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us with wonderful fullness”.

Dearest Father, thank You that we are never lost to You. My thinking and attitude may far too often lead me away from Your best for us. Thank You that Your patient and loving kindness is far greater than any stubbornness on my part.

Thank You Father for sending Your Son on our behalf. Continue Your work in renewing me every single time I fail You. Thank You that You are so much greater than my flaws. I love You Father. Use me well this day. Thank You. Amen.

(315 words ~ 7:40 a.m.)

intentional

Saturday, August 10, 2013 (5:56 a.m.)

(6:14 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

I seem to still be refusing. You offer me love. Forgiveness. Hope. And still I play around with negativity. Not on purpose this time.

Most Blessed Holy Father God, in just beginning to confess myself to You the word 'intentional' came to mind. I cannot afford to let my heart, soul, mind and soul (Mark 12:30) simply wander off from You in frustration and disappointment.

I must choose to be kind and loving. I must choose to be Yours alone. Thank You for referring me back to Deuteronomy, the basics of Your teaching through Moses. Thank You for knowing Your children so well. Words written so many thousands of years ago still hold true today.

Thank You Father that in my reading this morning I am reminded that even Moses, reacting “in terrible anger” (Exodus 32:19) cast aside [and broke!] the very words You Yourself had written (v.16). This in no way excuses my behavior and attitude these past many weeks. It does however remind me of the importance of being intentional

♫I refuse♫

Thursday, August 8, 2013 (5:35 a.m.)

♫I refuse♫

Those are the words I keep singing to a beautiful melody we found out weeks ago belong to “The King and I”. Under other circumstances the words are supposed to be ♫I have dreamed♫.

I confess to You Dearest Father, I have stopped dreaming. Instead, I refuse. To dream. To care. To forgive. To love.

This refusal is not serving me well. Angry, bitter tones do not make for healthy attitudes. Walling myself off from others does nothing to improve hurting relationships. Avoiding You is absolutely not the course to take. Yet here I've been. Stubborn. Ornery. Belligerent.

So Father, tell me how to change. Show me. Teach me. Do in, with, to and for me that which I am completely unable to do with myself. I want to be loving. But I'm not. I keep attempting to be peaceable. It's not happening. Communication has clogged. Frustration has set in. But far worse than all that, is the hopelessness with which I begin each encounter. I no longer believe, trust, hope or dream that circumstances will be any different than they already are.

And with that said as honestly as I can put it, I turn to You. To Your Son. Our Redeemer. His grace, love and mercy. I truly have come to the end of myself. Just because I think something doesn't make it so. You are good. You are faithful. These are truths that do not change. Tides turn. The visibility of the sun and moon comes and goes. You do not. You are in Whom I must trust. Not circumstances. Not people.

There are many words I can use to replace the two with which I began this. ♫I believe♫. ♫I can trust♫. ♫I will hope♫. All of these only because of Your great and wonderful love for each of us. You guide and direct my thoughts when I allow You to. You are a Gentleman. You won't do anything with me unless I am willing. And I am! I am willing to let You do all that You know is best. Even though I have little idea what that is.

Looking up ♫Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus♫ I was directed to Hebrews 12:2. While reading there I was reminded again of the importance of coming to You. Left on my own, anger and bitterness will continue running rampant. Confessing them to You allows me once again to believe and trust that You do indeed have a plan for me. A plan for good and not for evil. A plan to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Turning to You and Your Word, again I am blessed by reading Your Truth. “Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others” (Hebrews 12:15). Blessed Father, I have already seen this happen. A precious 23 month old was caught in the crossfire of bitterness the other morning and was adversely affected by it.

Although I recognized it immediately, I was powerless to change my part in it. That is why I again come to You. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) that You will do all that I am unable. Work forgiveness into my being. Grow the fruit of Your Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a) into my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).

Father, I long to love You as I ought. Completely. This is absolutely not something I can do on my own. Rather than continuing to hold myself at bay, I release myself into Your loving, faithful, competent, trustworthy arms. 1John 4:20-21 recounts the importance of dropping my guard. “If anyone says, 'I love God' but keeps on hating his brother, he is a liar; for if he doesn't love his brother who is right there in front of him, how can he love God whom he has never seen? And God Himself has said that one must love not only God but his brother too [Mark 12:31].”

Blessed Father God, this is where I turn again to You. To Jesus. To Your Loving Holy Spirit asking, seeking, knocking that Your love would be made complete in me (1John 4:17). That very love which is described further up in this very chapter. “Dear friends, let us practice loving each other...” (v.7a). Practice. Other translations say: devote, continue.

I walked away from Your teachings Father. My feelings got hurt. My heart became disillusioned. My mind replayed mostly negative, unproductive thoughts. My strength began to fade away.

Right now I would like to change the very beginning of this heartfelt, honest prayer to You. Instead of refusing You and Your love most Blessed God, ♫I repent♫ (Revelation 3:19). And in so doing, ♫I receive♫.

A devotion simply entitled Love (for Revelation 3:14-22) in The Life Recovery Bible says, “Trying to love without first receiving God's love is like trying to water something with a hose that's disconnected from the faucet. When we receive God's unconditional love for us, we can begin to love ourself. We are then told to love others as we love ourself and as Jesus has loved us. There is a boundless reservoir of love available to us; but without receiving the love of God in Christ we will quickly run dry.”

I ran dry Dearest God. I refused You and Your love and I quickly ran dry. Thank You that Your love is so much stronger and permanent than my refusal to accept it. Forgive me for my childish, stubborn tantrums of late. Thank You for Your love that truly covers over a multitude of sins (1Peter 4:8). Thank You Father. I love You so very much. Help me use Your love well this day. ♫I am blessed♫ and grateful and forgiven. Thank You Father. Amen.

(1000 words ~ 8:03 a.m.)

feeling put upon

Wednesday, August 7, 2013 (7:05 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Here I am. Just as I am. Feeling grumpy. Bitter. Resentful. Building deadly mountains out of puny molehills. Father, forgive me. I keep sliding deeper and deeper into the pit of self. I confess to behaving badly. Walling myself off. Holding back for fear of getting hurt. And hurting others in the process.

Father, I come to You. ♫Just as I am, without one plea But that Your blood was shed for me♫ (John 6:37). I come. Dragging my feet. Kicking and screaming the whole way. I have not been revering Your holiness. I have been doubting. And whining. Building cases of justification in my heart and soul and mind.

I confess to not being loving. Or kind. I have been behaving hurtfully and hatefully. I've been wanting others to pay because I have been feeling put upon and misunderstood. This is not the way I want to live Dearest Father. You have definitely raised me better than this.

So here I am confessing to feeling put upon. My good nature taken advantage of. And I am asking You the Holiest of Holies to do something good and wonderful, kind and loving with my hurtful and hateful heart.

This behavior isn't me. It is exactly why You sent Your Son into this world. To save the lost

diligent

Tuesday, August 6, 2013 (6:37 a.m.)

Awesome, Awesome God,

Thank You! The husband worked diligently to find the name (♫Lover's Concerto♫) and the words to the tune that was eluding us. And thank You Father, that in coming here to You I have found yet another section of scripture which speaks to my own lack of diligence and perseverance.

2 Timothy 2:1-8

Psalm 38

Saturday, August 3, 2013 (8:27 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Again I thank You. More sleep. Added rest. And now another look into Psalm 38. I don't know that we've ever gone in depth with this particular psalm before. Guide and direct me in my understanding this morning.

I read David's words as he appeals to You while 'feeling crushed and deserted under Your divine discipline' (Illustrated Bible Handbook). Father, so many of his words and phrases strike chords with me.

Side-note: speaking of chords, enlisting the help of the beloved husband has yet to yield me the words to the song still humming in my head.

Struck soundly by David's extreme words of despair, there are still verses of profound hope. Verse 15, “What I do, God, is wait for You, wait for my Lord, my God – You will answer!” Wow! What a promise. Thank You Father.

As I continue reading, identifying and hoping in David's words to You I am also asking that You would have Your way in me today. Work in and with and through me to Your ultimate good and glory. I love You so very much Dearest Dad and I ask that You would make that evident in my choices and obedience to Your will. Thank You for Your love, do not let me continue to take it lightly. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(230 words ~ 10:07 a.m.)

desire

Saturday, August 3, 2013 (3:47 a.m.)

All Glorious Mighty God,

THANK YOU! It's been more than a long while since my very first desire [eagerness, enthusiasm] upon awakening is to come and talk with You. Blessed Father, thank You.

Thank You that there really, truly is desire on my part. Desire to hope. To think. Dream. Plan. I feel as though a weight has lifted from my chest. There's a lightness that lets me feel once again as if I could soar.

Father, how long has it been since I last felt completely agog [eager, excited, enthusiastic] with You? There's even a song in my head. I don't remember the words yet, but the melody is completely there. Thank You Father. Thank You!

Psalm 38:9. Many translations. Much to consider. Time to try and sleep again. I love You Father. I ask You to permit me some good, quality rest from which to awaken refreshed, renewed and ready to go into a blissful day of service unto You. I love You Father. And I truly, absolutely, genuinely thank You for blessing me with this true desire to connect with You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(196 words ~ 4:34 a.m.)

Your best for us

Thursday, August 1, 2013 (6:36 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Just like the song says, I'm bringing my heavy burdens to You in prayer. We have a deafening silence going on around here. Feelings keep getting hurt. Hope starts to bubble up only to have a wave of despair wash it away.

This is not Your best for us. Holding each other at arms length in order to judge or attempt to protect ourselves from one another has never been Your best for us. Hmm. Your best for us. Can we please take a look at what that is?

Mm, more than just a look. A smile. A sense of peace. Hope. Father, You absolutely know what You are doing in and with us. I ask You right now to continue Your work at removing all that is not necessary for our life with You and replacing it with that which is truly essential.

I confess to wasting precious resources. Time. Energy. Emotions. Words. Here I am again asking You to train me in Your fine art of good stewardship.

Father, You have provided us with so much. Not only are You able

(9:05 a.m.)

Ah, yes, Father You are able! Able to bring unexpected phone calls from friends. Phone calls that help heal. Father, I look to You this morning asking that as You work Your best for us, You would heal our hurts as well.

You are able Father. Able to bring hope and healing to a hurt and hopeless world. Give each of us the strength to continue looking to You for the power to stay on Your path of righteousness. It is in Your Son's most holy name I pray, asking Your best for each of us.

I love You Father. I thank You. Amen.

(296 words ~ 9:10 a.m.)