Truth leads to peace

Friday, January 31, 2014 (6:27 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

Thank You for peace. The peace that overtakes us as we breath in deeply and intentionally. Peace. It's a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It develops over time. And I am grateful every single time I experience it for myself.

(7:57 a.m.)

My thoughts roam. I read (Habakkuk 3). I think. I ponder. I want. I hope. I trust. I believe. And I thank You Father. Thank You that Your Truth leads to such peace.

Be with us in the places we plan to go today and the things we are looking to do. We love You Father and long to have You glorified through our thoughts, words, actions and the very core of who we are in You.

Let Your peace be experienced this day Dear Lord. We love you. We thank You. And we want to serve You as You desire to be served. Help us be all You would have us be. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(174 words ~ 9:09 a.m.)

good works

Monday, January 13, 2014

“the total state of soundness, health, wholeness and order”

(Illustrated Bible Handbook p. 736)

Thursday, January 16, 2014 (7:28 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

I noted this insight on Sunday in an early effort

Thursday, January 23, 2014 (9:20 a.m.)

...to jumpstart meditation.

I didn't know it would take ten days for me to come back to it. Father, I ask You to speak to me about living my life in “the total state of soundness, health, wholeness and order.” These words are taken from a Theology in Brief entitled Good Works.

Thursday, January 30, 2014 (3:37 p.m.)

And here it has taken me seventeen days to read the whole section. Amazing, Father. I find it truly amazing when You speak to me. When You address questions I didn't even know I had. Amazing. And gratifying!

Thank You for this study on Paul's words of encouragement to Titus. Paul wanted this pastor on the island of Crete “to be faithful in applying the grace” that You provide in various circumstances.

Kalos, the word Paul used when writing of good works meant “beautiful, noble”; implying that “which is aesthetically pleasing as well as morally good.” Ultimately it came around to meaning the words with which I began this prayer to You.

“The total state of soundness, health, wholeness and order” that are to rule within and about us packs quite a punch should only we be able to harness the power. Ah, but as I continue reading I am told, “Paul argues strongly that God's people are to eagerly pursue acts and deeds which are in every sense, 'good'.”

This section goes on to tell of Jesus' sacrifice to save us from evil, to cleanse us and make us eager for good works. This was His gift to us, not based on our own works, but by that of “the supernatural intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit worked an inner transformation, through rebirth and renewal (Titus 3:4,5). Good works, then, are the natural overflow of Christ's work for us and the Holy Spirit's work within us.”

As Paul continued his encouraging words (3:8) he warned “all who have 'trusted in God' are to 'be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good'.” This is where I again start doubting my own ability toward goodness.

Ah, but then “Paul speaks of hospitality (1:8), self-control (1:8), encouraging others (1:9), temperance (2:1), love of good (1:8), love for husbands and children (2:11), peaceableness and true humility (3:2) and many other graces which enrich the lives of others as well as our own.”

True good works are not done by my trying hard enough. I believe them to be that wonderfully good work You are doing in me. Here I ever so humbly ask You to continue those perfect good works with me.

Thank You Father for Your heart for each of us. Let us use it to Your good and to You glory. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(503 words ~ 5:14 p.m.)

Our Father (cont'd)

Thursday, January 30, 2014 (5:55 a.m.)

Our Father,

We started in that direction yesterday. I read a bit about The Lord's Prayer. And I learned a little too. Thank You Father.

Thank You that even with a huge interruption of people, places and things Your Truth stayed with me throughout the day. I received encouragement to focus on what I could do and not on what I couldn't. Quite a lot was accomplished, at my slow and steady pace.

Father, thank You. Thank You that in the midst of all the places to go and things to do, communication was not only practiced but highly successful as well! Thank You Father. Thank You.

(9:08 a.m.)

The dog has been walked. Dishes done. Living areas straightened. And much of the while I reverted to thinking of all that is entailed in knowing You as “Our Father”. Blessed Daddy God, what a Gift [Jesus] You have provided for us. Enable and empower me to use and share Him well.

He is the One who originally taught us to pray saying, “Our Father...” (Luke 11:2). Let me remember the power that is ours in His name. I love You so very much Blessed Father. Thank You for helping me know to trust You.

Work in and with, through and for me this day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(226 words ~ 9:17 a.m.)  

Our Father

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 (6:31 a.m.)

Bless Father God,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for a beautiful sky. Thank You for the blessings You provide. Thank You that You are Our Father

believe and live

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 (7:05 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You! You have blessed me. Blessed me with friends. Family. Loved ones. Memories. Health. Wholeness. And love. So much love.

Father, thank You. Thank You for gifts. Kindnesses. Generosity. And Your presence. Thank You for the beautiful morning sky. Thank You for Your plan. Thank You for Your perfection.

Because You are perfect I get to rest. Relax. Trust. Believe. Mm, that word again.

“Believe (verb): accept as true; feel sure of the truth of; have faith”.

Father, thank You that I get to believe You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. And in so doing, I get to live. Life. In You! John 20:31 tells me exactly that.

While two of the versions are the texts I'll quote below, I'm also taking some wonderful words from the Amplified Bible as well. John could not list all the miracles Jesus' disciples saw him do and he said so (v. 30).

“These accounts are recorded so that you, too, might believe that Jesus is the Anointed, the Liberating King, the Son of God, because believing grants you the life He came to share.” (The Voice)

“But these things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And when you believe in His name, that He will give you power to live.” (Worldwide English ~ New Testament)

The Amplified Bible follows the words “through believing” with “and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon”. This is a very active; non-passive word. There are great benefits to truly believing “(in) His name [through Who He is]”.

Thank You for this gift. This revelation. This opportunity. Continue growing me in trusting You. Truly I want to believe, that I would fully live! Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. 

Be in and with me this day. Guide and direct my heart and soul. Mind and strength. I love You and I desire to use Your love well. Empower and embolden me to do exactly that. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(351 words ~ 8:21 a.m.)

for me

Monday, January 27, 2014 (7:19 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Speak to me please. Guide my thoughts. I've been thinking to You for hours now. And just this very moment I started singing. The very first praise song from church yesterday. ♫Your grace is enough♫ And I immediately asked myself, “Is it?”

Do I really believe that? I genuinely agree as I sing ♫Great is Your faithfulness oh God You wrestle with the sinner's heart You lead us by still waters into mercy And nothing can keep us apart So remember Your people Remember Your children Remember Your promise Oh God♫ That I can sing honestly. Truthfully. Wholeheartedly.

It's when I get to the next section that I ask myself if I actually believe those two little words at the end? ♫Your grace is enough Your grace is enough Your grace is enough for me♫ For me? Really? Do I believe that?

Let's take a look. All the way back to Adam and Eve in Your Garden of Eden. They had perfection. Intimate fellowship with You. Then temptation. Sin. Rebellion. Consequences.

(8:52 a.m.)

As I read more about Your 'Park of Delight' and the way You had created every minute detail, I'm willing to cut myself some slack. And just using that word cements my inclination to believe You at Your Word.

“Willing (adjective): READY, prepared, disposed, inclined of a mind, minded; happy, glad, pleased, agreeable, amenable; game. ANTONYMS reluctant, disinclined.”

I get to choose. I get to believe. I must want to. And I do! ♫Your grace is enough Your grace is enough Your grace IS enough For me!♫

Thank You Father. ♫You remember Your people. You remember Your children. You remember Your promise Oh God♫

How can I even begin to doubt Your grace being enough for me? You “taught Paul to reject conceit and to appreciate weakness” (2Corinthains 12:9 Illustrated Bible Handbook). “Whatever the [his] problem, it helped Paul realize that God's 'power is made perfect in weakness'.”

Oh how I thank You Father! I came here doubting and I am prepared to leave in hope. Quoting the Amplified Bible, I ask You to empower me to live Your grace this day.

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!”

Father God! I confess my weakness! The things I am currently unable to do for myself. Instead of cursing those weaknesses, I ask You to enable me to embrace them.

I believe ♫Your grace is enough Heaven reaching down to us Your grace is enough for me God I see Your grace is enough I'm covered in Your love Your grace is enough for me For me♫

Thank You Father. Thank You for including me in Your grace. Thank You for loving me in spite of myself. Use me to freely share Your grace with others this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(550 words ~ 10:01 a.m.)

peace which passes understanding

Sunday, January 26, 2014 (6:22 a.m.)

Mighty, Holy God,

Father, thank You. You are working in me. I can tell. There is a peace. A sense of calm that has not been my norm through the years. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Thank You that in the very midst of discord I have been able to take a deep breath, know which is the better approach and follow through in that direction. Blessed Father, that is You. Not me. You!

What a joy. What a peace. YOUR peace which passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). I recognized it for what it was yesterday. I felt irritated. Annoyed. Miffed. Concerned. And I took a walk! A fast paced, oxygen pumping walk.

That is not my usual. I normally want to talk things out. Smooth them over. There was a nudge inside me. And I knew exactly what to do. One of the very best aspects of the whole situation was that I not only knew what to do, I did it. I followed through! Thank You Father. Again, that was You!

Reading A Plea for Perspective; (Philippians) 4:2-9 in Illustrated Bible Handbook, under the title Chapter 4. Joy in the Lord, “Paul speaks of joys that are found through relationship with the Lord (4). In Christ we have release from anxiety, for we can express every need to God and experience peace (5-7). In Christ we can concentrate our attention on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, [excellent], and praiseworthy (8). In Christ we can put godly living into practice, and have the assurance that the God whose presence means inner peace will be with us (9). What a wonderful perspective to maintain on life, and what a source of constant joy!”

“In Christ”. I read those two words three times just now. It IS “in Christ” that we are freed to experience Your peace which passes all understanding.

I read Philippians 4:7 in various translations and come away with phrases describing Your peace as: “that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace” (Amplified Bible), “a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (The Message), “a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding” (The Voice).

Blessed Father God, how I thank You that there truly are times that I absolutely experience such peace. I confess to You the too many other occasions when I fret. Stew. Allow myself to be shaken.

Keep up Your good and mighty work in me I pray. I am excited when I recognize it! It is thrilling to see Your Word, Your promises, Your Son, Your Holy Spirit bringing joy and peace to my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. I consider myself blessed to be among those who truly trust and believe You at Your Word.

Do in and through, with and for me as You wish this day. Enable and embolden me to share Your goodness and Your grace with those around me. I love You Father. And I thank You so incredibly much. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

Resource

Saturday, January 25, 2014 (5:53 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You! It's been such a long time since I awoke predawn with such desire to come out here to meet with You. Thank You Father. Thank You for a degree of clarity with which I began my thoughts.

Recently there have been discussions of concerns over the well-being of loved ones. Their health and decision makings are being looked at. With questions as to what, if anything should be done.

Father, forgive me that it took until just moments ago for me to remember the Resource we have in You. Mm, thank You. I look to Your Word and I find peace. Hope. Joy. Reminders.

Mighty God. Powerfully Perfect Resource, thank You for the reminders You give us to search Your Word. I turn the pages, reading verses and footnotes. I nod my head in agreement. My heart flutters. Sparks fly about. I ask You Father to fan into flames the strength and boldness You have placed in me (2Timothy 1:6). Guide me to that which You would most have me pay attention.

Philippians 4:6 reminds us to not worry about anything, but to pray and ask You for everything we need, always giving thanks for what we have. Blessed Father God, that is indeed how I want to live my life.

You provide us such peace. How I ask that I would freely share with others that peace which comes as a joyful byproduct of the fruit of Your Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a).

An introduction to the book of Philippians in The Life Recovery Bible says, “Genuine joy, meaning, and satisfaction come as we follow Christ and help others grow spiritually.” Make it so in my life Dearest Father, that others would come to know, love and trust You as our most precious and treasured Resource.

The Apostle Paul closed his second letter to the people of Corinth asking that the blessing of “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” be with them all. He continued, “May God's love and the Holy Spirit's friendship be yours” (2Corinthians 13:14).

Talk about Resource! Christ's grace, Your love and the Holy Spirit's friendship. The most powerful Trifecta that ever was! Thank You Father. Empower and embolden me to use Your Resource well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(389 words ~ 7:46 a.m.)

"Just believe."

Friday, January 24, 2014 (6:13 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

The word 'believe' has become quite noticeable to me lately. And it touches my heart deeply. Thank You for that.

Thank You that in my readings yesterday (Mark 5:35-36) I again came across it. This time in Your response to a man who was being told not to bother You because his daughter had already died. Your reply gives me such hope. When You overheard what had been said, You told Jairus, “Don't be afraid! Just believe.”

So often fear is our go-to response. Dearest Jesus, how I want that to change! I want so very much to trust and believe. You! Your Word. Your promises.

The opportunity to 'trust', 'believe', 'have faith' is ours for the taking. You came to give us that option. Thank You. Thank You that You control the powers of nature, demons and death itself. With that being true, why would we fear?

This morning I ask You to help me with my unbelief (Mark 9:24). Too often I get stuck. When I focus on what isn't how I think I would have something, please redirect my attention. Remind me that You know the plans Our Father has for us. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give all of us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

You helped me yesterday, Jesus. Much was accomplished around here. A tiny hiccup didn't take long to be resolved. I asked for Your help. Your power. And You provided. I'm asking again. Bless us. Keep us. Make Your face shine upon us. Be gracious to us. Turn Your face toward us and give us peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

Do in and with and through and for us all that we are absolutely incapable of doing without You. I love You Jesus. I love You Father. I love You Holy Spirit. Have Your way in me this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

Just as I am

Thursday, January 23, 2014 (7:25 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You! Thank You that I get to come before You just as I am. Without one plea. But that Thy blood was shed for me.

Just as I am. Not enough in my own right. Never enough. Ah, but in You? Nourished by THE very “Bread of Life”. ♫Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!♫

This verse sums me up this morning. I look around me. I see piles of unnecessary stuff. I don't know how to cut my way through it all. BUT! You do Dearest Lord. You have Your best interest at heart. And I fall into that category. Just as I am.

I can't even begin to wrap my head around the sanctity of it all. Life in You. Life with You. And all because such a very long time I 'came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity' (Step 2 of 12). I came to believe. Just as I am. And I have the tears to prove it.

Blessed Father, Beloved Jesus, Holy Spirit. Perfect Power, greater than myself. This morning I've turned to John 6:37 because of the privilege of coming before You “just as I am.” The emotions by which I am being tossed remind me of the various amusement park rides we were on just a few days ago. Not even sure which way to lean, I give myself up to Your powerful protection.

I believe because I choose to. Jesus, You said in verse 26, “The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me.” Various translations use words like “miracles”, “signs”, “powerful works” and I get all choked up with emotion because I know this is true.

You have fed me repeatedly. You accept me exactly as I am. ♫Just as I am – Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!♫

It is only because of Your goodness and Your grace; Your willing sacrifice on my behalf that I am able to open the door on which You knock and have You come in to fellowship with me (Revelation 3:20). Jesus how I thank You for nourishing us. Accepting us. Wanting us.

Enable and embolden me to use Your incredible power to the good of others. Thank You for loving me. Saving me. Use me this day that others would come to believe as well. I love You Jesus. I love You Father. I love You Holy Spirit. Thank You. Amen.

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

lavish love

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 (6:30 a.m.)

Most Dear and Loving Father God,

Thank You!

You blessed me Father. You blessed me good! You blessed me with lavish gifts of time and love from family.

Our children worked together to surprise me big with a two night trip of celebration. A resort suite, early admission to the 'happiest place on earth' and time together. Time spent laughing and planning. As well as crying. SO many tears.

Father, I absolutely experienced what it feels like to be "so loved" (John 3:16).

(8:00 a.m.)

And known Father!

Because of a button announcing the occasion and my name, complete strangers greeted me as though they truly knew me. But bigger than the acknowledgements of those with whom I am unfamiliar, it was having our children know me so well that kept bringing tears to my being. They didn't miss a beat. They honestly thought of everything in helping me feel loved, special and known.

What is so immensely incredible for me through this experience Father is that this is just a taste of what it is to be known and loved by You. All their plotting and planning and wonderful execution of surprise doesn't hold a candle to Your perfect plan for each of us.

Reading in Hosea of Your unending love for Your sinful people, I also take note of Your desire to reconcile wayward relationships back to You. Father, I read Your Word and I am encouraged. And blessed. Once again, so very blessed.

Hosea 10:12 says, “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a crop of my love; plow the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord that He may come and shower salvation upon you.” I reaped a crop of Your love these past several days. A bumper crop I absolutely didn't see coming!

Thank You Father that Hosea's faithfulness to You serves as such a great lesson of our hope in You. Thank You that his urging to Israel to return to You (14:1) leads to Your promise in verse four. “I will heal their waywardness. I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.”

You blessed me Father. You blessed me big. Empower and enable me to use those blessings well this day. To Your good and to Your glory. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(397 words ~ 9:25 a.m.)

so blessed

Sunday, January 19, 2014 (7:54 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

I got to share about Your loving, forgiving nature yesterday. It was natural. Easy. Like I truly knew what I was talking about.

I used words like 'relationship' and 'forgiveness'. And I reiterated again and again how VERY much You love each and everyone of us.

I confess, I got a Bible address wrong. I quoted, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” as being Lamentations 3:23, instead of Romans. Use my best intentions for healing Blessed Father.

We are so blessed to be so loved by You Dearest Father. Enable and empower me to use Your blessings to Your good and to Your glory this day. “This IS the day that You have made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24).

And right now, this very minute, I ask You to pour out blessings upon the phone call I am planning to make. Time is short. There's much to do in this next hour. Let the real words of Lamentations 3 (in this case verses 21-23) strike a resounding chord on the heart of whom I believe them to be targeted.

“Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day.”

Blessed Father God, thank You for Your loving-kindness. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that it really, truly does fall afresh on us each day.

Help me use this day to Your good and to Your glory. I love You and I long to have that show in all I am, think, say and do. Thank You that we are absolutely so blessed by You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(306 words ~ 8:22 a.m.)

'believe… and love'

Saturday, January 18, 2014 (6:57 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You. I've been awake for over an hour and a half. Thinking of You. Praying to You. Considering You. Believing You. Believing in You.

(8:02 a.m.)

Father, I get to search Your Word. I get to trust. Have faith in. Believe. Thank You.

Thank You that I get to compare verses (Acts 16:31, John 13:19 and 1John 3:23) and translations and commentaries. Thank You that I find such hope in reminders of Your faithfulness.

It's John's first letter to believers that I am most wanting to take in. I don't want to just read and be done with it. No Father. I long to ingest it. Partake. Consume. Devour. I want it to be part of who and what I am.

The Amplified Bible translates verse 23 of chapter three thusly, “And this is His [Your] order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He [Jesus] has commanded us.”

The Contemporary English Version says, “God wants us to have faith in His Son Jesus Christ and to love each other. This is also what Jesus taught us to do.”

The Living Bible, “And this is what God says we must do: Believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.”

My own condensed version of The Voice says Your 'command is clear: believe... and love.'

Blessed Father God, You bless us. How I ask You to teach me to truly 'Believe on the name of Your Son' that I would wholeheartedly come to love others as He commands (1John 3:23).

I love You. I want to love others as freely and well as You would have me love. Make it so Dearest Father. Make it so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(324 words ~ 8:44 a.m.) 

control

Friday, January 17, 2014 (6:56 a.m.)

Blessed Awesome Father God,

I have been feeling out of control lately. Winds have been blowing. Fires burning. I look around at sad and angry people and wonder. Rain in our area is nonexistent. High temperatures are record breaking and I finally confess to You my genuine concern.

My thoughts, desires toss around like the wind. I fear. Fluctuate. Thank You that You are constant. You do not change. You remain firm. Faithful. Thank You Father.

Thank You that I get to come before You and say, “I fear.” I feel fear for my friends. My loved ones. I look at circumstances. People. Places. Things. Too often my focus is on the scary thoughts. Thank You for reminding me that You are in control.

I get to read Your Word. I am reminded again and again of Your kindness and peace. Your willingness to change our hearts. Our souls. Our minds. Our strength. Our circumstances. You are loving. Giving. Forgiving. Generous. And I am grateful.

We are called to know You. How I ask You to teach us not only to know You but to follow You as well. I want to trust You. Put all my faith, hope and love in You.

There's much going on in the world. Fear inducing things. Circumstances far beyond our control. Be the God You have always been. The God who loves the world so much that You sent Your One and Only Son to die on our behalf.

Truly I ask You Father to make that Truth enough for me. As I struggle not to allow my focus to shift to things I can't control, I ask You to give me the courage and strength to take the next step toward what You would have me do.

I love You Father. I want desperately for that to be evident in all I desire, think, say and do. Thank You for Your control on every single aspect of our existence. Thank You Father. Praise You. Empower and enable me to Trust You fully with every single breath I take. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

centered

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 (8:41 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Dearest God. So many thoughts.

(9:59 a.m.)

So much on my heart. In my mind.

Father, how I ask You to center my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark12:30) on You. Distractions come and go. Memories fly in and out. It is on YOU I want my focus.

You, Dearest Father. You have provided us so much joy. So very many blessings. The love, thanksgiving and praise I have for You, because of You, is thrilling. Words don't come readily. They form in my heart. In my soul. But when it comes to expressing them it's almost like the ppp found in musical scores. A decrescendo which lessens to the point of practically disappearing into the “softest possible” playing.

My heart, my soul build to the loudest point possible only to have reality take hold and quiet my thoughts back to near silence.

Father God, I enjoy time spent with You. As random and erratic as it has been lately, I still get that overwhelming feeling of joy when I connect with You! Thank You Father. Thank You for being our Center! Thank You for Bible verses that remind me that You are indeed truly here amongst us.

Reading part of Solomon's prayer of dedication for Your Temple (1Kings 8:56-58) I am reminded that he began by praising You. Next he requested Your presence. He asked for Your help in doing Your will and in obeying Your commandments.

The Message presents it thusly, “Blessed be God, who has given peace to His people Israel just as He said He'd do. Not one of all those good and wonderful words that He spoke through Moses has misfired. May God, our very own God, continue to be with us just as He was with our ancestors – may He never give up and walk out on us. May He keep us centered and devoted to Him, following the life path He has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms He laid down for our ancestors.”

Blessed Father, I'm not going to try to explain my heart to You. I'm asking that You will take its desires and make them into all You would have them be!

The prophet Micah got 'to warn Your people of the destructive consequences of disobedience and to offer a life of peace to those willing to obey Your revealed will' (The Life Recovery Bible). He foretold (5:2-4 commentary) that “Out of a place that the world considered insignificant, God would bring greatness. God made the tiny town of Bethlehem an internationally famous place when he chose it as the birthplace of His Messiah. God is famous for using 'insignificant' people and places to achieve great things. He can take our broken and useless life and turn it into a blessing to others if we turn it over to Him.”

So often Dearest Father, I feel insignificant. I don't see how I could possibly matter in the grand scheme of things. This is where I turn again to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7) for the hope to be found in every seemingly hopeless situation. You ARE the God of hope! You can rebuild a world of peace out of every bit of chaos and confusion we create.

Thank You Father. Thank You for being our Center. Thank You for Your Word that points us to You every single time we look for You. Do all that You would in and through, with and for me this day. I long to serve and celebrate You. For it IS in You that “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) and I am grateful.

Thank You Father for centering me once again. I love You. Amen.

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

shifting

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 (7:11 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy Father God,

Where do we start? How do I begin? I love You. I thank You. I praise You. I miss You. I miss wanting to jump up in the morning and come rushing out to You. Yes. I miss You. What do I do about that? It's not like You've gone anywhere. I keep shifting. Thoughts. Ambitions. Energy.

Shifting. Thank You Father. As I sit here considering things that shift, the wind continues blowing its red flag forces. Father, You keep us safe. Secure. In You we get to place our faith. Our hope. Our trust. Thank You Father. Thank You.

I turn to Your Word and I am blessed to read. Two verses especially. Both taken out of context I confess. Romans 3:31, “But by shifting our focus from what we do to what God does, don't we cancel out all our careful keeping of the rules and ways God commanded. Not at all. What happens, in fact, is that by putting that entire way of life in its proper place, we confirm it.”

There's hope here. The all important reminder to shift focus from self to You. Thank You Father.

Jesus' teaching on prayer speaks to shifting focus as well. Matthew 6:6, “Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.”

Mm. Shift focus from me to You. Yes! Father. Do that in and with and through and for me this day. There is much to do today. People to see. Children to enjoy. Be the ever present focus in it all. We love You. We long to serve You. And I ask that the focus would all be directed toward You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(329 words ~ 8:26 a.m.)

power and direction

Sunday, January 12, 2014 (7:22 a.m.)

Laughlin, NV

Most Holy Father God,

I love You. I've been gone. From here. From You. From myself. Just 'gone'. I can't explain it. Don't even know if I'd want to try.

Will You talk with me? Order my thoughts? Put into action the things You want done by me. I've been calling myself lazy when maybe that isn't quite accurate. Is it undisciplined? No. I don't think that's it. Unmotivated? No. Unsure. Uncertain. Undecided. Hmmm.

There are things I've learned this past year. Important things. Things that matter. And the seemingly most important of them all is that people matter w-a-y more than things! I've spent a good amount of time watching lately. Sitting. Observing. Watching. Waiting. And through it all, looking to You to guide and lead my next step.

Blessed Father God, we are officially in over our heads when it comes to planned projects around the house and the ever offputting unexpected!

Father, thank You. One minute I believe myself to be one of the biggest screwups around, and the very next I am being comforted and encouraged by Paul's words to Titus.

I'm sitting here with one of the silliest grins I can remember having. My heart is growing more excited with every word I read. There's hope. Affirmation. The reminder that You know me. Not only that You know me... You LOVE me! Exactly as I am. Warts and all! Wow! Father God, I need You so much.

“Foolish and disobedient... misled by others... slaves to many evil pleasures and desires... full of resentment and envy... hated others and they hated us” (Titus 3:3). I resemble these statements! But for Your grace. Your “kindness and love” (3:4), “kindness and pity” (3:5), and “great kindness” (3:7).

The Life Recovery Bible tells me “We are justified by God's grace; that is, we are declared 'good in God's eyes' by virtue of belonging to Christ.” Far too often I forget this vital Truth!

It is because of Your great love and His selfless sacrifice that we are taken off “the performance treadmill, relieving us of the need to measure up” to Your standards. Because of Who You are and all You have done on our behalves we no longer have to try to measure up to some unrealistic ideals set for us by parents, teachers, bosses, even ourselves. The fearful guilt and anger we often carry by not being able to do and be all we think we are supposed to is assuaged by knowing You accept us. Just as we are.

You don't expect us to be perfect. You know we can't do any of this alone. You call us to holy living. Providing Your power and direction. THAT is exactly what I am seeking this morning Blessed Father. Your power and direction!

I honestly don't know the first thing that needs to be done, but I absolutely trust You to guide and direct me in it. Thank You Father. Thank You so incredibly much. I love You. Use me to serve You well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(526 words ~ 8:55 a.m.)

equilibrium

Thursday, January 9, 2014 (7:42 a.m.)

Most Holy and Awesome God,

It's been more than awhile. My brain doesn't seem to connect with the rest of me. There are so many things I think I want to do but sitting around seems to win out every single time.

I've really missed being here with You in the early mornings. Yet the comfort and warmth of the bed often wins out over my best intentions.

And with that very thought, Proverbs 24:30-34 comes immediately to mind. “One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: 'A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy – do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!'”

Father, there is a balance I seek. A spiritual equilibrium if You will. I have a tendency toward either doing way too much or far too little. I can often be found doing nothing at all and feeling quite justified in my decision.

You know my heart. My mind. My soul. My strength.

(10:21 a.m.)

AND my susceptibility toward distraction!

An invitation to go have coffee with our neighbor. How could I not? Father, I ask You to guide me and lead me in decisions regarding how best to use time this day. It's already seemingly gotten away from me. How do I best spend what's left of the morning?

I love You. Let that show most as I take a proactive approach to getting something done in a decent and orderly fashion. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(319 words ~ 10:27 a.m.)

heritage

Saturday, January 4, 2014 (8:25 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Holy Father God,

Good morning. Hello. I love You. You blessed us again. Dinner and a wonderfully relaxing time spent getting to know and know more about family.

(11:18 a.m.)

I confess to You Father, I don't know how to stay connected with You this morning. I keep randomly leaving here to check on various less important things.

Speak to my heart. Nourish my soul. Quiet the chatter and distractions going on within me. I WANT to be here with You. Not only in body; but mind, heart and soul as well.

We spoke a lot of family last night. A family filled with flaws. Hurts. Disappointments. And resilience. Mm Father, guide me with my thoughts and what You want me to take away from our time together.

Speculating on the whys and wherefores of family history, articulating deeply held memories of dysfunction brings me ever closer to the hope found in Your Word. Wondering if there really are over 365 'fear nots'

Happy New Year!

Friday, January 3, 2014 (2:56 p.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, Ca

Amen Blessed Father, amen!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/VhiF-PD4E_c

sweet, sweet moments

Friday, January 3, 2014 (11:39 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Mm, Blessed Father,

The opportunity to just sit here and reflect on Your glory and Your faithfulness. To take the time to take in all You have to offer and provide each and every one of us is such a treat. Father, how I thank You for such sweet, sweet moments with You.

There are several things for me to take care of in the next few hours. I invite You in to this time. Order my thoughts. Create for me a rhythm I would not be able to establish on my own.

1Corinthians 14:40 keeps coming across my heart. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” We've talked about this in the past. Perhaps You want to work it into our fibers more than before. We invite You in Blessed Father. Into our hearts, our souls, our minds, our strength (Mark 12:30).

Take hold of each of us. Work in and through and for and with us as only You are able. You know the plan You have set and what is to be accomplished. Bring it into fruition Dear Lord. Use us as You know is needed.

The Message says this regarding 1Corinthians 14:39-40, “Three things, then to sum this up: When you speak forth God's Truth, speak your heart out. Don't tell people how they should or shouldn't pray when they're praying in tongues you don't understand. Be courteous and considerate in everything.”

Work mightily in me Blessed Father. Teach me to speak my heart out for Your Truth, being courteous and considerate in everything. I want You to be glorified and enjoyed forever. Not just by me. By all of mankind. Do as You must to Your end. I love You Father. I thank You. Amen.

(299 words ~ 12:01 p.m.)

blessings

Friday, January 3, 2014 (9:46 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Most Holy Father God,

I am here once again thanking You for Your blessings to us. You are so incredibly generous. You have gifted us with family, friends, opportunity and we are grateful.

We may not always recognize Your blessings immediately. It may even take us years to truly see them for what they are. Ah, but when it comes about... “Everything will be happening at once – and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and the hills” (Amos 9:13).

Blessings. “God's favor and protection”. Blessed Father, I have been experiencing Your blessings upon us for as long as I can remember. Looking back I see Your favor and protection in so many areas. One memory is especially clear.

Thinking back some twenty-five years I was faced with an enormous decision. Driving home from this very same vacation retreat, the mere thought of returning to our everyday life at that time went far beyond being emotionally distressing. Quite near hysteria, the car was stopped. Fresh air was taken in as I walked and sobbed, “I don't want to go back. Please don't make me go back.”

Father God, I know it was YOU that had my back that day. My back. My front. My top, my bottom, my insides, my outsides. These past twenty-five years could never have happened had I not been able to follow Your lead down the hill that day.

In my perilously fragile emotion state at that time I couldn't have recognized Your blessings as “pouring off the mountains and hills.” Looking back I see Your hand. Your guidance. Your leading. From the initial emotionally charged phone call to the mental health coverage we had at the time, to the insightful intake specialist who returned that call, to the counselor I originally saw. ALL fit together by Your protective hand.

Thank You Father! Thank You for the willingness You provided me to do the long hard work to unwind myself from the previously held thought patterns with which I was raised. Thank You for Jake's perfect answer when asked, “How long is all this going to take?” He couldn't say. He knew I would have been devastated to think that 'all this' was not an easy fix.

Thank You Father for leading me to a Christian counselor who was willing to open and close every single session with prayer. Thank You for Your presence in those sessions. As well as every day of my life.

I get to read a comment (for Amos 9:10) in The Life Recovery Bible and be reminded that “Refusal to admit the truth can be dangerous. Outward appearances seemed to deny the truth...Inwardly, however, the people were diseased. Israel's [here read 'my own'] spiritual sickness would ultimately lead to her physical destruction.”

It was! Five years of stiff neck headaches were seriously taking their toll on my health! Trying so hard to look good on the outside was too subtle for me to even recognize at the time.

Ah, but here is the Truth I was able to experience! Comment for verses 11-15, “God has committed Himself to helping His people recover. He plans to restore what is broken and in ruin, changing barren land to a place of unprecedented fruitfulness. This can only happen when we see how helpless we are without God's help and commit our life into His hands. The process will be painful as we grow spiritually, but the end result will be worth it.”

Truer words were never written! The blessings we are currently experiencing could never have come about as they have without that moment all those years ago on the side of the road on this very hill. That moment when blessings truly became “like wine pouring off the mountains and hills.”

Thank You Father. Thank You for reminding me so clearly this morning of whence we have come. You have graced us with blessings untold and we are absolutely grateful. Enable and empower us to use them wisely and well. Thank You Father. I love You so! Amen.

(693 words ~ 10:43 a.m.)

one another

Thursday, January 2, 2014 (6:58 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Holy Father God,

Thank You! Thank You for blessings. Thank You for surprises. Thank You for family. Thank You for friends. Thank You for time to enjoy one another's company.

One another. 1John 4:7 comes immediately to mind ♫This is my commandment, That you love one another That your joy may be full♫ Hmm. Love one another that your joy may be full. I like the sound of that!

Not only the sound though. The actual experience of it! Blessed Father God, You have provided us so many opportunities to recognize love coming from and going to one another.

The simple acts of gift giving this past week. People taking time to consider the preferences of one another. The desire to bring a smile to someone else's face or heart. Random acts of kindness. It all adds up to loving one another. And it all comes from You.

Thank You for blessing us with the opportunity to care greatly for one another. Thank You that somewhere (often deep) inside is that desire to truly love one another.

Here is where I recognize a misquote above. “This is my commandment” is found in John's gospel (5:12). The song for ♫First John, four: seven and eight♫ comes straight from the King James Version. ♫Beloved, let us love one another For love is of God And anyone that loveth is born of God And knoweth God. He that loveth not [clap, clap, clap] Knoweth not God for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another. First John, four: seven and eight♫

As I look to the various translations and paraphrases of verse seven, I'm still drawn to The Living Bible. “Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know Him better.”

Getting to know You better. Being loving and kind. These are definitely things I long to experience. The Life Recovery Bible comment says that You are seen by us when we love one another. Blessed Father, make it so that we see You often. Regularly.

Thank You for every opportunity You provide for us to practice loving one another. Make us good and able learners. We long to see You each and every day in all that we are, hope, think and do.

We love You Father and we want that to be evident to all with whom we come in contact. Thank You for gifting us so abundantly with Your love. Enable and empower us to use it well. Thank You. Amen.

(451 words ~ 9:30 a.m.)