"all things ARE possible"

Thursday, February 26, 2015 (6:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! You have blessed us. Individually and jointly. You have proven that “all things ARE possible” (Matthew 19:26). With You!

Father, given who we were thirty-eight years ago we didn't stand a chance at marriage. YOU provided all we have needed through the years that has allowed us to again wake up saying to one another, “Thank you for marrying me.”

Blessed God, thank You for all YOU have done in and for each of us to bring us to this point. Thank You for blessing us and keeping us. Thank You for smiling down on us and showing us Your kindness. Thank You for answering our prayers and giving us peace (Numbers 6:24-26 Easy-to-Read Version).

Thank You for all that You are and all that You do. Continue Your work in each of us that we would truly come to glorify You and enjoy You forever. Thank You for blessing me with the love of a genuinely good man.

We love You Daddy God. Thank You for doing all You had to do to get us to this point. Blessed beyond everything we could have possibly hoped for. Showing to the world, ourselves and each other that “All things ARE possible for the one who has faith” (Mark 9:23b Mounce).

Thank You for providing us that faith. In You. In us. In each other. We love You Father. And oh, how very much we thank You!

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You... Amen.

(253 words ~ 7:27 a.m.)

Beyond Joyful!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 (6:10 a.m.)

Holy, Glorious God,

Thank You! Thirty-eight years ago today mistakes were made. Youthful immaturity [and alcohol] were involved. Today we have declared “Do-over Day”. Thank You Father. Thank You for a love that has withstood all these years of youthful immaturity.

Thank You even more for the moment by moment do-overs You give us constantly. I woke up singing ♫To God be the glory – great things he hath done!♫

♫So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin And opened the life-gate that all may go in. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory – great things He Hath done!♫

One great thing for us is the work You have done in each of our hearts throughout the years. Softening us. Changing us.

Okay. Now I have tears. I thought reading Psalm 126 was enough to confirm us as being on the right track. It was the Scripture linked to this morning's hymn. My head nodded. I agree with what is written in and about it.

Ah, but I kept praying. Mentioned You softening our hearts. And Ezekiel 36:26 tells of You taking out our stony heart of sin and giving us a new obedient heart. Tears. More tears. Because You don't stop there. “And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command” (v. 27)

Father, there is NO way we can ever thank You enough. We would not be who or where we are today if not for You. You deserve all the glory and praise for keeping us together through all the youthful immaturity. Thank You.

Thank You that I have an opportunity to let go of a lot of unnecessary items today. In both of these passages of Scripture I am reminded of the power and strength we have in You. There is Truth and hope in all I am reading this morning.

Psalm 126:3, “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”

That truly needs to be the verse that sums us up! You have absolutely done these amazing things for us. We are walking testaments to Your goodness and Your grace. Work in me as You must this day. Empower and enable me to let go of stuff we just don't need anymore.

The above verses from Ezekiel began with Your promise, “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols” (36:25).

The Life Recovery Bible comment for these three verses (25-27) begins with the question, “How can any individual please God?” We can't. Thank You that we get to come to You repeatedly. Asking for do-overs.

“We have experienced how helpless we are against the destructive evils in our life, but these verses should fill us with hope.” And they do! “As we respond to God's gracious provision of forgiveness and restoration, God promises to give us a new obedient heart and fill us with His Spirit so that we can make right decisions that follow God's program.” Yes God. Please.

So. As we work together this morning to celebrate our newly commemorated “do-over day”, fill us with Your laughter and joy. Do all You must to restore the disarray of this household. Truly transform us into walking demonstrations of Your holiness and ability.

You are our Source. It is in and through You that we are blessed. The Voice says Psalm 126:3 this way, “We shook our heads. All of us were stunned - the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful.”

We've been shaking our heads all these years. Thank You for bringing us to Beyond Joyful! Thank You Father. Bless You. Praise You. We love You. Use us. “Happy Do-over Day!” Amen.

(685 words ~ 7:20 a.m.)

Your attributes

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 (6:14 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy Father God,

Thank You for loving us. Thank You that You are good and kind. Thank You that You care for us. Thank You that I get to come before You wanting to know You more.

Thank You that in looking in Your Word concerning Your attributes I experience such profound peace. That “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7) I've sung so much about through the years. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Preparing to dedicate Your temple to You, King “Solomon stood with his hands spread out before the altar... and then he knelt down and lifted his hands toward heaven. He prayed, 'O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep Your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey and are eager to do Your will'” (2 Chronicles 6:12; 14).

You are perfect. Holy. All the things we currently are not. Thank You that You are willing to keep working in us.

Thank You that through all this reading ♫remember Your people♫ kept singing to me. Thank You that in finally taking the time to find its origins [Chris Tomlin] I was blessed again by another wave of peace. And smile!

♫Great is Your faithfulness, oh God You wrestle with the sinner's heart You lead us by still waters and to mercy And nothing can keep us apart So remember Your people Remember Your children Remember Your promise, oh God Your grace is enough...♫

Thank You Father that You grace is indeed enough! Thank You that You want nothing but Your best for each of us.

Keep up Your work to that end. You are good. You are faithful. And we are blessed to be called by You. Thank You Father. Be my power this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

a balanced view

Monday, February 23, 2015 (6:20 a.m.)

(6:37 a.m.)

Rejoicing is the goal. Refusal is the reality.

Hi God,

Something's missing. Gratitude. Gratefulness. Generosity of spirit. Yes Father. Speak to me this morning on this.

It's beautiful outside. Quite gorgeous actually. And yet I'm choosing to growl. Grouse. Grump. Scowl. Change me right where I sit, I pray.

You are good. Perfect. Wonderful. Generous. I am made in Your image (Genesis1:27). Mm. Thank You Father.

Finally. Heartfelt, honest gratitude. Thank You for reminding me of Truth. Your Truth. Thank You that even [especially?] when I think the worst of myself, You remind me that You created people in Your own image.

Thank You that in turning to again read about the beginning of creation, my attention was caught by the Self-Perception devotional on the side of the page. Father, thank You for Your lead in my life.

Thank You that when I can't manufacture praise to You on my own, You guide me to what You have for me. “If we have lived in bondage to our compulsive behavior for a while, we probably see more bad than good inside us” (The Life Recovery Bible recovery principle devotional). Hello! You know me so well.

I read Truth about You and myself and I am even more appreciative to You for the smiles You provide me. Just looking outside at the drop marks in the puddles caused by the rain elicits an automatic grin.

Reading more under Self-Perception, I am reminded that along with the bad we may think of ourselves, “we need a balanced understanding... to see that along with our bad points we have also been gifted with strengths.” Being reminded that You made me in Your image helps. A lot.

“A balanced view of ourself will help us better understand our shortcomings while giving us greater hope in our potential.” I often lose sight of that balanced view. Thank You that You are ever present to remind me.

Blessed, Holy, Father God, I love You. I don't always lead with that. Thank You that You are willing to wait me out until I can say it honestly. Truthfully. Wholeheartedly. Thank You.

Thank You that today as I come to learn more about what it is to bear Your “image and likeness” (Illustrated Bible Handbook) I am reminded that because of Your inherent love for each of us we get to think, feel, value and choose. Left to my own devices, I will grumble and growl. Thank You that Your power working in me is so much greater than my own self will.

Use me this day to Your good and to Your glory. How I ask for the balanced view of not only my abilities, but of Your desire for me. There's much to be done. Many things to be changed. Guide us in not only the planning, but the execution as well.

I love You Father. Rejoicing is now the realty. Thank You. Amen.

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

greatly to be praised

Sunday, February 22, 2015 (6:26 a.m.)

Holy, Mighty God,

How I ask You to lead our time together this morning. You've already led me to Old Testament history [temple building, prescribed worship, et cetera]. Let me find whatever it is You would have me seek.

Praise. Yes, teach me more about praising You as I ought.

Because of Your great love for each of us, I get to think and sing. Wonder. Wander. And be made even more aware of Your presence.

You heard my early morning grumbles. The plans to come here and share them all. Thank You for intercepting [obstructing (someone or something) so as to prevent them from continuing to a destination] my thought pattern.

Thank You that right there in the middle of this grouse and that complaint were the very faintest strains of praise from our children's childhoods.

♫Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! He lives within the praises of His people. He loves to hear them call upon His name. So set your mind on Him, and let your praise begin, and the glory of the Lord will fill this place♫

And it did! Long before I even remembered the title [♫(Don't You Know) It's Time to Praise the Lord♫] my heart and mind had both changed. I no longer wanted to grumble and fuss. Instead I longed to praise and thank.

I confess to my thoughts being all over the place right now. Reading in Your Word. Tracking. Searching. Wondering.

It's a catchy little ditty and I keep looking for the perfect Bible verse to back it up. 1 Kings 8:10-16 and Psalm 22:3 are listed, but I'm not willing to stop there. The further I search, the closer I get to finding something deeper, the more my head is hurting.

I need to keep this simple. You love us. You want us to glorify and enjoy You forever. I get to start by singing Your praises. I don't have to understand. I just need to praise You. Trust You. Thank You. Love You. Glorify and enjoy You.

Yes! Let me start now. Psalm 145:3, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.”

You are God. I am not. I need Your will and Your way in my life. Thank You for continuing to draw me to Your Truth and love. I love You. I praise You. Guide me. Lead me. Thank You. Amen.

(400 words ~ 8:41 a.m.)

simple friendship

Saturday, February 21, 2015 (6:06 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for sleep. And accurate dreams. Rain. Who [besides YOU] knew it was really raining? Cool. Thanks!

(7:03 a.m.)

And now, even more thanks.

Following up with yesterday's “the best, not the worst” theme, I am again reading in Philippians (4:8-9). Illustrated Bible Handbook subtitles this section of Scripture, The Sharing of Christian Joy. A description of the letter paints Paul's reason for writing it as being “stimulated by simple friendship, not a need to communicate some correction or instructive truth.”

Father, You provide us with simple friendship often. With You, Your Son, and others. How blessed we are to have You supplying our every need.

This morning my focus broadens to include verses four through seven, as well as eight and nine. The Life Recovery Bible's comment for this section begins, “True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control.”

Thank You Father. Thank You that again You call me to remember to “Always be full of joy in the Lord” (v. 4). ♫Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say “Rejoice!”♫

Thank You that I get to take such comfort from being reminded to, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done” (v. 6 New Living Translation).

Thanking You for all You have done lends itself perfectly to “meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not to curse” (v. 8 The Message). It also leads its way to experiencing true “Peace and joy [that] come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life” (The Life Recovery Bible comment).

Because of Paul's simple friendship with the believers in Philippi, we are blessed with examples of his encouragements and challenge to them “to remain true to Christ and joyful in their circumstances” (TLRB introduction). Not always an easy task.

Father, thank You for Paul's letter to his friends that ultimately reminds us that “Wholeness of life does not come from material things or pleasant circumstances. Genuine joy, meaning, and satisfaction come as we follow Christ and help others to grow spiritually.”

And why do we even care? Simple friendship! Yours to the world. Ours back to You and to others. Keep working in us I pray Dearest Lord. Continue fining and refining us (Isaiah 48:10) until You can be clearly seen in each of us.

I love You so very much. Thank You for simple friendship. Empower me to use it to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

the best, not the worst

Friday, February 20, 2015 (12:51 p.m.)

Holy God,

THANK YOU! I'm here asking differently than I had expected. I thought I was coming to You concerning 1 Corinthians 13:7. On further checking, to some degree, maybe I still am.

Paul wrote “to encourage the believers living in Corinth to resolve their problems and honor God” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE). The Message paraphrases its description of love [beginning with verse 4] as “Always looks for the best” (7).

Resolve problems. Honor God. Always look for the best.

My search for “the best, not the worst” also yielded Philippians 4:8-9.

friends

Friday, February 20, 2015 (7:29 a.m.)

(7:43 a.m.)

Holy God,

It's my friend's birthday. I noticed the moment I entered the date. What a good God You are! Thank You for all Your Word has to say about friends.

I get to sit here and read translation after paraphrase after other words pertaining to Proverbs 17:17. All written with the same core Truth. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (KJV).

In this particular instance the word “brother” reads “sister” to me. Father, You are so generous to bind us together in Your love (Colossians 3:14). Yes. YOU are responsible for the love that unites us with one another.

All we are, all we have is because of You. Empower us each to use well the gifts You provide this day. Yes. This day that You have made (Psalm 118:24). This day that is perfect for celebrating dear friends and loved ones.

Thank You Father. Thank You for my sister/friend who truly “loves regardless of the situation” and “exists to share the tough times” (The Voice). Thank You for uniting us in You. Bless her well this day. In ways we can't even hope to imagine.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

You know me!

Thursday, February 19, 2015 (6:34 a.m.)

Awe-some God,

Truly incredible, awe-inspiring, awesome God, I love You.

I am currently experiencing a mess. Not at all what I've expected of myself all these years. But then I look outside. See all You are doing with the morning sky and I remember that You know me (Psalm 139) WAY better than I will ever know myself.

You know me. What comfort I get to take in this!

Reading Your Word I get emotional just thinking of all You do. All You are. You deserve so much more than I am willing to give You!

You deserve my hope. My praise. And I shortchange You. Often.

I KNOW that “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10). I know it. I believe it. I trust it. But still I refuse to live it!

I want to analyze it. Prove it. Not risk spinning my wheels uselessly.

So here I am being honest with You again.

~

Five minutes are going to be spent just running my thoughts and not changing back.

I love You. That is true. I want to serve You and I fail. I hate failing. Am I afraid? I don't know I thinks o. I want to think more about You than me. But I don't its always what benefits me not YouI'm sorry. I want to do better. Better[.]Love better Love more? Or just better? I am not working I am not caring I there's the I again Let me make it You. You are ogdd [good]. You are able. You are all the things I can never hope to be. I don't even know if that is scriptural. I am made in Your image Yet I refuse to hope. I gave up hoping. Not for lent. For self preservation. But I am not here to preserve myself. That's Your job and You are REALLY good at You r job whether I let You in or not, that's on me. Ye, You stand at the door and knock (Revelation something [3:20a]) It's up to me to let You in. Open the door

~

Blessed Father God, thank You for letting me ramble. Thank You for loving me in spite of myself. I have a mess. You can help me out of it. I know You can. Please come in (Revelation 3:20b).

Empower me to: 'buy gold from You - gold that has been purified by fire. Then I will be rich. And also buy white garments so I will not be shamed by my nakedness. And buy ointment for my eyes so I will be able to see. You are the One who corrects and disciplines everyone You love' (Revelation 3:18-19a).

Enable me to: 'Be diligent and turn from my indifference' (19b)!

the shirt off his back

Ash Wednesday February 18, 2015 (6:17 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy Father God,

Thank You! There was a trip. A fall. Blood. The kindness of a stranger. And literally, the shirt off his back.

Blessed Father, how I thank You for Your hand in the events of yesterday. A missed step. A gash. Paramedics. An ambulance ride. The emergency room. And again, the kindness of strangers.

You were there Lord, orchestrating the whole thing. None of us seemed at our best from the get-go. There were irritations. Irksome annoyances. And thoughts of us all getting better.

Father, how I thank You for the health of my husband. Thank You that he kept his wits about him. Thank You that even in the midst of the mishap he instinctively knew exactly what to do. Apply pressure to his wound. Pay attention so as not to pass out. Even lean a little forward and not ruin his shirt.

Seriously Dad, I thought I was at my rope's end prior to his call. Just keeping the grandchildren safely entertained. And then... chaos! Crisis. Confusion. Fear. Oh, but You did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:9).

And now the tears. Finally. I knew they would come. I was sure it would be today. I just didn't know when. Or why.

Last night, sleep wasn't quick or easy. Thoughts and songs to You helped. ♫Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power and love Our God is an awesome God♫ not only kept me company but fed me Truth as well. ♫Wisdom, power and love♫ helped me think of Paul's words to Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Oh Praise You Father! I didn't know what I wanted to “give up” for You this Lenten Season. How about being afraid? What could possibly honor You more? Rather self serving though I would think.

Work in me this Lenten Season. Grow me into the woman You would have me be. Teach me to honor You as You so rightly deserve.

You truly ARE ♫an awesome God who reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power and love♫ Let my decisions, actions and attitude reflect You well.

And Father? Bless the shirtless, nameless to us but not to You, 911 caller from yesterday REALLY well. Thank You for ALL the variables that took place in keeping my loved one safe. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(426 words ~ 8:30 a.m.)

'occasions' leading to 'perfect agreement'

President's Monday, February 16, 2015 (7:31 a.m.)

Dodger Room – Anaheim, CA

Awesome God,

Sleep was had. Fun experienced. Conversation. Kindnesses. And love. Lots of love.

Father, we live in such a fallen world (1 John 5:19b). There are so many layers of gunk. People hurt other people. Often unknowingly. Sometimes otherwise.

We have occasions to come together. To share. Help. Build. Why? Because You love us enough to have sent Jesus (John 3:16).

I confess to really deep thoughts this morning. All caused by a simple thank You for time spent together with family and friends celebrating an upcoming marriage. Civilized women willing to put their best selves forward for the sake of the bride.

Thank You Father. Thank You that time spent considering such occasions as these led me straight to The Message, 1 John 5:4-8. “Every God-begotten person conquers the world's ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God” (vs. 4-5).

“Jesus – the Divine Christ! He experienced a life-giving birth and a death-killing death. Not only birth from the womb, but baptismal birth of His ministry and sacrificial death. And all the while the Spirit is confirming the Truth, the reality of God's presence at Jesus' baptism and crucifixion, bringing those occasions alive for us. A triple testimony: the Spirit, the Baptism, the Crucifixion. And the three in perfect agreement” (6-8).

Holiest Father, I have very little experience with “perfect agreement”. Wow! What a thought. We are coming into the season of Lent. Work in us. Teach us. What an amazing set of circumstances. Occasions leading to perfect agreement. Yes Father. Make it so! I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

Your mercies

Sunday, February 15, 2015 (6:48 a.m.)

Holy God,

You amaze me. Every single time I think I have a new thought, You prove to me again that we've been here before.

Father, thank You. I woke up thinking of the word 'desire' and how very much I want to serve You well. Looking at the number of times we've looked at 'desire' together I am again reminded “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

The argumentative part of me wants to counter with, “Ah, but what about Your mercies? They fall fresh everyday!” Even here I must concede, while Your mercies are definitely new each day (Lamentations 3:23) the Truth stating the fact is not.

Thank You Father. Thank You that I get to look all over Your Bible and be reminded of Your love. Jesus' grace. And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). Once again I am truly amazed.

So far every verse I have turned to has led me to another. With each added Truth comes another “Amen!” or “Yes!” to my heart.

While my true desire is to serve You, Your Word repeatedly points me back to You. The foot of the cross. Your mercies. Your unfailing love. Your Truth. The hope we have in You. All I desire to share with others.

Keep working in me Blessed Father. Grow me into the loving representative of Yours that You would have me be. I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to embolden me with Your strength and power. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(267 words ~ 7:51 a.m.)

1 John

Saturday, February 14, 2014 (8:40 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You! It's Valentine's Day and I am loved. By you. And others. Thank You!

Thank You that I get to turn readily in Your Word and learn even more about Your love. You are so loving. Kind. Perfect. And I am grateful.

Thank You that we have John's words written all those years ago to guide and direct us to love. The Illustrated Bible Handbook describes his letters in detail. Skimming the highlights of what is subtitled Fellowship with God I am truly “agog”.

“The word 'fellowship' means literally, 'sharing'. That is what this warm N[ew] T[estament] letter is about: a life of intimate sharing of ourselves with God and each other. For all who want to know and experience God in a deeply personal way, John's first letter is full of promise. In it the aging apostle of love invites us to come and journey into joy.”

What could possibly be a better way to begin this Valentine's Day?

Under Chapter 4:7-21. God's Love: Source and Example are the subheadings: Love Defined; 4:7-12. Love Essential; 4:13-15. God Is Love; 4:16-18. And the Truth that brought me here to begin with: God Loved First 4:19-21.

Father God, You are Truth. You are Love. And I ask You to teach us even more what that looks like. Thank You for loving us and commanding us to love others as ourselves. Teach us how. We love You. We long to serve You. And we thank You. SO much! Amen.

(258 words ~ 11:02 a.m.)

"Show us the weeds, Lord!"

Friday, February 13, 2015 (8:44 a.m.)

Holiest Father God,

Thank You! One prayer leading directly into another. My lips to Your ears, “Show us the weeds, Lord!”

While doing yard work, starting from the ground up, I easily recognize weeds that need to be pulled out. Blessed Father, we are here before You asking You to teach us to just as easily recognize the weeds in our everyday lives. What needs to be culled? What do we get rid of?

Once the recognition is clearly there, give me the power and the strength I lack. Empower me in honoring my husband by getting rid of all we do not need.

Even this seemingly simple request is met with glorious Truth from Your Word. Isaiah 5:1-7. A Song about the Lord's Vineyard. “I'll sing a ballad to the One I love, a love ballad about His vineyard: The One I love had a vineyard, a fine, well-placed vineyard. He hoed the soil and pulled the weeds, and planted the very best vines. He built a lookout, built a winepress, a vineyard to be proud of. He looked for a vintage yield of grapes, but for all His pains He got junk grapes” (vs. 1, 2).

The Life Recovery Bible has this comment for this section, “God provides us with all we need for a fruitful, functional life, but when we reject Him and abandon His way, our life becomes unmanageable, unfruitful, and dysfunctional. If we desire a normal, healthy life, we can ask God for His aid and turn our life over to Him. With God's help, our life will someday bear 'sweet grapes,' fruit that is pleasing to God.”

Sweet grapes. Fruit that is pleasing to You. Yes Father, please.

In the New Testament parable of a farmer scattering seed (Matthew 13:3-8, 22; Mark 4:3-8, 18-19; Luke 8:4-8) much is said about the weeds that choke out the healthy grain. Father, we want desperately to “grow where You've planted us”. In rich, healthy soil.

Show us the weeds, Lord! And enable us to pull them out at their roots. We love You. We long to serve You. And we thank You. Empower, embolden, equip us to Your end. Praise You. Thank You. Amen.

(373 words ~ 9:20 a.m.)

setting the pace

Friday, February 13, 2015 (7:30 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Waking up from not great sleep had me asking You first off to set our pace for the day. Coming here to You, I was immediately directed to Romans 3:27-28 in The Message. Father, thank You for being so intimately involved with every aspect of our lives.

Reading this section makes me again aware of the incredible blessings You provide us. Once we were lost, now we are found (Luke 15:32). By You. Saved by Your goodness and Your grace (Ephesians 2:8).

I get to sit here cross referencing this thought with that verse and an occasional hymn. My heart smiles. And hope overtakes my thinking. Thank You for all You are. And all You do on our behalf.

Thank You for leading me again to the foundation of You setting our pace. “God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in Him sets us in the clear... God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in His rightness... What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade” (Romans 3:25-28).

Hmm... what a glorious thought! You setting the pace; me not running the parade. Yeah. I like it! Make it so Blessed Father. Make it so! Use me as You wish. Set our pace. Thank You Father. We love You. Amen.

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

beautiful changes

Thursday, February 12, 2015 (6:57 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

So many reasons to say, “Thank You”. Yet I'm not there. I have whines and moans. Sore throat, sniffles and sleeplessness. Wah, wah, wah.

I'm bringing it all to You requesting an exchange.

(7:35 a.m.)

And just like that You do it! “Beauty for ashes” immediately came to mind. Now books surround me as I pour over Isaiah 61 and Luke 4:16-21. Jesus, thank You.

Yes, there I said it. Sincerely. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. Thank You for changing my mindset. Thank You for giving me desire to seek Your will and Your way.

Thank You also for music that rushes into my soul. I think of Your beauty. And the changes You make in my heart. As I breath deeply, my mind begins playing the very faint strains of something it takes only moments to recognize.

I've been listening to it recently whenever I drive. ♫Beautiful changes in different keys Beautiful changes in harmonies♫

Blessed Jesus, thank You for the beautiful changes You make in my heart. My soul. My mind. My strength (Mark 12:30). It's You that works these changes in me that I can't produce on my own. Turning to You and Your Word I find hope and healing.

I myself can breed discontent. You provide beautiful changes. Thank You!

two spectacular words

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 (7:13 a.m.)

Hi,

Good morning. Waking up. Finding words. Lots of questioning thoughts. Where to start? How do I do what I think can't be done? Turn to You. Come to You.

(7:45 a.m.)

Precious, Blessed, Glorious, Awesome, Knowing, Perfect, Untitled

Untitled? Yes. I missed it. Several times.

In desiring to come to You, another song sprang up. And I completely ignored it in the search. It was the first on several lists, but I didn't know the opening words so I kept on searching. Changing words. Scouring hymnals.

And there it was all the time. ♫Untitled Hymn♫ by Chris Rice.

Because of Your love, obedience, sacrifice and resurrection we not only get to come to You; we are also called to sing to, fall on, cry to, dance for and fly to You. Each chorus closing with the promise of two spectacular words. And live!

Jesus, thank You. Bless You. Praise You. Love You. Worship and adore You. I get to turn in Your Word (1 Peter 2:18-25) and be reminded of just how much You suffered that I might live. Work in me as You must that I would truly come to You as You would have me come.

Do all You need to enable me to fully "glorify God and enjoy Him forever". I long to serve You as You would have me serve. Wholeheartedly. Without reservation. Honestly. Openly. Willingly.

I love You. Thank You for calling me to come to You this morning. Teach me the extreme value of these two spectacular words... ♫and live!♫

Use me well this day I pray. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

Old 100

Sunday, February 8, 2015 (8:00 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Thank You. Good sleep. Happy thoughts. Psalm 100.

nonetheless

Saturday, February 7, 2015 (6:36 a.m.)

WOW!

I love starting out with “Wow” to You! Thank You Father. I nearly missed another opportunity to be wowed by You. One minute the sky was blue and a cloud ordinarily white. And the next? Orangish pink! It didn't last. Here one moment. Gone the next. But beautiful nonetheless.

Mm. Nonetheless. Your Word even speaks to this. “In its quest for national recovery, Judah sought help from Egypt, not from God” (The Life Recovery Bible comment for Isaiah 30:1-5). “Nonetheless, the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you, and will rise up to show you compassion. The Lord is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for Him” (Isaiah 30:18).

How often do we go about on our own, trying to figure things out for ourselves? In our power. Our own strength. Thank You that You are so much bigger than we could ever hope to be.

You amaze me Father! You never cease to astound me. I come to You practically blank. No idea where in Your Word to look. A momentary color in the sky. A single word and I'm suddenly reading deeply in Isaiah. Chapters 28-31. Principles of Judgment.

There are warnings. And promises of blessings. Words of futility. And an assurance of Israel's Ultimate Deliverance (Chapter 32). Father, I can't thank You enough. You absolutely know what You are doing. We are to trust and follow You. Keep working in each of us that we will do exactly that.

Thank You for that earlier moment of “Wow!” in the sky that ultimately led me to the supreme awe I have found in Your Word this morning. Peace. Hope. Trust. Willingness. Do with us all that You must to make us truly Yours.

I love You Father. I trust You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(309 words ~ 7:58 a.m.)

a threat and Your Promises

Friday, February 6, 2015 (8:48 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! I get to sit here reading Your Word. Looking. Searching. Digging. Wanting. And being blessed with every find.

Father, there is so very much I don't know. I don't understand. And at the strangest times... like in the middle of a dream... Your Truth rings out loud and clear. Here again was the unexpected singing of ♫I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart; I will enter His courts with praise. I will say, “This is day that the Lord has made!” I will rejoice for He has made me glad.♫

The other day a three year old taught us a lesson on being upset beyond words and his ability to work through the emotions involved. Wow! Talk about “a little child will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6b).

(10:36 a.m.)

And here again, the mental illness issue mentioned yesterday comes into play.

Lord God, I'm scared! I look to You and know that I am not supposed to be afraid. I'm confessing fear to You right now. Fear of doing nothing. Fear of overstepping a line. Fear of the unknown. I've chosen trustworthy people with whom to share this fear. People with personal experience with mental disorders. People who have been homeless. People “in the know”. Doing nothing doesn't appear to be an option. Saying something is necessary. Please guide and direct me.

Blessed Father, help is available. Help in so many different guises. Guide us where we need to go to help someone who clearly “poses a threat to himself and to others”.

As I sit here considering a threat made in desperation, I am reminded of Your promises. “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them [the inhabitants of the Promised Land]! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you... Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8).

I trust You Father. Guide and direct us to YOUR best. Your will. Your way. I love You. I depend on You. All this I ask in Your Son's most holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(385 words ~ 11:01 a.m.)

standing in the gap

Thursday, February 5, 2015 (6:51 a.m.)

Holy Father,

Thank You for the very first hint of praise this morning. You know if I was still sleeping or if I was already waking up when it began. I was aware of it immediately. Nothing I had to strive for. It was just there. Thank You. Praise You.

(7:49 a.m.)

Still praising and thanking You. And now standing in the gap.

Prayer is needed Father. Mental illness, bad choices

the sacrifice of praise

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 (8:28 a.m.)

Holy, Blessed God,

For two hours I've been searching Your Word, hymnals, commentaries trying once again to learn how to praise You. The deeper I look, the more confused I become. How hard does this have to be? Not really, right? Remember when I told You how easily I can complicate the simplest of things?

I woke up truly wanting to praise You. I was even singing the songs. ♫Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heav'nly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.♫

The more I sang, the deeper I looked. Authorship. Details. Bible verses. And more songs. ♫Praise God♫; ♫Rise and Shine♫. I read and sing of giving You glory and my head swirls. I don't know how to do this.

You deserve our best. Time and again I give You what's left. Not my finest. Work in me, I pray. Teach me obedience. Empower me to Your glory. And with that, more songs!

Holy Father, clear my mind. My heart. All that I think I know. After all this time and all these words, take my soul where You want it to be. Teach me what it truly is to bring You the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).

I find myself unable to think straight. There's excitement. Eagerness. A genuine desire to get this right!

I started by singing ♫Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises♫ but mistakenly [?] turned instead to ♫Let There Be Praise♫. Right across the page, under the topic OPENING OF WORSHIP is the hymn ♫We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise♫.

The Life Recovery Bible (NLT) says, “With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of His name” (Hebrews 13:15). In the comment for this section of Scripture it spells Jesus out as “totally consistent and trustworthy”, “always there for us no matter what”, “that kind of God and friend”.

I can't praise You as You so rightly deserve. I ask Your power, strength and ability to do in and through me all that I am unable on my own. I love You. I thank You. And I praise You. Feeble as it stands right now. Thank You for Your work in giving me that desire to do better. Praise You, Father. Praise You Jesus. Praise You Holy Spirit. Praise and thank You. Amen.

(407 words ~ 9:51 a.m.)

excellent greatness

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 (7:03 a.m.)

Blessed Redeemer,

Glorious Savior. Our Rock. Hope. Shepherd. Love unbounded. So many names and words to describe You. How blessed we are to be tasked with praising You and telling of Your excellent greatness (Psalm 150:2).

Joyful songs have been written throughout the years. Your Truth put to music. Thank You that I get to be reminded of Your love, Your unparalleled mighty works, in the most unexpected ways.

How I ask You to teach me the fine art of praising You. I don't think I do it well. It still doesn't come automatically or without a prompt of some sort. For me, thanking You comes so much more readily.

This morning, I am asking that You will work in all of my heart, soul, mind and strength teaching me to praise You as You so rightly deserve (Psalm 96:4).

I love You. Use us this day as You wish. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

thankful and joyful praise

Monday, February 2, 2015 (7:14 a.m.)

Holy, merciful God,

Thank You. Thank You for all that You are.

Thank You that I get to come before You this morning wondering how best to praise You. Thank You that when I ask You provide for that request. Thank You for the numerous times that You have provided (Philippians 4:19) before I've even thought to ask.

Thank You for songs of joy and love. Thank You for hymns of praise. Thank You that “You are my strength” (Psalm 18:1). Thank You for the desire to sing ♫Praise the name of Jesus, Praise the name of Jesus. He's my Rock, He's my Fortress, He's my Deliverer, In Him will I trust. Praise the name of Jesus♫ (Psalm18:2).

I watched You work in and through me yesterday. Formidable tasks I had previously been unable [unwilling?] to even begin where completed in a timely, well ordered fashion. That was absolutely YOU, not me.

Thank You God. Thank You that I thought to ask for what I wanted. Thank You that in the midst of the one hiccup of the evening I had Your presence of mind to go back out and seek resolution. Praise You Father. Praise Your holy name!

Reading through The Celebration Hymnal I feel honored. Awed. I am given the resources to truly praise You. Beginning with the very first hymn and continuing on for pages. Each offering a twist, a different level of praise.

I ask You most loving, providing Father do in and with, by and through me all that You desire this day. I long to praise You appropriately. Abundantly. Truly teach me to ♫Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!♫

Use us exactly as You wish this day Blessed Father. We love You and long to serve You. Well! Thank You Father. Bless You. Praise You. Amen.

(320 words ~ 8:31 a.m.)

A New Hiding Place

Super Sunday, February 1, 2015 (8:28 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

You are good. It's bright and nice outside. And I'm not feelin' it. I should. I'm supposed to. I even want to. So I'm coming to You. The Creator of all.

Today I am plagued with doubt. Guilt. Ugly feelings. The things I am thinking are twisting and turning and not leading me to the foot of Your cross.

I know I am blessed. I absolutely believe that beyond all shadow of any doubt. And I know You are good. Holy. Perfect. Loving. Kind.

Father, I ask You to help me look at You. Your Truth. Your promises. All You are, instead of what I am not. There's a dance, a struggle going on within me. I have learned through the years that there is growth in the struggle. I am asking You to grow me.

Grow me as You wish.

(9:38 a.m.)

Hmm. And here You do just that!

Father, thank You. Struggling. Twisting. Turning. Wanting. Knowing. Trusting. Believing. Seeking. Following. Reading. Singing. Praising. All these things I cannot do on my own. I need You to guide me. Losing myself in the struggle of it all. I find You. A New Hiding Place.

2 Samuel 22:1-33 tells of King David's recognition of Your hand in his life. He knew full well it was always You who were sovereign. You who's “way is perfect”, who's “promises prove true”. You who is “a shield for all who look to Him for protection” (v. 31).

I get to be honest with You. I get to ramble. Make very little sense. And You accept me. You know my heart (Acts 15:8). You know my every thought (Psalm 139:2). I don't have to pretend with You. I get to be as real as I possibly can be. And You love me in spite of myself.

Thank You Father. Thank You that in being honest I get to be reminded that ♫You ARE my hiding place! You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance; Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You♫ (Psalm 32:7).

In acknowledging Your Truth, I get to read this psalm of David's honesty. I am encouraged to be real with You. Confess my inability to praise You as I ought. And ultimately come to rejoicing!

Thank You that I “do not [have to] be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control” (v.9). In confessing my inability to praise You as You so rightly deserve, I am able to revel in the fullness of verse 11.

Hear very simply from The Message, “Celebrate God. Sing together – everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!”

You do for me, with me, by me, through me ALL that I am unable to do and think and feel and want for myself. You provide the ability of praising, rejoicing, being glad and shouting for joy. All for the asking.

Thank You Father. Thank You for being the Hiding Place I need to refresh, regroup, revive so I can once again rejoice.

Yes! ♫Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!♫ It's bright and nice outside. I see it. I appreciate it. And I thank You for all of it. Bless You Precious God. Bless You. Praise You. Thank You. I love You. Amen!

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