indwell me

Thursday, June 30, 2016 (6:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

There's lots to do today and I'd rather stay right here with You. Be with me as I rush out the door with hopes of coming back here soon.

I love You. Indwell me I pray. Amen.

(45 words ~ 6:28 a.m.)

a brand new day

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 (6:10 a.m.)

It's a brand new day. Thank You.

(7:07 a.m.)

A brand new day. With You. Yes! Thank You!

Reading in Your Word and of Your Word again I am heartened. Buoyed. Hope-filled.

Holy Jesus, thank You! Holy Father, praise You. Holy Spirit, fill me.

I continue tripping over my thoughts of how best to address You. It was in searching e-articles about this very topic that I was directed to read Romans 12:12. And here I am, truly AGOG with Your goodness and Your grace.

Blessed Lord God Almighty, thank You. I am praying “to the Father, through (or in the name of) the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit” [gotquestions.org].

Praying because I want to. Praying because I am grateful for Your presence and Your power in our lives.

Romans 12:12 tells me to “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.”

How I praise You for the hope this section is instilling in me at this very moment. I read up to verse 9. “Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.”

I confess to You right now, I don't always know what that is! With that said, I am truly grateful for the hope that is springing off this page straight into my heart. I have not felt this excited over Your Truth in quite some time.

You are loving, forgiving, powerful. All the things we are not on our own. Oh, but with You? We are made brand new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thank You. Praise You. Bless You (Psalm 103:22).

There is so very much to do around here this brand new day. And I have a brand new hope in which to approach it. That hope that only comes from knowing, loving and trusting You. So it is to You, God our Father; in the name of Jesus, Your One and Only Son; and in the power of His Holy Spirit that I pray asking that You would truly bless us with Your power that we would accomplish exactly what You wish.

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us of Romans Chapter 12, “An Appeal for Commitment; 12:1, 2. When we offer ourselves to live for the Lord (cf. 6:15-23), we begin a process of inner transformation which will lead to an entirely new outlook on life. Only by refusing to be squeezed into the ways in which people of this world relate to others will we be able, together, to experience the good and pleasing will of God for us.

“True Interdependence; 12:3-8. The world's way is competitive, with each individual seeking to be superior to others. In Christ's body a new way is made possible: a way of cooperation and true interdependence. In Christ each person is valued, for each has a spiritual gift which enables him to contribute to others. There is no room to 'think of yourself more highly than you ought' for we are all needed and all important.

“Sincere Love; 12:9-21. The climate of the new community is to be marked by a sincere love for one another. It is this climate that makes possible maximum growth in righteousness. Such a love is so dynamic a power that it enables us to 'overcome evil with good.'”

It is this [YOUR] power that allows me to once again truly “be glad” (Romans 12:12a). Thank You!

Use me on this brand new day, with the renewed hope I have that You really do know exactly what You are doing. Forgive me for the doubt through which I have been looking at You.

Let me see You clearly through the eyes of love You provide. Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Amen!

(637 words ~ 9:05 a.m.)

Love

Tuesday, June 28, 2016 (7:15 a.m.)

Blessed Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

What would it be like to live this day truly wanting to bless others? I confess to my habit of wanting to be blessed. I see myself as self-indulgent. Self-absorbed. Change me Jesus.

Mm. And thank You! A very deep breath followed the lone search result for the word self-absorbed. 1 Corinthians 13:5 in The Voice. “it's never rude, crude, or indecent – it's not self-absorbed. Love isn't easily upset. Love doesn't tally wrongs.”

Yes, Blessed Trinity, work in me this day that I would truly love You (Mark 12:30) and others (31) as You would have me love. Yes. Please. Teach me to love.

Blessed Trinity

Monday, June 27, 2016 (7:14 a.m.)

♫Holy, Holy, Holy♫

Yes. Holy Father, Holy Jesus, Holy Spirit. ♫God in three Persons, blessed Trinity♫ God, the Father; God, the Son; God, the Holy Spirit. My head still has trouble learning how to pray.

With that said, let me say I love You. I love the times I experience the peace and calm that I know come only from You. ♫Lord God Almighty... merciful and mighty... Perfect in pow'r, in love and purity♫

Revelation 4:8 ends with the four living beings saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty – the One who was, and is, and is to come.” That pretty much sums up where our hope is to be. In You. Lord. God. Almighty. Blessed Trinity.

I turn to You. And again to Paul's closing of 2 Corinthians (13:11-14). The very last line a blessing of Your grace, love and fellowship. Each one attributed to one portion of Your blessed trinity.

The Life Recovery Bible comment tells us that Paul “admonished the people to open their minds and hearts to personal change and the healing of their relationships.” You are listed as “the ultimate source of healing love and peace.”

This I believe. I look to You, Blessed Trinity, asking for the power to heed Paul's urgings to, “Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace.”

Mm. It looks so simple. Do all You must to get us with Your program.

Contemporary English Version says, “Good-by my friends. Do better and pay attention to what I have said. Try to get along and live peacefully with each other. Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you. Give each other a warm greeting. All of God's people send their greetings. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with His love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.”

Yes. Please! I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(335 words ~ 8:19 a.m.)

newness of life

Thursday, June 23, 2016 (7:20 a.m.)

(7:40 a.m.) Blessed, Powerful, Mighty Jesus,

Twenty minutes. Yes. It took me twenty minutes to even address You properly this morning. The words “loving” and “gracious” took me again to 2 Corinthians 13:14. And here I thank You. Once again.

Thank You for knowing me. Thank You for loving and guiding and leading me. Thank You for accepting me, especially when I behave as though I do not accept myself.

My tally sheet of all the things with which I find fault grows exponentially. Thank You that You know my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength. Thank You that Your Word reminds me that my way of thinking and seeing things is not the same as Yours.

Thank You that when I turn to You, looking full in Your wonderful face, the things of earth truly do grow strangely dim in the light of Your glory and grace. Thank You that as I focus my thoughts on You, song after song sing out to me.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word... for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.

Mm. Yes. Trust and obey. I confess. It's way harder than it looks! I keep judging and giving up. And then I scour Your Word. Seeking and finally finding – hope! The blessed hope You so freely share.

Jesus, thank You! Thank You that You love even me. I tend to get things in my mind of the way that I expect them to be. Thank You that Your plan, Your way, is far greater. Better. Grander.

Thank You that every single time I don't understand something I can cry my heart, soul, mind, strength out to You and You not only listen, You provide. All that is needed.

I didn't plan to be reading [and crying my way through] 2 Corinthians 5 right now. Thank You so much for leading me here.

I don't pretend to understand all of what is being said here. I know I've read some of it before. This morning, however, the beginning of verse 18 seemed to spring right off the page at me.

“All this newness of life is from God...”

Glancing up at the end of verse 17, “A new life has begun!” Reading each section from end to beginning increases the pounding of my heart.

“They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone.”

“What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons.”

I know this to be true. Please let me experience the newness of life of which Paul refers. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

walking the talk

Wednesday, June 22, 2016 (6:46 a.m.)

Precious Jesus,

What would it look like if I were to behave as though I really, truly believe You to be as precious as I claim You to be?

I confess to You right now, I keep trying to say the right things. You are good. Your are God. I believe this. Truly, I do. It's in “walking the talk” that I falter.

Yesterday I sang repeatedly of the ♫wonder working pow'r In the precious blood of the Lamb♫ This is where I say, even sing, the right words; all the while wondering what they truly mean.

I'm to come to the Cross. Trust in the power of Your blood. It all sings very nicely. And here I tell You of the struggle going on within me.

I say I trust You because I want desperately to live as though I truly believe all I claim to regard as true. This is where I admit that I don't think I do.

I accept the blessings You provide. I give You the verbal praise and glory You so rightly deserve. And at the very same time I fret, grumble, wonder and stew over all the areas that I view as tragic.

Jesus. I call upon Your name. I turn to You. And I ask You to work in me as only You can. Do all You must to ready me to truly love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).

Singing of the power in Your blood is one thing. I am asking You to take full control of my feelings, ambitions, thoughts and actions.

It is in You alone I want desperately to trust. Please Precious Jesus, let my walk match my talk! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

great confidence

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 (6:14 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

We love You. We look to You. Yes. I am here. Turning my eyes upon You.

Thank You Jesus. Thank You that You came into this world to save us (John 3:17). Thank You that there is music to remind us to ♫turn our eyes upon You, looking full in Your wonderful face♫

I am confessing to You right now that it is far easier for me to say than it is to do. My heart knows that it is the thing to do. It actually quickens in agreement as I read the phrase ♫There's a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free♫

Jesus, as multiple fires burn out of control and heat temperatures again begin to soar I turn to You. Continuing to sing phrases from this hymn I am reminded that ♫His Word shall not fail – He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!♫

Mm. It is easy for me to fear. Much more difficult to trust. Lean into. Believe. Continue teaching me to exercise my faith muscle. Yes please. As I turn to You this day; asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) I am intentionally choosing to believe Your Word.

The Amplified Bible tells us, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Having great confidence requires using our faith muscles. Here I am, practicing exactly that. Thank You Jesus.

Bless us and keep us in Your will I pray. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(302 words ~ 7:25 a.m.)

Good News

Monday, June 20, 2016 (7:06 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

I look to You for Good News this morning.

(8:07 a.m.)

Oh my yes!

Yes, please. Blessed Jesus, teach me more of Your Good News.

I love You. I long to serve You. Guide, direct, empower, embolden me to freely sharing the glorious gift of Your Blessed Good News.

Yes. Please. I love You. I thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(70 words ~ 8:14 a.m.)

life-giving tree

Saturday, June 18, 2016 (7:19 a.m.)

Loving Jesus,

Thank You. Mm. Yes. Thank You. I have tears. I truly didn't expect that.

Looking in The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration under CHRIST – Grace, Love and Mercy I came across ♫May the Grace of Christ, Our Savior♫ listed under BENEDICTIONS.

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank You that You love us so very much! Thank You that we are able to readily turn to Your Word to learn more about Your great love for each of us.

Fully expecting to have this CLOSING OF SERVICE hymn cite 2 Corinthians 13:14 as the corresponding verse, I was surprised in reading Revelation 22:21 referenced. “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.”

Thank You Jesus that it is through this book we get to be reminded that You are the victor over all. “All that You said will come true, all that You taught will be proven right” (The Life Recovery Bible introduction to Revelation).

Reading in verse 19 of the life-giving tree and holy city mentioned in this book, I am again reminded that it is in You that I am to have my roots. Faith, hope and trust in You and You alone. And right there starts another song for me!

♫In Christ alone My hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song...♫ Thank You Jesus! Thank You that it truly is in You alone that we are to stand. All other ground IS sinking sand!

The Life Recovery Bible comment for the last two verses of the entire “Book of Books” sums up Your power and Truth quite hopefully.

“It is unhealthy to harbor unrealistic dreams about a future that will never come about. But it is healthy for us to anchor our new life and recovery in the certainty of Christ's return. By trusting Christ with our future, we can better deal with our past and live a more productive present.”

Oh yes please! Let us truly live our days here believing, trusting, hoping in Your blessed return. You give us life and hope. “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b). Let Your grace be with us all (v. 21) as we wait!

Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Keep You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

and live

Friday, June 17, 2016 (7:07 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

You are good. We are grateful. Thank You that we get to come unto You. Mm. And live. Yes! We sing of it in Chris Rice's ♫Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)♫

Mm. Yes. Thank You. Thank You that even though I tend to get quite caught up in the devastating news of this world, it's when we put our focus back on You that we really, truly come to life.

Blessed, Precious Jesus, continue Your work in me I pray. Reading of You washing Your disciples feet (John 13:1-17) I take a deep breath and some added time to more fully grasp the significance of Your action.

Jesus, thank You for once again changing my thought pattern. In Your shocking reversal of roles, The Message tells us You said, “I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it – and live a blessed life.”

I don't pretend to understand what You are telling me, that is why I must repeatedly come to You. Sing to You. Fall on You. Cry to You. Dance for You. Fly to You... and live.

Yes please. Let me live this day as though I truly believe You to be more than my own understanding of You. I love You. I need You. I want You. I trust You. And I thank You. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(275 words ~ 8:27 a.m.)

perfect peace

Thursday, June 16, 2016 (6:18 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

Forgive me please. I have intentionally avoided You. I didn't want to sing, or smile. Not stay. Or stretch. Instead I've sat. Stewed. And watched in horror as heartbreaking events continue.

Jesus, I call upon Your name. Yes. Turning to Your Word. Calling on Your name. YOU are the Way of overcoming evil in this world!

In recognizing my resistance to even considering anything being ♫well with my soul♫ it was only in actually turning to The Hymnal that I once again started hearing Your Truth singing within. Thank You Jesus.

Thank You that You allow me my faults. Thank You that You love me in spite of myself. Thank You that I can behave stubbornly and You will continue working to remind me the Truth You spoke to Your disciples. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrow. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

So very often I forget, even refuse, to look to You in all things. I want circumstances to make sense in ways that I can understand. Thank You for forgiving me my faults.

Thank You that as soon as I am willing to ♫Turn my Eyes upon Jesus, Look full in Your wonderful face, the things of earth DO grow strangely dim In the light of Your glory and grace♫ Thank You Jesus! Praise Your mighty name!

Thank You for singing another song to me just now. ♫All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all♫

While I still look at the recent events in Orlando, refusing to declare any of them good, thank You for helping turn my focus back to You. YOU are good! Always. We don't understand. We want different. Better. Your best.

Yes please. Remind us often to sing the Truth of Isaiah's Song of Praise to the Lord (Isaiah 26). “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!” (v. 3). Yes, Jesus. Please!

Fix my thoughts on You that I will once again smile. Sing. Stay. And Stretch. Trusting. Depending. Believing.

Thank You that with every single bit of Your Truth that comes to mind, more follows. Right now I am again reading Romans 8:26-30 and being reminded that “We have the confidence that whatever enters our life is designed for good, that we might grow toward likeness to Jesus and our destiny” (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

Mm. Yes. Jesus please. Keep us in Your perfect peace that we would indeed become the people You would have us to be. I love You. I thank You. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

Light and darkness

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 (6:21 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your life. Thank You that You are good and You did not come into this world to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17).

As I get to read Your Word I am grateful. Grateful that You love us. Grateful that we can come to You with our hearts and our hurts.

Thank You Jesus. Thank You that You are the Light of the world (John 3:19; 8:12). In reading this Truth, my heart and soul start singing ♫Light of the world You stepped down into darkness...♫ Thank You.

Thank You that it is Your Truth, Your Light to which we turn in times such as this. The Learning Bible tells us “Light and darkness are important images in JOHN. The first thing God created was light (Gen 1.3). In the Bible, light is used to describe God or God's Word (1 John 1.5; Psalm 119.105)... Darkness refers to places of pain and suffering (Psalm 107.10) or confusion (Ecclesiastes 2.14)”.

Thank You that The Living Bible teaches, “His life is the light that shines through the darkness – and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

Too often we see the darkness and feel overcome by it. Thank You again that You came into this world to save it (John 3:17). The Voice says, “Here's the point. God didn't send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.”

Yes! Please! We love You. Save us. Thank You. Amen.

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

over all

Monday, June 13, 2016 (7:42 a.m.)

Blessed Three-in-One,

Grace-giving Jesus, Loving God and Comforting Holy Spirit, there is more tragedy. You know every single detail. It is heartbreaking. You, Holy Three-in-One, are over all.

Yes. You alone are over all (2 Chronicles 20:6). We look to You. We ask Your blessings. We seek Your will. We knock on Your holy door (Matthew 7:7). Blanket us with Your loving protection. Lead us. Teach us. Guide us. We love You. Long to serve You.

You are God over all. Good. Holy. Mighty. Worthy. We look to You. Depend on You. Thank You that You are greater than all tragedy. Work Your holy will here Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

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