the glory of Your goodness

Friday, March 31, 2017 (6:48 a.m)

Oh Most Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that we have Your Word that attests Your goodness.

Blessed Father, You are doing a mighty work in me. I see it. I feel it. How I thank and praise You for it. There is a peace deep within me that comes only from loving and trusting You. Thank You. Praise You.

Thank You that as I read Psalm after Psalm here I'm also getting to learn more about the meanings of a variety of words. Adore. Bless. Exalt. Glorify. Praise. Rejoice. Revere. Thank.

Holy God, thank You for the songs You whisper to my soul. Thank You for the times I can actually find the words to them. Just now for instance:

♫There's nothing worth more that will ever come close

No thing can compare, You're our living hope

Your presence, Lord

I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves

Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone

Your presence, Lord

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here

Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere

Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for

To be overcome by Your presence, Lord♫

Mm, yes. It IS Your presence that fills us and shapes us. How we thank You Father for Your presence. And these last two lines of ♫Holy Spirit♫:

♫Let us become more aware of Your presence

Let us experience the glory of Your goodness♫

Yes. Yes! How I thank You for all You are teaching us about becoming aware of Your presence and experiencing the glory of Your goodness. Keep up Your fine, good work in each of us Dear Lord.

How we thank and praise You. Work in, with, by, through and for us again this day Blessed Father. We love You. Thank You. Praise You. Rejoice in You. Trust in You. And depend on You. Keep us in tune with Your will, O Lord. Thank You Father. Amen.

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

different... again

Thursday, March 30, 2017 (7:13 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for quiet. Thank You for different. Different than usual. Different than what I was expecting. Yes Father, thank You for different.

I keep smiling.

I read through past AGOG postings of other times I have prayed to You about being, experiencing and feeling different. Thank You for the privilege of remembering many of those times. Thank You for the smiles those memories so easily bring.

Father, I love You. What a joy to be able to tell You that. I love You. I praise You. I thank You. Oh, and I ASK You! Please guide me in Your Word this very different morning.

Mm... right straight to Psalm 51:10. And here I sit marveling at Your awesomeness. Yes. Father use me this day, exactly as YOU wish!

The Message uses word pictures in presenting this section of Your Truth. Beginning at verse 7 and continuing through number 15. “Soak me in Your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.”

Mm, yes Father. Please.

“Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing” (v. 8). I can feel the music stirring in my soul!

“Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health” (9). Yes!

And here's quite a different wording for verse 10, “God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.” Hmm... yes, Blessed Father. Yes!

Phrases like “don't throw me out with the trash” and “breathe holiness in me”; “bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!” cause me to sit up straighter. Holy Father God, I want to live this day for You.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me to Your perfect end. I want to sing, smile, stay and stretch with You as You wish. Make it so Blessed God. Make me so. I love You. I praise You. I rejoice in You. I thank You. Amen.

(347 words ~ 8:45 a.m.)

staying present

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 (7:25 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for Your presence. Your presence in each of us, which is teaching me the fine art of staying present.

Yes. It's becoming easier for me to capture my thoughts (Colossians 3:2). I am learning to stop, turn and yield my thinking. To You!

Thank You Father. Bless You. Praise You. Continue Your work in teaching me to live the life You would have me live. Free. In You.

This morning I sit wanting to devour Your Word. One verse leading straight to another. Guide and direct my learning Dearest God.

John 7:18, “Those who present their own ideas are looking for praise for themselves, but those who seek to honor the One who sent them are good and genuine.” I want to be good and genuine. I want to honor You!

Well this is certainly unexpected... I'm sitting, thinking, praying, reading and another powerful word comes up. Oh, but yes, it DOES apply to living freely! Forgiveness. And it definitely plays its part in staying present.

When I am able to forgive, both myself and others, I am freed of past hurts. I no longer have to stay stuck in the never ending replay of any slight I have either incurred or endured. Holy God, You are SO good! Thank You.

Romans 12:2, “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.” Oh, yes, Blessed God. Yes!

There is so much joy to be found in learning to practice staying present. Keep up Your good work in me Most Holy God. I long to rejoice in You always! Thank You for giving us the tools for learning to do precisely that! I love You. Amen.

(328 words ~ 11:19 a.m.)

"Stay here."

Monday, March 27, 2017 (2:16 p.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God and Father,

Thank You. You are teaching me. The fine art of staying present. Enjoying exactly where I am and doing what I am doing. Please continue Your excellent work in me.

I love You so much. I long to do and be all that You have for me. Make it so blessed Father. Make it so. Amen.

(68 words ~ 2:43 p.m.)

safely

Sunday, March 26, 2017 (7:53 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You. We were safely out of our routine yesterday. Up very late and traveling a pretty fer piece. Thank You that through it all my mind circled back to You. There were many memories of past trips.

Father God, thank You! Thank You for the privilege of remembering, tempered with the fine art of staying present. Holy God, thank You that You are teaching me to “stay here”.

Yes! I look in Your Word and am excited to have an Old Testament section about The Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-55) direct me to New Testament (Matthew 6:33) teachings on the importance of seeking You first and living one day at a time.

Oh most holy God, thank You! Thank You for the privilege of reading a variety of different versions of Your Word. Illustrated Bible Handbook explains, “God, a loving Father, meets the daily needs of His children (6:25-31). Freed from the need to constantly worry about the material, Jesus' followers can put God first and live each day for Him” (32-34).

Oh, yes God, please!

Here I sit, truly taking in Your promises. The Message, “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers – most of which are never even seen – don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving” (Matthew 6:30-31).

Relax. Yes. I am safe in Your keeping!

“People who don't know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met” (vs. 32-33).

Don't worry. Mm, yes! Relax. Don't worry. Yes!

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (34).

Oh most Blessed God. Yes! You keep us safely in Your care. Thank You! Do all You must with each of us this day that we will learn to truly relax, not worry, not get worked up and live just this day as You would have us live. Yes, Father. Yes. Amen.

(417 words ~ 10:13 a.m.)

unmistakable joy

Saturday, March 25, 2017 (7:09 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I make mistakes. A lot of them! Some carelessly. And many after much thought and consideration. Talk with me here. Yes, please. Speak Your Truth to me.

(8:01 a.m.)

You know me so well. Far better than I will ever know myself. You know my tendency toward self-disapproval. If there's anything for which to fault myself, I'll find it. And then some.

THANK YOU that Your best for me does not involve my taking up negative residence in my mind. Thank You that somewhere much earlier this morning You reminded me of the importance of turning my thoughts to Your Truth instead of replaying yet another blunder.

Philippians 4:8 Common English Bible, “From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.”

As I sit here, immersing myself in Your Word, I have to ask You... how does my natural thought pattern ever change? I BELIEVE Your promises. I have experienced Your Truth in action. It's the putting it all into practice consistently that I'm asking about.

The Life Recovery Bible's comment states clearly, “4:4-9 True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control.” Yes. Father I believe this to be true.

Also in the footnote, “Peace and joy come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life.” Yes, things that are 'true, honorable, just, pure, admirable, lovely, excellent and praise worthy.'

Father, keep working in me that I would more easily come to the place where I am able to readily forgive myself and others for making mistakes. I love You Father. I long to live each day with the unmistakable joy that comes only from being known and loved by You.

Do all You must Blessed God. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(350 words ~ 9:33 a.m.)

"she laughs"

Friday, March 24, 2016 (7:41 a.m.)

But wait! There's time for more...

Blessed, Holy God,

Speak with me about A Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31). You have blessed me in so many incredible ways. And here again is just one more example.

Verse 25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.” I want this to describe me Dearest Father!

Reading on, “When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions” (v. 26). Yes, please!

And then of course, the more I read the critical side of myself starts taking hold. Thank You God that You even address this in The Life Recovery Bible comment for this section.

“31:10-31 Some women compare themselves to the wife described in this chapter and feel inadequate. Actually the woman of Proverbs 31 is a description of the ideal wife. No woman has ever or will ever completely measure up to all these standards. A wife should not fall into the perfectionist's trap of striving to measure up to these standards. This will inevitably lead to frustration and despair.”

Holy God, thank You that You know Your daughters so well! You provide direction and hope exactly as we need it.

Continuing here with the footnote, “Instead, a woman should accept herself for who she is and commit to allowing God to transform her more and more into His likeness. As she grows to be more like Him, she will naturally exhibit many of the characteristics of this ideal wife.”

Yes Father, please. Your likeness! And holy laughter. Transform me for You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

ENCOURAGEMENT

Friday, March 24, 2017 (6:00 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You again for friendships. Talk with me this morning about myself would You? I think I have a distorted view going on. I seem to come down more harshly and critically on me than on anyone else.

And all truth be told... I don't want to come down hard on anyone! It truly is my desire to elevate, encourage, lift up. Yes, Father please. Once more I am asking You to work in me. As You wish.

Thank You for the privilege of turning in Your Word and having tears sting my eyes as they prepare to roll down my cheeks. Your Word truly IS alive!

Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.” Yes. Thank You Father.

I scour Your Word, searching for verses on how to become an ENCOURAGEMENT to others. Turning to Life Recovery TOPICAL INDEX, I read “(see Hope)”. Holy God, I DO see hope! All around me. Thank You for reminding me.

Reading of Paul's relationship with the believers of Thessalonica (1Th 2:7-12) I see that he lived a life of transparency and love. He was gentle (v. 7), generous (8), and hard working (9). His heart's desire was that others would grow in their relationship with You.

“With each of you we were like a father with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into His own kingdom, into this delightful life” (v. 12)

Hmm.. “this delightful life”. Yes. Indeed. This delightful life! Oh most dear and blessed God, how I ask You to encourage me in how You would have me live this particular day in “this delightful life”.

Mm! I love You. I thank and praise You. Use me exactly as You wish. To Your good and to Your glory. Thank You Father. Praise You. Amen.

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

All the time!

Thursday, March 23, 2017 (6:00 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your plan. Thank You that You are good. All the time.

Hmm... Yes. All the time, You are good!

Deep breath. Sit up straight. Think about You.

Mm, yes! Think about You. Read Psalm 100. Smile... And sing! Your Word has it all Dearest Lord. Even [or is that especially] when I have my own reservations.

My tendency is to judge. Harshly! Myself, more often than others. Even now... for not feeling glad enough.

THANK YOU for teaching me to focus my thinking on You. And all that You are.

Thank You for this brief psalm of praise that addresses a myriad of my own emotions. It's the willingness to come to You exactly as I am that allows You to work in my stony, fearful heart. There's a laundry list of my own personal failings. Thank You that they fall along the wayside as I consider the Truth of Your Word!

PSALM 100 A psalm of thanksgiving “Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!” (v.1) I wasn't there [“with joy”] when I started. “Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy” (2). Nope, still wasn't 'feeling' it.

Oh, but look! Right at the bottom of the page in Illustrated Bible Handbook...

Faith and Feelings (a great Theology in Brief) reminding us of Your power to “shape our feelings as we relate to Him. We cannot completely change our own feelings simply by willing them to be different. But as we focus on who God is, and the meaning of our relationship with Him, God will graciously work in our emotional life as well as in our understanding, and shape us to His image.”

And there begins the smile! Yes!

“Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture” (3). Yes. Yes. And yes!

Here is where the singing begins! I actually KNOW this song! “Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name” (4).

♫I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise. I will say, “This is the day that the Lord hath made” I will rejoice for He has made me glad...♫

Who has made me glad? Yep! You have!

Thank You Father. Praise You indeed. This IS the day that You have made and I have plenty of reasons to rejoice. All the time!

“For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever ['all the time'], and His faithfulness continues to each generation” (5).

Thank You Father. It is YOUR love we are called to share freely with one another. Continue Your work in shaping me to do exactly that. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I will truly rejoice and be glad for Who and ALL You are. Good. All the time!

Big smile. Straightened stature. Song in my heart. And my mind stayed on You. Lead me along with You this day, I pray. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

"good Father"

Wednesday, March 22, 2017 (5:48 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for rest. And thank You for rain. Thank You that You are good. Thank You for loving us so very much.

Once again I am at a loss for words. And understanding. In searching a verse for “good Father”, The Message presented one.

1 Peter 1:17, “You call out to God for help and He helps – he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, He's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.”

So of course, me being me, I start thinking of all the ways I fall short of godly living. Oh, but Your Word and other peoples' words about Your Word right my thinking.

Illustrated Bible Handbook, “Reverent Awe; 1:17-21. The call to holiness should not occasion terror. It should lead to a deep awareness of all that is involved in our relationship with God...”

The Life Recovery Bible REFLECTIONS ON FIRST PETER insights, “In 1 Peter 1:14-17... The only way to keep from slipping back into sinful and unhealthy patterns is to maintain a conscious and sober awareness of our identity: We are children of a holy God. Like children, we are weak and dependent, but the Father we depend on is strong, loving, just and perfect.”

Mm, yes Blessed Father. Thank You for reminding me of who and all You are. Our good, good Father. Strong. Loving. Just. Perfect.

Use me as You wish this day. Focused on who You are and who I am in You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(265 words ~ 7:01 a.m.)

Good, Good Father

Tuesday, March 21, 2017 (7:04 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You, thank You, thank You. We woke with the sounds of two preschoolers getting along with one another. Thank You Father. Thank You!

Yesterday started out rather trying for us and went rapidly downhill from there. Thank You that YOU are our good, good Father!

Thank You that in the midst of a lot of yelling and angry, hurt feelings YOUR Word came through loud and clear. “Be angry, and do not sin...” (Ephesians 4:26), “...Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Thank You for the good sense to end our bedtime routine with prayer and the singing of ♫Jesus Loves Me♫ Thank You for knowing, especially in the midst of chaos, that we have choices to make that far exceed our circumstances.

Thank You for the privilege of waking up this morning singing ♫You're a Good, Good Father It's who You are, it's who You are♫ Thank You for the opportunity of easily remembering where to find these lyrics. And thank You especially for reminding me ♫And I'm loved by You It's who I am, it's who I am♫

Bless You Father. Praise You. Thank You. Grumpiness could begin at any moment this morning. I look to You to guide and direct us through every potential problem. Thanks Dad. You're a good, good Father! I love You. Amen.

(238 words ~ 8:12 a.m.)

God's children

Monday, March 20, 2017 (6:07 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for friendships. Thank You for family. Thank You for times of celebration. Thank You for Your love.

Yes. Blessed God, thank You for Your love! It's what I went to sleep thinking about. Your love for each of Your children.

Mm. Holy God, how I thank You for the way You speak to us through Your Word and the songs we have that sing of Your Truth. Right now I am reading in 1 John (3:9-10; 5:1-3) and a phrase from ♫No Longer Slaves♫ came immediately to mind.

Thank You God. Yes, thank You! You are the One who reminds me that ♫I'm no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God!... You split the sea So I could walk right through it My fears were drowned in perfect love You rescued me And I could stand and sing I am a child of God♫

Mm, yes! Because of Your great and perfect love for each and every single one of us, we are Your children. God's children. Thank You Father that Your love and Christ's blood cover our sin (Hebrews 9:14-15).

Thank You Father for the times [like this] when just one thought [me as Your forgiven child] takes me deeper and even more deeply into Your Word. One thought and verse leading to another.

The Life Recovery Bible's comment (Hebrews 9:11-15) begins by telling us there is “absolutely no comparison” between what Jesus did by laying down His life for us and any other type of earthly sacrifice we could ever offer to You. It ends with this Truth, “Trusting the work that Christ did is the only way to have complete forgiveness, a clear conscious, and eternal life. Now when we put our faith in Christ [not in myself or others!], we are free to joyfully know and serve God.”

Thank You Father.

And again, the deeper I go. Reading now in Illustrated Bible Handbook, Theology in Brief – Forgiveness, “... (Hebrews 8:12)... When we understand and accept by faith the truth of the way that God has dealt with sin through Jesus, we experience a flooding sense of joy and know release from bondage to our past.”

My heart softens, my mind races. There is so much hope found in Your Word! Ending this study of Your nature IBH states, “If our conscience troubles us, or we feel a sense of guilt and shame, we need only come to Jesus. He has won us forgiveness. We are free, for God's promise is 'their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more' (Hebrews 10:17; cf also Guilt, p. 95).”

Of course I turn to page 95 and find myself reading of Old Testament law and beliefs. Right here in the middle of Leviticus are two more Theologies in Brief. Guilt and right underneath that Forgiveness, OT.

Holy God, I can't even begin to thank You enough that I was born on this side of history. I have the privilege of looking back at all Christ did on our behalf. The Old Testament people had to trust in the hope that was to come.

And here is when my brain splits off into the many strands of spaghetti like thoughts that comprise its whole! IF we are truly Your blessed children [and I absolutely believe we are] why do we choose to live each day in fear rather than faith?

Why do we not grab the brass ring that You have so freely offered us? Father, I long to live this day fully as Your daughter!

Illustrated Bible Handbook Forgiveness, OT asks “What hope do we have of forgiveness? Psalm 103 shows the hope that God's OT people had, rooted in who God Himself is.”

Turning to Psalm 103 I find a Life Recovery Bible devotional titled Forgiveness. Of course! And here I am led to Isaiah 1:18 and 43:25. Reading these verses and another comment, my head is nodding and my soul pleading that I would indeed learn to live “a genuine life with God”.

Most holy Dad, teach me to trust... YOU! I desperately want to live this day as You would have me. Fully. Freely. Forgivingly. Joyfully. As Your precious daughter.

I love You Father. Live through me this day I pray. Thank You. Amen.

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

lasting

Sunday, March 19, 2017 (7:05 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for the rest You allowed us. Thank You for the God that You are. Thank You for the all too quickly fleeting color of the eastern morning sky.

Mm... fleeting. Depending on the translation, Your Word has a number of verses using this term. Oh, but when I look at the antonym lasting there are even more. Thank You Father. 

Psalm 30:5a

(10:53 a.m.)

Oh Praise You Father!

We just sang of Your grace. We heard of Your power. Oh praise You Father!

Yes. There ARE fleeting things in this world. Teach us to cling tightly to YOU. Your love. Your kindness. Your favor. Your goodness. Your will. Your grace. The things that are truly lasting!

Use me this day Dearest God. To Your good and to Your glory. I love You. I long to serve You. Thank You for being our Everlasting Father. I love You. Amen.

(161 words ~ 11:15 a.m.)

eternal glory

Saturday, March 18, 2017 (8:52 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! I already had hints of grumpiness this morning. I was even reciting negative words to present to You and then I remembered I wanted to learn more about Your glory. What is it? When does it happen? Is it another word for heaven?

Your Word has much to say about glory. And the hymnals sing of it.

(10:43 a.m.)

Holy God,

The more I read, the bigger the question mark over my head grows. I start to think I'm getting a clue then it all seems to wash right over me. I read. I think. I hope. I pray. I wonder. And it starts all over again.

Hymnal sections of LIFE EVERLASTING and ETERNAL LIFE AND HEAVEN yield songs of hope. Joy. Beauty. Glory. Newness. Perfection.

I confess to You Blessed God, I sing a little, read some more and continue wondering about my understanding of it all. It all seems to add up to more questioning on my part. Am I understanding what I am reading? Or twisting it to suit my desires?

The biggest question for me this morning keeps coming back to my wondering if Isaiah 35's Hope for Restoration is for present day living? Was it a warning only for the people of Judah? Or is it a promise of things ultimately to come? I start to think I'm getting it and then oops, it's gone.

The Life Recovery Bible's comment for this section [35:3-7] begins in the present and ends with a promise. “God proclaims a message of hope... Following God means that we can ask Him to help us recover in this lifetime and share eternal glory with Him in the next.”

Eternal glory. Hmm. Keep working in me Dear Lord.

“Kingdom Joy for the Redeemed; 35:1-10 (Illustrated Bible Handbook). This is one of the most beautiful chapters in the OT. It describes the renewed land which the redeemed of the Lord will inherit when God's promises are fulfilled.” I concur. Here again, I struggle with my own understanding.

So, with all these hours of digging deeper into Your Word and my own feeble understanding of all I read, I conclude by asking You to direct me in Your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Guide my steps, thoughts, feelings and desires. I love You and long to glorify Your Holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(402 words ~ 12:17 p.m.)

"Love!"

Friday, March 17, 2017 (7:03 a.m.)

Holy God,

I confess to You, recently I am very easily distracted. This morning I am here asking You to focus my thoughts on You.

You alone are God (Psalm 86:10). You alone are good (Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19). And I keep seeing myself simply as alone. Alone in my thoughts. Alone in my feelings.

Ah, but bringing this all out to You I actually feel my heart quicken. Getting my thoughts out of my head and into Your exquisitely capable hands is truly freeing. Thank You for leading me to places that remind me to look upward to You, not inwardly to my own understanding of things.

Father God, I love You. I love that You take such tender care of each and every single one of us. I confess to so very often not knowing what I think I know. But when I stop, turn to You, focus on what all Your Word has to say to us I have hope.

Hope that Your abounding, never ending love will meet our every need. Hope that comes from reading the history of Your chosen people. Hope that obedience to Your Word will lead us where I am far too often afraid to go.

Yesterday my early morning plan was to talk with You about the Truth of Philippians 4:8. Working in the yard the day before I was caught up in a litany of the mistakes I have made through the years.

In my own attempt to clear my mind, You reminded me of the importance of fixing my thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, admirable, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Again I confess, not my go to response to life in general.

So here I am. Flawed. Imperfect. Needing You to come into my thinking, feeling, hoping and being. Truly teach me to love as You would have me love (Mark 12:30-31). Freely. Forgivingly.

As Paul taught Your believers in Corinth: Patiently. Kindly. Not jealously, boastfully, proudly or rudely. Not demanding its own way. Not irritably. Keeping no record of wrong. Never glad about injustice. Rejoicing whenever Your Truth wins out. Never giving up. Never losing faith. Always hopeful. Enduring through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Yes! Father, please. Teach me to love as You wish. Yes. How I thank You and invite You in to every aspect of this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(411 words ~ 8:35 a.m.)

God calls us to love

Thursday, March 16, 2017 (6:33 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Thank You that You call us to love as You would have us love.

Divine Order

Monday, March 13, 2017 (6:34 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy God,

Thank You for Your love Lord. Thank You for Your peace. Thank You for Your joy. And Your promises to never leave us alone.

Thank You for hard, necessary work. Thank You for direction. And focus. Thank You for limits. Thank You for music Father. And the memories various songs bring to mind.

As I sit here with You this morning, I wonder where all our day will go. I have no specific plans. I look to You. Asking Your divine order for this day.

Yes God. YOUR Divine Order for this day!

(7:55 a.m.)

You and I had such a seamless day together yesterday. So much was accomplished. Interspersed with times of rest and recuperation.

My own plans for today were to get up and do it all over again. Thank You for whatever plan You have for me instead. The “go get 'em” attitude with which I fell asleep just isn't here right now.

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a) is here with me. As are Matthew 11:28-30 and Philippians 2:13-14. Holy God, I do not pretend to understand all You have planned for me today but I AM eager to find out!

A link I clicked online “What is Divine Order? By Marsha Burns:” is feeding me some very intriguing food for thought. She identifies divine as “proceeding from God” and order as “authoritative direction”. That is what I know I experienced yesterday. And seemingly so this morning.

Holy God, thank You for ordering our days. Thank You that with almost every thought I have, a Bible verse follows. “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Back to Marsha Burns. “This is Divine Order! When we go through life with a good measure of self-effort, we are most likely not even able to hear the Father. When we serve God out of a fear of failure, we're out of order...

“It IS about coming into rest. [Matthew 11:28-30] It IS about His work and our cooperation in yielding. [Philippians 2:13] Divine Order is all about the moving of the Holy Spirit and being unencumbered enough to hear His voice and being flexible enough to go with the flow...

“Divine Order is trusting God to give you discernment, to lead, guide, direct, protect, and give you wisdom. [Proverbs 3:5; Psalms 138:8].”

So here I come before You with two verse from Philippians. Asking that You would lead me in Your Divine Order. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing” (2:13-14).

I love You Father. I long to serve You. And I ask Your guidance over me. Let me follow You closely. I long to experience Your Divine Order again this day. Thank You God. I love You. Amen.

(497 words ~ 8:59 a.m.)

"right here"

Sunday, March 12, 2017 (6:25 a.m.)

Mm, Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for more sleep. Thank You for the surprise view of the full moon just now. Yes, Father, thank You for surprises. And reminders.

Mm, yes. You reminded me to stay “right here” just a few hours ago and I was able to fall back asleep. Complete with dreams. Thank You.

Thank You for our return to daylight savings time and all the adjustments that may take on us. Like the beautiful sky that is preceding the sunrise this morning. Thank You Father.

Thank You for plans of early morning yard work followed by the late service at church. Thank You for different ways of doing things than we are used to.

Holy God, I am truly in love with You. Am I even supposed to say, “I love You” in that manner?

restoration

Saturday, March 11, 2017 (11:42 p.m.)

So this is interesting. I've already had three hours of sleep. And the time hasn't changed yet, even though all of our clocks have.

Holy God, thank You for the thinking You have allowed my brain already this past half hour. Thank You for the singing going on inside of me. Thank You for the rest You've allowed me. And for that which I am sure is to come.

Father, thank You for the God You are. Thank You for the restoration You've been bringing about in our lives. The Life Recovery Bible speaks of restoration in many unexpected ways. Thank You for words that randomly just seem to pop into my mind.

Thank You for the songs that do as well. ♫Saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze Into the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace Just follow our Leader Into the glorious unknown This is a life like no other, whoa This is the great adventure...♫

Yes. This is definitely the great adventure to which You have called us. Thank You for the restorative work You are doing in each of us around here that is ultimately preparing us for the ride of our lives.

Holy God, I love You so much. It seems to me that a few more hours of sleep would go a long way toward restoring my body and mind for the next great adventure You have in store for me. I'm thanking You in advance for the added rest You are about to provide me.

Thank You for a little extra time together. I love You. I'll talk with You so more later. Thank You again. Amen.

(285 words ~ 12:34 a.m.)

"Thank You!"

Friday, March 10, 2017 (7:09 a.m.)

Sweet, Holy God,

Thank You.

It has been a VERY long morning. Awake at 2:08. Up at 3:38. Thinking fearful, condemning thoughts after 4. Continuing to breath deeply and reciting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a) until sleep finally returned.

Disrepair was the main thought. Neglect on my part and the ultimate end result spun wildly through my mind. I felt self blame, remorse and such dreaded guilt.

Thank You for every time You reminded me to think on You. Thank You for the moment I physically turned my head up instead of down. Thank You that I remembered to focus on You and Your works instead of my own failings.

Oh, and now as I look up the words: disregard; ignore; pay no attention to; fail to look after; abandon; desert; negligence; dereliction of duty; carelessness... and once again I say, “Thank You!”

Thank You for the antonyms that follow these very descriptive phrases. Cherish; look after; concentrate on; heed; remember; care; attend... Thank You Father that these are words that describe Your constant keeping of each and every single one of us.

I make mistakes. It's not my intent. Yet I far too often make the conscious decision not to decide on the proper care of treasured items. This is not the first time. Nor, I'm sure, will it be my last.

How I thank You for not leaving me alone in my self imposed guilt. Thank You for reminding me to fix my thoughts on You (Philippians 4:8).

♫Show Me the Way♫

Thursday, March 9, 2017 (3:51 a.m.)

Holy God,

What an interesting way to wake up. Over an hour ago. Singing ♫I want You to show me the way♫ I didn't get it right away. In fact, I found it rather annoying.

And then it hit me! Holy Father, I DO want You to show me the way! YOUR way!

Reading the lyrics to Peter Frampton's hit from the 70's, I'm fairly certain I must have heard it on the car radio recently. And just by stating that simple fact to You, ♫That's Why God Made the Radio♫ (Beach Boys, 2012) immediately starting singing in my mind.

Holy God, as much as I am enjoying the music and time together right now, my body is still tired. Could we please do this again in a couple of hours? For the moment I'd really appreciate You showing me the way back to sleep. Please?

(6:25 a.m.)

Mm, yes!

Thank You Father. Sleep. Rest. And dreams! Thank You.

You reminded me of the importance of breathing in and out deeply. Thank You that as I began, instead of counting numbers I thought of the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22) instead. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control (v. 23). Inhale; love. Exhale; joy...

Thanks Dad! Thanks that as I dreamt, 'doing justly and loving mercy' was actually written out for me. Possibly over a doorpost. Recognizing it as Scripture, I just found it as Micah 6:8.

Also while in the dreamy part of resting I clearly saw the need of my learning and being able to recite 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstances.” Wow! Do I ever have a long way to go in bringing this one home!

I was reminded the other day by a dear friend that You are not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Thinking in regards to our home I am asking You in. Teach us what it would be to live our everyday lives “decently and in order” (v. 40). Bring order and harmony into our home as only You can Blessed Lord.

Yes indeed Dearest Dad, ♫I want You to show me the way♫ ! Please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

Hope (Psalm 42)

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 (6:39 a.m.)

♫Then sings my soul...♫

Thank You God! My very first, practically subconscious thought of the day was this snippet of a hymn we sang this past Sunday.

♫Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How Great Thou Art, how great Thou art!♫

Oh, most dear and holy Father God, thank You. Praise You! You bless us so profoundly. We are fully aware of the gracious favor You provide us each and every day.

I hate to admit and confess that pain and fatigue far too often color my outlook when it comes to praise. And the willingness to hope. Oh, but then You weave music into my very soul. And like the hymn pronounces ♫Then sings my soul...♫

Thank You Father. Thank You that Your Word reminds us of the hope we have in You. Events in our every day lives can sidetrack us with thoughts of so much to do with so little time. I can build a mountain out of a molehill in no time at all.

Thank You that without even consciously asking You, You came singing hope into my soul. Thank You Father.

Illustrated Bible Handbook says this, “Psalm 42. Here is a psalm of encouragement for times of spiritual depression when God seems very far away.” Thank You Holy God. Thank You that Your singing to my soul brought me to this chapter filled with hope.

The Message begins verse six with the Psalmist stating, “When my soul is in the dumps” and ends verse eight, “Then GOD promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer.”

Verses 5 and 11 ask and answer my own thoughts. “Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!” (New Living Translation).

Loving You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) is my desire. You are everything we need to make that possible. I turn to You. Your Word. Your hope. I ask You Father to provide all that is necessary so I will live this day exactly as You wish.

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask all this through Your Son, by the working of Your Holy Spirit. The One Who comes and sings to my soul in the early morning hours. Thank You God. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. Amen.

(417 words ~ 8:07 a.m.)

listen and apply

Monday, March 6, 2017 (6:33 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

I learned something yesterday. I don't have to keep talking to You. It's so very important for me to listen and apply what You are saying to me.

Father, thank You! Thank You for reminding me of the importance of not only paying attention, but of acting on Your teachings as well.

There was one particular instance yesterday when my thoughts were so far ahead of my circumstances that I practically heard You holler, “Stop thinking!” And I did.

As I reined in the negative conclusions I was drawing, I actually felt myself relax. Being more fully aware of my surroundings, I found enjoyment in my choices. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Reading in Proverbs this morning, I am particularly drawn to Thirty Sayings of the Wise (Chapters 22:17-24:22). How I thank You Father, for these important teachings.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 22:17-19 states, “Here Solomon repeated one of his favorite themes in Proverbs: Trust in the LORD. He alone is the source of perfect love and truth. It is only by surrendering to Him that we can experience true love and discover how our life should be lived.”

Yes! Yes, indeed!

(9:27 a.m.)

Father,

As I once again leave here to go out and start the day YOU have planned for me, I ask that You would empower me to “Listen to the words of the wise; apply [my] heart to [YOUR] instruction... so [I] will [indeed!] trust in the LORD” (Proverbs 22:17-19).

Yes Father. Once again teach me to listen and apply. Thank You Father. I love You! Amen.

(275 words ~ 9:32 a.m.)

distance

Sunday, March 5, 2017 (10:27 a.m.)

Holy God,

I am here. Physically. Not yet, in Spirit. Work in me won't You?

I've sat. I've read. We even worshiped. Listening, reading, learning and singing. Still there is a distance at which I seem to be holding You.