The Ultimate Leveler

Monday, April 24, 2017 (6:42 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. My thoughts are all over the place right now. I am here with You and that is exactly where I ask You to help me stay.

Mm, yes. Stay. Stop turn and yield.

(7:43 a.m.)

Physically I'm still here. My heart and soul, Yours. It's my mind that continues racing all over the place. There's a growing mental list of things I don't want to forget.

Songs are attempting to break in. Some sing themselves full on, yet when I attempt to call them back I don't remember what they were. The beginning of one joins right into the end of another.

I find myself once again “out of plumb”. Even that phrase takes my thoughts back to yesterday and the opportunity of working together with my team-mate to reach a degree of “plumb and level”.

Oh my dearest Father, thank You that You are The Ultimate Leveler! YOU know Your best for each of us. You know exactly what is needed to be added or taken away. Thank You Father. Praise You!

Thank You for this opportunity to read Your Truth and be reminded of Your goodness and Your grace. Thank You that when it comes to You leveling our playing field, You actually came into this world (Philippians 2:6-8) making Yourself nothing.

As I consider Your sacrifice on our behalf, I ask You Father to use me for Your good and for Your glory. Work in me. By, through, for and with me. Square me Father. Plumb and level me as only You can so perfectly do.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(274 words ~ 8:57 a.m.)

special blessing

Sunday, April 23, 2017 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

How I love You. How I thank You. How I ask You to guide me. Bless me. Keep me. Mm, yes. Father, thank You that we have You and Your Word with which to align ourselves.

Yesterday it was obvious to me and another that my plumb was off. I was out of sorts. My spirit was low. Thank You that I get to be honest with You about everything.

This morning I come before You with “the simple words of this blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) reflect[ing] God's desire for all His people” (The Life Recovery Bible footnote). Mm, yes. Thank You for this special blessing You had Aaron and his sons bless over the people of Israel (v. 23).

The Message uses these simple words to present this Priestly Blessing. “GOD bless you and keep you, GOD smile on you and gift you, GOD look you full in the face and make you prosper.”

How I thank You for righting our thinking. Back to the footnote. “He [God] is the source of all blessings, grace, and peace in life; only through a relationship with God can we hope to experience the fullness of life described here.”

Hm... the fullness of life. Yes! That is what we are seeking.

“The blessing seems to build to its final word – peace (shalom). The Hebrew word for peace means much more than an absence of conflict. It implies a complete sense of well-being, health and contentment. God offers this to anyone who is willing to follow Him and especially to those whose lives have been bruised and broken.”

Mm, yes. “A complete sense of well-being, health and contentment.” Yes Father. We look to You in guiding us in Your perfect peace [shalom!].

This morning I am asking You to guide, direct, empower and embolden me in making the decisions You would have me make.There is much to be done and I could very easily fall out of plumb. Truly I long to “experience the fullness of life” we can only find in You.

Thank You for reminding us that all our special blessings are found in You and You alone. Work in me as You must. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(379 words ~ 7:56 a.m.)

our Foundation

Saturday, April 22, 2017 (6:17 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

I love You. Thank You that You are our very firm Foundation.

In Moses' song (Deuteronomy 31:30-32:47) to You he announces, “the name of the Lord. Praise God because He is great! He is like a rock. What He does is perfect. He is always fair, He is a faithful God who does no wrong. He is right and fair” (Deuteronomy 32:3-4 International Children's Bible).

Thank You that You are strong and mighty. Unchanging. Rocklike. Perfect. The Life Recovery Bible footnote says, “Moses takes time to praise God for who He is – glorious, strong, perfect, just and fair, faithful, upright.”

It goes on in affirming, “We also need to take time to rejoice in who God is and praise Him for His greatness. He is the Rock – our foundation for a stable life. His work in our life is perfect. We need to recognize God's ability to help us and then allow Him to do His mighty work on our behalf.”

Thank You Father. Thank You for teaching me through these years the importance of trusting You to be the great and glorious God You are. We can do well none of this life stuff on our own. You are indeed “our Foundation for a stable life”.

Thank You for loving us as only You can do. Jesus told His followers, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on” (Matthew 7:24 The Message).

Continue Your work in making us “like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock” (v. 25a). We long to stay fixed on You, our firm foundation that never moves.

Thank You Father. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. I love You. Amen.

(314 words ~ 7:02 a.m.)

"just this one thing"

Friday, April 21. 2017 (1:11 p.m.)

Oh Lord,

Grumble. Growl. Bad words. Grump...

Father, forgive me. Yes. Please forgive my decision to do “just this one thing” earlier this morning. It's already been seven hours and we've gone straight from one snafu to another. Forgive me. Mm, yes. Forgive me I pray.

Very deep breaths. Reading in Your Word. Cautions. Commands. Consequences. And examples. King David. Mistake maker. Man after Your own heart (Acts 13:22).

(2:38 p.m.)

Mm, Father. May I just say, “Thank You!”

Yes! Thank You for the love You have for us. Thank You for the history from which we get to learn. Thank You the examples of foolishness that remind us of the importance of turning to You.

Left to my own earlier discretion I would have continued letting angry thoughts beget more angry thoughts. Thank You for reminding me that You have so much more for us than negativity. Thank You for the peace and calm that wash over me when I stop, turn and yield to Your Word.

Mm, yes! Reading of the discordant relationships between King Saul, David, his wives and sons (1 and 2 Samuel), I am reminded again of how easily loving relationships can be destroyed by unresolved issues. Father, how I thank You.

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for 2 Samuel 7:27-29 heartens me. “David took the time to review God's promise to him. God's Word is filled with promises for us, and God delights as we plead those promises before Him in prayer. This can be especially helpful in the midst of a crisis. Not that God needs reminding, but our memories can usually stand some refreshing.”

Yes Father. Thank You for refreshing my memory. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Use me to share them freely with others. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(237 words ~ 3:14 p.m.)

deep within my soul

Thursday, April 20, 2017 (6:06 a.m.)

Holy God,

I am here. Seeking You. Looking for the song singing deep within my soul.

(6:37 a.m.)

Suspending the search, I look to You. Please guide and direct me in Your Word that I would find where You will take us this morning.

Mm. Yes Father. Thank You. Psalm 139:14, The Voice. “I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.”

Oh, most Blessed God, how I thank You for loving us so much (John 3:16; 1 John 3:1). Thank You for wanting us all “to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Thank You Father. Praise You.

There is much to do around here this morning God. I seek Your guidance. Your presence. Your will. Your way. I long to live this day as a love offering to You. Please show me how.

I love You. I thank You. I ask You. Amen.

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

unshakable and assured

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 (7:29 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You. Thank You.

Thank You that we get to come before You simply saying, “Thank You”. I turn to Your Word (Psalm 138) and read of others who remembered to give thanks to You. Thank You Father.

Thank You that I get to read encouraging phrases. Thank You how one point of Truth (Psalm 138:7a) directs me over to another (John 16:33). Thank You for the privilege of sitting, breathing deeply and resting on Your promises.

“Though I am surrounded by troubles... Your power will save me. The LORD will work out His plans for my life – for Your faithful love endures forever. Don't abandon me, for You made me” (Psalm 138:7a; 8). Thank You Father for King David's commitment to giving You the glory You so rightly deserve.

Thank You for Jesus' words to His disciples, acknowledging that You would not abandon Him either (John 16:32). Followed by this comforting, empowering verse in The Message. “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world” (v. 33).

Yes! Unshakable and assured. Father, You know the prayers of my heart. You alone are privy to the deepest concerns that cross my mind and soul on behalf of others. I present them to You Blessed Lord and Savior. Not holding onto them like a set of worry beads. No! I stand before You unshakable and assured. Trusting You to be the ♫Good Good Father♫ You truly are.

Thank You, Holy God. Thank You.

Guide and direct my choices this day Blessed Father. I love You. I long to serve You. And I thank You. Even here, another song [♫Give Thanks♫] and its corresponding verse (Psalm 126:3). “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

Yes Father! Unshakable, assured and filled with joy. Use us this day. We thank You. Amen.

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

immutable

Tuesday, April 18, 2017 (7:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that You love us. Thank You that You guide us. Thank You that You are good. You are holy. Immutable – unchanging over time; unable to be changed.

Thank You that Your Word stands true. And just like that [snap!] music starts singing within me again. ♫When my heart is overwhelmed I will look to You alone God my Rock, God my Rock, God my Rock You will stand when others fall You are faithful through it all God my Rock...♫

Mm, yes! You don't change (Malachi 3:6). You are immutable. What hope we have in You. In Your Word. In Your Truth. In Your promises.

Thank You Jesus that You invite us to believe (Acts 16:31) and trust in You. A footnote in The Life Recovery Bible (16:25-34) expands on this call.

Despite having been beaten and jailed, Paul and Silas sang praises to You. The example of their painful circumstances “taught a clear lesson to the Philippian rulers: God can deliver and sustain us in even the most abusive circumstances. When our focus is on God and all He has done for us, our identity and inner strength will sustained. Our inner joy and ability to praise God in the midst of persecution and hardship are signs of God's power in us and may even result in our enemies believing in God, as the jailer did.”

Identity. Inner strength. Inner joy and ability. All come from Your immutability. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. Thank You that we are safe in trusting You.

Use us this day. Exactly as You know is best. We love You and long to serve. Thank You. Amen.

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

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looking to God

Monday, April 17, 2017 (6:26 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! What a momentarily beautiful view of the sky this morning. The first “Wow!” I've uttered to You in such a long time. A strikingly deep pink outline to several darkened clouds one minute, faded to muted blues the next. Thank You God.

Thank You for the singing that's going on within me. ♫When I get to heaven, gonna walk with Jesus When I get to heaven, gonna see His face When I get to heaven, gonna talk with Jesus Saved by His wonderful grace♫

Blessed God, You are so good. You know Your plans. Yes. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you...” The Message, “I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hoped for.”

Mm, yes. Holy God, I am here looking to You. Looking to You on behalf of others. Health concerns abound. Trusting You in them all doesn't come easy. Reminding ourselves that You do indeed know what You are doing is where we put our hope. In You.

Yes! It started again, ♫When I get to heaven...♫ Until then, I look to You. Hoping. Trusting. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Petitioning on behalf of others. You know Your plans. We don't. You are good. Your blessings abound. Empower us in looking to You.

Use me this day Blessed Father. As You wish. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(255 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

love and forgiveness

Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 (5:37 a.m.)

♫Jesus Christ is Risen Today ~ Alleluia♫

Holy God, thank You! Thinking of our past Easter Sundays. Sunrise services throughout the years. Blessing upon blessing. Thank You. Mm, yes. Praise You.

Thank You for this extended weekend of grandchild-care. This powerful Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday weekend. Thank You for the love and forgiveness that abound in these children.

Jesus, thank You for the privilege and honor of being taught how to love and forgive. Trust me, I'm still so new at this concept I need You with me step by step. Thank You that You are here. Risen. Risen indeed!!!

Songs sing in my head. And my heart. Your Word leads us to a better way of living each day.

This morning I ask You to hold me to the call of Ephesians 4:31-32. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Mm... Yes! What a glorious day to practice more of Your love and forgiveness. Make it so Blessed Lord. Thank You God. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. Praise You. Amen.

(216 words ~ 6:42 a.m.)

God's gift of family

Saturday, April 15, 2017 (5:12 a.m.)

Awesome God and Father,

I'm here to ask You... please guide and direct our day. We have plans. Outside of our usual routine. A day in the hills. Taking care of business. With two wild-ish ones. Well... one seemingly a bit more wild than the other.

Father, as Your child, I am asking Your guidance and direction in my speaking, my thinking, my loving, my planning and my carrying through. I confess to being stumped by my absolute best intentions and our actual outcome. You see what goes on in and with me.

Plans. Hopes. Hiccups. And loud voices. These I bring to You. Early, early in the morning. Just before anyone else is up. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7) for Your blessing. You know my desire. I am willing to change my thinking in accordance to Your will.

Your Word offers us hope. Truth. A better way. “Psalm 127. Joy can be found in God's gift of family” (Illustrated Bible Handbook). Yes. Please. That is indeed what I am seeking. JOY! In Your gift of family. Humbly. Prayerfully. Carefully I ask. Bless us with the joy that You have to offer.

wisdom

Friday, April 14, 2017 (7:34 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. We had adventures yesterday. A change of plans. Mixed messages. A pre-school Easter celebration. Hands on dinosaur discoveries. A gazillion bubbles. And a two hour car ride home.

Oh Lord, thank You for safety. Sanity. And sleep. Yes Lord. Thank You.

It looks to be a long weekend. Filled with giggles. Shrieks. And screams. I come before You seeking YOUR wisdom.

Proverbs 2:1-9

straight path

Thursday, April 13, 2017 (6:48 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I have been making mistake after mistake this morning. Yet just sitting quietly for a moment, I again internally hear the song with which I awoke.

♫Jesus, I trust in You♫

Oh, thank You Jesus! Thank You that so early in the day many of our best laid plans have already gone awry. And here I get to practice looking to You rather than the circumstances.

Thank You for reminding me before my eyes were even open this morning ♫When my heart is overwhelmed I will look to You alone God my rock, God my rock, God my rock You will stand when others fall You are faithful through it all God my rock♫

Indeed! Thank You. Praise You. Father, I look to YOU. Keep working in me that I won't crumble under the pressure of changed plans. Yes Father! MY plans have changed. Yours never do! Thank You.

Psalm 27:11, Proverbs 3:6, Isaiah 45:1-3 tell me about You leading me on a straight path. Thank You Father! Make me able to see and hear You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

kenosis

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 (7:00 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You.

This morning I am reading in Daniel (9:4). Waiting for You to speak to me. I remember to take deep breaths. Focus on Your goodness.

Holy Week.

(8:03 a.m.)

Another deep breath. Followed by more awe.

Holy God, thank You. There is so much I don't know or understand about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. I get the smallest bit of information [on Palm Sunday I learned Simon the leper is said to be dad to Lazarus, Martha, and Mary] and I realize again just how very much I don't know.

Like the walking distance between Bethany and Jerusalem. 42 miles. Over 14 hours. Things I've never really wondered before.

I'm used to considering Christmas and the understanding I have of those traditions. Easter has always seemed to fall through the cracks for me. Why is this I wonder. Maybe I want to avoid the idea of Your pain and suffering. Hmm...

Yes. The Truth of You having been revered on Sunday and betrayed on Thursday hurts my heart. I literally just turned my head so I wouldn't have to look at the hymns written of Your suffering and death.

Jesus, thank You for Your kenosis. Your renouncing of Your own divine nature. Philippians 2:6-7 describe Your sacrifice. “Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.”

Yeah, this is the kind of stuff that would keep me from looking hard into Your pain. I'm so much more inclined to be drawn toward the warm fuzzies. You know? Easter bunny, chocolate rabbits, peeps, confetti egg decorating.

Betrayal. Pain. Suffering. Death. Realities I usually work to avoid. Teach me Jesus to be faithful in following You. Especially this Holy Week. Empower me in looking hard at Your emptying of Yourself (kenosis).

I love You. I take Your willingness to suffer and die a painful sinner's death on my behalf so very much for granted. Forgive me I pray. Work in me this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(358 words ~ (9:14 a.m.)

accustomed

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 (6:33 a.m.)

Most Awesome, Holy God,

You are so good to us.

(7:27 a.m.)

Yes! So good!

Father, thank You. You are behind all of the good changes taking place around here. Lines of communication are reopening. Careful consideration of feelings and objects are being examined.

Thank You Father. Yes! Mm, how I love saying, “Yes” to You. Keep working at making me more ready, willing, and able to agreeing with Your commands.

You are leading the charge of the changes taking place in me. I ask that You continue Your incredible, good work.

This morning I learned another new-to-me word. Habituate: verb, make or become accustomed or used to something. My heart beats faster. My head nods. And tears again fill my eyes.

My habit of holding on to things is a problem for me. Deeply rooted. Not easily changed. BUT! You promise me that “Christ is the One who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do” (Philippians 4:13, Easy-to-Read Version).

So, Jesus, it IS to You I look for help. “I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength” (New International Reader's Version). You and You alone are my guiding Force. Thank You.

Yes Jesus. I look to You, asking Your power and strength to guide and direct my decision making. On my own, I am weak and powerless. In, with, and through You I am made strong. Remind me of this as is absolutely necessary.

Turning to 1 Corinthians 8, I learn of Conflicts over Doctrine. I read of idols and the foods sacrificed to them. Verse 7, my reason for turning to this chapter, speaks of people relating to idols. “Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real” (New Living Translation).

Do I fall into this category when I consider the power “stuff” seemingly has over me?

I KNOW [trust, believe] ♫You make all things work together for my good♫ I come to You with my familial history of acquiring clutter.

Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7). Knowing. Trusting. Believing that You will do in, with, by, through, and for me all that is necessary in teaching me the freedom that is to be found in letting go of “treasures” [that are anything but!].

Holy God, thank You. Thank You that we can change. Thank You for providing me the desire and the courage to make these changes. I love You. And I want that to be evident in EVERY aspect of my life.

The very first song that came to me this morning is ♫I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face♫ Looking to the internet, the version listed at the top was a rendering by Diana Krall. The pronoun 'her' changed to 'his'.

Listening to the performances offered by a variety of singers, I found the original to be the one that caused tears to form. In my heart, as well as my eyes. Rex Harrison, in My Fair Lady. Father, how I thank You for the ways in which You speak to me!

Still hearing his approach, I make the pronoun change and offer this well known show tune to You Blessed God. As my heart's desire of something yet to come.

♫I've grown accustomed to His face He always makes the day begin... He's second nature to me now Like breathing out and breathing in I'm so grateful He's not a man and not easy to forget... I've grown accustomed to His face♫

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit I WANT to be accustomed to Your face!!! I want to grow ♫accustomed to Your looks, accustomed to Your voice, accustomed to the trace of Something in the air♫ Mm... Yes!

In addressing Food Sacrificed to Idols, Illustrated Bible Handbook presents the importance of “love over all disputes”. Love for others must be given highest priority. Our attitudes must come “from the perspective of love, rather than asking 'Who is right?'” Yes, please.

I ask You to continue Your work in changing me from the habits to which I am accustomed. Keep increasing in me “the attitude that we will love [which] builds others up – and opens everyone up to the Lord.”

Yes, Father use me to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. And I want that to be easily seen. Let love for You and others be that which I become most accustomed. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

747 words ~ (10:23 a.m.)

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range

Monday, April 10, 2017 (6:42 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You! There's been excitement around here. And hurt feelings. Miscommunications. Change. And now even some fear.

Yes, Father, thank You that I get to come before You with the entire range of emotions that I experience from any one moment to the next.

Thank You that again I got to wake up singing to You. First, ♫God My Rock♫ Followed by searching Your Word (Ephesians 1:7-10) and immediately humming ♫Take all I am Lord, use me for Your glory... Heaven Is Here Now (by Gary Rea)♫

Thank You Father for the way Your Truth so readily sings itself to me. Certain words seem to trigger chords in my heart or my soul and before I know it I am swaying. Practically lifted to a completely different realm.

Your Word and music relating to Your Truth and promises do that for me almost every single time. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit.

We are making things different around here Father. You know that change can be quite difficult, even scary, for me. Here again, I look to You.

I start out thinking of the wide-ranging gamut of emotions running just under the surface here and the next thing I know I am reading and singing of the freedom found in trusting You to be all we need. “So we praise God for the wonderful kindness He has poured out on us because we belong to His dearly loved Son” (Ephesians 1:6).

Cue the music! ♫For Your glory We'll see Your glory Heaven is here now Your Spirit is here now Lord we believe it, We've started to see it Your Kingdom come♫ Father, I can't begin to thank You enough for the close watch You have over us.

♫Lord come and reign here Come have Your way here Establish Your rule, Come take the throne Your Kingdom come♫ Yes Father, please. We long to do life YOUR way!

♫Take all we are Lord, use us for Your glory... We're not our own We belong to the King♫ Thank You that we are Yours. Use us this day as You wish. Learning to embrace the wide range of change You are bringing about.

We love You Father. We thank You. Work in, with, by, through and for us we pray. Thank You. Amen.

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

immensely

Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 (6:14 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

There's another song. Another one I can't fully remember.

♫There's a new day dawning♫ A nice melody and more words I can't recall, followed by ♫Thank You Lord. Thank You Lord♫

I do thank You Lord! I am struggling here Father. You bless us. Immensely. And just like that [snap!] here come tears I didn't even know I had.

Holy God, You know every single thing there is to know about each of us. Our hurts. Our strengths. Our needs. And You are willing to fill them all.

I look to You Blessed God. Not our circumstances. YOU! You know what You want from us. You know all You want for us. Work in me I pray.

(7:00 a.m.)

And more tears. Just enough to sting my eyes and need a tissue.

Father, You know my heart. My soul. My mind and strength. Tend to me I ask. I want to praise You. Worship and adore You.

I look to Your Word. Turn in the hymnals. Yet I falter. Hesitate. Delay. Drag my feet.

Ah, but You remind me not to sit on the fence. Don't dilly-dally. Or shilly-shally. Thank You Father. You tell me not to be lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). AND...

… more tears! Verse 19, “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude].”

Yes. Yes. And yes!!!!

I confess to You Father. I really don't know what is going on inside me. But YOU do! I trust You to do in, with, by, through and for me ALL that I presently cannot do myself. Discipline and instruct me, changing my mind and attitude.

You love and bless us immensely. You rightly deserve nothing less. I do not want to remain spiritually indifferent. The highs and lows of all the physical changes we've been making are taking a definite toll on me.

But YOU, Jesus, are “the immensely valuable living stone” (1 Peter 2:4) and I come to You desperately seeking Your best for us. I love You. I long to serve You. And on this particular Palm Sunday, I welcome You with my own individual cry, ♫Hosanna [“save, we pray”] in the highest!♫

Yes! Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

adjust

Saturday, April 8, 2017 (7:26 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I'm confessing right off, I am feeling out of sorts. Irritated. Snarky. I could continue listing all the negative words that come to mind but I don't want to.

Instead I look to You. Asking You to change my attitude. Yes. Father, please.

And You do! Just look at this. Searching the word adjust, I find only one entry. Romans 12:1-2.

The Message, “[Place Your Life Before God] So here's what I want you to do. God helping you:” Right there! Those three words. God helping you. Mm, yes please!

“Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it.”

Quickly respond to it. Here I confess again. I can be very reluctant in responding to You. You speak forgiveness. I hold grudges. You say, “Love”. I pull back.

“Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

Well-formed maturity. Now there's a statement! Yes. I am in desperate need of well-formed maturity.

Holy God, thank You. Thank You that You are here. Ever available to our needs. I cannot change my attitude on my own. Oh, but look at all You can do!

The last paragraph in a section titled Self-Perception (The Life Recovery Bible) supports my thinking. “We all have great potential for change, but we cannot do it under our own power. As we yield our life and will to God, we can depend on Him to renew our mind and heart. He will help us overcome our defects of character, transforming us from the inside out.”

Yes Father. While I tend to focus on nursing resentments and keeping score, I thank You for reminding me of Your MUCH better way!

(5:13 p.m.)

Blessed God, thank You for clean windows. Perhaps You would continue working out my attitude so my outlook would see more clearly through them.

This from Illustrated Bible Handbook, “An Appeal for Commitment; [Romans]12:1, 2. When we offer ourselves to live for the Lord, 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.”

And here I sit, confessing to You this huge chip I still have on my shoulder. DEFINITELY one of “the ways in which people of this world relate to others”! Work with me Father. In, through and for me.

I need You. I want You. I ask You. I thank You. And I love You. Do all that You must in making me obedient to Your Word. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(536 words ~ 5:39 p.m.)

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willing / eager

Friday, April 7, 2017 (7:01 a.m.)

Hmm, Father,

I have a HUGE case of the lazies! Little energy. Even less focus. Guide and direct me

I confess, there is a resistance within me. I don't know the root of this reluctance. BUT! I know You to be a good God (Psalm 107:1). I believe You to have a plan (Jeremiah 29:11). I am looking to You to change my outlook.

Yes Father. I call on You to infuse me with the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Make me willing Father. Eager to thank and praise You.

Mm. I ask. You answer. A deep peace comes over me as I read Living by the Spirit's Power (Ephesians 5:15-20 The Life Recovery Bible). Father, I look to You.

Guide me in understanding Your Word. I read. I smile. I hope. In You. Your promises. Illustrated Bible Handbook titles verses 3-20, The New Lifestyle. It tells us, “Like Christ, we are to be filled with the Spirit and live as 'children of the light'.” Yes, please.

Our lives are to be “marked by goodness, righteousness, and truth”. As we look outwardly at the evils of the world, I so easily retreat to the safety of my own thoughts wanting desperately to ignore the “fruitless deeds of darkness”.

Thank You that Your Word calls to something much bigger. And better. It instructs us to 'be strong in You and in Your mighty power'. Reminding us that “we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realm” (Ephesians 6:12).

Oh yes dearest Father. As I read back to verses 5:15-17, I ask You to create a willing and eager obedience in my heart, soul, mind and strength. “So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

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

(363 words ~ 8:49 a.m.)

still standing

Thursday, April 6, 2017 (6:05 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You that I got to wake up singing again. Stick with me as I flesh this one out...

Loving Father, You know the hiccup our communication skills took around here the last few days. Mind reading is definitely not our forte. Thank You for Your goodness and Your grace in helping us work through the potshots we seemed intent at hurling toward one another.

Holy God, You are good. All the time. All the time, You are good! Thank You for reminding us of that Truth.

We can [and DO] get our feelings hurt. We try to muscle through on our own. With tactics that have failed us in the past. But still, it's what we know.

Ahhh, but You... You know better! Thank You that You have SUCH a better way for us! Thank You that we get to lean into You. We get to trust and depend on You. You are good. You do not change. Thank You Father.

Now, as for that song from earlier. The lyrics take it in one direction. As though the singer is telling a certain person they are no longer necessary. When I look at the words and change just a few of them I can feel the power of the Holy Spirit charging through me as I mentally belt out:

♫You know we're still standing better than we ever did

Looking like Your true survivors, feeling just like little kids

We're still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of our life with You always on our minds♫

Yes Father. It is Your power (Ephesians 6:10) that allows us to still be standing after all this time. The power we find in Your Word that reminds us to “Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

Yes Jesus. We are still standing because of all You have done on our behalf. Thank You. Praise You. And Holy Spirit, thank You for Your part in all of this as well. Use us to Your good and to Your glory Blessed Father. We love You. We praise You. We thank You. Amen.

(383 words ~ 8:25 a.m.)

firm footing

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 (6:28 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I made mistakes yesterday. A LOT of them! Forgiveness did not happen readily or easily. I allowed grudge holding footholds to take shape.

So here I am. Again. Looking to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. And right here comes a song again. I look at the lyrics and wonder if I'm distorting them to fit You. I keep reading and find other people have done much the same.

♫I want YOU to show me the way... Oh won't You show me the way... I want You day after day♫ Mm, yes Father. Show me Your way!

Thank You for Your love for us. Thank You that even in the midst of prideful bitterness, I knew that this was not Your best for us.

Thank You that long before bitterness took hold I had the opportunity of reading Your Truth, in my own penmanship. Proverbs 31:25 (New Living Translation) “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

Thank You Father. Thank You for the many ways You take care of us. Thank You for the mistakes we so often make. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Your forgiveness. Your loving-kindnesses that never cease, Your compassions that never fail (Lamentations 3:22).

Thank You for the way You change my thinking. From giving a mighty foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:27) to being led forward on a firm footing (Psalm 143:10). Mm, yes Blessed Father. Thank You that we get to look to You.

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing” (New Living Translation). Yes, Father!

Other versions describe Your Spirit as: good, gentle, blessed. The New English Translation references “your kind presence”. Holy God, I need Your kind presence to “lead me into a level land.”

What wonderful word pictures are painted with the many different translations available to us. “Firm footing” becomes “land of righteousness”. “Good land”. “Right path”. “Plain country”. “Safe path”. “The road I must travel”.

Illustrated Bible Handbook defines this Psalm as “A cry for deliverance and guidance.” Yes! Please! Deliver me from my tendencies toward bitter, grudge holdings and guide me toward Your level, good path.

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” Yes. Please. I love You. Amen.

(397 words ~ 8:13 a.m.)

what is True

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 (6:42 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You that we get to come before You with thanksgiving in our hearts. Mm, yes!

Thanksgiving in our hearts. Psalm 100:4, ♫We will enter Your gates with thanksgiving in our hearts, we will enter Your courts with praise. We will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made!” We will rejoice for He has made us glad♫

Amazing Truth! Amazing God. Thank You.

Holy God, the Truth of Your Word is told over and over through the ages. I don't claim to understand It, yet I believe It with all my heart. I trust You to BE the good God Your Word promises You are.

In describing Psalm 100, a preamble in The Voice tells us, “The psalm ends on a high note of confidence and hope. At all times – but perhaps more in times of difficulty – we need to be reminded of what is true.”

YOU are true! Your Word is True. Your promises, Your goodness, Your mercy, Your grace, Your love are all true. Thank You Father. Praise You for the many ways You bless us.

Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. Teaching me the fine arts of praise, thanksgiving, forgiveness and love. Thank You. Praise You. Love You. Amen.

(219 words ~ 7:45 a.m)

God's Word is True

Monday, April 3, 2017 (6:58 a.m.)

Holy Father,

Thank You. You are still working in me. And I am so grateful. Every time I recognize calm instead of panic, forgiveness rather than grudge holding, prayer replacing worry I know it's You. Thank You!

Thank You that Your Word does not return to You void (Isaiah 55:11). Thank You that even though I'm not sure what this really means, I know Your Word is True (Psalm 33:4). Truth.

Thank You Father that You invite us to come to You (Isaiah 55:1). Thank You that the more we come, the more we read and the more we read, the more we learn and taste and see and want... YOU! Thank You that as all this progresses and builds the more we experience Your promises.

Thank You for this privilege to be led by Your Word. From one point in Scripture to another. Thank You for The Life Recovery Bible's footnote on Psalm 33.

“33:1-11 Such a powerful God is worthy of our trust and praise. The God who spoke the universe into existence is able to re-create us, and is filled with tender love for us. He can heal us of the defects that have brought such destruction to us and the people we love. All He asks is that we turn our life over to Him so He can work these changes in us.”

And You are! YOU are Who is working the changes in my heart, in my soul, in my mind and in my strength (Mark 12:30) so I can love You as You desired to be loved. Thank You Father.

Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. I long to praise, glorify and enjoy You and this day which You have made (Psalm 118:24). Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(304 words ~ 10:11 a.m.)

forgiving others

Sunday, April 2, 2017 (8:17 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for what You are teaching me about forgiveness. Yes! The more I think I know and understand, the more I learn I am only beginning to scratch the surface of Your vastness.

Thinking I was coming out here to talk with You about forgiveness, You changed it right up to the importance of forgiving others. Found right there in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:7-15; Luke 11:2-4).

Oh, we have so much to learn! Thank You Father.