gladdened

Monday, July 31, 2017 (6:50 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Evidently I am not yet fully awake. I’ve already made mistakes. Nothing drastic. Just annoying.

Thank You that I can turn to You; asking that You would gladden my heart. Mm, yes, Father. Oh that my heart would be gladdened. And it is!

There’s a smile on my face. Snippets of music truly add to the gladdening of my heart. Thank You Father!

Thank You that as we prepare to go out into the day I have Proverbs 18:20 on which to reflect. Here from The Message, “Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.”

New Living Translation, “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” Mm. Wise words. Satisfaction. Yes, please.

The Voice says it this way, “Good words satisfy like a fine meal; yes, good conversations are sure to satisfy.” Yes, Father. How I ask You to make my words good, wise, satisfying.

Just the hope of having my mind satisfied helps change my thinking from feeling annoyed to being please, gratified, gladdened. Thank You Father.

Use us this day to Your good and to Your glory. We love You.

How we ask You to keep our words good, wise and satisfying. And our hearts gladdened as we go. Yes, please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

intimacy

Sunday, July 30, 2017 (6:51 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You. The word we needed to describe our lack yesterday was intimacy. Yikes! How do I even begin to speak to You of this?

Surprisingly to me, Your Word addresses this as well. Close familiarity or friendship; closeness. Yep. In our severe lack of communication recently, closeness went right out the window.

We have been less than cordial to one another. Rather stiff. Reserved. Guarded. Unwilling to share honestly or openly.

Thank You Father that You have so much better for us than mere politeness. The Message (1 Corinthians 6:16-20) speaks of “skin on skin” intimacy and the ways it can be misused. I’m wanting to talk with You about heart to heart, soul to soul connecting.

Oh most blessed God, how I feel myself tippy-toeing around this topic with You. Let me instead fully esteem and revere You in this subject as well.

So many verses speak of the intimate relationship we get to have with You. Blessed, Holy God, how I thank You that we are free to speak of any and everything with You.

As we prepare to go out into this day, how I ask You to be our intimate companion. Guiding, directing and organizing us in exactly the things You would have us feel, be, think and do. We love You so much.

We long to serve You well. Use us as You know is best.

I am unable to choose just one verse this morning on which to cling in my desire to risk intimacy with another. Psalm 148:13-14 speaks of Israel’s children praising You and being intimate friends of Yours.

Matthew told of being intimately linked in harvest work (10:40). John quoted Jesus’ words of being the vine and the intimate, organic relation we have when joined with Him (15:5). He goes on to tell of the way God the Father loved Him the Son and of His followers making themselves intimately at home in His love (15:9-10).

At church just now we sang of no longer being slaves. Here in Galatians (4:4-7) I read that this Truth allows us intimate conversation with You. Oh yes Blessed Father, there is much intimacy described here in Your Word.

I am asking You to teach me to wear it well. Sullenness and withdrawal does not look at all attractive on me. I want to be Your good and faithful servant. Looking to You and reflecting Your love back to others. Make it so Blessed God. Make it so.

2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us not to put off getting to know You, personally and intimately. Paul told the Ephesians (4:30) not to grieve You. Not to break Your heart. “His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.” Yes please!

Yes, Father. Yes! I long for more intimacy in my life.

The apostle Paul closed a letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 13:14) with this blessing, “The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” Oh, yes please!

Work Your holy gift of intimacy into every aspect of our relationship. Show us once again how to be completely honest, open and willing with one another. I love You Father. Let that absolute Truth be readily seen by others.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(600 words ~ 10:04 a.m.)

full circle

Saturday, July 29, 2017 (6:59 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

You are so good. Mm. Yes. Let that be my prayer to You this day.

Thank You for the way one thought (“You are so good”) leads to a song (♪God Is So Good♪). Which leads to a Bible verse (1 Chronicles 16:34). And ultimately back to the prayer (“You are so good”). Full circle.

Yes Father. Thank You that as I go to my Bible, turning once more to David’s Song of Praise (1 Chronicles 16:7-36) I am excited to again read the verse I underlined so long ago. “Search for the LORD and His strength, and keep on searching” (v. 11).

Mm, yes. And then David’s closing thoughts to Asaph, the worship leader. “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!” (v. 36) “From everlasting to everlasting.” Full circle.

Holy God, what would it be like for me to truly live this day completely encompassed by Your good, faithful love? Fully encircled by Your goodness. Depending on Your perfect care.

Yes Father. Let me know You better. Lean into and trust You more. Search for You and Your strength. And keep on searching. Yes please.

I love You Father. Let me serve You well this day. Singing Your praises all the day long. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(228 words ~ 8:15 a.m.)

Planting good seeds

Friday, July 28, 2017 (7:45 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I am not behaving lovingly. I have been curt. Surly. Short. Impatient. Unloving. Mm, yes Father, I have not been experiencing the kind of fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) described by the apostle Paul to the churches in southern Galatia.

Forgive me Father. Forgive my inconsistencies. Forgive my willingness to “get tired of doing what is good” (Galatians 6:9a). I confess to ‘getting discouraged and giving up’ (9b).

I whine. Stomp. Curse. Behave very badly. Much like the “foolish [surly, stupid] child” referenced in Proverbs 17:25.

You want better from me. You deserve better from me. It is only by the Holy Spirit’s work in me that I stand a chance for growing as You would have me grow. Please, Lord. Do Your mighty work in me.

You spoke to the prophet Hosea, telling him: “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12).

Mm, yes please Father. I will always reap what I sow (Galatians 6:7c). Surliness begets surliness. Empower and embolden me in planting good seeds. The ones that represent You well. And produce glorious, life giving fruit.

Yes Father. Yes. This I pray in Your Son’s most holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(246 words ~ 10:47 a.m.)

everything I need

Thursday, July 27, 2017 (6:16 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You Father.

Contemplating Psalm 23 this morning I am reminded of Your perfect care for each of us. Thank You Father. Thank You.

How easy it is for us to look at circumstances that surround our every day lives and become discouraged. Oh, but when we turn to Your Word; trusting, believing, hoping, expecting we find so very much on which to cling.

Mm, hope. So many different ways to say, “I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1b). Thank You Father.

Most often quoted as “I shall not want”, this morning I look at the other rewordings of this important Truth.

“I have everything I need” (The Living Bible). Why? “Because the Lord is my Shepherd.”

Simple. True. Perfect.

Holy God, I ask You this morning to guide me in the way You would have me go. Shepherd me as only You know is best. I need You. I want You. I love You. I thank You.

Yes Father, I thank You for being everything I need. Use me well I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(187 words ~ 6:52 a.m.)

"The New Relationship"

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 (6:20 a.m.)

Mm, Most Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for the privilege of coming before You. What an honor.

Mm, yes. Thank You Father! Searching the word privilege I get to read of The New Relationship (Galatians 3:26-4:7 Illustrated Bible Handbook) we have because we are God's Children through Faith (The Life Recovery Bible).

“In Christ we have received ‘the full rights of sons’ (4:1-5). With full rights we have received the Spirit as a direct link to God, so we can speak with Him and hear His voice directly rather than through the law (4:6). As an heir, we also have the full resources of God Himself, available to enable us to live the new life to which we have been called in Christ (4:7)” (Sonship Illustrated Bible Handbook).

Yep! We are indeed privileged. Thank You Father.

The Message announces, “when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent His Son". That part right there allows me to once again remember that You are indeed in charge.

Jesus was “born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law that He might redeem those of us who had been kidnapped by the law.” What Truth in poetry!

“Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage.” See what I mean about privilege?

“You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as His own children because God sent the Spirit of His Son into our lives crying out, ‘Papa! Father!’ Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.”

“Privilege of intimate conversation with God”. Mm, yes. Privilege.

Father, thank You for such privilege. Thank You that I get to sing to You in the middle of the night. Thank You that I get to come to You as Your child. How I ask You to guide and direct me this day.

Be in, with, by, through and for me Blessed Father. I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask You to hold me close that I would become all that You would have me be.

Thank You for the privilege of knowing and loving You. Use me as You wish. Thank You. Amen.

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

bless this mess

Monday, July 24, 2017 (7:06 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I keep seeing messes.

Let me start again… 

Thank You Holy God. All around me I see messes. Many of them of my own making. Your Word calls us to “Give thanks in all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). More often than not, I forget that.

So here I am, quite unsure of what to do next with all the mess with which I am surrounded. Except to say to You most Holy God and Father, “Please bless this mess.”

Use it all to Your good and to Your glory. You alone are holy (revelation 15:4). Worthy (Psalm 145:3).

Mm, yes. Father, thank You!

I start thanking and snippets of songs (Revelation Song) begin singing. I turn to Your Word and one promise leads to another.

Blessed God, I believe You to be good. True. Honest. Perfect. Faithful. Eternal. The mess will pass Lord. You will remain.

A song often sung by me just got a new verse. Aways before it has been, ♫In my life [heart, praise] Lord Be glorified, be glorified…♫ Now and for as long is necessary let my worship of You ring out as I wholeheartedly sing to You most holy God, ♫In this mess Lord Be glorified… today♫

Yes most Holy God, thank You for this mess. I bring it all to You that ultimately You would even be glorified through this. Continue Your fine, good work in each of us I pray. We love You. We thank You. And earnestly we pray, “God, bless this mess.” Thank You. We love You. Amen.

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

"I love You"

Sunday, July 23, 2017 (6:23 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I love You! Mm, yes. I love you!

What a wonderfully essential thing to get to say to You. Thank You Father for the Pastor [Reverend James Hutton] all those years ago who taught on the importance of saying these words to You. Often and regularly.

How cool for me to find just now that King David actually said these very same words to You. Psalm 18:1. “I love You, LORD! You are my strength.”

Mm, yes! The Living Bible, “Lord, how I love You! For You have done tremendous things for me.” Yes! Yes You have!

Thank You Father. Thank You that The Life Recovery Bible footnote (18:6-15) tells us that “The psalmist used very graphic language here to show how serious God is about helping those who turn to Him for help.” Oh, yes, Blessed Father! Thank You.

Teach me in living this day truly loving You and others. I do love You Father. Empower me in loving as You desire. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

truly deighted

Friday, July 21, 2017 (6:42 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Saturday, July 22, 2017 (7:17 a.m.)

Mm, Holy God,

I’m here again. Still trying to get started.

We have a different word processing program. The look is foreign to me. And… we have ants!

Relatively minor frustrations that keep taking me closer to that proverbial edge of which I don’t wish to go over.

Father, get my focus back on You.

I watch the clock. Find a multitude of things with which to distract myself. 

Earlier in the week, I heard myself repeatedly using the word delightful. Let’s start there, shall we?

Mm, Holy God. Yes. I much prefer when I put my mind on You. I look to Your Word and am reminded that there is so very much with which I am truly delighted.

Thank You Father. Thank You that I get to turn to Psalm 89 (vs. 5-18) and over to 1 Thessalonians 2 (vs. 9-12). I read of all You are, as well as the encouragement the apostle Paul gave to fellow believers.

Thank You Lord for Your well documented Word which reminds us of how we are to live our lives. Praising. Rejoicing. Delighted, in You!

Holy Lord God, with every single frustration of the day (ants included) I come before You asking  that You would continue ‘holding my hand, whispering encouragement, showing me step-by-step how to live well before You, who called me into Your own kingdom, into this delightful life” (The Message, 1 Thessalonians 2:12).

Mm, yes Father. Yes. Show me ‘step-by-step how to live well before You’. That I would be truly delighted in, with, by, through and for You. I love You so much. Let that be what is obvious today.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(303 words ~ 11:44 a.m.)

Psalm 30

Thursday, July 20, 2017 (6:12 a.m.)

Holy, Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You!

It happened again. Slept some hours. Woke with a start. Couldn’t get back to sleep. Thought upon thought led to severe downheartedness. The last thing I remember is talking to You and finally confessing, “I’m a mess, Lord. Emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.” And then? Peaceful sleep.

Thank You Father. Thank You.

Turning to Psalm 30 (v. 5) to consider weeping going on in the night and joy coming in the morning I was drawn to verse two. “O LORD my God, I cried out to you for help,”. Yes Father. Thank You that I chose to do exactly that. Knowing that it is only You who can settle my mixed up heart, soul, mind and strength.

And here in Your Holy Word (New Living Translation), the clincher. “… and you restored my health.” Mm, Father. Yes. Various translations. So many different ways of saying, “… and Thou hast healed me” (King James Version).

The Living Bible, “… and You gave me my health again.”

The Message, “… and You put me together.”

Wycliff Bible, “… and Thou madest me whole.”

I do believe my favorite for this morning is The Voice. “Eternal One, my True God, I cried out to You for help; You mended the shattered pieces of my life.” Mm. Yes. Blessed God. You are doing that in my heart. In my soul. In my mind. And in my strength.

Left to my own devices, I long to give up. Quit. Wallow. You call me to “stand firm”. Oh, yes, Blessed Father. Indeed. Yes!

The apostle Paul wrote “to encourage the Thessalonian believers to fulfill their day-to-day responsibilities while anticipating Christ’s return” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE). “With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in His special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you say and do” (2Thessalonians 2:15-17).

Oh yes Blessed God! How I ask You to give me strength in saying and doing good things! 

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for this section Believers Should Stand Firm states, “Paul praised the Thessalonians for their exemplary faith and encouraged them. To stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truths they had been taught. We must do the same if we hope to make progress in recovery. If we cannot face the truth about our own life, we came even begin the process. We need to recognize that we are powerless and that we need God’s help to survive and grow spiritually. Recognizing this truth is a foundational step toward recovery.”

Yes! Amen. Amen. Amen!

Make it so in this day Blessed God! Your power, to mend the shattered pieces of my life.

While I may indeed feel like a mess, I am made in Your image (Genesis 1:27). Work in, with, by, through and for me as only You can. I love You Father. I need You. And I thank You. Oh, how I thank You. Amen!

(8:30 a.m.)

beginning again

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 (6:56 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed God,

Thank You!

♫You have called. I have come. To the house of the holy One. You are God. I will run into You♫. Yes Father. Thank You.

Tossing and turning since 3:20 this morning. Hashing and rehashing events of the past several days.

I confess to You right now Blessed Lord, I fail. A lot. Living in and through You does not come naturally to me. I struggle. Fall. Quit. And ultimately begin again. Thank You Father. Thank You for fresh starts.

My nature is to shy away from confrontations. Hold grudges. Nurse hurts. Build cases. Thank You for Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Use them to settle my heart, soul, mind and strength.

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:14-17) to remind him of the wonderful resource we have in Your Word. It is our ultimate guide to realizing what is wrong in our lives (The Life Recovery Bible footnote). It promises Your powerful help to all who turn to You with humble hearts.

That is me this morning Blessed God. Failed again. Took my sights off You for what seemed only a second. Human. Humbled. Wrong. Again.

Thank You that once more I realize my need for You is greater than any other. My desire truly is to live in You. By You, with You, through You, for You. You. Only You.

Forgive my foolishness I pray. Every single attempt I make in living any day in my own strength and power only blows up in my face. Thank You for reminding me of the importance of being earnest and repenting (Revelation 3:19). Thank You Father.

Thank You that it IS in You, and You alone, that I am made strong (Ephesians 6:10). Letting my guard down for even a moment gives satan every opportunity to come right in like a roaring lion and devour me (1 Peter 5:8). Thank You for sending Your Son and His mighty name (Philippians 2:6-11) to counter the onslaught of evil!

Holy God, You absolutely have Your work cut out for Yourself in me. Thank You that You do no give up. ♫Oh no, You never let go. Through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, You never let go. In every high and every low.  Oh no, You never let go. Lord, You never let go of me♫.

Bless You Father. Praise You. Thank You. I love You. Live in me this day that I will serve You well. In my thoughts as well as my actions. Yes Father. Let me truly repent and begin again! I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(8:06 a.m.)

Nehemiah

Sunday, July 16, 2017 (7:12 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You for the privilege of singing ♫Our God is An Awesome God♫ as I woke up this morning. Blessed God, You DO ♫reign from heaven above. With wisdom, pow’r and love♫.

Thank You Father for the way a song can lead me to Your Word (Nehemiah 1:5).

coming unto You

Saturday, July 15, 2017 (6:18 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You for the privilege of coming unto You. Mm, yes. Big smile!

♫Come let us worship and bow down Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker♫

♫You have called I have come to the House of the Holy One♫

♫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 has made!” I will rejoice for He has made me glad♫ (Psalm 100:4).

Oh Blessed Holy God, how I thank You to be singing words of praise to You again. I confess, they haven’t been the go to music of my soul this past week. No. Ducks scurried and there was a surrey with fringe on the top.

Thank You that You know me so well. Thank You that You provide my every single need.

I long to live in and with You this day. By, through and for You. There was definitely a sense of that yesterday. And I’m asking for more of the same. Trusting. Depending. Hoping all in You. Let my roots grow down deep in You like a tree planted along a riverbank (Jeremiah 17:6). Not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit (v. 8).

Mm, yes Father. How I long for You to produce Your delicious fruit in me!

I love You. Guide and protect me this day that I would indeed serve You well. “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b). Let THIS be the cry of this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(6:51 a.m.)

"A Fresh Newness"

Friday, July 14, 2017 (8:40 a.m.)

Mm, Most Holy God,

Thank You. We have the opportunity to move slowly this morning. Mm. Yes. Father, thank You.

How awesome to have the first place I turned in Your Word just now speak to me on so many levels. I was preparing to go in one direction and here I am instead again in Ephesians (5:15-20).

Living by the Spirit’s Power. The Life Recovery Bible tells us to “be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.” Um ~ hello!

Yes, please, Father. Sign me up to live by the Spirit’s power.

I keep trying to do it on my own. And I fail at it miserably. A self-critical nature barrages me with reminders of mistakes, faults and failings.

Blessed, Holy God I confess to capitalizing on my own unworthiness. My tendency is to focus on and build the case against myself.

How I ASK You to empower me in living as You would have me live. Truly, I long to “make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days” (v. 16).

The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus to strengthen their relationship with You and each other. He told them, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants You to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control You” (vs. 17-18).

Oh, yes Father. Yes!

Paul goes on to promise, “Then You will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 19-20).

Mm, yes. Lord Jesus Christ, it IS in, with, by, through and for You I long to live!

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us of Maturity in our New Testament as being “associated with reaching a goal.” It also adds, “Maturity should not be confused with perfection.”

As I consider the opportunity I have this day Blessed God, I continue quoting from this particular Theology in Brief.”Our life can be one of constant growth. Maturity is something that comes gradually and is gained through experience (cf. Hebrews 5:14).”

Reminding us that “because we can grow more and more toward Christ’s likeness, there is always a fresh newness to the life that lies ahead.” How I ask You to enable and empower me in using this day to “grow toward that maturity promised to each of us in Christ.”

I love You Lord. I thank You. And I ask You to grow me well. Thank You. Amen.

(10:35 a.m.)

fine and good

Thursday, July 13, 2017 (6:45 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Happy my mom’s birthday. Thank You for her fine and good example of life.

Oh! Look at all the unexpected tears just rushing to the forefront of my being. My eyes, of course. But also my throat. And clenched teeth. Tightened shoulders. Quivering chin. Runny nose. All working together to ward off the fall out.

Thank You Father! Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You for the work You continue doing in me. Thank You that I can take the deep breaths. Heave the heavy sighs. Settle my countenance. And smile!

In my most recent quest to no longer fake fine, I again look to You. To Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. And the hope we find herein.

Thank You most Blessed Holy God. Thank You for the section of Scripture that prompted this outpouring of emotion in the first place.

Deuteronomy 6 A Call for Wholehearted Commitment Love for God: 6:1-25. Things going well for her children and grandchildren (v.3 The Message) is DEFINITELY what this woman longed for.

Lord, thank You for her teachings and commitment to loving us that ultimately led us to You.

Yes Father. Thank You for this fine, good woman. Empower and enable me to using Your love to honor her (Exodus 20:12) and YOU this day.

How I thank You and praise You. Amen.

(7:32 a.m.)

notes

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 (6:48 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Good morning. There's a tune in my head that I would love...

And You did it God! I didn't think I'd find it. Hadn't remembered singing it at church last Saturday. And here it is. Thank You Father.

Yes. Blessed, Holy God, this morning I am thanking You for notes. Notes from church services. Music notes. Grace notes. Love notes. Notes that remind us again and again that You love us so incredibly much.

Holy God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the notes we find in Your Word from others. Thank You for calling us to You. Thank You for providing for our every need.

♫Only You deserve The praises of the earth Words are not enough To sing of all You're worth Thank You Holy God For Your healing blood Thank You for Your grace and Your mighty love♫

And now the notes You pieced together for me, leading to the words ♫You have called I have come To the house of the Holy One You are God I will run into You♫ Mm, yes Father! ♫You have called I have come To the house of the Holy One You are God I will run into You♫

Blessed, Holy God, there is such a note of sadness coursing through me. Tears keep coming. Falling. Coming again.

I read Your Word. Romans. Nehemiah. My hopes rise. Head nods. Smiles start. And then something of our present times reminds me of the heartbreaks of this world.

Jesus, through it all I come back to Your words to “all people everywhere” (THE BOTTOM LINE John The Life Recovery Bible). And again, smiles. Long, deep breath. Peace.

“I have told you all this [what was to come] so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 The Living Bible).

Mm, yes. Thank You Jesus!

As my heart, soul, mind and strength dart off in all the directions they are prone to do, I ask You (Matthew 7:7) to guide my focus back to loving, seeking, hoping and trusting YOU! All other notes aside, keep my attention solely on You.

I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(389 words ~ 8:47 a.m.)

"The Whole Armor of God"

Tuesday, July 11, 2017 (7:05 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You so much. Sleep was good. Solid. Easy. Thank You.

Thank You that emotions are being sorted out. Just the right amount of anger prompted much yard work and a lot of conversation with You. Thank You for reminding me of the importance of putting on Your armor (Ephesians 6:10-20) each and every day.

Mm, yes. The Whole Armor of God! Thank You Father. Thank You the ways Your Word speaks to us. Repeatedly.

Oh yes, Father. Thank You that we are to “be strong with the Lord's mighty power” (v. 10). Your power. Not what we attempt to muscle up on our own.

Thank You for the deep contentment coursing through my being right now. A sense of ease I have been missing recently. Yes Father, thank You!

Thank You for the stomping of my feet. The growls under my breath. The tenseness in my fists. All working together to remind me that I am to not sin by letting anger gain control over me (Psalm 4:4; Ephesians 4:26).

Freedom, Father! There is SUCH freedom found in Your Word! “Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, 'You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'” (John 8:31-32).

As I prepare to go out into this day, I ask that You would empower and enable me to “use every piece of [Your] armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle [I] will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

Yes Father. Yes! How I ask that I would indeed be made strong in Your mighty power (v. 10). Yes. Yes. Yes!

Thank You Father. Thank You.

I love You. Use me well this day. To Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(320 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

to be overcome by Your presence, Lord

Monday, July 10, 2017 (6:47 a.m.)

Holy, Blessed God,

(7:06 a.m.)

A very detailed bilingual dream has my attention. I would much rather my focus be on You.

Thank You Father. Even as I was unable to gather my thoughts into thanks and praise I sought Your Word.

Translating “Ven. Con nosotros” into “Come. With us” I didn't find a section of Scripture I believed You leading me to.

Looking through “Life Recovery TOPICAL INDEX” I stopped at “COMPLACENCY (see Procrastination)”. Seeing “PROCRASTINATION (see also Rationalization)” I once again look to You; asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7).

Guide me where You want me in Your Word this morning.

Yesterday I started singing ♫Holy Spirit You are welcome here, Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere♫ I stopped when I couldn't remember ♫Your GLORY God is what our hearts long for♫

And now I know the prayer of my heart this morning lies in the next line ♫To be overcome by Your presence, Lord♫ Oh yes, blessed Father! I long to be overcome by Your presence.

I confess. I have been complacent. Critical. Fussy. Cranky. Hot. Irritated. Irritating. Change my heart Blessed God. Adjust my attitude, I pray. Truly, I long to be overcome by Your presence, Lord!

I have not been rejoicing in You always. Nor have I given thanks in all things. Circumstances not to my liking have yielded curses not blessings. Forgive me I pray.

I ask You to make me honest. Open. Willing. I have been hedging again. Fearful. Not wanting to get my hopes up.

Thank You that You are truly omnipresent. Everywhere. Boundless.

Thank You that Moses urged Your people to “search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for Him with all your heart and soul, you will find Him” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

Yes Father. Let us be overcome by Your presence, Lord. This I humbly pray in Your Son's most holy name. I love You. I thank You. I want You. Amen.

(328 words ~ 8:27 am.)

"wholeness in our life"

Sunday, July 9, 2017 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

You are good. Holy. All the time.

I am not. I could easily make a list of all the things I am not. Let's not do that. Help me focus on You instead. Your blessings. Your goodness.

The sky was beautiful this morning. I thought of You instantly. You and Your glory.

(7:31 a.m.)

Thank You Father.

Thank You that I get to sit here, reminded that the heavens declare Your glory (Psalm 19:1). In so doing, I am led to read, trust, believe and hope in the Truth of Your Word.

Illustrated Bible Handbook, “Psalm 19. Here is a measured statement of God's revelation of Himself in nature (1-6) and in the written word (7-14).” Mm, yes. Thank You!

The Life Recovery Bible footnotes affirm Your presence with us (19:1-6) while also declaring the importance of Your laws. “19:7-11 Adhering to God's laws will produce wholeness in our life.” Oh, yes please Father!

“Applying God's Truth revives our inner being and gives insight – even to the least of us – into how we should live. His Word is not a burden that robs us of the good things of life (see Matthew 11:29-30). Instead, it transforms us and replaces our discouragement with joy.” Mm, Your promises Lord!

And here, (International Children's Bible, verses 12-13 ) is more of Your Truth spelled out. “No one can see all his own mistakes. Forgive me for my secret sins. Keep me from the sins I want to do. Don't let them rule me. Then I can be pure and free from the greatest of sins.” Oh, indeed Father. Indeed!

“I hope my words and thoughts please You. Lord, You are my Rock, the One who saves me” (14). Yes Father. Yes.

Your sky declared Your glory for me this morning. And I am so incredibly grateful. Thank You for using it to guide me in Your Word.

Truly allow my words and thoughts to please You. I confess, I'm pretty sure they have not been. Use me this day for Your good and for Your glory. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

and mean it!

Saturday, July 8, 2017 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

I love You. I want to thank You... and mean it. I really do.

Circumstances and situations seem to be negatively intensified by the heat. I find myself grumping and grousing just because I'm hot.

Forgive me Father. You bless us profoundly. Truly, I am grateful. Keep working in me to be more like the teachings of Paul.

He “learned the secret of contentment in every situation” (Philippians 4:12). He charged the believers in Thessalonica to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Yes Father, I am asking You to continue empowering me in doing this... and mean it!

James told the early believers (James 1:2-4) “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” Yes please!

The common denominator in all this? Your power. Your Son. Your Spirit.

Father, I love You. I do. And I am grateful. Really, truly I am. Keep working in me. Guiding. Teaching. Empowering. Enabling me to be and feel and think and do (Mark 12:30-31) all that You have for me.

Thank You. Bless You. Praise You. I mean it! Thank You. Amen.

(231 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

Teach me, please!

Friday, July 7, 2017 (6:07 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You that no matter what is going on in our lives You are still blessed and holy.

Yes. Blessed, Holy God, I ask You to guide my thoughts and my learning right now. They tend to scatter. It's already hot outside. I didn't expect that. Turning in Your Word I am reminded of verses I have studied before.

Looking at notes from past church services I remember songs we have sung. Snippets of information. Messages of hope and proclamation. Teach me, please. Mm, yes. Teach me, please!

I am eager to learn. Eager to trust. Eager to obey.

And here's the verse I ask to live out this day. Psalm 143:10. “Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You], For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Amplified Bible).

Mm, yes. Teach me. Please You. My God. Good Spirit. Lead me. Level ground.

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes, “Psalm 143. A cry for deliverance and guidance.”

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for verses 143:5-12 speaks of addiction, lost hope, deepening depression, Your help. At our very fingertips we have Your Truth offering us eternal hope. “As we spend time in prayer, His gracious Spirit will lead us forward and show us how to live.”

Mm, yes. Yes. Oh, yes! Gracious Spirit, lead us forward. Show us how to live. In You. By You. Through You. For You!

Blessed, Holy, Faithful Father God, how I thank You that Your love is perfect. Teach me to recognize it. Know it. Believe it. Trust it. Live it. Share it. Yes Father. Teach me, please! I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(289 words ~ 7:45 a.m.)

the smile of God

Thursday, July 6, 2017 (6:33 a.m.)

Holy God,

Hi. It's already an interesting morning. And look! I'm smiling.

Thank You God. Thank You for things that help us smile. Who would have thought that with the amount of brooding I had already done this morning that it would take a mysteriously broken egg in our back yard to remind me of Your love and care for each of us?

You are good God. All the time.

I keep getting glimpses of Your goodness. Yes. Another glimpse of goodness with God. Your goodness!

Thank You Father that we get to choose. In every event of the day. Positive? Negative. Fear? Faith. Facts. Feelings. It's all there. And we get to decide.

Thank You Father. Thank You for giving us reasons to smile. We don't have to know. Or understand. Or even care. Just be aware. Alert. Paying attention for the glimpses of Your goodness. And then smile. Sing. Stay. Stretch.

My own reminders of what it is to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). And my neighbor as myself (31).

Holy God, I confess that when I try to figure any of this out I become distraught. I don't do enough. Can't be enough. And then I remember! That's why You sent Your Son. And look... another smile!

Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You.

I read Your Word. Reconciliation between brothers Esau and Jacob (Genesis 33:10). Your smiling presence among Your people (Psalm 44:1-7). Asaph's prayer for restoration and Your face shining down upon Your people (Psalm 80).

The Life Recovery Bible (80:9-13) affirms, “God does marvelous works for us. He frees us from bondage, removes barriers from our life, and firmly establishes us, doing all He can to help us grow and prosper spiritually.” Mm, yes!

Keep me breathing You deeply into my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength Blessed God. Ever reminding me “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your [MY] face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day” (Proverbs 15:13).

Mm, yes! A cheerful heart. The smile of God. Mm. Make that my Truth for this day Blessed God. This day that You have made. That I would TRULY rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Yes Holy Father please!

How I love You. And ask that You would please use me to Your good and to Your glory. Order this day and my participation in it exactly as You wish. I love You. How I thank You. Amen.

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

filled with emotion

Wednesday, July 5, 2017 (6:40 a.m.)

Holy God,

I keep getting tears. Not a lot. A few here. Some there. Enough to know that I want to spend some serious time here with You Blessed God.

Thank You Father. Thank You that I get to come here. Filled with emotion. Truly searching Your Word.

I love when I come upon a verse I haven't considered before. Today it's Psalm 56:8. The Message, “You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in Your ledger, each ache written in Your book.”

Thank You that everywhere I turn this morning I am reminded that “The symbolism of a record book expresses that God knows everything about people” (The Learning Bible 40.7 the book). Oh, yes Blessed God!

I read. I hope. I pause. Tear up. Read more. Hope more...

The Life Recovery Bible footnote (Psalm) 56:8-13, “As we keep our thoughts focused on God and trust Him, we will find, as the psalmist did, that God is on our side. Even when our struggles are most difficult, God knows our pain, and He will do His part.”

I don't have to waste time figuring out what exactly is “wrong” with me. And then trying desperately to “fix” it. No! I get to trust and hope in YOU! Your plan. Your promises. Your Word.

Continuing with the footnote, “We, however, must fulfill our responsibilities of being obedient to God's revealed will. His program is always best for us in the long run.” Yes!

Today, last week, I have been filled with tearful emotion. Change persists. Nothing stays the same. And I get to practice being grateful. Content. Trustful. Believing that You know exactly all You are doing.

Thank You Blessed God. Thank You that “There are three things that will endure – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthian 13:13).

Yes Blessed God. Thank You for Your love. Your hope. And for collecting my tears in Your bottle. I love You. Use me this day EXACTLY as You wish. I love You. I thank You. Amen!

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