THINK

Wednesday, October 31, 2018 (6:52 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You for all the sleep I was able to have. Thank You for waking me just now with the thought that “I don’t know what I think I know.”

It’s been awhile since I’ve remembered that. And it’s true. I may THINK I know something concerning another person, but that doesn’t necessarily make it so.

Thank You Father. Thank You also for the reminder to THINK. Making sure that my thoughts, words and deeds are: true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind. You are so good to us Father. How I ask that You would keep working in, with, by, through and for me.

You keep bringing me to a place of forgiveness. And I continue inching away. I have some very firm, practically cemented, thoughts on certain individuals. Thank You that it was right in the middle of that thinking when You reminded me again about my not knowing what I think I know.

Thank You Father. It is not my business to take another’s inventory. No. I am to ♪Think, think, think on these things. Think on the things that are lovely. Think, think, think on these things, Think on the things that are good♪ (Charity Churchmouse). Oh yes Dear Father.

Philippians 4:8 (The Voice) tells us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.”

Here I ask You to make it so Dear God. Yes. Do all You must in enabling me to “think about things that are true, honest, right, clean and pure, things that are lovely, and things that are good to talk about. If they are good, and if they bring praise to God, think about these things” (Worldwide English).

Yes please Father. Do all You must. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

elevated

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 (5:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Fun was had yesterday.

(7:27 a.m.)

And I’m back.

Along with the fun, there were also some tears of misunderstanding. And a tiny misstep resulting in increasing pain.

Here I sit. Foot elevated. Replaying the events of the day. Gingerly taking steps as necessary. Looking to You. Asking where our time together should lead. To Your Word. Where in Your Word?

Elevated. Luke 1:46-55. Mary’s Magnificat. Her poetic song of praise to You. Having been told that she had been chosen to carry Your Son, her soul magnifies You.

Wow! Can we just take this minute so I can once more say, “Thank You!” Yes. Thank You Father.

I read. Again ♪Blessed Be The Name♪ starts singing to me. And then I read some more.

Look at this… Verse 46. In so many different translations and paraphrases. I find myself caught up in Mary's joy. Thank You Father. Praise You.

Her soul “doth magnify the Lord” (King James Version).

Magnifies and exalts. Extols. Praises the greatness of the Lord. Glorifies. Proclaims. Is overflowing with praise, full of joy. Bursting with God-news; dancing the song. Sings. Declares. Is ecstatic. Lifts up.

Holy God, one little misstep took me to elevating my foot. And here I get to read of how the mother of our Lord and Savior elevated You. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the lessons there are to be learned every single day. We love You so much. We get to choose where we put our focus. Thank You for Mary’s example of putting hers directly on You.

Work in, with, by, through and for me this day that I will be all You designed me to be. Yours. Fully and completely Yours. Use me to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

possibilities

Monday, October 29, 2018 (5:31 a.m.)

Blessed God,

It’s the day for a brand new to me adventure. Volunteering in two different dual language immersion classrooms. Thank You for this opportunity Lord.

Thank You for the way in which it all came about. Seemingly out of the blue. Definitely not planned by me. Never even considered actually.

Thank You for the excitement. The possibilities. The hope. There’s a word I didn’t expect to find in this. Hope. Yes, hope.

Thank You Father. I tend to play things safe. Close to my chest. Not risk. And here I am truly putting myself out there. Thank You for leading me to this.

And here I pause to wonder. Was it You doing the leading? One thing seemingly led to another. This door opening unto the next.

Often I jump right into things assuming it’s You I’m following. How I pray this is the case here.

Reading this morning in Proverbs, I am thrilled again by Your provision for each of us. Blessed God, thank You.

Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son to teach and die for us. Thank You for His resurrecting power.

Thank You for Solomon’s valuing of Your wisdom. Illustrated Bible Handbook declares, “The goal of instructions such as is given in Proverbs or other wisdom literature is neither knowledge nor skill, but holiness.”

Father, as I prepare to go off in a new for me direction this morning I ask You to cover me with Your wisdom. Align my will with Yours for me.

The father spoken of in Proverbs 4 refers to wisdom femininely. “Cherish her, and she will help you rise above the confusion of life - your possibilities will open up before you - embrace her, and she will raise you to a place of honor in return” (v. 8).

Mm. Yes Father. Teach me to be wise. Following Your instruction.

I love You and I long to live this day for You. In You. By, with and through You. Empower me in making the choices You would have me make. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(356 words ~ 6:47 a.m.)

"Come To The Table"

Sunday, October 28, 2018 (6:50 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. You are first this morning. Before anything else. Work in me that nothing takes Your rightful place as number one in my heart, my soul, my mind, my strength.

Thank You for the songs that have already been singing to me this morning. ♪Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty♪ much earlier and ♪Blessed Be Your Name♪ just now.

Thank You for the husband’s call to “come to the window” and see the beauty of Your parfait looking sky. And just by saying that to You right now I am singing ♪Come To The Table♪ (by Sidewalk Prophets).

Oh thank You Father. Thank You that I can go to the window and see and come to the table and…

And what? Eat? Live? Commune? Remember?

Here I confess to You. I’ve always related going to Your table as a feast “in the presence of mine enemies” (Psalm 23:5). This morning is the first time I find it related to The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-23).

(10:03 a.m.)

After time spent singing You praises and learning more of Your Truth and Love (2 John) I am still singing ♪Come To The Table♪. As I take the idea of spending time at Your table with me into this day I ask You to again empower me to continue the work You are doing around here.

It is You working in, with, by, through and for me that is allowing me to carry on. Doing the next thing that has been stalled for so long. Thank You Father.

Keep doing all You must in bringing me back around to where and who You would have me. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

drawing close to God

Saturday, October 27, 2018 (6:33 a.m.)

Holy God,

There was something I was going to say to You this morning; besides “Thank You”. What was it? Hmmm… Think. Think. Think.

Off hand, I’ve yet to remember.

(6:49 a.m.)

It still hasn’t come to me. I got up. Moved. Took things from here to there. Still nothing. Except maybe, “Forgive me Father”.

Yeah. That’s the one! I had the choice of coming straight to You this morning and I picked the internet instead. Emails. Crossword. Social media. Definitely not the best decision.

Yes. Forgive me Father. Forgive me in so many ways. For so many things.

(7:40 a.m.)

Holy God, I confess to taking You for granted. I start time with You and run off to check on something else. Forgive me I pray.

Reading Your Word; hoping, believing, trusting, I breathe deeply, release my shoulders and nod my head. Thank You Father. There is so very much hope to be found in trusting You.

How I ask You to continue Your work in me Blessed God. Pouring over James 4 this morning I’m wanting to know more. Obey more. Do more. Yes, Father.

I came to this chapter for verse 8. “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites.” And I stayed through verse 17.

“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” The Passion Translation puts it this way, “So, if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin.”

Work in me Oh Lord. I struggle. Doubt. Second guess. Do all You must in making me obedient to Your will.

I love You Lord. I need You. I absolutely want You. Believe You. Trust You. And here I ask You to  empower and embolden me to following You as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(338 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)

appreciate weakness

Friday, October 26, 2018 (6:18 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I woke up singing. I love when that happens. Especially when I can come out here and find the words on the very first search. Thank You God.

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

Thank You Father. Thank You so very much. I get to look to You again and again. You are truly from where any strength I ever have comes. Bless You and praise You.

We continue having mountains of work. Piles of stuff. A never ending battle with belongings. And here You are in the midst of it all reminding me that Your grace is all I truly need.

I chide myself often for my inabilities in various areas. And You sing to me about Your grace being enough. Thanks Dad.

I’m in WAY over my head here Lord. What do we give away? What will we use? Where does it belong?

♪So remember Your people Remember Your children Remember Your promise, oh God Your grace is enough for me♪

In one of his letters to the Corinthians (2.12:8-10) the apostle Paul told of his own experience with suffering and Jesus’ response. “But He replied, ‘My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.’ So if Christ keeps giving me His power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am” (Contemporary English Version).

Reading in Illustrated Bible Handbook of weakness being strength, we learn of You teaching Paul “to appreciate weakness”. Oh yes Blessed God. Work in me that I will fully rely on Your grace [favor, loving-kindness, mercy] being enough [sufficient] for me.

Thank You for Your reminders Blessed God. I love You so much. I need You. I want You. Work in, with, by, through and for me as only You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(364 words ~ 7:13 a.m.)

on purpose

Thursday, October 25, 2018 (6:00 a.m.)

Holy Blessed God,

Good morning. Thank You Father. Sleep happened. It wasn’t easy but it did finally come. Thank You.

Thank You too for all the thoughts of all the things I was thinking. I confess to You the overwhelm I am feeling Father.

We’ve waited far too long to take care of business around here. Household chores done regularly would have far lessened our work loads now.

Rather than continuing to berate and wish otherwise, I am looking to You Father. Remembering “In all things give thanks” (1Thessalonians 5:18). Yes Father. Yes!

I could drone on and on about the areas in which I lack. Instead I turn to Your Word. And smile. Broadly. Hopefully. Thank You Father.

A word I woke up with this morning was ‘intentional’. On purpose. Deliberate. Mm, yes Father. Truly this is what I ask. Empower me to live and love this day with purpose. Intentionally. Deliberately. Purposefully.

While I am truly feeling overwhelmed by the work load my own neglect has created, I find hope in Your Word. Reading one remembered verse leads to another. Then another. Until I have an entire section speaking to my heart. My soul.

Father, how sincerely I ask You to indeed make it so in me this day.

“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone” (v. 14). Oh that it would be so Dearest God.

“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else” (15). It seems like such a tall order.

“Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit” (16-19). How? On purpose. Mindfully. Intentionally.

Again I ask You Blessed Father, do all You must in making me who You want me to be. Loving. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Kind. Good. Faithful. Gentle. And self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23a). I lack Father. You don’t.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(372 words ~ 7:00 a.m.)

contemplating

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 (7:47 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Thank You. Yes Father, thank You.

Thank You that I get to come and sit with You. Oh yes Father!

As I contemplate Who You are and all You do this morning I keep finding more and more reasons to smile. Broadly.

Turning in Your Word I first read Colossians 3:16. “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Yes!

And then over to Psalm 27:4, “I’m asking GOD for one thing, only one thing: To live with Him in His house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet.” Oh yes Father.

Here I ask you again to continue Your mighty work in, with, by, through and for me. I love You. And I long to represent You well.

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

(179 words ~ 9:11 a.m.)

good cheer

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 (5:58 a.m.)

Hi God,

There’s another hiccup. There always seems to be another hiccup. Thank You that Jesus came to earth. Thank You for His love. And His life.

We come across things that challenge us. And we constantly get to choose where to put our focus. Thank You for the many reminders You give us every day of Your bounty.

(7:08 a.m.)

Beginning my time in Your Word with John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart [be of good cheer], because I have overcome the world.” I quickly went over to chapters 10 (:10) and 15 (:11) reading Your promises of joy and hope. Thank You Father.

We look to You Holy God. Challenges rise up often. And Your Word tells us what to do in their midst. “Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done” (Colossians 2:7).

Thank You Father. Thank You that Your Word calls us to hope and “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart” (Colossians 4:2). Alert and thankful. Yes Father. Thank You.

We are told to “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth” (Colossians 3:2). How I agree with The Life Recovery Bible comment regarding this verse.

“3:1-3 Paul isn’t urging us to deny the harsh realities of life, he is simply reminding us of where our focus should be. When our eyes are on Christ, we see this life from a different perspective. We realize that there is hope, even when everything seems dark and hopeless. As we look with an eternal perspective, the struggles of recovery don’t disappear; rather, they are seen in the proper light. They no longer have the terrifying power that they once did. When we keep our eyes on Christ and His promises for recovery, no obstacle is too great for us to overcome.”

Yes Father. And here begins another song. ♪My life is in You, Lord My strength is in You, Lord My hope is in You, Lord  In You, it’s in You♪ (Joseph Garlington). As my heart sings out to You Blessed God I ask You to make it that, ♪I will praise You with all of my life… with all of my strength All my hope is in You♪

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I will come to love You exactly as You command. With all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12 :30). Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

priorities

Monday, October 22, 2018 (6:13 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I’m looking to You to help me with priorities.

See? This is EXACTLY what I’m talking about! I ask. You supply. Thank You Father.

Searching Your Word for “priorities” I found only one mention. In the Amplified Bible. Psalm 119:37, “Turn my eyes away from vanity [all those worldly, meaningless things that distract - let Your priorities be mine], And restore me [with renewed energy] in Your ways.”

Turning in my Bible I recalled knowing something special about Psalm 119. It’s the longest psalm. Seeing 117 (the shortest) 118:8 came to mind as I recalled a recovery group woman excitedly pointing to its simplicity as a place of comfort.

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to trust in people.” Oh, Amen Father. Thank You.

Thank You that the moment I started reading Your Word, Your Truth began singing to my soul.

♪Give thanks to the Lord our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above all things His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise… Forever God is faithful Forever God is strong Forever God is with us Forever♪

Most Blessed God, as I look to You how truly I ask You to “Turn me away from wanting any other plan than Yours. Revive my heart toward You” (Psalm 119:37; The Living Bible).

Do all You must that I will live this day for You Father. In You. With You. By You. Through You. I love You so much. Thank You Father. Amen.

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

simple things

Sunday, October 21, 2018 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. Of what shall we speak this day?

Gratitude? Yes. Let me once again be grateful. Father, thank You for the simple things. Mm, yes. Talk with me about keeping things simple.

~

Proverbs 15:16, “It’s much better to live simply, surrounded in holy awe and worship [fear] of God, than to have great wealth with a home full of trouble” (The Passion Translation).

order out of chaos

Saturday, October 20, 2018 (5:09 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Yesterday got away from me. With the extra energy I hadn’t had for so long one task led right in to another. Thank You Father. And forgive me.

Thank You that You know each of us so well. Our thoughts. Our hopes. Dreams. Plans. Thank You that we can bring them to You. Asking for discernment. And You bring order to our chaos.

Thank You Father.

(6:14 a.m.)

Yes, Dad.

Seemingly out of nowhere plans have already changed for the day. Thank You that I have You to buoy and strengthen me. Thank You that You love each of us so much.

Coming across a sermon “Contributed by Dean Morgan on Sep 10, 2004” he sites miracles that took place in the Old and New Testaments. Using various chaotic situations as examples, he concludes with Your Truth as he reminds us of the ‘peace and order You can bring where confusion and disorder reign.’

Thank You Father that we get to look to the cross. We are reminded of You providing Your people manna from heaven and water from rocks. So often I magnify circumstances instead of searching for You in the chaos. Thank You for calling me to look to You.

Mm. Yes. Take this day. Use it to Your good and to Your glory. And me in it. Exactly as You wish. I love You Father. I want You. I need You. I trust You. Bring order out of chaos. Thank You. Amen.

(261 words ~ 6:34 a.m.)

fear of the Lord

Friday, October 19, 2018 (8:54 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I feel a whole lot better. More hope. And energy. Thank You Father.

Work in me. By, through, for and with me. You are my Standard. Mm yes.

1 Peter 1:17 reminds me of how blasé I become. Forgive me Father. Too often my thoughts come back to ‘poor me’ about this, that or something else.

“You call Him Father, when you pray to God, who judges all people by the same standard, according to what each one has done; so then, spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for Him.”

eyes of faith

Thursday, October 18, 2018 (5:08 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You. Yes. Really thank You.

I’ve been saying it through most of the night. Every time I had a chance to wake up and consider how truly good You are.

Again I ask Your forgiveness about my recent “woe is me” attitude.

(5:31 a.m.)

And right in the midst of my asking, here You are answering. Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless You. Keep You!

Searching the phrase, I was surprised to find Biblical references. Turning to Isaiah 6:5 I read the prophet’s reaction as he “realizes in horror that he is a sinful man living in a corrupt society” (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

While reading of the coal that touched Isaiah’s lips, removing his guilt and forgiving his sins (vs. 6-7) for some reason chariots of fire came to mind. Following that thought I read in 2 Kings 6:17 and was filled with such hope.

“Then Elisha prayed, ‘Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ And the Lord opened the young man’s eyes so that he could see horses of fir and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!”

I resemble The Life Recovery Bible comment for this section so much. “6:14-20 Elisha’s servant was terrified by the awesome Aramean army because he couldn’t see the help available to him. He was totally unaware of the great army of heavenly soldiers on his side. As we face the difficult task of recovery, we may be tempted to give up; our enemies may seem too powerful to overcome. But as we begin to see through the eyes of faith, we will discover the awesome power available to us. God’s power is far greater than that of any enemy we might face. If we admit our powerlessness and trust God for help, we will find His power more than sufficient for our needs.”

Thank You Father. I desperately need to see through the eyes of faith! I have fallen so far back into random, mindless, out of control care of my well being. I absolutely need the awesome power that comes from trusting You.

Continue Your work in reshaping my will to Your way. I love You so very much. Do all You must to realign me to Your blessed Truth.

Your power and grace is more than sufficient to my needs (2 Corinthians 12:9). Oh yes Blessed God. There is a whole ‘nother topic. Your will. You way. This day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(426 words ~ 6:33 a.m.)

unfailing love

Wednesday, October 17, 2018 (6:46 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m here because I think I’m supposed to be. Not yet that I want to. I’m asking You to change my attitude. It’s been pretty stinky for days.

There are things not to my liking and I’ve yet to accept or work to change them. Hmm. Deep breath. Let me begin again.

Good morning. I love You. Thank You. Forgive my grumps and groans.

You are good. Your are worthy. I have been withdrawing. Rather absent. Making every effort to insulate and protect myself. Forgive me Father.

I know better. We’ve been down this road so many times before.

Self doubt. Disappointment. Frustration. Irritation. Just to name a few. Let me put my focus over on to You instead.

Another deep breath. The beginning of a smile. And a sigh of hopefulness. Thank You Father.

I confess to holding a grudge. Against You. Yes Holy God. All the whining. And avoiding. It all comes back to me blaming You. Forgive me Father.

You are mighty. Majestic. Powerful. Holy. Merciful.

I fell back into comparing myself with others. Feeling less than. Not worthy. And with that I blamed and ignored You.

Again I say forgive me. Forgive my annoyance. My resistance. My reluctance. I truly have been offering You half measures. Left overs.

I read Your Word. Start to get excited. Believe what is written. And then fizzle out. I need You Father. I am floundering. Definitely not standing strong.

So for now I turn again to Psalm 42:5; 11. “Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again - my Savior and my God!”

And here is that nudge toward hopefulness. Verse 8a, “Through each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me”. Yes! Your love is unfailing. Mine is imperfect. 

Do all You must in helping me to ‘through each night sing Your songs, praying to You who gives me life’ (8b). It is in Your unfailing love that I find hope.

Circumstances may disappoint and discourage. YOU do not. Thank You Father. Forgive my unwillingness to trust and hope in You when things are not to my liking. I DO love You. And I desperately want to fully esteem and revere You as You so rightly deserve.

Do all You must. I need You. I want You. And I put my hope in Your unfailing love. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(415 words ~ 9:19 a.m.)

Grateful:

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 (7:57 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. I’ve been up for two hours and have been grateful the whole time.

There were dreams that made me think. And sounds that put me into action. 

You are good and I am grateful.

Yes Father. Grateful: THANKFUL, appreciative; indebted, obliged, obligated, in someone’s debt, beholden.

This one word goes deeper than I’ve ever considered. 

Thankful? Yes. Knew that. Appreciative? Uh-huh. Same thing. Indebted? What? Obliged? In someone’s debt?

These are brand new to me thoughts!

And in truth, I AM beholden to You! I am completely in Your debt. Thank You for the awareness of this.

I get to read in Colossians (3:16)

(10:10 a.m.)

… and want to know You more.

"Come and see"

Monday, October 15, 2018 (5:50 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Forgive me please. I avoided being here with You yesterday. I took my usual route when upset about most things. I pouted. Refused to say much. Did not worship You with my whole heart. Yes, Father. Forgive me please.

Thank You for allowing me to come 

(6:49 a.m.)

and see (John 1:39).

Thank You for time spent reading Your Word. Wondering. Hoping. Trusting. Believing.

Blessed God, I realize I have a really big problem with trust. And believing. I continue becoming more and more cynical. I doubt. Resist. And then resent.

Forgive me I pray. You are so much bigger than all of the petty things over which I struggle. Thoughts of not measuring up. Ah, but whose standard am I using? And therein lies the hope. You are my Lord. You are my Master.

I look to You. Asking You to lead me. Guide me. Work in, with, by, through and for me.

I read of discipleship. Discipline. And I ask You Father. Empower me to hearing, believing, learning, living as You would have me live… as a citizen of heaven (Philippians 1:27).

Oh yes Dear Father. Let me come and see what it is to live as a citizen of heaven. Do all You must Dear Lord. I love You. I need You. I trust You. I want You. Thank You Father.

Guide my heart, soul, mind and strength in loving You as You know is best. Thank You God. Amen.

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

servanthood

Saturday, October 13, 2018 (6:59 a.m.)

Holy God, 

It’s morning. And rainy. Thank You Father.

Thank You for much needed rain. Thank You for the flashes of lightning. And the sounds of thunder with which we went to sleep last night.

I realize how blessed we are. To be here. Safe. Dry. Warm. Thank You God. What would You have me do with Your eternal blessings? Share. Give.

There are those words again. Followed by servanthood. Mm, yes Father. How I long to be the servant You would have me be.

Isaiah 50:4-11; 1 Peter 5:1-4

unfeigned

Friday, October 12, 2018 (6:51 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. I learned a new to me word with You yesterday.

My original plan was to drive a ways for breakfast, come home and finish exploring being unfeigned. Who knew [besides people who make the drive all the time] I would come back exhausted.

Thank You for getting me home safely. And for the naps that followed. All throughout the day.

Holy God, You are so good.

I get to sit here with You. Reading. Thinking. Wondering. Hoping. Planning. And resting.

Yes Father. Thank You for the privilege of resting in You. For learning with You. There is so very much I don’t know.

I come upon verses that speak so loudly to my heart. 1 Timothy 1:5, “For we reach the goal of fulfilling all the commandments when we love others deeply with a pure heart, a clean conscience, and sincere [unfeigned] faith” (The Passion Translation).

Unfeigned: sincere, genuine, real, true, honest, unaffected, unforced, heartfelt, wholehearted, bona fide. One word bringing me again and again to Your Word. Thank You God.

Coming back again, I read James (3:17) describe, “the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering and insincerity).”

In these past twenty-four hours I have read of unfeigned lips (Psalm 17:1), love (2 Corinthians 6:6), faith (1 Timothy 1:5) and wisdom (James 3:17). Hmmm… taking just a moment to examine  how it is we are to love You (Mark 12:30) I make a link here. With all of our heart [love], soul [faith], mind [wisdom] and strength [lips].

Oh yes Father. How I ask that I would come to love You unfeigned! Work in, with, by, through and for me Father. I love You and long to serve You as You wish to be served. Unfeigned!

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

"I love You"

Thursday, October 11, 2018 (6:07 a.m.)

(6:39 a.m.)

Okay I’m here. Let’s see if I’m willing to stay.

Hi God,

I keep trying to think of something real to say to You. How about “I love You”? Yeah. That’ll work.

Thank You that we get to come before You with our hearts unfeigned. How’s that for a word?

Sincere. Genuine. Real. True. Honest.

And just like that I get to explore Your Word (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition). Finding verses I may have previously overlooked.

Because of Your perfect love for each of us, I get to read of David’s “unfeigned and guileless lips” (Psalm 17:1). The apostle Paul writes of love unfeigned (2 Corinthians 6:6) regarding his servanthood to You.

"Back to You!"

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 (7:59 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. We’re home. Safely. Thank You very much! And I’m feeling just a little bit off.

One moment I have all this excitement and momentum and the very next I’m filled with enormous self doubt. About almost every decision I stand to make.

So here I am instead. Looking to You. Asking You to guide and settle my thoughts back to You. Mm, yes Father. Back to You!

(8:26 a.m.)

Oh You know me so well!

Here I sit. Attempting to detangle my thoughts and feelings. I turn to You. Your Word. Your Truth. And the overall sense of peace settles in. Then flits off again as I consider all I am not.

I love You Father. I thank You. I want You. I need You. And I am asking You to enable and empower me in doing what I believe You are calling me to do. Give!

Yes Father. I’m reading about the importance of giving. And I confess to You how very reluctant I am to give. I tend to save. Keep. Harbor. Clutch. Cling. Clench. Grip.

So here again I ask You to make me willing. Ready me. I’m again struggling with knowing, believing and desperately wanting to give. All the while keeping my hands tightly closed.

Father, I love You. My heart comes back to wanting to be a good steward. Yet fearing making a mistake. I need Your presence with me. Your guidance. Your power. Your strength. Giving is out of my character. Out of my comfort zone. Work with me I pray.

Reading in Illustrated Bible Handbook I am intrigued. Hopeful. Desiring. “2 Corinthians Chapter 8, 9. Giving under the New Covenant Giving Encouraged; 8:1-7. Giving Explained; 8:8-9:5. Benefits of Giving; 9:6-15.”

The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians to be like the churches of Macedonia. Although gripped in poverty they were eager to give to cover the needs of their brothers. I want to be like that Father. Cheerful in giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Work in me I pray Dearest Dad. You’ve taught me much though the years. How better to love. Forgive. Trust. Hope. Now this. Make me a cheerful giver I ask.

♪Freely, freely you have received - Freely, freely give; Go in my name and, because you believe, Others will know that I live.”♪ (Matthew 10:8). Yes Father. Please.

Do all You must to change this heart of mine from stockpiling to giving. Freely. No strings attached. Cheerfully. With great abandon.

Right here in The Life Recovery Bible I read, “Teaching about Money and Possessions” (Matthew 6: 19-34). Oh yes Blessed Father. Teach me. Make me able. In the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

I trust You. I love You. I need You. I ask You. And I thank You in advance for all You are ready, willing and able to do in, with, by, through and for me. To YOU be the glory Father. Help me give. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

"Behold the beauty of the Lord"

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 (7:17 a.m.)

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Holy God,

Thank You again. The air is crisp. The colors are beautiful. And the sky? Oh let me just say, “Thank You, again!”

We saw stars last night. The likes of which we rarely see. Perhaps the Milky Way? We thought so.

Holy God, we truly get lost in seeing what You’ve created. Our ability to speak fades as we actually behold Your beauty. I don’t think I have ever used the word behold on my own before.

Turning in Your Word I stop at Psalm 27:4 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition. I’m not sure if I am making a stretch here or not. Oh but it seems to describe us perfectly.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.”

Mm, yes Father! This one thing we do ask.To experience being so spellbound by Your creation in nature, I absolutely cannot imagine what it will be like in Your actual presence.

On this particular trip, beautiful fish have been caught (and cleaned thank You very much). One spectacularly by a bald eagle in his powerful talons.

We’ve seen a deer and her fawn cross the road (right at a “Horse Crossing” road sign no less). We even saw three stags off to the side that allowed me to understand why people would ever have statues of them in their yards. Beauty Father. The beauty of Your creating.

Thank You for allowing us this opportunity. Continue Your work in us Blessed God. Use us to Your good and to Your glory. Praising You as we have fun. Together. Thank You Father. We love You. Amen.

(327 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)

still learning

Monday, October 8, 2018 (8:18 a.m.)

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Oh Most Dear and Holy Father God,

Thank You. Praise You. Laud and honor You.

Mm. Even these are not my usual words. “Laud and honor”? Not an expression that typically flows freely out of my consciousness.

Oh but how I thank You Father. For new to me phrases. New to me experiences. And especially for finding the missing car keys [in the refrigerator of all places]!

Yes Father, thank You. Thank You for fun. And finding.

So here we are. Surrounded by beauty that is somewhat new to us. Fall colors in the Eastern Sierras. I have chills. Tears. And all I can think to say is that my mind is blown.

I can’t wait to rush outside and experience it all. Yet my heart has so much it wants to express to You. Come with me as You show me whatever it is You want me to see this morning. I truly can’t seem to sit still!

the compromise

Sunday, October 7, 2018 (10:17 a.m.)

Convict Lake, CA

Oh most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for the blessings. Thank You for the beauty. Thank You for the Beginning. And the End (Revelation 22:13). Thank You for everything in between.

The very dear husband and I have been talking. For over five hours. Driving and talking. Remembering and planning. Giving You praise. And our gratitude.

Blessed Father God, how we most genuinely offer our thanks to You for the changes You have made in each of us. The growth. The softening. The firming up where necessary. And the compromise.

(10:33 a.m.)

Oh yes Dearest Dad ~ the compromise! Forty-five years of us learning to meet each other in the middle of almost every situation.

Take this very moment for example: Me - Here. Parked in the sunshine. Sitting in the 69.9 degree car. Sharing my heart and thoughts with You. Him - Down by the lake. In the colder than 39 degree shade. Each doing what we love. And being eternally grateful to You for the opportunity.

Oh thank and praise You Father! You are still growing us. Into the people You would have us be. Loving. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Kind. Good. Faithful. Gentle. Self-controlled ~ against which there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

Even there Holy God ~ I am grateful to You for finally giving me the clue. After ALL these years of reciting these attributes, I finally have a germ of understanding as to what “against such there is no law” means.

In life with You there is no law against love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Oh thank You Lord.

Thank You for Your love. And for the faith and the hope (1 Corinthians 13:13) we have in You. Thank You for the various times the husband and I were ready to quit. Each with our own lists of unmet expectations. Every time You intervened, in one way or another. Thank You Father.

This exact time and place is yet another example of the compromise You have taught us through the years. More than four decades ago I had a choice. Learn to love or resent fishing.

Choosing to love it, I was quickly able to determine which aspects I truly enjoyed [like being with You in nature] and which [being cold] I could easily do without. Thank You Father. Because of these determinations I’ve been blessed by more beauty than I could ever imagine on my own.

Yes. Thank You Father.

And now ~ just for a note of silliness and documentation of things that change for the better. Two words have shown up here this morning, each causing me to smile at my VERY much younger self. Not yet having learned their proper pronunciation I still remember wondering: “Com-promise”? “Deter-mine”?

The young reader I once was had zero understanding of these words. Thank You for the giggles that came after the “Aha!” of correctly pronouncing them.

And just as quickly comes another memory. Deciding to love camping actually led me to learning “Yose-mite” is really Yo-se-mi-te! Thanks Daddy God.

Thank You for com-pro-mise. De-ter-mi-nation. And Yosemite. Each vital in their own way to my walk with You. Our marriage. And the joy You provide us every single day. Thank You Father.

“May Your love be upon us, God, as we place our hope in You” (Psalm 33:22). Oh yes! Praise You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(594 words ~ 11:53 a.m.)

natural progression

Saturday, October 6, 2018 (5:33 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You.

Thank You for the heart and soul and mind and strength that each wants to be thankful. Joyful.

Our time together yesterday was interrupted. With my usual intention of coming back.

Instead, there was energy, desire and opportunity to attend to much of the unfinished business we have around here. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the natural progression that took place with one chore easily leading the way to the next. Thank You Father for the gratitude that accompanied each one.

I was aware of You through it all. Wanting to commune with You. Seeking Your guidance, I found direction. Stamina.

There was a sense of order that unfolded as each task gave way to the next. Thank You Father.

Thank You that even now as I consider the willingness that met each next challenge I truly am amazed. There was a readiness, an ability I haven’t experienced in quite awhile. Thank You Father. It’s all from You.

Yesterday I took notice of Matthew 5:25 and the importance of Making Peace [Matthew 5:23-25] with our enemies. Making a huge stretch, I likened my current health issues to an enemy.

Realizing that this section deals with a court case, still I related to the power involved with coming to terms quickly with an adversary. Reaching a settlement. Making friends, agreeing with. Settling the dispute. Reconciling.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the natural progression that leads from one Truth to another.

In this particular case, it is the importance of me accepting with serenity the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Mm, yes Blessed God. One thing following the other. Natural progression.

And here I am led of all places to Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning, God created…” Each of Your creations naturally progressing to the next. Each in its own order of necessity. How You amaze me Father. I love You so much.

Finishing up my heart’s prayer of yesterday and joining it with today’s, again I turn to the original Serenity Prayer. As I sincerely ask You for grace, acceptance, serenity, courage and wisdom, I quote the ending paragraph.

“Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next.”

Mm, yes. Most Blessed God, as You continue making me aware of the importance of Your natural progression of things I am asking You to guide, direct and empower me to Your will and to Your way.

Thank You for Your love most Holy God. Use me as only You know is best. Thank You I love You. Amen.

(513 words ~ 7:39 a.m.)

settled

Friday, October 5, 2018 (7:10 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Mm, yes. Thank You.

Sleep was hard to come by. Starts. Stops. So much thinking. And then? Settled.

Mm, yes. Settled. Thank You Father.

My thoughts bordered on chaotic. Condemning. And finally, accepting.

Holy God, I have been waiting. Waiting to feel better. Waiting to see. Waiting to act. Waiting to change.

Somewhere in the very early morning hours the possibility of this current situation being my new normal came to mind. Followed almost immediately by words from The Serenity Prayer.

Acceptance. Courage. Change. And the sense of settling in.

Matt 5:25

exactly as we are

Thursday, October 4, 2018 (7:07 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. We get to come to You. Exactly as we are. And You love us. Exactly as we are.

Hmm. What an encouraging Truth.

(7:45 a.m.)

We get to go to Your Word. Read about You. Learn what others knew. We get to rest in Your Truth. In Your presence. And truly be delighted.

Most Holy Father, how I thank You for the ways You allow our minds to work. One thought leading to another. A single word sparks a memory. Which brings a smile of remembrance. Thank You Father.

Thank You for taking us, exactly as we are, and changing us into the people You created us to be. We make mistakes. Misunderstand. And You put us back on to the right track.

You allow us choices. And consequences. Thank You Father.

There is freedom in You that we find nowhere else. Thank You. Thank You for loving us [the world] so much that You gave Your only Son (John 3:16).

You amaze me Father. Truly amaze me!

I get to read Your Word. With what seems like fresh eyes. And catch glimpses of a depth I rarely notice.

Thank You Father. Just reading this one simple verse, in various renderings, and I want to know more. Learn more. Experience more. Share more.

I can’t ever thank You enough. I can only seek to know You.

(10:00 a.m.)

Oh yes most blessed Father. Seek to know You.

Reading in and of Your Truth (currently John 1:1-18 Christ, the Eternal Word] I find myself longing even more to know You as You wish to be known. Intimately. Trustingly.

And now comes the singing ♪Light of the world, You step down into darkness. Open my eyes let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore You. Hope of a life spent with You. Here I Am To Worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God, You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me, my love♪

Thank You Father. Yes. Praise and worship You!

A comment (1:14-18) in The Life Recovery Bible says much the same. “The true light of the world became a human being known to us as Jesus Christ… Through Jesus, who was fully God and fully human, we can know what God is like and enjoy a relationship with Him…”

Praise You Father. I love You so very much. Use me this day, exactly as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(441 words ~ 10:18 a.m.)

loving God more

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 (8:21 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. Thank You.

Mm, yes. Thank You that we get to love You.

(8:59 a.m.)

Reading in Your Word. Being reminded of Your continued presence. Finding this page on the internet: 

http://www.tasteheavennow.net/Heart_Training_tools_for_change/love_god_more.htm

Following references over to The Life Recovery Bible, my heart swells as I read, “Thirst for God BIBLE READING: Psalm 27:1-6 [STEP 11] Most of us initially turn to God for the help He can give us, namely His power to free us from the power of our dependency. We may be surprised to find that, as time passes, we turn to God out of a desire to be near Him. As we discover how wonderful He is and how much He loves us, we draw near to Him because of the joy we experience in His presence.”

Amen! How true that is for me!

Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity of exploring Your Word. Of resting and settling in with Your Truth.

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes Psalm 27 as “A prayer of confidence in God, on whose person David’s whole being is concentrated.” Thank You that we get to follow suit.

Mm yes, Dear Father. Verse 4, “The one thing I ask of the LORD - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfecting and meditating in His Temple.” Yes!

Back again to The Life Recovery Bible. “David found great joy by improving his conscious contact with God [STEP 11]. God is always there, but we are not always aware of His presence. Our relationship with God usually begins with His meeting our desperate needs. But when we begin to focus on getting to know God as an end in itself, we will discover that He will give us what we have always desired - the joy of being close to our loving Creator. Then we will see that He can be trusted with every area of our life.”

Oh bless You Father. Praise You. Thank You. Continue Your work in teaching me to love You more.

Use us this day as You know is best. Loving You more. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(395 words ~ 9:34 a.m.)

just come

Tuesday, October 2, 2018 (6:36 a.m.)

Holy God,

Hi. I love You. Thank You.

Yes Father. Thank You that I get to just come here and sit in Your presence. Mm, yes. Thank You.

I get to read Psalm 32:8-9 in The Passion Translation; settle in, take comfort and smile. Thank You Father. “I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!’”

Mm, yes. Just come. Thank You Father.

Thank You that we do get to just come with You. Illustrated Bible Handbook says this of “Psalm 32. Confession of sin, and God’s subsequent forgiveness, brings joy. David shares his inner anguish at unconfessed sin (3-5) and the great release which comes when transgressions are brought to the Lord (6-11).”

Inner anguish. Confession of sin. Subsequent forgiveness. Great release. Joy. What a good and mighty God You are. Thank You Father.

Thank You that we get to come before You exactly as we are and You change us. Thank You that Your Word shows us again and again how You would have us live. Honestly. Openly. Willingly.

This morning I ask You to guide and direct us in all You would have us do. Empower us in being ready, willing and able to become the people You designed us to be. We love You Father. We need You. And we truly come to You. Thank You. Amen.

(292 words ~ 7:50 a.m.)

indeed

Monday, October 1, 2018 (6:05 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I just saw the date. Another new month. A much loved one’s birthday. Years of memories. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Where in thought, Your Word and deed would You have us go today?

(8:19 a.m.)

Yes, where indeed Blessed Father?

(8:35 a.m.)

This verse from Moses’ pre-death blessing. “Indeed, [Yea, Yes, truly, surely, certainly, moreover] He loves His people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand. They followed in Your steps; They accept and receive direction from You” (Deuteronomy 33:3).

Blessed God how I truly thank You for loving and keeping such tender care of each of Your holy ones. The last verse (29) of this chapter again describes You as a “protective shield” and “triumphant sword”. Thank You Father.

The Life Recovery Bible’s comment for 33:29 ends with this assurance, “When our life is in disarray, it is comforting to know that God has genuine concern for our welfare. As we seek recovery, we can be sure that God is on our side.”

Mm. Indeed! You want Your best for each of us. Thank You Father. Use us as You know is best this day. To Your good and to Your glory.

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(221 words ~ 9:15 a.m.)