"I'm Yours!"

Thursday, January 31, 2019 (6:34 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

I woke up with the tune of another song.

It took quite awhile before I placed it. Then I wondered why. Thinking it particularly odd. Until I considered singing it to and about You.

(6:53 a.m.)

(7:12 a.m.)

And still I’m hesitating.

Holy God, thank You that I get to start and stop. Wonder. Ponder. Flounder. Be indecisive. Until finally asking You to guide and direct my time with You.

Dearest God, all Truth be told, I’m Yours! I am. Thank You, Father. Talk with me about what exactly this means.

Being Yours is not something I take for granted. It truly is a gift. One for which I am supremely grateful.

I have the privilege of seeking and searching Your Word. I get to read again and again what it is to love and be loved by You.

Blessed God, how I thank You. I read of Your love. Your devotion. Your mercy. Your plan. And I am encouraged. Hopeful. Excited [agog] to read and learn more.

The apostle Peter wrote to a group of hurting people, “PURPOSE: To show us how to live well in a shattered and hopeless world” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE). Thank You that I get to be one of Your “chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9).

“But you are not like that [one who stumbles and doesn’t listen to God's Word or obey it (1 Peter 2:8)], for you are a chosen people (v. 9a)… This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light (9c).” You amaze me Father.

As I continue reading, Peter references Hosea (1:6, 9; 2:23)’s words to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel and I am again excited to believe. Trust. Hope. In Your healing, all powerful mercy and love.

“Once you were not a people; now you are the people of God. Once you received none of God’s mercy; now you have received His mercy” (1 Peter 2:10).

(9:57 a.m.)

Loosely translated? “I’m Yours!”

Yes Father. Oh yes.

“2:9-10 The Christian’s true identity is no longer that of a sinner but that of a holy saint. We are no longer a slave, but a chosen priest of the King. We have been called out of the darkness of our dependency to receive God’s healing love so we can share it with others who are hurting” (The Life Recovery Bible comment).

Yes please Father.

And here the singing starts again, ♪Well open up your mind and see like Me Open up your plans and [you are] free Look into your heart and you’ll find love, love, love…♪ Oh yes Father.

Thank You that I get to wholeheartedly belt out the chorus here, ♪But I won’t hesitate no more, no more It cannot wait, I’m Yours♪

I am! I’m Yours! Thank You. Use me exactly as You know is best. I love You. Amen.

(515 words ~ 10:12 a.m.)

filled with excitement

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 (5:03 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! The thoughts I have been thinking already this morning are filled with excitement. Thank You for such a wonderful way to wake up. Eager. Alive with hope. Filled with excitement.

Mm, yes Father. Filled with excitement. Agog. With You.

This past week one thing has quite naturally just opened itself to another. No fretting. Or stewing. Just a true sense of “anticipating with an alternative”. Thank You Father.

Thank You that it is safe for me to get my hopes up. Provided that my hopes are in You.

Oh look! Your Word speaks to this as well. Isaiah 49:23c (Amplified Bible), “And you shall know [with an understanding based on personal experience] that I am the LORD; For they shall not be put to shame who wait and hope expectantly for Me.”

Thank You Father. Thank You for the work You do in each of us. Teaching what it is to wait and hope expectantly for You.

It’s the tiny little glimmers and glimpses of life in You that bless me and keep me each day. So easily we can get caught up in the here and now. The day to day drudgery of hopelessness.

And then, once in awhile, just like these past few days, circumstances all fall into place and blessings abound. Thank You Father. Thank You for the honor and the privilege of learning to wait on You.

Again this morning ♪Trust in the Lord With all your heart And lean not on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge Him And He will direct Your path♪ (Proverbs 3:5-6) is singing to me. Repeatedly. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the love behind all I have experienced this past week. Other people reaching out to celebrate me. Phone calls. Written notes. Greeting cards. Messages reminding me that I am loved.

That is the message, the hope of my heart that I long to share with others Lord. That we are each supremely loved by You.

Continue Your work in me Father. By, through, for and with me. It’s Your love that grounds us to hoping and trusting in You. With all our hearts.

Disappointments come and go. But You are here with us forever. Thank You Father.

It is a crash course in loving as You would have me love that I am asking this day. This week. This month. This year. Yes Father. Loving as You would have me love. Filled with excitement. Putting the needs of others ahead of my own.

Reading of Servanthood, OT in Illustrated Bible Handbook I am reminded that “God calls and shapes His servants. In response, the servant is to commit totally to obedience. Gifted by God’s Spirit he adopts a gentle and quiet spirit and so works toward the birth of justice. He meets resistance but is not discouraged. He does not fail, but succeeds in carrying out the purposes for which he is called (Isa. 42:1-4). Throughout his life he meets obstacles with quiet reliance on the Lord who leads him (Isa. 42:6).”

Yes please! Sign me up for that kind of trust and obedience.

While being a servant may not initially seem the same as being Your daughter, the more I read I am again reminded it is what Jesus chose for Himself. Father, thank You.

Continue Your work in transforming me into Your willing servant. One filled with excitement at the prospect of sharing all it is to live each moment in, with, by, through and for You. Thank You Father. Use me. I love You. Amen.

(608 words ~ 6:27 a.m.)

all good things

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 (6:09 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You. There has been quite a bit of loving attention shown me these last few days. Thank You Father.

So here I sit, considering You in it all. Knowing, trusting, believing that all good things in our lives come from You.

Dearest Father, I look to Your Word. Asking Your direction. Seeking Your guidance. Knocking on Your door of understanding.

Mm, yes Father. There are so very many things I do not know or understand. And I look to You with all my heart. I do. Thank You.

Thank You for leading. Guiding. Directing. Providing. Being. Every single good thing that comes is directly from You. Even when we don’t recognize them as such.

Holy God, I turn and read in Your Word. I gain strength and hope. And the tiniest bit of understanding as I am reminded that all good things come from You. James 1:17. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12. Psalm 127.

Right in the midst of my own understanding I am brought again to Sunday’s conversation with a hurting friend and the gentle strains of a piano playing favorite. Proverbs 3:5-6. And ♪I Surrender All♪

Oh Blessed Jesus, I DO surrender all to You! Not on my terms do I come to You, asking again that You will lead and guide me.

Reading the verses of the hymn, seeking to freely give myself to You. And right on the back, before I’m even finished with this one comes ♪Just As I Am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me♪

Herein lies all the good things. Because of this precious blood we are free to come to You. Exactly as we are. Warts and hurts and all. We are Yours. We don’t have to understand it. We get to depend on it.

Now back to Proverbs 3. Trusting in the Lord. Where I normally go straight to verses five and six, here I start right under the chapter title. “My child never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.”

Blessed God, that’s how yesterday felt. Thank You for the opportunity to experience being well remembered.

Quoting The Life Recovery Bible comment, “3:5-6 What a promise! God will guide us on the right pathway of life if we put our trust in Him rather than try to do it on our own. Putting God first means turning our life and will over to Him. Surrendering to His leadership is humbling, but it is the only way for us to lead a good life.”

Mm, yes! ♪I Surrender All♪ Thank You Father!

Loyalty and kindness. These are two more attributes I long to add to a developing list of my characteristics in You. All the good things that come from loving and being loved by You.

I do love You Father. And I thank You for all good things. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

converse and communicate

Monday, January 28, 2019 (5:41 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I’ve been excited to converse with You for several hours now. Thanks Dad.

Thanks for what looked so much like a cross shining through our curtains during the late night and early morning hours. After seeing it for so long I found myself singing ♪Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee♪

Thank You for Your presence Father. For the ways You get our attention. And commune with us.

There are so very many things I don’t know. But experiencing being with You is something I relish. I may not be able to explain or communicate it well with others, oh but how I appreciate time alone with You. Thank You Father.

Here is where I ask You to teach me more. Communicating my thoughts and feelings is definitely not my strong point. How I ask You to improve this.

Yes Father. As I read in Your Word (Luke 24:13-53) I grow more excited. Eager. Heartened. I’ve not before studied The Walk to Emmaus. How I ask You to use the opening of Scriptures, eyes and understanding to Your good and to Your glory Dearest God.

I long to converse and communicate Your Word with others. Sharing Your Truth and the hope we have in loving and being loved by You.

Do all You must in making it so Dearest Dad. I love You and I want others to know and love You as well. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

(267 words ~ 7:05 a.m.)

genuinely

Sunday, January 27, 2019 (7:56 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You.

(3:38 p.m.)

And I’m back. And still thankful.

Father God, how I genuinely thank You for the opportunity of coming before You with a truly grateful heart. You are so good. True to Your Word. Never changing. And I thank You for all You do.

Continue working in us to become all You would have us be. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(78 words ~ 5:33 p.m.)

thank, rejoice and praise

Saturday, January 26, 2019 (6:50 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that we get to come before You saying something as easy as “Thank You” and You help us refocus our thinking.

Yes, Father. Thank You that we have the choice to bless or to curse. To thank or complain. Thank You that we have Your Word to turn to. Your Word to guide us.

Reading in First Chronicles of the history of King David’s reign I again find myself hopeful and encouraged as I learn more of what true worship is. Thank You Father for Your written Word.

We are able to read of Your Truth. Your promises. Your plans. And commandments. Your very best for each of us. As well as reading of deceit. Lying. Infidelity. Jealousy. Murder plots. Fear. Unforgiveness.

And David’s wholehearted worship with what seemed complete abandon through dance and song (1 Chronicles 15:27-16:36). Thanking. Rejoicing. Praising.

great and good

Friday, January 25, 2019 (6:10 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for rest. And warmth. And hope. And love. Thank You that You are great. And good. And loving. And kind.

Mm, Father. Will You talk with me this morning about all the things You are. Guide my thinking. And my exploring.

I am seeking Your will. And Your way. Opening Your Word I don’t know which section to search.

Let’s start with Matthew 7:12. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6: 31). And would You just look at that? It falls under the heading “Love for Enemies”. Right before “Don’t Condemn Others”.

Holiest God, You really are great and good! These are not the directions I was expecting to go. Yet desperately need to experience.

A devotion titled “Forgiveness” in The Life Recovery Bible (Luke 6:27-36) tells us that “We no longer need to be controlled by other people’s dispositions and actions. Even when we have done our best to make amends for the wrongs we have done, the situation may not change. And even when we come to terms with the wrongs that have been done against us, our feelings may not change.”

This is important for me to be reminded! There are so many times my feelings get in the way. Thank You for Your Truth Father. 

This particular devotional ends by teaching us, “But we don’t have to be held captive by our feelings or the feelings of others. We can choose to forgive and act in loving ways. This will free us from being controlled by anyone other than God. As we choose to forgive others and do good, our feelings will change with time.”

That’s what I depend on Father. Obeying You. Treating others the way I want to be treated. And letting my feelings come to align with Your Truth and love.

triggered to prayer

Thursday, January 24, 2019 (6:19 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Yesterday I asked for Your help in finishing a long overdue project. You honed my focus to completion. And I am so grateful. Thank You God.

With that said, let me ask You to guide our time together this morning. Yes. So many directions we could take. Spreading joy. Giving up control. Triggered to prayer (Philippians 1:4a, The Message). Which way shall I turn?

As I sit here with the most contented smile of wonder on my face I recognize it beaming within me as well. Father, I truly rejoice in Your presence this morning. The verses I am coming across keep pointing me back to Your power.

Psalm 7:11-13 (The Message) reminds us “Nobody gets by with anything. God is already in action - Sword honed on His whetstone, bow strung, arrow on the string. Lethal weapons in hand, each arrow a flaming missile.”

Father, there are so many times I look out at circumstances and feel completely overwhelmed. It is only when we come before You humbled and meek that we experience Your power. Thank You Father.

There was a time I believed I needed to have all the answers. I was so sure I knew what was best for everything. Thank You for the many ways You have shown me that that is not the case.

I am to come to You on behalf of others and myself. Asking Your direction. Seeking Your will. Knocking on Your door of blessings. Father, how I ask You now to hone my prayer skill (Matthew 7:7).

I love praying to You. I confess to often not feeling confident in my efforts. And then there are the times that the requests and hoped for answers seem to just flow.

Father, I love You. I love spending time with You. I love learning to ask, seek and knock.

Be here with me this morning as I seek to follow Your direction. There is such tremendous need in the world. And here You are, poised to meet every single one of them (Philippians 4:19).

I tell You, start to finish, I keep being directed to “PHILIPPIANS The Sharing of Christian Joy” (Illustrated Bible Handbook). It seems that all thoughts this morning trace back to Paul’s encouraging words to the believers in Philippi.

Father how I long to be an encourager. One who is triggered [caused to function] to prayer on behalf of others. You are so good. You absolutely know what is best. It is on Your Truth and promises I ask to stand.

‘Let my roots grow down into Jesus, drawing up nourishment from Him, so I will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the Truth I am being taught. Let my life overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done’ that I will “continue to live in obedience to Him” (Colossians 2:7; 6b).

It is Your power at work in us that fills us with joy and thanksgiving. Empower, embolden, enable me to share that power with others. Readily. Willingly. Often. Always. Your power. Your strength. Coursing through me. Triggering me to prayer.

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me exactly as You know is best this day. Thank You. Amen.

(551 words ~ 8:10 a.m.)

better [BEST] choices

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 (7:02 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

How I love You! Thank You. Thank You for the opportunity of loving and being loved by You.

Thank You for the ways You work in our lives. Changing us from the inside out.

Just moments ago I was in the other room praying to You. I actually called out the desire to make better choices. Yes Father. How I long to make better choices. The choices You would have me make.

I confess to You the ease with which I lose interest recently. There are projects needing our attention and my stick-to-itiveness quickly gives way to boredom. Forgive me Father. You have raised me much better than this!

Thank You for the things You use to get our attention. Thank You that even when we make progress in a certain area, we often come back around to the need of making even more progress.

The desire to make better choices is a prime example. I looked back at past prayers and found myself having prayed and asking You for this exactly five six years ago. On a Wednesday. January 23. 2013.

I like it when You wink at me! It helps me smile. And feel loved. Cared for.

(8:12 a.m.)

Here I confess. I was reading in and of Your Word. Started looking around. Checked weather. Looked at favored snow scenes. Played crosswords. All the while being aware that these were not my best choices.

And here I realize, just like I had much earlier. I not only want to make better choices. Father I long for the choices I make to be the best!

(8:43 a.m.)

And there I went again. Off to find out someone’s full name. Which took me to looking for somebody else’s history. Father God, I am so extremely easily distracted.

Back to Your Word. As I read and dig and search and find I begin with Paul’s final remarks in Titus (3:14) and follow a reference over to John’s (6:25-59) description of Jesus as the Bread of Life.

Blessed God, how I ask You to speak Your Truth deep into my being this day. Two Theologies in Brief from Illustrated Bible Handbook speak of Life and Good Works.

Here we are taught “To understand the real meaning of eternal life, the Bible invites us to look at Jesus. In His personality, His love, and His compassion, we see the kind of person God will enable you and me to become. In Jesus’ resurrection we see power for our new life - power to break through whatever holds us back, and lead us triumphantly toward an eternity we will spend in the presence and in the image of God.”

Following this back over to The Life Recovery Bible I read Simon Peter’s reply to Jesus’ question of the disciples leaving him (John 6:67). “Lord, to whom would we go? You alone have the words that give eternal life. We believe them, and we know You are the Holy One of God” (vs. 68-69).

The comment for these verses tells us, “When all is said and done… Jesus is the answer to our every need - including recovery. He alone can deliver us from our powerful addiction or compulsion. He alone deserves our total commitment.”

Talk about the best choice ever! Jesus! You. You alone! Please do all You must in preparing, empowering and enabling me to live this day to Your good and to Your glory. Let the decisions I make be the best choices possible.

I love You. I long to serve. I need You. Do all You must. In Your power and Your strength. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(621 words ~ 9:36 a.m.)

more gifts

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 (7:49 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. You gave us more gifts the other day. Unexpected. Surprising. Memorable.

How I thank You Father for the ways You encourage us. The things You show us. How we are given opportunities to choose to see positives where others might see negatives.

Father You have been working long and hard in showing me other ways of experiencing all that goes on around me. I can so easily get trapped in the ruts of the past. The familiar ways of arguing. Energy zapping old patterns.

Thank You for the privilege of enjoying momentary little things instead. An impromptu overnight visit with youngsters. Chalk “graffiti” artists. Mini tree trimming. Sweeping. Tidying up. All in preparation of total “Blood Wolf Moon” eclipse watching.

Thank You Father. There was interest. Excitement. A flawless view. Two new sleeping bags. Even the abrupt conclusion to it all was perfectly timed. Complete cloud coverage at the end of our late night movie.

Simple pleasures. Willing, enjoyable attitudes. Gifts. Yes Father. Gifts of obedience. Love. Choices.

Holy God, I love You.

Just as our focus turned so intently toward the sky the other night I now delight in sharing with You these words from James (1:17). “Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from Him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same” (Easy-to-Read Version).

You don’t change. Your love doesn’t change. You stay the same. And we get to stand firm on Your Truth. The hope we find in adjusting our attitudes to Your will and Your way.

And just when I thought I was done here for now, I read the following verse in The Living Bible and got even more excited. “And it was a happy day for Him when He gave us our new lives through the Truth of His Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in His new family” (v. 18). Thank You Father. Yes, thank You.

I love You. I need You. I thank You. And I ask You to use me this day exactly as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

"I love You."

Sunday, January 20, 2019 (7:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. You are good. Thank You.

Thank You that when we don’t know what to say we can always start with, “I love You.” Mm, yes. Just thinking about it, my heart starts singing.

♪I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul, rejoice! Take joy my King In what You hear Let it be a sweet, sweet sound In Your ear♪

Thank You Father. Thank You for the privilege of loving You. What a gift. Mm, yes. A gift!

Here again I am reading in and of 1 John. Subtitled “Fellowship with God” in Illustrated Bible Handbook. Other titles in the Outline are: “Invitation to Joy”, “Being Loving with Others”, “God’s Love As Source and Example” (4:7-21). Let’s go there.

“Love Defined; 4:7-12 ”, “Love Essential; 4:13-15 ”, “God is Love; 4:16-18 ” and “God Loved First; 4:19-21 ”. Father thank You. Thank You that just by saying, “I love You” I get to learn more of what it is to be loved by You.

The Life Recovery Bible introduction to this book tells us, “Loving one another was evidence of God’s presence in their [true believers] lives. But if they bickered and fought all the time, or were selfish and did not look out for one another, they were revealing that they, in fact, did not know God.”

Father, how I thank You for Your constant reminders of what real love is. As well as what it is not (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Thank You that “John’s letter challenges us to treat others with respect and dignity” and in so doing “we grow spiritually.”

Most Holy God, how I ask You to empower and enable me in growing spiritually. Depending on Your love to mold and make me. And here begins another song.

♪Have Thine Own Way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still♪ Oh yes Father.

All because You loved us (v. 9) we get to experience Your real love (10). Do all You must in shaping me to Your will. Continue Your work in teaching me to love as You would have love. Living in Your love (16-17) as I learn to trust You even more. Without fear (18). Or hatred (20).

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me as You know is best. Amen.

(427 words ~ 8:52 a.m.)

recovery

Saturday, January 19, 2019 (6:39 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You. I get to be here with You again.

There are so many thoughts and directions out there. Ideas. Interests. Father, I am again seeking Your Truth. Promises. Goals.

And it’s back to Your Truth I turn again. Father, thank You.

We live in a world filled with deceit. Even this is not news to You. How grateful I am that You know all! Thank You for continuing to point to Your Truth. Again and again. Time after time.

(7:52 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You that every thought I have can be brought to You. I search Your Word. Am reminded of the importance of knowing Your Truth (John 8:32). And learn of deceptions of old (Jeremiah 9:6).

The more I read of the importance of honesty and obedience (Deuteronomy 28) I find myself smiling. Most unexpectedly. The Life Recovery Bible comment for 28:66-67 discusses “a life devoid of satisfaction.” Here we are reminded “There is no lasting satisfaction outside of a real relationship with God and obedience to His will.”

All this brings me once more to the hope found only in Your Word. John 8:32. The Passion Translation. “For if you embrace the truth, it will release more freedom into your lives.” This I truly long for.

Truth. In You. With You. By You. Through You. For You.

Your Truth “as a standard for our moral inventory” allows us to “recognize and confess our needs and struggles, our sins and addiction.” To You. 

“As we confess these to God, ourself and to at least one other person, we share the truth about our life. When we turn our broken life over to God, who alone can make us whole, we are again acknowledging the truth. These different applications of the truth can combine to set us free from sinful habits, chemical dependencies, and emotional bondage” (John 8:31-36).

Reading and hoping in Your Word speaks loudly to me. A devotional entitled Honesty (John 8:30-36) ends by telling us, “The spiritual forces that sway our life have roots in either truth or deceit. Truth leads to freedom; deceit leads to bondage and death. Denial is a lie that keeps us in slavery. When we are slave to our addictions, we lose the right to choose any other way of life. It is only when we break the cycle of denial, when we become brutally honest about our bondage, that there is any chance for real freedom.”

Real freedom. Recovery. Life in, with, by, through and for You. Do all You must in leading, guiding and directing me to being obedient to Your Truth.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(461 words ~ 9:31 a.m.)

contented

Friday, January 18, 2019 (5:54 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, Blessed God,

Thank You for all You are. Mm, yes. All You are. More than I can imagine. Amazing. Thank You Father.

This morning I ask You to teach me more about being content. In all circumstances. Oh, yes please.

I read Your Word and I hope. Your Truth rings out reminders for us to cling to. 

In his letter to the believers of Philippi the apostle Paul encouraged them to “Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you” (4:9). Mm, yes Father!

The God of peace. Just the sound and Truth of that alone can settle us, when we choose to believe it. And there it is again. Our ability to choose.

Thank You Father. Thank You for giving us everything we need in order to want what You have for us.

So many times I forget Who and all You are. I spin wildly out of control because of my feelings toward circumstances. It’s when I am still (Psalm 46:10) long enough and allow You to settle my thinking that I can actually hear Your Truth ringing true!

Thank You Father. Thank You that we don’t have to worry about anything. Instead, we get to pray about everything! Because of Jesus, we are able to tell You what we need and thank You for all You have done (Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation).

And when we do that? “Then God will give you peace, a peace which is too wonderful to understand. That peace will keep your hearts and minds safe as you trust in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).

Go figure. The God of peace giving me the peace of God!

Forgive me Father for the times I forget to bring every single perceived hurt and concern directly to You. Keep reminding and teaching me to “fix [my] thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all [I] can praise God for and be glad about” (v.8 The Living Bible).

The Message tells us we’ll “do best by filling [y]our minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not to curse.” Yes Father. Teach me this. The other way comes so easily to me.

Thank You for this opportunity to be reminded that I am “to be satisfied [contented] with what I have and with whatever happens” (v. 11 Easy-to-Read Version). YOU know exactly what is best for me. Thank You that I am still learning to trust, believe and depend on You alone.

I love You Father. Use me this day in every way You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(487 words ~ 7:11 a.m.)

real love

Thursday, January 17, 2019 (6:06 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Talk with me this morning about loving as You would have us love.

Mm, yes Father. Talk with me about Your real love.

I search and read Your Word. Every turn of the page leads me to more Truth. Thank You Father. There is power and hope found in these pages. And where does this power and hope begin? In obedience to You and Your commands.

Again I am thanking You for the struggle I experienced much earlier this month. Closing out last year with the bitterness and unforgiveness I refused to release taught me so much about the power of Your love and Truth.

You command us to love (John 13:34-35). Forgive. Obey. And You provide us the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-21) to do in and with us all that we are unable on our own.

Love. Forgiveness. Obedience. Seemingly simple words. Impossible on our own. Completely doable in, with, by, through and for You. Your Spirit. Your Truth. Your power. Your strength. Not by ourselves.

Most Holy God, I have tried on my own. Willing myself to obedience. And on the complete opposite of the spectrum, refusing to budge. Nursing the grudges that absolutely cut me off from Your healing, real love.

Oh most Blessed God, how I thank You for the power and hope that come from knowing, trusting and believing in Your real and restorative love. Thank You for the struggles that help us grow our dependence on You.

This morning I ask You to keep working in me. Continue teaching me. Doing all You must in growing me into the woman you would have me be. Loving. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Kind. Good. Faithful. Gentle. And self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23).

I love You Father. And I want to love as You would have me love. Completely. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

"progress, not perfection"

Wednesday, January 16, 2018 (7:27 a.m.)

Holy God,

You are so good. Thank You so much.

A large part of the night was spent in conversation with You. And most of that had to do with progress. Not perfection!

Mm, yes. I got to read about lapses and relapses yesterday. Truth in recovery. Life changes. Hope. Different ways of approaching circumstances. Yea You, God! Thank You.

I come to You. Exactly as I am. You provide Your unchanging Truth. And truly, I rejoice!

Taking right now for instance. I searched “progress” and found 2 John (1:8-9). Turning quickly I read of “Encouragement and Advice” (Illustrated Bible Handbook). And The Importance of Boundaries, as well as The Challenge to Love (The Life Recovery Bible).

(9:00 a.m.)

We get to choose Father! Hope. Joy. Love. Faith. Forgiveness. Or all the alternatives to these positives.

Praise You Father. Thank You. So often I forget the importance of “carefully set[ting] limits on whom we listen to if we are to protect ourself in recovery and in our spiritual growth.” Amen, Father!

Your Word provides us every single thing we need in learning to love one another as You would have us. Here again, we get to choose “the most basic act of obedience” to You! “Loving others will not only please God, but it will go a long way toward healing our relationships.”

While we’re never going to be able to do it all perfectly, we can and do make progress as we stay close to You and Your Word.

Thank You Father. Thank You for Your Truth. Your promises. And here I pray the apostle John’s words right back to You. “May grace, mercy, and peace, which comes from God our Father and from Jesus Christ His Son, be with us who live in truth and love” (2 John 1:3).

Yes, Father. Let me live this day in Your Truth and love. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(331 words ~ 9:45 a.m.)

"I can!"

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 (7:55 a.m.)

Holy God,

How I thank You. So very much.

It always [surprises] encourages me how I can think all the positive and hopeful thoughts that come to mind then come here with You and have them solidified. Your Truth becomes real to me. Thank You Father.

I turn in Your Word. Reading of Your power and strength. Your ability to provide. And my thoughts settle down. Hope grows.

There are so many things that make little to no sense to me. And then Your Word speaks. Powerfully. Truthfully. Lovingly. Eternally.

We are not left in this world on our own. To our own devices. Jesus came, died, came back and promised to come again. Ad we get to choose to take Him at His Word. Or not.

(11:26 a.m.)

Thank You Father that not only can I choose to believe, I do! I believe the apostle Paul when he told a discouraged Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

And here again come all the things I can choose because of Your Truth.

Reading The Life Recovery Bible comment (1:7-14) I am excited that “Paul told Timothy not to let his weakness stop him from ministering to others. His success was not based on his ability, skill, or courage; it was based on the Holy Spirit’s power working in him.”

Holy God I need to be reminded of this [Your Truth] so very often. On my own I do not have the strength, courage or self-discipline to change all that needs to be different in me. You do. And I can choose to trust and depend on You for it all.

Thank You Father. Use me as You know is best. I love You. I long to represent and serve You. Well. Do all You must. Thank You. Amen.

(331 words ~ 11:51 a.m.)

unshakable and assured

Monday, January 14, 2019 (6:13 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. What should we do here this morning? Oh yeah. John 16:33.

So here’s a smile and something I hadn’t noticed before. Oh, and then it just gets better. Thank You Father.

Turning to 16:33 I discover there are three parts to this verse, not just the two I’ve come to know. Interesting the things I miss when I focus on something else.

Thank You Father that we are never too embedded in one set of circumstances not to be able to change for the better. Oh yes. Thank You Father.

The Life Recovery Bible tells us that the purpose of John’s letter to people everywhere is “To reveal Jesus as the Son of God and show that by faith in Him we can experience true love, forgiveness, and recovery.” To this I say, “Amen!” and “Thank You Jesus!”

Reading the overview of this book we are told, “John used a number of images to illustrate who Jesus is and how He gives us eternal life: Jesus is the unblemished lamb of God who is sacrificed for us; the bread of life who satisfies our spiritual hunger; the living water who satisfies our spiritual thirst; the light who gives us life; and the counselor who comforts and teaches us. Through these images, John demonstrated that Jesus can give us all we need for a new, abundant life.”

Forgive me for the numerous times I moan and groan in the midst of situations not to my liking. You have the power to change each and every one of us. Far away from who we were before. Thank You Jesus.

Prior to the death You knew was coming, while teaching and speaking with Your disciples, The Message quotes You as saying, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace” (John 16:33a). Honest to You! What would that be like?

I know there have been times that I have experienced Your “peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand” (Philippians 4:7). Most often that’s the exception, not the rule.

Holiest God, I long to live my days trusting You. Unshakable and assured. Deeply at peace. In You.

Do all You must that I will truly sing Your praises. Smiling deeply at the knowledge that You are perfectly in control of all things. Standing firm in the hope of Your Truth. And stretching out to share You freely with others.

Yes most holy God, anchor my roots deeply in the soil of Your Word that they would ‘grow down into You and draw up nourishment from You, so I will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the Truth I was taught. Letting my life overflow with thanksgiving for all You have done’ (Colossians 2:7). Oh yes please Dearest God.

Trusting You, unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. ‘In this godless world I will continue to experience difficulties. But [I can] take heart! You have conquered the world’ (John 16:33c). Thank You Jesus!

Use me today exactly as You know is best. In Your power and strength. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(537 words ~ 7:19 a.m.)

certainty

Sunday, January 13, 2018 (6:47 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for talking with me. Thank You for being in and with me. Thank You for new things to see and learn.

A giant square in the early morning sky. Perhaps the Great Square of Pegasus? And there’s the word that best describes me recently. Perhaps.

Most Holy God, I have become uncertain about so many things these past few weeks. Thank You that YOU are certain. Sure. Unmistakeable.

Thank You that when I look at circumstances, other people… I waver. Become uncertain. Afraid. Nauseous. And then I look to You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. And I am filled with a certainty that I can experience nowhere else.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the certainty of Your love. Your love that is described so many places in Your Word. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Galatians 5:22-23. 1 John 4:7-12.

Most Holy God and Father, I confess to You the turmoil I continue to get caught in. Circumstances affect my thinking. Other people’s hurts, bitterness and unforgiveness weigh heavy on my heart.

See? Even there… yesterday I allowed myself to stay down. Refusing to come back and finish my prayer time with You way after the fact. And just by confessing the weight of others on my heart, a song from long ago starts singing to me.

♪Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down♪ (Proverbs 12:25). Oh most dear and blessed God, it’s so true!

Getting to come to You. Being able to easily find the song. And then the very next line, ♪But a good word makes it glad♪ It does! Your Good Word makes my heart glad!

Thank You Father. Praise You. Use the certainty of Your Good Word in me this day.

I truly allowed heaviness in my heart to weigh me down yesterday. I let the dispositions of others completely deplete me. I did not use the power of Your Good Word in overcoming my defeat.

How I thank, praise and hope in the certainty of You this morning! Let me fully absorb this verse and all its translations.

Mm, yes Father! Keep me firmly standing on the certainty of Your Good Word!

Oh Blessed God, I feel as though I could walk on air right now! Your Truth. Your Promises.

Easy-to-Read Version tells us, “Worry takes away your joy, but a kind word makes you happy.”

Expanded Bible, “Worry [Anxiety] is a heavy load [leads to depression], but a kind [good] word cheers you up.”

Other translation words for anxiety are: mourning, sorrow, grief, heaviness. Such an accurate description for me recently. Thank You for Your antidote Father!

“A good word”. Yes! A good, kind, encouraging, appropriate word. Yes. Yes. Oh, yes!

The hope that comes from the certainty of Your Truth. Steep it deeply in my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength.

I love You so very much Dearest God. Use me this day as only You can.

The Passion Translation is my prayer this morning. Not only for myself. Friends. Family. Loved ones. Strangers. We all need to have this Truth etched deeply within.

“Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.”

This is something we cannot do on our own. We desperately need Your Truth working in the hearts of others. Even children. International Children’s Bible, “Worry makes a person feel as if he is carrying a heavy load. But a kind word cheers up a person.”

Empower me in living the certainty of Your Truth dearest God. I love You. I thank You. I need You. And I ask You this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(626 words ~ 8:51 a.m.)

Belief / Faith

Saturday January 12, 2019 (3:45 a.m.)

(5:55 a.m.)

Let’s try this again. Good morning God. Thank You for the rain outside.

And now I smile. Breathe deeply. Rest. Ponder. And trust. Mm, yes. I trust You Father. Thank You.

I honestly couldn’t understand the singing I was doing earlier. ♪The Octopus’ Garden♪ wasn’t what I wanted to bring to You. It just wouldn’t leave.

As I sit here with coffee in hand, bibles and hymnals on my lap, again I thank You. Thank You that I get to learn more about Belief/Faith (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

In The Garden (John 20:20)

this day

Friday, January 11, 2019 (5:50 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. It’s early. Sleep was interrupted. Often. Guide me this morning. This day.

Yes. This day which You have made. The one in which I will rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24). Mm. Yes.

With that Truth comes a smile. A sense of well being. Thank You Father.

Deep breath. Big smile. Grateful heart. Yes Father, this day.

Thank You that I get to turn to so many different versions of Psalm 118:24. All at one time.

You never cease to amaze me Father. I look to You. Thinking we’ll go together in one direction. Next thing I know, “Whoosh!” we’re some place else entirely.

Rejoicing and being glad. Celebrating. Being happy. Festive. Joyful. Full of joy. 

“This is the very day of the Lord that brings gladness and joy, filling our hearts with glee” (The Passion Translation). Glee? Delight. Pleasure. Mirth. Merriment. Amusement. Excitement. Gaiety. Theses are not words that usually describe me.

Looking further into Your Word, I find this one important word difference in Lexham English Bible. Other versions refer to the day, LEB says, “This is the day Yahweh has worked; let us rejoice and be glad in Him.” Hm… Not just the day ~ YOU!

Yes Father. I long to rejoice and be glad in You! Celebrating, being happy in You.

I love You Father. I long to be the woman You would have me be. Do all You must. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(253 words ~ 8:09a.m.)

coming back to my senses

Thursday, January 10, 2019 (6:10 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

I got to have more sleep. More thoughts. More singing. And then, more smiles.

While awakening, I felt as though I was truly coming back to my senses. Speak with me please as to what this actually means.

Oh most dear and holy God, as I sit here breathing in deeply I am so very aware of the peace I experience while reading Your Word. Thank You Father.

I confess to You Lord, there were days that I had honestly lost heart. My confidence was sorely shaken. I fell back to trying to do things in my own strength and power. Thank You for never letting go of me.

In all the twisting and turning I've experienced in my struggle with circumstances, You never wavered. You don’t change. It’s only when I call on the precious, sacred name of Jesus that I am saved. It’s never my strength, but Yours. Thank You Father.

Your Word gives me hope. Truth. Strength. Yes. I can be strong in Your holy name. Oh thank You!

With all the verses [1 Chronicles 16:11, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 112:7, John 15:11…] competing to be most prominently remembered right now, it is Paul’s letter to the believers at Colosse that I turn. “Colossians is a letter about the greatness of Christ” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BIG PICTURE).

Most dear and holy God, how I thank you! The more I read the more excited I become. The purpose of Paul’s letter? “To show us that Christ is the only real source of power in our life.” Amen!

Here again comes the lightness of Spirit that never ceases to delight and feed my soul. Most holy Father God again I thank and praise You.

I am preparing to launch headlong into this day. Please go before, behind, beside, beneath and above me. Completely encompassing me with Your power and strength.

It has taken me almost two entire weeks to come back to my senses, realizing that it is in You and You alone that I have my strength. “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to Him. 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 2:6-7).

Oh, yes. Oh yes. Oh yes! Work with me exactly as You know is best. In, by, through and for me. I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask You to do all You must in making this possible. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(469 words ~ 7:54 a.m.)

hope and joy in the Lord

Thursday, January 10, 2019 (1:35 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. You’ve had me singing to You for over an hour. ♪Holy, Holy, Holy♪ among other things. Like ♪Stormy Weather♪. That one had me wondering. Thank You for an easy resolution to the mystery.

A rather funny female Christian comedienne sang it during a routine I watched yesterday. Thank You Father for the opportunity to laugh. Out loud. Clear, bubbling laughter. It’s been awhile.

I’ve had smiles, yes. But this was different. This was deep. Real. Unabashed. Thanks Dad.

Thank You for the joy that comes from turning to You. And with that joy, hope. Mm. What is better than hope and joy in the Lord? Thank You Father. Oh, yes. Thank You.

Thank You for breakthroughs in conversations. Thank You for the reminder yesterday that “Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world” (Ephesians 6:12).

And what could I do then? Call upon the name of Jesus. Mm, yes. “And anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Joel 10:32a, Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13, 1 Corinthians 1:2).

Thank You. Yes. Thank You Father. Thank You that You speak to me in so many ways. Through songs. Flashes of Scripture. Hope. And joy.

Thank You Jesus, that You are Truth (John 14:6). Thank You that Your Word is Truth (2 Timothy 3:16). Thank You that I get to trust and rest in You. And Your Truth.

Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(285 words ~ 2:45 a.m.)

Again I say...

Wednesday, January 9, 2019 (6:11 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Again I say, “Thank You.” Huge smile! Yes. Thank You.

♪Rejoice, rejoice and again I say, “Rejoice!”♪ I recognized the phrase as soon as I tapped it. I just didn’t know from where. Philippians 4:4.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the ways we get to come to You. Exactly as are.

I’ve been playing with the Serenity Prayer these past several days. Realizing that some circumstances are not to my liking and wondering which can be changed. Holy God, thank You for never leaving us alone in the messes that we make.

We can always call out to You. Come back to You. Thank You.

Take this morning for example. Always knowing that I like starting my day with Your Word, for the very first time I read the back of the book jacket on The Life Recovery Bible.

Names I recognize as being strong spiritual leaders use very descriptive words. “The Bible is the greatest sourcebook for healing life’s hurts. The Life Recovery Bible can release the power of healing truth in your life” [Rick Warren, Saddleback].

Archibald D. Hart, PhD. of Fuller Graduate School of Psychology said, “This is not just a Bible for those who are suffering from particular emotional problems. It is a Bible for the common and ordinary person who is endeavoring to live a more spiritual life.”

And to this I say, “Amen!” Yes. Oh please Father God, I long to live the life to which You have called me! One where I truly rejoice in You always!

“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” (Reinhold Niebuhr).

Yes Father. Your Word is where I turn. Knowing, believing, trusting that You, Your Truth and Your promises do not change. Thank You God.

Thank You for the sheer “joys that are found through relationship with the Lord” (Philippians Chapter 4. Joy in the Lord A Plea for Perspective; 4:2-9. Illustrated Bible Handbook). Your Word is “full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires, It exposes us for what we really are” (Hebrews 4:12).

Thank You Father. Praise You. I have been experiencing this very thing with You these past two weeks. Absolutely knowing and agreeing with Your voice that was ‘moving deep within me, penetrating to the level of my inmost thoughts and attitudes’ (Illustrated Bible Handbook, The Living Word; [Hebrews] 4:12,13.

Holiest God, this time with You right now just keeps getting better! Back to The Life Recovery Bible. Comment in Hebrews “4:12-13 During hard times our faith tends to dwindle; we may grow angry and harden our heart to the truth about ourself. The antidote to this problem is the living Word of God, which has power to penetrate even the deepest denial…”

We cannot manipulate You or Your Word to our liking. Your Truth will win out! Thank You God.

This comment continues describing me to a T. “This is good news for those of us struggling to overcome a dysfunctional lifestyle and having a tendency to distort reality. God knows everything about us, even the things we try to hide from ourself. We can count on Him, through His Word, to expose the problems and needs we will face in recovery.”

You did this! You exposed the hurts and slights and misconceptions that had built up in my denial. Thank You Father.

Yes. Yes. Yes! Thank You that just as I followed one thought to Philippians 4:4, I get to be this excited about the accompanying comment.

“4:4-9 True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control. Because Christ is with us and His return is certain, we can act calmly in pain and difficulty. Peace and joy come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life. The more we commit ourself to knowing God’s will through prayer and study of His Word, the better prepared we are to help ourself and others in the process of recovery.”

Thank You Father! We are coming out on the other side of darkness. Your Truth has led us back to Your Light. I absolutely get to experience Your joy. Hopefulness. Thank You Father. And again I say, “Thank You!”

Use me exactly as You know is best. I love You. I thank and praise You as I genuinely rejoice, am glad and filled with Your joy. Hallelujah Jesus! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(832 words ~ 8:08 a.m.)

Constant!

Tuesday, January 8, 2019 (7:28 a.m.)

Blessed God,

How I thank You. Because You are good, constant… I have hope. Mm, yes. Hope. Thank You God.

You blow me away Father! I stay in my head. Attempting to think my way into or out of whatever mood currently surrounds me. As soon as I open myself up to praise and thanks Your peace takes over my heart. My soul. My mind. And even my strength.

Thank You that there is no issue, imagined or real, that I can’t bring to You and find it addressed in Your Word. Your love, Your constancy buoys me every single time.

Turning first to Malachi 3:6, I read of Your Call to Repentance. The Life Recovery Bible describes the purpose of this letter was “to confront the people about getting back on track after they had relapsed into old patterns of sin.”

I tell You Father, You just never cease speaking to my heart! Thank You.

Next I find myself reading in Numbers (23:19). Even the Hebrew name for this book causes me to smile. “In the Wilderness.” How often do I feel absolutely bewildered? Taking the 17th century origin of that word I find myself relating: “from be- ‘thoroughly’ + wilder ‘lead or go astray’.”

I do that. I end up thoroughly led or gone astray time after time after time.

But You? Constant! And every time I turn back to You, You listen. Willing to guide and direct. Lead and encourage. Never failing nor forsaking (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8).

Your Word is Truth. Your promises true. Empower me in learning, knowing, trusting, believing and standing firm on them.

I love You Father. I need You. I want You. And I thank You. So very much. Use me as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(311 words ~ 9:17 a.m.)

the Voice of Truth

Monday, January 7, 2019 (6:22 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You for sleep. Thank You for rest. Thank You for warmth. Thank You for Truth. YOUR Truth.

Thank You Father that Your Truth doesn’t change. Yes. This morning I confess to having gotten trapped in a prison of my own making. I keep finding things to be annoyed about.

I know Your Word is filled with Truth. I read it. Agree with it. And then leave Your Truth on its pages.

Forgive me I pray.

(6:45 a.m.)

Oh most dear and Holy God, how I thank You for never changing. Thank You that I can choose to fumble around in darkness or I can choose to come to You.

Again I confess to fumbling. Stumbling. Struggling. Fighting. Actually tilting at windmills. Exhausting myself in grudge holding.

Every single time I come back to Your Word I am calmed. I find hope. I believe. And trust. It’s when I move away from Your Voice of Truth that the inner turmoil all begins again.

Thank You Father. A quote from 'what Christians want to know' tells us, “Knowing what the Bible says about truth and hiding God’s Word in our hearts helps us to know when we are listening to the Voice of Truth.”

I have not been! I have allowed myself to fall far back into the “I deserve” category. A place that comes to us directly from satan!

Here I stop to ask You once again most dear and Holy God, guide and direct me in Your Truth. Training me. Teaching me. Guarding my heart, my soul, my mind, my strength. I love You so very much.

I long to live this day pleasing You. Hearing, trusting, believing, recognizing and obeying Your Voice of Truth!

Preparing to leave here I ask that I take Your Word with me. Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God stands forever.”

Psalm 119:160, “All Your words are true; all Your just laws will stand forever.” Yes!

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 119:153-160 tells us, “As we entrust our life to God, He restores us to wholeness. We can be sure that He will stand with us and protect us… count on Him to encourage us when the recovery process becomes difficult or painful.”

This is where I confess to practically thumbing my nose at You. Every single time I close myself off to circumstances by maintaining, “I don’t care.” Forgive me I pray.

“As we seek out God’s will in His Word, we will discover the joyful Truth. He is willing and able to restore us to wholeness!” Oh yes, please Dearest Dad. Joyful Truth. Wholeness. Your will. Your way.

I love You. Use me please, exactly as You wish. Empower me in truly following Your impeccable Voice of Truth. Thank You Father. Amen.

(488 words ~ 7:32 a.m.)