♪ I Belong ♪

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 (7:35 a.m.)

Oh Most Holy God,

I got to wake up singing to You. Thank You for that.Thank You also that I was able to easily find what it was I was singing.

♪Hallelujah, I belong here In Your presence, safe and secure I see hope Coming on the horizon There’s no need for hiding ‘Cause I belong♪

Mm, yes! Father, I am so very grateful for lyrics with which to describe my feelings. Thank You that I am able to sing to You another person’s heart as if it were my own

♪I see hope 

  Coming on the horizon

  There’s no need for hiding 

  ‘Cause I belong

  Here I am

  In the presence of the great, I am

  Near to Your heart, Oh God

  I have found my joy

  I’ve searched so long

  In the darkness I walked so far

  Fighting but I’m holding on

  When Your love draws near

  [Chorus]

  Hallelujah, I belong here

  In Your presence, safe and secure

  I see hope

  Coming on the horizon

  There’s no need for hiding

  ‘Cause I belong

  I often fail

  But daily Your love prevails

  Christ, my peace within

  I will trust in You

  In Your presence, Lord

  Joys will overflow

  You are God and Friend

  I am whole again

  [Chorus]

  [Bridge]

  Oh, how could this be true?

  That I belong with You

  Oh, what You went through

  To prove what love could do

  [Chorus]

  Hallelujah, I belong here

  In Your presence

  Safe and secure…♪

Oh most dear and Blessed Holy God, such an honor and a privilege to be able to believe every single word that I sing to You. ♪Hallelujah, I belong here In Your presence Safe and secure♪ Yes Father, thank You! Praise You.

Use Your Truth and Your promises in me this day Dear Lord. Enable and empower me to remember and believe that truly ♪I Belong♪

Use me as only You know is best. I love You. I need You. I want You. I choose You. Thank You Father. Praise You. Amen.

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

prayers of our hearts

Monday, April 29, 2019 (5:34 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Oh yes. Most Blessed God. Thank You.

There are so many hurts and fears and disappointments and health issues out there Father. Each one overwhelming in its own sense.

Thank You Father that we have You to turn to. You to lean on. You to trust in. Teach us Father. Teach us how to truly turn. Lean. And trust. In You.

You are truly our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). And ultimately our hearts’ desire. This is what I pray to You most Blessed Father. That You really would be our hearts’ desire.

So often we get side-tracked. We know You to be good. And still we go off in our own strength and power. This is where I pray, asking You Father. Seeking You. Knocking; as You know exactly all that is needed.

“Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grown in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Yes Father. Your wisdom. You know Your plans (Jeremiah 29:11). For each of us.

Quoting Your words to Jeremiah from The Message I rest and hope on behalf of others. “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

I can’t begin to compare my thinking with Yours. YOU know the plans You have. Who am I to doubt? Or question? Or fear. We are here to turn. And lean. And trust in You.

That is what I am doing here Dearest Father. I am leaning into and trusting on Your Holy name. It’s Your plan for good and not for evil. Your plan to give us a future and a hope. It truly is in You that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Oh Your promises Blessed God. Thank You for Your promises.

You told Jeremiah to tell Your people, “When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for Me, you’ll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won't be disappointed” (Jeremiah 29:12-13).

Yes Father. When we want You more than anything else, that’s when we won't be disappointed. Thank You for Your plan.

We have friends and loved ones with tremendous needs Father God. Needs of which You are fully aware. Bless them Father. Keep them. Smile on them. Gift them. Look them full in the face and make them prosper (Numbers 6:24-26).

And here I go back over to Psalm 90. A prayer of Moses - a man of God. Cherry picking the three verses [12; 16-17] I am requesting of You.

Yes Blessed God. “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! …Let Your servants see what You’re best at - the ways You rule and bless Your children. And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!” (Psalm 90:12; 16-17)

Holy God, we love You. We need You. We want You. We trust You. Do all You know is best. We thank and praise You Father. Amen.

(561 words ~ 7:28 a.m.)

ideas

Sunday, April 28, 2019 (6:43 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. There was more sleep for me. Thank You Father.

Exactly three hours ago I was wondering if that was it for me for the night. I had very clear new ideas about upcoming events for which I thanked and still thank You. There was yet another idea. Then back to sleep. Thank You God.

Thank You that I even get to come before You with the idea of new ideas. Reading in the apostle Paul’s second letter to the believers in Thessalonica I find myself encouraged.

As I learn more about this letter, I discover The Life Recovery Bible’s RECOVERY THEMES for this book are: God is the Source of Our Hope, The Importance of Perseverance, God’s Reassuring Power and Presence. Yes. Yes. And yes!

Father, I love coming to You. Learning more about You as our Source of hope. Being reminded of how important it is to be persistent. Not giving up. As well as reading of Your reassuring power and presence.

Yes Father, we get to be strong in You and in Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). How often do I forget that it’s not ever all about me? It is always all about You. Thank You God!

2 Thessalonians 1:11, “Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time - pray that our God will make you fit for what He’s called you to be, pray that He’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with His own energy so that it all amounts to something.”

Yes please Father. Yes!

Grateful!

Saturday, April 27, 2019 (8:20 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! I am grateful. Yes Father. Grateful!

(4:50 p.m.)

And all these hours later, still grateful. Yes Father. Grateful!

Phone calls. A joyous videoed Easter Service. More phone calls. And “A psalm of David. I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods” (Psalm 138:1).

Thank You Father for David’s example of heart-filled gratitude. Thank You that his love and dependence on You are still palpable after all these years.

presence of mind

Friday, April 26, 2019 (6:51 a.m.)

This is way late in happening.

Holy God, thank You!

I feel better. Thank You that I get to say that to You. Forgive me for not coming to say anything to You for so long.

Tuesday afternoon I was planning to come right back here to thank You again for the courage to change my attitude. I had prayed to You that morning asking for that very courage and You reminded and provided me exactly what I needed.

I had the opportunity to growl and grumble or to ‘fix my thoughts on what was true and honorable and right. Thinking about things that were pure and lovely and admirable. Thinking about things that were excellent and worthy of praise’ (Philippians 4:8). Yes Father.

You kept my mind on the positive, not the negative. You censored the snarky words that filtered through my mind. Thank You God.

Yes. Thank You. Thank You for the presence of mind to turn to You. Lean into You. Depend on You.

With this Truth I turn to Acts 3 and read of A Healing Miracle. A crippled beggar. Healed by Peter. This is where I am reminded of being taught that we are all crippled beggars in our own ways.

“Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to Him so He can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord” (Act 3:19 The Living Bible). That’s where the courage to change begins. When we change our mind and attitude to You.

Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless You.

Feeling better, but not yet well, I ask You to do all You must in, with, by, through and for me. I don’t want to do too much. At the very same time, I don’t want to do too little. Do exactly what You know is best.

Blessed God, I love You so much. Even when I don’t come here to tell You so. You know my heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This Truth allows me to explore Your Word all the more. Thank You Father.

Reading of Samuel’s anointing of David reminds me again of how very in command You truly are. This is where I confess to bypassing any nudges of coming to You before now. My reason? I didn’t feel good.

Not feeling good didn’t keep me from doing other things. Just from coming to You. Forgive me Father.

Backtracking to chapter one, I come to the RECOVERY THEMES of this book. Dependence on God; Strength in Weakness; Necessity of Obedience; Consequences of Disobediences. Truths as old as time.

We need You. You help us. We obey. Until we don’t. Blessed, Holy God, thank You that Your forgiveness far surpasses our sin. Make me obedient to You I pray. 

I love You. I need You. I thank You. And I want You. Live in and with me every moment of this day I pray. Thank You Father. Amen.

(506 words ~ 8:34 a.m.)

change takes courage

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 (6:05 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I got to sleep all night. No coughing. Thinking more clearly as I awoke. Yes Father, thank You.

Thank You for again reminding me to not compare myself with others (Galatians 6:4). I confess. This is not an easy instruction for me to follow.

Negatively comparing myself with others comes practically second nature to me. Please teach me how to overcome this near automatic tendency.

HOW? Honestly. Openly. Willingly.

I need to be honest with You. Open. And willing to change.

“Courage to change.” Yep. There it is again. Change takes courage. The focus has to be on You. Always. 

Blessed God, thank You for Your presence. When I get distracted and take my eyes off You, I fall so easily back into old behaviors. Thank You for doing all You must to get my attention back on You.

And here I not only smile, but chuckle as well. Thank You Father.

Turning to Galatians, chapter 6, I read We Reap What We Sow. Oh, true that Father! Thank You.

Galatians 6:4, “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” Praise You Father!

I know this teaching to be true. Do all You must in providing me the courage I need to “change the things that should be changed”.

Blessed God, You are so good. And I am grateful. As I continue reading, it’s verse seven that gives me the “Aha!” moment.

“Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!” (7). ‘Get what I plant.’ Empower, embolden, enable me in planting all that You know is best.

Praying. Exercising. Eating Well. Taking care of business. Following You. Rejoicing in You. Always!

“And again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Yes Father. Please. Provide me all that You know is best. I love You. I long to serve You. Exactly as You wish! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(358 words ~ 8:26 a.m.)

The New Beginning

Monday, April 22, 2018 (9:18 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I’m here. Physically. In the flesh. Not so much the heart, mind or soul. Forgive me. I’ve been holding on to the sick card. Stuffy. Squeaky. Sluggish.

And here is a smile. Thank You Father.

I confess to avoiding You. The whole betrayal, denial, crucifixion and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus. I didn’t want to look. Didn’t want to see. Didn’t even want to celebrate.

I do confess to You Father. I so easily slip back into old patterns. Not feeling good? Stop caring. Forgive me Lord. That is never Your best for me.

And when I am finally willing to turn back to You? Here You are. Waiting. Willing. Able. Thank You Father.

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your care. Thank You for Your plan. Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your perfection.

Let me say what I haven’t said to You in days, “I love You.” Yes Father. I do.

Why would I turn my attention away from You? Waa! Waa! Waa! I don’t feel good. NOT acceptable! No. Ignoring You is never in our best interest.

Thank You Father for allowing us to reconnect with You and Your love just by turning from our indifference (Revelation 3:19). Yes Father! Praise You.

(10 :29 a.m.)

As I read Your Word I notice my heart quicken with hope. Then my attention is pulled to the fear that strikes as I watch Earth Day segments being covered on TV.

I confess to You the fear I feel any number of times throughout the day. I liken it to a ping pong ball bouncing rapidly from FAITH to fear and back again.

When I get stuck in fear [of real life, of not feeling good…] I am more inclined to close myself off from being willing to hope. In You. Your Word. Your promises.

Again I say forgive me Father.

Forgive us for the lukewarm approach (Revelation 3:15) we’ve taken to You and “the heavens and earth” You created (Genesis 1:1). Forgive us Father. It is my continued plea.

Now back to the smile mentioned above. Searching Biblegateway for the word “sluggish” I’m taken in The Voice to The Emmaus Road (Luke 24:24:13-35). How perfect are You Father?

The very day of the Resurrection. The one I basically ignored yesterday. And You bring me to it. Thank You Father. Again You amaze me. You will not be ignored! Thank you.

Chapter 24. Resurrection: The New Beginning Once again I am experiencing the ping pong effect. A section of Scripture that normally fills me with joyous Easter hope and I find myself still holding back.

Yes, I’m not feeling 100%. But “it’s just a cold.” And I criticize myself for refusing the hope Your Truth offers us.

“Jesus: Come on, men! Why are you being so foolish? Why are your hearts so sluggish when it comes to believing what the prophets have been saying all along?” (Luke 24:25; The Voice).

Why indeed Father! Why would I choose to ignore You? Why try to hide from the pain and sorrow Your suffering represents?

Make me rife with the hope and joy the new beginning Jesus' resurrection affords us. Yes Father!

Work in me exactly as You know is necessary. I love You. I need You. I want You. I thank You.

Use me to Your glory and for the good of others. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(568 words ~ 11:22 a.m.)

"Maundy"

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019 (5:55 a.m.)

Oh Most Holy God,

(6:18 a.m.)

Thank You that I have the opportunity and the privilege to sit and read about what this day in history represents. I get to read of Jesus’ humanity. And His humility.

Various religions and traditions honor this day differently. Thank You that I am able to study and learn about some of them.

Each year I think I discover something new concerning the meaning of this particular day. The preparation of the Passover meal (Luke 22:8-13). Jesus’ washing of His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). His prediction of betrayal (vs. 18-30). And Peter’s denial (38).

This morning I’m reading more on the teaching of the word Maundy. Many believe it stems from the Latin word mandatum meaning “command”, referencing the new commandment Jesus presents in verse 34.

“So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways” (The Voice).

It’s the very next verse that started new singing in my head. “Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others” (John 13:35). Let this not only be my song but my action on this Maundy Thursday.

♪God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name. I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name And in Jesus’ name I come to you To share His love as He told me to. He said, “Freely, freely you have received; freely, freely give. Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.”♪

Yes please Father. Let others know of Jesus’ life and love because I believe. Use me as You know is best.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

freedom to love God

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 (7:09 a.m.)

Most Blessed and Holy God,

I love You. Thank You for the freedom with which we get to say that. Honestly. Openly. Willingly.

(8:58 a.m.)

And here I sit. Reading of that freedom. Acting on that freedom. Because we are called to love You so freely (Mark 12:30) we are able to share Your love with others (v. 31).

Father, thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Keep You. You absolutely ARE from Whom ALL blessings flow! Words truly fail me right now.

There is currently so very much going on with friends and loved ones. Misunderstandings. Countless circumstances stretching many of Your children outside of their [our] comfort zones.

We have opportunities to learn from our shared experiences. Lean on and into You and Your Truth. Yes Father. Praise You for the freedom to love You. And others.

Reading in and quoting from Illustrated Bible Handbook “GALATIANS Chapter 5. Freedom in Christ Freedom to Live Love; 5:13-26” I am aware of another spark of hope. “…Paul’s teaching can be understood when we realize that his call for freedom is an invitation to live by faith and thus to become the new person we are in Jesus Christ.”

Live by faith. Become. New person. In Jesus Christ.

Just thinking about life in You my hope grows. Mm, yes. Hope grows!

(10:04 a.m.)

As I continue struggling to find my footing upon our most recent return home, Blessed Father God how I thank and praise You that Your love is with us wherever we are. Yes!

Praying Your Word right back to You this morning Father I quote it from The Message. Galatians 5:13-15, “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself.”

What would that be like? If we really, truly would and could love another as we love ourself? Mind boggling for sure!

“… Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out - in no time at all you will be annihilating [destroying] each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?”

This freedom we have in You truly IS precious! Not to be taken lightly. Nor trifled with.

Continue Your work in each of us Blessed Father. Teaching, empowering, growing us into the fearfully loving people You originally created us to be.

Do all You must Most Holy God. We love You. We long to know and serve You. Exactly as You know is best.

Thank You Father. Use us. Amen.

(490 words ~ 10:36 a.m.)

kids

Tuesday, April 16, 2019 (6:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

You bless us so much. Thank You.

(6:53 a.m.)

And here is where I say, “Hallelujah! Thank You God!”

Thinking about recent times spent with kids I took it to Your Word and found myself delighted. And encouraged.

Oh most Holy God, You bless us so incredibly much. Thank You.

I search Your Word. Thinking of Your blessings. And I find myself blessed all the more. Verses of hope. Examples of those who have loved and obeyed You through the years. Thank You Father.

Old and New Testaments, they are both filled with warnings and promises. Warnings and promises based on Your love. Your perfect, forgiving, all encompassing love.

So far this morning I’ve gotten to read again of Moses’ disobedience to and ultimate consequence from You (Deuteronomy 1:37-40). All these many years later Your Word continues teaching. Truth. History. Encouragement.

Oh most Holy God, it is to You I turn in my desire to grow and share Your Truth with others. Reading of mistakes, willful disobedience and Your never ending forgiveness for all reminds me once again how blessed we are just to know You.

It’s a section in Luke (7:18-35) that has me sitting up and taking notice right now. Thank You Father!

Illustrated Bible Handbook begins this overview of Jesus and John by affirming, “Faith is not easy, especially when God does not act as we expect!” Father God, thank You for reminders of Your Truth.

“It is difficult even for a great prophet like John (24-27) to have faith when God does not do what we expect or desire. But in Jesus’ kingdom we find greatness by surrendering our expectations and trusting God to do what is best (28).” Hallelujah Father. Our feelings at times are in awesome company.

Comments in The Life Recovery Bible concerning John the Baptist declare a hard truth, “7:18-23 …even the strongest believers will go through times of discouragement and doubt.” Praise You Father.

“7:24-28 Because of his strength of character, John the Baptist did not allow himself to be squeezed into anyone else’s mold. He committed himself to fulfill his God-given role as a prophet and forerunner of the Messiah. Just as He did for John, God has a purpose for each of us. As we discover what our role in His plan is, He will reveal His will to us and bring us joy.” Thank You Father for the examples You have for us.

This comment concludes by reiterating the importance of our obedience to You. It is in Your presence that we find Your guidance and strength.

Continue growing us Father. In a sense, we all have a tendency toward being unruly, yet loving kids.

Grow us Father. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(482 words ~ 8:43 a.m.)

"in His very image"

Monday, April 15, 2019 (5:55 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You that You are good. And thank You that I am made in Your image (Genesis 1:27). I think I forget that. A lot.

(6:50 a.m.)

Thank You that there is so much written about our being created “in His very image”. Thank You for the smile that grows ever bigger with all that I am reading this morning.

I confess to the confusion that comes with some newly presented material. And of course the drowsiness that stems directly from the concentration involved in learning. Thank You Father. Praise You. Teach me more I pray.

Here I get to read. Learn. Wonder. Doze. Breathe. Stretch. “Live, move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

It never ceases to amaze me how saying or even thinking certain things with You leads me to one verse or another. Thank You Father. I love You so much.

As we prepare to get going with our day I look to You asking (Matthew 7:7) that You go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within us. Completely surrounding and encompassing us in Your goodness, strength and power.

I do love You Father. And I long to serve You in the very way You originally designed me.

Here I quote from an Illustrated Bible Handbook Theology in Brief. “Human Nature: Man in the Image of God... The Bible, like our newspapers, testifies to the damage sin does in human experience. We carry God’s likeness imperfectly. But the basic fact is that we human beings have the potential for restoration…” Yes Father! Praise You.

“God’s image has not been eradicated [destroyed] (cf. Gen. 9; James 3:9). We are created in the image of God, and thus have infinite worth and value. Our respect for others, our acceptance of ourselves, and our sense of the worth of every individual, rest on this foundation. For study: Psalm 8; Hebrews 2:5-18.”

Oh Father. How I ask You to increase ‘our respect for others, acceptance of ourselves, and our senses of the worth of every individual.’ Mm. Yes. Let us more fully reflect Your image and Your likeness.

Mm, yes, Father. Here again the above theology, “We share with God capacities that only persons possess: we think, we feel, we value, we choose.” Yes Father! Empower me in doing these well.

I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(402 words ~ 7:52 a.m.)

quelled

Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019 (5:10 a.m.)

Here I am Lord,

Initially grumpy. A little bit weary. Kind of questioning. And finally smiling. Yes.

A line from a song [♪Looks like we made it♪] had me a little confused. Until I recognized it as ♪You’re Still the One♪. Then I realized this as a fairly important day in the Christian calendar and all my moping and griping quelled.

Quelled? Yeah. Put to an end. Calmed. Soothed. Settled. You do that for us. Thank You Father.

Thank You that I can wake up what seems hours too early to me and once I get up, find a smile. Thank You that even recognizing that I’ve been feeling off-kilter this past week helps me stretch as I turn toward You and Your Word.

Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You that it is to You that I get to sing ♪You’re Still the One I run to The One I belong to You’re still the One I want for life♪. Yes! ♪YOU’RE still the One that I love…♪

And here, rather than grumping and growling or moaning and groaning I am truly rejoicing at Who and All You are. I’m again reading in Lamentations, Your prophet Jeremiah’s passionate expression of grief and sorrow. Thank You Father that his experience was not all for nothing.

Because of his love and obedience to You we are reminded that “The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By His mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Thank You Father.

Through all of his pain and broken-heartedness Jeremiah remained faithful to You. He cried out. Was honest. And You listened to and comforted him. Thank You God.

Because of his example of having suffered great loss, we are reminded by his tears that it is okay to cry out to You. Acknowledging his own powerlessness in all of the destruction of Your people he cited You as his only hope.

“Quenched? It can’t be quenched, this sorrow in my eyes, Quelled only by knowing that the Eternal looks down from heaven and sees” (Lamentations 3:49-50; The Voice). Thank You for this record of Your Truth Blessed God.

Thank You that as we come together to celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday (John 12:12-19) we are fully aware of what all that fateful week held. Father do all You must in making us the faithful, obedient people You would have us be.

Truly Father, ♪You’re still the One I run to The One I belong to You’re still the One I want for life♪ Yes Father!

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me. I long to serve You. Solidly. Well-balanced. Not the least bit off-kilter.

I love You, Father. Thank You. Amen.

(484 words ~ 6:44 a.m.)

outright

Saturday, April 13, 2019 (7:34 a.m.)

ARGH! [Alway Rever God's Holiness!]

This morning I am already experiencing unsettling circumstances. Just by sharing that with You outright, I am aware of my breathing being fuller and shoulders loosening. Thank You God!

Thank You that I even get to come to You with frustration. Feelings of being stretched and taken outside of my comfort zone.

Thank You that by depending on You and Your Word I get to keep looking to Your Truth. And as I do, I am reading (Acts 17:32) of a topic I had discussed just yesterday with a dear friend.

Thank You Father for the people and relationships You bring into our lives. You are so good. The perfect Provider. Thank You.

I am again aware of my breathing and then the smile on my face. Father, thank You. Praise You. I get to come back to center every single time I am honesty, open and willing with You. Thank You.

The smile I’m experiencing at this very moment is deeply engrained within me. The more I read, think, confess and affirm Your goodness in all our circumstances the greater the peace and more genuine the smile.

(1:11 p.m.)

Reading about the book of Acts, I learn that the physician Luke wrote to Theophilus, whose name means ‘lover of God’, “to trace how the Jewish Jesus movement became a worldwide movement through the impetus [energy] of the Holy Spirit” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE). To this I genuinely say, “Thank You God!”

I get to read of “Jesus bringing hope to a hurting and seemingly forsaken group of people.” And then learn how His “small band of disciples that met in Jerusalem following His death and resurrection turned the world upside down” (Acts TLRB introduction). Thank You God. Thank You that  “Life on planet earth hasn’t been the same since.”

Thank You that I get to choose to believe You and Your Word. I get to choose it because I want to. I read. I nod my head in agreement. I hope. I remember. And I hope some more.

J.B. Phillips New Testament translates Dr. Luke’s words for Acts 17:32, “… when his audience heard Paul talk about the resurrection from the dead some of them laughed outright, but others said, ‘We should like to hear you speak again on this subject.’” Father, thank You that even way back then there were those who joked and scoffed while others wanted to hear more.

Thank You that we have the privilege of reading, standing and depending on Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. 

Use me this day exactly as You know is best. I love You. I want You. I need You. And oh how I thank You. Bless me to bless others I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(475 words ~ 2:21 p.m.)

God provides

Friday, April 12, 2019 (6:46 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Thank You for Your provisions. Mm, yes. You provide for us.

I have another smile. I was just thinking of the 23rd Psalm and here was a reference to it. You. As our Good Shepherd. Thank You God.

And then over to Philippians 4:19. The smile continues to come and go as I read more. Thank You God.

You are so good. You provide for our every need. Thank You.

Yes! Our every need.

Psalm 23:1 in The Living Bible tells us, “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Through the years I have come to think of this version as the most meaningful.

This morning I find The Passion Translation's rendering. “David’s poetic praise to God The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” Thank You Father. Thank You for Your reminders.

Oh! And it just got better. Reading verse two in both of the versions above I feel my shoulders loosen.

“He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors Him the most” (TLB).

My imagination takes me to those places I have explored before. Then I turn again to The Passion Translation. Oh Your goodness God!

“He offers a resting place for me in His luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.” This written by who has come to be accepted as a sixteen or seventeen year old young lad.

Just imagine. Yes Father. Thank You that I get to just imagine.

I read. I hope. I think. I rest. And then I begin all over again. Reading more, hoping more…

Most Holy God, I ask You to use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. I love You so much. And I long to serve You well.

Do all You must in providing our needs that we will in turn share Your luxurious love with others. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(359 words ~ 7:41 a.m.)

smiling again - ♪ Higher Love ♪

Thursday, April 11, 2019 (6:20 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I keep smiling. For one reason or another. I truly rejoice in You every single time I am aware that I am indeed smiling again.

Thank You Father. Yes. You provide us blessing upon blessing. Reason after reason to smile. I can never thank You enough. Earnestly I will keep trying.

I love You God. Pure and simple. That easy. I do. I love You.

Because of Your love for each of us we are called and enabled to love You (Mark 12:30) and others (31). Thank You for all You have to teach us about this incredible love of Yours.

When we are focused on You, Your goodness, kindness, grace, wisdom

(7:18 a.m.)

I just took a huge detour. I went searching the web to find a term that accurately describes what I want to express...

Your Truth!

There are so many opportunities to get misled. I don’t want to risk that. I want Your Truth Father. Not to get caught up in and confused by false teachers.

Full exhalation. Ready inhalation. Mind clearing Truth is what I am seeking Father. There are so many deviations to what one is taught and how easily that gets misrepresented.

I am here to learn and practice Your Truth. One Truth. Actual Truth. I read Your Word. Think I understand. And then get tangled in my own concerns for accuracy.

Lead and guide me Blessed God. In Your Truth. To Your Truth.

(10:17 a.m.)

And I’m here again. Phone calls. Deep sharing of facts and feelings with family and friends. And more wondering.

Let me just say straight out, Father I love You. I may be confused. I might wonder. A LOT! And still I love You. Pure and simple. Muddled or complicated. It always comes back to the love You have for us and ours for You (1 John 4:19).

I don’t have to try to make it make sense before I offer it to others. I can be real. Authentic. Genuine. And honestly say, “I don’t know. I’m not sure.” when asked why I believe what I believe.

Your Word is Truth. I believe that. Why? Because You tell me so. How do I prove it? I can’t. I can only keep coming back to Your goodness. And Your grace. Your faithfulness. Your offer. To live eternally with You.

Yes. This morning I am struggling to make sense out of my thoughts. I am led by my own reminders to smile. Sing. Stretch. And stay my mind on You. Prompts that bring me back to the awareness of Your presence in every single aspect of my life.

Blessed Father God, thank You that I can be as jumbled in my thinking as I am right now and still know beyond any shadow of every doubt that You know exactly all that is going on with me. Thank You that I get to offer it all up to You as worship and in the process You will steer me straight.

Thank You Father. Thank You God. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit.

And here I offer You a song of hope and trust I was introduced to last night. ♪Higher Love♪

A “Pop - blue eyed soul” song from over thirty years ago with which I was unfamiliar. As I consider the lyrics I am blessed to know You as my Higher Love. Thank You Father.

Thank You for every song You bring into my life that reminds me to sing, smile, stay my mind and stretch again. ♪Think about it There must be a Higher Love…♪

That’s You Father. Our Higher Love. Thank You. Praise You.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. For Your glory and the good of others. I love You. I want You. I need You. And I thank You. Yes. Amen.

(655 words ~ 10:58 a.m.)

Hero

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 (7:01 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You SO much. I get to wake up thinking about You. Singing to You.

What seems to have come completely out of nowhere I keep singing ♪…I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero…♪ Blessed God, I am so grateful to know Jesus as my Hero.

(8:08 a.m.)

I look to Your Word to tell me more. As I read, the power of believing You at Your Word practically explodes within me. Thank You Father. Thank You for the crescendo [gradual increase in loudness and intensity] that builds within me.

Holiest God, I find myself wanting to scream Your goodness from the mountaintops. You are our source of hope. Power. Truth. Thank You.

The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus to strengthen them in their relationship with You and each other. As I read in his letter one of the words of the song I keep singing changes. ♪I HAVE a Hero!♪

Because of this Truth I get to truly “Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Father, I confess the paralyzing fear I experience in many of the responsibilities of being a grown up. Thank You that You are so much bigger than every single one of my fears.

‘You saved us by Your special favor when we believed. We can’t take credit for it; because it’s a gift from You. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it’ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

‘I am Your masterpiece’ (v. 10a) and You are my Hero! ‘You created me anew in Christ Jesus, so that I can do the good things You planned for us long ago’ (10b).

Continue Your work in me Father. With me. By, through and for me.

I love You so much and am incredibly grateful that You really are my Hero! Thank You. Use me. Amen.

332 words ~ 8:55 a.m.)

grateful smile

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 (7:06 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Here I am. Awake. With an attitude. I’ve yet to decide if it’s good or not.

The smile is real. Though it does seem to come and go. That’s how I came back around to focusing on You again. I like when it stays. Reminding me that You are good. All the time.

(7:55 a.m.)

Mm. Another smile. Gentle. Deep. Sincere. Genuine. And grateful.

Yes Father! This smile is filled with gratitude. Imagine that. I confess my attitude to You and You change it right where I sit. Thank You.

Here again I had a choice. Rant about my own perception of this slight or that omission, OR call on Your goodness. Thank You for reminding me that through it all, You are good.

Choosing to look to You rather than any degree of hurt feelings, I am sent over to read Paul’s words about the importance of being transparent (2 Corinthians 3). And confident (chapter 4). In You.

Bless You Father! I can very easily fall victim to my own thinking. This hurt. That disappointment. Then out of nowhere, another grateful smile. Thanks Dad.

Fully exhaling reminds me to settle in and focus on You. Various songs and hymns jumble together to start the singing in my soul. ♪Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It is well♪

And here again, the smile. Another natural inhalation. And peace. Your peace. Praise You Father.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Take any perception of my having been intentionally left out and turn it into the good that only You can create.

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You… into my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless and glorify You. Yes! Grateful smile. Amen.

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

♪ Isn’t it time… ♪

Monday, April 8, 2019 (5:39 a.m.)

♪Isn’t it time…♪ has been singing itself to me again. Holiest God, I don’t know if it’s You singing to me, or me singing to You. Guide and direct my search through Your Word I pray.

I didn't think I was quite ready to be awake. Yet going back to sleep didn’t seem the best option. Again I ask Your guidance and direction here.

Surprisingly enough there are verses with “Isn’t it time” in them. Yet while I am considering them, Philippians 4:8 pops up from a conversation with a loved one yesterday. A much loved one who knows of You Dear Jesus, yet does not know You as her Lord and Savior.

I find it encouraging how many times I am aware of thanking You during our conversations. As well as when I unknowingly expand on a prayer where I had quite naturally requested “the peace that passes all understanding” (v. 7) on her behalf.

What’s even better is that it all stems from having originally shared the importance of not worrying about anything (6). Instead praying about everything. Telling You our needs. And thanking You for all You have done. Thank You Father.

Thank You that even though I don’t know myself to be adequately evangelistic, You are such a natural part of my every conversation. Is this where ♪Isn’t it time…♪ comes in to play?

Isn’t it time I learn to unapologetically share with others what I know and believe to be true about life with You? Mm, yes Father. ♪Isn’t it time…♪

You are Who makes me be me. Thank You. Praise You.

(7:30 a.m.)

As I sit here, preparing to go out into the day I ask You Father to go before me. Behind. Beside. Beneath. Above. And within me. Completely engulfing me with Your presence.

Father, I love You. I need You. I want You. And I long to represent You. Well. Do all You must to this end.

Referring again to Philippians 4:8 I ask You to empower and enable me in filling my mind “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” (The Voice).

The Passion Translation uses these words, “So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always.”

Yes please! Make it so that I do. I love You. ♪Isn’t it time…♪ I put into practice all that You teach? I love You Father. Amen.

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

Truly!

Sunday, April 7, 2019 (11:22 a.m.)

And here I am again. Truly singing Your praises. Yes Father. Truly!

You woke me up with a song again this morning. The Beach Boys of all genres! Thank You Father. Yes. Thank and praise You.

(5:21 p.m.)

Unexpected and very pleasant phone calls. Yard work. Now back to the song.

♪…Isn’t it time we danced the night away How about doing it just like yesterday Every time I think of You And all of those things we used to do Remember those nights we spent just You and I Little did we know how the time would fly Isn’t it time Isn’t it time The good times never have to end And now’s the time to let them happen again And we can have ourselves a blast The good times they aren’t only in the past…♪

I love that I get to sing to You about music spinning in my head. Memories. Photographs. And a changing world. Descriptive lyrics of an American rock band.

♪And as the sun goes down We raise our glass to kindness To all the good times we shared Isn’t it time we get ready and then Isn’t it time we go steady again♪

Just because another trip has ended is no reason that we can’t still dance ♪just like yesterday♪

Father how I thank You for the ways You sing hope into my being. I love You. Thank You. Use me exactly as You know is best. Smiling. Singing. Staying my mind on You. And stretching. Thank You. Amen.

(265 words ~ 6:20 p.m.)

released

Sunday, April 7, 2019 (7:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Thank You.

(7:33 a.m.)

It is working with You through the years that is allowing me to cut myself a little slack.

The melancholia started on Friday. Another end to a perfectly lovely trip. Hard as I tried, I could not work myself out of the funk into which I had sunk.

Sleep didn’t come easily as I played all my perceived slights and insecurities over and over in my head. Reminding myself that “feelings aren’t facts” helped a little. I thank You for that.

And right here is the absolute largest sense of release I have experienced in such a long time. Blessed God, thank You!

Over twenty years ago I made a mistake. Misjudging a little one’s ability and disposition resulted in a fear spanning two decades. YOU worked through that fear Father. Turning it into something beautiful. A determined and certified SCUBA diver, working at Sea World.

Thank You Father! I have carried this self imposed guilt for so many years. And this morning I am experiencing the genuine release that comes only from choosing to truly believe Your Word.

As I exhale fully and breathe in naturally I am deeply aware of the peace that fills and surrounds me when I completely give in to Your presence. Thank You Father.

Reading Romans 8 in The Passion Translation I continue coming back to the blessed release I encounter every single time I take You at Your Word. Thank You Father.

Thank You that I get to choose to believe that ‘the Spirit of Christ empowers [my] life’ (v. 9). That ‘Christ lives His life in [me]!’ (10a). Thank You for releasing me Father. From my own self condemnation.

This is yet another level of the freedom we find in living our lives in, with, by, through and for Your Truth. How I ask You Blessed God to continue teaching me the power of living each and every day in trusting and depending on the Truth of Your loving forgiveness.

Thank You Father. I love You. I trust You. I need You. And I ask You to do all You must in fully releasing me from myself.

Use me for Your glory and the good of others. Just like turning another of the mistakes I make into something wonderful. Thank You God. I love You. Amen.

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

waiting for His return

Friday, April 5, 2019 (8:00 a.m. ship’s time)

Cruising to Los Angeles, CA

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. You provide us with so many fine, good things. Mm. Yes, You do. Thank You.

I read in Your Word (Philippians, Proverbs, John) and I find hope. Every single time. I look to You, gazing out at this vast ocean and I think of the blessings You have provided us. Blessings far too many to count.

I’m preparing to leave here shortly. Looking to take advantage of another activity.

(11:05 a.m. Back balcony)

And I’m back. Not yet having found my rhythm with You.

Holy God. We’ve spoken with so many people these past several days. People we will more than likely never see again.

As I sit here, attempting to take it all in and find where in Your Word to go let me ask You instead. Father God, guide and direct my fleeting thoughts. They are vast. Bouncing from one thing to another.

Rein me in. Change that. Reign in me. Yes Father! Reign in me! Consume my thinking. Bring all that is distracting me back to You.

I confess to trying to manufacture something meaningful here. And I’m back to thinking about the people we have met. Experiences shared. And I’m willing to explore Philippians 2:2 as seemingly directed just a bit ago.

(12:09 p.m.)

aaaåååå [This randomly appeared on screen as my Bible laid on the keyboard]

Choosing to read through Philippians, rather than just hunting out certain verses, I sat up and paid attention as I read chapter 3, verse 20, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.”

Yes Father. Truly I am waiting for His return. That explains this air of melancholy. And with that realization, a genuine, soul filled smile. Yes Father. An almost giddiness as I sit here finally feeling connected to You.

All the failed attempts of trying this verse or that one. Thinking one thought or another. Focusing on this marvelous view of blue sky and white clouds hovering over various blue colored water contrasting the lacy white wake. All this beauty couldn’t conjure up the joy. The freedom that comes as we consider “waiting for His return”.

Oh yes, thank You Father. All there is to do today, let it all be done for Your glory and the good of others.

This is where I can wholeheartedly pray with Paul as he asked (second chapter, first verse), “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?

“Then make me truly happy by agreeing whole-heartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose” (v. 2).

Yes! Hallelujah Father! One heart and one purpose as we are waiting for His return.

Do that for us. In us. By, through and with us. Yes please. Do all You must to make it so oh Lord.

How I love and thank You. Bring glory to Your must holy name I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(544 words ~ 12:34 p.m.)

open-ended

Thursday, April 4, 2019 (7:00 a.m. ship’s time)

Cruising north to Los Angeles, CA

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. I love when my thoughts are of You as I waken. And when my first exclamation of the day has to do with You as well.

“Oh my God!” came out of my mouth the moment I saw the sky. No time to think. Or plan. Just exclaim.

How I thank You Father. Yes! Thank You for teaching us.

I was considering which of all that You teach us to list above. And I decided instead to leave it open-ended. Yes. With “no determined limit or boundary”.

I smile as I think about all You are. And do for us. Provide for our every need. Free us. Change us. Teach us. There it is again.

You DO teach us! Teach us to be kind. Loving. Forgiving. Alert. Aware. Hopeful. Joyful. Faithful. Strong. In You!

This morning I’m reading (Psalm 35) of David’s feelings of desperation concerning his circumstances. As he prays Your protection and humiliation of those trying to kill him (v. 4) it’s verses nine and ten I’m looking to most.

“Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because He rescues me. I will praise Him from the bottom of my heart. ‘LORD, who can compare with You? Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy from those who want to rob them?’”

Truly! “LORD, who can compare with You?”!

Your blessings, Your wisdom, Your love are all limitless. Without boundaries. Open-ended. David knew this. You teach us to know and trust You as well.

Skimming over to Isaiah 48 I read of God’s Stubborn People (vs. 1-11) and Freedom from Babylon (12-22). Verses 17 and 18 especially speak to me this morning.

“‘The LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you would listen to my commands! Then you would have peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling like waves.’”

This I ask of You Blessed Dad. That I would truly learn to listen to and follow Your commands. I love You. And I long to represent You as one who knows You well. Live in, with, by, through and for me this day Blessed God. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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