blessed

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 (5:54 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Mm, yes. Thank You. You have blessed us in so many ways. Embolden and empower us in using those blessings to Your glory and the good of others.

Holy God, we are Yours. And we are truly blessed by that.

James 1:12.

(8:13 a.m.)

It just hit me, while doing laundry of all things, that we are blessed to be a blessing. 

2 Corinthians 8-9.

Father God, You know exactly how You would have me bless others this day. Get me out of Your way so You can work in, with, by, through and for me to that end.

Blessed to be a blessing. Yes. Please. Make it so.

I love You. I thank You. I need and depend on You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

so grateful

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 (6:34 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Yes, Father. Thank You!

I wrestled with You. Confessed my sins. You changed my heart and attitude. And I am grateful Father. So grateful.

In the midst of hard feelings we were blessed to witness baptisms at a church of which we are fairly unfamiliar. What a blessing. Such emotion. And sheer delight.

People of varying ages and ethnicity going into the water to die to You and emerging “new”. Excited. Tearful. Emotional. New. Praise You Father.

Thank You Lord. Mm, yes God. Thank You.

Here I get to read again in Romans. 12:4-6, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of His one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.”

That is exactly how it seemed on Sunday. All different. Each one supporting and encouraging the next. Tears. Whistles. Shouts. Applause. Joy. Love. You!

Thank You Father for the opportunity to witness such an outpouring of dedication to You. Thank You for the unity that filled that space. Thank You for my momentary loss of judgment which allowed me to embrace the one with whom I was most estranged.

You are so good God. And I am so grateful.

Continue Your work in us Dear Lord. And just as I’m preparing to say “Amen” I find this.

Illustrated Bible Handbook. “Chapter 12. Relationships in Christ’s Church An Appeal for Commitment; 12:1,2. True Interdependence; 12:3-8. Sincere Love; 12:9-21.”

Yes Lord. Yes. Yes. Oh yes!

(9:00 a.m.)

Right here I throw out a huge “Hallelujah! Thank You God!” Because of my own lapse into self-centered sinfulness I was just now able to witness to my own bad behavior. And testify to Your readiness to work in us… when we let You!

Bless You Father. Praise You. You are so good. And I am so grateful. Thank You. Praise You. Use me exactly as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(380 words ~ 9:08 a.m.)

bless not curse

Monday, July 29, 2019 (4:03 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

I’m saying thank You ‘cause I’m supposed to. What I really want to do is keep complaining in my head about poor me. I’m not understood. I feel this, that and something else. But what I’m supposed to do is praise and thank You.

So with that bit of information, where do we go from here? I keep playing the unnecessary card in my mind. Confused. Annoyed. Unloved. Unneeded. The list could go on ad infinitum. Ad nauseam.

(9:49 a.m.)

And with that I escaped into games, stories, photos, messages and a little bit of sleep.

I confess to wrestling with You Lord. Knowing what You have called me to do. FORGIVE! [ARGH!!!]

It’s really truly hard for me to continue arguing with Your Truth. I agree that I am to be loving. And I am… when it’s easy. When it doesn’t cost much.

But let things go awry. Let my apple cart get upset. How obedient am I then? That’s when my attitude changes. The language and tone of voice turn.

And here’s another giant ARGH! Always Revere God’s Holiness. Not sometimes, always. It seems like such a tall order when I’m attempting it in my own power.

So let me try again. I can’t. You can. I’ll let You. Yes. It’s true. As long as I keep arguing my case with You, we’ll never get past it. It’s when I bow to Your Word, Your will, Your way that You can begin Your transforming work on my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Father God, thank You for Your willingness to work in each of us. By, through and for us. You alone are good. Holy. Almighty. All knowing. And our job is to trust and obey. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Thank You that Your Word speaks to us. Thank You for giving us ears and hearts to hear.

Luke 6:28, “Ask God to bless those who say bad things to you. Pray for those who are cruel [mean] to you” (International Children’s Bible). Tall order God.

The Life Recovery Bible devotional entitled Forgiveness (Luke 6:27-36) tells us, “We no longer need to be controlled by other people’s dispositions and actions. Even when we have done our best… the situation… and our feelings may not change. But…”

And here I lean in for particularly strong emphasis… “B-U-T 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.”

Holy God, I thank You so incredibly much. Your Word is Truth.

Hebrews 4:12, “For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are.” True. True. True!

Thank You Father. Thank You for speaking to me in so many ways. My bad behavior, grudge holding and resentment is exhausting. And sinful.

Colossians 3:7-9, “You used to do these sins when you lived that kind of life. Put out of your life these things also: anger, bad temper, bad feelings toward others, talk that hurts people, speaking against God, and dirty talk. Do not lie to each other. You have put out of your life your old ways” (New Life Version).

It’s true Father. I have put these things out of my life. And how quickly they come right back in!

Just like Your Word says. “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Take a firm stand against him and be strong in your faith (1 Peter 5:8-9a).

I know better Lord. You have raised me better than this. Forgive this most recent slide back down into old patterns and behaviors.

I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask You to renew Your perfecting, purifying work in my life. Do all You must, Blessed God. All You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(728 words ~ 11:21 a.m.)

careful and easygoing

Sunday, July 28, 2019 (6:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

Forgive me please. I underwent a huge degree of self-centeredness yesterday.

(6:32 a.m.)

And here I thank You Father.

Spending time scouring Your Word, I changed my focus. Instead of continuing to pursue proof of my own bad behavior, I look instead to the alternative. Rather than using our time together confirming the problem [self-centeredness], I look to You as the Solution of every wrong.

Thank You Father. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You for Your teachings.

I am here asking Your perfect reign on my life. Change my thoughtlessness into thoughtfulness. Make my attitude that which You would have it be. Kind. Caring. Resembling You and Your love for others.

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

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

"so much more"

Saturday, July 27, 2019 (6:56 a.m. MDT)

Albuquerque, NM

Blessed, Holy God,

There’s so much to see. So much to do. So much to love. And remember. And take with us. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the memories of another well planned trip. Thank You for the safety we experienced during our travels. The monsoonal weather we got to watch right from the comfort of a front porch and hotel room windows.

Wind. Rain. Lightning. And thunder. All the while remaining safe and dry. Thank You God.

Thank You for one more day of travel. We are so blessed to be able to come to You asking for another extension of Your care. More safety. More joy. More memories. So much more.

Turning to Your Word, I am directed straight to Hebrews 6:1-3. The Message presenting it in words I fully understand.

“So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on ‘salvation by self-help’ and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!”

Oh, let’s get on with it indeed! Life in You is so much more than anything we could ever begin to imagine. You love us. You’ve got us. We don’t ever have to be alone. Or afraid. Keep me knowing and believing Your Truth.

Father, I love You. I thank You. I need and trust You. Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Loving, trusting, glorifying, rejoicing and so much more. So very much more.

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(311 words ~ 7:32 a.m. MDT)

"safe in You"

Friday, July 26, 2019 (7:23 a.m. MDT)

Albuquerque, NM

Holy God,

Thank You that You are good. Thank You that we are safe in You.

(8:19 a.m. MDT)

Mm, yes. We ARE “safe in You”. Thank You Father.

I get to read Your Word. Hope and trust that all You say is true. Hope, trust and believe.

I do, You know? I hope, trust and believe that I am safe in You. Whatever our circumstances, we get to choose to turn to You. Or not.

Thank You Father that as time goes on we get to keep practicing. Choosing life over death (Deuteronomy 30:19). Your faithful love instead of fear (1 John 4:19). To be strong in Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Thank You God.

Thank You that I get to turn again to Isaiah 41:10 and be reminded. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” How cool is that?

I get to trust. Hope. Believe. All because we are safe in You.

Father, this morning I look to You. Asking that You would guide us through this day. We have lots of options. Direct us in our choosing how best to spend this time.

We love You Father. And we long to glorify and enjoy You.

Looking deeper into that thought, I come to Habakkuk 3:17-19. Here the prophet affirms his faith. Acknowledging the difficult times to come, still he avowed “yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength!”

Habakkuk knew he could trust You. His awareness of You as our source of all hope enabled him to truly trust and rejoice in You. Thank You Father.

Thank You that we are safe in You. Use us this day as You absolutely know is best. I love You. I trust You. I need You. I thank You. Amen.

354 words ~ 9:23 a.m. MDT)

growing

Thursday, July 25, 2019 (6:19 a.m. MDT)

Red River, NM

Holy God,

How I thank You for the love You are growing in this family. Love with roots that go deep into Your Word. Love that draws us to You.

This morning I revisit Colossians 2:6-7. “Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to Him and draw 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.”

Yes please Father. How I ask You to keep growing us into the people You would have us be. The Life Recovery Bible comment for this section describes Paul’s urging “us to improve our conscious contact with God so that His power will be at work within us, filling us with joy and thanksgiving.”

Yes Father. Your power. Joy. Thanksgiving. It all comes from You. Our glorious Source of all things good. Thank You Lord.

“Without God’s power nourishing us, we are at the mercy of our destructive habits and dependency.” Again, Your power.

As we prepare again for travel, Father I thank You for the joyful experiences we’ve encountered this far and ask You for continued safety. Bless us and keep us (Numbers 6:24-26) exactly as You know is best.

You are indeed our good, good Father. We rely on and trust in You and Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Every piece of Your armor, used “to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle [we] will be standing firm” (v. 13).

Yes Father. We never know what is yet to come. That is why I am here. Thanking and asking You to do in, with, by, through and for us exactly as You know is best.

We love You. We seek You. We thank You for what was, what is, and is still to come. Thank You for Your love. And for training us in the way You would have us grow (Proverbs 22:6). Thank You Lord. We love You. Amen.

(371 words ~ 6:59 a.m. MDT)

guided and enabled

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 (7:03 a.m. MDT)

Red River, NM

Again I thank You Lord. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your goodness. Your kindness. Your peace. Patience. Gentleness. Faithfulness. Self-control. And Your joy.

“Freedom to Live Love; (Galatians) 5:13-26.” Illustrated Bible Handbook, “The Christian life, then, does not focus on rules but on relationship. Our goal is not to practice do’s and don’ts, but to love God, and to please the Holy Spirit who guides us and enables us from within.”

Guided and enabled. Blessed, Holy God, You provide us with everything we need to live love. That is my prayer this morning. “Living by the Spirit’s Power… But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: …” (Galatians 5:16-26).

And here (“insights INTO GOD’S WILL”, The Life Recovery Bible) I get to read of Your desires becoming our own desires as we submit our life to Your will. It all reads so simply, Lord. Do this. Get that result. Too often life seems so much harder than that.

Thank You Father that Your Word is true. Our nature may very well conflict with Your Truth. Thank You that we get to repeatedly choose You. Your will. Your way.

There are very loving decisions to be made today. Two places. Twelve miles apart. Only one me. Which do I choose? How do I decide?

I look to You Lord. Asking Your wisdom. Seeking Your guidance. Knocking on Your door of decision making expertise (Matthew 7:7). How would You have me best spend this final full day in this particular area of the Land of Enchantment?

Thank You Father that we do indeed get to keep looking to You. Thank You that You are without question our good, good Father.

Use me this day most Holy God. Exactly as You know is best. Loving You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). Singing. Smiling. Staying my mind. And stretching in accordance to Your will.

As I look to You most Holy God with all the love and joy You produce in us, I turn again to Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees concerning The Most Important Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40).

The Life Recovery Bible comment 22:33-40 describes Jesus simplifying our priorities by narrowing “the six hundred-plus regulations of the law of Moses into two foundational commandments: Love God with everything we are and have; love our neighbors as ourself. To do these is to obey every other law.”

Continue teaching me Father. Put my love for You and others far ahead of my own earthly desires. I long to serve and to please You Lord. Guide, empower and enable me to this end. Do all You must to make it so.

Thank You for Your love. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. I love You. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(481 words ~ 8:24 a.m. MDT)

the love of family

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 (6:57 a.m. MDT)

Red River, NM

Holy, Holy God and Father,

How I thank You for family. And the love of family. Oh yes Blessed God. The love of family. Talk to me more about the love You have for us. The love You would have us share with others.

And here again, as on other days, I am blown away by the way You communicate Your Word into my heart. Father, thank You!

Reading once more of The Family of God (Illustrated Bible Handbook) I am reminded of so many important things. A loving family. God as Father.

rhythmic

Monday, July 22, 2019 (6:53 a.m. MDT)

Tia’s 2nd Bedroom

Questa, NM

Holy God,

Thank You. Again.

Last night my plan was to “Argh!” at You first thing this morning. Getting to sleep seemed impossible. The wind howled and things went bump. Thoughts swirled. Breathing slowed. And finally became rhythmic.

That seemed to be the answer. Rhythmic breathing. Remembering to “always revere God’s holiness”. Giving in. Letting go. Thank You God. Yes. Thank You.

I get to sit here. Surrounded by the family I was blessed by marrying into. Encompassed with the love You have provided since before time began.

Reading Your Word. Thinking. Considering. Pondering. Treasuring. Yes Father. Thank You for teaching us to treasure these precious moments.

Yes God. Once again I follow my thoughts into Your Word and am blessed. Settled. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus. Encouraging them in their relationship with You and each other.

The Life Recovery Bible intro refers to You as “the only solid foundation for healthy living.” Amen!

Seeing and believing You to be exactly all You are, it seems only natural to always revere Your holiness. Especially when the winds howl and things go bump in the night.

It’s The Message that has me again looking at the unity we are to have in Your body. We aren’t to all look or speak or act the same (Ephesians 4:7). No. You created us far more individually than that.

“We have been gifted in ways that make us necessary to others. Others have been gifted in ways that make them necessary to us” (4:7-16 comment). Here, again, I ask You to teach me to use the gifts Your have provided me.

“Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift… He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with His gifts, filled earth with His gifts… gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”

Holy God, what would that look like? Being fully mature, developed and alive? Oh yes! Sign us up to move rhythmically and easily with each other!

Father, I do thank You. I love You. I need You. I want You. I trust You. And I ask You to do all You must in making us the people You would have us be. Fully alive like Christ! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(439 words ~ 7:11 a.m. MDT)

more safe travels

Sunday, July 21, 2019 (6:06 a.m. MDT)

Albuquerque, NM

Holy God,

Thank You. Again. Safe travels. Mm, yes Father. You have provided us with safe travels once again.

And here I am, asking for even more. More safety. More joyous laughter. More of You in every instance.

I get to read of Your Spirit long ago coming upon Azariah, son of Oded (2 Chronicles 15:1) and of him going out to meet King Asa as he returned from battle (v. 2).

“‘Listen to me, Asa!’ He shouted. ‘Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with Him! Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you abandon Him, He will abandon you’” (2).

The chapter continues describing Asa’s full commitment to You throughout his remaining life (v. 17). And the courage it took for him to go against the ways of idolatry that had become common place at that time.

Holy God, we are living in a time when our nation is in crisis. On so many different levels. Homelessness abounds. Addictions run rampant. Disrespect of authority, one another and ourselves seems to be at an all out high.

And I have the nerve to continue seeking more safe travels. Forgive me Father for not knowing how to supportively get involved. There seems to be such a fine line between “my business” and “none of my business”. Bridge that gap for me Father. As only You know is best.

Reading another Serenity Prayer devotional in The Life Recovery Bible, I ask You to provide all that is needed in our making the changes that You would have us make. “It takes courage to make the preparations necessary to allow God to change our life and our relationships in ways that support the recovery process.”

And how do we acquire that courage? By seeking and finding You.

I do seek You Father. I love You. And I ask You to do with, in, by, through and for each of us exactly as You know is best.

We love You and we ask all this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen.

(370 words ~ 7:37 a.m. MDT)

God knows all

Saturday, July 20, 2019 (5:45 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that we don’t always know what we think we know. And that’s okay. Because You do!

You know all. Thank You that You do.

Thank You that there is nothing that we think, feel, say or do that surprises You. You already knew. Long before we were born.

Romans 8:27

Hebrews 4:13

Psalm 139

Thank You Father for the comfort we find in You. In Your Word. In Your Truth. In Your promises.

Holy Father God, I love You. I love that it is in You that we get to “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a). Use us this day Lord. For Your glory. And the good of others.

Mm, yes Father. Use us. We love You. And thank You. Amen.

(142 words ~ 6:07 a.m.)

promised hope

Friday, July 19, 2019 (5:47 a.m.)

Oh Most Holy God,

How I thank You. For You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. The hope we have in You.

(6:26 a.m.)

Blessed Lord, I keep smiling. Reading. Hoping. Believing. Trusting.

I began at Hebrews 6:19. Seeking to know more about the hope we have in You. New Living Translation describes it as “This confidence [that] is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”

That only served to whet my appetite! I immediately wanted to learn more. More of Your hope bringing promises.

The Passion Translation paints a word picture that stirs my heart. Beginning at verse 17, “So in the same way [as people who swear an oath by something greater than themselves], God wanted to end all doubt and confirm it even more forcefully to those who would inherit His promises. His purpose was unchangeable, so God added His vow to the promise.”

You are Trustworthy. Caring. Faithful.

Verse 18, listed in Illustrated Bible Handbook’s chart, Hebrews’ Message to Me tells of a THEME toward maturity. The CONCEPT is of security stimulating growth. KEY WORDS are: “insecure, foundation”.

I latch onto the MEANING seemingly for dear life! “I can forget myself and launch out in reckless trust that the atonement is complete.”

I confess Father. I’m not sure what fully forgetting myself and recklessly trusting You would look like. Oh, but I DO want to learn!

Now, back to Your Word. “So it impossible for God to lie for we know that His promise and His vow never change! And now we have run into His heart to hide ourselves in His faithfulness” (18a). Just imagine that! Running into Your heart and hiding in Your faithfulness. My mind practically explodes with hopefulness.

“… This is where we find His strength and comfort, for He empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time - an unshakeable hope! We have this certain [promised] hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God Himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold” (18b-19).

Unshakeable hope. Unbreakable anchor of hope. Promised hope. Praise You Father!

Use me this day Lord. We have thing planned and much to do to pull it all together. Work in, with, by, through and for us that we will end this day glorifying and enjoying You.

We love You. We thank You. Use us. Amen.

(420 words ~ 7:27 a.m.)

Wonderful Teacher

Thursday, July 18, 2019 (5:06 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. You teach us so much.

We get to look to You. Believe You. Trust You. Obey You. Follow You. Thank You Lord.

Considering You as Teacher I turn to Isaiah 28:29 and Titus 2:11-13. Reading of You as “a wonderful teacher” I rest. Smile. Inhale deeply. Trust. Believe. Hope. Thank You God.

The more I read, the broader the smile. The greater the hope. Holy God, thank You.

There are more opportunities for me to share information today. Be in and with me Lord. I long to represent You. Well.

Back to Isaiah. “A Place of Safety; 28:16-29.” There is such peacefulness washing over me as I read and hope and trust in Your Word. Your promises. Thank You Father.

Verse 16, International Children’s Bible, “Because of these things [the sin and denial of the rulers in Jerusalem], this what the Lord God says: ‘I will put a stone in the ground in Jerusalem. This will be a tested stone. Everything will be built on this important and precious rock. Anyone who trusts in it will never be disappointed.”

Father, thank You for all You have to teach us. Make us willing, obedient students. Eager, not only to seek and hear but to “live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to [You] God” (Titus 2:12b).

Oh how I love You Father. Do all You must in making me into the person You would have me be. Loving. Caring. Yours.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(268 words ~ 6:40 a.m.)

very much better

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 (6:12 p.m.)

Holy God,

How I thank You! Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

There was a surprise. Somebody made a mistake. And it turned out wonderfully. Could NOT have been better. Thank You God.

Thank You for the way my plans faded right into Your very much better one. You amaze me Father. And I am grateful. So exceedingly grateful.

Keep working in and with me Father. By, through and for me. I love You. And again, I thank You. Praise You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(93 words ~ 6:43 p.m.)

choosing God

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 (6:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You that You are good. Thank You that You provide us with choices. Mm. And the greatest of these is You. Choosing You.

Thank You that as I turned to search Your Word, I was taken directly to the verses I woke up considering. Deuteronomy 30:19. Choices. Life. Death. Blessings. Curses. And then? Verse 20. Loving You.

Oh praise You Father! Thank You that we get to read and consider various translations of Your directions and promises. Each saying the same thing in a different way. A variety of words used to paint Your same Truth. Thank You Lord.

We get to “Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey Him and to cling to Him” (The Living Bible). “… love Jehovah thy God, to hearken to His voice, and to cleave to Him” (Young’s Literal Translation). “… love the Eternal your God and listen to His voice and always remain loyal to Him” (The Voice).

Holy God, it seems so simple. “Love. Obey. Cling.” Yes! Please. Make it so. I long to choose loving, obeying and holding fast to You; “for that means life…” (New Revised Standard Version).

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. I love You. I need You. I want You. I trust You. I believe You. And I ask You to empower and embolden me with Your mighty strength (Ephesians 6:10, Complete Jewish Bible).

Yes Lord. Bless us. Keep us. Making us obedient to Your Holy Word and Truth. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(267 words ~ 7:26 a.m.)

More so

Monday, July 15, 2019 (6:00 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

We’re a little chaotic around here. And at the same time, making sure we rest. Is this balance?

Hmmm. Maybe it is.

There has definitely been some teamwork. More so than ever before. Thank You Father.

Thank You for this time of quiet reflection. This opportunity to sit and consider all the blessings and changes You have provided us these many years. Yes Father. Thank You.

Thank You for struggles that have led to peaceful surrender. Thank You for joy that has stretched to include mishaps. Thank You for Your all encompassing love that teaches us to identify and recognize the first things that You would have us put first.

Mm, yes Father. Thank You.

Thank You for deep breaths that help cleanse our souls and settle our often racing thoughts. You are such the good and gracious Father. Thank You.

Thanks for the playfulness of a little dog that can evoke such a smile and sense of joy and peacefulness. Another deep breath. More joy. Thank You Lord.

How I thank You that this morning I get to read Paul’s words about new life in Christ (2 Corinthians) and the comfort You offer to all (1:3-11). You are such a good, good Father. Thank You.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for the very beginning of this chapter (1:1-7) describes You not only as “the God of peace, but… also the God of mercy and comfort.” Thank You that You are Father.

Quoting The Message, verses 3-5. “[The Rescue] All praise to the God and father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for the person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of His healing comfort - we get full measure of that, too.”

Yes. Yes we do! Full measure of Your healing comfort. Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless You.

Use us this day. Exactly as You know is best. We love You. And long to serve You. Work in, with, by, through and for us to this end. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(413 words ~ 7:35 a.m.)

"grateful reflection"

Saturday, July 13, 2019 (5:45 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for hard work. Thank You for clean results. Thank You for a husband so willing to put in the effort to make others happy.

Yes Father. Thank You for all the work You have poured into changing us into the people You would have us be. People who want to celebrate the births of our much loved ones.

I believe this will be a day of reflection Lord. Finding the words “grateful reflection” in Psalm 63 (The Message) I sit here truly reflecting on the awe and wonder You provide. Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank You for the opportunity to come before You, once again believing I belong in the good company of those who have gone before me. In this case David. As he reflected on You in the wilderness of Judah.

Illustrated Bible Handbook presents “Psalm 63. Close relationship with God brings the believer to the place of praise and joy.” That was me last night.

As tired as we were, sleep wasn’t coming easily to me. Then I started listing all the things You have done for us. Before I knew it, here I am. Reflecting again on Your provision.

Oh look! The thought of the meaning of a word making me smile again. Yes Father, how I thank You for the love You have provided me for the origin of words.

provide ORIGIN: from Latin pro- ‘before’ + videre ‘to see’. Just like I thought!

And we’re back to Psalm 63:6-8. The Message version of David’s words tells us, “If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because You’ve always stood up for me, I’m free to run and play. I hold on to You for dear life, and You hold me steady as a post.”

Thank You Father. These words are so true for me.

New Living Translation says, “I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. I think how much You have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of Your protecting wings.”

It’s true Lord! I resemble David’s heart-filled words. Thank You that I get to recognize this Truth.

On this day of grateful reflection I thank You for the birth of the loved ones we will be celebrating today. Knowing, believing, trusting that You are at the very root of our joy. Thank You Father. Use us exactly as You know is best.

Thank You. Praise You. We love You. Amen.

(425 words ~ 6:40 a.m.)

"Thank You"

Friday, July 12, 2019 (6:45 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Hello. Thank You.

Yes, Father. Thank You that when there’s nothing else I can think to say, “Thank You” is always an option.

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You fo Who and All You are. Thank You… Yes Father, thank You.

Reading again in Psalm 32, how grateful I am to be able to sing (v. 7) and trust in You. Thank You that You truly are our hiding place. Protecting us from trouble. Surrounding us with songs of victory.

There was David all those years ago singing to You. Confessing his sin. Experiencing Your forgiveness and ultimate joy. Thank You for his example Blessed Lord.

Thank You. Yes. Thank You. Because of those who came before us we get to learn of Your love and follow their lead to victory in You.

Guide and direct my thoughts, words and action this day Blessed God. Empower and embolden me in living it for You. In You. By You. Through You. With You.

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(186 words ~ 7:23 a.m.)

led and guided

Thursday, July 11, 2019 (5:30 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Good morning. I love You.

(6:00 a.m.)

I honestly don’t know where in Your Word to go this morning. Lead and guide me I ask.

(6:17 a.m.)

Thank You Father for this brand new day and all the surprises it may hold. Following in Your Word over to a confession of David (Psalm 32) my heart, soul, mind and even physicality all smile at his truth.

Verses eight and nine in The Message portray the great release, forgiveness and subsequent joy David experienced in admitting his sins to You. “I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!’”

Yes Father. Make it so that I follow You exactly as You know is best. You are so good. The perfect Leader and Guide. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I will live this day the way You would have me live it.

I love You. I long to follow Your lead and guidance. Thank You Father. Amen.

(230 words ~ 6:26 a.m.)

"in the middle of insanity"

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 (6:16 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. We experienced beauty and fellowship yesterday. In a beach setting. With dear and long time loved ones. Thank You Father for the love You provide that enables and empowers us to truly love one another.

Following the word fellowship over to 1 John 2:14, I marvel that the Truth our fellowship with You enables us in gaining a victory over the evil one. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the beauty and the joy that come from loving You wholeheartedly. In reading the surrounding verses I am reminded that we are to love one another (v. 7) not the world (16). Not as the world loves. Sometimes, like yesterday, that seems easy enough.

Then there’s today, while I’m reading along, again reminded of resentments and bitternesses I still hold toward others from the past. Wishing no specific ill will regarding anyone, I confess an absolute sense of indifference toward more than one. Forgive me Father.

It’s in The Life Recovery Bible under RECOVERY THEMES that I read The Invitation to Love. Describing an evidence of our salvation as being our love for others - “shown in action, not just words.” It goes on to say, “He [You] loved us while we were in the middle of insanity - we did not have to clean up our act to get Him [You] to love us.”

Thank You Father that You know Your best for each of us. And You remind us what that looks like. Here I ask You to replace the indifferent attitude I hold for some with Your incredible, all encompassing love.

Yes Father, You know what is best. And I ask You to provide as necessary. Thank You for loving us as only You can. Completely. In the middle of every insanity. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(321 words ~ 7:36 a.m.)

A smile!

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 (6:44 a.m.)

Holy God,

(7:18 a.m.)

A smile! Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You.

There was a feeling of indifference I brought with me for seemingly no particular reason. Rather blasé, if You will.

Thank You that a live shot of a favored lake brought the automatic smile that reminds me of Your goodness. Thank You Father.

Yes Dad, thanks!

As far as I could tell there was nothing specific I could point at to explain the gloominess. And then the smile changed everything. Even thinking about the ease with which it appeared causes a cascade of more smiling. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Following that smile into Your Word I find myself smiling all the more. Psalm 43:5. Yes. Thank You God.

The Message asks, “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God - soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” Yes You are! Thank You Father.

Mm, yes. The Living Bible, “O my soul, why be so gloomy and discouraged? Trust in God! I shall again praise Him for His wondrous help; He will make me smile again, for He is my God! ” And it all started with that one simple smile. Thank You God.

A comment for Psalm 43 in The Life Recovery Bible describes You as “our only dependable source of strength and encouragement.” It goes on declaring, “As we turn our life over to Him and seek His wisdom and strength, we will find the help we need. We must learn, as the psalmist did, to find strength by reading God’s Word and allowing Him to restore our joy.”

How blessed we are to have You and Your Word remind us of the importance of allowing a simple smile to take us right into Your presence.

Father, I love You so much. Lead me, guide me, direct me, completely saturate me, teaching me exactly as You know is best.

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

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

always at the ready

Monday, July 8, 2019 (4:05 a.m.)

Most Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You for different ways of looking at things. Like this morning and the work I want to take care of during our usual 6 a.m. time together. I had thought of postponing it, which never turns out well. Getting up early is a much better plan. Thank You, Lord.

Thank You for the added surprise of seeing a photograph of my parents, taken so many years ago by their really good neighbors. Guide our time together this morning.

And just like that I am reading in 2 Samuel 22. Here King David speaks of You as his Rock. His Fortress. Savior. Shield.

(6:09 a.m.)

Considering You as all the things that David knew You to be, I promptly went right back to sleep. Thank You for more rest Father. Thank You that You know and provide for our every need.

With a cup of coffee in one hand and The Life Recovery Bible at the other, I read more of David’s words to You. He knew You well and trusted You so much. Thank You for his example of praise, Father.

As I continue studying his Song of Praise, a modern day piece of music keeps breaking in. Leon Russel, Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway and a more recently gifted young man Kodi Lee have all sung ♪ A Song for You ♪

Mm, Father. Thank You. I wasn’t really familiar with it before. Now it just seems to be always at the ready. Like You!

Thank You God. As I prepare to go out into this day I ask You to continuously remind me that You are always at the ready to help us in every single need we have.

David’s experiences with You offer us such hope. Verse 20, “He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me.” Thank You for blessing us so much Dear Lord.

Thank You for teaching and guiding us. Use me this day exactly as You wish. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(353 words ~ 6:59 a.m.)

choosing joy

Sunday, July 7, 2018 (6:13 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Praise You Lord. Yes Father, praise You!

Thank You that I get to look to You. Remember You. Praising and thanking You.

As I search more deeply into what it is to truly praise You, I am thrilled to read, “Choose to have the joy of the Lord and learn to praise God better. Realize that your joy, your confidence, and your hope come from the Lord!”

Joy. Confidence. Hope. Oh praise You Lord.

Blessed Father God, I believe I have a fairly good sense of what it is to thank You. Years ago I learned that we are to thank You for what You do and praise You for all You are. Teach me what this looks like Lord.

And here I get to turn to Exodus 15. A Song of Deliverance. A Song of Victory. Moses and the people of Israel singing Your praises after their escape through the Red Sea. You did a mighty miracle and they had faith to believe and follow You.

Verse 2, “The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise Him; He is my Father’s God, and I will exalt Him!” You are my personal victory Father. You are my God. I want very much to praise and exalt You.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 15:1-21, “… Often the road to victory is not easy, but it is still worth it. There will be something to rejoice about in the end if we depend on God to help us through. When we have gained the victory, we need to stand up, sing, and rejoice, remembering God’s miracles on our behalf.”

As I prepare to go out into this day Lord, I ask You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me. Guiding me in praise. Joy. Confidence. And hope.

I love You Father. I need You. I want You. I thank You. And I long to praise You. Exactly as You deserve to be praised.

I choose You and all the joy You provide. Thank You God. Praise You! Use me. Amen.

(365 words ~ 7:37 a.m.)

Epicenter!

Saturday, July 6, 2019 (6:17 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m starting off by confessing that I’m feeling emotionally spent right now. We experienced the sensation of a huge earthquake (7.1) last night after celebrating a six year old’s birthday 170 miles away from the epicenter.

Epicenter: noun, the central part of something.

Thank You Father, that right in this moment my focus changed from the fears experienced by a nearing eight year old to the fact that You are my Epicenter!

Praise You Lord. We can focus on our fears. Or on You, the Maker and Sustainer of our faith.

Safe.

Friday, July 5, 2019 (5:59 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. And thank You.

There were lots of loud fireworks last night. Really loud.

Thank You that we were safe. Mm, yes. Safe. Thank You Father.

I turn to Psalm 3 and read of David’s thoughts of You Dear Lord. Thank You Father for his example. He thinks of You, his hope is restored and he experiences a peace that allows him to rest. Thank You God.

The Living Bible, “Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me.” This was us last night Father. Thank You.

A comment in The Life Recovery Bible tells us “3:5-8 God comforted David so much that he could sleep in the face of his troubles. What is more, David’s worries and anxieties vanished when he focused his thoughts fully on God…” Thank You Father.

There are so many things in life of which we could be afraid. Thank You that You repeatedly call us to trust and rest in You.

You are good and we love You so much. Work in us this day that You will be glorified.

Concluding the comment, “… he [David] could view life as though all his problems had been eliminated. By placing his problems in God’s hands, David had made the most important step toward solving them. True deliverance and happiness come when we acknowledge God as our helper and the source of our strength.”

Thank You Father. You are so very good. And we are truly grateful. Use us this day. Exactly as You know is best.

I love You Lord. Thank You. Amen.

(280 words ~ 7:09 a.m.)

life-changing power

Thursday, July 4, 2019 (5:32 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! You did a great work for me yesterday. I made some changes. Remembered some important lessons. Allowed You to get me out of Your way. At times.

Now I’m back. Asking for more of all You want to provide me. You are such a good and loving God. Thank You Father.

We get to turn to You. To Your Word. Searching Your Truth. Seeking Your promises.

Here’s one. Coming from Peter’s letter to all believers everywhere. “As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive His own glory and goodness!” (2 Peter 1:3).

The Life Recovery Bible tells us “Peter wanted his readers to experience the life-changing power of God”. Yes please Father. I long to experience Your life-changing power regularly. Not just once in a great while.

I pause right here to tell You that snippets of a song keep singing within me. I don’t have any idea how to search for it. If it matters to You at all, guide me to it.

A comment for 1:3-4 tells us, “One of the most comforting by products of faith is the simple awareness that we possess everything we need to live a full and meaningful life… The past is part of who we are, the future is securely in God’s hands, and today is filled with opportunities to grow in our understanding of love, forgiveness, truth, and grace!”

You provide everything we need to live this life as You know is best. I look to You to lead and guide me in sharing Your love and Your life-changing power.

Again I ask You to get me out of Your way. Being all You want to be in my life. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

"let love govern all"

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 (6:11 a.m.)

Holy God,

Again I say thank You. Thank You for smiles. And singing.

I had trouble sleeping last night. Hours of trying different things and finally I remembered to pray. Thank You Father. It was in the praying I remembered a song we sang in church on Sunday. ♪ Close ♪

♪ In the arms of the Father There is love like no other… I wanna be close to You I wanna be close to You There’s nothing in this world That compares to all You are ♪ That is truly the last thing I remember.

Thank You God. Thank You that You love us so much. You ♪ Who formed all things Offer(s) love to me Where You go we will follow Through the dark, through the narrow And in all we do We are bound to You ♪

Mm, yes Father. We are bound to You!

And there is much scheduled to do today. That’s part of my thinking late into the night. All there is to be done and the mistakes I’ve already made in the doing of some of it.

Thank You Lord that You do not keep a list of our failings. Help me in letting go of mine.

♪ We are found in Your presence Seeking You in Your fullness Give us eyes to see You are all we need… My sole devotion My only focus To worship You My life surrendered My heart abandoned For more of You ♪

Blessed Holy God, there are so many things I do not know. Details about things. Really deep things of which I have absolutely no knowledge.

I get ideas. Make plans. Attempt to execute. Fail miserably. Completely forgetting the essence of Romans 12:12. Patience. Persistence. Prayerfulness.

Oh, but look at this new to me translation! [And the smile accompanying it!]

Evangelical Heritage Version, “Be joyful in hope. Endure trials patiently. Persist in prayer.” Yes Father. Please.

I need You here with me this day. In me. By me. For and through me. Get me out of Your way. Leading, guiding. Truly shining Your light forth.

♪ I wanna be close to You… There’s nothing in this world that compares to all You are ♪

There is so very much to do around here. And right in the midst of my own mental list making, again Your Word speaks Truth.

Verse 13, “Share with the saints who are in need. Be quick to welcome strangers as guest.” Do this for me Father. In me. With me. By me. Through me.

Continue working Your Word into actual existence this day. And right here verse 11 shouts out to me.

Various translations. Each with its own unique spin. 

The Passion Translation, “Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward Him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let Him fill you with excitement as you serve Him.” Yes please! That.

And very simply from the New Living Translation, “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Yes Father. The smile just keeps growing bigger. It’s YOU I’m serving through all we do.

What a beautiful section of Scripture (12:9-21) You keep bringing me back to. Reminding me of the importance of YOUR Sincere Love. Continue Your work in me this day Blessed Lord.

You, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the only ONE that can bring all of Your Truth about in, with, by, through and for. Do all You must. Exactly as You know is best.

I love You so much. I look to You. Depend on You. Trust You in teaching me to “let love govern all” (The Life Recovery Bible comment) my attitudes and actions. Love. Your love. Yes Father. Please.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(629 words ~ 7:22 a.m.)

palpable peace

Tuesday, July 2, 2019 (6:29 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for Your love. Yes, Father. Thank You for Your love!

Guide and direct my learning this morning. Reading in Romans 8 I want to know more. More about all Your love has done, is doing and will continue to do. For each of us.

John 3:16 comes immediately to mind. Thinking about You having loved the world so very much.

There is a palpable peace surrounding me as I consider Your goodness and the love You have for all of Your children. Father God, the more I read the deeper that peace settles within.

You amaze me Lord. As I want to know more, it seems my mind and my heart cannot possibly contain all the hope Your promises stir up. Hope in You. Hope in Jesus. Hope in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You Father.

As we prepare to go out into this day God, I ask You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within each of us. Completely encompassing us in Your absolutely palpable peace.

We love You, Lord. We thank You. And we ask You. Live in, with, by, through and for us. Thank You, God. Amen.

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

awed and reverent

Monday, July 1, 2019 (6:12 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that You know the plans You have for us. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Thank You Father that as we consider Who You are and All You do in our lives and on our behalf we get to be awed and reverent. Lord, I honestly don’t know where these thoughts are coming from. This is not the prayer I had planned.

My plan was to return again to Romans 12:12. Exploring Your call for us to be patient, persistent and prayerful. Oh look. A smile!

Just as I was preparing to ask You to guide me in our time together, The Living Bible speaks. “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always” (Romans 12:12). You know the plans You have for us!

Reading further in Jeremiah, I am reminded that when we pray, You will listen (v. 12). We will find You when we seek You (13) “if you look for Me in earnest.” And here’s another smile.

Father, I practiced patience and prayerfulness yesterday. Irritation came upon me in an instant and I was immediately set to build my case. Then the reminder to be patient. Not quit. Pray. And I did.

Holy God, I was absolutely amazed by the peacefulness that settled in my being as I released my will to Yours. I remember being determined to get my point across until Your Word came into my mind. That’s when my mental conversation became audible.

All my selfish willfulness came to an end as I asked You aloud the point You would have me make. Again I was awed [my own spelling being odd] and reverent!

The Passion Translation (Romans 12:11-12) “Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward Him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let Him fill you with excitement as You serve Him. Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.”

Full disclosure; I did NOT remember all these beautifully crafted words. No. I had only four. “Be patient and pray.” Holy God, let this become my go to mantra.

We will find You when we seek You, if we look for You in earnest (Jeremiah 29:13). You will provide for us the patience, persistence and prayerfulness we need in relinquishing our will to Yours.

I love You Father. I thank You. And I ask You to use me this day, exactly as You know is best. In awe and reverence. Thanks Dad. I love you. Amen.

(473 words ~ 7:24 a.m.)