♪ [with] Confidence ♪

Saturday, September 28, 2019 (5:39 a.m.)

Holy God,

♪Our God is a God Who Saves♪. Mm, yes Father. You are!

Oh, but that’s not the song I was looking for. Lord, thank You! Thank You for reminding me what it was I woke up singing.

♪With Confidence♪ were the two words I had, along with the bit of a tune, as I awoke. Bringing them out to You I got side tracked with ♪Let God Arise… Our God reigns now and forever He reigns now and forever♪

Thank You that as I sit here, truly engulfed with thoughts of You, I am so grateful Lord. Thankful for such easy access to finding lyrics that sing to my soul.

These words from the album “Changed”, by Sanctus Real. ♪I’m not a warrior, I’m too afraid to lose… So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence♪

Holy God. How I thank You for the Truth and hope and peace of Your Word. I love the times, like this, when I just want to snuggle into It.

This morning it’s 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, The Message. “May God our Father Himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to You! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all His followers.”

Said this way in the Easy-to-Read Version. “We pray that the Lord will make your love grow. We pray that He will give you more and more love for each other and for all people. We pray that you will love everyone in the same way we love you. This will strengthen your desire to do what is right, and you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy people.”

♪... with Confidence♪ Father! That is exactly how I long to approach this day. With confidence! Make it so Blessed Lord. I love You. Use me exactly as You know is best. To Your glory. And the good of others. Thank You God. Amen.

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

pouring out praise

Thursday, September 26, 2019 (6:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

My mind isn’t here yet. I could give You lip service. You deserve my heart. Where is it? Lost in thought. Jumping forward into the day. Appointments. Concerns. Let me be honest…

I’m filled with 

Friday, September 27, 2019 (5:24 a.m.)

And there I left it yesterday Lord. Not sure of what I was filled with. Thank You  that this morning I am filled with music and once again a willingness to hope.

What a difference between one day and the next. Yesterday I felt pretty uncertain. Even doubtful to some degree. And this morning I woke up singing ♪It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise To You only♪

It’s so true Father. ♪You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, you restore Every heart that is broken Great are You, Lord… All the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord♪

Thank You Father. Thank You for how truly great You are. Yes Lord. Great. And good.

Turning in Your Word, I read Isaiah 60:1-7. Jeremiah 33:6-9. 2 Corinthians 9:8-11. Hebrews 13:13-15. Asking that You would speak to me. Teach me what You would have me learn this morning.

Thank You God that we get to turn to You. Read Your Word. Trust Your promises. Sing Your praises. Truly ♪pour out our praise to You only♪

The more I read Your Truth, the more I trust. Believe. Hope. I get to be sure in You. Thank You Father.

I got to learn a new to me word this morning. Dubiety. A lack of sureness. That is NOT what we are in You. We are safe. Secure.

♪You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken Great Are You, Lord♪ Thank You Father.

It IS Your breath in our lungs! And I do pour out my praise to You only. In You I do not have to be afraid. In You I am safe. Secure. Sure. Thank You Lord.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Do all You must so I will follow where You lead. Trust and obey.

And where does that take me? Straight to The Hymnal. ♪Trust and Obey♪ First hymn listed under the topic heading “Assurance and Trust”.

Yes Father. Teach me to live this day assured. Confident. In You. By You. With You. Through You. For You.

I love You so much. Thank You for allowing me to stumble and struggle. Feel uncertain. All the while leading me directly back to Your feet. Where I can listen. Learn. Practice. Fail. Make mistakes. And learn some more.

Thank You that You alone are perfect so I don’t even have to try to be. Thank you for loving me so I can in turn love You and others. Make that obvious today. Your love for us and ours for You.

Do all You must Blessed Father that I will truly live this day for You. Pouring out praise as I go. Thank You Lord. Amen.

(564 words ~ 7:04 a.m.)

a clean and open vessel

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 (5:33 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

I love You. Thank You that we are able to come before You, just as we are ♪Without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me♪

Lord thank You for the way that songs of worship come so naturally to my mind. My heart. My soul.

Thank You that when we turn our attention to You, Your Word, Your will, Your way we are blessed. With Your presence. Your guidance. Your love.

In looking to learn more about loving You I got to read about being a clean and open vessel (2 Timothy 2:21). Set apart for Your special purposes. Teach me more Blessed God. Teach me more.

(8:29 a.m. Medical Office)

Holy God,

Again, still, I thank You! Thank You for the gifts of service and friendship. And of getting to be a clean and open vessel. Set apart for Your special purpose.

Father, I confess the times I think mainly of myself. Thank You for the privilege of being used by You. For Your glory and the good of others.

Service in the form of freely giving of our time is truly a gift from You. The opportunity to genuinely BE a clean and open vessel.

Often I ask You to use me as You know is best. It appears an easy enough request. It’s only when I get out of Your way and allow You to lead me to Your uses that I am undeniably blessed.

(10:06 a.m.)

Thank You again Father for the opportunity to learn more about what it is to be used by and for You. Illustrated Bible Handbook speaks clearly to me on this right now.

“Faith at Work; 2:20-26. Paul encourages all believers to commit themselves to becoming instruments fit for God’s use. Paul then describes both the cleansing process and the good works (22). Especially significant is the attitude with which the believer ministers to others (23,24), and the confidence that only by the supernatural working of God can spiritual results be achieved (25,26).”

Oh yes Blessed God! Your supernatural workings yield spiritual results. Make it so in me. By, through, for and with me. I love You so much Father. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(383 words ~ 10:40 a.m.)

bit by bit

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 (6:51 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Good morning. What shall we explore together this morning? How about this giant mess I created for myself yesterday?

It certainly was easy enough to bring all this stuff out. What now? How do I pare it all down?

Hmm. Yes. Abbreviate. Reduce. Decrease gradually. Bit by bit. Yes Father. All that I have gleaned from You through the years has been bit by bit. In exactly the right proportions. At just the appropriate time.

The smile on my face right now is one of deep satisfaction. Contentment. Peacefulness. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that You know me. Not only that. You love me. In a way that no earthly person ever has. Or will. You created me. Bit by bit.

And would You just look at this? EXACTLY the verse that came to mind. This time in The Message. Psalm 139:13-16.

“Oh yes, You shaped me first inside, then out; You formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank You, High God - You’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration - what a creation! You know me inside and out, You know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before You, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.”

Holy God, it is so easy for me to use the word wrong when I think of circumstances. Situations. People. Myself. Thank You that when I align myself with Your Truth I am reminded that while I may very well make mistakes, I myself am not one!

Thank You Lord. You and Your Word help me laugh out loud. I recognize myself so often. And learn errors in my thinking. Thank You.

The Life Recovery Bible Serenity Prayer Devotional for Psalm 139:1-16 addresses our own difficulties in “accepting our personalty, our appearance, our handicap, or even our talents.” Thank You Lord for bit by bit changing my thinking from wrong to different to fearfully and wonderfully made (v. 14).

Continuing in the devotional, “Saying we are God’s ‘workmanship’ means that we are unique and beautiful masterpieces - works of divine poetry. Beauty and value are designed into the very fiber of our being by virtue of our Creator.”

Bit by bit, Father. Bit by bit!

“One important step in the recovery process is to allow God to remove our self-hatred, helping us to value ourself for who we are. We have been miraculously created, and we are treasured by God.This has been true since the time we were in our mother’s womb, long before we could do anything to earn it! As we begin to see how unique and special we are - embraced and accepted by God Himself - our strides toward recovery should grow faster and longer.”

My strides may very well be slow and tentative on my own. But in Your strength and mighty power (Ephesians 6:10) I get to grow and change and become all You created me for. Bit by bit.

Thank You Father! I love You. Use me this day, exactly as You know is best. Bit by bit. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(568 words ~ 8:19 a.m.)

where blessings abound

Monday, September 23, 2019 (6:27 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You.

Talk with me this morning about “faith, hope, and love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Or the change of the seasons. Or whatever You’d rather have me learn. Yes Lord, I’d much prefer to have You lead and guide me.

And guide me You did! Straight to 1 Corinthians 13:13. Over to The Passion Translation. Where blessings abound.

Blessed Father, I don’t even know how to contain my excitement! And why would I even want to try to contain it?

Three verses are spelled out here. Complete with four footnotes worth copying. Lord Jesus, thank You!

The apostle Paul wrote this letter “to encourage the believers living in Corinth to resolve their problems and honor God.” Oh that we would Dear Lord.

“For now we see but a faint reflection of riddles and mysteries as though reflected in a mirror, but one day we will see face-to-face. My understanding is incomplete now, but one day I will understand everything, just as everything about me has been fully understood. Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love - yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run” (1 Corinthians 13:12-14:1a).

Riddles and mysteries. Incomplete understanding. All surpassing love. And the beautiful prize for which we run. Such poetry Lord!

It’s the third footnote that I copy here. One that I will print out and prayerfully be able to commit to my heart.

“Faith and hope both spring from love, which makes love the greatest virtue of all. Faith and hope are temporary, but love is eternal. Paul gives us ten characteristics of divine love in this chapter. Love (1) is patient under stress, (2) is kind at all times, (3) is generous, not envious, (4) is humble, not self-promoting, (5) is never rude, (6) does not manipulate by using shame,[OUCH!] (7) is not irritable or easily offended, (8) celebrates honesty, (9) does not focus on what is flawed, and (10) is loyal to the end.”

Oh Your goodness, Blessed God! Your perfect, incredible goodness! To have love spelled out in such detail is so much more than helpful. Empower me in loving as You originally intended. It is truly the desire of my heart.

I love You Father. I long to live this day exactly as You wish. Use me. Do all You must to this end. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(424 words ~ 8:06 a.m.)

all the praise and glory

Sunday, September 22, 2019 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Yes! I’ve had fun the last few days. And it’s to You I give all the praise and glory.

How blessed are we that Your Truth sings in our hearts and minds. ♪In my Father’s house There’s a place for me I’m a child of God Yes I am♪ Yes! We ARE Your children. How very blessed we are! Thank You Father.

Thank You for the honor and privilege of being Your child. Thank You for every reminder that you rightfully deserve all the praise and glory.

This morning “fun” led me to Zephaniah 3:14. Easy-to-Read Version. “Jerusalem, sing and be happy! Israel, shout for joy! Jerusalem, be happy and have fun!”

Blessed Lord, I love the way one verse takes me to another. Then a section. Maybe a chapter. And then the book overview.

“If only… is a haunting phrase. It implies that we have failed and that we wish we could go back and do things differently. As we work through the process of recovery, we often become sad and ashamed when we reflect on the past. We regret our irresponsible and destructive behavior and wish we could erase past mistakes” (The Life Recovery Bible).

The PURPOSE of Zephaniah? “To shake the people of Judah out of their complacency and get them back on the path of recovery.” How true is this for me?

KEY VERSE: of this book? Zephaniah 3:11. “And then you will no longer need to be ashamed of yourselves, for you will no longer be rebels against me. I will remove the proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no pride on my holy mountain.”

What will that be like Blessed God? To no longer rebel against You. Nor be ashamed of myself. Oh yes Father! Truly I give You all the praise and glory for changing us. Allowing us to truly “Be happy and have fun.”

Thank You Father. Use us this day. Praising and glorifying You as we go. Thank You. We love You. Praise You. Amen.

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

"rejoice and be delighted!"

Thursday, September 19, 2019 (5:55 a.m.)

Awesome, Amazing, Blessed Father God,

Thank You. I just experienced You speak hope into my being. Yes Lord. Thank You.

Once more, I didn’t get much sleep. So much seems to be on my mind. Toss. Turn. Pray. Read. Repeat.

Nothing seemed to help until I relocated to the couch. Here I searched. Played. Prayed some more. And finally surrendered to the idea of not getting any more rest.

That’s when it happened. You reminded me of all the hope I have in You. Thank You Lord.

I didn’t give up in a fit of anger. I wasn’t attempting to manipulate attention. Or gain control of any situation.

I simply surrendered. To You. Acknowledging that You truly do know what You are doing. In all circumstances. And I started using the word amazed.

Then came the reminder of a note I had previously written to myself. “Nothing will go right today. So I will relax rejoice and be amused delighted.” Yes Father!

I am asking You to work Your will in me this day. No matter the state of affairs, prepare me to truly "rejoice and be delighted!" My very own nutshell version of Philippians 4:4 and Psalm 37:4.

You speak to us Father. All we have to do is listen. And obey. Thinking this to be the title of a well known hymn, I find it to be ♪Trust and obey, For there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey♪ Amen, Father!

So this is what I ask of You this morning Father… There is going to be travel, potential outbursts of feelings, nothing might go right and I am asking Your peace and Your patience through it all.

Yes Father. Another song ♪Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all IT IS WELL Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You And it is well with me♪ Make it so Blessed Dad.

Illustrated Bible Handbook says this of “Psalm 37. David exhorts patience and trust when pressures come. The theme ‘wait for the Lord’ is repeated, with warnings against hasty action. This is an important psalm for anyone wronged by others.”

An important psalm indeed. I desperately need Your calming presence in the midst of any chaos this day may very well present. Let me truly stand firm. Rejoicing and being delighted in whatever may come.

I love You Father. I need You. I want You. I thank You. Use me. To Your glory and the good of others. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(436 words ~ 7:12 a.m.)

repentance

Wednesday, September 18, 2019 (8:04 a.m.)

Shame. Guilt. Remorse. Repentance. There’s the word!

Holy God, thank You. Thank You that no matter how many mistakes I make, in You I am forgiven. Thank You. Thank You. Yes Father. Thank You.

I am not the kind, loving, peaceful, patient woman I long to be. In and of myself I am easily angered. Frustrated. Emotionally explosive. Forgive me Father. And bless those who have been the recipients of my wrath in the past.

Blessed God, how I thank You for Your love. Your correction. Your forgiveness.

This morning I come to You with a repentant heart. Guilty of harsh, unkind words and actions. And in so doing I turn to Revelation 3:19.

The Message tells us, “The people I love, I call to account - prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” Yes Father!

I long to learn and put into practice the skills You have provided us for loving others. My desire is to listen, regard and help. Yes Father. Please.

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC), “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude].”

Oh Yes Father! I am convicted. Convinced. Reproved. And chastened. I know Your way of love and forgiveness to be the best. Empower and embolden me to enthusiasm, earnestness, zealousness and repentance.

It is in You I hope and trust. Do all You must that I would live this day according to Your will and Your way. Humbled. Heartened. Strengthen by Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(309 words - 9:37 a.m.)

perfect timing

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 (6:19 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Your timing is perfect. I don’t claim to understand it. I may not even like it. But it’s perfect nonetheless. Just like You.

Yes, Father. You are perfect. And we are grateful. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Take this very moment for example. Prayers began again at 2:59 this morning. My heart heavy with concern.

Lord, we don’t know Your plan. Yet we trust that it is ultimately for our good.

Psalm 27:14 tells us to “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” How prefect are You!

Standing firm on Your promises Illustrated Bible Handbook describes “Psalm 27. A prayer of confidence in God, on whose person David’s whole being is concentrated.” Thank You for His example of trust in You.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 27:11-14 declares, “Because temptations press in around us, we need to learn how God wants to act in the midst of such pressures. He wants to become the stabilizing factor in our life. Apart from Him we have no power against the things that once put us in bondage. We must determine, one day at a time, to follow God, patiently and confidently waiting for Him to protect and lead us.”

Holy God, I believe this! I truly know it in my core. I forget. Often. Yet You are faithful. Your mercies are fresh everyday (Lamentations 3:23). Thank You Lord.

I look to You this morning. Asking You to guide, direct and protect us as we trust Your timing to be truly perfect.

We love You. We trust You. We need You. And we depend on Your promises to ultimately be for our good.

Do all You must that we would live this day for You. In the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Alert and prayerful (v. 18). Faithful, even unto death (Revelation 2:10). Earnest and repentant (3:19). SAFE in Your loving and protective care.

Thank You for loving us. Calling us. Guiding and protecting us. We love You Lord. Use us. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

(366 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

togetherness

Monday, September 16, 2019 (7:11 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You again for Your blessings. Friendships. Family. Fellowship. Togetherness.

Turning to Your Word I read in Acts. Chapter 2. Verse 44, especially. The Voice. “There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust.”

blessed and grateful

Sunday, September 15, 2019 (7:00 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. You are so good. You provide. We are blessed. And grateful. Thank You Father.

Thank You that we get to come to You. Aware. Eager. Expectant.

Yes Father. We begin by being aware of Your blessings. And that awareness quickly becomes gratitude. Thank You Father that because of the Truth of Your Word we are able to expect Your promises to be true.

(11:17 a.m.)

Searching Your Truth for the words blessed and grateful together, I stopped at 1 Corinthians 10:30. In this section (vs.10:23-11:1) Paul was teaching on using the freedom we find in You for the benefit of others.

“In his summary, Paul suggests that ‘rights’ are really irrelevant. God has called each of us to live for His glory. God gains no glory by our being right. He is glorified when we do not seek our own good but the good of others (31-33). In choosing the way of love we will be following the path in which Paul walked - and he tried only to follow close behind Jesus our Lord (11:1)” Illustrated Bible Handbook.

It’s reminders of living for Your glory and choosing the way of love that help me remember how truly blessed and grateful we are. Thank You Father.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 10:23-33 speaks to the balance between becoming too legalistic in a set of rules and “being willing to give up any of our rights that might cause others to fall while also not forcing our standards on anyone else.”

Considering being blessed and grateful I read on. “If our actions are governed by our love for others, we will be well on the way to developing strong relationships and overcoming the problems that drive our addiction or compulsion. God will also use us as powerful instruments to help other hurting people.” Yes please Lord!

Use me this day Father. Exactly as You know is best. To Your glory and the good of others.

I love You. And I thank You. Amen.

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

power, tower

Saturday, September 14, 2019 (6:26 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! You love us. And because of that we get to love You. Thank You.

I get to come to You with words like dour and sour. And You give me power and tower in exchange. Thank You Father.

Yes Lord. Thank You for the way You change my thinking.

Mistakes continue being made. Oh but look at all You can do. Even when we are at our worse.

Lord God, I confess to You my attempts to handle emotions in my own strength and power. Never a good idea.

So here I am. Depending on the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Looking to You. Our High Tower (Psalm 46:7).

Oh most Holy God, how often I forget to turn to You in the midst of chaos. Thank You that Your power is available to us. Always. For the asking.

I am in need of Your power Lord. My natural state leans toward dour. And sour. Thank You that You call us to Your power. I am asking that infuse, instill, breathe that power straight into my core.

Thank You Father. Praise You! Turning to You, looking to You as my very own Tower of strength I come out singing. ♪A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, a bulwark [Protector, wall] never failing…♪

How often do I forget the Truth we have in You? Our power. Our Tower!

Father, thank You. I have a day that is scheduled to be busy from start to finish. I need the strength of Your mighty power. I cannot depend on my own.

Please. I come to You. Seeking Your guidance. Your grace. Your mercy. And Your power. Live in and through me Lord.

I love You. I want You. I need You. I trust You. And I thank You. Yes Lord. Thank You for being my power. And my Tower. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(327 words ~ 8:03 a.m.)

steeping

Friday, September 13, 2019 (6:28 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. How I love You. How I thank You Lord.

You provide. You do! Take this very moment for example.

Prior to thanking You my mind was on other things. Just searching Your Word to consider all You provide for us completely changed my focus.

Jesus told His followers, “What I’m trying to do is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep yourself in God-realty, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself” (Luke 12:29-32; The Message).

The mere thought of steeping myself in Your reality, initiative and provisions warms my heart. Strengthens my being.

Thank You Father that You truly do supply for our every need. Use me as You know is best.

I love You. I long to serve You. And I thank You Lord. How I wholeheartedly thank You Father. Amen.

(207 words ~ 7:12 a.m.)

deferred, delayed, denied

Thursday, September 12, 2019 (5:30 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I love You. Guide me please.

(7:11 a.m.)

And guide me You did.

Straight back to bed. Questioning if the nausea is “real”? Or being formulated in my mind?

Holy, Blessed God, how I thank You for whatever is going on with my body. I confess to not having a clue. And wanting desperately to know. “Is it real? Or is it memorex?”

But maybe I’m not supposed to know yet. Maybe I’m really supposed to keep practicing hope. Even [especially?] when it is currently being deferred. Delayed. Possibly even denied.

Holiest God, I am confessing to not knowing what I think I know. And in the very middle of that often pretending to be okay when I am not.

Right this very moment I do not feel well. And there is great freedom in telling You that. Because being this honest with You allows all the false things to disappear.

I could continue acting as if. Instead I’m thrilled and excited to ask You for more Truth.

Father, do as You know is best. Continue guiding me deeper into Your Word. I’m currently reading Proverbs 13:12. Genesis 37:28; 39:20; 40:23. Psalm 98. And 2 Peter 3:11.

In the midst of reading and resting I remember the butterfly that surprised me in the pool yesterday. And the shadow of a hovering hummingbird shortly after. Just the memories have me wanting to sing You a new song (Psalm 98:1).

I absolutely do not know what today holds. I am trusting that You will work it all together for Your good (Romans 8:28)!

Thank You Father that at this very moment I do not feel well. Yes. Thank You that You know what is going on. And that You will let me know when Your time is right.

I love You. I trust You. And in the meantime, I’ll practice hoping. In You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

the date

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 (7:23 a.m.)

Hi God,

I just saw the date. Does that explain the funk? I thought it was the change in weather. The date makes much more sense.

Father God, how I thank You for the hope we have in You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Yes Father. Just look at the way You take whatever I have to offer You and guide me deeper into Your promises.

Originally turning to Hebrews 4:3-7 to read of what Your Word has to say concerning the date. I am reminded under Hearing God’s Voice in Illustrated Bible Handbook that we have the “benefit of living daily in relationship with a living Jesus.” Oh yes Father!

Oh most Blessed God, just look at the way You help me smile! Verse 7. “So God set another time for entering His place of rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David (Psalm 95:7-8) a long time later in the words already quoted: ‘Today you must listen to His voice. Don’t harden your hearts against Him.’”

Yes please Father! Let me not harden my heart against You.

Look! Here comes another smile. And a song as well! Thank You Father. Thank You for speaking with me this morning.

Psalm 95:6. ♪Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our God, our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand, just the sheep of His hand.♪

And the smiles continue. “95:1-7 We all know how frightening it is to lose control of our life. For this very reason, we may hesitate to entrust ourself to God. Can He be trusted? God wants us to remember that when we surrender our life to Him, He regards us with the same concern a kind shepherd [the smile just exploded across my face!] feels for His sheep. If a watchful shepherd is around, the sheep have little to fear” (The Life Recovery Bible).

Thank You Father. Bless You. Praise You.

I confess! I have been attempting to control my feelings. My health. The weather. Every day. Thank You for the necessary reminders that YOU are in control. Line me up to Your will and Your way.

I love You Father. I long to serve You. Do all You must to this end.

Bless our hurting nation this day. Especially on the date we will never forget. We love You. We thank You. We look to You. Use us. Amen.

(427 words ~ 8:59 a.m.)

change...

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 (9:30 a.m.)

And I’m back. Almost immediately. Requesting help with change.

Change of seasons. Change of schedules. Change of heart. And mind. Even strength. Yes Father. I am asking for Your help with change.

Watch over me. Guide me. Imbue me Lord.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I cannot possibly do myself. I love You Father. I need You. I trust in and depend on You. Do what is necessary.

I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

health and happiness

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 (7:02 a.m.)

Blessed God,

A baby boy was born this morning. On his grandpa’s birthday no less! How I ask You to bless him and his whole family, Lord. Health. Happiness. All the things that truly come from You.

(8:20 a.m.)

And now a smile! Deep. Heartfelt. Hopeful.

Reading Proverbs 15:30. And Zechariah 9:17. Two verses. Both touching on health and happiness. Thank You Father.

Thank You that we get to come to Your Word with every concern. Every thought. And find sustenance. Nourishment. Support.

Two devotionals in The Life Recovery Bible speak of “learn[ing] new ways of seeing things, … responding, and …making decisions.” Self-Protection (Proverbs 15:16-33) and Hope (Zechariah 9:9-17) both end by stressing the importance of turning our life over to You and trusting in You as our ultimate source of wise counsel.

Oh yes Father! You truly are “our Ultimate Source of wise counsel!” Do all You know is best in providing the wisest professionals needed for the health and happiness of this newest young family.

Father, we love You. We thank You. And we ask You for the blessings of health and happiness. Thank You Lord. Amen.

(205 words ~ 9:14 a.m.)

Celebrate.

Monday, September 9, 2019 (7:41 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed, Holy Father God,

Thank You. I woke up with a word. Complete with a song. And it all makes the most sense in the whole wide world.

Celebrate. ♪I Just Want to Celebrate another day of living…♪ Yes Father. Celebrate. Rejoice. Enjoy.

Your Word (Philippians 4:4) tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Yes Lord.

The Message says, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him!” Oh, yes! Oh that I truly would come to enjoy and delight in all You are and do.

Father, I confess to You the bitterness that overcame me yesterday. Something in the morning that soured my mood. Lasting long into the night. Forgive me Father. There was very little celebrating or rejoicing in You.

Thank You for the do-over this day offers us. This day that You have made. The one Your Word (Psalm 118:24) tells us to “rejoice and be glad in.”

The Voice tells us we are to “celebrate and be happy today.” Yes please!

“The LORD’s love [loyalty] never ends; His mercies [compassion] never stop. They are new every morning; LORD, Your loyalty [faithfulness] is great [abundant; Ps. 33:4; 92:2; 143:1]. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is mine [my lot/portion], so I hope in Him” (Lamentations 3:22-24 Expanded Bible).

Talk about a reason to celebrate! Lord, You are so incredibly good to us. Truly, I long to celebrate this ♪‘nother day of life♪

The apostle Paul’s words to the Romans include a prayer for hope (15:13). “Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with His super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” (The Passion Translation).

Oh, yes please Father. Fill me with all I need to truly celebrate You and ♪another day of living… another day of life♪

I love You Lord. I need You. I want You. And I long to truly celebrate You and this day exactly as You would have me. Reveling, enjoying, taking delight and rejoicing as it continues to unfold.

Be in, with, by, through and for me as we approach and celebrate together whatever (Philippians 4:8) this day holds. I love You Lord ♪… and I lift my voice to worship You Oh my soul rejoice! Take joy, my King in what You hear: May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear♪

Oh yes Lord! Amen. And amen.

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

need of healing

Sunday, September 8, 2019 (7:04 a.m.)

Hi God,

Thank You. Yes. Thank You.

Thank You for surprise visits. Thank You for like minds. Thank You for health. And healing. Let’s talk about that last one shall we?

We are a people in desperate need of healing. Emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. All aspects of healing Lord.

Thank You Father that we get to turn to You with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strengths (Mark 12:30). You know our every need. And You provide every necessity. Thank You Lord.

Reading in Psalm 69 I am heartened. There is so much hope to be found in David’s words. Illustrated Bible Handbook describes this chapter as “a quiet sharing of David’s personal distress and disappointments, mixed with frequent expressions of trust in God.” Oh yes Father! Thank You.

Following his example Lord, we get to recognize and confess our sins. Thank You that in turning to You for forgiveness and restoration, You rebuild our character. Hmm, thank You Father.

As I look to You for healing I am so incredibly grateful. Knowing, trusting, believing, counting on You to be the good, good Father that You are.

Use us this day Blessed Lord. As only You know is best. Building and strengthening us to Your glory and the good of others.

We love You Father. And we thank You. Amen.

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

magic moments

Saturday. September 7, 2019 (6:16 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Oh, yes. Most Blessed and Dearest Holy God, thank You!

I made mistakes yesterday. Did not stay humble. Lost my patience. And for what seemed an eternity, a piece of my sanity.

Thank You Father that we did not need to stay in what quickly became out of control chaos, crisis and confusion. No! There were moments when I saw You and Truth clearly. Yes Father. Thank You for those moments.

Those are what I long to reflect with You this morning. Those moments of Truth. And “Aha!”

Blessed God, thank You for the moments of frustration and disappointment that led to tears, laughter and ultimately to sleep and rest. Yes Father. There were moments.

Thank You for the ease just earlier with which a descriptive word came to me. A few notes to a playful ditty and I was momentarily stumped. It wasn’t precious. Or special. Nope. Magic. As in Perry Como. 1957.

I have tears Father. Brought on by regret. Shame. Thank You Father that You are so good to provide us with Your Word. Even here I can turn to It (Ephesians 4:26) and find myself. And peace.

Blessed God, how I thank You. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your guidance. Thank You for Your direction.

Living as Children of Light. Ephesians 4:17-32. With references to Zechariah 8:16 (4:25) and Psalm 4:4 (4:26). Father, You talk to us! You care for us. And we are blessed because of Your love.

I make mistakes. You use even those. Thank You Father.

I ask You to use me [mistakes and all] this day. You are so good. I am so flawed. And Your Word gives me such hope.

Now back to the playfulness with which this prayer began. ♪Magic Moments… filled with love♪ Thank You God.

It is the magic [mercy and grace in Christ] that I experience every time I turn to You. That mercy and grace that You so freely provide. Do all You must that I will grow in Your Truth. Using It as You know is best.

I love You Lord. I need You. And I thank You. Use me. Forgive me. I love You. Amen.

(382 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

humbled

Friday, September 6, 2019 (6:07 a.m.)

Holy God,

The word humbled keeps coming to mind. As well as the song ♪Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord♪ Thank You Lord.

Yes, Lord. Thank You that You speak to our hearts. Souls. Minds. And strength. Thank You that as often as my mind wanders, You corral my thoughts. Humbling me. And ultimately lifting me up. Higher and higher.

There is so much peace, and hope, when we walk with You. Comfort and encouragement as well. Thank You God.

As I search Your Word, finding solace and support, my heart truly quickens with hope. This morning as I read in James and 1 Peter my spirit is absolutely lifted. The purpose of both books is listed as showing us how to live; well in a shattered and hopeless world.

Thank You Father. Paying especially close attention to 1 Peter 5:6-7, I ask You to incorporate the way You would have me live this day to Your specifications.

Reading in The Voice, I include verse 8 here as well. “So bow down under God’s strong hand; then when the time comes, God will lift you up. Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone.”

Yes Lord! Do all You must that I would live this day as You wish. I love You. Long to serve, glorify and enjoy You. Use me Father. Thank You. Amen.

(271 words ~ 7:17 a.m.)

the way of faith

Thursday, September 5, 2019 (6:37 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Holy God,

How I thank You Lord. Thank You for so many things. Like learning for instance. Right now I’m getting to learn more about the way of faith. Thank You Lord.

Yes. Thank You, Lord.

For the longest time I have believed in the law of hard work. See what needs to be done. Put all energy and focus on that one thing. And dive right in. Headlong. Without much thinking or forethought.

Once frustration and disappointment sets in, that’s usually when I come back to realizing I somehow raced on ahead. Leaving You in the dust somewhere. Thank You Father for those times when I notice sooner rather than later that I’ve again gone off on my own.

Thank You too for the rhythm, Truth and pace of Your Word. How I love reading of my own errors in judgment exemplified by others. Those examples of others who have rushed ahead, so cocksure of their own understanding.

Thank You Father that we are called to trust in You (Proverbs 3:5).

(12:19 p.m.)

And will You just look at this?!

The Message, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track” (vs. 5-6). Amen!

“Don’t assume you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! (7-8). Yes please!

“Honor GOD with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over” (9-10). Ah, that I would do that.

“But don’t, dear friend, resent GOD’s discipline; don’t sulk under His loving correction. It’s the child He loves that GOD corrects; a Father’s delight is behind all this” (11-12). Oh, that You would find delight in me.

Holy God, how I thank You for speaking to us in so many ways. It began so much earlier when I searched ‘learning’ and ended up at Galatians 3:2-4 in The Message.

“Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!” Hmmm…

Somewhere earlier I read the words “the way of faith” and they impacted me. In trying to find the source I am at a loss. Father I am asking that You will continue guiding me on the way of faith.

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

Humbling. I seem to be becoming more and more familiar with this word! Thank You Father.

“3:11-12 When God disciplines us, He is not doing so because he hates us or likes to see us suffer. He is correcting us because He loves us and doesn’t want us to go any farther into sin.”

Yes please Father, the way of faith is what I am seeking. To be Yours ‘hook, line and sinker’; all in! I look to You to make it so.

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me. Amen.

(685 words ~ 1:10 p.m.)

in the garden

Wednesday, September 4, 2019 (6:37 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You! I had time alone with You yesterday. In the garden of all places. And it was truly delightful. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the opportunity of being reminded of times past. Twenty-six years to be exact. An extremely significant time of our marriage. And my relationship with You.

Thank You Lord for calling us to You. Thank You the perfect work of the Holy Spirit. Calling us to action. Obedience. And the power to do what we’re told.

Blessed God, I do tend to forget the times You have worked in me. By, with, through and for me. Profound, amazing work. Thank You Father.

Twenty-six years ago I stood firmly on the Truth of Your Word. With no preconceived idea or notion, I went straight to Acts 16:31. Fully embracing and clinging to the hope I found there. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Blindsided, Father, I truly had no plan. Finding myself in such an emotional state, I honestly did not know up from down. There was no time to plot or scheme, just to follow Your guidance. One tiny step at a time.

Father, how I thank You! The decisions made at that highly volatile period of our lives changed the course of our marriage. Forever.

Thank You Lord. Thank You for the courage, the strength, the power that came only through believing and trusting Your Holy Spirit.

All these years later, my heart is still calmed and settled as I read various translations of this one specific verse.

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition expands believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as “give yourself up to Him, take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping”. We did that Lord.

We got out of Your Way. And You saved us! Our marriage changed forever. And I can never thank You enough. Praise You Father.

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

(350 words ~ 7:48 a.m.)

humbly mindful

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 (6:21 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I know what it is I’d like to accomplish today. Rather than start off all gung-ho and reckless, I’m coming to You first. Mindful of Your holiness.

Thank You God. Yes. Thank You.

I’ve been searching for a song with those very words [♪Thank You God♪] and have yet to find it. Still I thank You Lord. Yes. Thank You.

Interesting that in searching Your Word I again come across gardening references. More than anything that’s where I’d like to spend this day. Weeding. Pruning. Trimming.

And just like that I’m singing again. This time an easy find. Cannons. ♪It’s falling from the clouds A strange and lovely sound… Singing, You are holy, great and mighty The moon and the stars declare who You are… All glory, honor, power is Yours, forever Amen♪

Father, how I thank You for the ways You speak to us. I ask You to use me and the time You have provided in taking to heart the Truth found in Your Word.

The Message tells us, “The only reason you’re on the tree is because your graft ‘took’ when you believed, and because you’re connected to that belief-nurturing root. So don’t get cocky and strut your branch. Be humbly mindful of the root that keeps you lithe and green” (Romans 11:20).

Yes Father! Keep me humbly mindful of the root that keeps me lithe and green. I long to live in You. Abiding. Dwelling. Remaining. Being. Staying joined. Getting my life from You (John 15:4,7). Yes Father.

Teach me more about how things grow. Keeping me humbly mindful that it all comes from You. I love You Father. Use me I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

in You

Labor Day Monday, September 2, 2019 (6:04 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You For fresh starts. Thank You for learning. Thank You for mistakes. Thank You for whatever is behind door number three.

Blessed Lord, I do not know what today holds. But I do know [realize, trust, believe] that You do. Names of God Bible tells me, “I know the plans that I have for you, declares Yahweh. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

This seems the perfect place for me to confess that I have known the plans I had for myself. Yes Father. Months after the fact, I am realizing that as I made the choice to go full-bore in one direction concerning my health, I don’t know if I ever took the time to include You in my decision-making process.

Forgive me Father. Here I’ve been touting my expectations of the good this latest two week experiment would yield only to be severely disappointed in the last 60 hours of it.

All of my hope [and faith and trust] had been placed in an eating plan. Where had I put You in the mix? Ouch! Talk about a reality check.

♪My life is in You, Lord My strength is in You, Lord My hope is in You, Lord In You, it’s in You… I will praise You with all of my life I will praise You with all of my strength With all of my life, with all of my strength All my hope is in You♪

In YOU Lord! Not a doctor. Not a food plan. In You!

Use me this day Lord. Guide and direct me on the path You would have me take. I love You. I long to serve You as You know is best.

Words from a song that keeps singing to me are ♪Thank You, Lord Thank You, Lord…♪ To this I say only, “Yes!” Thank You, Lord! I love You. Amen.

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

WHOLLY

Sunday, September 1, 2019 (6:45 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are WHOLLY good! Yes! Wholly good.

Again, I didn’t know the spelling of this word. What a delight in taking it to Your Word and finding it a part of Jesus’ Last Supper Discourse.

Blessed God, I love the way You change my focus. Coming out here with You, I was prepared to go straight into telling You all about a certain disappointment I am struggling with. Thank You that You would have none of that!

Thank You for redirecting me to Your holiness. To the love You have for us. According to The Message, Jesus told His disciples, “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done - kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in His love (John 15:9-10).

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you” (11-12).

This is where the singing starts. ♪This is my commandment That you love one another That your joy may be full♪

Thank You Father. You really don’t skip a beat in covering us when we humble ourselves and come to You exactly as we are. Needy.

Blessed God, as I sit here considering Your totality. Your wholeness. All we have in You. I thank You Lord. Thank You for being wholly good and wanting our joy to be wholly mature.

Just think about that. Full. Fullest. Fulfilled. Complete. Overflowing gladness. True happiness. Ultimate satisfaction. All of Your love and joy available to us when we obey You (v. 10). Thank You Father.

Do all You must in preparing us to live this day wholly mature in You. Tall order. Accomplished only through Jesus’ perfect love. Thank You Father. I love You. Use me. Amen.

(341 words ~ 8:06 a.m.)