♪If Not For You♪

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 (6:21 a.m.)

Most Blessed, Holy God,

How I thank You. Sleep was interrupted. And I got to sing unexpectedly. ♪If Not For You♪

It seemed to come to me out of nowhere. Checking the lyrics just now I smile as I choose to believe that You always have our backs. Thank You Lord.

♪If not for You… I couldn’t even find the door I couldn’t even see the floor I’d be sad and blue If not for You♪ Thinking it somewhat corny at first, I continue nodding my head as I read ♪… the night would see me wide awake The day would surely have to break It would not be new If not for You♪

Yes Lord! The more I read the louder my heart sings. ♪If not for You My sky would fall Rain would gather too Without Your love, I’d be nowhere at all I’d be lost if not for You And You know if it’s true♪

Father, how I thank You for the ways You speak Your Truth to me. ♪If not for You Winter would hold no spring Couldn’t hear a robin sing I just wouldn’t have a clue, if not for you♪

Truth. Your blessed Truth!

Moving over to Your Word, I follow Paul as he Preaches at Rome under Guard (Acts 28:17-31). Welcoming visitors into his rented home. Sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. “Boldly and without hindrance” (v. 31) preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was not afraid. “Even under house arrest, Paul experienced the peace and contentment that come only by following God’s will” (The Life Recovery Bible 28:30-31 comment).

Lord, I want to share Your love and power as freely and openly as did Your prophets (see Isaiah 6:9-10) and apostles. Because of their experience with Your Holy Spirit they were aware that some would hear but not understand (v. 26). Hearts would be hardened and eyes not be able to see (27).

They knew what I am learning. We are in a world of hurt ♪If Not for You♪ Here I ask You Dearest Lord. Do all You must. In us. With us. By us. Through us. And for us. We love You. We thank You. And we ask You, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b).

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(405 words ~ 7:31 a.m.)

in all things

Monday, June 29, 2020 (6:52 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. We look around us and see near insanity.

(7:19 a.m.)

Looking to Your Word, I was expecting to be taken in one direction (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Instead, I am smiling by following You to Proverbs 14:16.

Holy Father God, how truly I thank You for Your leading and Your guidance. Oh that we would follow You! How comforted and cared for I am when I follow Your lead! Thank You Lord. Praise You. You ARE the holy God!

“A wise person is careful in all things and turns quickly from evil, while the impetuous fool moves ahead with overconfidence” (Proverbs 14:16). Father, we appear to be surrounded by impetuous fools!

Do all You must to right the wrongs we have incurred. You are Jehovah Rapha. God our Healer!

The Life Recovery Bible has a comment for the preceding verse. Reading “Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps” (v.15) I see so many of us Lord.

“14:15 Trusting God to direct us through the advice of others is an important step in recovery. Solomon, however, gave a wise note of caution here: Don’t trust others blindly. A healthy trust in others is developed gradually and carefully. This can only happen as we determine when it is safe for us to be vulnerable and if the guidance we are receiving is godly. If any advice is contrary to the truth revealed in the Bible, it should be disregarded, no matter who gave it.”

Father, Your Word is absolute Truth. How grateful I am that we have You and It to turn. Thank You Lord.

We can spend countless hours thinking. Planning. Trying to work things out. And when we bring our biggest hopes and fears to You, You provide Your Truth. Thank You God.

Turning to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, I read the comment for 5:14-28 and remember that “Paul tells us to rebuild our relationships by repaying the wrongs of others with kindness. We are called to live a joyful life, always prayerful, continually seeking God’s will. We are reminded of the gift of the Holy Spirit, God’s continual helping presence in our life. God gives us what we need to succeed in recovery. Our part is to participate in the good plan He has set out for us.”

Oh, that we would Dearest God! Do all You must to change our hearts to follow You.

A footnote for 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in The Passion Translation tells us, “Verses 16-18 identify three areas our lives we must focus on: (1) unbounded joy, (2) praying continually, and (3) giving thanks to God no matter what happens in our lives. These three virtues combine to form the wonderful expression of Christ’s life within us.”

All those years ago You knew our present need. Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition says, “In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.”

Father, I confess that giving thanks is rarely my first reaction to certain circumstances. Thank You that Your Word rings true every time. We turn to You and You restore us to sanity.

I love You. I trust You. I ask You to be glorified in, with, by, through and for me this day. You are good. You are holy. You are “great and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 96:4a). You are to be “feared [read here as: fully esteemed and revered] above all gods” (v. 4b).

Oh that Your people would truly come to worship and adore You! Do all You must to this end. Father, we want desperately to follow You. Do as only You are able. We thank You. Amen.

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

God's mighty weapons

Sunday, June 28, 2020 (4:53 a.m.)

Hi God,

I’m confessing a little snark this morning. And I’m asking You to bring me back around to a far more pleasant attitude.

Looking into 2 Corinthians 10:5 right now I once again realize that it is to Your mighty weapons I must turn. Yes, Father. Thank You.

Thank You that when I get so lost in my own thoughts of hurt feelings and bitterness as soon as I turn them over to You, You shine Your light of Truth and they dissipate. Thank You Lord. 

With Your Truth comes a settled peacefulness. A genuine smile. A sense of being well taken care of. You do that for us. When we humble ourselves and ask.

Thank You Father that we are always welcome to come before You in repentance. Here I am. Exactly that. Repentant.

Holy God, You are so good. So kind. So loving. And I am grateful.

Illustrated Bible Handbook (Meekness and Gentleness; 10:1-6) tells us, “Paul is engaged with a spiritual warfare, so he can never rely on worldly methods. It requires divine power to demolish the inner strongholds and bring hearts and minds into an obedient relationship with the Lord.”

Father, every time my thoughts are contrary to Your Word of Truth and love it’s those thoughts that need to change. You are to Whom I bring my every need. And You do not disappoint. Thank You God.

Thank You that in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, defending his authority, he cites his humanness (2 Corinthians 10:3). At the same time he acknowledges the war being waged is not to be done with human plans and weapons.

Blessed God, You have so very much to teach us about living a life of love. Continue Your powerful work in each of us I pray.

“We use God’s mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the devil’s strongholds” (v. 4). Yes Lord! “With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ” (5).

This is exactly what I needed to hear from You this morning Lord. My attitude stunk. To high heaven. Thank You for reminding me what I was taught last night. When I accept You as Lord, I must also revere You as Master. Ruler. Controller.

You are these things for me. And so much more. That is why I can bring You snark and ask to be forgiven and changed. Thank You for always being willing to change my heart, my soul, my mind and even my strength.

You are always here for us. And again the theme song from Friends mounts within. You singing to us. ♪So no one told you life was going to be this way… It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear. Well, it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month or even your year. But I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour. I’ll be there for you, like I’ve been there before…♪

You are Father! Always here for us. Especially when we recognize our own snarkiness and ask to be changed. Thank You God.

Use me this day as only You know is best. Loving You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. And my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:30-31). Do all You must to this end. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(591 words ~ 6:11 a.m.)

regeneration

Saturday, June 27, 2020 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Thank You for rest. Sleep. Hard work. Regeneration.

There’s a word I wasn’t expecting. Oh but it leads me right where I want to be in Your Word. Titus 3:5. The Voice.

Beginning with verse 4, “But then something happened: God our Savior and His overpowering love and kindness for humankind entered our world; He came to save us. It’s not that we earned it by doing good works or righteous deeds: He came because He is merciful. He brought us out of our old ways of living to a new beginning through the washing of regeneration; and He made us completely new through the Holy Spirit, who was poured out in abundance through Jesus, the Anointed, our Savior.”

Blessed Lord, how I thank You for the ways You take one single word and teach me so much of what I long to know. While still awaking earlier I remembered that I am a human BE-ing, not a human DO-ing. I didn’t need to jump up and rush into the plans I had set for myself.

Instead I could consider being: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23) toward myself as well as others. Qualities that are produced by the Holy Spirit controlling our lives.

Thank You God. Thank You for every reminder You provide that it is YOU who is in charge. Line me up according to Your will for me this day. Neither over or under doing. Truly being Your child. Fully aware of the joy You would have us experience this day.

Reading The Life Recovery Bible comment for Titus 3:4-8 I am reminded that it is Your grace which “takes us off the performance treadmill, relieving us of the need to measure up to God’s standards. Some of us have spent our life trying to measure up. We bear the guilt of failing the unrealistic ideals of our parents, teachers, or bosses.”

As I continue to the end I am told again that You “accept us just as we are.” You don’t “expect us to be perfect.” It is You who ‘calls us to holy living… providing the power and direction we need to build a new life.’

Father, how I thank You. Use me this day exactly as You know is best. Truly regenerated. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(409 words ~ 8:17 a.m.)

"wow"ed

Friday, June 26, 2020 (5:43 a.m.)

Wow God!

When is the last time I have “wow”ed You? There have been a lot of “thanks You”s. Not too many “Wow”s. I would like to work at changing that.

Yesterday I was completely honest with You. Let You know my needs. And You supplied every single one.

Thank You Father.

(6:26 a.m.)

A smile just now as the time matches the date. Thanks God. I love the ways You provide delights to my heart. My soul. My mind. And even my strength.

And right there? Cue the theme song to Friends. I love it when I see and hear Your presence in the ordinary everyday things we experience. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that as I look to Your Book of Books and find the word “Wow” used twice by the prophet Isaiah (10:15; 14:16). Both times in reference to people and their prideful ways.

Oh most Holy God, how truly I thank You for always being a step ahead of every single need we may experience. When we are honest, open and willing to Your leading, You do not disappoint.

Today Father, I ask You to keep me in Your stead. You know Your best. You are able. And we are so in need of Your omnipotence and presence.

I love You. I need You. And I thank You Lord. Use me Blessed God. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

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

the everlasting God

Thursday, June 25, 2020 (6:15 a.m.)

Going through the motions here Lord,

Showing up. Wanting to offer praise. Getting lost in the overwhelm of so much unfinished business.

Yep. That’s what I seem most focused on lately. All the things I have left undone. Where it is that I fall flattest.

Thank You Lord that we are allowed, even called, to look again to You. Oh see here! Another smile.

Revelation 3:19. The Message. “The people I love, I call to account - prod and correct and guide so that they will live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!”

Here’s a reality I’m willing to confess. I’ve recognized that I’ve been feeling “less than” lately. Falling once more into that deep trap of comparing myself unfavorably to others. You are my way out of this Lord.

Mm, yes Father. This is where I turn. Come back to the foot of the cross. Filled with the hope and adoration that only comes from being vitally connected to Your everlasting love.

How perfect that the tune with which I awoke more than an hour ago has led me to singing ♪You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord♪

Oh most dear and blessed God how I thank You that it is to You we get to come. Singing. Smiling. Standing firm on Your Word of Truth. And staying our minds on Your promises.

♪Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer♪ Thank You Father.

Looking again to Revelation 3:19. This time in The Passion Translation. “All those I dearly love I unmask and train. So repent and be eager to pursue what is right.”

“Unmask and train.” Or “rebuke and discipline.” See also “prod and correct and guide.” Yes Lord. This I ask of You.

(7:25 a.m.)

And here I turn to Galatians 6:4-5 as the classic reminder I continuously need. “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

You made me exactly as I am. Every single foible and flaw I seem so eager to focus on. Father thank You that YOU have a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).

How I thank You that singing begins so readily when I need it most. This time in children’s voices. ♪God Has a Plan for My Life. God has a plan for my life. I just can’t wait to see What’s in store for me, ‘Cause God’s got a plan for my life. It won't all be easy, But God will understand. Through all the hard times, He'll be there to hold my hand. He knows just how special I'll turn out to be, Yes, God has a plan for little ol' me♪

I love You Lord. I need You. I trust You. I turn to You. And I thank You. Do all You must to restore me to the rhythm and balance that You know is specific and perfect just for me.

Yes. You created me. You know Your best. Empower and enable me to think, say, be and do all that You have set out precisely for me. Boldly making one decision after another according to Your will.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(572 words ~ 7:46 a.m.)

another chance

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

Another day. Another opportunity. Yes! That’s what this is. Another chance for us to see and get to know You better.

Mm, yes. Another chance to sing. And smile. Stand firm. And stay our minds on You.

Father God, how I appreciate the way You turn the direction of my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength.

I may very well start out thinking one negative thought or another. Every time I give You control You provide me another chance to change. Thank You Lord.

Jesus’ very own friends got to experience another chance to really believe in Him. Come to trust. Grow in faith.

His dear friend Lazarus had died. Making it plain to His disciples Jesus told them, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I’m glad I wasn’t there, because now you have another opportunity to see who I am so that you will learn to trust in me. Come, let’s go and see him” (John 11:14b-15).

Ultimately Jesus raised his friend from the dead! Blessed Father God, how I thank You for yet another chance to truly look at all that You are and all that You do.

I love You. And I ask You to use me this day. Exactly as only You know is best. Taking full advantage of every single opportunity You provide to put our attention back on You. Where it so rightly belongs.

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

(259 words ~ 7:58 a.m.)

choosing what to think

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 (5:41 a.m.)

Holy God,

Starting off with another, “Thank You” seems rather trite and formulaic. I don’t ever want that to be the case.

It seems so long ago that I was first taught when words of praise escape me to begin by thanking You. And I do. So often.

Just like now, here again, “Thank You” pushes its way forward. There are whines and misgivings that come so readily. How much more eagerly do I offer You thanks and praise instead.

Yes Lord. Thank You.

Thank You for choices of where to put our focus. On the things that are going the way we want? Or on that which we find disagreeable.

Thank You for the smile that often accompanies the frustrations I seem to battle on such a regular basis. Thoughts come and go. Sometimes I have to look much harder to find the joy which I truly seek.

(7:07 a.m.)

Oh look! Here’s the smile and the laugh and the verse I didn’t know was going to remind me.

Romans 8:28. The Passion Translation says it beautifully. “So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose.”

Father, thank You! Truly. Thank You.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Sharing Your love as You would have me share. Freely. Without restriction.

I love You. And I believe You will continue Your work in helping me to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19) and thinking in my heart (Proverbs 23:7) as You would have me.

Thank You God. I love You. Amen.

(297 words ~ 7:25 a.m.)

God of Wonders

Monday, June 22, 2020 (5:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

I don’t remember the last time I have awoken dreading the day. Right now that is what I am feeling. So here I am, asking You to change that in me.

Thank You Lord that every time I look to You I experience a markable shift. Like just now when I smiled upon seeing an antonym for dread. Confidence.

I could choose to laugh if I were to let myself. Thank You that I get to ask You to help me decide.

You do place before us life or death, blessing or curse (Deuteronomy 30:19). Oh that we would choose life.

Yes Lord. Do all You must that I would choose life this day.

(7:03 a.m.)

Wow! Did You ever!!

Thank You Father. I confessed myself. Read Your Word. And fell hard into restful, peace-filled sleep. Waking periodically with appreciation.

Aware that a rash on my hand had stopped itching. Noticing that I was singing. Realizing that I had been dreaming. Absolute deep, healing sleep. Thank You Father.

♪Lord of all creation Of water, earth and sky The heavens are Your tabernacle Glory to the Lord on high God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy♪

Gentle smile. Peaceful breathing. Willingness to allow You to work in this day as You know is best.

Father, I confess to not yet feeling confident with whatever the day might hold. But I can absolutely rejoice and be glad in knowing that “this IS the day that You have made…” (Psalm 118:24).

I could easily fall back down into the trap of dread, fear and avoidance. How much I’d rather fully trust You.

Turning to a Serenity Prayer devotional in The Life Recovery Bible regarding Matthew 6:25-34 I read, “We need to ask ourself at every turn in life, Am I accepting the present moment, or am I pretending [which I can sometimes do so easily!] - trying to escape into the past or the future? Each day there is something to find joy in, and there is strength promised for the troubles of that day… We, too, can choose to find joy, strength, and sanity when we accept each day’s realities.”

How I thank You that in just beginning to read this another song started singing within. ♪You unravel me with a melody You surround me with a song Of deliverance from my enemies ’Til all my fears are gone I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God… You split the sea So I could walk right through it You drown my fears in perfect love You rescued me And I will stand and sing I am a child of God Yes, I am a child of God… Full of faith Yes, I am a child of God♪

Yes Lord. I am Your child. You’ve got my back. And I trust You to not only get me through this day, but in such a way that I will be rejoicing.

And now? Another song. A well known hymn. ♪Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve, Waiting for the harvest and the time of reaping - We shall come rejoicing, Bringing In the Sheaves… Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows, Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze; By and by the harvest and our labor ended - We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves…♪

Whatever it is You would have me harvest this day Lord, I turn it all over to You. I love You. I trust You. And I ask You to use me exactly as You alone know is best. Thank You Dearest God of Wonders. I love You. Amen.

(640 words ~ 8:55 a.m.)

in Spirit

Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2020 (6:15 a.m.)

Mm, Father,

♪Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me♪ just started singing as I considered You as our Father. And with that simplicity I’m led to John 4:24.

Holy God, how I thank You for the God and Father that You are. Your Word of Your Truth tells us, “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being Itself - Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration” (John 4:23-24).

Yes Father. Yes!

Taking Your Truth over to Illustrated Bible Handbook again I am blessed. “God is not concerned with the externals of religion. Even now God is seeking ‘true worshippers, who will worship the Father in spirit and truth’ (21-24).”

Blessed, Holy Father God, that is exactly how I come before You this morning. Desperate to worship You in Spirit and in Truth. Your Spirit! Your Truth! As a true worshipper.

Continue Your cleansing work in me Blessed God. As only You are able. Transforming me into the woman You would have me be.

I love You. I long to serve You exactly as You alone know is best.

♪Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me…♪ Thank You. Use me. Amen.

(259 words ~ 7:10 a.m.)

amused

Saturday, June 20, 2020 (6:09 a.m.)

Holy God,

The day has already not gone as I had planned. Another unpleasant surprise was left by our aging pet.

Thank You that even as I began expressing my woe to You, it was immediately replaced with a smile. Remembering the phrase “Nothing will go right today so I will relax and be... ?” ... Amused! I was truly able to do exactly that. Relax. And be amused.

Here’s an even bigger smile. Given to me as I searched Your Word.

While normally rephrasing “relax be amused” to “rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118:24) this morning I wanted to see what You have to say about being amused. Oh Blessed God, You do not disappoint!

Psalm 2:4, “But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans.”

And here I smile again. Remembering the Truth found in writing our plans in pencil and giving You the eraser, I turn once more to James 4:14-15.

“How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’”

Just thinking about You laughing and being amused at our puny plans helps me put our inconveniences into better perspective. Surprises are going to happen. They aren’t all going to be pleasant.

This is where I turn once more to the apostle Paul’s having “learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

Yes Jesus. You give us strength to power on. Being amused, while amusing Our Father.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I will truly come to glorify and enjoy You this day and forever. I love You. I need You. I long to be amused. Relaxed. Rejoicing. Glad. Delighted. Especially as things don’t all go as I have planned.

Praise You. Thank You. Hallelujah Jesus. Amen.

(371 words ~ 7:33 a.m.)